Palin Express: Coming To A Town Near You

This week, one time 2008 Republican vice-presidential hopeful Sarah Palin has been taking the media and a few small towns by storm to promote the release of her new book titled, 'Going Rogue: An American Life'.

My Comment: Tina (as in Fey), I mean Sarah - are we almost finished with this incessant assault on the media? Spare us from your shrieking non-answers in these softball pontificating interviews. We surrender already...

First the title, 'Going Rogue' - perhaps an implied overtone as one friend and I laughed aloud, "Almost a bit gangsta' for Sarah Palin" - would you not agree? Palin does not lend well to the image of being a youthful and rebellious confident, cultural trend setter, nor overtly concerned with the mainstream in general. Or, is she?

To be clear, I am not a Sarah Palin fan for the simple reasons of not being interested in guns, hunting, Alaska in general, sugar-coating the ugly truth, nor am I '40 something year old soccer mom'. However, I do respect the idea of her strength and independence as a charismatic leader (A.k.a. Political Spin Doctor). Palin is certainly beginning to exhibit signs of a media savvy and is even using the media for her agenda. Clinton/Palin in 2012. Perhaps - one could speculate.

Speaking of unbelievable events, it is rather comical the price of Palin's book was originally priced at $28.95 and was immediately adjusted to a mere pre-order price of $4.95 (Now somewhere around $14.50). According to reports, this trickery was to catapult Palin's book on the NY Times Best Seller list.

Having said, have you noticed that EVERYONE writes a New York Times Best Seller - for this is rather suspect and quite frankly, you know how I feel about the NY Times...Let's just say, I prefer, 'Rogue Status'.

Now, about that 'Palin Family Reality Show' - Yeah, not so much...

Nothing But Lakers...Again.

Allo, Allo!

Here we are well into another great week and I hope that your week is as productive as mine (It's All Good). I have a number of fabulous things planned this week (aka PROFITS!), more on this later...

While you were busy making the conversion from Analog to Digital, reading the latest quotes from Megan Fox(-?) and watching the Lakers seal one more Championship victory for yet another title this past weekend (Is Phil Jackson single handed the best NBA coach ever with what now a total of 9 Championship rings?). Sigh, will my Seattle Sonics EVER return to glory?!

About Your Reality TV Show Idea...

You're Here!

Welcome to the end of another great week - yes, they are all 'Great' in their own unique and special way...

As you can imagine and as you have read my mention within previous posts, each and every day I receive hundreds of email messages, in each of my 12 email boxes. Admittedly, I am unable to read such a large volume of email messages and most are largely unaware that I do not receive messages directly. Unless I contact someone specifically or am expecting a specific communication - I am oblivious to most (Ah, let this serve as written notice to those that ask what I thought of their email).

Having said, a large number of messages are inquiries - usually questions about upcoming shows, casting referrals, request for pitch or ideas for Reality Shows. Primarily for this reason, there are people that filter, read and respond accordingly to every message.

For those that need to reach me personally, it is suggested that you contact me via one of my 5 mobile phones, 3 office phones, or at my 2 fax numbers, or my other 5 personal email boxes (Checked by one of 2 assistants), or resort to billboard or skywriting (Of course, I am only kidding on the last two options - chances are I would not even be in town to see it and that would be thousands of dollars gone to waste and that would be a bummer).

Anyway, returning to our subject...Reality Show Ideas.

Show Us Your "Life"
If you are a regular viewer of reality television, you are aware there are several types of Reality Shows (Chad Gervich teaches a tremendous course on this subject, with tons of amazing information). Of the latest group of popular shows, we are seeing more Celebrity based reality shows.

Within the past week you may have heard or read that Pam Anderson, Sarah Jessica Parker, P. Diddy (And long-time girlfriend also has her own a new show), George Foreman, Ewan McGregor, Tommy Lee, Tiffany 'New York' Pollard, Brett Michaels (Again!), Janet Jackson, and I am sure there are tons of other pseudo-celebs not within immediate recollection, all have new or soon to be reality projects.

