When people talk about creating a TV show it can seem like a pretty daunting process. From the funding to the cameras, and everything in between, there?s definitely a lot that can go into making it just right.
But, I?ll be honest with you, it?s really not as hard as it sounds.
Two years ago, I didn?t really know much about creating shows or being a producer. Heck, I was busy creating backyard videos with my iPhone.
So how did I create my own show, and more importantly, how can you do the same?
First off, let?s talk about Ambitious Adventures and the story behind its development. After 17 months in the making, the show launched this past October and is releasing a new episode every month for six months.
It?s been quite the process, and it?s really incredible to see all of the work that we put into it come to life.
Greg Rollet had initially come to me with this idea and suggested that we do a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for it. We ended up raising over $52,000 and before we knew it we were filming our own reality TV show.
Follow these 5 steps to create your own show:
#1 Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Buy a camera or use your phone and just start recording stuff. The more practice you have, the more comfortable you will feel being in front of the camera.
Plenty of people feel nervous or silly being on video, but it?s not hard once you get going. Remember to be authentic and always let your personality shine through.
#2 Lay Out a Structure for the Show
Is your show going to be filmed in a studio, or are you going to have a reality show where someone follows you around? Are you going to be walking around with a guest and a couple of cameras on you? What is the structure going to be and what is the purpose of your show?
Be clear on what people are going to get out of watching it.
For Ambitious Adventures, we knew that we wanted to travel the country and interview entrepreneurs. The main premise was all about travel and entrepreneurship, along with inspiration, motivation, education, and entertainment. What do you want your show to be about?
#3 Find a Way to Fund Your Show
There are several different ways that you can raise money to fund your idea. Try reaching out to different investors, or start a crowdfunding campaign like we did.
Most people shoot a pilot, pitch it, and hope to get funding to go and create their show. Greg and I said screw it and decided to fund it from the crowd, be resourceful, and create our own show. It?s 100% possible.
Keep in mind that people will also pay to have their name as a producer on the film, or for the opportunity to be in the show.
You can have the entrepreneurs or guests that are going to be on your show pay for some of the production costs. Since they are starring on the show and getting marketing and exposure from it, this can be a mutually beneficial piece of their marketing budget.
#4 Hire Experts and Collaborate with Others
You don?t have to know everything about filming and creating a TV show. Let the experts handle that. Find people that believe in your vision, and hire them to be a part of your team.
If you want to bootstrap in the beginning, find people that are hungry to get experience and be a part of something. You don?t have to pay as much upfront, but over time as you work together on new projects, you can pay them more for their time.
There are many components to creating a show. Scriptwriting, filming, editing, and more.
The people that you hire to help you in these areas will be your mastermind team, and you can collaborate together on what you want to accomplish.
You don?t have to be an expert when it comes to video. Bring in a crew that knows what they?re doing, and the whole process will be a lot easier than you think.
#5 Focus on Marketing
Once you create some amazing content it will really sell itself. But, you have to put time into marketing it.
Entrepreneur Network saw our fully produced content for Ambitious Adventures and they loved it. Now it?s airing to the masses.
Put your heart and soul into your vision and get it out in front of people.
Find people that believe in what you?re trying to do, get the money, and create it. I?m living proof that it can be done.
Don?t chalk up the idea of having your own TV show as some pipedream. Make it happen!
BTA
LiveToGrind.com
