TVB Now Accepting New Programming Ideas from Public
TVB announced details to its “Unleash Your Creativity” <2014打開創意天空> project at a press conference held yesterday. Facing declining ratings and harsh criticism over the quality of its television programs this year, TVB hopes to source fresh ideas from the public and put it to production.
Helmed by TVB’s assistant General Manager Peter Au (區偉林), the project encourages the Hong Kong public to submit proposals for dramas, food shows, travelogues, and other creative programs for TVB to produce. “We want to open new doors and attract new talents,” said Peter Au.
Asked if Hong Kong’s two new free-to-air stations have prompted TVB to start the project, Peter Au admitted, “It did urge us, and we want to increase our competitive power. Other countries already have similar projects.” He then added, “The creative industry is shrinking and there aren’t many successors. We need more time to cultivate them!” Many acting and music industry personnel attended the press conference to support the initiative.
Encouraging Hong Kong’s creative minds to help TVB’s competitiveness in the international market, TVB will begin accepting program proposals from January 22 through March 31, 2014. Genres and programs of all kinds are accepted, but submissions must abide by Hong Kong’s broadcasting guidelines. It is encouraged that the new ideas are sustainable and extendable, with programs that appeal to younger audiences being preferred.
The proposal must include a detailed introduction of the idea, its main subject matter, a summary of contents, a message, a filming format, its feasibility, and an estimated production budget. Proposals can be written or recorded in video. Accepted proposals will be approved for a pilot episode, which will be aired during the summer time on TVB’s J2 channel.
Source: ihktv.com
This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.
Is it open for non-HK citizens too? Do you have the website by any chance?
missbubbles,
An email contact is provided on TVB.com:
http://creative.tvb.com/
Thanks so much Jayne!
Hi Jayne:
Here’s the link to the application form on TVB’s website. There are actually more details on the project in this form that will help clarify the various questions in this thread (i.e. whether this project is open to non-HK citizens and what exactly TVB is looking for). As I stated in my post below, the above article is misleading, as TVB very specifically states in their application form that they are looking for independent producers and production companies in HK to submit their ideas and that TVB will only be a platform to air the program (now the piece about doing a feasibility study and budget analysis makes sense, since the person submitting the idea will be responsible for actually producing the program).
You guys may want to amend the article with the information from the application, since it’s more clear. Just my suggestion….
http://img.tvb.com/p/creative/Application_form_chi.pdf
thank you for your message I notice that the link for the application is in chinese – do you know if there is an english version for it ? – all the best
Following my message a short while ago, I just found the link to the english version of the application – all the best
Woah. I can feel TVB’s sincerity to improve.
I’m done writing a pilot outline and a series bible…I sure hope they accept submissions in English.
Jayne, do they allow international participants? Because I would like to join …
I already have a few dramas ideas on my hands. Will be glad to send in to them but that will depends if they allow international contestant?
Mashiro,
You can direct inquires to TVB at their email contact:
http://creative.tvb.com/
I got one.
detailed introduction of the idea
Ruco Chan, on a sofa, in a studio, alone with soft lightning and he can do whatever he wants as long as it is him alone for min 45 minutes and in 5 episodes each with different settings but same basic idea
its main subject matter
Ruco Chan
a summary of contents
Ruco Chan, a book, a sofa, a fluffy pillow, soft lightning
a message
You want him alone by himself with cameras on him and him alone? You got it!
a filming format
Camera on a tripod or whatever but not handheld, shooting straight
its feasibility
For all Ruco Chan fans or those fed up why whenever a series with Ruco Chan he is forever have to share the limelight or so many “flies” flying around occupying the scenes. This same idea can be adapted to any star. Perhaps create a poll for “Watch the star do nothing but get the 100% limelight for 45 minutes for 5 episodes for this week!”.
an estimated production budget
Suject’s salary – borne by TVB
one light plus one sofa plus one fluffy toy plus whatever props – donated by fans so it is free
The fact that it includes “an estimated production budget” doesn’t seem to open to general public because if you’re not in the industry how will you know the budget? Shouldn’t TVB concentrate on getting the ideas and outline and then they develop on it and their guys do the budget planning? Or is TVB trying to say they’re asking for other experienced entertainment people to propose what would eventually be production proposal aka you be the producer?
