My Reality TV World

Two Years have Passed Since My Last Post!

2011-09-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Two long good years have passed since my last post. I can't believe that it has been so long! I have to admit that I had so much going on that I barely had time to write and update anything. Since my last post, I finally landed a deal at a huge world wide company and a first look deal as well. My business I created has taken off - as many of you know I run a Media Consulting firm. My core business over the last three years has been helping clients and brands with getting major media! It wasn't what I had originally envisioned for myself, but with the economy as bad as it was - I needed a way to survive. What better way to do that than with the skills I already had! With the help of my coach Eli Davidson (in fact she is the one who helped me get featured and on the cover of Kiplinger's Financial Magazine) I started a business.

Needless to say, I have been burning the candle at both ends - doing what I love. Balancing both worlds - media and producing. Everyone reading this knows that I love reality television and LOVE creating it. I love a good title that can spark an idea. That's what happens to me quite a lot. It happened the other day and next thing I know I am pitching it and they LOVE it. So, now its off to do some initial casting and find my subjects.

I promise to write more often now...see you soon! Oh and PS if you think you have a great idea, we want to hear about it! Contact us on our webpage and we'd love to see what you have!

Lessons from The Big Guys

2009-11-11T12:35:00.001-08:00

Its been a crazy year with lots of pitches. I am finally seeing some results from my hard work. I have pitched my way all over Hollywood - meeting with some of the best and brightest Executives in town. We pitched last week in NYC at A&E and TruTv and LA for NBC. Now, its back to LA and set for another two big meetings today and tomorrow.

One great lesson that I learned this past month. I've created lots of shows over the past two years and learned a lot from the Talent. When creating a show around a talent you MUST make sure you do one thing with your Shop and Pitch Agreement...make sure that you have your talent sign an agreement that is longer than three months with a clause that will cover you when you are in the middle of pitching!

See the problem with Reality TV is you are dealing with newly found talent and they don't necessarily know our industry. They might think they know. They don't realize that any pitch takes time to move up the ranks and get a green light to start production. There are so many roadblocks, that you could never imagine. Russell Simmons has a great story about this very subject. I have blogged about him in past blogs. He states in his book "Do You!" how long he fought for MTV to take a chance with "Runs House," which did end up on MTV. BUT they told him NO over and over again - and he fought hard for his project and he believed in it 100%. He worked hard to get the end result - a show on the AIR!

What I got was "something should have happened by now." Mind you we pitched two weeks ago. Sometimes people are their own worst enemies. This business is all about who you know, who likes you and is your stuff good and LUCK! Glenn Larson, who had like nine series on the air at once once told me that there are so many factors that go into getting a show on the air. (From IMDB: Glen A. Larson is the man behind some of the world's best known primetime shows. His highly successful productions (successful both financially and popularly, less often critically!) include "Knight Rider" (1982), "The Fall Guy" (1981), "Battlestar Galactica"(1978), and "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century", "Knight Rider" (1982) and "Magnum, P.I." (1980). His venture "One West Waikiki".) He said "There are lots of office politics and you have to have LUCK on your side! It isn't just one factor like a good show that will get it on the air." So, for anyone who thinks that they will land a show with one pitch is crazy. You have to pound the pavement and you are going to get a lot of Passes or No's before you get a YES. And look - you can even get a YES and then someone up above changes their mind and says NO! You could even have a check in your hand - and shows in the can - and they still cancel it!

Everything takes time. Nothing happens over night in Hollywood. Patience is your friend. Having good Producers pitching you is also key. And Producers who know everyone in town is even better!

What I learned at Digital Hollywood

2009-10-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

This week Digital Hollywood was put on at the Lowe's Hotel in Santa Monica, CA. What a great event! Even though the printed program was probably the most difficult program book to follow, I made my way to see several content summits that were held.

Day 1: My first round table was the luncheon where Mark Koops spoke. As many of you are aware Mark is a superstar in the TV world. He is co-creator of the hit series on NBC "The Biggest Loser" and managing director at Reveille. If you don't know that production company you should. Its got some major hits under its belt (the Office, Ugly Betty).

Next I hit up the Advertising Platform: Social Networks, TV & Video, Broadband, Mobile and Games. All things about understanding what advertising in the next generation will look like. Moved on to the Master Class workshop "Comedy: Superstars and Hidden Gems." Good stuff from Mike Polk from Break.com and Andrew Steele from Funny or Die. We ended up leaving it was a packed room and stuffy and hot - standing room only. Then I moved on to the Digital Hollywood Pitch Camp. This was a goodie - one of my favorite topics of course! 5 people got to get up and pitch while a panel of elites (Alex Barkaloff - EP Digital Lionsgate, David Gale - MTV, Mark Vega - Luce Forward) gave feedback on the pitches. Here is a breakdown of tips they gave in no particular order:

Know what is it you are conveying?
Audio & visual tools are a plus!
Have a pitch that is intuitive and subjective.
Innovative idea that understands the marketing of it.
You get it!
Know your audience.
Have a great one liner. (your logline)
Good idea that is adaptable.
Have energy and excitement.
You have to have a good idea, interesting characters are not enough!

The day ended with a nice cocktail reception by the pool and who doesn't love free drinks!

Day 2: I am still looking in the program trying to figure it out. The program is the worst piece of literature I have ever TRIED to read. I make my way to the Celebrity Media and Reality Shows Transforms to Broadband, Mobile, Social Media and TV. This one was a good one as well. Then on to the Video on the Smartphone Jumpstarting Revolution. Made my way to the Moguls, Indies and Youtube Stars hosted by David Gale and a few other great players. Last but not least, The Hollywood Real Deal Reinventing the Strategy the Platforms and Revenue Stream. This was a great session with Justine Bateman, Frank Nine, George Ruiz, Paul Kontonis. Here is a breakdown of tips this session provided:

Keep your web content to 3-5 minutes. 3 minutes = 3 pages.
Every episode has a mini cliffhanger that will demand attention.
Characters have their own social media networks.
Production/Writing Staff = key!
It involves the audience.
Demo/audience very important.
Its an added benefit if you have stars that can talk with major outlets because of their celeb status.

I would recommend Digital Hollywood next year to those of you who didn't attend. Its a great way to hear from the experts what is going on in the industry (changes, future). Its also a great way to network. I met so many new faces and some old friends too. I feel as a producer its important to be cutting edge. So if you don't know about what's ahead in the industry your stuff is going to suck.

Performance Pitching

2009-10-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Two Tuesday’s - November 10th & 17th

2 Week Bootcamp with Producer Nicole Dunn & Motivational Speaker and Author, Eli Davidson...

Most times you only have one shot to pitch you, yourself, brand or your book. You’ve got to get their attention in a short amount of time. This workshop is for anyone who has an idea and wants to pitch it. Authors, Experts, Brands, Business Owners, TV Show ideas, Segment Ideas, Book ideas…You’ll pitch and we’ll give you tips and suggestions to help you brainstorm to create the perfect pitch.

In this workshop Motivational Speaker and Author Eli Davidson teams up with Team Emmy Nominated Producer & Creator Nicole Dunn, to help you get into the pitching game. Television Producer Nicole Dunn has personally pitched in over 200 meetings (Network Executives, Development Executives, News, Show ideas, Experts, Authors, Directors, Producers, Publishers) Put Jet Fuel in your pitch!

Being able to write a good pitch is an important business tool to have, no matter what line of work you’re in! You’ll learn to craft your pitch to be unique and stand out from the rest of the crowd. People will respond and return your calls, and book you! You’ll be able to pitch something that people care about hearing more about.

With a well-written pitch you will attract the interest of almost anyone (Producers, Directors, News, Editors, Book Publishers – even your boss!)

Each class will focus on your pitch. We’ll hear everyone’s ideas and help you make them spectacular. The first class is hands on! Everyone must come with a pitch. Not only will you learn from other people’s pitches, you’ll learn from your own.

• How a great logline will book you every time.
• How to be relevant.
• You’ll learn that doing research about who you are pitching and their target audience will land you the job or not.
• How to spot a news trend and piggyback off of it.
• You’ll hear examples of good pitches vs. bad pitches.
• You’ll hear examples of good tips vs. bad tips.
• You’ll work on perfecting a 30 second elevator pitch that you can use to pitch anyone with.
• What Ideas are worth pitching?
• What problems are you solving?
• What solutions are you offering?
• How to Deliver.
• How to follow up.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER NOW!
http://www.dunnpelliermedia.com/Dunn_Pellier_Media_Consulting/Schedules.html
Two Tuesday’s - November 10th & 17th 2009
6 PM PST

CALL IN FROM ANYWHERE: 6:00 PM PST

2 Weeks for $249.99
$1000 dollar value!

Reality Soul Searching

2009-08-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

With the recent tragic events that transpired last week regarding reality show contestant Ryan Jenkins, production companies will be reassessing not only the casting process but also relationship shows! VH1 and it's series of "Love" themed reality shows will no doubt change because of what happened.

What did happen? I know that every reality series I ever worked on, we vetted every possible contestant/person with a fine tooth comb. We had a background check done on everyone, we interviewed the persons "mother, brother, father, cousin, co-worker, childhood friend" before they were ever even presented to our bosses or even the Network. Anyone that had any history of drugs, behavior issues, arrests, etc were declined. We even had people that would have made great reality Television with all of the drama that surrounded them, but they had a mark on their law record that made for an easy decision of a solid NO. We once had a guy that on the phone was funny and kind of charming. BUT on paper he was a drug user and was arrested at 19 for sleeping with a 15 year old, who's mother had him arrested for raping a minor. The now 40 something man pleaded his case that it was all a misunderstanding when he was younger. He never made it even close to my boss seeing his casting profile!

Not only did we do a full background check - we also had a full time psychologist that assessed each person's "true well being" from a psychological standpoint. He had the final word on whether the person being considered was considered to have a "sound mind." They were also assessed on whether or not they could withstand the Reality TV process before and after the shoot and its airing. To sum it all up, its a rigorous process where not just one Producer, Executive or Network has the final say. It's a multitude of folks that are involved in getting one person approved for a show. So really what did happen over there at 51 Minds? It's not one person that is responsible for the loss of life here, there are so many people involved in the process, so to blame it on the company that did the background checks is really not fair.

In a Times article today, VH1 President Tom Calderone stated "that VH1 was "trying to get together" with production company 51 Minds Entertainment to figure out where the vetting system went wrong and "fix this problem and never ever let this happen again." I certainly hope so. A woman was killed. Even worse, both parties put reality star Megan Hauserman's own life at risk. What if she had picked him? (We will never know because the show was immediately taken off the air). She could have easily have become victim to his hidden past and dead too. How sad for the family of Jasmine Fiore and tragic that such a beautiful woman's life was cut way too short at the hands of a jealous psycho, that hid his true identity to everyone involved.

Its a wake up call for our industry. I thought about what happened for nearly a week now. It's all very sad. I thought about all of those creepy people that I too had interviewed for past shows that we didn't pick. I always did my detective work along with the background company to vet them out. In reality we need to do better detective work in the beginning so that this never happens again. It can never be one persons fault, but in the future we can help each other decipher the bad eggs from the good.

Cancelled

2009-07-31T09:10:00.001-07:00

I got to thinking yesterday about all of the short lived TV shows out there. Don't you hate it when you totally get into a show, and then suddenly it gets CANCELLED!? It seems to me that the networks rarely give shows a chance these days. With so many channels and so many shows, its more than just a fad to cancel a show after one or two episodes. I understand that these execs have a bigger person to answer to, but come on guys give shows a chance!

So where I am headed is - when you create something you never know if people are going to like it. And in TV you never know. When you create something you are guessing that people will like it. Nobody really knows what the public will end up liking in the end anyway.

I wonder how shows like "The World According to Jim," "America's Toughest Jobs," "The Baby Borrowers," "Celebrity Circus," "Cupid," "Harpers Island," "Secret Millionaire," and "Stilista" even got on the air to begin with. Someone obviously had a good pitch and a good relationship with someone to make that happen. At one point I even met a writer on "The World According to Jim," who said the show was stupid and how he couldn't believe it was still on the air! The other side of the coin is they cancel something as successful as "Samantha Who?" People actually watched that show. Who made that decision? The show won Emmy's! Were these shows cancelled because the public didn't like them or were they network execs who gave them the ax?

Anyway, you just never know what people are going to like. So create your heart away. In the end what really matters is if you like it. If you believe in your work, its all that matters anyway...Well, I guess another thing that matters is making the moola.

What favorite shows do you miss? Write and tell me!

The Holy S*^# Factor

2009-07-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

I have been getting a big influx of people coming to me with pitches over the last two weeks. My head is in a virtual spin which is a combination of my own projects and everyone else's creative stuff colliding into my world.

The problem I am having with everyone else's projects (and one of my own) is how do you make the show have that important twist that has that "Holy S*&# factor," and stand out from the rest of the crowd in the marketplace? #1 - there is a hell of a lot of competition out there. #2 - if it doesn't have a "Holy S*&# factor" you may as well go back to the drawing board before you go out to pitch. The buyers are rarely committing so you better have something so great that it basically knocks them over like a big gust of wind and they can't get back up right away.

Before I even attempt to go into the marketplace, I address every single angle including research and development of what's been done, what's being pitched and who I can align myself with. Even when I hit the market and do my pitches, I am constantly tweaking utilizing the constructive criticism on every pitch to perfect mine for the next pitch. Its always a work in progress. Its hard work and its dedication!

Not only am I constantly tweaking my projects, but I am also finding other avenues to dip my toes into. Now, I am exploring the Digital marketplace because web based projects are a great way to get something off the ground as well. And there is money and advertisers to partner up with. Build the base and get the hits and fans and then you have content to hit the TV marketplace with. Small mini episodes, that eventually can be formed into a sizzle to pitch networks with. I know that the market is still in exploration mode, but it is where its going. If you can't sell a show to a network, why not align yourself with some partners and go the digital route first.

Think about it before you set out to pitch - does yours have that "Holy S*&# Factor?" Because, they are undoubtedly going to tell you that its missing something if you don't knock the wind out of them with an angle they have never heard before -- and in this town that is difficult to do!!

Are You Working with Your Head or Your Heart?

2009-07-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

I was reading Bob Leftsetz's column that he writes for the music industry. He talked about something that I have thought a lot about. “The question is, are you working with your head or heart? At some point you've got to stop being who your parents want you to be and start being who you are.”

Very nicely stated. I have been earning a living working on other people’s shows as a television producer since 2001. I have been dreaming up show ideas since I was about seven years old. It happened each morning at the bus stop with my best friend Katie. (I have blogged about her before.) She told visual stories of the previous nights viewing of her favorite shows “Charlie’s Angles,” “The Love Boat,” and “Fantasy Island,” to name a few. I salivated at every juicy morsel – we couldn’t watch television after a certain hour at my house.

