Does anyone know about TV production?

[Grumpy Badger]

This may be a strange question, but here goes...

I have an idea for a TV documentary series but have no idea of where to go with it.
I've had a hunt online and a lot of production companies invite ideas, but how do I go about protecting the idea as my intellectual property?
If it was a script or something, I'd lodge a copy with lawyers with the date anoted, but I can't do that since this is just an idea.
Maybe I'm being too cynical, but I don't want to tell a company my idea just to see it on TV a year later with no credit, or cash, having come in my direction.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[TheVTCGuy]

Mark, I have sent plots, scripts, jokes, etc. To television shows and broadcasting companies in the past, (from how many times you have seen my name at the emmy's you can figure out how many of them were accepted... but moving on). This is the advice I was given, (lawers on here please chime in).

The key is documentation, if a company took your idea, (and yes, even an idea counts), and made money off of it by producing, broadcasting, etc. They can be held liable for damages, you have to show they received the idea BEFORE the show was broadcast, you do that by getting it notarized and sending it registered mail. I am sure it is the same type mail system un Europe, but sending it registered, shows the documented date the company received the idea. Also, file a copy of the idea (sealed of course) with either the hall of records, (again, I'm using US terms here) or an attorney. That will prove exactly what the idea is and how the company copied it.

Is this a documentary about little Paul?

[rustedmetal]

I'd also mail a copy of the notarized idea to yourself to keep sealed.

[Grumpy Badger]

Thanks, guys. I'm glad I held off since I could have emailed it to a lot of companies.

I take it the time and date an email was sent in my outbox would be much weaker evidence?

Right... I'll try to write a coherent summary of the idea and send it of to some companies I've noted who have made a similar type of thing in the past.

[speedo]

i am a media lawyer and believe me that format protection is a very slippery territory. i could cite numerous cases re formats, ideas, copies etc. in some countries (france, netherlands) formats are protected in general in some other countries not.

if you decide to sue you have to verify that the format itself is more than a mere idea and the copy is based entirely on your format (no significant amendments, modifications...) you had sent it priorly to the television company than the date of its production (which does not mean shooting but internal planning as well) and many more things i don't have the place to list here (and for which i should start charging... )

the problem is that media companies tend to have more lawyers and more money for a litigation than you do.....

[Explorer 2011]

I reckon my kids will love the "Grumpy Badger Show"

[Grumpy Badger]

Originally Posted by speedo

i am a media lawyer and believe me that format protection is a very slippery territory. i could cite numerous cases re formats, ideas, copies etc. in some countries (france, netherlands) formats are protected in general in some other countries not.

if you decide to sue you have to verify that the format itself is more than a mere idea and the copy is based entirely on your format (no significant amendments, modifications...) you had sent it priorly to the television company than the date of its production (which does not mean shooting but internal planning as well) and many more things i don't have the place to list here (and for which i should start charging... )

the problem is that media companies tend to have more lawyers and more money for a litigation than you do.....

Thanks for the advice, though it is a bit disheartening!

I'm sure most are (at least half way) honest, but it seems a terrible risk to take. Do you think a big corporation like the BBC would be a safer bet than a small independent production company?

Originally Posted by Explorer 2011

I reckon my kids will love the "Grumpy Badger Show"

If it was a show about the life and times of 'The Grumpy Badger' the amount of drinking, swearing and other adult type situations would probably mean you wouldn't be so keen for your kids to watch!
In truth, I'd hope the show would appeal to the whole family!

[Explorer 2011]

I have some bad news Mark...I think someone may have already stolen your idea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep_gUtPMc9A&NR=1

Everybody knows....Badger loves mashed potato!!

[Grumpy Badger]

The weird thing is... I DO love mashed potato!!

[speedo]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

Thanks for the advice, though it is a bit disheartening!

I'm sure most are (at least half way) honest, but it seems a terrible risk to take. Do you think a big corporation like the BBC would be a safer bet than a small independent production company?

i bet they wouldn't even read it, but to be honest i am not that experienced with the british media and know more about the situation in continental europe and oz.

the best idea would be to line up with a production company that likes your format, knows the process, has contacts to the televisions and is taken seriously otherwise as a private person it would be rather difficult for you.

[Grumpy Badger]

That was my thought originally. I just don't know how to get a recommendation of a company I can trust.
I know that TV can be very incestuous. Once you're in, you're in... I just don't know how to get my foot in the door!

[speedo]

i don't know if you can trust them but i know that fremantle media is a great company.
don't know whether your idea suits them or not but ring them up and you'll see. maybe they'll be mesmerized by your talent and idea.
you couldn't really have a better partner for making this happen.

[Grumpy Badger]

Thanks! I'll give them a shout.
I've had this idea on the back burner for a year or two now so I really need to bite the bullet and give it a go. I just know I'd be BEYOND dirty if my idea got nicked!
I suspect the only way I'll mesmerise them is if I learn hypnosis, but it's worth a shot!