Discovery Channel's Producers Portal.... Any experience?

Good Day,
I have a great idea for a 1 hour tv show and am looking into the Discovery Channels Producer Portal and am wondering if anyone has dealt with them before? I am trying to get a sense of what their hot spot is regarding budget, etc. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Tim

You can't copyright the idea, just the specific execution of it. Console yourself that you are getting hired for the mind that comes up with the ideas, rather than the specific ideas themselves.

Because your stuff WILL get stolen some day, and more than once. I had a client I negotiated with for a package deal turn my creative pitch down and then try to execute one of my ideas a month later, on their own, no attribution or consideration for me, but the cheaper guy they used for the spots hadn't done any of the background legwork I had, so his take on my concept was pretty weak, and it didn't work out. Had they not gone out of biz shortly thereafter, and had they come back to me to make it work, I would have had words about it with them.

Yes, you're taking a huge chance when you sign off on one of these. One of many reasons the system is kind of set up in such a way that everybody is driven to work thru a small handful of pre-approved "inside track" production organizations to get access to the big time; you want to be taken under the wing of an established partner who will maybe not steal from you too badly, on the assumption that a fractional ownership of *something* is worth more than complete ownership of *nothing*.

I entered a reality show idea into the Producers Guild of America's Producers Showcase competition this year, and it was one of the five semi-finalists. I have no idea if this is a legit competition, however, I did note that the contract I signed from Ryan Seacrest Productions (who is awarding a development deal to the winner) included some scary language regarding "shows that they might already have in development being similar to your submission ..."

Does anyone know anything about Ryan Seacrest Productions and the PGA Proshow?

Thank you! My show idea is perfect for Animal Planet ... but after reading the horror stories I have no earthly idea what to do!

I don't suggest the portal. I've heard no horror stories but you'll obviously be better represented.
I imagine they get a lot of show ideas through the portal.

Hi, could you instruct on how to make that happen? Thanks so much

I submitted my Treatment that is registered and copyright, to the Discovery's Animal Planet Producers Portal in early April 2010. I never heard back from them and contacted them 11 weeks later. I left messages and 2 days later I received a 'pass' on the Producers Portal, along with an ANIMAL PLANET email stating..."Animal Planet is really looking for human stories rather than animal ones." Six weeks later, I was contacted by one of my personal contacts highlighted in my Treatment telling me...they were contacted by a producer from ANIMAL PLANET. ANIMAL PLANET WAS DEVELOPING MY EXACT TREATMENT SUBMISSION. I immediately contacted my attorney.

Hi Tami,
Sorry to hear that. Your situation is the what I wanted to try and avoid and still produce a show but I can see there is no future in that. I see people on craigslist in my area looking for freelancers for work that they are doing for the Discovery channel. A local event had 2 shooters from Discovery here and they just go around shooting footage for them. Apparently Discovery is doing their own editing, etc.

One way or another someone with a creative idea will be screwed out of their creativity with this portal process. It is sad and poisons many people in the process.

It's happening to me right now. The show, a carbon copy of my idea even the exact title, is going to air on the 24th on a cable network. I 'protected' the idea, so I thought through WGA but it seems that ideas can't really be protected and you have to find the person who stole the idea to get the smoking gun. There is a lot of turn over in these companies and anyone can take your idea someplace else after it was rejected in the Producer's Portal.

If you make a pilot of the series, then you are more protected. I also recommend copyright. Best is to have representation - that's the only way.

I am so sorry you went through that. Was that the first project that you were trying to get produced through Discovery?

Did you ever get your project going?

I tell you what, I just feel defeated as far as networking with these people, not just Discovery but anyone who has experience in getting a show or series on the the air whether it's network or cable. Oh sure,you can pay to get the knowledge. Why does it have to be so difficult. It just makes it so hard for someone who is passionate about what they do and they just want to move further ahead in their career and try to succeed! If I had the knowledge and hands on experience, I would want to help someone get ahead if they were sincere about it. Not everything is about money and prestige it's about doing what you love! Maybe I just haven't hit on the right blog or website yet but grrrrrrrr!

Thanks for letting me vent!

They did the same to me! I am so without words. The rich stay richer...What the hell. Sorry they for their actions. They will never have to own up to anything. The producers portal is a portal for stealing. Botttom line. I would like to see the submissions they have produced from some free lance artist/production (indie) firm. I bet not one.

