Networks are in process of greenlighitng pilots. They announce these with press releases that various industry websites reprint. Once upon a time pilots were driven by writers. They created the shows and produced the shows… all by themselves. Networks dealt with them because they had experience and proven talent. Networks knew they were in good hands. And they produced some monster hits.
Unfortunately, in success these writer/producers made tons of money. That was unacceptable. Everyone wanted in on the payday, whether they really contributed or not. So now things have changed… as reflected in these press releases.
This is a typical article you see on these show business websites:(
3 letter network) has given a pilot green light to (
name of project), a single-camera comedy from (
star of former sitcom’s) company (
cutesie title) in association with (
former agent now non-writing producer) and (
star of former sitcom’s manager) for (
studio owned by 3 letter network). (
Star of former sitcom) will not appear in the series but her brother (
actor who can’t get arrested) will have a featured role and co-produce.
The show was created by (
writer of star's former sitcom), based on a popular (
European country) sitcom, created by (
European writer) who will also serve as executive producer.
(
Former agent now non-writing producer) says: “(
European writer) has a strong singular voice even though it’s in another language.”
(
Director of hit sitcom from six years ago) will direct and executive produce along with (
director’s manager) who is president of director’s (
another cutesie title) production company.
(
Star of current sitcom sure to be cancelled, probably because of him) is in negotiations to star along with Kim Raver.
(
Name of project) is about a (
person of diversity) living in a neighborhood of (
different diversities) and the return of her long lost father who shows up with his new wife (
former movie star who two years ago would be insulted if you offered her a TV role). (
Former movie star) is also executive producer.
(
Name of project) is a (
major talent agency) package brokered by (
major entertainment law firm).
This is the third single-camera comedy pick up for (
3 letter network), the eighth for (
non-writing producer), and third for Kim Raver.
Yes, that’s a lot of people, and if the pilot doesn’t go – which one do you think everyone will blame? Yep.