Developing Formats

Master Class #2 2015 – “DEVELOPING FORMATS”

Think It. Build It. Tweak It. Sell It. Again and Again.

OVERVIEW

Thirty years ago, TV formats consisted of a few studio game shows like ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Price is Right’. In the intervening decades TV formats spawned reality shows and became the huge money making power houses that generated billions, built mega multinationals like Endemol and Fremantle and made multi millions for their creators and producers. During this time genres of programming in formats changed to include all sorts of things like singing competitions and cooking. At the same time platforms changed to cover online and mobile apps.

Now, when we look at developing formats across different genres, platforms and screens the process of developing new content is akin to creating tomorrows global entertainment brands. But against the dazzling possibilities some things remain unchanged – smart individuals with unique ideas can create smash hits and trigger substantial pay outs. During four full days in Berlin, this Master Class will explore the core skills and business savvy needed to create, refine, develop, commercialize and protect great ideas as they are taken from concepts to format hits.

“I am so excited that we are having this crucial EMC on Creativity and Development of Formats in Berlin this September. Just as the TV industry has exploded to become all sorts of content creation in the last five years, so Berlin has morphed into one of the amazing innovation centers of the world. Berlin’s, creators, composers, inventors and entrepreneurs are mixing their energies and accomplishments to add up to a greater, city-wide creative whole. The four day module will explore reliable ways to spark idea creation and how to protect the delicate, first, flickering flame of a concept as it grows into a more robust and established format. Berlin’s EMC will provide a blast of thoughts and practical techniques that will send everyone away smarter and more stimulated than when they arrived.”
- David Lyle, EMC Faculty Director

CURRICULUM

September 10: DAY #1 – TRENDS & NEEDS

DEVELOPING FOR WHAT THE AUDIENCE WANTS
THE JOURNEY OF AN IDEA: How to get from an original thought to a saleable format
TREND WATCH: What’s Hot, What’s Not – On Air & Online
BIZARRE TV: Weird, Wacky & Wonderful Shows From Around The World
/CLUB HOUR/

SEPTEMBER 11: DAY #2 – CREATIVE THINKING

THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
CREATIVE THINKING: Triggering Ideas
RAPID PROTOTYPING: Mapping, Visualising & Piloting Ideas
ENTERTAINMENT SCIENCE: Minimising Risk & Maximising Success In Format Development
BRAND THINKING: Building Online Channels
/CLUB HOUR /

SEPTEMBER 12: DAY #3 – THE PRODUCT

DEVELOPING FORMATS AS BRANDS
LOCAL ROOTS, GLOBAL REACH: Is There a Universal DNA of Comedy?
YOU KNOW HOW: Writing The Bible
HOW TO PROTECT IT: Copyright – Or Right To Copy
/CLUB HOUR /

SEPTEMBER 13: DAY #4 – INSIDE THE BUSINESS

MANAGING THE CREATIVE BUSINESS
CREATING COLLECTIVELY: Managing Creativity & Creatives
GAME ON: The Art Of Pitching Game Shows
THE REAL DEAL: Understanding The Business Of The Format Business
/CLUB HOUR/