These celebrities are willing to allow cameras into their perceived "Lives" because of 1) The Money and 2) Publicity and 3) The Money.

The economics are fairly simple, the Production Company believes that they can sell the show to a Network because of a bankable (You decide) fans of said celebrity.

The general rule of thumb and Big Secret is that if you are making headlines (Or have in the past), chances are you will or are in contemplation of working your agent to get out there and shop your version of reality to someone.

Further, Networks do not need to approach celebrities (Despite popular belief) - Agents and Production Companies are largely responsible for shopping ideas who in turn, shop the Networks. Perhaps you can determine where this logic is progressing....

A good Agent is always THE BEST place to begin - just as a job recruiter, the Agent is your champion (More or less). Ah, but similar to the rule of experience in the working world, so to is this true in television. For this is the problematic 'Catch 22'...Read on.

The 'You Should' Reality Show
Given the above, it is truly astonishing that each time I meet someone or someone that I have not seen for some time, the subject of "You should do a reality show about...(Insert topic, usually related around them, here) or "I have an idea for a reality show" (Again, followed by inserted topic about them here). My usual response is simply a big smile.

Why just earlier this week a friend (Who shall remain nameless) said, "They have got to be running out of ideas for reality shows by now!" Which prompted another great smile as my response.

First, "They" will never run out of ideas for reality shows - that is completely naive and absurd. For it is like saying, "Well, Star Search and Gong Show already existed so there is no reason for a show called American Idol" or "Well, a game show already exists, so there are no more ideas for other types of game shows"; So much for Jeopardy, Deal or No Deal, Fear Factor, Wheel of Fortune, Singing Bee, Moment of Truth, 1 vs 100, Match Game, Dating Game, and thousands of other game shows over the past 50+ years.

Alas grasshopper, so you see it is not possible for "They" to run out of ideas for reality shows. It is possible to notice trends in reality show interests (American Idol, America's Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, American Inventor) according to ratings and audience interest - new show ideas can be created at any moment from any event, pop culture, or audience interest.

The before mentioned are only big Network shows - there are literally hundreds of Cable reality shows on great channels (My personal favorites) such as Bravo, A&E, Oxygen, TLC, History Channel, MTV, and watch out for Broadband networks such as LifetimeTV, On Networks, MOJO, LXTV and others.

There are more than enough venues for distribution of your ideas. So my point (Yes, there is one) is rather than tell "They/Them" about your latest idea of why you should have your own show - SHOW us!

Get out there and put together your show as closely as you imagine watching it on television. If it is simply not possible - at least write it out on paper with complete details as if you were going to film the show and include day-to-day unusual scenarios of interest. Even more, tell us who is your audience (This question alone is always where the aspiring leave the table).

Yes, you will need to conduct research and homework - but, this action indicates that you have thought through the complexities of your show (Ideas are a dime a dozen - it's the execution that matters - I relearn this daily), that you are serious and willing to commit to the project (It is hard work), and thus will reveal your level of true motivation.

Now let's get to work on some new shows!

The Stars Have No Secret Talent

Hey Sunshine!

We have had another busy week around the ranch - and I am sure you have seen the headlines of the big events that transpired this week.

Of course, I am not speaking of world, economic or political events - this is not a news Blog. Why, I do not even watch conventional news programs nor read articles in the newspaper - it's a bit negative for my interest. As well, I am working on a low or no-negative information diet. I encourage you to try it - Bliss can be AMAZING!

Yes, I realize this is not what we are taught in school, however I prefer to be immersed in more immediate events that transpire and that in which can be controlled around me.

Anyway, here is what you may or may not have missed: Mariah and Madonna have topped records (Previously held by Elvis - which is amazing in itself), the American Idol Gives Back telecast raised just north of $60 million (Incidentally, ratings for CSI have topped American Idol), NBC and Lifetime are in legal fisticuffs over Project Runway (More on this later), and this devastation: CBS has canceled Secret Talents of The Stars.

Just No Love
Wait, before you throw yourself into a deep dark cavernous place of depression, did you even watch the show?

My guess is probably not.

Welcome back...For you see, the reality show was canceled by CBS due to low ratings - that's how this business works. If you do not watch, there is no reason to continue to finance a show - it's far too expensive; even when product placement and sponsors are paying for the show, the production must still be able to make enough money to keep all parties involved 'in the black' on the balance sheet.

As well, I cannot let you take all of the blame - I did not write about the show before hand to promote and encourage your participation. As 'Your Guide to Pop Culture', I share the concern. Even better, the networks love it when I talk about their shows and I love to talk about them.

More than 4, but Less Than 5
If you were among the lucky 4.6 million who tuned in, you saw George Takei (Officer Sulu) from the original Star Trek sing "On the Road Again", and Clint Black (Country Singer) performing a stand up routine, and singer Mya tap dancing.

According to CBS:
[The Show] is about celebrities showing off their hidden talents"Each week, celebrities will compete in a tournament-structured format to determine who has the BEST unknown talent.

Each performance will be critiqued by three judges - but it's the viewers who get to vote for the celebrity that has impressed them the most. Each week, the viewer vote will determine which celebrities move on in the competition, and who will go home."

My question: What Went Wrong?
The premise of the show sounded entertaining at first pass. Was it the 'Stars', was it a lack of 'Talent', wrong schedule?

With a line-up up George Takei, Clint Black, Marla Maples, Ben Stein, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Sheila E., and Danny Bonaduce how could there not be interest? Ah, perhaps the 'Problem' rests with what we call the 'talent'...

Talent could mean many things and in this case the term could easily apply to the 'Stars' or the 'Talents' in which they were performing ranging from stand up, to singing, to playing an instrument, rapping, dancing salsa, or magic tricks - there was just so much.

I know that you are not tired of reality shows as record numbers of you continue to tune in each and every week. I am truly amazed at how many people comment about reality shows, yet can tell me everything that went down on any given show - now that takes a talent.

So, I am left to conclude that if it were say HOT Brad Pitt, cutie-pie Justin Timberlake, or hunky Matthew McConaughey and my recent interest "My other husband", Scottish import Gerard Butler (Alright, I will try to tone it down), maybe you would have been inclined to watch - ?

Perhaps it is possible there just simply was not enough talent to keep this show on the air...Well, if the before mentioned was the talent at least I know of one person who would have been watching the show (smile).

If you missed show, you can watch the first and quite possibly the only episode of Secret Talents of the Stars on the CBS website:

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/secret_talents_of_the_stars/

*The Secret Talents of the Stars logo above is provided compliments of CBS/Viacom.

Rattles and Guitars

Surprise!

Well, this afternoon I thought that I would take a break from the so called "Important" things to be pleasantly distracted by something MORE important, hanging out with you!

As I step away from the myriad of emails - I am realizing what is called "Email Creep". My inbox used to be a reasonable couple of messages per day (Back when the Internet first started and it was exciting to get an email).

Then one day, the number of emails became double digit, then a couple hundred, to now well over 1,000 emails per day. Yes, over 1,000 emails per day -staggering. Why I would have to sit in my office reading emails for hours just to catch-up...Ah, that's why I do not actually read them. Yeah, the secret has been revealed - someone else is actually paid to read them:)

Today's Topic: Rock The Cradle
As I sit here in my office floating above Los Angeles, I am watching the re-broadcast of a new reality competition show on MTV called, Rock The Cradle (Produced by FremantleMedia North America aka American Idol producers).

MTV says:
Nine superstars in the making will step up to the mic to Rock the Cradle and prove they have what it takes to become the rock stars they were meant to be. They've got talent running through their veins, but can they put it to good use and make their dreams come true? Every week the contestants will take the stage and give it their all.

Wait, Who's Your Dad Again?
So, the premise of the show is a singing competition between the offspring of celebrity musicians (Rock stars - ?).

