How to create, produce and air your reality television idea.

Race Day: MotorSport Ranch the Series wraps!

This morning Ethan and I made our way out to MotorSport Ranch for the final day of filming of the series (13 episodes on VOOM).  Today the final races were held.  There will likely be a couple pick up days, but for most of us it was a wrap!  Ethan, who was a little too young to enjoy the filming of the pilot, enjoyed the races (hopefully his exuberance didn't make its way on the soundtrack). 

It was evident that in the short span of a year HD technology has improved greatly.  The shoot consisted of one large (40lbs) Sony HD camera on mid-track, another big Sony on a 20-30 foot lift, another one the tightest turn and several small Sony HD cameras (these are tiny - less than an lbs) in the cars, one following Jack Farr and one on a remote control helicopter.

I will post photos on Flickr (link to come). 

Big Race and Last Shoot Day!

Filming of the series (13 episodes for VOOM) will wrap on the 21st of January.  On that day we will have the final race between the featured drivers and it should be fairly interesting.  In the pilot the race was staged - i.e. it was simulated and the outcome was predetermined - this time the race is real and we have no idea what is going to happen.  Bob's crew will be using three big HD cameras around the track, a camera car and multiple HD cameras in each car (the editing in Final Cut is going to be exciting). 

We will be filming the behind the scenes (video and stills) and invite all interested parties to attend.  I will post more details about the schedule in the next week or so. 

Learn how we created, produced and sold MotorSport Ranch (from the beginning).

Start from the beginning and read the first post:  What is MotorSport Ranch?

Have you ever wondered how to create, produce and sell your own television pilot? This blog details the trials and tribulations Scott and I went through to get our show on the air.  From the first meeting in Las Vegas, to the party at the Playboy mansion you will learn how these first time producers from Dallas, Texas lived the Hollywood dream (from Texas).

Co-Production deal in the works for MotorSport Ranch

This afternoon I received a copy of a co-production deal to produce 26 episodes of MotorSport Ranch.  The format would be much like the original 'Big Show' idea with drivers from across the globe competing at the ranch.  The deal is not even close to being finished, but it is quite exciting so I thought I would give you all the good news. 

Fast Company mention of MotorSport Ranch

The Fast Company Weblog gave us a nice mention today.  Check out the post titled, "Dude, You're Getting Dell'd."  Here is an excerpt:

"Sometimes, the amateurs even turn pro.  Alex Muse started his own DIY media project -- a reality tv show called MotorSport Ranch, which followed a few members of a Texas country club built for car racing enthusiasts. He taught himself how to produce the first high-definition reality show, used LinkedIn to find people to work with and pitch the show to, sold the pilot to INHD and is now negotiating for additional episodes and distribution in Asia. All because the tools are simple, knowledge is easily acquired and connections are simpler to come by."

MSR show update for August.

The first airdate for the show was slightly more than 30 days ago.  From all the emails and comments it sounds like the show did fairly well.  Bob met with INHD this week and they are determining how many episodes they want to order.  Another U.S. based HD network has expressed an interest in the program even though it premiered on another HD network.  Finally, we have an international group is interested in the 'big' show concept for air in Asia.  I wasn't hopeful that we would find a home for the series, but the flurry of activity following the premiere of the pilot has made me optimistic.  It is starting to feel like an auction (let the bidding begin).  Cross your fingers!

Learn how we created, produced and sold MotorSport Ranch (from the beginning).

Start from the beginning and read the first post:  What is MotorSport Ranch?

Have you ever wondered how to create, produce and sell your own television pilot? This blog details the trials and tribulations Scott and I went through to get our show on the air.  From the first meeting in Las Vegas, to the party at the Playboy mansion you will learn how these first time producers from Dallas, Texas lived the Hollywood dream (from Texas).

Show and blog news for MotorSport Ranch

The MotorSport Ranch blog was 'spotted' by Business Week's Blogspotting today.  Thanks to Stephen Baker for the shout-out!  The show is playing on INHD throughout the week during prime-time and during the wee hours of the morning.  Check the listings to see the program - I think it will be playing in heavy rotation throughout the month.  (I have been taking a break from the MSR blog now that the program is playing - I plan to get busy next month as we take the next big push to get it picked up in Europe and Asia. 

Word of the premiere of MotorSport Ranch pilot on INHD is spreading.

Mr. E from the Bimmerfest Forums wrote: "The facility sounds pretty cool, centered around a road course and populated by a bunch of rich ba$tard$ and their supercars."  He gave the dates and air times of the show and plugged the concept.  Thanks Mr. E!

MotorSport Ranch article in Black Enterprise Magazine

I was interviewed for the July edition of Black Enterprise Magazine (page 74).  They were interested in how we used social networking to help sell the MotorSport Ranch pilot to INHD.  I did the interview earlier this year and forgot about it until I started getting emails from B.E.M. readers.  Let me say, I was a little surprised that Black Enterprise Magazine would want to do an article about me.  Anyway, Ethan and I ran out to the book store this afternoon to check out a copy of the article.  I read the rest of the magazine - pretty good stuff - pick up a copy if you get a chance.