Scott Manville - WGA Strike

There is no greater reason for professional Writers to strike than the current issues at hand, but it's a tedious time to go up against the Networks whose thirst for reality programming will never be quenched.

After conversations with a handful of Production Executives, and a few Literary Agents, here's what I see on the horizon; Networks will up the order for unscripted content to satisfy advertiser demand for fresh programming, and production companies will shift their development focus to reality-based projects to make their much needed sales. Regardless, the Writers will win in the end, but the Companies have enough alternative to draw it out long enough for it to hurt.

Reality being the mandate, it's important to remember that many reality-based projects produced are in fact "scripted", and if you want to make a sale you need to concentrate on concepts and formats that are documentary style, or coverage of content that is orchestrated by producers. Host dialogue, gameshow Q&A's and panel discussions are typically written or formatted by pro scribes. Right now is a time of producer-driven concepts that can be developed and produced with real, unscripted content. Many Writers who walk the fence on pitching scripted and unscripted projects will no doubt switch to marketing the reality-based projects because that's what's being bought. They'll walk the picket line as a Writer in the morning, and then take a deal for a producer credit in the afternoon.

This will be the busiest Holiday season in entertainment yet, and we're already seeing an increase in executive activity sourcing new material from the TV Writers Vault. So buckle down and get that format ironed out for the new reality show you've been developing. The right company won't find it unless you put it out there.

Scott Manville

President - Tell A Vision Ventures, Inc.

Member NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives)