Turning a brilliant TV idea into a reality often requires more than just a great concept. Many creators find themselves lacking the infrastructure, resources, or industry connections to navigate the complex world of television production. The solution? Strategic partnerships. Just like the dynamic duos we love to watch on screen in our favorite shows – think about the compelling partnerships in countless TV shows – collaborating with the right production partner can be the pivotal step in bringing your vision to life.
For years, I’ve navigated the landscape of TV partnerships, both as a creator and a producer. My journey includes teaming up with various production houses to transform sizzle reels into successful TV series. Projects like PYROS, JACKED, and the long-running hit COLD WATER COWBOYS, born from a partnership with Academy Award-winning producer David Paperny, stand as testaments to the power of collaboration. Furthermore, my own company, Mayhem Entertainment, co-created the international phenomenon RUST VALLEY RESTORERS through strategic alliances. These experiences underscore a fundamental truth: the right partnerships are not just beneficial; they are often essential for turning your TV show dreams into tangible successes.
The typical TV production partnership is often a three-pronged affair, involving the creator – potentially you – the production company, and the broadcaster or distributor. In the initial stages of your career, aligning with seasoned industry players is a prudent move. However, as you gain experience and build your own robust team, you might consider taking on the production company role internally.
Yet, the path of partnerships isn’t always smooth. Not every collaboration is a resounding success. Navigating these relationships requires careful consideration to safeguard your creative vision and ensure you remain an integral part of your project, rather than simply being sidelined after the initial pitch. So, how do you maximize your chances of a fruitful partnership in the competitive world of TV show creation? Based on my years in the trenches, here are five crucial steps to consider when seeking a production partner for your TV show idea.
STEP 1: Elevate Your Concept to Captivate Potential Partners
In the unpredictable world of TV, deciphering what will truly resonate with a production company – or, for that matter, with TV audiences – remains part art, part intuition. If it were purely scientific, the industry wouldn’t thrive on creative minds like yours. Broadcasters could simply conjure up ideas in a lab, bypassing the need for independent creators altogether!
This brings us to a critical realization: your idea holds inherent value. While you might approach production companies with the hope of being “picked,” it’s vital to reframe this power dynamic. If you possess unwavering belief in your concept, you are presenting them with a valuable opportunity to participate in something potentially groundbreaking. Conversely, if your conviction in your idea wavers, it might be time to reconsider its viability altogether.
While there’s no foolproof formula to guarantee what will pique a production company’s interest, experience suggests that focusing on at least one of the following three elements will significantly enhance your position when you first engage with a prospective partner.
A) Unparalleled Access to a Unique World, Character, Setting, or Story. TV is fundamentally about storytelling. Compelling narratives are built upon engaging characters, captivating situations, and immersive settings. If you have access to extraordinary characters, you’re already ahead of the curve. Consider my show PETS & PICKERS. Its success hinges on a quirky ensemble of personalities navigating thrift store treasures, dedicated veterinary professionals, and undeniably adorable animals. Similarly, gripping, dramatic, or humorous situations form the hook of many successful shows. PETS & PICKERS thrives on the suspense of unknown storage bin contents and the high-stakes drama of emergency veterinary care. Finally, a distinctive setting is equally crucial. PETS & PICKERS* offers viewers an exclusive peek into both the world of thrift stores and a bustling veterinary clinic.
B) A Polished and Persuasive Sizzle Reel. The era of selling a TV show solely on paper or through verbal pitches is long gone. Production partners need to see* your vision in action. Your sizzle reel is your visual handshake, your rapid-fire introduction that must immediately showcase your project’s potential and your capabilities as a creator. It needs to speak volumes and sell them on your concept and you. (For deeper insights into crafting a compelling sizzle reel, you can explore my article on what makes a TV show pitch successful).
C) A Concept that is Undeniably Compelling and Fresh. Even if you excel in areas (A) and (B), the complete package requires more. Great characters, situations, settings, and a sizzle reel are vital components, but they don’t automatically coalesce into something extraordinary. The synergy of these elements must result in a concept that is truly exceptional. With PETS & PICKERS*, we blended two distinct genres – the “picker” format, featuring individuals uncovering treasures in thrift stores, and the “real-life emergency room” genre, but with a veterinary twist – to forge a completely novel premise. The core concept? Animals in urgent need of surgery, funded by the “pickers” who find and sell valuable items. Not rocket science, perhaps, but undeniably engaging, dramatic, and full of unpredictable moments in every episode.
STEP 2: Vet Your Potential Partner for the Right Fit
Congratulations! You’ve garnered interest in your TV show idea. Now, it’s time to conduct your due diligence. Just as they will scrutinize your credentials and background, you must thoroughly evaluate whether they are the right partner for your project.
