What do you want to See on the TV? I need your oppinions!

[dafttemplar]

Howdy all,
I friend of mine is writing a TV show pilot that will be focused around vehicles, Ala Top Gear however hopefully a little better with a different focus and of course different structure and style. An alternative to top gear lets say.

He is gathering content for it at the moment but he has asked me for advice. I thought what better place for advice then a motoring forum. I suppose that people like us would be the target market and i would ask your opinions in what you guys would like to see in a motoring TV show (with the exception of more subaru's){{If it goes ahead I will trying and get a cameo for my wagon }}

So I guess what things would like to see on a Motoring show? Car exhibitions? Racing? Tech Talk with mechanics? Women? How To Mod sections? Buying tips? Interviews with drivers? Interviews with general public? New Technologies? Accessory analysis/discussion? Performance comparisons? Just lots of sexy cars? Cars reviews for the average punter? Luxury car reviews?


Another way you might like to approach it would be to think about the show top gear and maybe list a few likes and dislikes.


...........After a few days i'll tidy this thread up and submit it to the director/producers/sponsers and see you never know might see some of your ideas in a new Tv program..........

*BTW it is likely we will be shooting the pilot on the 19th of Dec in goulburn if any of you are out that way and think you might have a vehicle that would look good on the camera?

[tangcla]

I want pr0n... but that's just me...

What's the program called, if you're at liberty of saying, and what will the content of the pilot episode show?

[smythie]

well, of all the car shows I have seen on telly, I reckon Fifth Gear is by far the best. Top Gear is pretty good in an appeal to the broadest section way but as far as the cars go isn't a shade on 5th Gear.

19th huh? I might be able to take the day off work. I'll see

[dafttemplar]

Untitled at the moment and some of the content is still up for negotiation that is why i asked your opinions.

[tangcla]

Don't take this the wrong way, it's just a question, but - isn't it a bit late notice to be asking about content, when you're expecting to film on the 19th?

I think that Top Gear is successful because it is enjoyable to both car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike - it's comedy to a large degree, and it's just good entertaining fun.

[dafttemplar]

Such is life my friend.
A major sponsor only came on board about 12 hours ago hence the immediacy , Content for pre pilot has been written already however it is content only for a 10 minute spot designed to attract interest (the 19th). The "first episode" or official pilot however has not been written in stone and is therefor open to suggestions and expressions of interest.

Content will be dependent on budget, The 10 minute teaser will be used as a tool to get more funding to compliment the first major sponsor to be used on the 'actual pilot/series'.

Long story short, first 10 minute teaser pilot (shooting on the 19th) is written, The broadcast half hour (or hour - depending on interest) has not been completed and we are looking for further content.

I hope that makes sense.


I'm not interested in why top gear is successful that is for the producers to waste their days on, I am merely using it as a benchmark for motor vehicle TV. What elements do you personally find interesting? What do you want to see included? What do you dislike about it?

Think content, Don't worry about marketing.


I personally have always thought all the studio stuff in top gear was boring as batshit and have always wanted them to have more modified vehicles rather then straight off the factory stuff. It would be interesting to see more professionals contributing to the show, in particular race team drivers and crew.

[gumbyy]

I would like to see an attractive lady take cars on the track, not only looking hot thrashing it about but also being insightful with opinions, critique, advice etc. much like Vicki from 5th gear.. but hotter.

[Fangin_RX]

I'm with the others have a gorgeous looking lady on their that knows her stuff about cars, Most males will enjoy the idea that a chick knows stuff about the car.

[smythie]

not too fussed on the gorgeous lady myself really. Sure I love VBH but it is the fact that you have someone who knows their shit. Doesn't have to be a lady, certainly doesn't need to be distractingly gorgeous.

[gumbyy]

Yeah but you want something that will set you apart from the other car shows ie. the hot woman who knows her shit! Not saying it will bring in a million viewers but if done right, would be a nice fresh change from the dribble and poor comedy on SBS TG..

I personally think Tiff Needell from 5th gear is the best presenter in this genre - hes got a likeable quality, he really knows his shit from being a retired pro racecar driver - i say get presenters more like him and less like the clowns on Aus TG

[Fangin_RX]

Also have a few things like TG does, Like they all race between each other and have odd and funny tasks hat they have to do.

Still the Female with knowledge will surely have a few people hooked if shes in the Trailer ^^

[tangcla]

I'm not interested in why top gear is successful that is for the producers to waste their days on, I am merely using it as a benchmark for motor vehicle TV. What elements do you personally find interesting? What do you want to see included? What do you dislike about it?

My comment was intended to say that I like the humour in it - hence my comparison. Sorry if it wasn't clear.

[dafttemplar]

Allright.
An hot chick presenting. That was already on the cards i believe. What else.
What about content more then delivery? What type of vehicles do you want to see? tell me about content.

[tangcla]

I think types of vehicles starts to get a bit... hard to determine, you select a type and you're sure to turn away segments.

i'd suggest a bit of everything, from Jap, to Aussie, to Euro, to other oddities like truck racing even? (nothing like a 5-tonne vehicle doing 11s down the quarter with 110psi of boost! ) maybe other spinoffs like boats etc. as well, just to mix it up.

[subnub]

Is it cars only, or bikes too?

I guess it really depends on the kind of theme and the target audience. For example if you're aiming at a wide audience (which you most likely would be), the stereotypical hot chick might be seen as being a bit predictable by a large proportion of it, and you might turn off some female viewers if they see a token female on there. Make sure that female presenters are there based on merit rather than as a token set of boobs.

Once you know the kind of mood you're looking for it'll be a lot easier to decide on the sort of content you need to fill it.

IMHO make it accessible to the average punter - there's nothing wrong with putting Lambos and the like on there for something to drool over, but if you make it all about cars that are out of reach for the vast majority of the population they won't feel a connection to the show. IMHO you need to put cars in that are affordable or at least realistic aspirations, and even better, cars that people are likely to already own. Everyone likes seeing the car they own being tested, though I guess if the review isn't favourable it's not as enjoyable... but it's their fault for buying a crap car Also, as tangcla suggests, throw in a few from left field, even if it's just for laughs. And yes to modified vehicles!

I'm tired of shows that are more worried about political correctness, and where admitting that you like to enjoy your car is akin to setting fire to orphanages, things these days are all about wrapping everyone in cotton wool and never exposing anyone to anything. A good quote I heard years ago, and it was actually in reference to the question, "why do you ride motorbikes, you could get hurt!" - the response was "because some people confuse breathing in and out with living". Best ever, and these days I think far too many people have forgotten it.

Basically if it's a car show that isn't afraid to admit it likes performance and doesn't rabbit on about how many cardigans you can fit in the sensible boot or how many inoffensive beige colours it's available in, I'm there