Formatting for 30-minute show, timing etc. at DVinfo.net

John Brinks · June 24th, 2007, 11:12 PM

Hello Everyone,

I am in the process of editing a TV show i put together, and i was just wondering how to format it. I know that there is twenty two minutes of actual show, when the time for commercials is taken out... but i am not sure of how many breaks to include and if any specific tones or bars are needed.

Someone told me that every station has their own way of formatting shows, but that does not seem right to me, if that is the case how would syndicators keep everything in order?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

David Rice · June 25th, 2007, 01:36 AM

During the past 5 years I created two different TV shows. Each show went to 3-5 different Networks/Outlets.

Each Network/Outlet requested the show in "their format".

I created two main show templets. One for commercial TV and the other for Public TV. Then tweaked each show to the individual network/outlet requirements.

Filming, editing, and producing a small television is full of pitfalls. Don't expect the Networks/Outlets to be honest. Some of them prey upon newbe producers. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING.

You will have fun, but you will also get an education.

Good Luck!

John Brinks · June 26th, 2007, 02:57 PM

Thanks for your help,

So every station has their own formatting, what a mess, i guess i will just have to ask everyone what they want.

So, when submitting a pilot for a show, how should that be done... no commercial breaks at all?

Thanks

Jim Montgomery · June 26th, 2007, 05:55 PM

John

Every network has it's own settings. But in general there are 3 commercial breaks spaced as evenly as possible. They can be as short as 2:02 or 2:04. The network may display their logo in the corner of the screen. During those time frames you would not want to run commercials.

When submitting a pilot it is without commercials. Be sure the pilot is the absolute best work you can produce.

Good luck, it is a rough ride but kinda fun.

Jim

John Brinks · June 29th, 2007, 03:55 PM

So, three breaks for a half-hour show... interesting.

Everyone keeps telling me that it is a rough ride to get something on the air... but there must be at least a few success stories out there, I would love to hear them, if anyone would like to share their experiences.

June 24th, 2007, 11:12 PM	#1
John Brinks Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Phoenix Az Posts: 69	Formatting for 30-minute show, timing etc. Hello Everyone, I am in the process of editing a TV show i put together, and i was just wondering how to format it. I know that there is twenty two minutes of actual show, when the time for commercials is taken out... but i am not sure of how many breaks to include and if any specific tones or bars are needed. Someone told me that every station has their own way of formatting shows, but that does not seem right to me, if that is the case how would syndicators keep everything in order? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

June 26th, 2007, 05:55 PM	#4
Jim Montgomery Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Vero Beach Posts: 392	John Every network has it's own settings. But in general there are 3 commercial breaks spaced as evenly as possible. They can be as short as 2:02 or 2:04. The network may display their logo in the corner of the screen. During those time frames you would not want to run commercials. When submitting a pilot it is without commercials. Be sure the pilot is the absolute best work you can produce. Good luck, it is a rough ride but kinda fun. Jim __________________ http://www.billfishadventures.com \| http://www.sfgmedia.com \| http://vimeo.com/2015915

June 25th, 2007, 01:36 AM	#2
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	During the past 5 years I created two different TV shows. Each show went to 3-5 different Networks/Outlets. Each Network/Outlet requested the show in "their format". I created two main show templets. One for commercial TV and the other for Public TV. Then tweaked each show to the individual network/outlet requirements. Filming, editing, and producing a small television is full of pitfalls. Don't expect the Networks/Outlets to be honest. Some of them prey upon newbe producers. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING. You will have fun, but you will also get an education. Good Luck!

June 26th, 2007, 02:57 PM	#3
John Brinks Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Phoenix Az Posts: 69	Thanks for your help, So every station has their own formatting, what a mess, i guess i will just have to ask everyone what they want. So, when submitting a pilot for a show, how should that be done... no commercial breaks at all? Thanks

June 29th, 2007, 03:55 PM	#5
John Brinks Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Phoenix Az Posts: 69	So, three breaks for a half-hour show... interesting. Everyone keeps telling me that it is a rough ride to get something on the air... but there must be at least a few success stories out there, I would love to hear them, if anyone would like to share their experiences.