Reality TV Pitch Tapes and Sizzle Reels

What are sizzle reels for unscripted TV, documentaries, and reality programming? They are essentially mini “movie trailers” for your reality TV shows, and a great pitch tape goes a long way to helping you sell a reality show.

What You Need to Know First

When should your make reality tv pitch tapes and sizzle reels? Not for every kind of show, that’s for sure!

How much money should you spend on reality TV pitch tapes and sizzle reels? As little as possible!

What You’ll Find Here

Below are posts and podcast episodes to help you understand the ins and outs of reality tv pitch tapes and sizzle reels. What we look for. What to consider. How much time/money/resources to spend making reality TV pitch tapes and sizzle reels. And some insider tips and case studies from us.

FYI — we started our career making reality tv pitch tapes and sizzle reels for other companies, and sold a lot of shows over the years. So we know a thing or two about this!

Pitch Tape Budgets – Warning: Avoid Traps & Scams

July 12, 2016 by Biagio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:29 — 20.0MB)

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Today’s episode about pitch tape budgets may be the most serious we’ve ever recorded. It includes important tips for anyone who wants to pitch TV shows, but also a warning. We’ve received a cluster of emails in past weeks reporting something that concerns us. Some companies are asking aspiring producers to fork over thousands of dollars. Why? To create pitch tapes or sizzle reels for these producers’ original TV show ideas. Is this legit? Should you consider this? Would established production companies ask you for $30,000 or more to make a pitch tape for your concept? We have important answers for you. You’ll learn the real “why” behind pitch tape budgets. Plus, sizzle reel goals you need to set for yourself, no matter what.

Sizzle Reel Secret: How We Sell TV Shows

March 22, 2016 by Biagio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:12 — 15.7MB)

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It is a truism of reality TV. There’s no better way to sell a show than to produce a great pitch video. Most pitch reels are low-budget. But, even if you have no money there’s one thing you can do to make sure your tape stands out. In fact, we used this secret to sell many TV shows, and give you three actual examples. PLUS: a bonus graphic tip you can’t live without! Here it is: our own secret revealed…

Pro Tip: Awesome Beginnings

May 26, 2015May 26, 2015 by Biagio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:42 — )

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There’s one thing we do on every piece of tape we ever edit — whether it’s a full-blown television episode, or a brand new pitch tape. And it’s never let us down…

Sizzle Reel: Budgets, Investors, and More…

February 16, 2015November 11, 2014 by Biagio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:32 — 12.7MB)

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Should You Get Investors For Your Sizzle Reel? We’ve finally received this question enough times that we realize you want the answer. Forgive us for being slow! Today we spell out our thoughts and give you a bunch of tips to help you decide how much time and money to budget for your sizzle reel — your tool for presenting your TV concept to TV networks and production companies.

What Goes in a Pitch Tape? Should You Make One?

August 3, 2015October 1, 2013 by Biagio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:19 — 17.1MB)

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We’ve talked a lot in the past about making great tape — and how NOT to go broke producing it — but what goes in a pitch tape? How long should it be? What are the must have ingredients? More importantly, should you even make one?