Reality TV Series: Blimpin Ain't Easy?

[shelly]

I'm new here, so I'm sorry if this already came up and I missed it...

Has anyone considered doing a reality-style tv series about the blimp team and what they are doing? I think it might help generate support (and hopefully funding) if people could see more of the human side of the blimp - the struggles, successes, why people are so passionate about the cause, etc. We all know how America loves reality tv these days... And let's be honest - the blimp story is pretty incredible/fascinating/addictive.

Nothing fancy, just a very basic show that tells the story of the blimp over the next few weeks. Obviously, it could be aired online, but I would target it toward independent cable providers to air on their local origination channels.

My cable company would air it - we only have 3000 subscribers, but they can't get enough of the quirky, low-budget programming we produce. I've never tried to market programming to other independents, so I have no idea if it would work. I just know that my company would be all for it, and I would hope there are a few others out there that might support RP and/or be willing to air creative original programming too...

So, in order to pull something like this off, we'd need:
1. Cooperation & time on camera from the blimp crew (I know they are swamped, so this may not be viable)
2. PR/sales person to contact independent cable operators to see if anyone would air it (I can get a list of companies to contact)
3. Someone to video and produce - I can volunteer for this, unless the current blimp videographer wanted to do it

Ok, so... worth further investigation or silly? Please discuss...

 

[NewEnd]

Really good idea... too bad we did not have professional cameras from the beginning.... or maybe we did.

 

[NewEnd]

This reminds me of many of the reality shows on the History channel, (I dont get cable), but I rememebr one I saw long ago at my uncles house, about trucks driving across icepack in Canada to supply diamond mines.

really interesting stuff.

 

[mdevour]

I'd say there's a chance it could happen if all the resources needed, human and equipment, came in on a volunteer basis and you were willing to chase the blimp for a couple of weeks.

The many demands of the project's detractors have succeeded in paring the staff down to below what's needed to get the flying done and also give the quality of "customer service" these same people complain is lacking. It has stalled enthusiasm and fundraising as well, so I doubt there's material support to be expected from the blimp organizers. They may decide otherwise, of course. I'm nothing but a customer so I don't speak for them.

Be prepared to live on a shoestring, sleep in hangars and cheap motels, run up your credit cards (on expense from your company, I hope), and you might be able to make something really cool.

If you can, please go for it!

Mike D.

 

[shelly]

Agreed - this will only work if it's self-funded. I'm up for it! Anyone else??

 

[NewEnd]

I got no funds, sorry.