Chapitre 715: Chapter 716: Is That Too Stingy?
[Chapter 716: Is That Too Stingy?]
The original success of America's Next Top Model and Project Runway can be largely attributed to the duo of Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum, who simultaneously served as hosts and producers, deeply involved in the show's production.
Despite having watched a few episodes of America's Next Top Model, Eric knew that even if he tried to replicate those ideas, the results would likely be completely off-base, as his knowledge of fashion was quite limited. He could identify a good model's makeup and walk but was far from being able to provide detailed critiques. However, those issues were easily managed by these two top supermodels who had been navigating the fashion world for years.
Yet Eric realized just having these two stunning women host wouldn't be sufficient to ensure their passionate involvement in the programs, which prompted him to consider the collaborative model from his past life -- allocating a small portion of the profit to incentivize their deeper commitment to the show, which would leave him more at ease.
Having explained his vision, Cindy Crawford pointed at the documents. "Eric, you're asking us to build our own core team, but with just a production budget, we don't know how to execute that!"
Linda Evangelista chimed in, "Yeah, Eric, you have to give us some guidance!"
"Let's start assigning some tasks first," Eric laughed, handing the documents to Cindy and Linda. "Given what I know about you two, Cindy is more suited for America's Next Top Model; Linda, you'll handle Project Runway."
Linda Evangelista hesitated as she took the document from Eric without instantly flipping it open. "Eric, you might not know me well enough. Otherwise, you'd realize I'm actually more fitting for America's Next Top Model, being the first supermodel."
From earlier conversation, Linda discerned that Project Runway was likely Eric's last-minute idea, whereas a supermodel competition was inherently more relatable. The prospects for Project Runway didn't seem as strong as those for America's Next Top Model. Although Eric's insistence left her no choice but to accept, she thought it best to try and contest it a bit -- what if Eric agreed with her?
Before Eric could speak, Cindy Crawford retorted, "Linda, I also was the first supermodel to host a television show, so I'm clearly more suited to America's Next Top Model!"
"What's the point of being a fashion show host for years? Honestly, Cindy, I think the taste of your outfit today isn't that great, and I just didn't say anything earlier."
"Oh, thank you for your input, Linda," Cindy Crawford settled back into her office chair, unbothered, looking at Eric with a smile. "Eric, Linda's taste in outfits exceeds mine, so she's more suitable as the producer of Project Runway!"
Caught off guard by how she'd unintentionally undermined herself, Linda sniffed with annoyance, looking at Eric.
"Hey, enough fighting! It's settled then," Eric remarked as he saw the competitive looks between the two women, chuckling. "My faith in both of you has just gone up!"
"Oh? Why's that?" Cindy Crawford asked, sensing a mischievous glint in Eric's smile.
"Do you know what the most important element in reality TV is?" Eric countered, not answering directly.
Both women looked up at him, and Eric continued, "The most important aspect of reality shows is Drama! Your earlier exchange could be seamlessly integrated into a reality TV segment without any editing."
Both Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista felt a bit embarrassed, but Eric was unfazed as he continued, "Both of your projects have equally good prospects; it all boils down to how well you execute. In Project Runway, if you can capture the essence of reality TV, even if viewers aren't initially versed in fashion, they'll find enjoyment in the designer rivalries."
Having caught a recent episode of Survivor, Cindy turned to Eric and asked, "Eric, I've always been curious -- does Survivor have a script?"
"Yes, absolutely!" Eric replied with a nod.
Cindy suddenly felt like she'd been deceived; Survivor had long promoted itself as completely unscripted, and she used to enjoy that show. "So, all the things we see on television are pre-planned?"
"You'll be creating your own show soon enough, so it's essential for you to understand this," Eric explained, "Reality shows have scripts, but they're not like traditional film scripts centered around dialogue. They focus on show format. Besides a few signature lines for the hosts, the other parts are mostly tailored around the contestants' personas to create potential narratives. However, these scenarios aren't mandatory for contestants; the production team subtly guides the actions they wish for."
As he explained, Eric's smile grew wider as he turned to the two women and added, "For instance, let's say I want to create a little conflict between you two, so I assign both promising projects to one of you, leaving the other dissatisfied. That's how you both just ended up in such a situation."
Linda Evangelista responded with a playful glare, "Eric, you're so naughty! Are you making fun of us?"
"I only speak the truth," Eric replied with a laugh. "Another key point is motivation. Contestants in a reality show are intelligent enough to recognize what the production team desires. With the lure of hefty prizes, they'll likely take actions that fulfill those expectations. In the minds of ordinary viewers, a 'script' usually refers to a dialogue script, while in reality shows, 'scripts' focus more on actions. Hence, when reality shows claim there's no script, it isn't outright falsehood."
