Lesson 2 - Choosing A Show Format

Transcript:

Let’s begin with narrowing down a show format for your TV or YouTube series. Consider your format to be the basic bones that make up the structure, the style, the shape, and timing of each of your show’s episodes, as we all as any of the segments within an episode. Ask yourself:

How are you going to fill your show’s time slot and what are you going to fill it with?

A basic show format or template is super beneficial for any creators seeking to produce a TV or YouTube program that is structured as a basic interview talk show, a video podcast show, or a panel discussion. Creating your own show format will not only give your series a more organized and cohesive look, but it will also make things a lot easier for you to produce your episodes consistently on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.

Here’s an example of what we mean by a show format:

A standard interview talk show may be structured with one show host who discusses a topic with a different on-air guest for each episode. Your technical setup would require a mic for each talent on camera and perhaps two camera shots or angles to frame each individual as they are speaking. Another example would be a group commentary show that could feature a group of consistent co-hosts that meet routinely to share their views and opinions on local news. This type of show format might require more microphones and camera angles to capture multiple perspectives. A show like this might even feature a few segments for viewers to dial in directly to AOC’s TV studio with questions or comments of their own to add to the conversation.

Consider how your show will look and how it will flow to fill your 30-minute or your 60-minute time slot from start to finish:

Will you be using a simple single shot speaking directly into the camera or will you need a crew to man multiple camera angles?

Will you pre-record your show and then plan the time to polish it with editing after? Or will you go LIVE straight and direct to TV or YouTube?

Will you include any special segments within your episode? Perhaps inserting your video footage of the latest sports highlights or musical performances?

Carving out your show’s basic format will give you a more solid vision to work from. Not to mention it will also better support your production crew in bringing your creative concepts to life.