What resources can you use to stay up-to-date with TV production genres and formats?

1 Industry News

One of the most obvious and essential resources to follow is industry news. Industry news covers the latest announcements, deals, ratings, awards, and controversies in the TV world, as well as the insights and opinions of experts and insiders. By reading industry news, you can learn about the current and upcoming TV shows, networks, platforms, and markets, and how they affect the demand and supply of TV content. You can also get a sense of the challenges and opportunities that TV producers face, and how they cope with them. Some of the most popular and reputable sources of industry news are Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and The Wrap. You can subscribe to their newsletters, podcasts, or social media accounts, or visit their websites regularly.

2 Genre Analysis

Another useful resource to consult is genre analysis. Genre analysis is the study of how different types of TV shows are structured, styled, and narrated, and how they appeal to different audiences and purposes. By studying genre analysis, you can understand the conventions and expectations of various TV genres, such as drama, comedy, reality, documentary, or animation, and how they change over time. You can also learn how to mix and match genres, or create new ones, to create original and innovative TV content. Some of the best sources of genre analysis are books, articles, podcasts, or courses by TV scholars, critics, or practitioners, such as John Truby, Robert McKee, Pamela Douglas, or John Yorke. You can also find genre analysis on websites like TV Tropes, ScreenCraft, or Script Magazine.

3 Format Guides

A third resource that can help you stay up-to-date with TV production genres and formats is format guides. Format guides are documents that describe the basic elements and requirements of a specific TV format, such as a sitcom, a game show, a talk show, or a reality show. Format guides can help you understand the rules and expectations of different TV formats, and how to adapt them to different markets and platforms. Format guides can also help you pitch your TV ideas to potential buyers or partners, or develop your TV scripts or treatments. Some of the sources where you can find format guides are TV networks, production companies, distributors, or agencies, such as NBC, BBC, Netflix, or CAA. You can also find format guides on websites like The Writers Store, The TV Writers Vault, or Format Zone.

4 Audience Feedback

A fourth resource that can help you stay up-to-date with TV production genres and formats is audience feedback. Audience feedback is the reaction and response of TV viewers to your TV content, or to the TV content of your competitors or peers. Audience feedback can help you measure the performance and impact of your TV content, and identify its strengths and weaknesses. Audience feedback can also help you anticipate and respond to the changing tastes and preferences of your target audience, and improve your TV content accordingly. Some of the sources where you can get audience feedback are ratings, reviews, comments, surveys, polls, or focus groups. You can also use social media, forums, blogs, or podcasts to interact with your audience and get their feedback.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?