6 TV Pre-Production Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Troy DeVolld draws on his extensive experience as a reality TV producer to offer a candid look at the challenges and ethical dilemmas in creating engaging reality programming. This 2nd edition updates readers on the expanding global market and includes practical exercises that sharpen your understanding of the production process. You'll gain insight into balancing creative storytelling with the tough decisions producers face behind the scenes. If you're involved in TV production or curious about the realities beyond the camera, this book provides an unvarnished view that helps you navigate the complexities of the genre.

After analyzing the tumultuous journey of a network television pilot, Daniel Paisner offers a rare glimpse into the complex world behind the scenes of TV production. The book unpacks the fate of a 1990 sitcom pilot developed by acclaimed producers Bruce Paltrow, Tom Fontana, and John Tinker, revealing how initial creative promise can unravel amid network pressures and unpredictable decisions. You’ll gain insight into the intricate process from concept to cancellation, understanding the unpredictable factors that influence a show's success or failure. This narrative suits anyone curious about the realities of television production, especially those interested in the pilot-making process and industry dynamics.

This tailored book explores the essential phases of TV pre-production with a focus on your unique background and goals. It covers everything from concept development, script breakdown, and casting to scheduling, budgeting, and legal considerations, all woven together in a way that matches your specific interests. By examining these core elements with customized detail, the book reveals how each step builds toward a smooth production start. This personalized approach helps you grasp the complexities of TV pre-production without wading through unrelated material, making the learning experience efficient and directly applicable to your path in the industry.

Drawing from his extensive experience as an entertainment attorney on over a hundred film and TV projects, Paul Battista co-authors this guide to the nuanced world of reality television contracts. You’ll find detailed explanations of contract terms, negotiation tactics, and practical checklists that clarify the roles and rights of everyone involved—from talent to producers. Notably, the book breaks down complex legal language into accessible insights, making it especially useful if you’re an attorney entering the reality TV space or a producer aiming to secure fair deals. Its focus on real contract examples helps you grasp the intricacies behind the scenes, though it’s less suited for casual fans or those outside the industry.

The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System emerges from Donna Michelle Anderson's extensive two-decade career as a writer, producer, and showrunner in nonfiction television. You’ll learn how to develop original reality TV concepts, attach key talent, estimate budgets, and pitch effectively to networks and partners. The book breaks down these complex steps into ten manageable parts, providing concrete frameworks like budgeting ballparks and content crafting essentials. If you’re aiming to carve a career in reality TV creation or want to understand what makes a reality show sellable, this guide offers practical insights drawn directly from industry experience.

Linda Stradling's decades of experience as a production manager and educator inform this guide, making it a must-have for anyone involved in the organizational side of TV and film. You’ll gain concrete skills in budgeting, scheduling, contracts, and team management, grounded in real industry practices rather than theory. The book also dives into essential people skills and ethical considerations, offering a well-rounded view of what the role demands. Whether you're coordinating a shoot or managing rights and insurance, this book lays out the processes clearly, helping you build confidence in handling complex productions.

This personalized book explores the essential phases of TV pre-production through a tailored lens that matches your background and goals. It focuses on rapid, actionable steps to help you confidently plan and launch TV projects within a 90-day timeframe. By aligning expert knowledge with your unique interests, the book guides you through script development, budgeting, scheduling, and talent coordination in a way that feels accessible and relevant. With its tailored insights, it reveals how to manage complex logistics and creative challenges to keep your production on track and aligned with your vision. By concentrating on your specific objectives and current skill level, this tailored guide fosters efficient learning and empowers you to navigate the intricate world of TV pre-production with clarity and confidence.

Donald Ian Bull draws on over two decades of hands-on experience producing and directing reality television shows like The Real World and Project Runway to demystify the demanding craft of reality TV production. This handbook breaks down the roles of field producers and directors, explaining how to capture authentic scenes and shape them into compelling narratives through editing. You'll gain a clear understanding of the mindset and skills necessary to succeed in this genre, including the challenges of shooting real-life unscripted moments without fakery. If you're aiming to work behind the scenes in reality television, this concise guide offers practical insights from someone who has navigated the industry firsthand, though it may be less suited for those looking for broader TV production theory.