In 2003, I started pitching reality TV ideas. I made my own “hot lists,” from reading Variety and cold called people and got my own pitch meetings without a manager. While I worked on shows, I would “go to lunch,” or “the doctor,” just to pitch production companies.

In 2008, I began pursuing my dream full time - creating and developing television shows and pitching them. I started out developing something around Christopher Titus. Since then, I have learned a great deal and have not only increased my contacts, but I am closer than ever before to selling something. It’s officially been one full year.

It wasn’t until this year that I realized there’s been one thing in the back of my mind that I somehow could not let go of. It was a seed planted a long, long time ago in the depths of my blueprint. That seed was my mom telling me I needed to have a job with a 401k plan = job security. Which in today’s marketplace means nothing. There is no security any more unless you own your own company. In my mom’s career height, jobs offered not only financial security, but retirement benefits, health benefits and so much more.

What I am doing for a career is so unconventional “Creative Producer – Pitching Reality Concepts,” not your average career. It never will be. Most people in Los Angeles understand. BUT if you live anywhere else you probably won’t understand the scope of what I am doing. God Bless my Mom. She is a wonderful woman, who is now finding things that she loves to do in life after retiring. We couldn’t be more opposite – I travel a risky route with no guarantee, and she travels a safer route.

When I think about it, it’s as if I had an angel on one of my shoulders and a Devil on the other. My angel (aka my mom) on the left telling me that the route was to be secure and safe. The Devil (aka me) on the right, telling me the route was risky so go pitch and sell a television show! One thing I am certain about is what I did learn from her - that I think with my head and my heart, because I am truly doing something I love. I sleep, eat, drink, and dream about coming up with television shows.

What Defines Success - Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T10:11:00.001-07:00

I was watching Kathie Lee and Hoda on the 4th Hour of The Today Show, and Kathie Lee was talking about how Michael Jackson had so much success but died billions of dollars in debt. She then asked "what defines success?" I believe that you define your own success no matter who you are.

Michael was about to embark on a Global Tour and had sold out 50 shows with a kick off in London (more than 750k tickets were sold!!). For A guy who in the media's eyes went from the "King of Pop" to "Whacko-Jacko," I would say Michael is an ICON that will continue to have success even in death.

I have written several posts in the past about success. In June I wrote "I got to thinking about Success and what makes people successful. I feel like its a formula. There is a big difference between people who achieve and people who don't. People who achieve approach things differently than those that don't. They also use lots of common sense, are consistent, have confidence and most importantly - they have PERSISTENCE. And they won't be defeated."

I've also written about Talent, you know when you have it. And MJ has had it since he was a little boy. He was a musical genius, with a complicated life. The whole world has been shocked and saddened by his untimely death. Millions of fans all over the world will be celebrating his success in the music world. Big success like Michael Jackson's comes with such things that you and I could not ever begin to understand. He lived oftentimes a very lonely life and spent way beyond his means. Tears and tributes are all we have now for the man with a gentle soul that touched people all over the world with his gift to music.

While Michael had many bumps in his road map, his blueprint for success can't be matched. Was he desperate to prove to the world that he could still have super star status? I worked with Michael Jackson back in 2002, when I was a Talent Producer for Dick Clark's American Bandstand's 50th Anniversary Show. I was able to attend a private rehearsal where Michael Jackson was dancing with his dancers. There were 5 people watching, and I was one of them. At the end of his rehearsal he got down on his butt and started fussing with his foot. When I asked Larry Klein what he was doing, he told me he had a broken foot. I was amazed - because I would never have known by the way he danced. I was privileged to see what really went on behind the scenes when Michael Jackson entered the building! Fans followed him in packs, oftentimes putting their own lives at risk (like jumping in front of one of his caravans in the middle of the road or hiding out inside the theater for a chance meeting with the King of Pop). Cher spoke about that show on CNN yesterday, and how odd his behavior had become. I remember thinking "why is he covering his kids up with blankets like he was?" Quite possibly for their own safety.

In my eyes, he still is #1 and he is the definition of SUCCESS. But we each as individuals define our own success. You don't have to be a superstar in the music industry to be a success. Success means different things to different people. You define your own success, so create your success the way you see it. We salute a musical legacy.

My Reality TV World: How do I get pitch meetings?

2009-06-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

My Reality TV World: How do I get pitch meetings?

How do I get pitch meetings?

2009-06-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

How do you get pitch meetings once you have a reality idea that you think is sellable in the marketplace? Its harder than ever before to sell an idea in Hollywood. (Movies or TV) There are so many obstacles, a lot of competition and now with the recession, its even harder than ever to 'break in.' It takes more than knowing the right people, its determination and sacrifice to create and sell a hit. You could have all the knowledge and the skills, but if your blueprint isn't set on Hollywood Success - you could very easily FAIL. Giving Up is not an option in my world. It isn't enough to be in the right place at the right time - you also have to be the right person with the right idea in the right time.

When I first started pitching my ideas in the marketplace, I didn't have someone booking my meetings and introducing me to key executives in the industry. It was all ME! And if you are reading this, there is a chance that you don't either. What did I do? I came up with my own strategy to stand out from the rest of the world trying to pitch.

Here is what I did. I got and still get a daily subscription to Variety. I would read all about the reality shows that were being bought and sold in the marketplace, as well watch key executives moving from place to place. I created my own HOT LIST of up and coming executives and production companies that I wanted to get a meeting with. (I still have a HOT LIST)

I would then pick up the phone and call their office, introducing myself and try and set a "meet and greet." (This may be easier for me, because I have Producing credits and do know a good amount of people in my industry). This can be a simple coffee meeting or a lunch meeting. What this did is it enabled me as a Producer to meet executives and find out what they were looking for in regard to Reality TV Concepts. It also gave me a chance to introduce myself and give them my background and talk about some of the projects that I was currently developing. After my meeting, I would immediately send out a Thank-You note in the mail. This gave me the leverage to be able to set a future meeting to pitch my ideas. I did this with Evolution USA and now I can get a meeting there anytime if the idea is something that they are interested in. In fact we pitched there with Jose Canseco.

Since then the tables have turned, and I have a great management team as well as a great lawyer. I have been pitching so much that I now get any meeting, with just about anyone I want in town. Well, I take that back...Mike Darnell is a hard one to get a meeting with even if you have a big star attached (Christopher Titus). Last year I blogged about how he cancelled 7 times, even as I was pulling into the Lot for the meeting.

I do a lot of homework to see what is being bought and sold in the marketplace. That is one of the benefits of having a manager (and Variety subscription) to help guide you with all of the inside information. Every three months we update our list of what the networks are looking for. It dramatically changes. We recently pitched a big NEW network and what we found was that they loved all three of our concepts. The next day they called and said "wait, we only love one," and the next day they called and said "scratch that - we love a nugget of what you had in that one that we decided we didn't like." So what was a makeover show is now a reality game show. Its crazy. Now, we are in the process of pairing up with a game show runner who's agent is friends with my connection at Sony, and who knows where it will go from here. I think it could be a big one. But, then again it all goes back to "being in the right place at the right time - and being right person with the right idea in the right time."

There are so many ways to get introduced and have an in...I've used friends of friends, networking groups, cold calling...How are you getting your meetings? I'd love to hear all about how your creative plan worked to get a meeting with a top executive. Inquiring Minds want to know!

My Reality TV World: Digital Trends in the Reality TV World

2009-06-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

My Reality TV World: Digital Trends in the Reality TV World

Digital Trends in the Reality TV World

2009-06-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Is Hollywood going Digital? There are lots of websites that offer content that isn't available on TV. And there are TONS of choices that Americans have! Computer vs. Television Screen. I personally love watching stuff on my television screen - its big, its clear and it takes me away from my computer for awhile. (My wrists kill after typing so much). But that doesn't stop me from checking out the latest video fad on the internet.

Web audiences are growing bigger by the minute. So are the number of talents that are hidden gems or the flower beginning to blossom into a big brand. The more pitch meetings I am in, the more people are asking what I have for Digital Projects. Its cheaper than producing a reality series on television. If a network is interested in an Internet project, they obviously know that it works. Otherwise people wouldn't be flocking to see just what all the fuss is about. And they wouldn't decide to sink any money into bringing it to the masses.

I have had many people come to me and ask "when is it right for me to have my own show?" When I do media coaching for experts and budding stars, I always tell them that "Oprah and Martha didn't start off as media moguls." Martha started off with a catering company that catered her husbands company party. It just so happened that the company was a publisher. After the event they approached her about writing a book about - catering. Its taken a number of years to get to where she has and it didn't happen over night.

But we have one BIG advantage in our generation... The Internet. More people can easily see you or your brand in an instant. If you have something that is popular, fun and timely - you could easily create your own reality website and show - all you need is a camera and the know how to upload it to your site! Your show can be anything you want to showcase what you've got or your idea! Anything. I have personally come across a few that I think are brilliant ideas and have the potential to be Brand Gems. Take a look at my favorite Mutha Mae...

http://muthamae.com

This woman has the spark and the fun and the humor tied all in one that makes her one hot Missouri housewife and stay at home mom - that has her own show. Its on the Internet. Its here where she shares the hilarious and often absurd side of parenting. Go have a visit to her world. You will be seeing a lot more of her!

In my opinion Hollywood is going digital. Its a big learning curve, but everyone is always on their computer so we are all adapting. Even me as a Producer.

Got any Digital Stars or Gems that you know of? Comment on their link in the comments box!

So does this mean that Reality TV is dying? Nope. It's not going anywhere soon. But what is growing is Reality on the Internet. In many cases I am hearing in pitch meetings that if something is a success on the Internet networks and the Sony's of America are more likely to invest in making that show a reality on television.

Changes in Reality TV in Europe, Next Up the States

2009-06-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

Working in Reality TV has brought up some big issues on the Production side as employees (Producers, Writers & Story Producers) and also on the Contestant side (TV Reality Stars).

"In the past three years the WGA has tried unsuccessfully to play hardball by demanding that network and studio CEOs no longer make deals with Reality TV producers like Mark Burnett Productions, Fremantle, Endemol etc unless those companies become signatories of the WGA. This is part of the WGA's continuing campaign to ensure that Reality TV writers -- often referred to as the story editors or story producers of the shows -- start to receive the same benefits and pay and protections as guild members." (taken from http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com)

This past week In a ground-breaking ruling, the supreme court in France awarded three contestants on the French version of the programme Temptation Island compensation of about €11,000 (£9,500) each. The judges ruled that the trio were entitled to full employment contracts — including overtime, holidays and even damages for wrongful dismissal upon elimination from the show.

These decisions will in fact bring Reality TV to a new cost level. First in Europe, next in the States. I believe that our Producers, Writers and Story people that have been fighting to get what scripted TV writers and producers have been getting all along, will come to fruition. Its only a matter of time that our savvy Reality TV Stars, will too get paid for taking time out of their schedules to be paid for entertaining our audiences.

They said Reality was going to die...that was over 10 years ago. Its not going away. What do you think?

Is Success is a Formula?

2009-06-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

I got to thinking about Success and what makes people successful. I feel like its a formula. There is a big difference between people who achieve and people who don't. People who achieve approach things differently than those that don't. They also use lots of common sense, are consistent, have confidence and most importantly - they have PERSISTENCE. And they won't be defeated.

I think about what I am doing and how persistent I have been with my pitching, development of a concept into a show, networking, meetings - and then there is TIMING. I am a true believer in being in the right place at the right time with the right idea. I am also a big believer in listening to your inner voice; its telling you something. If you feel you should jump on something you should do it right away. For instance, when Sony asked me for a my Promoter package and said on a Monday that they needed it for their next week's Monday meeting, I jammed to get it all together. I had it in their hands at 5:45 PM Friday night. Hand delivered. If you feel you should hold out for a better deal, then hold out for a better deal. For instance, one of my partners and I pitched a great show (which seems to be a popular concept) and we made a deal. The deal went through our lawyers and the production company's business affairs department only to come back with a number that was insulting. As a Producer, I could have worked on a show as a Producer and made better money. So we decided to hold out for a better opportunity. Look at us now, we have OWN interested.

Winners are made. I mean look at Oprah. Her first job was a reporter for radio in Nashville, TN. Martha catered a party for her husband's publishing company. After the party, they offered her a book deal - for a book about catering! We all start somewhere. Oprah and Martha kept going, they were persistent. If you have a good product or a good idea or a good show or a great brand, people will tell you. And if you don't believe in you who will?

The company Lillian Vernon, was started in 1952 by a woman named Lillian Hochberg. It sold for millions and millions of dollars. Lillian said that she was persistent and she never listened to the naysayers. Lots of successful people make the same claim. I have talked about it in past blogs. If you have good ideas and people tell you, keep at it. Keep going. Sometimes it gets bad before it even gets good.

I would love to hear about success and if you think that there is a formula to it? I know that its just a matter of time with all of my great meetings and great ideas and great talent - that a show will be sold. Its hard work. Its a lot of time. Its a lot of networking. Its a lot of meetings...in an uncertain economy too but I know my team will make it happen!!

The State of Hollywood

2009-05-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Most people in Hollywood right now are seeing RED. I'm not talking about the pretty red tulips above either. After weekly pitching for the last year, what I'm finding is that Networks don't want to spend money right now.

We have lots of interest in our projects but no real money offered up front at all. We have development deals with no money, and I think those days of getting money up front are over. Networks are really going to be very careful about what they pick up from here on out. There are fewer and fewer pilots being shot and even fewer reality shows being picked up as well. BUT there is work out there. And there are Networks still buying concepts and shows! Until I have a solid contract and check in my hand I am going to continue to pound the pavement and pitch!

I recently did a great Media panel in front of members of the National Speakers Association. I got to hear lots of pitches. These pitches ranged from experts pitching themselves, people with a new product pitching the product, and people pitching ideas like reality shows. In general, I really feel like people think that pitching a reality show is easy. Its not. And there is a lot of competition out there. And not to mention the fact that if yours isn't clever and different, its probably already been pitched a hundred times already!

From what I have seen - people just don't do their homework. There is no hook, no substance, and it doesn't differ from anything else on the market. I had a gentleman show me his three pitches on reality shows that centered around the job market. He told me he went out pitching them with a known producer in town and wondered why he got a no thank you. I was shocked that he hadn't done any homework to see if there was anything else currently out there like it on the market. I was also horrified that within his three paragraphs about the show, I still couldn't figure out exactly what the show was about! Really?

When we put our shows together we research, test, talk about, discuss with networks about what they are looking for, finding something unique every time we even think about taking something out into the marketplace. I consistently coffee with key players in the industry and run new ideas by them, if I don't get a "that's fresh," I know there won't be an interest to take it further.

CW Here We Come

2009-05-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

CW... Here we Come...

We are ready for our pitches, so bring it on!

