What I Did As A TV Show Creator For A Major Streaming Platform

I'm going to share the day-to-day roles I had in creating and executive producing my first unscripted TV show with an A-list celebrity production company for a major streaming platform. 

The list below is based on what I've personally experienced, but is not a definitive list for all TV show creators.

I was heavily involved, as compared to industry standard.

Every creator's role is different depending on the show, the partners, and the contract they are able to negotiate.

Here are 6 ways I contributed to the creation and production of my sports documentary series Surf Girls on Prime Video:

1. Create development & pitch materials

I wrote the pitch deck and filmed the sizzle reel for the show.

My original pitch deck included the following:

• Title Page
• Logline & Synopsis
• Cast & Descriptions
• Stakes & Story Arcs
• Approach & Why Now
• Access
• Calendar of events & competitions

The sizzle reel's total running time was 9 minutes and introduced the world of surfing and the main athletes we were following.

I collaborated with my production partner over the course of 6 months to finalize these creative materials for pitch meetings with streaming platforms. 

2. Identify and select talent & storylines

I selected 5 main athletes to follow in the show. 

My recommendations were based on who had the strongest storylines and personality.

I built relationships with the athletes and the surfing community over the course of many years, which opened the door to multiple options.

Two of the original cast members didn't end up working out, so my relationships came in clutch as I was able to find new, quality talent options quickly. 

3. Direct and liaison talent on set

Because the athletes knew me, I was the trusted bridge between the surfing world and my showrunning/producing team.

My goal was to create a positive environment where the athletes felt comfortable expressing themselves and being authentic, even when cameras are around.

Additionally, I ensured that the showrunning and producing team had everything they needed from the athletes to produce a successful shoot and tell the best story possible.

4. Write interview questions & scenes

I collaborated with the showrunner and producing team to write interview questions and scene work.

Our shoot window spanned over 3-4 months, which allowed us to spend time with our main cast through the end of their competition season.

We conducted two 2.5 hour interviews with each athlete, once in the beginning of our shoot window and once at the end. 

Scene work was spread across the shoot window between events and competitions. 

I provided realistic scene ideas for each main athlete based on their unique lives and storylines.

We ended up shooting 3-5 pre-planned scenes with each athlete and 3-5 scenes pre-planned as a group.

5. Collaborate with the showrunner & other EPs in the field

If you are a first time TV show creator, it is unlikely you will showrun or direct your first show.

But that doesn't mean you can't be involved in an impactful way.

Every day, I would communicate with my showrunner about our creative plan & approach, production schedule, and important decision making in the field. 

Do not expect to be a part of the selection process, often times studios and networks work with showrunners and directors in their network. 

Use this as a learning opportunity. It takes many years to build a reputation.

6. Provide edit direction & feedback

I was heavily involved in the edit, which was a bit unusual for a first-timer.

Typically, executive producers only receive a few versions of each episode to provide high-level feedback on. 

However, I directed episode structure, story beats, and even pulled interview and scene selects to use in the episodes. 

The surfing world is very niche and nuanced, so the team needed me to ensure we were representing the athletes and the sport as accurately as possible.

Action Steps & Summary

Here's the 6 ways I contributed to the creation and production of my first TV show:

1. Develop creative & pitch materials

2. Identify talent & storylines

3. Direct talent on set

4. Write and conduct interview questions & scenes

5. Collaborate with showrunner and other EPs

6. Provide edit direction & feedback