by Voyage | Oct 25, 2011 | Uncategorized
AN INTERVIEW WITH VOYAGE FOUNDER, NAT MUNDEL TS: Since Voyage does so many pitches, you have a unique vantage point on what’s working and what’s not. What are notable trends you’ve seen lately in this highly competitive marketplace? NM: There’s definitely a higher degree of sophistication and thinking going into the marketing and sales process. With more people and fewer opportunities, the players who continue to be students of the process-the ones who remain curious and ever vigilant about fresh, creative tactics-are the ones who are evolving and ultimately winning the day. One of our clients, Jerry Bruckheimer, has employed three vastly different approaches over the last three years and each one has resulted in a successful deal. And this is a company with a name that essentially could sell itself. TS: Can you give us some examples of what’s working? NM: For starters, it’s about analyzing who the immediate audience or customer is and then taking the steps to make an impact with that person. How can you make their jobs easier or more rewarding? What tools are you providing them with to be a champion of your work? Our most successful clients are diving deep into the process and finding ways to facilitate and incentivize the decision-makers they’re looking to partner with. These are very nuanced relationships and the more you can empower individuals to be advocates for your work, the greater your chance of ultimately selling your idea through. Pitch tools like ‘leave-behinds’, look books and sizzle reels are no longer new to the game, they are becoming the norm so the sophistication with which they... read more
by Voyage | Oct 15, 2011 | Presentations
HOW SIZZLE REELS CAN HELP YOUR PITCH In reality TV, if you don’t have a sizzle reel, you don’t have a show. It’s that simple. Since reality shows don’t have traditional scripting, these brief video presentations are the cornerstone on which all unscripted shows are built. Interestingly, the best practices for the reality world have now become essential marketing tools in every medium. And with post-production technology becoming increasingly more cost effective, the barriers to creating a great sizzle reel have been dramatically reduced. When every word counts, sizzles help you get to the heart of your story by saving valuable time. No more need to risk losing a client’s interest with a longwinded explanation of what can be conveyed through visuals. The benefits of using a sizzle reel in a pitch are manifold. First and foremost, they save time by getting ideas across quickly. Rather than typing out a comprehensive vision for a project, rather than forcing key decision-makers to read lengthy descriptions, a 1 to 3 minute reel immediately sets up the mood for a project. In terms of establishing different reference points, they allow you the filmmaker to frame the conversation. Would you rather have your project remembered as the next Inception or the next What Dreams May Come? A carefully edited mood reel will define the tone, cinematography, casting, performance, production design and visual effects. If you’re not particularly great in meetings, sizzle reels can do the heavy lifting for you. Imagine yourself deftly pulling out your ipad, pressing play, and letting the video punctuate your pitch. Many sizzle reels are structured to feel like... read more
by Voyage | Oct 5, 2011 | Presentations
DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND IN THE LEAVE-BEHIND GAME With their low-tech, tactile appeal, look books-even when sitting innocently on a coffee table- are the ultimate stealth-tease to draw attention to your work after you’ve left the room. The nickname ‘leave behind’ has significance; these books allow you to leave behind a lasting impression of your talents and your project, and they make your point even when you’re not there to do your whole dog and pony show (or to press “play” on a sizzle reel). Look books offer an executive the attractive option of flipping through a visual overview of your story rather than paging through a lengthy, time-consuming script, or (even worse) reading coverage that someone else wrote. What’s more, look books are easily passed from one office to the next, and on up the food chain, allowing you a measure of control as to how your project is articulated when the junior execs are internally pitching your work to the key decision-makers. In our humble opinion, flipping through a look book should be an immersive and captivating an experience as watching a really great trailer in a theater. Their benefits can go far beyond building great word-of-mouth momentum for your project. If thoughtfully and strategically crafted, they can become a vehicle to display your creativity and vision to help you communicate with your producers, actors, and crew. Picture magazine design schemes, blueprint floor plans and CAD illustrations: there is no end to the different motifs that can be applied to add sophistication and visual interest. As long as the concept stays within the framework of your project,... read more
by Voyage | Sep 21, 2011 | Reality TV