I had the exact same question about the “estimated production budget” piece. I would think that the budget piece should be done by TVB rather than the person submitting the idea, since, like you said, the average non-industry person probably will not know how much it costs to film a series / TV program.
I definitely feel it’s a good idea to try and get ideas from the public, but the logistics of it doesn’t make sense — I’m sure people won’t have a problem contributing ideas, but if they have to do the whole feasibility and budget analysis thing, that might discourage alot of people from submitting a proposal (I know for me personally, that part is a big turnoff).
Lol your idea about Ruco is funny. I’m a fan too of his and do feel exactly the same way( not about the sofa though, I’m not gay).
I am hoping they take ideas in english! haha.
I saw a video clip of the press conference and Jonathan Wong (the singer/actor in Queen Divas) already had a proposal ready for a HK version of Making the Band which I think would work.
Don’t think so because look at Hk, where got bands? And why just reality show?
Making the Band was a show ABC/Lou Pearlman/Puff Daddy created for making boy bands and girl bands. Not actual bands.
Yeah, I don’t think bands are very popular in HK but all they really need is a good looking lead singer and it should work. Music competition shows are also pretty popular everywhere. It can be a reality show searching for different band members and then their journey to make music. At the end of the series, they can release their album through the tvb label and boom- they blow up.
@funn, I assume that’s the case, not to put people off, this takes more than just a sending them a synopsis or even a script. Tvb looks more desperate than anything by asking for feasibility in the proposal.
From the way I see it, they might as have a producer role of some sort open for vacancy.
oh never mind … it’s only open for the hong kong public according to the article … maybe next time.
I should be in the leading role with many gender of opposite sex.choose which one to bed
does anyone know if it is open to anyone overseas, e.g in England because I have ideas but there’s no point in me striking a proposal and then getting regected because I live in the wrong area!
Yes, I am also trying to enquiry on that, hope someone will enlighten us regarding this issue.
I have e-mailed TVB and hopefully they will reply soon. I will tell you when I receive a reply. It’s a shame if it is not. I have finally thought of an idea and I hope it doesn’t go to waste! Can someone enlighten us sooner than TVB?
thank you XxtvbxX. will be waiting for your reply. It will be nice if they allow international participants like us to join.
Wait for the hopefully good news.
I have a feeling they nay only take ideas from the HK audience since they are the ones watching the series and shows when they are airing for the ratings. But hopefully, they will take ideas from all over the world.
I think they would accept proposals from overseas because:
A. It would be pretty dumb not to include their overseas audience (eg. Malaysia viewers, Canadian viewers).
B. On their website (creative.tvb.com), they included a physical address and an email. You can either send in your proposal in person, mail your proposal to that address or email it to them. 😛
Besides each of these options, they also included the words “遞交” which means to submit.
And if they allow email proposals, how would they know where you live? (:
Based on the application form on TVB’s website, this ‘project’ is only open to HK people — not only that, they do say specifically that they are looking for independent producers / production companies in HK to submit their ideas. Once the ideas are submitted, TVB will call the production company in for a face to face meeting to discuss the project.
To be honest, the article above is misleading. This project isn’t open to ‘ordinary folks’ like you and me. TVB even states specifically on their website that they will only supervise the project, but won’t be involved in the production whatsoever. The person / company that submits the idea is in charge of actually producing the program in its entirety, then once done, TVB will air it on J2 — based on the ratings and word of mouth, TVB will then make a decision whether to keep that program on their schedule…if they decide to make it part of their regular schedule, it will be considered an ‘outsourced production’ whereby TVB would be collaborating with the person / company who submitted the idea…..so basically, TVB is only providing the platform to air the program — everything else will be the responsibility of the person/company themselves.
aha thanks for your info ilwy,thus only for ppl living in hk,by doing so tvb has limited themself for many good idea’s from abroad.this is a missed chance for talented ppl outside hk.
Well TVB haven’t replied to my e-mail yet…
Anyways, I thought the wensite siad that it’s time for HONG KONG to unleash their creativity! But I thought that it was only looking for idea, not to actually produce the show and have a meeting e.t.c.
I don’t think that’s true, llwy12 .
