Thursday, June 20, 2013

Fishbowl Has Partnered With Fullscreen


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             America’s Funniest Home Videos has been entertaining people since before I came to this earth. Personally, each time I happen to watch an episode, I either laugh to the point where I almost pee my pants or I feel a weird sensation of pain whenever something messed up happens to someone.
          
            Anyway, this blogpost is dedicated to the show, Fishbowl Worldwide Media, and the perks that social media and technology have had on television.

            It was recently announced that Fishbowl (I had the pleasure of working for this company back in September on Upload With Shaquille O’Neal) has partnered with Fullscreen, a company that operates YouTube channels that reach over 35 million viewers a month in the country. Fullscreen will work on rebuilding and rebranding the current AFV channel and targeting a younger audience (that’s a good idea, cough cough). The channel currently has fewer than 30,000 subscribers and it was launched a year ago.

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            "We are very excited to be collaborating with Fullscreen to market, engage and reach new audiences on YouTube," says Bruce Gersh, CEO of Fishbowl.

            This is a good move by Fishbowl, considering that besides producing content for digital platforms, there is a big demand for “funny” videos on YouTube. It will be a great way to interact with younger audiences and have a bigger following. I’m wondering if the show will keep airing on TV considering the success of the online platform. What are some funny videos you enjoy watching on YouTube?

With Shaq on the last day of shooting

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Q&A With Supervising Producer Troy DeVolld

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             Troy DeVolld is an Emmy nominated Supervising Producer of reality television. Some of his credits include The Osbournes, The Surreal Life, Dancing With the Stars, Basketball Wives, among many more. Also a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Nonfiction Writers Caucus of the WGA West, DeVolld has shared his experience by lecturing on the genre around different schools and seminars, and is also the author of Reality TV: An Insider’s Guide to TV’s Hottest Market.

            If you visit my blog consistently, you probably know by now that I enjoy researching trends on this rapidly growing genre and writing about some of the shows I watch. As someone who aspires to someday be a part of great shows, it was my pleasure to read Troy’s book and learn from his experience. The book does an outstanding job giving detailed information on the three stages of production, the genres among the genre, history, and advices for getting out there.

            I reached out to Troy and I feel honored to include a Q&A on this blogpost. I hope you find it interesting and don’t forget to get your copy of the book by clicking here. It is eye opening in a humorous way, and if you’re considering working in this field, it gets you even more excited to do so. Beth Bohn, a talent and literary agent from Bohn Management says it is “A ‘must read’ tool for anyone considering a career in this genre.”

What motivated you to write the book and what was your biggest learning experience while working on it?  

I WAS TIRED OF GOING INTO BOOKSTORES AND FINDING 50 BOOKS ON SCREENWRITING AND NOTHING ON REALITY TV PRODUCTION.  IT'S A HUGE MARKET, AND MUCH EASIER TO CRACK THAN SCREENWRITING, SO I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE A SORT OF HANDBOOK FOR THE GIG.
THANKFULLY, MY PAL RIC VIERS (AUTHOR OF “THE SOUND EFFECTS BIBLE”) AGREED, AND INTRODUCED ME TO MY PUBLISHER, MICHAEL WIESE, AND HIS RIGHT HAND GUY, THE AWESOME KEN LEE.

Which shows do you prefer watching and working on? Competition or docu-series?  

IT REALLY DEPENDS ON THE SHOW.  I'VE HAD LOADS OF FUN ON BOTH SIDES OF THAT DIVIDE, AS WELL AS SOME PRETTY STRESSFUL FLOP EFFORTS. DOCU-SERIES, WHEN IT'S GOOD, IS THE GREATEST.

What is the biggest mistake you see being made by people who are barely starting in the industry? How can this be avoided?  

EVERYBODY WANTS TO COME IN AS A CREATOR.  WHEN YOU'RE JUST STARTING OUT AND HAVE NO CREDITS, IT'S REALLY TOUGH TO GET PEOPLE ENROLLED IN YOUR IDEAS.  NOT THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN, BUT IF YOU PUT IN THE TIME, IT'S MUCH EASIER TO GET MEETINGS FIVE OR TEN YEARS INTO A CAREER WHEN YOUR RESUME IS PACKED OUT.  LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, "START AT THE BOTTOM" IS SOUND ADVICE.  AGAIN, ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE.  I'LL NEVER SAY YOU CAN'T DO SOMETHING.

