What follows is an exchange I had today with a producer looking for BASE jumpers in his reality TV show. I've removed a few names in this post.
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<Producer> October 5 at 4:51pm Report
Hi there!
I got your name from a mutual contact, X, and I just wanted to see if you would be interested in casting for a reality show pilot that will focus on a group of BASE jumpers traveling around the states and jumping everything they can, and documenting the journey.
I represent <Production Company> in association with <Another Production Company>. If at all possible we would like to set up a web cam interview with you on Monday later in the afternoon. Let me know if you'd be available or are interested in possibly being a part of this project.
Hope to here from you!
<Producer>
<Production Company>
P.S. I'm sure you have a bunch of questions, and we would love to address them in the interview.
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Collin October 5 at 4:54pm
I'm sorry--and there's no disrespect intended--but you lost me at "Reality Show". I am not interested. Best of luck on your project, though.
-C.
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<Producer> October 5 at 6:53pm Report
no worries - just out of curiosity do you mind telling me why?
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Collin October 5 at 11:29pm
I don't mind at all.
First, "reality" TV isn't. It's all the same. The only difference is context but otherwise it's same bullshit in a different wrapper. It caters to the lowest common denominator of society (which is probably what makes it so damn marketable). I'd wager you're not genuinely interested in BASE, anyway. If you were, after even a modicum of effort you'd realize it doesn't really fit with reality TV. You're looking for drama and bullshit. That's what sells reality TV. There's enough of both in the BASE community already, but it's easy enough to avoid and we don't need it in order to jump. The mere fact that you're looking for it in BASE makes this a losing proposition from the start. In casting, I expect you'll either choose opposing personalities or choose jumpers looking for exposure--probably both. The former brings conflict and bullshit, the hallmark of reality television (so I guess I couldn't blame you). The latter may bend to your pressure when weather and bust factor are shit, but you as the director/producer haven't gotten the shots you need so you start making threats or coercing jumpers to do what they might not do if out on their own. When some do and others don't, you'll have your drama and you'll spin it for your show. There's no telling what story you'll tell.
Second, you probably want far too much for far too little in return. You wouldn't have anything to produce if not for the jumpers, but what are you willing to provide in return? Healthcare in case of injury? Legal protection in case of busts? You're asking us to perform acts for your benefit. What are you providing? Solid benefits. Not arguments of 'exposure' while working for you for free or damn close to it. What are you offering?
Personally, I have a career and you absolutely could not make it worth my while. Not because you couldn't pay me enough to jump for you, but because you couldn't pay me enough to take time away from work. I know this because I have worked with Hollywood before, and one of the major American TV networks at that. They didn't have the budget, so I have a hard time believing that you do. Even if you did, as a non-jumper focused on reality TV (as opposed to say, a documentary) I couldn't trust you to produce something that I'd sign off on and I doubt you're willing to make me a producer and give me rights to the footage and say over the final product.
These are just some general thoughts I'd have if I were a jumper that was interested in your project. The only certainty in bringing you or your crew along on a BASE trip is unnecessary overhead, attention and hassle.
-C.
PS Given what your production crew did in Miami and how it was generally received by a majority of US BASE jumpers...if you're going to launch off across the US, I'd keep the following links bookmarked. They might come in handy if you draw unwanted attention to objects that are being jumped quietly by locals.
Let Me Google That For You
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I wonder if I'll get another response...
-C.
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Originally Posted by Flying_Mike_D
Your the MAN!
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