Going into production... FosterUP!

So it finally came to be... a real production for TV. And yes, yours' truly is the executive producer. So what exactly does that mean? Executive Producer? In this case it means chief bottle washer, camera guy, format designer, show designer and maybe even the host once in a while - but that is all besides the point.

I have set out to do this show for local public access TV. Now that may not mean much to many, but it is a great testing ground. I recommend to anyone that wants to get into the biz, to try this first if you can. Check with your local cable company to see if you also have a public access facility.

In any case, I needed a topic for a show. This in itself was already a dilemma. I didn't want to do a show for the sake of a show, but rather a show that could deliver something of value. As my wife and I are in process of getting licensed as foster parents, if became more than obvious just how problematic the whole situation is regarding the foster kids in this country. This is after all our future generation at stake.

Hence, a show concept was born - I call it "FosterUP!". Amazingly enough, even the domain name was available for this. Was this a sign perhaps?

In any case, this show is now in pre-production and the work is cut out for us.

So why am I writing about this? What does this have to do with Camera Imagery and Imagination? Well. Where do I start? Where do I end? It has everything to do with all these things. Producing a show is quite a task. Particularly if you want to exceed the production quality of typical public access TV. So the challenge here is to bring the quality up to par, to meet commercialized TV standards. In other words - real syndicated TV! - Why bother? Well, this topic is important enough that who knows? Maybe some day it could get syndicated, or get picked up by a major network or channel. So why not take the time and do it right. Now.

I suppose that should be the way one should approach any project. But most don't. Yes, it is work. It takes time. It can be frustrating. But the potential is great!

Drop on in and check it out at www.fosterup.com (opens a new window) and feel free to let me know what you think. (Hey, you could also become a sponsor - we certainly would appreciate that!)