Pushing Past Your Limits

2009-05-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

I thought I would never get through this week. But I did. I pulled it off, even with a terrible cold. Last week one of my talents that I have developed shows with, had an initial meeting with Oprah's new network - OWN and their talent division.

If you don't know it, Oprah inked a deal in January 2008 - (from Variety)

OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network will bow in the second half of 2009. OWN will take over the Discovery Health Channel distribution platform, which guarantees it a strong subscriber base of 67.7 million cable and satellite homes, according to Nielsen. Winfrey will be chair of the network.
OWN will dive deeper into the lifestyle, self-help, entertainment and spiritual themes Winfrey mines on her daily show, which has been daytime's top syndicated yakker for 20 years, and in her successful monthly magazine O: the Oprah Magazine, a joint venture with Hearst Magazines.

So this week, we had our big pitch meeting with OWN for our three shows we have been developing around the talent. There was one slight problem before the meeting; the talent had pitched a show that we didn't have. We had thoughts for it, and we had ideas around it but nothing solid. So this left me completely worried that the talent had pitched something we clearly didn't have and they liked it and wanted it. This meant that they wanted it in the pitch meeting. Right.

Aside from me freaking out on the talent, I managed to compose myself and managed to apologize and move forward. In fact - we flew by the seat of our pants and came up with something so brilliant at the last minute - that we were laughing in the car on the way home about it. As I thought about it further, we in fact have on all three of our concepts, come up with each one "by the seats of our pants." Literally.

Our meeting was great. My manager was late, and I had decided that as a team we should wait for him, but we should have just gone in right away. After 5 minutes we decided to go in (not realizing that the secretary failed to tell us that the big head honcho could only stay for 5 minutes in the meeting) so this was our only black mark. My decision to wait could have cost us - next time we always go in right when they are ready. One new lesson learned. We had 3 VP's and one talent Exec in our meeting. As far as I saw, they loved all three of our pitches. We will find out next week as to how well they really loved them. I know that they are still searching for a clear direction to go with their shows that will air on their network. My partner and talent has since been in to deliver a case of books and have lunch with the talent exec. She told me how great it was to walk in to the network and see everyone reading her book! We love this!

My second big deadline was getting my final pitch together for Sony. I have an unofficial development deal with them, bringing them reality projects with a quote from an exec saying that they will do what ever it is to help me get one of my shows off the ground. So with that said, when an exec says that they want something and the department coordinator says that the exec has been talking about it for three weeks...you have to get it in! I was told that they had a big meeting scheduled for Monday and that my materials (Sizzle reel and treatment) would be best in to Sony by Friday at 6 pm.

If everything couldn't go wrong on Friday it did. I mean from the printer to the DVD labels to the font to me driving! Plus I was sick! So, I had to force myself out of bed to complete all of the tasks. Luckily, my partner on this project is so friggin fantastic, that he really helped make it all happen. Not to mention the fact that he is a great editor, but he is also a great thinker and he's from my hometown in Sudbury, MA! Big thank you to him for making our project friggin great. So, I made it to Sony after rushing to his edit bay, sitting bumper to bumper on the 101 and the 405 in the nick of time. 5:45 pm I rushed through the gates and on to Building B. I handed it to the Coordinator who said that the exec could not WAIT to have this project for the big Monday pitch meeting. So now we wait...for good news on Monday!!

It wasn't over yet. I had yet to prepare for my big speech on Saturday and serve as a media panel expert at the Los Angeles chapter of NSA for May Media Mania! Oh my goodness what a great event, with some great pitches and a great panel! Sending all my thanks to the other media experts on the panel, NSA LA Chapter members, Event Organizers Eli Davidson and Judith Parker Harris. I had a great time, met some great people and heard some good pitches.

To check out the participants:
http://www.nsaglac.org/meetings/meeting_5_9_2009.php

All in all I got it all done, but now I am super sick in bed with probably one of the worst colds I have had in a long long time.

You Can Never Stop Networking!

2009-04-25T18:30:00.001-07:00

I realized that with all of the developing that I have been doing with my many reality projects, I got out of the loop of networking to get a job on a show. I have for the last year and a half networked with the other kind of people in my business. Development people. I know that they handle a completely different end of the business and oftentimes you are dealing with an arm that solely deals with developing shows and getting them on the air and not staffing them. I never asked, but when I did inquire with a huge company I was told that they usually had no pull in getting people work even if they help to develop the show. They can recommend, but due to the amount of parties involved, everyone usually has their own people that they continually staff over and over. I know a hell of a lot of people, but these days its development people. I like them too!

I have worked at several companies that I know use the same folks over and over. Even those folks - some of whom suck at what they do - BUT there is a likability factor involved on some level and also a trust that has been built up that can't seem to be broken.

The last two weeks, I have put into full force a mission to find and get work. With the economy like it is, its time to build funds up and work on a show until a few of my own babies get the green light. It seems that many Producers do this, they juggle working on someone else's show but also their own shows.

Hmm. Seems easier than I thought. I find that it's easier to get a pitch meeting with my ideas than it is to get a job! BUT alas, I had two job interviews and one I know that I didn't get (BUT they did tell me they want me to pitch them stuff, LOL) and the other I am on hold for. The first sign (they want me to pitch) leads me to believe the UNIVERSE just wants me to pitch and sell a show.

I have several projects once again in Network LIMBO. But Good Limbo.

So, its in a Producer's best interest to always have your hands in both sides of the biz - Development and Staffing - Knowing as many Executive Producers and Line Producers in Hollywood that you can.

Talent Do You Have IT?

2009-04-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Last time I wrote about red flags.

This week talent. One word. You see you either have it or you don't. Yes or No. One word. Sometimes you have it and sometimes you don't. There are people who have it - but - red flags swirl all around them - and for what ever reason everyone can see the flags waving - but them. Difficult and terrible to work with. I once worked with a host that had the worst attitude and it just made them very ugly on the inside and the out. Nothing was ever good enough. This person had an amazing opportunity with something way bigger right around the corner - and they BLEW IT - a National Daily Show - Blew it! The universe delivered the message...GET OUT OF the Television Industry!

I love talent that just hasn't been discovered yet. With a lot of hard work and determination they end up making it. One of the reasons I love this business is that there is always something fun, interesting and exciting around the corner. I can't imagine working in an office doing the same job year after year and seeing the same people every day. That's why I love the Television Industry and being a Creative Producer.

I have cast over 100 makeover episodes and numerous shows and found talent in corners out there that may have gotten passed over. The gem. I look at TV and see many whom I gave a chance to that are now WAY all over the TV and looking great I must say. Success.

Five talents that come to mind that have come a long long way since my early producing days that I said "Let's take a Chance on them":

Devin Alexander - NY Times Best Selling Author and Veteran Chef http://www.devinalexander.com/

Lissa Coffey - Author & Lifestyle Designer & Relationship Expert
http://www.coffeytalk.com/

Eli Davidson - Best Selling Author - Coach - TV Expert
http://www.elidavidson.com

Paul McCullough- Next Food Network Star - Caterer and Owner of Paul's Kitchen
http://www.myspace.com/paulmccullough

On the up and up:

Yasmin Spain - Actress
http://www.yasminspain.com/

Brad the Love Coach - Love Coach - Host of the Male Room
http://themaleroom.tv/About

I just love finding a gem. Recently, someone referred a great undiscovered individual to me who helps place people in homes - from foreclosure victims to huge celebrities like Puff and Kanye. I am excited to work with him. I also found a woman who builds skyscrapers! She does a job that most women would throw the towel in after one hour! If you know someone great that you think is undiscovered talent - do drop me an email - I would love to hear all about them!

We've all Encountered a Bully

2009-04-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I have a secret...I am loving the show "Bully Beatdown!"

Ok, I watched a marathon of MTV today while I was nursing a migraine headache. Call it what you will, I call it research.

"Bully Beatdown," stars Jason "Mayhem" Miller a veteran of mixed martial arts who started his career in high school, and has over 30 wins to his credit against some of the top fighters in the sport. Basically he taunts competitors (the bully) in pre-fight festivities for money against one of his cronies.

I caught episode 1 "The Family Favorite," and episode 2 "The Roommate from Hell." Both episodes were equally great seeing the "Bully" get his ass beat.

It brings back sad memories of the "bully" I once dated in High School. Funny thing is this show would have been so PERFECT for him. He bullied everyone (including me) and no one ever challenged him. Looking back, I think that he may have in fact been a big pussy and all talk for we even knew. I don't recall one scrap, or one punch thrown on any guy that he taunted! It was all a verbal assault that could have very well been hu you guessed it--ALL SHOW. Well, "Bully Beatdown," gives the other side a chance to watch a total professional BEAT the BULLY! The nice guy gets to watch and win money. Its such a win-win situation.

I even love the fact that its a Mark Burnett production. They certainly have the market cornered in regard to boxing, the Contender was another good one that fizzled out on the NBC network but seems to be continuing on another network. I have a market that we are about to pitch that isn't cornered and the reality is going to be good.

Red Flags

2009-03-29T16:56:00.001-07:00

Red Flags. In this business you have to learn quickly just when to say when. A red flag may pop up at any time and you don't even realize that it is and its TOO LATE! What is a red flag?

I am glad you asked. A red flag is a warning. A red flag alerts one that danger is ahead, looming, very close and for the body and mind to take notice and fast. One should take note when more than one flag waves. Red flags have been used since the 15th century when the "red flag" was used as a "flag of defiance."It was raised in cities and castles under siege to indicate that they would not surrender. The color red became associated with patriotism early in the French Revolution. Did you know that the United States has some state laws that forbid flying a red flag (OK, MN, SD), where it is a felony with a possible 10 year prison sentence and a $1,000 fine to fly one.

A red flag in motor sports is used to stop either a practice session or a race due to conditions been considered too dangerous. A red flag waiving while someone is boating and taking part in water sports signifies "man down in the water." There are also red flags that a therapist will talk about when "sensing danger within relationships."

You are probably wondering what the hell it is I am getting at about "Red Flags and Pitching TV Shows." I am so glad that you asked. A red flag in the pitching process always raises "questions" and is a good indication that things are not right or there will be some sort of problem that WILL come up - if you don't do something about it and fast! You really have to have a trained ear to listen to what people are saying and doing, these are clues and are a good indication of RED FLAGS, waving all over the friggin place!

Here are two big things to consider up front to spotting red flags in the starting stages of the pitching process.

1. Talent. If you have trouble right off the bat with talent who won't sign a basic pitching agreement or can't commit to meetings or doing the work that it takes to be part of a team...then you better think twice about going out to pitch a show with them attached. Lots of changes to a basic agreement up front can signal huge troubles, later down the road. I say really consider the talent as a whole and assess whether or not making a show with them will be effortless and easy. If you get a red flag up front, follow your instincts and cut the cord.

2. Body Language. This is good to observe during a pitch. You can tell a lot about the mood of the executive and the room just by observing the way they are sitting in the chair, expressions on their faces, are they tense, bored, happy...take notes and adjust your pitch accordingly - you only have a small window of time to blow them away, so if you see "funny body language" its a red flag.

3. No's. If two or more companies give you a NO, its a red flag. Find out why. Was it because it was a bad idea? Good idea but they didn't like the talent? Loved the pitch but have something similar in development? Its in your best interest to find out more details than the NO. Then you can decide whether or not to continue pitching or not. If you do continue and decide that its just your pitch you need to refine then OK. BUT its a good idea to get all the red flags out of the way before you hit any of the big players. If you are not sure about the pitch, pitch some of the smaller companies and use their feedback to get all of your red flags out of the way!

Learn to spot your red flags quickly.

I have learned that projects that are effortless, are usually the projects that GO...

Pitching - Your Own Personal Art Form

2009-03-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

With all of the meetings that I have had - I know pitching is an art form. Well...in some ways its been my very own personal art form. I say this because I have such a creative mind and things are always popping into my head in regard to show ideas.

I started pitching at a really young age. I can remember going to the bus stop in second grade and listening to Katie Lanigan's stories from the previous night's TV watching. They were the most wonderful stories about Charlies Angels, Fantasy Island and the Love Boat. Katie told every detail as if it was the most exciting thing she ever saw. She remembered every juicy morsel, even what they wore, said and what the major plot of each show was.

You see my parents let us watch the nightly news, but anything after 8 p.m. was off limits. Big drag for me as a kid. Move over "Brady Bunch" Katie was my own entertainment reporter! It was a love/hate relationship; me loving to hear Katie's stories and me hating the fact that I couldn't join in on the conversation. Instead, I went to school, and embellished her stories about her TV time into my own stories, like I had watched every episode described at the bus stop that day. If I look at it clearly, this was the start of my pitching - in second grade mind you!

It really didn't materialize into anything until 2004, when I had a great writing partner. We thought that with the crap reality that was on TV, we could come up with great shows! And we did. I remember our first pitch out, we got a development deal for an idea. While that show didn't ultimately get a green light, I learned a ton about the process of developing a reality show for television. It's given me part of the foundation for where I am today.

I have found that I can think of an idea very easily. Lots of ideas. But its like playing the Roulette wheel with Networks and production companies. I found that my art form has been enriched and perfected by many factors in my life. I know now you have to work and color the room... paint that picture so that they can see it inside, like I did in second grade. The fact is that you have so little time to do so!

I am thanking Katie for what I learned in second grade. We still talk once a week and she still remembers every detail about our childhood and about all of the shows she watched and retold to me. Thanks Katie!

Girl Powder

2009-03-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Go Team Girl Powder! We had our first Network pitch this past week. For the first time since we started mapping out the treatment, I did realize that there were some confusing parts to our pitch.

I do believe that given the right feedback and direction, anything can be tweaked and fixed to meet a network or Executives needs. I know that this show has great potential for the '2010 Olympic Season,' to premiere on a major Network. During our pitch we got to show 2 of the girls that we loved from our "cast of characters," that I feel really sell the show concept along with the amazing brand "Girl Powder." They loved them! We had over 500 Casting submissions and we had many submit videos and we picked the 10 we loved the most! We are still searching for the African American snow girl, Latina Snow goddess - so if you know of one...google Girl Powder!

This particular network asked us for more - a casting sizzle reel. So, off I went into my friend Nick Termini's Edit bay and BAM - 10 girls that rock in a little over six hours on the reel! All different character types, competing against each other for a golden prize and all together in one house, the tension will mount and personalities will collide!

My partner and the owner of Girl Powder, is such an amazing person, go getter, very creative and I just have to say thank you to him for giving 100% to get this project off the ground! I just wish that everyone I worked with was more like him - he has a certain drive that is rare!! Together we worked really hard and we are "GOING to the 2010 OLYMPICS with this one!!"

Looking for Ad Rates and Foreign Distribution Info

2009-03-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post. I have been super busy with wall to wall pitches. We are temporarily on hold with any Jose Canseco pitches until my lawyer can work out a few details. His window to buyers will close if his team doesn't facilitate things quickly.