SHOWRUNNER PATRICK COSTELLO TALKS REALITY TELEVISION. Adventure reality television maestro Patrick Costello has been a Co-executive Producer and Showrunner on “IRT: Deadliest Roads” and the New England fishing series “Swords: Life on the Line.” He was also a Producer on “The Amazing Race” and “The Apprentice,” among many other shows. Nat sits down with Patrick to discuss how he got started in the reality industry, why you should read Andrew Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” and the deep importance of “what-the-fuckness.” Archives December 2024 (2) November 2024 (2) October 2024 (3) September 2024 (2) April 2023 (1) January 2023 (1) December 2022 (1) October 2022 (1) June 2020 (1) April 2020 (1) February 2020 (1) January 2020 (1) October 2019 (1) August 2019 (1) June 2019 (1) January 2019 (1) April 2018 (1) March 2018 (1) February 2018 (1) January 2018 (1) December 2017 (1) November 2017 (1) October 2017 (2) July 2017 (4) April 2017 (1) February 2017 (1) January 2017 (1) December 2016 (1) November 2016 (1) October 2016 (1) September 2016 (2) June 2016 (1) May 2016 (1) April 2016 (1) February 2016 (3) January 2016 (1) December 2015 (2) November 2015 (1) October 2015 (2) September 2015 (2) August 2015 (2) July 2015 (1) June 2015 (1) April 2015 (1) March 2015 (1) February 2015 (2) January 2015 (3) December 2014 (2) October 2014 (1) September 2014 (3) August 2014 (3) June 2014 (2) May 2014 (5) April 2014 (3) February 2014 (1) January 2014 (1) December 2013 (1) April 2013 (1) December 2012 (1) July 2012 (1) April 2012 (2) March 2012 (2) December 2011 (1) November 2011 (3) October 2011 (4) September 2011 (5) August 2011 (3) May 2011 (2) April 2011 (1) March 2011 (2) November 2010 (2) August 2010 (1) June 2010 (1) March 2010 (1) October 2009 (1) September 2009 (2) CategoriesCategories Select Category Audience (25) Blog post (38) Book to Film (20) Entertainment Business (48) Font Page (7) Pitching (13) Presentations (9) Producer Interviews (10) Reality TV (5) Screenwriting Tips (11) The Expert Network (18)... read more
by Voyage | Sep 21, 2011 | Reality TV
ANOTHER AVENUE FOR YOUR CREATIVITY IN ENTERTAINMENT Once upon a time, in the early 2000s, reality was considered to be a passing, perhaps lamentable fad. At best it was the bastard child of television – much as television was once considered the bastard child of the movies. Those days are gone. These days, reality has grown up, and it’s more popular than ever. Estimates vary, but on average, one third to one half of the time Americans spend in front of the television is spent watching non-scripted programming. More and more networks and media outlets feature reality, and there are more hours of it on each network. There is a reality “industry” and a whole galaxy of reality stars. Where reality used to be the “wild west,” where anything went, now people are having twenty year careers. Big names like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have gotten involved, with “Project Greenlight.” Ashton Kutcher did “Punk’d.” Ice-T is on E! with “Ice Loves Coco.” It’s no longer something to be ashamed of. Because of “Survivor” and other shows, you can now even win an Emmy for a reality show. Who would have thunk it? Reality has become respectable. All this doesn’t mean there aren’t still enormous opportunities out there for the aspiring content-producer. Quite the contrary. Now is the time. The demand for reality content has exploded. All those new programming slots need to be filled. This means that, while you’re working on selling your big movie or scripted series, there may be fantastic intermediary opportunities for you in reality television. This industry moves fast. Pitches are being bought, shows... read more
by Voyage | Sep 21, 2011 | Reality TV
INTERVIEW WITH HOT REALITY TV SELLER AISHA CORPAS Reality T.V. savant Aisha Corpus has her finger on the pulse of what’s hot and what’s not in unscripted programming – she recently sold not one but two shows to the networks, both of which go into production later this year. She draws on years of experience in the industry. Aisha recently sat down with Voyage to share her insights on how to capitalize on the current and future trends in reality. What’s hot right now? What are the networks currently looking for in terms of reality programming? A couple of things. First of all, what the networks want is always changing. That understood, I’d say that, right now, the networks are looking for loud personalities and unique subcultures to build shows around. Think of “Deadliest Catch” and “Pawn Star” – they are built around a really colorful, intense world or person that people love to watch. If you can find a fascinating world like the Jersey Shore, or a really compelling character, that’s what the networks want. The other thing networks are really interested in is talent that can become a network franchise. This has become increasingly important. Think of Bethenny Frankel on Bravo, or Ryan Seacrest and Kim Kardashian on E! They don’t just have one show on that network, they have multiple shows, and they’re in the magazines, on the talk shows. They’re a walking billboard for that network. When you hear the name of that person, you immediately think of that brand. The trends in reality programming change incredibly quickly, sometimes literally overnight. How do you stay... read more
by Voyage | Sep 21, 2011 | Reality TV