The eight featured on the show are Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe Rose Lattanzi; Kenny Loggins' son Crosby Loggins; Eddie Money's daughter Jesse Money; Joe Walsh's daughter Lucy Walsh; Al B. Sure's son Lil Al B Sure; Dee Snider's son Jesse Blaze Snider; Tom Johnston's daughter Lara Johnston; MC Hammer's son Akeiba Burrell Hammer; and Bobby Brown's son Landon Brown.

I think this is great idea for a show - however, my concern is that do most people know of their preceding "Rock Star" parent? Meaning, I do not know most of the names on the list (IE. Tom Johnston, Joe Walsh?).

However, I do know that Kenny Loggins sang the theme for was it Top Gun or something? I know Olivia Newton-John (Because of her video on MTV back in the 80's), MC Hammer (Of course, Mr. Baggy Pants) and Bobby Brown (Being Bobby Brown/Whitney Houston).

Really, if they (Rock Star) did not have a video on MTV - not sure many would be able to make a connection.

Which brings me to my point (Yes, finally), Rock The Cradle airs on MTV. Great idea for a show, but is this right network? Most people who watch MTV, such as my young niece, do not know of ANY of the before mentioned names. However, she knows Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus and Hilary Duff - however beyond these popular names it is a blank stare.

Perhaps, Vh1 would have been a more suitable venue - for it is the hip PARENTS who know of the names the show involves.

LA LA LA
During each week of the competition, the celebrity offspring rehearse with accomplished producers, songwriters and choreographers before performing live in front of a studio audience and a panel of judges.

Home viewer votes will ultimately determine which contestant will receive the grand prize of a recording contract. Did I mention, American Idol - Yes?

A Family Affair
The show attempts to provide an Idol style (Everything leads back to Idol) look at the family life, relationships, and dynamic being daughter or son of a rock star.

MTV exec Tony DiSanto says, "The concept for Rock the Cradle is excitingly pure and simple -- is musical talent genetic?"

One could presume there is much pressure to perform musically, but is it fair to presume that just because your parent is a former that the children also have the drive, ambition or talent - or, is it just a presumption? I mean, what if the son or daughter wanted to be an accountant, a lawyer, a scientist, or an electrician? Out of the thousands of rock star offspring - do they all really want to be musicians? Here's a thought, what if they did not even like music for that matter?!

A-ha, I think I have a new idea for a new show...



*The image above is property of MTV Networks and parent company CBS/Viacom.

Let's Dance Dawg!

Hi Friends...

Between Sundance last weekend, NATPE in Vegas last week, Fashion Week in New York this week, a possible break in the Writer's Strike, and the SUPER BOWL - the month of February has already began at a very hectic and exciting pace; At this point, I say bring on the scheduling conflicts!

The other day, I happened to have received a call about Randy Jackson's (American Idol judge Randy, not the other one) new show titled, Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew.

The Show, produced by Randy and Bayonne Entertainment (Millionaire Matchmaker), began taping live auditions last week, and promises to be one of the most visual and inspiring performance competition shows to ever hit television (Or, so they tell me).

According to MTV: It is the first dance competition series for dance crews rather than individual dancers. The top hip-hop crews from around the country will take to the stage floor to earn dance supremacy, a cash prize and touring contract.

My response, "Finally, a reason to start watching MTV again..."

The Real Fly-Girls!

Quite frankly, I am a BIG HUGE fan of dancing (Really, anything related to rhythm).

Friends and I used to go out dancing (Mostly Rave Clubs) to tear the night. I was just mentioning to a friend it was funny how we used to go out on the all-night dancing tours, traveling from club to club and claimed that we would continue to do so, well into our 30's - we thought people who did not go out were just boring, at best!

Why at one point, we were our own 'dance crew' and preparing for a nationwide (aka West Coast - wink) tour, this went on continuously 4 to 5 nights of the week, from the age of 18-24.

Ah, the clubs were OUR venue in which to showcase our dancing talents and we would clear the dance floor with our 'Amazing' techniques - we looked like professional dancers/choreographers. Our style and moves would change with the style of music - it was quite the immaculate spectacle and show to behold.