I have a big pitch coming up on Monday with my Girl Powder show at a network. We are so pumped, we had over 500 casting submissions from girls in the snow sport from all over the world! It was so fun getting their videos and picking 10 that we LOVE!

What I am looking for at this moment:

I am looking for any contacts in the Advertising World of TV - specifically regarding ad rates - cable & network.
Information about Distribution for TV in foreign markets.
My next reality projects! Do you have an idea that you think is great? I want to hear it!
Anyone who has a direct contact to any of the following people: Marion Jones, Mickey Rourke, Pete Carroll, Michael Vick, Maurice Clarett, Daryl Strawberry, A-Rod.

Jose Canseco Pitches

2009-02-24T11:37:00.001-08:00

We are out shopping the concept! First couple have gone very well and I am proud of our team! I am late to a pitch so more on how it goes later!

Honest Credit - I'm on Page Six with Jose Canseco

2009-02-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

As you know I am out pitching a show with Jose Canseco & Heidi Northcott and we made Page Six of the New York Post today...here it is.

From the The New York Post and Page Six:

HONEST CREDIT

February 11, 2009 --

WITH Alex Rodriguez finally admitting his steroid use, and Barry Bonds facing trial for denying it under oath, Jose Canseco (above) is starting to look better. Canseco admitted he was juicing during his home run-hitting years in the bigs, and titled his memoir "Juiced." After a pathetic attempt at a boxing career, he hit rock bottom. But now he and a producer, Nicole Dunn, are said to be pitching a reality series that will feature himself. One insider wonders, "Do you think Americans are ready to forgive him?"

Do Your Research Before You Pitch

2009-02-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

I felt compelled to write this blog today. As a Creative Producer, I hear pitches all the time. At least once a day someone pitches me an idea. I have to be honest very few are good original ideas. And I would say almost 90% of them, the person has not done research about the idea or if the concept has been done or pitched before.

Oftentimes, the concept has been pitched, optioned, purchased and shot! If you are going to pitch a Producer something, see if it has been on TV before you pitch your idea! And if it has been done before and you feel compelled to pitch it, you better have some sort of amazing twist or turn that's gonna rock whomevers world your pitching. Yours needs to have the big guns twist that so-and-so's didn't have. Most often, people outside of the reality genre are pitching me, because they think they have a GREAT idea, and they just may think so in their world. I get embarrassed telling the person that there were 3 shows like it already out on the air! So here are some suggestions for those of you who want to pitch or think you have a good idea:

1. Once you think of an idea - hit GOOGLE to see if it's been done before!
2. If it hasn't, how is your idea going to stand out from everything else on TV?
3. Have your logline ready for your pitch. You should be able to tell me what your idea is about in under three sentences. If I don't get what your logline is, I probably won't get your idea. So work it out before you attempt to take up some one's time.
4. IF you have done 1-3 then have a one sheet ready to be able to send to someone who wants to read more than your logline. If they are interested in your logline, and ask for more they will want a one sheet or a meeting.

Be prepared, do your homework! Because... you may just pitch someone... like me, Nicole Dunn a creative producer that will partner up with you and get your idea out in the marketplace!

Shows of Interest

2009-02-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am loving the following shows; and they all happen to be on VH1:

Rock of Love Bus - This VH1 chain of shows is a GEM. And by Gem I mean MONEY. The girls are complete train wrecks and its really fun to watch each week the railroad of events going down while Bret's on tour. Pure entertainment. We all know he is never going to settle down with any of them, but it makes for great TV. I have friends all over the US who love, love, love this show. I can't wait for episode 5 next Sunday. I give this show 4 thumbs up!

Confessions of a Teen Idol - This is another brilliant idea that I think has helped to revive washed up teen star Scott Baio's status as a TV Producer. Since he's obviously not 45 and Single anymore (do we really care?) not to mention that two part series was a bore - This however is a GEM. Not like the Rock of Love Bus Gem, but its a great combination of reality that shows real washed up former "Teen Idols" going through the perils of reinventing themselves to make some sort of a comeback or non comeback into show biz. I love this show, and its not for the love of Scott Baio, but I do give him props for Producing the GEM. I give this show three thumbs up!

(P.S. Did girls really think that Scott was hot?? Too many women, too many parties, it shows on his face...but love the show!)

Sober House - What a great show to give those of us who have never gotten into drugs a birds eye view of some very messed up folks - way to see that your own life is a breeze compared to that of a drug user...Steven Adler is so messed up and pretty brave for going on the show to try and combat his 25+ years of heroin use, how messed up he is - is so scary. Who the hell would ever want to end up like that or looking like Amy Winehouse is beyond me...she needs to be on that show or have her own train wreck of a show, now there's a reality show. I give this show 3 thumbs up!

The Before and After of Amy: what a terrible waste of talent. I hope that she gets herself onto Sober House. Now, that would be worth tuning in for, especially after all of the bad gossip all over the world about her...poor thing.

Canseco - Bonaduce Fight

2009-01-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

I thought for sure that Jose was going to whip Danny's butt. Even though I pictured Danny to be a dirty fighter. From what Jose said, Danny trained hard for the fight. I think that Jose was holding back and didn't really give it his all knocking Danny out. Maybe they had some sort of arrangement so that neither of them got knocked out?!

As Sports Illustrated wrote, "The 6-foor-4 Canseco jolted the 5-6 Bonaduce a couple of times in round 1 and a couple more in round 3. Bonaduce, who played Danny Partridge on the "The Partridge Family," never went down. Bonaduce predicted he would be knocked out, only to hang in there and land a few body blows on the hulking Canseco. There were few big blasts and most of the crowd of 1,500 at a suburban Philadelphia ice rink started to leave before a decision was announced."

"He hit me harder than I've ever been hit my entire life," Bonaduce said. To Read the full article click on the link in the main header of my post. Maybe this is the start of some GOOD publicity in a good light for Jose, as fans didn't boo him...I am rooting for him 100% - for more reasons than just the fact that I like him, we want to sell our show. He deserves a second chance.

First Pitch of the Year - Go Team!

2009-01-17T12:28:00.000-08:00

This week team Canseco had its first pitch! I felt that the pitch went well. I like the fact that this production company was genuinely interested in talking over the possibility of combining forces to develop our idea further. I am not thinking past anything more though, good meeting and I am leaving it to the Universe to deliver. They have done some really impressive shows over the years and have been in business for more than 20 years. This is the type of company that our team would love to join forces with! Someone that has a great reputation, doesn't do a bunch of crap options with a bunch of projects just to have tons of projects on the boards and to get it off the marketplace - but does a deal because they believe in it and that it will go to a series. So, on to the next pitch on Tuesday! This time different pitch, different celeb.

The 2009 Pitching Season Begins!

2009-01-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

For starters "Happy New Year!" May 2009 be your money magnet! Or may you be a money magnet in 2009! I have not had time to update my blog. In fact I had become quite lazy about the whole updating my blog thing. I have been working on my next six concepts, in between working out at the gym and getting in the best shape of my life. Now, I just need to lose the small belly I acquired during the last six months! No problem right?

I am starting the new year off with my first pitch meeting at a production company with Jose Canseco. I came up with a solid concept that I am sure will get some attention as well as solid interest. I truly believe he is ready for America to forgive him, and to jump start his career path again.

My second pitch out next week will be with my other talent and partner Eli Davidson. We had a solid pitch record in 2008, with all kinds of interest. We actually passed at one major company for an offer they made (although we loved the woman who believed in us). I know we can do better. We like them, working within production companies deserve a decent paycheck. They are getting paid, and we need to be paid too. We have mortgages just like they do. Its only a matter of time and we will have a deal.

My third project which will soon have the attention of ESPN and MTV is a reality series based with the brand "Girl Powder." Its an amazing snow clothing brand that launched in 2002 and we are creating a competition series with some of the youngest and brightest boarders and skiers in the country. We are having a fun time with all of the casting videos at this point!

My fourth project which really should be my first, is finding my next producing job. Last year I took the year to focus on pitching and making contact with some major Hollywood players. This year I will also focus on the pitches and selling something, but also keeping my skills up and gaining a paycheck on someone else's show! So, I am available for hire!! :)

Working on 2009!

2008-12-23T11:30:00.001-08:00

Ho hum, the year is finally ending!! Thank God! Why? Because, I am super excited about 2009. I had some amazing things happen in 2008, but let's just say I can't wait until January 2009. I finally got to do what I have always wanted to do and that was to take the year and pitch my own ideas. After being in production since 2003, all I really wanted was to use my creative mind to come up with show ideas. This is what I want my career to be. I want to be behind it all, in the mix to some degree but really the one who created the series.

All in all, I gained some of the most valuable experience ever with my pitches and my new and old connections. I got to go out to every major Network Executive with Comedian Christopher Titus and pitch our concept "The Devil's Workshop." I also got to pitch pretty much every development executive in town. My success rate wasn't bad either. I had six concepts and two of the six garnered options. One went all the way to NBC execs and one is still being negotiated for a deal (let's hope they renegotiate a better deal this time around). I was on the cover of Kiplinger's Personal Finance as well as featured in several major articles online and in magazines.

I am gearing up to hit the Hollywood streets again with my next six pitches. Of course Jose Canseco is one of them, Girl Powder, Eli Davidson, and two of my own ideas without a brand. I have a few meetings set up in 2009, including one with Jayson Dinsmore over at NBC. We are also waiting on one production company to decide on optioning a new one that we pitched out in November.

My instinct is that in January things will totally pop. I am looking forward to 2008 coming to a close and 2009 kicking off with a big bang! Thank you to every Network Executive, Development Executive and friends and family and most of all Chris Ryan at Oceanside Entertainment for supporting me in my career to sell a reality series. And while I have not officially sold one yet, I know I will -- I am soooooo close and am confident with the two options I still have out there, its going to happen. It has not been a year yet, but come March it will be...so thank you for the greatest 9 months ever.

Lunch with Canseco

2008-12-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

I had lunch with Jose Canseco and his girlfriend Heidi. Two of the nicest people I have met. What I can say about our lunch is this: Jose Canseco deserves a second shot with America and he also deserves to be forgiven by America. This guy deserves to have a chance to rise back up again. This may not be with baseball, because I know that baseball is less forgiving than the average American will be. America is all about comebacks. Can you imagine being 38 runs away from 500 home runs away from entering the hall of fame, but never able to have that chance again because you are basically banned from baseball forever? That sucks. All the guy has known his whole life is baseball. I feel for him and I am creating something that will give him the chance to make a comeback to re-invent himself. I believe in Jose Canseco.

Through the Grace of the Universe - Jose has entered my world!

2008-12-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

The Universe is good to me. It only took less than a week for it to give me the answer that I was looking for! I am now in contact with Jose Canseco's team. They like the concept and we are meeting up to build on what I have created. I am currently reading Jose's book "Juiced," and am learning a bunch about Jose and of course, steroids. I just loved the A&E documentary that Jose's team and Heidi Northcott did recently, which is what inspired me to want to create a show around him. I believe that he will reconstruct and rebuild himself to become strong again!

I had a pitch meeting this week at PB&J Television. I just loved the ladies there! I am confident that they will want to develop something with the talent that I presented to them.

I am looking for a paying producing gig, while I get my own projects off the ground, so if you know of anything please get in touch with me!

Jose Canseco, would you please call me?

2008-11-30T18:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I have written! To be honest, I am BORED of waiting for my lawyer to come back with a better offer for the one option. I also took on a new project producing for an internet start up and yes I am bored with that as well. What I really miss is the excitement of coming up with something NEW and fun to pitch!!

I have a great concept that I want to pitch that centers around Jose Canseco and his journey to rebuild his life and have a second career. The guy is totally broke, and for one of the greatest all time baseball players he hit rock bottom a few times, and I know that he can hit the top again. I saw his A&E documentary and ever since I can't stop thinking about creating my next show around him. I've gotten through his first gatekeeper who has forwarded my info on to him, but I may just have to go down to Barney's Beanery and hang out sitting pretty on a bar stool to talk to him. BUT in the case that you may have contact with him could you please email me or get in touch with me asap!! I know he use to live in Encino...

So if you are reading this Jose, "pick up your phone and call me," that is if you have a phone - Just kidding. Seriously, lets make some money together! We can package this up all nice!

Reasons for not Blogging

2008-10-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

My Little Protege Lacy!

I figured it was about time that I wrote about why I have not written any blogs for the last three weeks. First thing, I have been totally consumed with a new project that fell in my lap with Branded Entertainment and the internet and I am rather liking it! Secondly, one of my television options is being negotiated lawyer to lawyer. Now that I have a great lawyer, it seems that the potential to get development money is really looking good on this one. Thirdly, we also have two other parties interested and we're ready to play our cards right if the company starts to balk! Reason number four, I am too tired at the end of the day to be inspired to think anymore and write!!

For the next phase of pitches I need to work on developing the next six to take out with me. I have three that are great and already ready - need three more. Because I spent the last few months pitching, I am now working again with this project that I mentioned above, and the potential to rake in a boatload of cash is looking quite good!

If you have an idea that you want to develop and partner up on, as I said above I am looking to develop three other reality ideas. I get people every day that write to me and pitch me on the phone or email or in person, and I am on the hunt for a great project that will sell!!

I thought a lot about the blog and want to retire it when I finally sell the project I spoke about that is in negotiation. The reason I started this blog was to blog about the journey. Its been about a month since I stopped pitching and I won't be pitching heavy like I was until next year. I did get some great feedback about the six concepts and for most every pitch they liked anywhere from 1-4 of them. So I am proud of what I accomplished. I won't be completely satisfied until I see it on the air.

Lawyers, Options and Credits - Oh Boy!

2008-10-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

It has all boiled down to Lawyers, options, credits and creating right now.

I have been working with a few new partners on a couple of new reality ideas for the next round of pitching. The last two weeks have been spent organizing my thoughts for new concepts, dealing with my entertainment lawyer and the negotiations on this latest option.

As I wrote about in a previous post, I got an option for another project and landed a superb lawyer through my boyfriend and his long time lawyer's colleague on the tv/film side. We want the best possible deal so that means getting the lawyer on the negotiations from the beginning. Because, I have only reached the Supervising Producing level, we are negotiating future credits. I know that I can do anything I put my mind to. Other industry folks who don't know me well enough don't obviously know what I am capable of, like the Executive Producers that I have worked with. Bottom line can she showrun? Listen, I did a damn good job on the last job, and even though I have only one credit, I know I rock. Just ask my old EP's, Network Executives and others that I worked with.

So, we are negotiating the Creator and EP credits. At this point, I don't care if I am Creator and EP and I don't showrun and deliver every episode. You want to do that, than ok. Pay me and I'll just keep creating and making more shows to sell. That is the goal. I am having a blast doing what I am doing...

