HOW TO DEVELOP AN IDEA FOR A TV PROGRAMME

Friday, August 28th, 2009 | Television

1) Conversion from mental realm on to paper :

This is the first major step you’d have to take. Write down everything you know about the idea as it comes to you. Writing is mentally sapping and highly demanding. Most don’t like writing because they don’t like the act, don’t feel like it, can’t express their thoughts in a logical and coherent manner, or are just to busy to do such. If that’s the case, then get someone else to do it for you. What you might scribble down on paper might be a page or less or more, depending on how big, complex your ideas are. The important thing is to have it written down.

2) Conduct a research:

Find out if such an idea already exists on TV. If it does find out the level of its success among the target populace, but more importantly look for the “Achilles’ heel”, that would help you know what to work on. Where such doesn’t exist, then congrats ! you’ve become a pathfinder. Don’t expect people to give you a pat on the back, be ready for opposition, depressing talks. Don’t get tired of asking questions. Ask friends, colleagues, professionals, the man on the street, surf the net.

3) Have a clear cut budget:

You need to know the cost of production and broadcast which will be reflected in your budget section. Most seek sponsorship for their programmes hence the budget section in the proposal is inevitable. Those who are bearing the financial burden without corporate assistance still need to know same. The rate of airing TV programmes , producing the programme with the TV station’s studio facilities and work force varies from one to the other. You’ve got to decide which of them suits your programme, then again it’s the rate that determines who you pitch your tent with.

4) Now you’re ready to give flesh to the skeletal structure of your idea you scribbled down with all the knowledge you’ve garnered. You certainly would have gotten more ideas, and good execution strategies from the time you first wrote it down. Even if you’re not going to write a proposal have somewhat of a plan that would act as a guide. For those who want to write proposals remember to use good quality A4 papers. The proposal will consist of :

i) The Cover page: which will bear your company/business name, or name (but note that Sponsors prefer dealing with Corporate bodies rather than individuals), the Company/business logo, address, phone number, e-mail, title of the proposal, statement of confidentiality and non-disclosure. In a corner you could insert the name of your Attorney, to scare away those you might want to steal the idea (believe me, it works)

ii) Table of Content

iii) Executive summary

iv) Introduction / background

v) Vision, Mission statement, Values, Discriminating competencies(where applicable), Goals and Objectives, uniqueness of programme

vi) Target Audience

vii) Methodology

viii) Evaluation

ix) Budget

x) Benefit to sponsors (especially where submitting to Corporate bodies)

xi) Conclusion

5) In Nigeria, as an independent producer, you’d have to shoot a “ Pilot programme” which acts as the fore-runner to other episodes. Some view it as being sufficient for potential sponsors to give an assessment of the programme while some shoot as many episodes as they can afford and then solicit for financial assistance. Unfortunately in Nigeria, Independent producers are saddled with the financial responsibility of the production and broadcast stages.

1) You can opt to make use of the facilities at the TV stations and services and pay for them rather than producing it on your own , or partner with small media inclined companies who have the facilities required for its production, which invariably cuts down on your expenses

2) Pay for the air time (based on whether you want it broadcast on weekdays or weekends, and in the morning/afternoon/night) having carried out all requisite formalities as required by the TV station

3) The funds you have will also determine the number of TV stations it will be aired on and of course how long it would run. The most widely watched stations (besides those with the Network advantage) should be considered first on the TV stations list , since they are empowered to reach your target audience and those of your potential sponsors.

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