You’ve invested significant time and effort into your concept. Consequently, you need assurance that the production company you are considering partnering with is a valuable and trustworthy ally. Consider asking these critical questions:
- Do they possess relevant experience in your project’s genre or format? You are seeking a partnership to amplify your project’s credibility and substance. Ensure your chosen partner brings demonstrable expertise that enhances your project’s legitimacy and facilitates its realization.
- What specific business strengths do they bring to the table? A successful partnership is often built on complementary skills. Identify their strengths and assess how they align with your weaknesses, and vice versa. This synergy is a strong indicator of a potentially fruitful collaboration.
STEP 3: Define the Development Plan – Creatively and Collaboratively
A successful partnership necessitates a creative synthesis. You bring the vision and the concept; they ideally bring the tools and industry connections to make it happen. It’s crucial to ensure your creative spark isn’t extinguished by their pre-conceived plans.
Does the production company have a concrete development plan for your idea? Do their plans align with your creative vision? They might recognize the potential in your project but, based on their market expertise, suggest adjustments to enhance its marketability. Be open to adaptation and consider their insights into the industry landscape. However, also define your non-negotiable creative elements. How attached are you to specific aspects of the project? Will this partnership nurture your dream or inadvertently stifle it?
If you’re new to the TV industry, maintaining flexibility is advisable. However, also be prepared to stand your ground on core creative principles and walk away if the proposed deal fundamentally compromises your vision. This might be the most challenging decision, but it could ultimately be the most beneficial for your long-term creative aspirations.
Much of partnership evaluation isn’t quantifiable. Whether in business, romance, or friendship, gut instinct plays a significant role. If your potential partner genuinely shares your passion for the project and resonates with your overall approach, it’s a promising foundation.
STEP 4: Delving into the Details: The Business Plan and Deal Structure
Once the creative alignment is established, it’s time to solidify the business aspects and formalize the partnership agreement. The Business Plan outlines the practical mechanics of the collaboration.
This might be your first TV deal. Are you poised to become a millionaire overnight? Realistically, probably not. While extraordinary success is possible, the TV industry typically requires sustained effort across multiple projects to achieve significant financial rewards.
Navigating the intricacies of TV deals often benefits from expert guidance. Agents and lawyers specializing in entertainment law can be invaluable. While some producers might view agents with skepticism, given their role in advocating for talent, a constructive relationship is entirely achievable. A capable agent, prioritizing both their client’s interests and the project’s success, can guide you through complex negotiations, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the industry’s intricacies. Conversely, an ineffective agent can derail a deal.
Maintain realistic expectations, especially with your initial deals. Prioritize your key objectives for the partnership and be prepared to be flexible, particularly if it’s your first foray into TV production. Undoubtedly, active involvement in the project should be a primary goal. Is this your first TV show? Showrunning responsibilities might be a future aspiration. However, ensure you secure appropriate credit for your contribution. Recounting my first production experience, I was initially denied a “created by” credit, despite it being fundamentally my creation. For me, this was non-negotiable. I asserted my position, and ultimately, they conceded. Would I have walked away if they hadn’t? Potentially. You need to pre-determine your deal-breakers.
STEP 5: Recognize and Leverage Your Power
If you are unwilling to walk away from a deal that compromises your vision, you effectively relinquish your power in the negotiation. This might sound stark, but realizing a compromised dream is hardly fulfilling. If your project gets made but deviates significantly from your original vision, will you truly be satisfied? Perhaps a deviation might lead to unforeseen improvements, and a collaborative evolution of the project can be positive. However, if your partner pushes you in a direction that fundamentally contradicts your creative compass, you must be prepared to walk away.
A production company invests considerable effort in developing your project, bringing resources and expertise that are undoubtedly valuable. However, never undervalue your own contribution. Your creativity, ideas, and vision are the genesis of the entire endeavor. Without them, there is no project. Enter negotiations recognizing that, while you might perceive yourself as the less powerful party, you possess something immensely valuable – your original concept. Don’t concede on every point that challenges your core vision.
Simultaneously, cultivate flexibility. Know your absolute non-negotiables, but avoid unnecessary inflexibility. Any successful partnership inherently involves compromise and mutual accommodation.
These five steps encapsulate my key takeaways for navigating production partnerships. Your experiences and insights are invaluable – please share them in the comments to foster a broader conversation! These are starting points, not definitive answers. Consider “speed dating” potential production companies to find the best fit for your project. Or, perhaps, reach out and let’s talk. WINK
