Reality shows have become a staple of modern television, and producing one involves a considerable amount of time, effort, and money. One of the most significant decisions a producer must make is whether to self-produce the show or invest in a sizzle reel to pitch to networks. Each approach has its own set of pros and cons, and in this blog post, we’ll explore them in more detail.

Self-Producing:

One advantage of self-producing a reality show is that you have complete creative control over the content, format, and overall vision of the show. This can be an advantage if you have a clear idea of what you want the show to be and want to maintain creative control throughout the production process. Self-producing also allows you to keep costs low by avoiding the fees and expenses associated with pitching to networks or hiring a production company to create a sizzle reel.

However, self-producing has some drawbacks as well. Without a network or production company to help promote your show, it can be challenging to get it in front of a large audience. This can limit the show’s overall success and profitability. Additionally, self-producing a reality show requires a considerable amount of time, effort, and resources. Without a production company or network to provide resources and support, it can be difficult to produce a show that meets industry standards. Finally, networks may be hesitant to pick up a self-produced show because they may question the quality and legitimacy of the production.

Investing in a Sizzle Reel:

An alternative to self-producing is to invest in a sizzle reel, which is a short promotional video that showcases the potential of the show. A well-produced sizzle reel can help attract network interest, showcase the show’s potential, and increase exposure to a wider audience. Working with a production company to create a sizzle reel can also lend credibility to your show and increase its chances of being taken seriously by network executives.

However, investing in a sizzle reel can be expensive and may not lead to a network picking up the show, making it a potentially risky investment. Additionally, when working with a production company, you may have less control over the creative direction of your show, which could result in a final product that doesn’t fully align with your vision. Finally, if a network does pick up your show, you may have less potential for profit since you’ve already invested a significant amount of money in the sizzle reel.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the decision to self-produce or invest in a sizzle reel depends on the specific circumstances of the show and the goals of the producer. While self-producing provides creative control and lower financial risk, investing in a sizzle reel can increase exposure and lend credibility to the show. Ultimately, both approaches have the potential to lead to a successful reality show. Producers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each approach before deciding which one is right for their show.