SMO 3: 12 Steps to Producing an Outdoor TV Show (Part 1)

Today, we will dive into the world of Outdoor TV and discuss what it takes to produce, finance, and distribute an Outdoor TV show, using hunting shows as an example. In this podcast, I will reveal the financial details of my experience producing Warrior Pursuits TV on the Hunt Channel a few years back. Will give you the step-by-step process to produce your own show.

I’ll also show you a way to cut the total cost in half when producing a show along with other cost-cutting tips.

Who is this podcast for?

1. Outfitters (add revenue, promote ranch), pro-staff (wanna be on TV), guides, non-profits, veterans.

2. Product Owners - create a hunting/fishing show to highlight your product

3. Service-oriented business - create a hunting/fishing show to highlight your service

What’s the landscape of Hunting TV look like today? There are probably over 1000 shows when you consider Outdoor Ch, Sportsman Ch, Pursuit Ch, Hunt Ch. Regional OTA shows, online shows include Hunting Channel Online, CarbonTV, Gen7Outdoors, All Warriors Network and GONE TV (Great Outdoor Network Ent)- streaming apps, Roku includes MyOutdoor TV, Pursuit ON-demand and channels created by individuals. 

So, with 1000’s of shows from very high end, to a guy with a camera in a tree stand, the first thing you need to ask and answer is WHY?

From time to time I’ll reference the show I produced with Freedom Care Warrior Project called Warrior Pursuits TV.

Step 1: Idea Stage (Before I start asking questions, Warrior Pursuits TV was done basically by 2 people, mostly me. A small team can do this,)

1. Idea  - What is the show about? Why? You need a purpose to commit to because lots of work is required.

Questions to ask in regard to how to get started:

1) Become a prostaff for a major company by winning archery, competitive calling contests etc. 

2) Shoot a top 10 P&Y or B&C animal on film and open doors for sponsorship. 

3) or like the rest of us, get a camera, film your hunts and chase down sponsorship money to pay for production and airtime.

- What's the purpose of creating a show? 
- Can you commit 12-18 months to it? 
- From a business plan to airtime. (You can film later episodes during air time).

- Do you have on-screen talent

- Do you have access to film crew/videographer w/ video/sound/lighting experience (or hire)

 - If it's self-filmed, w/o video production experience, consult professionals for advice.

- Do you have a producer and director of photography?

- Do you have a website for the show?

- Have you researched all the distribution avenues - from online to high-end channels?

Step 1: Idea Stage (cont)

- Do you have access to ranches for the hunts?

- Do you have an idea of what type of game you’ll hunt?

- Have you negotiated prices for hunts - in return for outfitter recognition? Outfitter fatigue (for veterans, ask for discounts not free)

- Do you have a marketing plan?

- Do you know what format the show will have? Interview based, reality TV type (on-camera, speak to action), etc

- Do you have a plan to get funds for airing, distribution?

- Do you have connections with business owners for possible sponsors?

- Team members - need Sales/Promotion types, MOC talent, tech talent - Insurance?

Roles:

- Project Manager (schedule hunts, organize episodes, shows are completed on time, sent to TV show producer, handle finances)

- Sales (get sponsors, network at Hunting Shows, etc)

- Technical - film the hunts, shoot interviews, video editor, sound, prep files to send to the TV show

- Talent- good on-camera, ask interview questions

- What's the end goal? Raise awareness for a cause? Provide entertainment? Other?

Step 2:  Planning (Pre-production) M