Help required for a new TV programme

[BlueSkyNick]

This might appear a bit wacky, but I want to make a TV programme. Not a one off, but a weekly repeating factual series. It will be boat related so I hope you won't tell me it shouldn't be on this forum.

I have a broad range of ideas for the content, but zero knowledge of how to make it happen in practice. In particular, I am seeking help and advice on

- legal issues, especially patents at this stage
- production, how to actually put it together
- business planning, ie the components and rough costs of the model
- marketing, how to sell it to broadcasters in order to make a profit.

If you have the knowledge and experience, or know somebody who does, and would be prepared to discuss the concept, please PM me with contact details.

I should stress that I am not looking for money or willing to pay any yet - it is simply at the exploratory stage.

All constructive advice gratefully received.

<hr width=100% size=1>The problem is that God gave men a brain and a penis but only enough blood to use one at a time.

 

[tony_brighton]

I'd have thought your first port of call would be one of the productions companies who have all these services in one place.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Thanks Tony, that is another approach I am considering. However, I am concerned that once I speak to the professionals, they take my ideas and run away to put them into practice. With no further involvement from me, I get no return, hence my query about patents.

If there is a recognised process for going about this, I'd be pleased to know what it is.

<hr width=100% size=1>The problem is that God gave men a brain and a penis but only enough blood to use one at a time.

 

[Sybarite]

This sounds like a great project Nick.

I think what may be useful is to work backwards from the concept of seeing what viewers really would like to watch; ie if you want to sell something in TV, potential ratings are the keyword.

In France there is a very successful maritime programme that runs on prime time every Friday evening and has done since 1975. If you do a Google search on "Thalassa" FR3 you will see some of the wide ranging topics they cover.

As far as protecting your idea is concerned. (Sorry but again I have to refer to French practice but I imagine it won't be substantially different from practice over there.)

In essence, you cannot protect an idea. However you can protect the wrapping that goes round the idea. In other words if you develop a title, certain unique slogans, catch phrases, etc. that help to identify what you want to do, then you can take a copyright on the literature.

When you are selling the idea (and I'm not too sure how this applies to a TV project but it was a notion which came up when I developed and was selling a financial product) you have to apply "the striptease approach". How can you reveal enough to be tantalising without disclosing the essential?

Good luck.

John




<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[zefender]

I'm not a lawyer but as far as I know, you can't patent an idea. This falls into the realms of intellectual property I think.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ParaHandy]

Re: cast of s\'but ...

i know of 3 stooges, excellent stand-ins etc ... equity rates ...

you say model which means a physical "idea"? now, that may be patented ... might be able to help ............

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jhr]

I am usually cynical about such courses, but I wonder if it would be worth contacting one of the colleges or universities who offer a media studies degree or similar, and seeing if you can pick some of their academics' brains (if that's not an oxymoron). Also, perhaps they would regard piloting such a programme as a good case study for their students? Many Colleges have at least semi-professional production facilities.

Just a thought.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Re: cast of s\'but ...

Thanks Para - with regard to casting, don't call us, we'll call you!

Being a little more serious, my use of the word 'model' was in the context of the business plan, not the programme itself.

I've also taken on board the comments about patenting and IPR - just goes to show how one has to use the right jargon.
(Eg 'turn to starboard to avoid that ship, jimi' !)

<hr width=100% size=1>The problem is that God gave men a brain and a penis but only enough blood to use one at a time.

 

[andy_wilson]

Intellectual Property Rights

You can reserve your rights to a concept but you need to describe it accurately and show it as a unique piece of thought / work.

Proving that is far easier once completed.

Confidentiallity agreements will plug the gap in the meantime. Any solicitor versed with IPR will advise.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[DepSol]

I have also thought about this and have some costs and production companies lined up to do it at a very reasonable cost that would attract sponsors to cover each program.

Hadnt thought about content that much but it would have been weighted towards Motorboats.

Its not hard to do but getting the air time nationwide is the problem.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.soltron.co.uk>the website</A>