Exposure

2008-10-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a month of exposure its been. I am estimating that I have had over 2 million people read my cover story about how I invested in myself and my cover story with Kiplinger's Magazine. Its kind of crazy when you think about how 1 million people got a magazine with my face on the cover, delivered right to their mailbox, along with another 200,000 that bought Kiplinger's on the news stand. Then I had exposure on The Huffington Post, this post is the most widely read blog in the US. (5.7 million people!) The Publicity Hound also featured our story and that reached over 50,000 people. Next up; Seattle radio. 7 million and counting.

I'm waiting for my contracts for one of my options to be drawn up, but it looks like a Dunn deal...no pun intended.

Orchestrate Your Own Success

2008-10-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am a strong believer in orchestrating your own success. I've written about it in my previous blogs and we all know that there is no one who is going to do it for you, but you. You have to navigate your road to your success.

Opportunities will come and go. You have to trust and jump and go for it because you deserve the best in life. You can't see the best if you don't take the risk. Create the life you want to live. People who orchestrate their own success should never feel awkward or reluctant about creating advantages for themselves. If you work hard you will get results.

I've always been a go-getter, there is no doubt about that. I have an option for project #2 that looks like it will have huge potential. (That's option #2 in this round of pitches!) Along the way I have had one person besides my other half, that has believed in me from our first meeting. His name is Chris Ryan. Together we make a great team. I have someone that books my meetings, negotiates my contracts and keeps me in the loop with new executives and new production companies. From the seeds we have planted over the last three months, I have some great contacts that I can go back to and pitch my next set of six concepts. But it all comes from me orchestrating my own success. Before Chris, I would cold call and set up meetings on my own and pitch what ever executive would let me pitch.

My first "development deal" (if you want to call it that, I chock it up to a learning & great work experience from Howard Schultz, to build my creative skills) in Hollywood was with Lighthearted Entertainment about 4 years ago. I had a great creative writing partner who had a contact there and we set up a meeting and pitched. It was literally our first pitch out and they liked what we had. I learned so much from this deal. In the end I learned that sometimes you have an idea that you think works brilliantly, it gets refined and refined over and over until everyone has a say and then its too late... your deal is up, and they lose interest. That never stopped me. I kept orchestrating my success. I still pitched, and still came up with fresh ideas even when people said "keep at it, you'll get a hit someday."

Act fast. Be creative. Come up with as many alternatives as you can to try and make it work. Give it your best. There is no guarantee and in Hollywood they can open the trap door from under your feet at any time. Whhooopp...

Success in Sight

2008-10-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

For the last week I have been thinking about success. There are lots of successful people in our world. A few of mine; Oprah, Ben Silverman, Mark Burnett, Cathie Black, Eli Davidson, Ariana Huffington, Tom Brokaw, Warren Buffett. In the book 'Basic Black,' by Cathie Black she states that "no one can define success and personal satisfaction for you, except you."

I got into a funk the last two days, I think because options and decisions are taking a long time. I started to get frustrated thinking about how long it takes and how much patience and time it takes to actually pitch, develop and sell a concept. For two days, I had to tell myself that the frustration will pass, the frustration will pass. For a milla second, I did think about what would I do if I did take on another career?! Dear lord that thought passed too, because honestly I couldn't think of too many other things that I want to do - I love producing and creating television way too much.

It all started in second grade. At my house in Massachusetts we couldn't watch television after the nightly news ended. So, this meant going to the bus stop the next day and listening to Katie (my friend for almost 32 years - since Kindergarten) tell recaps about tv at her house the night before. I was tormented with tales of the Love Boat, Charlies Angeles and Fantasy Island. In a good way.

Some days I would listen intently and savor every morsel of what happened the night before aboard the beautiful ship traveling to tropical or mysterious country, with vacationers aboard the "Love Boat" where Gopher, Dr. Adam, Isaac, Julie and Captain Stubing tried their best to please vacationers and sometimes help them fall in love.

Other days she dripped small sexy details about my favorite characters on Charlies Angels. Three beautiful ladies Jill, Sabrina and Kelly who went undercover to solve crimes. God I loved hearing about them. Kelly Garrett was my favorite (Jaclyn Smith). I had all of the collector cards. In fact in second grade I remember Katie and I laid them all out (they had a puzzle on the back) and they blew away and Rusty Bent (the bad ass in our grade) started to collect them and threatened to keep them. I cried and told him they weren't mine, and eventually he gave them back.

The moral of my rant about not being able to watch tv as a kid...I went in to school and retold Katie's stories just as they were my own, as I if I had watched them. In fact I hadn't - but nobody knew that I hadn't. And in second grade my love for television stories and shows was born.

So two days ago, that thought of frustration came and went. Things take time. And I define my own success. People can comment or have an opinion about anyone and their success, but we as individuals are the ones who define our own success. It also takes direction, purpose, vision and action. I am living my best life, doing what I love and I define my success. I am confident in my abilities and that I am a talented successful producer. God, I love television. Now somebody BUY a show - not just an option - a Flat out BUY... :) He he.

On a side note...I need a new creative partner...got any ideas you want to collaborate on?

Seattle Radio - Chat With Women on Oct. 13th!

2008-10-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Want to hear tips for Investing in Yourself? Tune in October 13, 2008, as Coach Eli Davidson and Nicole Dunn will be guests on "Chat With Women," Talk Radio Show! Stay tuned for more information as we prepare to chat about "Investing in Yourself" with my recent cover story on news stands - Kiplinger's Personal Finance - October 2008.

"Chat With Women," hosts Pam Gray & Rochelle Alhadeff are two women who are hilarious! They have funny, life changing & inspiring insights on the radio and on internet radio too!

Chat With Women airs LIVE every Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM on KKNW 1150AM

Check them out on the Internet at:

http://www.chatwithwomen.com

http://www.kiplingers.com

Reality Power List

2008-10-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am a daily reader of Daily Variety. When my good friend told me to take a look at the Hollywood Reporter for the Reality Power List, I couldn't wait to blog about it on my blog. I knew exactly who the #1 person in Hollywood was going to be, and was right! So read the pre-article taken from the Hollywood Reporter and I included the link so you too can go HU?!

"There are two kinds of people in Hollywood: Those who thumb their noses at so-called “reality” television and its over-the-top populism; and those who are concerned less with the demise of Western civilization and more with entertaining (and, yes, even enlightening) an audience. This list is about those latter people. With unscripted fare now dominating primetime and bringing new viewers to obscure cable networks, few are still arguing that reality TV is just a fad. Even with “American Idol’s” slight ratings slip this past season, Fox is the No. 1 network when it airs and No. 4 when it doesn’t. NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen” reigned as the summer’s highest-rated series, and this month brings the return of juggernauts like ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” CBS’ “Survivor” and NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” — franchises that are far more reliable than almost anything in the scripted world. That means — brace yourself — the time has arrived for the producers and executives influencing the reality landscape to be spotlighted for what they are: some of the most powerful people in TV. The Hollywood Reporter stranded its editors in a conference room on a deserted island until they came up with the first-ever list of reality TV’s 50 most powerful forces. Consider us a panel of snarky judges evaluating each figure based on his influence over American unscripted television. Candidates escaped elimination based on the number of shows on the air, the ratings and influence of those shows, and the ability to get a new show made, with special deference given to the pioneers in this nascent genre. Foreign execs weren’t eligible, nor did we consider traditional talk shows or live events like sports or news. These are the people most responsible for reality TV’s dominance and those shepherding its bright future. Go ahead and thank them or blame them."
-- Intro by Randee Dawn

I am going to give you the top ten. Guess who is #1? Give Up? Well its the man Titus and I were set to pitch an amazing 6 times, but for reasons we will never know each time he cancelled & rescheduled at the last minute. We are still going back, its just a question of WHEN?!

1. Mike Darnell President of alternative entertainment, Fox Broadcasting
2. Cecile Frot-Coutaz CEO, FremantleMedia, North America (WHO?!!)
3. Craig Plestis Executive vp alternative programming, development and specials, NBC Entertainment (Biggest Loser fame)
4. Mark Burnett President, Mark Burnett Prods. (I've written about him, he's genuis and should be number 2)
5. David Goldberg President and CEO, Endemol Entertainment USA
6. Howard Owens Managing director, co-head of domestic television, head of digital, Reveille & Mark Koops Managing director, co-head of domestic television, Reveille (nice guy Koops)
7. Vicki Dummer and John Saade Senior vps alternative series, specials and late night, ABC Entertainment (Titus, Boyington, Foose and I pitched John)
8. Tony DiSanto Executive vp series, development and programming for MTV; head of programming for MTV2 (This guy deserves to be on the list working his way up from an intern!)
9. Simon Fuller Founder and CEO, 19 EntertainmentNigel LythgoePresident 19 Television; judge and executive producer, Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance"
10. Frances Berwick General manager, Bravo (A lady in her own right)

To read more go to: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3ia0dd3fad69143d6191e58aa095b67d1a?pn=2

Focus

2008-09-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

While watching the Today Show this morning, Matt was interviewing Alice Schroeder, who wrote "The Snowball, Warren Buffett and the Business of Life." She spoke about focus and Warren (being the richest man in the world) and how he built up his wealth - by utilizing his focus.

I think having focus on your project or end goal is very important. The majority of people out there don't achieve their end goals. They often give up before seeing the end results. You need to have great ambition. Odds are always going to be stacked up against you and you really have to keep your head down and focus on that goal.

People who actually have goals are more likely to succeed, because they have motivation. And you can't stay on goal if you lose your focus. And remember to set yourself apart from everyone else. Attention on your goal has to be sharp keeping focus at it all the time. The path will not always be smooth, and again in the end most people end up quitting.

Thinking about focus - are you a left brain or right brain thinker?

*"The right-brained person sees that all problems are connected and are related to each other in some way. Their reasoning can be divergent, and creative. The non-linear individual does not look forward or back. There is a sense of being in the moment, and a loose grasp on the concept of time. This style is interested in brainstorming and exploring options. They will be more receptive to the obscure solutions, and consider all possibilities. Events are connected, so even the most bizarre circumstances can be justified in the strong right-brained individual. This person has the ability to suspend judgment and explore the reasoning behind the actions of the individual. These type of thought patterns characterize the right-brained person."

*"The left-brained individual, or linear thinking person has a different focus. This person sees problems as separate and individual. Each problem needs a unique solution. The left-brained individual believes that by making lists, planning days, and adhering to agendas much can be accomplished. This person believes that by sticking to the rules you can get ahead. This style of thought is devoted to finding out how to get through a situation and onto the next. This style has a need to maintain control of separate events, so that everything can be neatly packaged and handled."

*http://www.essortment.com/all/personalgoalse_rehg.htm

Keeping focus can be hard to do, and it will take a lot of due diligence. Just forget about the doubters because they will just fade into the background like they were never there to begin with. There are always going to be a few along the way. In the business of Entertainment, there will always be an idea or project being pitched just like yours, someone that passes, someone that likes it, someone that wants it etc. Believe in yourself and FOCUS, you'll get somewhere trust me!

Hype

2008-09-27T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hype. Hype is not always bad. Having excitement around your project is not a bad thing at all. Its actually really helpful if you ask me. The more people who blog, comment, or write about you - good or bad - its all good. Twitter, Digg you name it talk about me!! Hype makes me think of Marky Mark for some reason. Maybe, its because I'm from Boston, and the fact that life is all about Good Vibrations....ok I will stop.

Anyway, all that buzz means attention...attention your or my way. I have had so much attention; the cover of Kiplingers Magazine, the Huffington Post, network execs, three radio shows, and a bunch of newspapers interviewing me and honestly, I really want a bunch of people talking about me... people I love and people I could care less about. Its no fun if you don't have people talking about you and man are a lot of people talking about me. Good and bad what ever anyone is saying, writing, doing - I love it. And the fact that there are people sitting around discussing what I am doing and have I done this or that makes me want to take your face and rub it into a cake and lick it off of your face...and spit it all over you. Thank you!!! Right -Hype -I love it.

I'm back to developing a new set of six concepts so I have a new set of pitches to pitch! I have one option, one network interested in the Titus project, two pilot ideas that need flushing and a new author I am pitching to networks. I am the happiest I have been my whole entire life and the fact that I have absolutely nothing to write about makes me smile...so its all about the Hype.

Go watch your TiVo of the debate. I am ever patiently waiting for my Obama T-shirt to come in the mail for my rather large donation to the campaign...

DO I NEED AN AGENT?

2008-09-23T16:52:00.001-07:00

This blog is awesome. One of the best uncensored breakdowns of the agent/creative love/hate relationship.

read more | digg story

How I Got There

2008-09-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Back in 2005, Newsweek did a great cover story on 20 of America's most Powerful Women on their lives, and the lessons they've learned. The main article titled "How I got there," features none other than Oprah Winfrey, Vera Wang, Karen Hughes, Vera Rubin, Anne Sweeney and several others. I feel like it all ties in to DRIVE. I wrote an earlier blog about Drive and found it interesting how Oprah, Vera, Anne Sweeney and other powerful women got there...

On Oprah, "I'm very conscious and cautious about what I do in my personal life and what I put out into the universe through the airwaves because I realize I'm speaking to millions of people in 118 countries who all have their varying ways of interpreting what I have said. Where I am on the show is always where I am personally, and where I am right now is in a space where I realize that I have less time remaining on earth than I have had--unless there's going to be some miracle that's going to give me another 50 years. The realization of that is exciting and constantly stimulating."

"Success is a magnifying glass on your personality. Who you are just becomes more intense. The real beauty of having material wealth is that you don't have to worry about paying the bills and you have more energy to be concerned about the things that matter: How do I accelerate my humanity? How do I use who I am on earth for a purpose that's bigger than myself? How do I align the energy of my soul with my personality and use my personality to serve my soul? My answer always comes back to self. There is no moving up and out into the world unless you are fully acquainted with who you are. You cannot move freely, speak freely, act freely, be free unless you are comfortable with yourself."

On Vera Wang: "I knew the world I wanted to be in, but I wasn't sure I could break into that world. My mother was an incredible clotheshorse, so I grew up loving fashion. I lived in Paris during my junior and senior years at Sarah Lawrence. When you're in Paris, you can't help but notice fashion. I wanted something to do with fashion. I would have done anything. I would have swept floors. I would have licked envelopes. I just wanted to be part of it."

"In the summers, I worked for Yves Saint Laurent--as a salesgirl in the boutique on Madison Avenue. I met Frances Patiky Stein, an editor at Vogue. She told me to give her a call when I got out of college. I did and I got a job. She felt I had a special something. On my first day at Vogue, I wore Saint Laurent and my nails were painted black or red, which was very much the rage in Paris at the time for young women. The editors looked at me and said, Go home and get changed because you're going to be doing dirt work. I came back wearing jeans. It was a dream come true."

