Produce Reality TV Shows

How do you get started producing reality tv, documentary series, and unscripted programming? It’s a big question! We’ve been able to produce unscripted television for a while now (over 100 hours and counting) and in our effort to give back to you, have a number of podcasts and posts to help you get around the fun, crazy journey that is our career — using our filmmaking talents to produce reality TV shows.

Here’s What You Need to Know First

If you’re going to produce reality TV shows in this day and age, you need to be more than just an “idea” person, more than just a shooter/producer — you need to be a creative filmmaker unafraid to get your hands dirty.

We love meeting aspiring producers who not only want to shoot and/or edit their work, but collaborate with others to make great TV projects.

Whether you want to make films, web series, or produce reality TV shows, if you hope to succeed, you’ll need to come up with great shows, but be willing to reshape those shows as you team up and collaborate with different production companies, networks, or studios.

What You’ll Find Here

Below you’ll find our blog posts and podcast episodes about how to produce reality TV shows. As always, we hope the information helps you on your road to success, and we hope that when you do produce reality TV shows — especially your first endeavors — that you’ll consider teaming up with us!

Uncharted: Jon Kroll Produces Gordon Ramsay Awesomeness

June 24, 2021 by Biagio

Gordon Ramsay in Puerto Rico. (Credit: National Geographic/Justin Mandel)

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Jon Kroll is the man behind some the biggest unscripted TV shows of all time. From Big Brother to The Amazing Race, he’s been in the industry for close to 30 years. (Not to mention he is a mentor to the two of us, and one of the first industry people we ever met. Plus a super nice guy!) Now, he’s here to share his incredible experience producing UNCHARTED. It stars one of the greatest reality TV personalities of all time, famous chef Gordon Ramsay. Oh…and this globe-trotting action adventure cooking show filmed…during a world-wide pandemic. Learn how Jon takes on the impossible, makes shows look larger than life, and works with Gordon Ramsay. Plus a deep dive into his production process, and more. Get ready to have your mind blown.

What Do Producers Actually Do? Ask Our Kids!

July 25, 2020 by Biagio

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For episode 126 we, like you, are stuck in quarantine. It’s turned into a long, hot, “can’t go anywhere” summer. We thought it was time for a little popsicle. One of the questions we get from friends and family members who aren’t in the business is “what does a producer do, anyway?” So we thought we’d ask some special people to give us their opinion…our kids!

Making TV In Quarantine

April 29, 2020 by Biagio

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First of all, we hope you’re doing okay – we know it’s a very strange, sometimes scary and confusing time. It has certainly scared us – especially because we were smack-dab in the middle of finishing a TV series when the shut down happened. We had to figure out how we and a smattering of team members could finish the show…from home. Not as easy as it sounds. Today we take you through the process of making cable TV from your spare bedroom, share how the day to day of the entertainment business is changing, and share what we’ve learned from TV network executives during this time. And, as you know…we always try to look on the bright side of life – even when it’s hard. So we came up with three good things that have come out of this whole mess, and how those might affect you, too. From our quarantine to yours, we hope you enjoy today’s ep. Even if you don’t get to listen, we wish you well and hope you stay safe out there.

2020 Perspective for Filmmakers, Producers, and Creatives

January 30, 2020 by Biagio

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Holy cow, it’s 2020! As we enter our seventh year (!) of the Producing Unscripted podcast, we’re so grateful to all of you who’ve supported us on this journey. With a New Year comes new podcast episodes, beginning with today’s. We’re discussing the big picture of working in the entertainment industry in 2020. Our goal is to help you get to a place where you can balance your life with your work…and figure out how to stay happy all the while. (No, not easy!) We also share our own struggles, explain why we’re taking a new look at what it means to work in this business, offer what we think is your most important key to happiness in this industry, and share the theme that will shape the podcasts we bring you this year.

