Television Production

Behind every successful television program, whether it is a TV series or a TV movie or a TV show, there are always great minds that work for television production. A “creator”, is someone who fabricates new concepts for television; this includes the idea, the characters, normally several crews, and at times a number of “big name” actors. They present it to different television networks, with the hope of finding one who’ll be interested.

After these creators “pitch” there ideas to networks, and a network is interested, this network orders a “pilot”, which is a sample of the episode, movie, or show. Creating the pilot requires the arrangement and team of the entire concept to be put together. If the pilot succeeds with the network, the network then “picks up” the show for a next season show. At times, a television production can be reserved for a “mid-season”, or is requested for re-writes and more reviews; this stage is more commonly known in television production as “Development Hell”. Other times, the network will completely pass on the pilot, leaving the creator of the show forced to show it top other networks. A lot of shows however, never even make it past a pilot stage.

If a show is chosen, then there is an order for a “run” of episodes. Generally, only thirteen episodes will initially be ordered, although a typical series will last for a minimum of twenty-two episodes. The show employs a “stable” of writers, who normally works in parallel, where the first writer concentrates on the first episode, then the second writer for the second episode, and so on. After all the writers are utilized, the task of episodes carries on again with the first writer. On the other hand, other shows have writers working as a team. At times, they develop individual story ideas, and present them to the creator of the show, who puts them together into script and redrafts them.

The television production’s executive producer, who is often the creator of the show, is in control of the show; they select the cast and crew, grants and frequently write plots for the series, and at times write and direct main episodes. An entire host of additional producers of different names works under them, making sure that the show always runs smoothly. The director on the other hand, takes charge of turning the script into a movie, deciding how scenes should be played and placement of cameras. Finally, the film’s various pieces is put together, added musical score, and assembled for a completed show by the editor. After everything has been done, the film is turned over to the network, where it is aired on a specific time slot.

Television production is not an easy undertaking; it needs the great ideas and hard work of creators, as well as the staff that comprises it. However, one successful television production can be gratifying both personally and financially to its producers.