Lesson 2

[Patty Ruland]

(Patty Ruland) Connects to Viewers!

What I learned doing this assignment is the worst of times can be harnessed to help others, and this mission will be central to this show’s premise.

Assignment #2

Considering your own project, overlay the points of access we discussed on your idea to determine how you’re affecting the viewer on a psychological level.

1. Answer these questions about how your show will connect with viewers.

A. What is the emotional connection to the show?<div>

The connection is universal: Everyone experiences poor health; everyone fears the worst. Everyone knows someone who has done both. Many have lost loved ones to illness.

B. How are the characters relatable or non-relatable?

Comedy is one way to deal with tragedy in a way that’s comforting or cathartic.

C.

Medical experts who appear on the show give it credibility and authority. Settings including hospital and rehabilitation facilities put the real in this reality show.

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D. Is there an authentic setting that is uniquely compelling?

Settings including hospital and rehabilitation facilities put the real in this reality show.

E. Do the situations portrayed in your show idea lend themselves to comedy or drama? Are they fun or funny to watch?

Both. When I was in ICU, I cracked so many jokes surgeons told me I made them laugh. Case in point.

2. How do those answers help define your show and how might it connect with the audience?

Just as the MD telethon that ran forever, almost, it will connect and re-connect again and again because it portrays a universal plight we will ALL experience one day.

3. Answer the question, “What I learned doing this assignment is…?” and place it at the top of your assignment.

4. Post your assignment on the ScreenwritingU Forums under Lesson 3.

Subject: (Patty Ruland) Connects to Viewers!

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[Daphne Hughes]

Daphne Explores the Market!

What I learned doing this assignment is to delve deeper into the themes of my shows to better market them for a specific cable channel or streamer that specializes in those same themes.

LESSON 2 – ASSIGNMENT #1

HGTV’s brand is Transformations. Home & Life Makeovers. Major decision making. Creativity and design. The importance of home.

Bravo’s brand is Relationship drama. Female-skewing content. Lifestyles of the rich and famous. Living your dream. Workplace conflict.

ID’s brand is Criminal investigations. Whodunit murder mysteries. Real people, real stories. Emotional stories that evoke disbelief.

ASSIGNMENT #2

1. Using a few key words, characterize your reality show idea: Transformations. Real people, real issues. Emotional struggles. Unpredictable client-staff relationships. Riveting life stories.

2. Let’s dive deeper into your idea, or any idea if you’re not working on a specific one.
A. What’s at stake (the loss or
gain) emotionally, physically, or materially for the characters in my
show?
Literally, their lives are at stake.
Will they kick their substance abuse issues, get rid of toxic
relationships, or learn a valuable job skill and become employed? Or will
their past catch up with them, sending them back to life on the streets? It’s an emotional, physical and economic journey for the characters.

B. What kind of viewer might
enjoy the show? My show will skew toward female and
diverse, urban audiences. It will also attract members of nonprofit
organizations, philanthropists, and faith-based communities.

C. What elements are the most
compelling to watch in my show? The most compelling are the exchanges
between clients and staff as the journey to recovery progresses or declines. Also compelling are the dynamics between clients and their families and friends as they work
to change their lives.

D. What does a viewer learn (or
take home) after watching the show? Viewers will see that homelessness can
happen to anyone. It can be the allure of drugs and alcohol that sends
someone on a downward spiral. Or the loss of a job that leads to a home
foreclosure. Many people are only a paycheck or two away from being
homeless. But viewers will see that organizations like Detroit Rescue
Mission Ministries are in the businesses of providing miracles and hope.

E. What other show
on cable or streaming most closely resembles my show idea? “Intervention” on A&E. “Celebrity Rehab Presents
Sober House” on VH1.

F. On what platform — cable or
streaming — could my show idea fit? Cable

G. On what cable
channel(s) could my show fit? TLC, A&E

• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Daphne Hughes.