they did it to me
CABLE’S #1 NEW ORIGINAL SERIES, GOLD RUSH: ALASKA, RETURNS JANUARY 7 FOR SEVEN CONSECUTIVE ALL-NEW PREMIERES
Discovery Channel's GOLD RUSH: ALASKA continues to stake its claim on Fridays, with the December 17 premiere episode delivering 2.91 million viewers (P2+). Todd Hoffman wants Discovery Channel's 'Gold: Alaska' to inspire viewers with message of hope? This is my whole concept project description verbatim! Mine highlighted in gray’s guess the producers portal is a portal to steal from others.
Title Exploration & Mining of Gold (Gold Fever 2008- )
Short Description THE NEW ADVANCED WAYS OF GOLD MINING.THE
RECOVERY OF GOLD AND THE EXPLORATION PROCESS OF
GOLD.THE LIVES OF THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT DO
THIS .THE MINE AT LARGE IS LOCATED IN NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA. THIS REALITY SHOW WILL ALSO GIVE HOPE TO THE VIEWER IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD THAT THE USA STILL HAS NOT TAPPED OUT ITS FINEST NATURAL RESOURCE. WITH A NEW PRESIDENT IN OFFICE AND OUR NATIONAL DEBT IN TURMOIL. THIS PRODUCTION WILL SHOW THE WORLD THAT THE DOLLAR STILL HAS A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN AND SO ON .THIS SHOW WOULD BE POLITICALLY CORRECT AS FAR AS TIMING. IT WOULD GIVE OUR NATIONAL VIEWERS HOPE AND SHOW SOME LIGHT AT THE END OF A LONG ECONOMIC REHABILITATION .IT MIGHT EVEN HAVE SOME POSITIVE IMPACT ON TO DAYS MARKET.
Full Project Description (Treatment)THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION IS ALL ASPECTS OF GOLD MINING.THE EXCITEMENT,THE HISTORY,AND THE LIVES OF THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT DO THIS .THIS PROJECT HAS ALL KINDS OF HISTORY,ENTERTAINMENT ,EDUCATION,FUN AND ADVENTURE.GOLD FEVER WILL TAKE CONTROL OF ALL VIEWERS YOUNG AND OLD. Cynthia Holbrook Dimaria

I would like to speak with someone in regards to why Discovery Channel took my concept for a reality show. I have proof that I submitted a reality show about Gold Mining (Bedrock Mining). I have have the original correspondence between myself and the Discovery Channel. Along with numerous producer's and mining companies. I have the written concept and the in detail plan of action. The Discovery Channel has not only taken my idea but my whole concept of the reality shows fundamentals (That I wrote and pitched). From the type of mining to behind the scenes of the reality of the miners. I also want to take note that I did protect myself through a third party. I archived my material through a third party. I have a copy from Discovery Producers Portal of my submission. I have a copy of the submission notification. I have a copy of the in depth break down of the concept in submission form. Thank You for your time.Please let me know the protocol I need to take. I would like to av
oid a legal battle. Cynthia Dimaria
Dear cynthia l dimaria :
Your submission has been received and will be reviewed by our development
team in the next 6-8 weeks. Proposals are evaluated based on originality
of idea and programming priorities in addition to other criteria. All
ideas are reviewed in the order in which they are received. You will
receive an email from our development team after your proposal has been
reviewed.
Idea Title : Exploration & Mining Of Gold (Gold Fever 2009 ) (Gold Rush)
"Epithermal Style" vein system with visible "High Grade Gold" (1000+ OPT) One thousand ounces per ton plus and another very rich alluvial gravel channel in "Virgin" material (Placer ) in Nevada's historically richest Placer gold district. This material has tested at 5 ounces gold per yard on bedrock with 10 to 15 feet of overburden (The only difference is the current shows location) Network : Discovery Channel - US
Submission id : 7B451
Submitted on: 11/06/2008 06:34:05 PM
Discovery eSubmissions site URL:
Please note: this is an automated email notification. Please do not reply
to this email directly. Dear cynthia dimaria,
Your Project Is Now Archived For Proof-of-Creation. Details As Follows Name:cynthia dimaria
Author Address :3404 east 11th street long beach california 90804
Your IP Address During Registration:66.214.40.207
Social Security Number:SSN
Project Title:gold mining reality show
Material Form:Concept
Intended Outlet:Television Program
Your CV Number :CV2337
Date and Time :11/4/2008 2:01:59 PMDate and Time :11/4/2008 2:01:59 PM

WOW Cynthia, that is a kick in the face. They are very blatant and probably take on the "So Sue Us" attitude. I hope you can find a good lawyer and drain these guys. It is piss poor unethical business practices like this that rob true entrepreneurs and creative talent.

I am just sick over it. I dont know where to start.

I am so sorry to hear how many producers projects are being stolen from Discovery. Discovery and National Geographic did the same to me. I am meeting with my attorney to discuss the 'terms' of the Discovery agreement that we all have to sign. To me, the Discovery's introduction to producers sounds inviting. I even had words with the head of a department regarding these terms, and she answered..."Discovery would never steal another producer's project, and if they are interested in the concept, you will definitely be notified." This is a lie and if none of you do nothing about this, Discovery will continue. A reminder...in January 2010, the writers won their case against all the major networks and studios for 70M, and there is no reason not to at least hear what a litigation attorney advises. Producers...please contact me.
Tami Lynn
818-804-8264 cell

Discovery (Discovery Networks, Discovery Channel, Discovery Communications and or similar), as a legal entity, exists primarily in the USA and Canada. They, the USA Corporation have nothing to do with they, the Canada Corporation. Both share the same Trade Mark, “Discovery.” This is important because if you’re going to sue, you have to understand who, in what country, stole what.