The very first line says “參選者須年滿 18 歲或以上並持有有效之香港身份證”
^ So you must be 18+ and have HKID, which makes sense since TVB is in HK.
“所有電視廣播有限公司及 / 或其附屬公司及 / 或相聯公司 ( 統稱“ TV B ” ) 之員工均不得參加 本 活 動 。”
^ It says that if you have a similar company such as TVB, you ARE NOT allowed “不得參加 本 活 動” to participate. So producers within a production company ARE NOT allowed to participate.
““首輪入圍者將於 2 0 1 4 年 4 月 3 0 日或之前獲 TV B 專人通知面試，落選者不會收到個別通知””
^ Those who are notified before April 30 will be contacted for an interview. The ones that are selected (after the interview) will receive notification.
Unless that line is saying that TVB artistes/producers/backstage crew aren’t allowed to participate.
But it doesn’t make sense if this is only to Hongkongers because on the application, it asks for Nationality/passport number as well, not just HKID.
@bubblez do you have a link? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for all of the additional info llwy12! I had a feeling that it would not be so simple. TVB is truly falling to the shambles because they seem to not only be running out of ideas,but also brain power.
It seems like TVB just want our ideas.
The contact info is on creative.tvb.com
The application form is here: http://img.tvb.com/p/creative/Application_form_chi.pdf
And “若 參選者 以 公司或 團體 名義 参 加 ， 參選者 須提 交 該 公司 或 團體有 效之 商業登記 及 公司或 團體 註冊 證明副本；並提交 節目 製作團體主要成員 名單” => “If the candidates on behalf of the company or organization to participate, candidates are required to submit the company or group of business registration and company registration certificate copy or organizations; and submit a list of key program production groups” (roughly translated)
@Bubblez: It’s not surprising that they would want nationality and passport number because there are people who can have both. Like me for example, I was born in HK and have an HK ID card, but I also have a U.S. passport and am an American citizen — so technically, I qualify as a Hong Konger even though I don’t live in HK. But if you were born in another country or don’t have an HK ID card, then you can’t participate.
And the 所有電視廣播有限公司及 / 或其附屬公司及 / 或相聯公司 ( 統稱“ TV B ” ) 之員工均不得參加 本 活 動 part means that anyone affiliated with TVB and/or its subsidiaries is not allowed to participate in this project, which is a typical requirement that most companies impose whenever they have contests and such.
It’s worth trying though. Because if you don’t try, then you will never know if you make it or not. It may also be life-changing experience or a “once-in-your-lifetime” opportunity. And we don’t know if TVB will ever do this again in the near future.
@Bubblez: True, but it also depends on the person and their situation.
While I applaud TVB for at least attempting to reach out to the public, I do have to say that they sure aren’t making it easy for ordinary people to participate in this project. Like me for example – I’m good up to the point of submitting the proposal (I fulfill the criteria of being 18 years and older, have an HK ID card, and have original ideas / scripts written by myself, etc.)….but when I read the part about having to produce the pilot episode all by myself (even with TVB providing the funds to do so), I was already turned off from proceeding further. Submitting a proposal and having TVB film it is way different from submitting a proposal and filming it ourselves….sure, people who are in the industry or students taking film / production courses or people who want to get their foot in the door to the world of filmmaking, etc. may be fine with going through that process, but is an average joe off the street who likely already has a full-time job going to have time to go through that process? My guess is, probably not….
I think that normal people would be turned off with having to film it. I have an idea but having to film it is so different.
I personally think that TVB is only giving suggestions and providing the funding (not partaking the producing process) because if they accept your proposal, the ONLY PERSON who knows your idea very well is YOURSELF not TVB. Hence in a way, they are giving you absolute control of how YOU want your pilot episode (final product) to be.
If you let TVB to take control, it may not match up with what you have in mind.. Just like how the audience thought Bullet Brain would be this certain type of drama, but it wasn’t. In a way, they are avoiding misconceptions. And TVB is providing some of the artistes right? And so, if the person has sent the proposal, they can draft the script in advance (just in case they get chosen).
If you think the whole process like how you are thinking of it, then people would be discouraged to even participate or submit their proposal. But I personally think it’s good that they are allowing the original person to participate since it’s the original person who will have a better understanding of how they want their product to look like.