What is your biggest accomplishment or highlight of your career?

I'M VERY PROUD OF THE TV WRITERS SUMMIT LECTURES I'VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS.  VERY FEW PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT OR TEACHING REALITY TV PRODUCTION, AND WE'VE BEEN VERY WELL RECEIVED SO FAR.

You've been working on reality television for a little over a decade. How has the genre changed these past ten years with the addition of social media and advances in technology?

IT'S FUNNY IN THAT THERE'S SO MUCH EXTRA STUFF TO DELIVER.  “BASKETBALL WIVES” HAS AT LEAST TWO EXTRA SCENES OR ADDITIONAL CONTENT POSTED AT VH1.COM FOR EVERY SINGLE EPISODE.  OUR SHOW WAS ACTUALLY THE FIRST REALITY TO BE RANKED THE MOST SOCIALLY ACTIVE IN THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.  ONLY “FAMILY GUY” WAS AHEAD OF US OVERALL IN TERMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA VOLUME (DERIVED FROM AGGREGATE NUMBER OF TWEETS, POSTS, AND OTHER MEASURING METHODS).  YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT SHOWS AS A LARGER EXPERIENCE.  VH1'S MARKETING PEOPLE ARE TREMENDOUSLY GOOD AT PROMOTING THEIR PRODUCT.

Where do you see reality television going in the next decade?  

WE'RE ALREADY STEERING AWAY FROM THE MEAN-SPIRITED SHOWS WE SAW SO MUCH OF IN THE PAST DECADE, I THINK.  I HOPE WE HAVE MORE SHOWS THAT REALLY PROMOTE CURIOSITY ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE AND CULTURES. “ ANTHONY BOURDAIN: NO RESERVATIONS” IS A TRAILBLAZER... GIVE ME MORE STUFF LIKE THAT, PLEASE.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now? Are you curious about exploring other areas of the industry such as documentaries or film?

I'VE ALWAYS LOVED MOVIES, BUT I THINK IT'LL BE A LATER-IN-LIFE THING FOR ME AND THAT I'LL DO IT AS A PRODUCER RATHER THAN A WRITER, AS I'D ALWAYS THOUGHT I WOULD WHEN I WAS YOUNGER.  I'M IN THE PREPRODUCTION PROCESS WITH MY FIRST DOCUMENTARY FILM, “REMEMBER, WE'RE NOT HERE,” EVEN AS I WRITE THIS.

I've been writing a lot about singing competitions recently and how they're losing their essence and audience. What do you think is a key ingredient(s) to keep these shows fresh and give them more originality without getting too distant from their roots?

STOP ENCOURAGING BLAND POWERHOUSE PERFORMANCES WITH NO RESPECT FOR LYRICS OR EMOTION.  GO FIND SOME SOUL.  GET ALLEE WILLIS OUT THERE LOOKING FOR THE BEST UNDISCOVERED SOUL SINGERS, I SAY!

Friday, June 7, 2013

It's All About Characters and Content

             There is a study I read that came out last year that said that 75% of people in Los Angeles who work on film or television are hired on reality shows. That says a lot about the rapid growth of this genre and its demand by audiences. Such demand requires producers and investors to seek high-quality projects that have strong stories and interesting characters. “It’s all about characters and content,” says Scott Manville, founder and president of the TV Writers Vault. With over fifteen years of experience, Manville has extensive knowledge in the development and pitching process. He decided to found his company to aid up-and-coming and even established writers with the process.
            “For buyers, it’s all about who could be the next Millionaire Matchmaker or Dog The Bounty Hunter,” says Oliver Bogner. The 19-year old (yes, you read correctly) executive producer will have twenty-two credits for different networks by the end of 2013, currently works at Relativity Television and Fremantle Media (American Idol, America’s Got Talent), and is a student at Chapman University. Bogner is constantly on the lookout for new shows, as stated on his Twitter profile, “PITCH me your show ideas – big characters doing big things is what I want.” TV Writers Vault has been a useful tool for him to hunt for new shows. Manville’s company has gone on to produce and air two new reality series and has expanded to foreign markets.
            Manville also realized the critical focus on unique characters and outstanding locations, therefore he developed and launched castmyreality.com with Steve Santini, a TV star and author. "They want individuals and families with lifestyles and professions that are fun to watch. Every week we have people connecting with Producers, and every day Producers are at the site scouting new show ideas,” Manville says about the company.
            These are very motivational stories without a doubt. I didn’t know about Bogner prior to working on this blogpost for a Business Plan Development class, but I know I’ll keep an eye on this inspiring figure. There are a couple shows that come to mind that have interesting characters, places, and content, they include Preacher’s Daughters and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. What are some shows that you watch or know about that have these factors?








Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Take Me Home



            
             If you usually read my blog posts, then the name Famor Botero might ring a bell. If this is your first time visiting my blog or you simply don’t remember, I wrote a post about Banned4Life and the involvement of Botero with an upcoming documentary about the non-profit and the work they do. Speaking of documentaries, I had the pleasure of attending the Miami premiere of Take Me Home this past Sunday. Botero’s documentary is about the homelessness problem in Orlando, Florida.

            The project took almost two years to complete and all I can say is that it was worth taking the time to finish it properly. Based on personal experience while working on Vicissitude, my documentary on the impacts of the drug-related violence in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, I understand the need to be patient and take the time that is needed to make sure the final cut is the best it can be.

            Take Me Home is eye-opening as not many people are aware of this issue that is hardly ever talked about. Botero presents his piece in a very respectful and personal way, serving as a vehicle to the main characters. The passion that was put into it is transmitted trough the screen, and one can’t help but be grateful to have a bed under a roof to sleep in every night.

            The premiere took place at The Hoxton and was packed by an energetic and amiable group of people that consisted of industry professionals, businessmen, and family and friends.

            The night kicked off on a right note as drinks on the house were provided and people mingled. Later on, Carolina Betancourth (Nuestra Belleza Latina) introduced the documentary and the show got started. There was a Q&A after the movie, which included Botero, two of his crew members, and Rick, one of the homeless characters. After an emotional discourse, the crowd stayed for a bit longer and then called it a night, making the premiere a memorable event.

            The documentary has reached some milestones, such as the humanitarian award at the OLA Film Festival. Botero will be presenting his project in Washington and it will be screened at some festivals in the future. As a filmmaker myself, I can only wish that Take Me Home reaches as many people as possible and starts creating dialogue among people. Feel free to view the pictures of the event below, and share this blog post with your contacts to raise awareness. I will write updates on the project’s status as time goes by. Thanks for reading!





Botero with Rick and guest

Actor Cristian Carabias and guests




Botero and editor Allen Pulliza

Botero and I



Botero and his family

Botero with Malcolm Gianella and guest

Botero and Carolina Betancourth




Designer Juliana Rojas





Carolina and I

Botero and Cristian Carabias





Ricardo Ramos Copyright 2013

Click here to view the pictures on my Facebook portfolio. Feel free to tag yourself!





































Monday, June 3, 2013

Stages Plus



             So, this week I totally got out of my comfort zone in a way. A few weeks ago I decided to go on a reliable and trustworthy website known as Craigslist and happened to run across a job that caught my attention. The Orlando-based company is named Stages Plus and they pretty much set up stages for all sorts of occasions such as fashion shows, weddings, and conferences. I decided it was time to get another job for the remaining two months and a half I have left in Orlando, and try something that would teach me new things.

            I interviewed on Tuesday, had training on Thursday, and worked almost twenty hours between Friday and Saturday. We drove all around central Florida to build or strike different kinds of stages. The most interesting one was a 4x12 stage we set up at a hair product expo at the convention center. It was for a company from Panama named “True Keratin.”



            At first I felt like I was getting out of my comfort zone because of the industry and also because I'm not used to getting my hands dirty (literally); however, I proved myself wrong. This job is very similar to being a set PA. Besides being very physically demanding (I woke up yesterday with a kind of soreness I had never felt before), it requires making decisions quickly on the spot, attention to detail, communicating, and a big smile. I believe that even though this job is not strictly related to my industry, it still falls under the entertainment category and is giving me a new kind of experience.