Distibuting a Television show...

[airforceguy]

A friend of mine, who is fed up with the business, has 14 seasons worth of a hunting show he shot over the last 16 years, sitting on a shelf collecting dust. Long story short, he has agreed to let me distribute them for him.

I figure it as being a way to gain some experience and credibiltiy so in a couple of months when I am ready to market a project I am currently shooting, I will have a leg up, i.e. contacts.

What type of agreement do I need him to sign?

I was thing about taking 33%-40% as a flat fee. Is this too much?

What should I ask mom and pops stations for? A friend of mine owns a mom and pop station in bum f*#k Louisiana and pays about $600 for a 30 show.

Should I try to get sponsors and buy air time? That's what he did...Fox Sports Net, and a few others.

 

[Allen Green]

In short -you will have to pay for your time. In order to do that you need to sell advertising. I shoot and edit a show called "Property and Ranch Connection" that airs on Fox Sports southwest. We have 6 mins of ad time to sell in :30 spots (three breaks with 4 spots each). I don't know of too many outdoor shows that get paid by the broadcaster to air. Even Bill Dance buys time (if you have worked in the outdoor business you know who he is) So sponsors buying ad time is the model most outdoor shows use.

As far as your deal with him it's whatever you guys can work out- unless he's got plenty of cash you may have to work toward the future (make it on the back side). Be careful if he is a friend - the television business could very easily strain a friendship.
Good Luck
Allen