Are you thinking of participating? It would be an amazing experience that’s not destined for me. But good luck if you are!
I don’t know yet because if this is only for HK residents (which I don’t think it is since tvb did give 3 options to submit your proposal, including EMAIL), then i can’t.
But if TVB provides funding, it means you could hire someone professional to edit/film it with you… :$
Yeah. I cuts me out instantly if it is for HK residents.
If TVB give you the funding then that’s ok, it’s just getting people to actually star and direct it that will be the problem. Who knows, maybe I’ll make myself the female lead! 😉
@xxtvb: That’s why it’s important to read the ‘fine print’…when I went onto the website, it didn’t mention anything about the production process either…but when I downloaded the actual application form, that’s where it had all the ‘fine print’ about what the process actually entails.
It looks like the public in general was misled because most of the Media outlets reporting on this had almost the exact same information as the article above — there was no mention of TVB’s target being independent producers / production companies or that TVB wouldn’t be involved in the process whatsoever. Not sure if this important omission was ‘intentional’ or not on TVB’s part…
Wow…. Do you have the application form for it? I want to see the small print. I’m so glad that I came across you guys. If none of you told me then I would have been in so much trouble. I really hope that it wasn’t intentional because that would have been so mean of TVB. Guess most of our ideas will go down the bin…if only I was a millionaire then I would produce all the shows I wanted. This sucks.
I knew that TVB wouldn’t be so nice. It was suspicious that they wanted the budget e.t.c even though we are normal civilians. How are we supposed to know all this. It’s clearly not for people like us…
Here’s the link to the application (I also posted it in one of my other comments above)….
The details are on page 1, though if you go to pages 3 and 4, there are a bunch of rules that the person filling out the application would have to agree to (and it says on there that the person must have a Hong Kong ID card — that in itself already eliminates overseas people who weren’t born in HK or originally from there). To be honest, after reading all the ‘rules’ that must be adhered to (majority of which favor TVB more than the person/company submitting the proposal), I would think twice about participating now, even if I were eligible…
http://img.tvb.com/p/creative/Application_form_chi.pdf
Getting a HKID isn’t that hard though. My brother who isn’t born in HK got his HKID. I got mine a while back but I do have to renew it.
” Applications from Outside Hong Kong
If you are living outside Hong Kong, you should apply by post to:
Registration of Persons General and Statistics Unit
12/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Your application must include the following:
A completed and signed application form ROP122
A copy of your Hong Kong identity card or travel document
A written and signed request containing your name, Hong Kong identity card number, a recent photograph (not larger than 60 x 50 mm or smaller than 50 x 40 mm) and your left or right thumbprint. If you have not applied for a smart identity card before, you should only provide your left thumbprint
If you appoint a representative to collect the certificate, please specify the name, Hong Kong identity card number, contact address and telephone number of that representative
The copy of your Hong Kong identity card or travel document, the photograph and thumbprint must be properly authenticated by a Notary Public of the country where you reside and clear enough for verification
Payment for the certificate should be made by a crossed cheque payable to ‘The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’. If the cheque is not drawn on a bank in Hong Kong or not in Hong Kong dollars, an extra bank handling charge of HK$100 must be included. ”
._.
@Bubblez: Thanks. True, getting an HK ID card isn’t that hard, but for people who don’t already have one, is it really worth it for them to go through the process just to participate in this project, especially when there is a possibility that the person’s proposal might not even make it to the final round? Plus with all the restrictions (as outlined on pages 3 and 4) about keeping the proposal information confidential for a certain period of time even if the person doesn’t get selected? I guess it depends on how desperately people want to participate…
You can always have a relative who lives in hk to do the paperwork and hand it in and get your hkid card for you as well. That’s what my mom did for my siblings and I when we flew back to Canada. My aunt who lives in HK helped us with our application and sent it back to us via my uncle/aunt..
Thanks! Unfortunately I wasn’t born in HK and I’m not eligible for one either. I could though if I had a certain amount of money but it’s not really worth going through all this for something that might not be entirely worth it.
You don’t need to be born in HK to get a HKID. I wasn’t born in HK and was able to obtain one… ._.