My how times have changed...We barely make it out to dance clubs anymore...In fact, the highlight of the week is getting together for dinner, event appearances and social functions (Albeit at various locations, several nights out of the week - rather than weekend). Having said, something evolves with your interests between 25 and 30...Yeah...

Bust A Move - Dance 360 Revisited

Returning to Randy's show, hosted by Mario Lopez (Yeah, no comment here as I am too busy snickering), the top dance crews from around the country will battle it out before a panel judges and a live studio audience.

I happened to have caught a glimpse of the show (Thanks to TIVO) and the show was reminiscent of another show that had aired just a couple of years prior called, Dance 360 (UPN); A show in which hip-hop dancers would compete for cash and for prizes.

Upon first moving to Los Angeles, I was amazed by the show (As I thought it was very modern - nothing like I had ever seen - the Seattle TV market is not as culturally diverse/progressive enough to air such a program) and I began dreaming of similar ideas for future shows.

In 'Dance Crew', the crews representing Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles -- will bring their best moves to win over the judges, JC Chasez (Formerly of N*Sync), choreographer Shane Sparks ("You Got Served"), and hip-hop artist Lil Mama for one of the spots on the weekly competitive group dance series.

The show kicks off on Thursday, February 7, on MTV.

*The photo image above of Randy Jackson, from Randy Jackson Presents America's Next Dance Crew, is the property of MTV Networks/Viacom, Inc. The image above Dance 360 is archived property of the former United Paramount Network (UPN).

America's Top Dog

Well, well...

You know of my particular fondness for the show America's Next Top Model (Although, my interest has been waning a bit during this last season) and I have often commented that ANTM has inspired many, many new reality shows.

Well move over Tyra, it appears CBS has ordered a new show produced by RJ Cutler (Actual Reality Pictures) called, America's Top Dog.

According to friends at CBS, "America's Top Dog is a new one hour-long series where 'man's best friend' can help its owner win big money!

From 'pageant dogs' to those dogs simply trained at home - will live together and battle it out in a dog competition that puts the dog's relationship with the person who has raised and trained it to the test.

In the end, only one team of loving owner and faithful dog will emerge the winner in this dog-eat-dog competition!"

Owners and Their Dogs

Personally, and this may shock many of you, I am not so much a dog person (Gasp). Alright, do not misunderstand, I appreciate dogs as someone else's pet and have a number of friends that prefer canine ownership.

Undoubtedly, dogs are truly 'loyal' and provide love unconditionally to their owners. Equally, owners are just as passionate (Obsessed) about their best four-legged friends and often consider them a member of the family.

Dogs in particular are often considered the reflective of an owner and they are often adorned with standard names generally given to most infants and are often treated as a 'baby' member of the family.

Having said (Yes, a non-sequitur), I am often puzzled as to why people say "Good Boy" to their dogs and speak to them using a silly tone one would generally use when speaking to babies. Literally interpreted, a dog is not a 'Boy', nor a baby. Perhaps I have missed the rules and special code of dog ownership that requires you treat your dog as a human child...

As well, I have never heard someone call a cat "Good Boy" - and use the silly infant talk when speaking to feline pets. Further, cats tend to have more 'Animal' related names than their dog counterparts (Ala Toonces, Socks, Smokey, Ms. Kitty and the like). Think about it...

The Dog and Pony Show
Many of you may have watched the competitive dog shows on television. The Westminster Dog Show has been airing for many years and is one of the most highest rated programs during its broadcast.

As a matter of fact, one of my favorite movies is the hysterical tongue-n-cheek Christopher Guest Mock-u-mentary Best In Show, which takes you behind the scenes of a major canine event competition with colorful characters, witty dialog and clever scenarios.

The brilliant and comical events all transpire around the hotel, in which the dogs and owners are staying and the convention center of where the 'show' event is set to commence.

Drama In The Doggie Park
The underlying theme is that dog shows/competitions are very similar to real life beauty pageants, complete with inherent drama, endless preparation and consumption, and stage-moms/dads. The pressure and the stakes are just as high and unrelenting.

