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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!
The Netflix Dream?
Let’s call it like it is: a lot of people would trip over themselves to produce and star in their own Netflix show. That is a dream that came true for Tim Noonan and PJ Madam. They’re making Extreme Engagement for the behemoth streamer.
In the series, they put their relationship through extreme love rituals…in remote villages…with indigenous tribes! Netflix airs the unscripted experiment around the globe, and Tim and PJ are now known world-wide.
Tim and PJ unpack a lot, from the struggles of developing new projects to the pressures of suddenly being in the eye of every Netflix subscriber on earth. Some of what we discuss today:
- The development process at Netflix, and what it’s like getting notes from the streaming giant
- The surprising length of the pitch tape that sold the Netflix series
- Creating content with no commercials on streaming platforms vs multiple act breaks on network and cable television
- Filming in remote villages where cameras rarely visit…if ever
- Being vulnerable on camera, even when you feel like it makes you look bad
- Receiving world-wide praise…and criticism
- The problems with “fake it till you make it”
- Working closely with someone you know well – whether in romance or friendship
- Tim’s take on the difference between shows that make it and shows that don’t
- Pressures of doing “free work” when developing a new series
- Huge financial risks when running a production company
- Why we switched from theater to television
- The hardest three months of Joke’s life (by far!)
- The strangest thing we’ve ever tasted
- And…why do we keep hitting ourselves in the head with a hammer?
It’s Netflix Plus!
If, like most filmmakers and artists, the idea of having your own show on Netflix is appealing, this episode is for you. Get the inside scoop on the process Tim and PJ went through, and pick up tons of tips from their spot-on advice. They’re very open about everything, talk straight, and share some brutally honest stories. Hit that giant “PLAY” button at the top of the page to listen now – maybe your Netflix series will be next.
Helpful and Related Links
Make sure when you develop shows you don’t go broke! And be sure you develop wisely.
The stresses of making a film or TV show can be a huge burden (as Tim and PJ point out!) Check out these weird tips about surviving production, and this episode about taking care of your mental health.
If you sell a show, you’ll be dealing with network execs who have their own ideas about your project. Here’s everything you need to know about network notes.
As Tim and PJ discuss, it can be really hard for a new producer to get their head around how the business works. Check out our free ebooks How to Pitch a Reality Show and Unscripted Television: 100 Tips for Success. Once you do, you’ll be miles ahead of the competition.
On Twitter? Us too! Reach out to @JokeAndBiagio – we do our best to reply to all tweets (but it can take time if we’re in production!)
Let’s Make Some TV Together
Whether you’re a new or experienced producer, we started this podcast to meet and team up with talented people of all levels. Think you might want to pitch to our company Joke Productions? Here’s what to do next: