Production Company Asks Public For Next Reality Show Idea

CANADIAN PRODUCTION COMPANY WANTS TO PAY YOU THE VIEWER FOR YOUR BIG IDEAS!

Producers of the mega-hit reality show Love It or List It - airing on W Network in Canada and HGTV in the US – have decided to go to an untapped source of creative concepts for their next reality series – the public. What’s The Big Idea?! is the name of a nationwide campaign to field reality show ideas from people who seldom get the opportunity to pitch their television concepts to the production industry.

"While it’s always the viewers who decide the success of any television program, What’s The Big Idea?! will provide a rare chance for the public to offer up an original reality TV series concept or talent. We are excited to launch this fun campaign and determine if the next reality series gem can be found among the submissions," said Catherine Fogarty, Executive Producer for Big Coat Productions.

In addition to targeting television viewers for concept submissions, Big Coat Productions is also encouraging submissions from individuals aligned within Canada’s entertainment scene, as well as college or university students aspiring to become part of the industry.

Big Coat Productions' What’s The Big Idea?! may very well be a possible launching pad for future reality personalities as the campaign is also inviting the public to pitch themselves or their friends as possible show hosts.

“Viewers decide which shows stay or go as determined by ratings, it makes sense that viewers should also have a hand in helping to create shows. We look forward to engaging with the public, generating some creative thinking and having a fun time throughout the process,” added Fogarty.

Ten years ago Big Coat Productions' CEO and Executive Producer Maria Armstrong came up with the concept for the company’s mega-hit reality series Love It or List It when she found herself having to decide between renovating her current home or selling it.

“A series concept resonates with the audience more when it comes from an experience that is personal. If I’m experiencing it, then someone you know is experiencing it,” Armstrong told Playback Daily in a joint interview conducted with Big Coat Productions president Catherine Fogarty.

Those interested in submitting their show idea or host recommendation are invited to visit the What’s The Big Idea?! Website (wtbi.bigcoattv.com), or the Big Coat Productions website (www.BigCoatProductions.com) where they will find the registration and release forms, along with complete submission information.

If a pitch results in a network order to produce a pilot, the submitter will receive a $2,500 prize, and if a pitch results in a network order for a series production, the submitter will receive $10,000. The same cash prizes will apply for series host submissions. All submissions must include a video presentation of 3:00 minutes or less. Submissions can be made through February 2, 2015 by 5:00PM EST.

About Big Coat Productions

Big Coat Productions is a Gemini Award-winning independent television production company headquartered in Toronto with offices in Vancouver. The company is committed to providing first-rate programming for all platforms developed and produced to meet the entertainment demands of a diverse and ever-evolving audience. Established in 2000 by the company’s executive producing partners Catherine Fogarty and Maria Armstrong, Big Coat Productions has earned global industry recognition for its original programming successes, including the long-running series Love It or List It, which is entering its sixth season and is also franchised in Canada with the equally popular Love It or List It Vancouver currently in its third season of production. Specializing in unscripted entertainment-based programming and documentaries, Big Coat Productions has built its solid reputation on its ability to deliver innovative, adaptive, enduring and engaging productions of the highest quality. Since its formation, Big Coat Productions has forged successful relationships with clients and broadcast partners, always focusing on best practices to consistently meet their specific creative and business needs.