Cindy then wondered aloud, "Eric, what if we crafted a narrative but the contestants refuse to follow along?"
"There are numerous contestants in one reality show, so during filming, the production team can capture hours of footage, while the final edited episodes typically only last about 43 minutes. Thus, you can always select the best footage that meets your needs from the pile. If nothing works, the issue undoubtedly lies with you. Moreover, for particularly stubborn contestants, the straightforward solution is simply passing them. And as the show progresses and contestants dwindle, you won't have to worry, as those who stay will be the ones familiar with the rules and willing to cooperate."
"Wow, it feels like... my entire outlook on life has been reshaped! Is this still a professional reality show? I mean, will our expertise come into play?" Linda Evangelista exclaimed dramatically.
Eric nodded. "Of course! If in your show, the fashion designer's creations are stunning enough to amaze everyone, you have to keep them on board to ensure fairness. That principle of skill eclipses everything else means that those with such talent will less likely participate in reality shows."
Cindy, however, was more pragmatic in her thinking. "Eric, I'm just thinking, can you lend us a few experienced producers from the Survivor project?"
"Absolutely! Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have arranged it. I stated earlier that Firefly would provide some staff; that includes them."
"Then, Eric, can you share your vision for Project Runway? I can't go in completely blind," Linda Evangelista insisted.
Although Eric hadn't seen Project Runway, he could gauge its basic format, recognizing it as a follow-up to America's Next Top Model. "Firstly, your creative team will be essential. Firefly will assign a few professionals who've worked on Survivor to assist you. But if you directly mimic Survivor's setup, I can foresee that this show will fail. So while starting from Survivor's success, you need to develop your own style.
For Project Runway, you should starts choosing a few judges; three full-time judges, including yourself, plus an established fashion designer and a chief editor from a fashion magazine. You could probably get support from Hearst Corporation for this. If you have individuals in mind, you're welcome to follow your vision."
Linda tilted her head, considering this. "Eric, what do you think about Anna Wintour?"
Eric gave her a perplexed look.
Cindy then laughed out loudly, sarcastically chiming in, "Linda, I reckon Karl Lagerfeld would suit it even better. Just invite the old guy to rule over everything!"
Upon realizing her whimsical suggestion, Linda quickly backtracked but still tossed back, "I was just throwing ideas around! No need to get so excited!"
"Alright, stop bickering," Eric found amusement in the spat but felt it was not the right time to indulge.
Once the two women turned their attention back to him, Eric continued, "Linda, understand that you are the core and face of this program. Therefore, the most prominent figure in the show has to be you; even I won't appear on any producer lists. When selecting guest panelists, ideally, the two fixed guest judges can't have a greater profile than you, and any guest appearances must consider sustainability. Even if you have the connections, you can't expect anyone to attend for free; you need to pay them a guest appearance fee. Given the show's budget of $20 million, you can only occasionally invite a big star for special episodes; that would offer viewers a surprise. More often than not, it's best to invite those with a certain level of fame but who aren't too big."
Linda Evangelista nodded. "What about the other details? I've seen Survivor, so should we have a competitive group mechanism similar to that?"
"You and your team will need to hash that out internally; I can only offer my thoughts. Group competition doesn't work because each designer is an individual with their own style. Hence in the show, you may implement group competitions occasionally, but most of the time, a more individual-focused approach works best. I think each episode could feature a theme and give them a set time to create. You can judge their works and eliminate contestants one by one until a champion emerges. That will be the general structure for each episode."
Cindy Crawford asked curiously, "Are we rewarding the champion with a prize of one million dollars too?"
"Not feasible at all; we're a niche TV network offering niche programs, so it's only $100,000," Eric clarified.
"$100,000? Isn't that stingy?"
"Do you expect everyone to earn as much as you two? The average American salary is less than $50,000; for most, $100,000 is significant. To keep this show authentic, the selection of contestants must strictly be from the working-class levels. Models should be fresh faces from small towns, and designers can't be too professional. Moreover, the final reward can't solely be monetary. The ultimate prize for America's Next Top Model should offer the model the resources required for pursuing a career, such as an opportunity to grace the cover of a top fashion magazine; Hearst Corporation would provide that support. Additionally, there would also be chances for contracts with modeling agencies; I believe your management companies would eagerly embrace that collaboration."
"And for me? What about my compensation?" Linda Evangelista questioned.
"Yours would also be a $100,000 cash prize, plus ideally, a chance to collaborate with a fashion company. You can reach out to them, and I'll speak with LTD as well," Eric casually waved his hand. "In summary, they're entirely your business. Don't expect too much assistance from me; I'll just ensure the quality of your work."
*****
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