Distribution : Distribution for a TV Series by Janice Foster

Got some things backward here. After you shoot your pilot, you pitch it to networks and streamers. If one of them picks it up to make then that network or streamer is the distributor. A POC is a solid way to go, less risk. If you shoot a pilot and it tanks, is the backer going to be looking at you to pay them back or are they comfortable with loosing their money with no return?

Thanks so much Lindbergh. A POC is the way I'll go - you know you think, I'll just write this script then yes I can produce it...then you realize what it takes to get it out and wow there's a lot I need to learn....... think I'll join a couple of courses before I shoot the POC.

Janice Foster When you say your backer is willing to “back the pilot,” it might be worth clarifying what that actually means.

Hi Kenneth George, yes you're right, I'm looking into at the moment and I think I'm more suited to writing the series than shooting it. I'm not sure if I want to go into business with the backer. I have an entertainment attorney looking into the contract but there are red flags already. I enjoy writing, so I'll stick to that until I can afford to shoot my own feature.

Janice Foster It really depends on who the backer is — do you have any details? That would influence a lot, especially regarding your involvement beyond just writing. If there's an opportunity to produce as well, definitely consider pursuing it — assuming it’s legit, of course.

Generally, once you have a pilot, the next step is to package it properly then shop it to the key buyers in the space.

Most streamers will base their interest on a pilot script and a series treatment, that is, a brief outline of how each episode develops. They look for the originality of the concept and the characters, and the quality of your writing. You could also include a deck which would make all of this more visual. I wouldn't even shoot a POC.

I would assume you'd pitch the idea first, then get it greenlit and money to make it. Even if there was interest after the fact, a major network would not air what you shot, rather re-shoot it with it's own team. If you're submitting your project to like let's say Tubi or something, then just make the entire thing and if it get's on there, then market it to make some money after the fact.

What is not clear is she does say she has a backer. Maybe an investor? If an investor wants to fund the shooting of a speculative pilot, I am not sure the creator would say no but its extremely risky and a huge gamble by the investor.

Hi Kenneth George, Geoff Harris and Stephen Folker, thanks so much for all your comments they're all so helpful. I have an institution through a third party willing to back this, and I've been in a meeting with a fellow producer here in SA who says to stay clear of it. It's like you mentioned "really risky" as it would seem the money I would receive would be minus a huge chunk but written into the contract so cleverly that you'd think it was legit. I would actually end up with a small amount to shoot with. It's basically fraud and set up so well you'd think you it was all above board. It's really quite scary what some people will do to make money.

I'm not shooting a POC either, I'm going the route that Geoff Harris suggested and am putting together a deck as well. At least I can sleep at night now!

Again, thanks to all of you for being so helpful....I really appreciate your thoughts and thanks to Stage 32 as well.

Janice Foster It's obvious to be cautious.

So many scams prey on creatives. I get so many emails, texts, each day. On here, watch for people with NO BIOS. They say they are producers, financing films, etc.

Someone once said:

"Behind every great fortune is a great crime".

Ever wonder why high budget films cost so much? I have asked that question many times.

Jon Shallit While it might be tempting to label something we don’t fully understand as a scam, it isn’t necessarily one in the usual sense. Some forms of capital come at a very high cost, often involving a significant loss of control or commercial interest in the project. It’s possible to find someone willing to finance a project, but they may require enough control to limit their own risk. She still needs to be cautious and carefully weigh her options before proceeding.

Just my personal experiences. Maybe yours are different.

Jon Shallit of course.