Further, what you may not have noticed within the above Top Dog descriptive synopsis is that in true reality style (Remember, we have discussed in previous posts), is the fact that the owners and dog pets are competing against each other.

To magnify situations for the purpose of being interesting and really cue the drama, the owners and dog pets will ALL BE LIVING TOGETHER (Probably in a mansion, for 13 weeks - you should know this standard reality show ingredient by now).

What's The Deal?
What has yet to be determined is exactly what it is in which they (Dogs and owners) are competing.

Is it similar to America's Next Top Model where the winner gets the title of being America's Next Top Model (In this case, America's Top Dog) a feature in 17 Magazine (In this case, a pet magazine?), a $100,000 modeling contract with (Insert Pet Food Company Here), and the job as spokes dog for Pet Smart? These important details have yet to be announced...

Should be good fun and the show is expected to air later this year.

Favorite Things From 2007...

Happy New Year!

Are you as excited as I am about the new year?

It feels great to be back in action and although I do have literally thousands of emails from various people, beloved friends, groups, agents, managers, celebrities, production companies, business associates and the rest of the country - Further, I also have a mountain of work in which to delegate - but, let's have some fun...

On to another year...Before we go, we should stop and reminisce about a few things that made 2007 special. While on vacation, I began thinking about Oprah's "Favorite things" and thought, Oprah has a list of favorite things - I should too! Except, the only difference is that I cannot give you each one under your seat...

So, here are my "Favorite things" for 2007 (Without specific order):

Favorite Movie: Transformers. Sure, it was loud, bombastic, over the top, and really without purpose - I think that was the idea...More important, I had saved up 2 years worth of 'in theater movie-watching' for this one and although I did not pay, it was worth every penny.

Favorite Reality Show: This is tough, considering that they are all my favorite.

However, I regularly Tivo'd and enjoyed Kimora Lee Simmons: Life In The Fab Lane (Stick Figure Productions). The show proves that a former runway model and former wife of a music mogul can continue on in life after retirement to run a billion dollar trendy fashion enterprise, shop for the most exclusive real estate in this town (Despite having a multi-acre mansion in New York) and be a devoted and loving mother all in the same - now that's 'Fabulosity' (Ah, one can only aspire to such a bling filled existence).

As well as, Flipping Out (Authentic Entertainment)(Jeff Lewis and I have soo much in common - just ask my people).

Of course, friends know that I also really like the show Best Week Ever (Vh1), more current events rather than reality, however I always manage to laugh out loud at least once during the program.

Lastly, honorable mention would be my friends Rob & Big (Mtv) - love these guys.

Favorite Website: Wikipedia, of course. Second place goes to a little friendly game called TV Bigshot (http://www.tvbigshot.com/).

Favorite YouTube Clip: There are a small handful and my favorite last year had to have been Miss Teen USA - Ms. South Carolina - because I have had many, many days just like this... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww).

Favorite Original Series (Scripted): Bionic Woman (NBC). Alright, just as you I had very high hopes for the re-imagined series from yesteryear.

Yeah, I remember watching the original when I was just a young toddler and was horrified to the point where I could not sleep from the episode with Bigfoot and those Fembots without face plates (Not the cheeky Austin Powers version). Perhaps the 2007 version would have been more interesting had they included the unmasked Fembots as well?

Favorite Gift: Anything/Everything Chocolate (Thank you Jay - I will be thinking of you when I am at the Gym).

Favorite Train Wreck: Hey Paula!, I mean Paula "The Gift" Abdul. Well, I admit that I was only able to watch a few episodes of the show when it had originally aired last spring. Ah, and people wonder why celebrities are delusional, paranoid and inept in real world *sigh*.

Favorite Reality Show Villain: Really, this one was tie between Tom Sizemore (Shooting Sizemore) and Danny Bonaduce (Breaking Bonaduce). I always say, there is no worse enemy than yourself.