"Vogue is a seductive place because of what you get to see and what you're privy to; it's a world that I can't even explain. I thought I would do it for a year or two and I ended up staying 16 years. During that time, I rose to be one of the youngest editors ever in the history of Vogue. By 23, I was a senior editor, and then I became European editor for American Vogue in Paris."

As Cathie Black says "drive is what sets you apart from everyone else. Focusing on your strength's and work on your weaknesses and keep a balanced perspective you'll naturally accrue power along the way." What are YOU focused on? I know what I am focused on and its on my pipeline. The seeds I'm planting. The relationships I am building. Giving back and being of service. I'm not focused on anything or anyone else. I care that you read my blog but at the same time, I don't have an attachment to whether you read it or not. I want you to succeed just like I want to. In my opinion our drive says a lot about who you are and what makes you tick. I feel that I share the same drive like that of Black, Wang and Oprah. How about you?

What does your Pipeline Look Like?

2008-09-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last year I tripled my income, this year I'm planting all the seeds! Last year has afforded me the luxury of going out and meeting key people in Hollywood and pitching my ideas. My pipeline will pay off - I took the time necessary to develop ideas and concepts and meet the key people in my industry that I needed to meet. Its been my dream to just focus on pitching my concepts for as long as I can remember. I can't stress enough to friends that finding something you love to do truly makes life happier and more enjoyable.

Again, all things take time and I have heard so many stories from other women producers and creatives where if they had given up or listened to those "NAYSAYERS" that their project probably would have never been produced. I know I am doing a lot - pitching and selling a television show or a movie is not the easiest thing to do... I read something recently that told how it took 13 years for the recent movie "The Women," to become the movie it is today starring Meg Ryan. I also previously blogged about Mark Burnett and his journey. Journey's are like pipelines. I have faith in the Universe and I am ready to receive all the good based on all of my hard work.

Did you watch the Emmy's last night? I really was quite bored by the whole 60th affair. I remember when I first moved to Hollywood, I went to the greatest Emmy parties and it was a big to-do! Now, instead of inviting friends over for cocktails to see all the fashion and funny speeches, I watch, do laundry, watch, email, watch, comment on fashion, watch and do sit ups...

The highlight of the whole affair last night: Ricky Gervais regaining his Emmy from Steve Carell!! That was hilarious! I of course loved the ending and Jimmy giving out the Emmy for best Reality Host...made me feel like it was a reality show mock which was brilliant. Other than that, like I said yawning...boring.

The Huffington Post

2008-09-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today I am featured in an article on the Huffington Post! I would love everyone to go and check out the article! It ties in with the press from Kiplinger's Personal Finance October 2008 issue that I am on the cover of! Eli Davidson, my coach wrote the article in her weekly column on the HP...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eli-davidson/investing-in-yourself-hot_b_127302.html

Thank you to everyone for your support and wishes!

xoxo Nicole

Drive

2008-09-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

DRIVE...In my world, I will do whatever it takes to get me to the next level, pump up my pitches and sell a show to a Network. That's because I have DRIVE. If I didn't I would be depressed and a mess. Today I pitched Bunim/Murray and learned quite a lot. The person that I pitched was reality smart, greatly resourceful and gave me some additional insight for some of my concepts. My first meeting with Darnell's office for Devil's Workshop was as I predicted... "RESCHEDULED." I hear that office is notorious for rescheduling and cancelling meetings at the last minute. Man, I hope its not 6 for 6 coming up here...anyway I am rambling...back to DRIVE...

My drive is literally on 100 m.p.h. In Cathie Black's book, "Basic Black, The Essential Guide to Getting Ahead," she writes about DRIVE. She defines DRIVE "by doing whatever it takes to propel yourself to the next level, whether its aiming for a big promotion, looking for a new job, accepting a transfer, starting a whole new career or just figuring out the next step in a project. DRIVE is the act of moving forward on your own initiative, and its one of the most important traits to have if you want to succeed in your work and your life!" God I love her. This woman has DRIVE!

Cathie Black is the president of Hearst Magazines, which publishes some of the best known magazines in the world. This woman is genius. If you don't have her book you need to get it and read it!!

I have in the last nine months moved forward so much by my own initiative that I have to give myself a huge hug and kiss. It sounds corny but really have you given yourself the credit you deserve today? I owe quite a lot of credit to my career coach, Eli Davidson for getting me on track and helping me to visualize the life I wanted and now I am living that life right now. And thank you Chris Ryan. What more could I ask for...oh I know a CHECK in my hand!

Well, we got an option the other day for one of our concepts and I couldn't be more excited about that project! Big company, talent attached and fun concept! I would like to have 5 of my concepts optioned before 2009 rolls around. I have planted my seeds, and they are growing! So, Mike if your reading...Titus and I are looking forward to meeting you...FINALLY!?

Inspiration, Determination and Risk

2008-09-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things happen when the universe is ready to deliver them to you. There is no universal time line that says when things will begin or will end. Through inspiration, determination and risk you set out with your goal and hope for the best.

When it comes to pitching my television concepts, I realize that when the timing is right - the universe will deliver. I did get incredible news on Friday, which I am dying to share, but can’t until everything is in order…

After talking to friends in the industry before I got this good news, they brought up many scenarios and stories of great projects that didn’t happen until the universe was ready to let them happen. There were many stories that involved people who put their heart and soul into writing, creating and pitching all for the hope of a sale. One story stood out in my mind and this person’s determination reminded me of mine and my recent path…it’s about Reality Creator and really the Father of Reality TV, Mark Burnett.

Of course you know of him. His name is Mark Burnett. He is the genius behind the wildly popular "Survivor" and "Apprentice" series. But this reality television producer wasn’t always the hottest reality producer in town. When he first came to Los Angeles he was a nanny…or “manny” as I like to call the male nannies. In 1990, he was selling t-shirts on our beaches.

In 1995, with no television experience he sold a show to MTV called Eco-Challenge. Through inspiration, determination and risk he transformed his life from manny to on his way to becoming a mogul reality tv producer. But it didn’t happen overnight…

In the summer of 1999, he pitched an unknown executive at the time, Ghen Maynard over at CBS. Ghen was a young executive at the network who took a call from Conrad Riggs about a hot producer with an exciting idea for a new kind of show…Burnett was an unknown producer that was producing Eco-Challenge. So on July 27, 1999, Burnett pitched Ghen “Survivor.” In May 2000, Survivor aired and the reality frenzy began! And so did the making of a reality superstar producer and creator.

Here is someone that took many risks. He went out virtually as an unknown and pitched his ideas. He found that “someone” to believe in his idea and who ultimately saw that same vision that Mark saw. It wasn’t easy - even with a big believer like Ghen, who pitched his boss Leslie Moonves several times to get him to see the great vision that he saw in Mark’s idea.

If someone like Mark Burnett who was virtually a nobody in our reality tv world can set out and carve his path...so can you. I say three cheers for anyone who is out pitching and determined with their vision to sell a show. Keep pitching and paint your vision with your words like its a painting...with hard work and determination your bound to be rewarded by the universe if your ideas are good!

My Kiplinger's Cover is on News Stands!

2008-09-11T20:11:00.001-07:00

It's official! My Cover and cover story are now out on news stands across America! I've gotten hit by a triple whammy with some really GREAT news today...I can't reveal all of it right now but just know that it has to do with my blog and the reason I set out to write the blog in the first place!! It has to do with a Magazine, Television and Radio...

God I can't wait to share it with everyone! Please support and go get a copy and read about my success through paying a career coach. Kiplinger's did a story on my coach Eli Davidson and the magazine interviewed me as a part of a story they were doing about her group coaching program. I did the interview and they called back the next day and said that my story was so inspirational "how would you feel about being on the cover?" My response was "that sounds like so much fun, I would love to!" Here is a big cheer for Eli's program! Thank you Eli!

The Road To Making a Sale

2008-09-10T15:23:00.001-07:00

I felt compelled to have to write something based on Sarah's comment and MR. Anonymous' comment from my last post. I totally respect her comment and love that I have people interested in my blog...

First things first. Selling a television show is no easy task. I would love to hear your success and all about you selling a show if in fact you are in the business! You just may have some secret ingredient that I don't have wrapped up in my pitches, but you could teach me!? You must not be in this business and don't understand how long it takes and how many seeds you have to plant before you get a sale! I've said before that I think it's a lot of seeds planted, luck, likability factor and lots of other things tied in.

I have seven concepts. I started out in January of this year developing and flushing out the concepts. So from January to May, I spent 5 months on developing. In May 2008, I made a shop and pitch deal for the project that I have with Christopher Titus. MIND YOU THIS WAS MY FIRST PITCH OUT!!! We then started pitching that concept in June of this year. Our pitches for that one show to all the big Networks went through to September! Like I said we have one big bite and one pitch left to do. This project only went straight to the Networks. And you are not sitting in a Network Executives office pitching a show with a major celebrity if its a piece of crap...They screen every pitch before you even sit in their presence! People have tight schedules and meetings get pushed and changed around. Networks are constantly changing their programming schedules around. Network Executives are constantly changing jobs. The Universe is swirling with constant flow.

So, from May until September I was also out by myself at all of the production companies listed pitching my other six concepts. Out of those 10 or so production companies I would say three have given solid passes. But 7 are currently interested in one to four of those six concepts...that's a pretty damn good ratio if you ask me or anyone else who has gone out there and pitched ideas to Network Executives and Production Companies.

You could in fact get a Yes and then at the last minute the network or company decides its not for them, so its a gamble. I am taking a risk pitching. I know I will eventually sell something. This blog is all about my pitching journey and the road to making a SALE!

Also, I love my career. I love what I do and I also love making television. I have my hands in quite a few other projects at the same time that pay me money. People in the film industry know all too well how hard it is to sell a film. There are some films that were huge blockbuster films that took years to get someone to invest in it...so you don't know what you are commenting about...and if you do, please fill me in on your success selling a show. I'd love to hear about it!

My Persistence will pay off...

Summer 2008 Pitch Schedule

2008-09-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

(Me at my Kiplinger's Cover Shoot with the LA Skyline in the background!)

It was a summer full of pitching! I have to say a big thank you to Chris Ryan, my manager over at Oceanside Entertainment. He has done such an amazing job working on my team and booking all of my meetings and following up.

Our Summer pitches included the following Networks & production companies...

It was me and the "suits" at:

ABC
NBC

CBS
SPIKE

FOX

MTV

3Ball

Stone & Company

Trump

QED

GRB

Evolution

A. Smith & Co.

Granada USA

LMNO

Intuitive Entertainment

Whew, it was a full schedule that is for sure! We have 6 solid concepts and a bunch of bites. The biggest bite again is with our Devil's Workshop, the show Christopher Titus and I came up with. Here I sit typing and waiting ever so patiently... read my previous posts on how I am waiting patiently for the universe to reward me for all of my hard work! :)

I am in the process of preparing my next six concepts to hit the road with this fall. I've got two of them that I need write treatments for and 4 more that I still need to think up! I actually have two docu-soaps that I am researching. I really need to find more time during the week to really focus on doing the research. One of the subjects is in San Diego and I will need to go down there and sit and watch them a bit more...

In the mean time I am interviewing for Supervising Producing jobs and had a great interview on Monday. Keeping the fingers crossed, because my brain needs some outside stimulation - outside of my own office that is...I love working on shows and love being around people and creating!

I would love to have you comment on my blog! If you have not signed up to get my blog - please do so! I also want to hear if you enjoy reading my blog. Oh and if there is anything else you want me to cover - that you are interested in about pitching.

(I know I have not sold anything just yet, but I have huge bites and its only a matter of time and I know I can give you great advice if you are looking for a pitching question to be answered!) So please comment, sign up and tell me how much you love my blog!?

Ask Yourself - Am I Really Giving a Good Pitch?

2008-09-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I was a panelist expert at the "Final Draft Take a Meeting" PitchFest. What a great venue for writers new and old to have a chance to pitch their ideas. My managers table was one of two reality television tables taking reality pitches at the event. At exactly 9:30 the clock started to roll as people ran in to the hall to find their "appointment" for the next 15 minutes to give their pitch. So for 15 minutes participants got to try and sell their idea and get sound advice for their projects. What a great inspiring place!

Our first pitch of the morning was the best pitch of the day. I can't say what the pitch was about, but it was in the High School genre. The gal pitching had just graduated from Vanderbilt College and was full of energy. She had done her research and it was a well thought out idea. She took notes from our notes and listened intently as we told her we liked her idea...put together a treatment and get back in touch with us.

Our table was specific to the Reality TV genre and we did have one guy who snuck into our table to sit down and pitch us his "movie." It was all about Cocaine. A town that was duped into eating a cookie that was unannounced to them was made with...you guessed it...COCAINE. I got really confused because he started talking about Sigmund Freud for 10 minutes and then about his story. I felt he took to much time explaining the inspiration for his script rather than his storyline. Anyway, bravo for being there and having the guts to pitch! The rest of the day was filled with average ideas. And my relief for the second half of the day turned out to be 2 other clients of my manager - both of whom are very funny, have great ideas and Sold and idea...Just signed papers this week. So Congrats to them!

Some Components to Giving a Good Pitch:

Introduce yourself, give a brief background of you and then your logline.

The most important thing of your pitch...is your logline. Get out what your project is about within the first three minutes of your pitch. I personally don't mind if you open with a short sentence on why you thought of the idea, but have your logline memorized and ready to roll off your tongue. "Its a competition to see who gets the most fame...the fastest! The tables are turned on “Celebrity Bloggers” to see if they can make ‘stars’ out of total nobodies, in the ultimate quest for fame. Can just about anyone with a little determination, winning personality and a desire to inspire, become famous?"Now this is one of my own loglines... but you get the picture.

Practice your Pitch!

The thing is, I am not going to be excited if you are not excited about your own creation. I know that its nerve racking to do it all in under 15 minutes, (or how ever long you have) but you have to get over the nervous factor and get your pitch out. Practice your pitch. Do it in front of a mirror. Pitch it to your brother, mother or lover. Just keep practicing. And, you want to be able to have good energy, because it will help people visualize your idea. If you describe it as though its unfolding right there at that very moment - and I can see your excitement THEN I can see your vision and I am going to want to hear more!

Always Have a Back Up!

I say this as experience from pitching. A few scenarios can happen:

A. They have something just like it! What else do you have?

B. Pass, what else do you have?

C. I love it, what else do you have?

Take Constructive Criticism Evenly

When the person listening to your pitch explains to you why they are passing, listen to their comments constructively on why they are passing. Don't get mad if the other person is giving you a pass. Listen, there have been times in my past that Network executives have told me their thoughts on why it wouldn't work at their Network. I take everything they say into my brain - even if I don't agree. Chances are its only going to help me at some point down the road with this project or another one.

