Pitching a Killer Show

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPuni2FtKAY[/youtube]

Here‘s the pitch

A few months ago, Kevin Curl, friend and TCA grad came to us with a question – could we train a woman he found in NY who might contribute to his fledgling webcast network, Future Dog.

Her name was Sophie Denis.

Before I would talk to her, I googled her.  Sophie Denis, you find on Google, is the youngest woman ever to have climbed Mt. Everest.

“Is this the same Sophie Denis”? I asked.

It was. So I called.

We met.

She had not only climbed Everest, she was now about to attempt an assault on K2, the world’s second highest peak and the world’s most difficult climb.

Only 8 women have ever attempted K2.

Five died in the attempt.

Sophie Denis is a good bet to succeed.

But what I also saw was a TV show – a imited run series with a live video feed as she goes up the mountain.

We worked out the legal details and created a pitch reel – above.

We’re starting to send it out tomorrow.

National Geographic, Discovery, OWN, A&E – you name it.

I think it’s a really interesting opportunity.

And a whole lot more exciting than Cupcake Wars.

Michael Rosenblum

For more than 30 years, Michael Rosenblum has been on the cutting edge of the digital video journalism revolution. During this time, he has lead a drive for video literacy, and the complete rethinking of how television is made and controlled. His work has included: The complete transitioning of The BBC's national network (UK) to a VJ-driven model, starting in 2002. The complete conversion of The Voice of America, the United State's Government's broadcasting agency, (and the largest broadcaster in the world), from short wave radio to television broadcasting and webcasting using the VJ paradigm (1998-present). The construction of NYT Television, a New York Times Company, and the largest producer of non-fiction television in the US. Rosenblum was both the founder and President of NYT TV, (all based on this paradigm (1996-1998). The President and Founder of Video News International, a global VJ-driven newsgathering company, with more than 100 journalists around the world. (1993-1996). Other clients include Spectrum News, Verizon and CBS News.

6 Comments
  • kenny January 21, 2011

    Well, it’s certainly high concept and obviously an incredible story, so it’s no wonder you’ve garnered interest. Congrats! Can’t wait to see it.

  • kenny January 20, 2011

    WHAT she’s doing is incredible. I’m hooked on the concept. And she’s obviously a driven person. But (and this is coming straight from TCA class and YOU) where’s the character? Is there any footage of here anywhere actually talking? This is, like, rule number one in the Rosenblum handbook, isn’t it? Character? I don’t see it here.

    She’s cute and apparently not camera shy, but we don’t know who she is. If you can make us fall in love with her (with her personality) then we want, no – NEED her to succeed. I think that it’s a billion times more compelling.

    And actually, I don’t like Cupcake Wars, I like Ace of Cakes. Why? Better characters.

    • Michael Rosenblum January 21, 2011

      You may be right here, but I am not making a series or even a short piece – this is a sales tool. All I want this to do is make the person watching it pick up the phone and call me. so far, that seems to be working.

  • Violeta January 18, 2011

    Great pitch. Good luck!

    I thought I heard in the video that 3 women died (going down), but in the text said 5 women died attempting the climb. Not necessarily a conflict if 2 died up and 3 down, but I thought you may want to clarify.

    • Michael Rosenblum January 18, 2011

      Nice catch, fixed it, thanks

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