Least Favorite Reality Show: Yeah, that would be anything with the word "Love" in the title. I do not need to name the specific shows, you know to which ones I am referring.

Favorite Friend: You. Thanks for hanging out with me on this blog.

Here's to a GREAT 2008!

XOXO

Your Own Reality Show

It's amazing, every day (if you are like me) you hear or read of a new reality show. This past week you may have heard that a new socialite, a model, a rapper or a celebrity from past, just signed a deal to star in their own reality show.

Of course since it is my job to know, I hear many, many, many ideas for shows. Some good, some with potential and others WAY out there. On occasion I even wonder who, why and how a particular show is going to get made. More on the "how" as I wonder the dynamics of the story to be told.

15 Minutes of Fame
As a paraphrase of the late Pop Culture Artist Andy Warhol, "In the future everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes". The original 1968 quote was more specific, however most associate a variation of the phrase as "Everyone will have their 15 minutes of fame".

You may have seen the movie Network or The Truman Show and some believe (Myself included) these movies are very prolific to the state of society as it relates to trivialized self-awareness for the consequence of perceived entertainment value.

It's All About Me
In this reality conscious driven society, many have noticed that something unusual is happening...Everyone has become acutely aware of the events of their life being equivalent to a reality show. Not only does everyone (Well, a great number of people) believe they should be in a reality show, they also believe with sincerity that they should be the STAR of their own show.

Quite frankly, there has never been a greater time in television history when so many 'non-actors' have appeared on television (As an active part of the show). Granted, many of the roles are of contestant quality, however in the mind of the participant it is still a valid opportunity to be seen on TV.

Not to discourage anyone contemplating the aspiration of competing on a reality show as a path to stardom, a more realistic thought, how many (aside from American Idol contestants), continue beyond the show and into the life of international celebrity status? Perhaps this will be the subject of a future reality show (Again, you read it here first).

The Big Pitch
No matter where I may be or to whom I am speaking (generally), once my occupation has been revealed, the conversation suddenly becomes an informal pitch session of the reasons why they (person in question) should have their own reality show.

The topic always begins with something like, "You should..."and then it's all downhill from there. Just like the play-by-play calls of a game, I know exactly how the conversation is going to progress and upon hearing the set-up, I will often take a deep breath and smile.

The funny thing is that I am constantly being solicited at the most unusual places (Grocery store, gym, gas station, restaurant...).

Although I am grateful and always intently listen as I am genuinely interested in other people, I often wonder do you think the reaction would be same if I were a Computer Scientist? Would people suddenly begin discussing their computer hardware with me in such an obliging manner? Ah, just being conversational.

More Than Ideas
So, just where do ideas for reality shows come from, you ask? Anywhere and Everywhere. There is not a secret 'think tank' tucked away in the back of the studio lot where all of the ideas are created and implemented.

Creative storytelling...The point of any movie, television program, or even reality show is all about having a compelling story to tell. For example, if you believe that your life would make a good reality show, well guess what - you are not alone. The good news is that there are thousands of others who have lived through similar events within their own lives at one point or another.

Show us something we have never seen...
Tell us what is it about you, your job or life that most people do not know, have experience or have seen (it is the uncommon that is the most interesting).

Further, a great example would be the show, Ice Road Truckers (History Channel). Not many people know (At least I was not aware) of the incredible dangers of such a hazardous job and what it requires. At the heart of the program it is about truck drivers, however the show highlights a unique aspect of the occupation that is relatively not known or seen.

The objective of a reality show (non-competition), shares insight into the commonly unknown. Whether that be a famous (or once famous) celebrity's life, a unique or unusual job, a particular past-time, remember the purpose should always be interesting and insightful.

Now if you are a former model, state beauty pageant winner and professional female wrestler who packs up her Versace dresses because you just got a job as a local TV news anchor at a small town station in the middle of nowhere, without any prior industry experience, in hopes of turning around the station's ailing ratings - You may just have something....

Make Me Laugh...I Dare You

This week we will see the return of NBC's Emmy Award nominated show, "Last Comic Standing" and there will be a few changes to the series for it's 5th season.