All in all it was a good day for me to see just what other people are pitching. You want to be in the know, to see if your ideas are on the money, and to see what not to do! Congratulations to everyone who pitched on Saturday!

P.S. I want to know are there people out there that would be interested if we set up a REALITY TV pitch fest? Please comment and let me know!

Believe in Your Vision

2008-09-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was finally finishing up a book I have had on my nightstand since January by Russell Simmons, "Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success."

I got to thinking this morning about how much he stresses in the book to believe in your vision. Never giving up. He gave great examples in one of the chapters about people he knows who never gave up. Kanye West, Puffy, and Michael Jordan are three people he specifically writes about. I bet you didn't know that Michael Jordan was cut from his HS basketball team? He worked hard to get back on the team and in his senior year brought them to state championships. Look at his career span now...

Some of the most successful people started at the bottom of the barrel. But they kept their vision clear and they kept going. They didn't listen to the naysayers. They just didn't give up. If they did hit a wall they found a way to go around it, on top of it, through it...

You can't quit, because when you quit and give up its over. As Russell says in his book, "its your job to make the universe say YES!" Persistence pays and the world rewards people who don't quit. You may think that the seeds that you are planting are going no where, turn that thinking around because those very seeds are going to bring you rewards. Great rewards.

So, thanks Russell for keeping me going, its only a matter of time now with all of the patience I have gained (read my last post) that the universe will reward me and buy one of my shows!

NBC Rumors

2008-09-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

According to reports, Ben Silverman and his head of development are getting fired and the network is already dreading their programming slate for the new season! Could it be true? Could they hate "Knight Rider?" I found that story on two of the popular gossip websites! One of them Perez...and he usually is on the money with his "rumors." Another website said that he had not been into his office for over a month and had been at the Olympics "partying" if you know what that means...not the liquid kind of party like most of us do. Please say it isn't so. He is a smart man, so I doubt this is true.

Devil's Workshop is on the radar at NBC and I wonder what effect this will have on our show?!

Does anyone know if this is a bad rumor or not? I'll have to scour Variety today...

Patience

2008-08-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

I have felt like I have been in a kiddie pool walking back and forth in the same pool this summer waiting...waiting...waiting. I have been very patient for the universe to deliver to me what I have worked so hard for, what I enjoy doing. I didn't always have the best patience. I had to learn how to have patience. Its taken me many years to master...what am I saying, I am still learning patience.

I know that I have great ideas, people tell me they like them and they like me. I have sat in pitch meetings before 2008 where people flat out said they were not interested, they were passing, needs more developing - blah blah. You know the Hollywood drill "that's been pitched around town." In 2008, I have had a few passes but more "Boardwalks" than "Oriental Avenues " if you know what I mean. I have given my sole focus to coming up with ideas and pitching them. I am totally risking it all here. But I can feel "Park Place," in September. The good news I have been patiently waiting for. I mean I am prepared either way. You have to be when you take a risk.

Exactly why I know that the universe is going to deliver good news. I feel 98.6% confident that one or a few of my concepts will sell. I have managed to put together the dream team to help me get to that place. My manager has been especially supportive and has gotten me in the door with my great ideas to just about everyone important all over town. I sold myself at a meeting I set up myself. I pitched something that they had that was the exact same concept - exact same name even...they asked "What else do you have," and then said "We want to package it." I casually pitched the other idea which was Devils Workshop. I did what Sandi Pepe told me to do.

Sandi Pepe, who was my agent at Gersh for a blink of a moment when the project was in its very early stages - when it was called Lady Mechanics. (the concept has completely changed since that one meeting) In the short time that she was in my life she taught me something very valuable. Paint the picture of what you are pitching, paint is so the other guy can REALLY see your vision just by your words. Be excited! If you are not excited they are not excited. They hear a million pitches. Sandi, she is a smart woman and Hollywood needs more women like her! Too bad she fell off my radar when Gersh reality division sort of pummeled. I got a note giving me her personal cell and that is when I knew there was something happening at Gersh. I don't need an agent right now anyway. She taught me about visioning and painting that vision for other people - especially the suits.

How are you going to make your concept stand out from everyone else's? There are probably three concepts EXACTLY like yours out there already and they've been pitched! Let me tell you one thing I learned...you are not going to be sitting in a room with top suits in Hollywood if your idea isn't good. I've sat in the rooms with top suits and they loved our concept. Some networks may have passed but there is a reason for everything. The feedback was good, not bad.

Anyway, I am on a rant right now about the universe giving me everything I need. It has. I mean at the beginning of the year I thought about last year and how I tripled my income and how I really need to TRUMP that one. How the heck is that going to happen. And then right when I knew what the answer was and why was I ever questioning how that was going to happen...I got a check. That check signaled to me that the universe is providing me what I need, stop worrying and start being patient. So, very patiently I type this blog - visioning my sale, visioning me walking in to the bank and depositing a rather large sum of money into my account(trumping last year) and going home and happily kissing my boyfriend in our home - while I jump up and down and cry out I did it "BUG!"

America's Toughest Jobs

2008-08-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched Thom Beers new series "America's Toughest Jobs." I had been waiting a few weeks to check out the series. The concept of taking a little bit of all of his hit shows and combining them into one show was what really appealed to me.

I had a hard time even watching the host that they picked (Josh Temple), who just appeared out of no where. I thought that they would have at least picked someone from one of the more popular Thom Beers series (Deadliest Catch or Ice Road Truckers) that was more of a known Blue Collar type that had some credibility.

The casting I thought was not as stellar. I am from Massachusetts and noticed that there were like 4 contestants from Boston...I thought that was kind of weird. I mean I know this is a heavy blue collar state, but find some other red necks to compete. There wasn't much going on in the drama/personality department either. I know that these contestants were every day people, but what about some backstory on the contestants, showing that they really are every day people? I just know that I would never want to be on a boat in the middle of the Bering Sea. I'd rather be in a posh hotel with room service...say in Dubai.

The elimination was lame. I don't think there was enough build up to even make the eliminating exciting. By the end of the show, I was typing on my computer and also talking on the phone. But I still think that Thom Beers has great concepts and great signature shows. Congrats.

ABC Passes on Devils Workshop

2008-08-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

We got word the other day that ABC passed on the Titus project. I had to mull it all over in my head for a day or two, before I could write in my blog. I thought for sure there would be a great chance that we would have some serious interest at ABC considering Titus has a deal in the works there. The notes that we got were "cool project that had promise," but after the initial comments, the second call got the pass.

Now, I got to thinking about the pitch in general. We totally went off topic with a new angle that Titus thought up the night before and I really thought that it took away from the actual concept as a whole. We took a chance and went with it. Titus and Foose spoke a lot about cars and the culture of cars, and we really missed the boat on the mechanics of how the show works - the nuts and bolts of the show. At the end of our pitch we handed them a packet and they stated "oh we have a lot of reading to do..." I just didn't think that the pitch went as smooth as our NBC pitch. Which by the way was one of our best pitches. We are still in the running over at NBC. Major white light for NBC and DW!

We all stayed in the conference room at ABC for a half hour gabbing about the pitch and other car related things...while I pondered about us missing the mark with the mechanics...ahh, but you can't live in the should have, would have world so you just have to move forward and tell yourself - you did great even if your pitch wasn't completely on the mark. I also realized another thing...In most of the network pitches I am the only woman in the room! Gotta love that. I just have to tell myself every day... that this show will sell, I believe in me, my concept and my work!

I'll Come Up With your Next Big Idea!

2008-08-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

I have been working with Authors and Experts to come up with clever pitches to help elevate them onto the morning shows, talk shows, reality shows etc. Some of the same questions from people constantly come up...

How do I create a sell able angle for myself?

How do I write a clever pitch that will catch a TV Producer's eyes to put me on TV?

How do you I find and create a hook for my brand?

What are sound bites anyway?

Hire me for a consultation and then you hire me for my two day minimum and I will help you come up with something clever that you can use to market yourself to Producers. You'll go from getting no response to being on TV faster than you can say "I want to be on the Today Show!" I help you think outside your box = your brain. So, its like having 50 brains all in one hot Producer - that's me Nicole Dunn!

ABC Pitch

2008-08-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

We finally had our pitch meeting over at ABC with John Saade, Chip Foose, Christopher Titus, Cal Boyington and myself --Nicole Dunn.

Our meeting went smooth and it was nice to finally meet the one and only Chip Foose. If you don't know anything about Chip, he pretty much rules the custom car world and is a legend in the custom car building world. Check out his website: http://www.chipfoose.com/

Not to mention getting the honor to pitch the legendary John Saade, who oversees Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night for ABC Entertainment as senior vice president, and heads the department. So it was a great day today...

Dyn-o-mite!!

2008-08-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

We are now pushing into month three of pitches for the Devils Workshop. Things are finally worked out with Titus (and his secret deal) and our pitch is now rescheduled at ABC tomorrow. I never in my wildest dreams thought we would be pitching past July 4th! We now have Chip Foose on board and can't wait to finally meet him tomorrow. The last two meetings he drove almost all the way up to LA from Huntington Beach and Darnell cancelled.

http://www.chipfoose.com/

Anyway, we have ABC tomorrow and looks like the Darnell pitch is set in September. Gee, let me count the reschedules from his office...hmm I think we are going on 15 or something like that. (Not really but were getting up there) I have heard stories about people kept waiting in his waiting room while he strolled by 2 hours late eating an ice cream asking the person, so what are you doing here?! Yikes that is scary. I really hope that is a rumor. I know when I have my own production company...no more than 3 reschedules due to unforeseen schedule changes! But then again, this is Hollywood and anything goes with the big guys. And I say big guys because most of Hollywood is run by men.

The women I can think of in Hollywood that are successful and right up there with the big boys; Sherri Lansing, Nina Tassler, Lisa Levinson, Sally Ann Salsano, and the up-and-coming Nicole Dunn! :) Can you think of any more hugely successful women in our industry? I have met some amazing Directors of Development and they were mostly women and very smart!

I had a pitch over at A. Smith and Company Friday, and really liked them! I think they were more interested in me for work, but that is ok, cuz I would like to start working on something fun soon! I want this to be my own show, so I am holding out for DW.

Yesterday, I pitched Granada USA again. This time I brought Eli Davidson. She is so dynamite! This woman needs her own show reality tv watchers! So look out, cuz here we come! We have come up with a few show scenarios around her and so far we have three production companies interested in us. Each has a different show and scenario, we didn't plan it that way but we came up with it the day of the pitches and each development crew we met with inspired us to go in a new direction! So, the more people you pitch = the better your chances of selling something! I believe its a numbers and popularity game...and I am in to win!

Eli Davidson rocks!

http://www.elidavidson.com

Great Article from Variety by Brian Lowry

2008-08-05T18:27:00.001-07:00

Hollywood's tough road to TV

Festival proves how difficult it is to break in

By BRIAN LOWRY

GIVEN THE ABUNDANCE of material in theaters and on TV it's easy to forget all the stuff that never makes it. Yet as last week's L.A. TV Festival demonstrated, even with so many new pipes, the industry's filtering process prevents most concepts from ever seeing the light of day.

Sponsored by NATPE, the event -- which included a "pitch pit" for aspiring producers -- was another occasion for people with noses pressed against the glass to make contact with shakers and movers, or at least agents and managers. Based on the clear hunger for such opportunities, that's obviously a service.

Having attended plenty of such forums, though, the "Selling Your TV Show" panel moderated by LMNO Prods. CEO Eric Schotz proved especially refreshing and frank-- departing from the uplifting norm, where hopefuls are cheerfully told to doggedly bang on doors and steadfastly pursue their hearts' desires.

There's a fine line, admittedly, between tough love and trampling on people's dreams. Still, erring toward the latter seems preferable to soft-peddling the industry's intricate safeguards designed to keep interlopers out. That also means sharing harsh truths about how hard work doesn't necessarily pay off, not everyone being destined to succeed and recognizing the difference between admirable persistence and misguided delusion.

IN THIS REGARD, locating the Straight Talk Express can be as difficult in Hollywood as it is in Washington during election cycles -- partly because many of those trafficking in "You too can make it" platitudes are eager to fill seminars and separate wannabes from their money.

Rarely does anybody answer the novice's question "How do I sell my show?" with brutal candor -- something like, "You don't, not until you've gained admission to this exclusive club, usually by scrounging work on somebody else's show. Better yet -- go back in time and be born into it." Then again, those marketing the dream can point to the flukes -- the clerical worker that improbably triumphed with a pitch and a prayer, keeping the audacity of such hopes alive.

So credit Schotz and his panel for their honesty, yielding rough guidelines worth repeating not only to newcomers but anybody addressing a room populated by those with more ambitions than connections:

Don't trust family and friends: "They suck" as a test audience, Schotz said, "because they want you to do well and don't tell you the truth."
Lose the 'You stole my idea!' paranoia: As producer Arthur Smith noted, people constantly pitch similar ideas -- especially in reality TV. Besides, producing a TV pilot is "the easy part," as "Two and a Half Men" producer Chuck Lorre observed during a separate session. There's extra time and money to shoot prototypes; the trick is having the ability (and track record, thus reassuring nervous network suits) to replicate that template six, 13 or 22 times a year.
Understand the buyer's perspective: As "Deadliest Catch" producer Thom Beers colorfully put it, execs warily view every potential supplier with the same concern: "Is this the person that's gonna screw my fuckin' career up?" Sure, they crave hits, but since self-preservation is Job One, it's always safer to say "no."
Being derivative has limits: While imitation remains the sincerest form of television, Schotz counseled against "more than three crosses," as in "It's like 'Survivor' Meets 'Wife Swap' meets 'Daddy Day Care.'"
Take "no" for an answer: "Learn how to take a pass," said Sharon Levy, Spike's senior VP of alternative programming, indicating that nothing irritates buyers more than continued pleading after rejection.
Take "yes" for an answer: Schotz quoted CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves as telling him, "If someone says, 'We'll buy it,' get out of that room as quick as you can."
Stick-to-itiveness is an asset only up to a point: "If everybody tells you it sucks, listen to them," Schotz said.

More than one option

(Person) Arthur Smith
Executive Producer
(Person) Arthur Smith
Director, Screenplay
(Person) Arthur Smith
Music, Song
(Person) Arthur Smith
Actor, Voice
(Person) Arthur Smith
Cinematographer, Director of Photography
(Person) Arthur Smith
(Person) Arthur Smith
Driver, Location Manager, Production Supervisor
(Person) Arthur Smith
Extras Casting

The impulse to be encouraging -- or at least polite -- is natural. Fostering false hope, however, is like spinning a Vegas roulette wheel and saying, "Keep trying, 22 could come up next time" to someone determined to literally bet the farm. Given the long odds, dispensing a dose of painful reality now might actually be the nicest advice you can offer.

link: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117990092.html?categoryid=1682&cs=1

Kiplingers Financial Magazine - October 2008

2008-08-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

It's official! I am the cover girl for the October 2008 Issue of Kiplingers Financial Magazine! It will probably hit newsstands in September! Read all about my inspirational story! I shot the cover on Friday in Los Angeles!! Oh it was so much fun! I can't wait for everyone to see it!

http://www.kiplinger.com
for more information!

