Well, I've sat on the sidelines and read the MANY posts regarding television.
Meanwhile, I had a show, totally different format, go through all the steps
including acquiring sponsorship to the point where I was sure it was going to
happen. After the sponsor basically backed out at the last minute, I just
gave up.
What I've learned, in brief, is that the posts here are all very correct, the
hard part is selling the show. BUT, it's not fully true, I had ALMOST sold
the show easily for the sponsors that wanted it. What the real problem was
was finding a SALESMAN who wants and has the time to keep bugging people,
that's where I fell through. I had a long list of numbers and contacts of
potential sponsors, but just got tired of trying to convince people.
Now, my format was NOT just the races, the only people who might watch that is
us. I geared the show to attract new racers, explain to the REST of the
Speedvision audience what's going on. I have to admit (although some surely
disagree) I can't watch a whole Grand Prix, or ALMS race, I watch parts, and
usually only enjoy the most exciting parts.
On the technical side (where most of my experience is), it's true, you get
what you pay for. BUT, being that I know the shooters, sound, and talent, I
was making the show for just under $30k, plus it depends on what market you're
in. In one part of the country, you couldn't make any show for less than
$60k, in some parts, you can make the show for less than $15k (ok, that's
extreme). A lot of it depends on the freelancers' rate, which changes for
each market. The snooty shooter may do nothing but look through the
viewfinder for no less than $600/day, not including gear. But there are still
good shooters in the D.C. market that will light AND do that for $300/day, not
including gear (usually about $500 for the package in D.C.)
As for a pilot, it could easily be shot on DV Cam (I do come from an SP and
mostly DigiBeta world, so this is tough for me to say) for MUCH less money. I
think the pilot is the hardest part, usually costing TWICE what a show would
cost (mainly because of the edit).
Also, getting the best minds of this group of people together costs too much
money (travel), so it'd better be very nice sponsor to get that started.
Brian Garfield
(turning down freelance work most weekends in order to race ;-) )
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