For example, the Canada Corp is open to receiving finished shows that are shot/edited in HDCAM or transferred to HDCAM from some other HD technology (not HDV.) They are not open to receiving finished shows in SD video.

The USA Corp is not open to accepting any programs, unless it comes from their known providers, which happen to set themselves up as a provider early in the decade. These shows have been market tested and proven to fit the marketing requirements of Discovery USA.

Neither of these Corporations, Canada Corp or USA Corp, are open to receiving show ideas that are not already in tangible form, tape, because they are not interested in financing any shows. They want somebody else to pay for the producing of these shows.

If your idea was “stolen,” it probably means the idea had already been submitted as a finished TV show by somebody prior to your submission. Again, because Discovery is not willing or able to finance anything that is not already edited and shot by somebody else. They, one of the two corporations, the USA Corp or the Canada Corp, may from time to time appear like they are making a show, but the reality is, it was paid for by somebody else (as a co production per se, between some government grant and or private grant from somewhere.)

Having said this, “Discovery” in any of its corporate structures does buy stuff from producers, and boy do they shop for shows at the Cannes Film Festival and similar. But they, the USA or Canada Corp, are shopping for finished/edited shows. They are not interested in ideas of shows... because they, the USA Corp or Canadian Corp do not have the human power to make such shows or the money to pay for the producing of such shows.

Discovery USA, may from time to time buy finished shows and re-edit them. These shows are made by others and sold, at a discount to Discovery USA or others, so Discovery USA may put it’s intro and ending. These shows fill up the programming requirements of the other properties (cable networks) Discovery owns in various other countries.

Now, having said this, the USA Corp does have “some” editing equipment. But this equipment is mostly Standard Definition stuff used to guaranty the shows they contract out fulfill broadcasting standards for NTSC.

Please be advised that Discovery, as a trademark, is used by many Corporations around the world, to buy and make available programming. That does not mean, these other Corporations have anything to do with the USA or Canada Corporations... they do not. The point is, if you’re going to sue, you have to make sure, again, who exactly stole what and in what country…

Now, what about the flagship shows of Discovery Network. Shows such as the Deadliest Catch and similar, don’t they, Discovery, own it. If you look at the credits, you will see who “in reality” made, the show. Discovery may have negotiated to “own” the show rights, but it’s shot/edited by an external production company. They, Canada Corp or USA Corp, may pay for these shows, but that’s an exception and not the norm.

Hope this helps

-----------------------------------------------
Paul Thurston
Producer
Chile

Cynthia, may I email you privately?

There are so many of us that have submitted our projects to the Discovery and National Geographic Portals and have received passes or even never heard back from them. Than months later we either see or hear about our exact project on their networks. I am exhausted from this and refuse to submit any further on these portals. However, I believe we should be heard. If there are any of you interested in speaking out on this subject and the injustice of it all, please connect with me. I feel this is an interesting topic for Piers Morgan. Tami Lynn

Hi Mary i never herd anything from you.What do you think I should do? I cant find a attorney. Thanks Cynthia PS Some say I should move on but its so hard.

Idea! Everyone in this post should get together and do a documentary about what has happened! Seriously! We have the tools and proof. If it gets enough buzz, it will get coverage and possibly results.

Use your given talent to fight back!

Count me in!

I am very serious about producing a mini documentary about this. Have all of the involved credited.

I feel if it gets out there and enough people see it, there might just be a chance of getting some sort of recognition regarding this issue.

Hi jim count me in! We should all collaborate on the reality of the production of a reality show ! The trials and eras.....LOL. I have a couple up my sleave. But unless I have some back up no more written work. Even though in around about way I had a number one reality show! This season is going to be starting OMG in two weeks. Must keep a eye on the ratings....hehe ...I have to laugh at this or I would cry. Peace all

Hi Jim are you going to do anything with the Discovery channel? I know I should move on but its so hard. I am sick over it!

For what it's worth, I am the latest person to be ripped off from History Channel. The show "Abandoned" I submitted to History back in Feb 2011. It is now on History Channel, but it's not mine. After contacting A&E Entertainment, They basically said that I am out of luck!!!!

My next documentary is about how Networks rip off ideas!!

I'm so glad I found this feed because I was going to submit my show through the Discovery Portal. I have a question, though...when I went on the portal and registered it asks for information like a tax id number for your business, those that have submitted do you have production companies? I'm assuming you do, but I had to ask. Thanks

Hello Ron at Fire Moon Pictures...I am traveling but read your remarks and would love to connect. Please give me a call on my cell 818-804-8264 when convenient for you.
Thanks for thinking of me,
Tami Lynn