3 Ball Entertainment

2008-07-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today, Eli Davidson and I pitched 3 Ball Entertainment. The development team likes me over there. They are an engaging group that really is interested in my ideas and concepts. I especially love Dan...I raved about Eli and the show that I was trying to create around her. At the time when I pitched the first time I didn't really have a solid concept for a reality show for her yet. We are getting closer, and it will be really interesting to be able to develop something with them around her. As you probably are aware, she is my career coach! She and I have wanted to do a show since 2006, and it really feels like the timing may be more right now than ever.

I forget if I posted in my blog yet my big news? I was recently interviewed for a major financial magazine and they called the day after my interview and asked me to be on the cover of the October 2008 issue of the magazine! They said they were so inspired by my story and how I invested $1,000 dollars in myself - I said it was the best $1,000 dollars I have ever spent on me...my income tripled, people responded to me better and Damn it I am GOING TO SELL A SHOW!

My Reality TV World: CBS Passed on DW

2008-07-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

My Reality TV World: CBS Passed on DW

CBS Passed on DW

2008-07-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

We got word today that Ghen Maynard over at CBS passed on the "Devil's Workshop" with Christopher Titus. I hadn't imagined it on CBS to begin with. I feel like the Network has programming geared toward older Americans, and is considered by many as a less hip and trendy network. Also, I hadn't had them on my vision board at all... The comments we got back - it was too narrow. I wonder now, too narrow because of audience ie. older audience and really wouldn't have the audience for it? or too narrow in concept? These are notes I want to know to see what I am missing in my concepts as I am out pitching...or not missing in the case of it just wasn't right for a certain network...becuase it needs to be on NBC!

On another note, I was interviewed for a major financial magazine regarding the career coaching I did last year with Motivational Speaker, Author and Coach Eli Davidson. She helped me triple my income and set the path for pitching my show ideas to the big guys! To make a fun story even funner...they emailed me today saying that I am going to be on the COVER!! How fun is this?! My photo shoot is set for August 1st! I had been visualizing August 1st as the big kick off to a busy end to the year selling, selling, selling my shows!!!

5 Things I have learned out Pitching

2008-07-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Another week and yet more reschedules. Mike Darnell's office has once again had to move our "Titus Project - Devils Workshop" meeting. It's all good in my book and I feel like when the Universe wants us to be in his office it will happen. We literally have rescheduled this meeting now five times due to his busy schedule. I'm not complaining, I'm learning to have patience!! ABC has also been put on hold to next week as well.

Thing is, before the Titus Project, I was not pitching the Networks or BIG time people like Darnell, only production companies.

The most important things I have learned during my six month pitching schedule:

1. Don't be offended when someone reschedules & reschedules. Our Assistant on the "Devils Workshop" explained to me that half of her job is to reschedule appointments. This is TV and things change all the time and its OK to reschedule on their end. Whenever the Universe decides it will happen it either will or won't.

2. Dress to impress. With Network pitches I always dress my best. Nice skirt with a great top and a suit jacket. Recently, I met with a Development person at a Production Company, who was wearing an outfit fit for the beach. I was really taken a back at how unprofessional the person's outfit was. Not to mention the fact that they didn't even get up to shake my hand or give me a hug, which I thought was terribly rude. (considering I had met this person several times!)

3. The more people you pitch, the greater potential you have to sell something. I feel that its a numbers and personality game. The more people you pitch the better potential you have to gain more interest in your concepts and $$ down the road. The more people like you and believe in you, the greater potential to sell it!!

4. A Deal takes Time! It takes so long for a deal to go down. From the creation to the pitch to the sale. My friend Dan optioned a show to MTV, and he is still waiting after 4 months for it to get thru the legal department and start up production.

5. Always keep Positive! That feeling that you are never going to sell it is going to be there. It happens to all of us! You just have to put your head down and keep moving forward and please don't listen to the naysayers...you know those people who are negative and don't believe in you! If you have great ideas and people tell you this, then you know you are on the right track!! Always do your best work no matter what. If you feel down, tell yourself "The Universe will always take care of me! Everything takes time, I will sell this show!"

Ahh Disappointment...

2008-07-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday nights debut of Project Runway was a big disappointment. The characters and the challenge --LAME. That is all I have to say right now. With the exception that Heidi is probably the hottest woman on the planet...Seal's one lucky man.

Project Runway - Best Show on Television

2008-07-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Project Runway is the best reality show on television right now. Thoughts and Comments?

My Monday VH1 Marathon

2008-07-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and I am in bed! I had a small surgery this am and I now I get to catch up on my VH1 Reality Shows. Shows I watched today: Brooke Knows Best and I love Money...TWO shows that I admit will be my guilty pleasure when I am home alone and bored shows.

Brooke Knows Best. Since the family has now broken up and Nick is in jail, Brooke is breaking away from her family and getting her own place. She is very cute and her dad is so annoying! I know he loves his baby and everything, but he is the biggest overprotective nut I have ever seen. He can't get over the fact that his daughter is growing up. He can't let her be excited about being on her own and that she doesn't need his protection anymore. He is a complete freak. And he tries so hard to jokingly convince her to let him be the THIRD roommate with no avail!

Her apartment is the bomb though. Pink Sneakers and VH1 are definitely trying to give the show that look of the "Hills" and also put in cool music during those "Brooke scripted moments," where she has a small moment. In the end of the episode Brooke puts on a pouty face and tells Dad she really doesn't want him to go...COME ON NOW. She is being a total sweetheart to him but look we all know that she can't wait until he drives away in his Ford Escape rental..."Bye DAD..." They laugh as he drives away! VH1 has dumb commercials starring the two roommates that really are STUPID.

I Love Money. This one is a total guilty pleasure. 15 cast members from VH1's "Love" Franchise of shows compete to win $250k! The contestants are better on this show than they were on the "Love" shows they were originally on...PROBABLY because they are totally into winning an actual cool prize! I mean Rock of Love is a great show, but really do you seriously want to be Brett Michael's girlfriend?

That guy has had more "nasty hootenanny" than I'd like to think about and uh although the show is friggin genius, love is never gonna last with him. He still has to fulfill one more installment of Rock of Love doesn't he? So, no matter what if you compete to be his main woman on the show - in the end you will only be his tv girlfriend. Besides he wears more makeup than you and I, and he must be losing his hair - hence the bandanna...and he doesn't have the same washboard abs as he did in PLAYGIRL...

Flavor of Love. I don't think I need to say much about the show or him for that matter. Can you seriously imagine yourself with a guy with a clock, big time baby mommas and 6 kids in tow? And what about I Love NY...any guy who wants to be with her and her momma - have fun! Not only is she a hand full but her momma is a nightmare. Total bad boob job too...

Anyway, I Love Money is good for what its worth and if you are bored, home alone or with a gal pal the show is fun.

What does it take to be a GREAT Reality TV Producer?

2008-07-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

People always ask me "what does a TV Producer do?" PRODUCERS DO MANY THINGS! It depends really on the show, but to be a well rounded producer you must...

Befriend the Executive Producers. They are either going to make your life easy or quite difficult.

Be able to Multi-task. I can literally do 10 things at once. You have to learn how to do it if you can't.

Be able to write. If you can't write, you are going to suck at coming up with one sheets and Bios and profiles and scripts.

Be a People person. You gotta have personality. People hate working with BITCHY women and WHINY guys. WE are already working 18 hour days, 7 days a week and no 7th day pay so shut your mouth and smile. No one wants to work with someone who is constantly complaining. We are all tired and were all sick of the subject matter already.

Ability to make anything happen. You have to be able to rub two sticks together and make fire or snap your fingers and it appears!

Always have a back up plan. When you least expect it either a casting subject, location or something will fall through. Be prepared and always have a back up. No matter what.

Know Everyone - or know how to get to that person if you don't - or know someone who knows them so you can get to them.

Find a story in any situation or subject.

Always do heavy research and get to know your subject. There is always something that will pop up in Reality that the EP will say "why didn't anyone know about that?" If you had known then you would have told the EP way in advance and what was a problem wouldn't be a problem had you just DUG A LITTLE DEEPER inside the mind of your subject...

Be prepared to wear many hats. Even if you have a juicy title on a show; you may have to hem a pair of pants, run and get a coke for someone, make copies etc...just smile and say if this is going to help you, It's my pleasure!

LISTEN! Don't be a know it all. Everyone has a different opinion, be open to listening to others!

Greatest American Dog

2008-07-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

CBS in its commericals states, "Greatest American Dog, one of the best reality shows out there..." "Don't miss Greatest American Dog...the new SUMMER HIT???" "Greatest All Time Reality Show?" UHH...yeah for about a minute while I was watching the commercials it seemed like it could be good...until I actually tuned in. Fun for all of about 20 minutes. I am sure that the idea sounded good at first, pitting 12 dogs against each other each week - eliminating one dog to find the Greatest American DOG. Hmm. Honestly, do we really need and want to see a dog reality competition show? The question is, how bored are you? Could it be the next franchised series up there with the likes of Survivor?! I seriously doubt it. There isn't much substance and the contestants and the challenges are lame. Pet lovers will be in doggie heaven watching this series, but for the average viewer and us REALITY junkies...surf on to another series on a different network.

The series is hosted by Jarod Miller, who seems to have appeared out of no where. Apparently, he is a pet expert combined with a lack of TV personality. As far as I am concerned he should stick to Animal Planet and the Morning Shows. I'm sure he's a wonderful guy with vast knowledge of animals and newbies have to get their start somewhere...

The judges UGH...even more depressing. Victoria Stillwell, who councils families with pet problems is clearly the best of the bunch. Wendy Diamond, an animal lover seems to me better suited on a small time cable show. Alan Reznik, is the biggest snooze out of the three. He may have a passion for dogs, but man he made me want to slit my wrists.

The Dog on the skateboard was my favorite. I say he should win the $250k.

I don't know about you, but I don't need to watch 8 episodes - 20 minutes was enough for me...

Reality TV that Sucks

2008-07-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

It still boggles my mind to think about how crap Reality TV ever gets on the air. Take for instance NBC's series "The Baby Borrowers." NBC could have made a "Dateline Special" about this topic instead of a Reality Series for the American Public. This series was originally slated to air during the writers strike and apparently aired in 2007 and is re-airing now. Why? My guess is the network felt compelled to air it because they knew that they wasted money even producing the series. Or maybe they felt that it was timely because of the teenagers in Massachusetts having a pact to get pregnant. I was bored after 5 minutes of watching. Sometimes I sit and wonder what were they thinking? This shit could have been a one hour documentary special. I have been out pitching and everyone I pitch tells me that I have great concepts. Well, I think that my "I Write The Songs" show is a brilliant idea. I have two major production companies considering a purchase. If networks buy crap like "The Baby Borrowers" they need to start reconsidering what they spend their money on. That kind of a show may fly in the midwest but everywhere else we don't want to watch that crap. I feel sorry for those kids and the parents who pimped their babies out for this social reality experiment.

The Art of the TV Pitch LA Style

2008-07-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

The art of the pitch LA Style includes a trip to St. John...
A little about my trip and then some about my pitches for this week...

Getting to the island of St. John was longer than going overseas! Our 24 hour journey to the island included sitting on a cramped Spirit Airlines flight for 9 hours (possibly the worst airline) and ended with the St. Thomas ferry dropping us off in St. John. Boy what a ride! And what an amazing island. (The local islanders are not the nicest people - or educated.) We jetted up the hill in our jeep that we rented (everyone on the island drives jeeps) up to our villa "Solaris." What a fine villa. We visited a different beach every day and each one was a pristine beach, with fine white sand and beautiful snorkeling! ...more later.

As for the pitches. We had two set up for my Christopher Titus project this week. One over at Fox with Mike Darnell and the other at CBS with Ghen Maynard. Well, in this town nothing is ever on time or on schedule. For the second time in a row Darnell rescheduled...the CBS also was rescheduled due to Titus. I also had another pitch set up over at A. Smith & Co. which my manager rescheduled due to the Darnell meeting being switched to next week.

I've been working on my own projects since December and am very very close to a huge sale with the Titus project. I've got three other ones that two production companies are interested in, and one that I am still coming up with the one sheet for.

What I love to do is come up with six shows, all just loglines with a premise in my mind. Then I go into the pitches with my loglines. I have found that Development people love this method. They can't stand to sit there and listen to one show for a whole hour that they really have no interest in. You can usually tell within a minute whether they are really interested or not. At the end of my pitches I reassess the ones that didn't have interest and the ones that did. Then when I go to the next pitch I only discuss the ones that are "trendy."

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to all of my new blogger friends!

I will be happily enjoying myself on the island of St. John!

I decided to buy tickets for myself and my boyfriend, after all I have been pitching my shows for the last six months and he's been working hard producing the amazing and talented Bonnie Piesse his upcoming artist -we both deserve the R&R!

I have been pitching heavily this year. I have one big bite at NBC, and two production companies interested in possibly acquiring one if not two of my concepts. When I get back I have pitch meetings set up at ABC, CBS, Fox, and two production companies.

What I need is to sell a show, so the more pitches - the more opportunity I have to REALLY SELL at least 5 of the concepts.

If anyone has any questions about Reality TV pitching, ideas etc - please do not hesitate to contact me or if you have an idea that you think I would love to hear - try me!!

Your odds of success increase exponentially by knowing ME

2008-06-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

I started thinking about what my friend Andrew said to me this morning. Andrew is a really successful producer who has believed in me from the early days of my career in television. Recently, I helped my career coach get herself and her book on The Today Show. I sent out an email to close friends telling of our achievement and to check out the link on MSNBC. He wrote me back and said "her odds of success increase exponentially by knowing you..."

People laugh when I say I know everyone. Its a funny thing. I may not always remember names right away, and have a habit of saying the persons name with a wrong last name and colleagues laugh...but I know everyone. If I don't know someone, I am only steps away from gaining contact with them.

I think you should know me.

Have a great day!

So you think you've got what it takes to be in the TV Biz?

2008-06-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

I've been a producer for over 10 years. I find the television business fascinating! I worked my way up from an Assistant to Supervising Producer to Creating my own TV shows! Right now I have a show called the "Devil's Workshop" that stars Christopher Titus as the host! Its all about cars, and its being presented to Ben Silverman at NBC! I am super excited, because the stars have virtually lined up for me FINALLY! I have three other shows that two production companies are looking at.

I've been pitching shows since 2005, and this year I have pitched a lot of people. I am learning so much and meeting great people!!