I
am currently a freelance writer and editor working from home outside of
Philadelphia, PA. Over the last several months, I have been working
very closely with The Format Factory, a creative team headquartered in
Edinburgh, Scotland, developing television formats for global
distribution. Here are some particulars:
What was the assignment?
The Format Factory produces television formats (concepts for television
shows) that could be taken and reproduced globally. An example of a
highly successful TV format (though not one of ours) is "Big Brother."
The original format for that program was created and then sold--and
now airs--in several different countries around the world. I create
formats for The Format Factory and contribute on others.
How did you get the assignment?
A representative from The Format Factory -- posted on Craigslist.com. The
listing had a title like, "Do you have an idea for a new TV show?"
As luck would have it, I did have an idea. I wrote the idea up, e-mailed
it to him, and have been working with him and his company ever since. I
send them my own original format ideas, get feedback on them, and
communicate back and forth until we feel we have a marketable product. I
also assist in developing ideas from other contributors.
Did a time difference affect
your work? The Format Factory is comprised of creative
thinkers from all over the world. I communicate with them solely by
e-mail, collaborating and exchanging ideas via the Internet. Right
now, we have contributors in the U. K. as well as on the east and west
coasts of the U.S.
Usually the time difference is not an issue. When we're approaching
deadlines, however, it does get a little more difficult. When I start
working at 9:00 a.m. in Philadelphia, it's already mid-afternoon in
Edinburgh and our associate in Santa Monica isn't even awake yet!
Overall, it's not a problem. We're all pretty flexible and understand
that, sometimes, we may need to get up a little earlier or go to bed a
little later. I've joked before that, with all of the time zones in
play, we can safely say that The Format Factory NEVER sleeps!
Did you have problems getting
paid? This type of work is generally done with the
understanding that we don't get paid unless an idea sells. Other
companies may offer a small payment up front for format ideas with a
bigger payoff once the show has been developed and sold. While The
Format Factory does not buy ideas outright, they offer a generous
percentage of profits from their sale to those submitting original
ideas. I will also receive a smaller percentage from the sale of
formats on which I've made smaller contributions. After preparing a
large catalog of fresh ideas for a conference that was held last April,
we're still out there shopping our ideas to TV executives. While I have
yet to profit from my efforts, I am confident that I'll have no trouble
receiving payment from The Format Factory.
Has this led to more work?
Yes. I occasionally collaborate on other television projects with
members of The Format Factory. Last week, I was involved in
developing ideas for a military history television series. This
week, I'm helping put together a presentation for an upcoming television
formatting conference in Dublin.
Did it pay better, worst, or
about the same as a U.S.-based gig? I believe the pay
rate is about the same if not slightly better than a similar U.S.-based
gig.
Were there any unforeseen
challenges that others should know about if they choose this type of
work? If you're used to getting a regular paycheck, this
work is not for you. I am in a position where I am able to invest time
in these projects without receiving immediate payment. Another issue,
obviously, might be language barriers. Since we communicate primarily
through e-mail, it's not a problem talking to my colleagues in Scotland.
However, during the one phone conversation I had with them, it
became clear to me why U.S. television programs include subtitles when
the Scottish speak -- even though we were both speaking English, I
couldn't understand a word!
Overall, was it a good or bad
experience? I absolutely love the work I do with The
Format Factory. As a stay-at-home parent, the flexibility has been
great and the creative outlet is invaluable. After being out of the
office for a while, it's wonderful to have a place where my work and
opinions are valued. Should this formatting business take off, this may
very well be my dream job.
©2006
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