Our Top 3 Scariest Moments on Set

January 30, 2020October 31, 2019 by Biagio

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It’s Halloween, so pull out your sage, salt, and white candles! Today we’re talking about something truly spooky…our top 3 scariest moments on set! If you’ve been around production of any kind, you know things pretty much never go as planned. And sometimes, those “fun developments” can scare the pants off of you. Here are three very different kinds of “scary” that struck our sets like a witch’s evil spell. How did we survive? Listen now…if you dare!

Getting Engaged to Netflix

September 30, 2019 by Biagio

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Get out the Tim Tams and the Vegemite…cause we’re going down under! Well, actually, the “down under” came to visit us, so we could give you an episode all about working with Netflix. We’re talking with PJ Madam and Tim Noonan (who speak with amazing Australian accents!) They deep dive into the making of their current Netflix series Extreme Engagement, which they created, produce, and star in. How did they sell it? What was it like working with Netflix? What advice do they have for both new and experienced producers? What’s it like to put your relationship up for the world to see…while living in remote villages with indigenous tribes? (Whaaaat????!!!) Plus, we swap some stories about being a couple working together in the industry. Get ready for a jam-packed episode filled with fun, advice, Netflix insights… and an unusual amount of active yeast!

Making Truly Independent TV with Filmmaker Brian Speciale

August 30, 2019August 30, 2019 by Biagio

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It sounds like a myth, or some kind of Hollywood urban legend, but some people actually put their own shows on television by buying airtime and selling ads themselves. They make truly independent TV. How does it work? How much do you have to pay for he airtime? Is it easy to get sponsors for your indie TV show? And of course, is it worth it? Producer Brian Speciale shares his insider information on the process…plus, some great tips for producers.

Make 70 Million Dollars on Shark Tank: Producer Brian Speciale Tells All

July 30, 2019 by Biagio

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Brian Speciale isn’t just special because of his name. Not only is he a great producer, but he used his producing skills to flip the script, get himself cast on a little show called Shark Tank, and score a huge deal. In fact, he’s on track to do $70,000,000 (yes, seventy-million dollars!) in sales this year. But today’s episode is much more than one man’s incredible story. It’s an inspirational look at using the producing or filmmaking skills you already have to think outside the box, find opportunities, and create success. Plus, you’ll go behind the scenes on the set of Shark Tank and learn what it’s like pitching under such pressure. Who knows? You might just go on to find your own fortune after listening to Brian…

Showbiz and Your Mental Well-Being: It’s Just TV…

May 30, 2019 by Biagio

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so on this Producing Unscripted podcast episode we‘re discussing some of the more difficult aspects of working in the entertainment industry…especially on big productions. Anybody who‘s been around it for more than five minutes knows showbiz is an incredibly tough trade to compete in. Pressure is high, and the stakes are, too. Through pop culture we do occasionally hear about the stresses of life in front of the camera. But it’s rare we hear about how those behind the camera stay mentally healthy. In a departure from our usual episodes, we wanted to bring some of these topics to light and share how we do our best to remain happy and healthy during the most stressful of times. We hope these tips help you, or that you‘re inspired to find your own techniques for achieving stability. All that matters is that you find your way to handle the pressures of this industry.

Pat Postiglione: Becoming a TV Personality

March 26, 2019 by Biagio

Detective Pat Postiglione is the star of the new Joke Productions true crime series Deadly Recall. Coming to Investigation Discovery March 5, 2019.

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Are you a producer? Or do you see yourself as on-camera talent? Either way, it’s important to realize the challenges and realities of becoming a TV personality. Pat Postiglione is in the throws of that journey right now. He’s the star and host of the new Investigation Discovery series Deadly Recall – something he still can’t believe. Pat never even considered working in television during his 25+ years as a homicide detective in Nashville. Now, he’s appearing on shows like Dr. Oz, popping up in media everywhere, and carrying a highly rated new TV series for a top cable network. What’s it like? How has life changed? What should producers know when working with first-time talent? And what should potential on-camera talent know about what it’s really like to step into the spotlight? Today, we explore it all in an in-depth conversation, and give behind-the-scenes info to help you in your career…whether you’re a producer or on-camera talent.