First, my MySpace buddy Bill Bellamy will be the new host of the show. Bill (Who is also Shaq's cousin) is a great guy and an underrated talent. This gig will be Bill's first prime-time reality series on Network television. More recently, Bill was the host of "Who's Got Jokes" a clean stand-up 3 minute comedy competition on cable.

Comedic Talent All Over The World

Aside from a change of hosts, there will also be new judges (aka 'Talent Scouts') Kathleen Madigan, ANT, and Alonzo Bodden (Season 3 winner) will scour the country (L.A., New York, Minneapolis, San Antonio, Tempe) and a few international locations (London, Sydney, Australia and Montreal, Canada), in search of the laughable talent.

According to NBC, "It's an unscripted laughfest" - isn't that the best kind? I consider everything to be unscripted and can't recall, aside from a movie, that I have watched anything scripted. Of course, no offense to those who do enjoy watching the pre-planned written shows. How about an unscripted drama? Oops, there I go again saying too much.

Anyway, this American Idol type show will feature auditions, semi-finalists, judges (as previously mentioned), eliminations, viewers who vote for their favorite, and a host.

Notice a pattern here? Well, I hope this obvious highlight will inspire you to create an idea around the basic formula (Call me when you have figured it out).

No Laughing Matter

The grand prize winner will receive $250,000, plus an exclusive talent contract with NBC Universal and his or her own half-hour comedy special on Bravo.

What?! When I heard the prize, I wanted to participate and audition for the show myself, not because of the money, but because YOU GET YOUR OWN HALF-HOUR COMEDY SPECIAL ON BRAVO - what an AMAZING prize!

Of course, my other buddy Kathy Griffin already has "My Life On The D-List", so I guess that's already taken...Oh, you don't understand - I am hysterical, but my sense of humour is more of a dry wit can't you tell? I'm viscerally cerebral in my facetiousness - ah, there goes my inner 'Spock' again, that's what happens when I try to be funny -it just comes out sounding like an encyclopedia.

The show, produced by my neighbors Magical Elves (Top Chef & Project Runway), will air a two hour season premiere on Wednesday night and should be good fun.

Quiet On The Set...

I had just received a phone call from an associate about a new show called, "On The Lot". Well, it's not really a "New" show, but to the viewing public it's going to be fun to watch.

Another Reality Show
Yes. This particular show, co-produced by Stephen Spielberg (The reality show grasp has him now), is about filmmaker hopefuls that will compete against elimination for a grand prize of a million dollar development deal with DreamWorks - already, that's an amazing reward for an aspiring filmmaker. Of course, a million dollars is not much in today's creative landscape, however the idea is that a new filmmaker will be able to get a foot in the door and begin a new dream career.

Over the past several months contestants were encouraged to upload their mini-masterpieces to the website and according to the Fox website stats, there were over 12,000 submissions from more than 30 countries around the world.

Following The Dream
I perused the list of some 50 semi-finalists and just under half are residing in L.A. (Not a big surprise). Further, 40 out of the 50 are already working professionally in the film industry (Again, not a big surprise).

So, does that mean that only people in L.A. knew about the contest? Are people outside of L.A., not working in the film industry, just not interested in a film career? Maybe I am reading more into this than I should, but considering I attended film school in Seattle, Washington, I am always interested in success outside of what would be considered "The norm". Incidentally, there is one contestant on the list from Seattle - make me proud!

The regular one-hour "Idol" style show will feature the movies submitted by the candidates, which could be as entertaining as watching YouTube or AcceptableTV (VH1) for an hour. Then, the next night called the "Box Office" will be the results show - you will also have an opportunity to vote for your favorite flicks, as well.

Will the show be a hit? That's up to you to decide. At any rate, it will provide mainstream exposure for new filmmakers. Sure there is the web, but really can you create a successful career as a movie mogul based solely on the web? TV is where it's at, but I'm biased...

The show will air Tuesday (May 22, 2007) on Fox.