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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a typical role in the creation of a TV series?
Which of the following is NOT a typical role in the creation of a TV series?
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Who typically pays for the cost of making a TV series?
Who typically pays for the cost of making a TV series?
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What is the approximate duration of the entire process of creating a TV series, from step 1 to step 25?
What is the approximate duration of the entire process of creating a TV series, from step 1 to step 25?
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During the pitch phase, executives give notes on the TV show. What do these notes tend to focus on?
During the pitch phase, executives give notes on the TV show. What do these notes tend to focus on?
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Which of the following is true about the pilot script?
Which of the following is true about the pilot script?
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What is the purpose of the treatment in the TV show pitching process?
What is the purpose of the treatment in the TV show pitching process?
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What is the average cost for a 30-minute comedy pilot?
What is the average cost for a 30-minute comedy pilot?
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Which of the following is a recommended tactic for producing a TV series, according to the text?
Which of the following is a recommended tactic for producing a TV series, according to the text?
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What is the main goal of the Television producing course mentioned in the text?
What is the main goal of the Television producing course mentioned in the text?
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What is the consequence of not being bold, according to the text?
What is the consequence of not being bold, according to the text?
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Which of the following is the correct order of steps to create a TV show?
Which of the following is the correct order of steps to create a TV show?
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Which company typically orders a 10-episode series?
Which company typically orders a 10-episode series?
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What is a 'put pilot' order?
What is a 'put pilot' order?
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What happens at the 'Upfronts'?
What happens at the 'Upfronts'?
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Which document provides a comprehensive overview of the fictional world you are building for a TV series?
Which document provides a comprehensive overview of the fictional world you are building for a TV series?
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What is the best way to produce a TV series?
What is the best way to produce a TV series?
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What is the importance of answering the question 'Who will watch it, and why?' early in the TV series production process?
What is the importance of answering the question 'Who will watch it, and why?' early in the TV series production process?
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What is the recommended approach when you lack budget or equipment to produce a TV series?
What is the recommended approach when you lack budget or equipment to produce a TV series?
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Which of the following is NOT a reason why studios and networks use cast-contingencies clauses for TV pilots?
Which of the following is NOT a reason why studios and networks use cast-contingencies clauses for TV pilots?
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What is the purpose of shooting low-budget pilots or "proof of concept" presentations instead of a full pilot?
What is the purpose of shooting low-budget pilots or "proof of concept" presentations instead of a full pilot?
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What happens to a pilot after it is shot?
What happens to a pilot after it is shot?
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What is a series pick-up in the context of TV production?
What is a series pick-up in the context of TV production?
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Study Notes
The Timeline for Making a TV Series
- The process of making a TV series typically takes about 12-16 months, with 25 steps involved.
- The key players in the process are the writer (show-runner), the studio (production division of a media company), and the network or cable company (domestic television distributor).
- The studio pays for the cost of making the series, while the network or cable company contributes by paying a license fee to air the series.
- Sometimes the studio and the network are part of the same company, as media companies aim for horizontal integration.
- The steps in the process include developing the pitch, pitching to the studio, pitching to networks or cable companies, outlining and writing the pilot, getting feedback and making revisions, shooting the pilot, and reviewing and testing the pilots for audience reaction.
- The network or cable company then announces which pilots will receive a series order, and the series is staffed with additional writers and crewed for production.
- The air date is set, and the pilot or first episode premieres.
- Variations in the process include skipping the pilot order and going straight to series production, and ordering a full season of episodes instead of a pilot.
- Common phrases in the industry include "script order," "put pilot," "pilot order," "cast-contingent order," and "direct to series order."
- Creating a TV show involves developing a captivating pitch, writing the pilot script, assembling the creative elements, and producing the pilot.
- The pilot is crucial as it determines the future of the series and has a significant impact on careers, jobs, and finances.
- The team is put together, casting is done, and the pilot is filmed, with a race to complete the production.
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Description
Test your knowledge about TV pilot production costs and strategies with this quiz! Learn why studios and networks use cast-contingencies clauses and how they minimize their financial risks. Discover the concept of low-budget pilots and 'proof of concept' presentations. Find out why most TV shows struggle to recoup their production costs.