PUTTING SOMETHING TOGETHER AND BRINGING IT TO MARKET So you want to get into reality t.v. as a content producer. It’s a new world – how do you navigate it? The first challenge is the pitch. You’ll have one chance to convince that network executive that your idea is the one. What do you do? Here are four “dos” and “don’ts” from the reality professionals here at Voyage. DO: 1) Have a sizzling Sizzle Reel. In a reality pitch, video is king. Give the executive a picture of what you have in mind – and make it as visually delicious, dramatic and spectacular as possible. 2) Attach a celebrity. How? By offering them a mutually beneficial opportunity. Find someone who has an interest they haven’t been able to explore – cooking, for example – then build your show around that. 3) If you don’t have a track record, hook up with people who do. An experienced show runner, producer, or writer will give your show the credibility it needs. 4) Help the executive see the big picture. In the pitch book, describe a full season, then explain how the show will grow over multiple seasons, or even branch into other shows over time. Help them see your idea as a brand. DON’T 1) Don’t pitch like a car salesman. Engage the person. Have a conversation. Don’t take the word “pitch” too literally. 2) Don’t pitch the kitchen sink. It doesn’t look good to throw out ideas for ten shows in a single meeting. Come in with your best – 3 max. Then you’ve established a good relationship and can... read more
by Voyage | Sep 21, 2011 | Reality TV
SOME ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS FOR YOUR IDEATION FROM STORY CONSULTANT JULIE GRAY Whether for Reality TV or a longform scripted project, the process of envisioning and fleshing out a great entertaining character will put you in the game. We had a chance to connect with Julie Gray, story consultant, Huffington Post blogger and the self-described Mistress of Just Effing Entertain Me, her website and blog of over six years, to help explain how creatives can approach developing and really inhabiting their characters, and she’s given us an excerpt from her book Just Effing Entertain Me, here: “I am” is a powerful declarative. It puts a stake in the ground for what you stand for. Or, what you think you stand for. At the moment you are asked the question. The way you fill in the rest of the statements below can be very revealing of your current mindset, your goals and your fears. So take a moment and fill in the statements below. Don’t worry whether it’s pretty or flattering, but please, be honest. Remember, that in being willing to reveal yourself to yourself, you are practicing for your characters willingness to reveal themselves to you. I am…, I want…, I dislike…, I am afraid…I wish…I don’t know if …I am angry that…I think I can…I am scared that …I can’t…I am willing…I can…I love…I know…I am… Keep this exercise to do whenever you want to check in with yourself. You can do it once a year and watch yourself change over time. You can do it if you have a particular goal in mind or you can do it... read more
by Voyage | Aug 12, 2011 | Uncategorized
Know Who You Are; Make Sure We Know It Too No, you’re not paranoid; when it comes to building a successful career in entertainment, the odds are stacked against you. There’s not a lot of room at the top, and there are already many younger, smarter, better-connected people out there. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get the advantage by employing some street-smarts and business-savvy—and building a personal brand. For starters (wary artists), let’s go over what a personal brand isn’t: The word “brand” might suggest cliches, like you’ll have to wear a certain kind of shoe, get a fashion-victim haircut and always wear black, i.e. pigeonhole yourself in some way or another. To be clear, that’s not what we’re talking about. According to Personal Branding expert and Voyage Team member Nance Rosen, the real point of personal branding is to be memorable—to stand out based on an expression of your authentic self and a connection with what your audience really needs. Diablo Cody (Juno) is a great example of a screenwriter who expresses her authentic self all the way to the bank. You’d recognize her dialogue style anywhere—it’s never a Little Miss Moffet message—and her audience finds it refreshing. Writers and directors have a great advantage because they are used to creating characters with distinct voices– now the work is to find their unique character. Rosen breaks down the 3 dimensions of a personal brand: 1. Your voice—what do you sound like, and why? 2. Your values—how do you work? Are you refined and traditional like Clint Eastwood or whimsical and inventive like Michel Gondry? 3. Your... read more
by Voyage | Aug 12, 2011 | Uncategorized
Make A Plan & Work It! A lot of people approach their creative careers with die-hard passion, belief in their talent, and lots of people pulling for them—but no strategy. It’s no wonder that so many reach a certain level of success and then find themselves stalling or stagnating somewhere “comfortable” and doing work that doesn’t really satisfy their true ambition. Plainly put, if you don’t take steps to decisively tell the industry who you are, it won’t know—and certain decisions will be made for you. One way to combat inertia is to define your plan and figure out what it will take to progress from one milestone to the next—i.e. map it out using these 5 important business tools: 1. Strategy – You have to start with your dream. And a great way to ensure that you’re truly passionate about your dream is to write it down and then multiply it times 100 – that’s your real dream (scary, I know). Go for it. Another great building block of strategy comes from Jim Collins (author of “Good to Great”) – Collins’ personal “hedgehog strategy” lies at the intersection of (1) What you’re truly passionate about (2) what you’re genetically encoded or “made” to do and (3) what things can you be paid for. Click here to read the other 4 business tools (link to article on The Professionals program blog) 2. Milestones – you can’t eat a whale all in one sitting. Break impossible dreams down into achievable goals and work through them one at a time. 3. Process – Are you doing things in the right order,... read more
