Idea for TV show

[GasBlaster]

Hi all

I have had an idea that I reckon might make for an amusing (well, I think so!) TV game show. I would like to contact a few production companies to assess viability, but don't want them to rip the idea off. This happened to a friend of mine, the TV company said no, then a few years later they made it without paying him a penny! Any thoughts?
Cheers.

[XM5ER]

I had a couple of friends try this a few years ago. They spent too much time and effort on it and got nowhere.

Unless your idea is absolutley groundbreaking then you could well be on a hiding to nothing.

[Don]

An idea is just an idea. Tell anyone at all and, of course, they'll use it if they like it and not pay you a penny.

Because its not worth a penny.

Ideas are only become valuable when they are implemented and shown to work. Intellectual Property Rights associated with them are protected by patent, trade-mark or copyright laws.

If you want your idea to be worth something you'll have to show it will work and protect it somehow.

For example: Perhaps you could invest in hiring enough equipment and expertise to make a "pilot" show. Presumably you could use this to protect the format of the show (talk to a laywer).

You then have a real deliverable to hawk around suitable production companies who might want to "partner" with you to create a series for sale.

So remember: The idea is worth nothing. Its the reality that has a value.

[gazm]

copyright the format - and speak to a few production companies. I know several if you want to email via my profile and I can point you in the right direction.

[steviebee]

Write a précis of your idea and details of meetings you are going to attend. Put this in an envelope together with a copy of that day's newspaper and send to yourself and another pack to your solicitor. When they arrive - put safely to one side and DO NOT OPEN THEM!

Then, when you get to present the concept; use the following letter:


I am now submitting for your consideration the material (“Name”) enclosed under cover of this letter and described in Appendix A hereto.

I understand that it is not your practice to accept unsolicited material for examination, and in order to induce you to do so, I now warrant, covenant and agree with you as follows:

1. I am the sole unencumbered legal and beneficial owner of the Material.

2. The Material is original and does not infringe any rights whatever (including but not limited to copyright) of any person.

3. The Material is not the subject of any assignment, licence, option or other similar arrangement in favour of any third party.

4. The Material has been submitted to you on the understanding that you shall not produce any film or television programme based on the Material unless you have entered into an agreement with me for such use PROVIDED THAT the submission of the Material shall not prevent you from originating, participating in or developing productions which contain similar or identical features or elements to those contained in the Material or from originating, participating in or developing productions which are based on any part of the Material which is not original or is in the public domain.

5. I acknowledge that the submission is not made in confidence, and that it is in my interest that you be allowed to make copies and/or adaptations of the material and discuss it with third parties. I agree that you are not responsible for the actions of third parties (including your employees) unless they are acting in accordance with your instructions. I further acknowledge that I have kept a copy of the Material and that you shall have no liability to me in the event that the Material is lost or destroyed.

I acknowledge that, in the event that you wish to develop any production based on the Material, we will enter into exclusive good faith negotiations concerning your acquisition of rights therein.

Yours faithfully


Good luck!