It’s true that you don’t have to be born in HK to get an ID card (though of course, that’s the easiest way to do), but there ARE other requirements that have to be met. The situation can get a bit complicated for those who were born overseas because there are nationality issues to consider (you must meet the Chinese nationality requirements as outlined in Article 5 of China’s nationality law, which has applied to HK since its return to China in 1997). And, once you qualify and submit the paperwork, it takes 6 to 8 weeks to process (though depending on workload, could be faster), so timing-wise, it would be a bit of a stretch.
@Bubblez: I actually don’t think it’s limited to HK residents per se (as long as you have an HK ID card, you’re eligible), but if you live overseas, it’s probably much more difficult to coordinate this whole thing, especially since they require an interview process if you’re chosen and I’m assuming there will probably be followup meetings throughout the process as well….logistically, it would definitely take alot of time and dedication to coordinate…not impossible, but I doubt too many overseas people would be willing to go through with it given the circumstances.
I know that there are other requirements in obtaining a HKID. Actually, TVB should be more specific on who can participate in this idea. It’s very vague. And they really should offer an English translation as well (I don’t know why they didn’t offer it, but for pageant applications, there are both Chinese and English)
And if they do let overseas viewers, they may do it like how they accept overseas contestants for miss hong kong. Do the interviews with the tv station that’s responsible for distributing TVB dramas (eg. Fairchild, Astro, etc.) and then go from there.. But I do agree that this is no easy process. And it would be a pain and waste of time and $ (if we have to cover the costs ourselves for overseas participants) to fly from one place to another during this whole process.
if this “fine print” thing is true,then i think tvb just want to give ppl false hope and actually want to steal your idea’s,this is just disgusting.
If TVB uses your idea, it means your idea is workable. It could be your 光榮 for TVB to use your idea..
Not necessary a bad thing.
@Bubblez: Definitely agree that TVB should be more specific on who can or can’t participate, since it’s obviously not very clear. But in a sense, I’m not surprised that TVB wouldn’t come right out and say that it’s only open to Hong Kongers because that could cause backlash….at least the way it’s worded now, you only need to have an HK ID card (which technically does include people living overseas), but the way they made the process so involved (face to face interview and possible follow up meetings, having to source the production entirely on your own, TVB taking on a supervisory/consultant type role but not actually being involved in the production, etc.), it does discourage overseas people from participating…..though I guess those who still have some type of connection to HK (family, relatives, friends, etc.) could probably make it work.
My advice to those who intend on participating – read the ‘fine print’ first (basically all the rules on pages 3 and 4) because there is some stuff in there that touches on the transfer of rights and such, which could have an impact legally. Plus it’s always good to understand exactly what this is going to entail first and the ramifications before diving in, since this project is definitely going to be more ‘involved’ than what was originally communicated by the media.
“face to face interview and possible follow up meetings, having to source the production entirely on your own,”
^ I think it is a good thing that they have an interview to “get to know you” before giving you the green light to go ahead.
And at least the person came up with the idea has full control on how they want their final product to be :/
It is a nice idea that TVB want to meet up and see what real ideas you have but that will mean that people overseas will have a slight problem. It is so annoying that TVB made it so vague. I guess there is a lot of hinting about interviews and e.t.c but they should have made it clearer. It’s not easy finding the small print, which fortunately was given to me by a nice samaritian.
wow, that sucks…thanks llwy12 for clearing this up. really blows.
Lots of peoples hopes have been shattered. I wish TVB made it clear from the beginning.
Well, I guess technically, saying that the project is “open to the public” isn’t really wrong per se — but by virtue of having the person produce the program themselves already limits who is able to participate…I mean, honestly, how many ordinary citizens out there know how to produce a program all by themselves? This isn’t like filming a home video and posting it on Youtube — it’s actually producing the pilot episode of the program as you would want it shown on TV (though TVB did state in their application thing that they have the right to edit and change stuff as they see fit…).
Man, that sounds even better than I thought it would be. I would love to produce a program on my own. Finding locations, directing, editing, etc. Having (albeit not complete) creative control is the last thing I thought TVB would offer. It’s too bad I’m not from HK and my family’s not from there 🙁
Nowadays watching a good movie is better than watching a long miniseries because time is limited. They don’t make miniseries like they used to. TVB too many chiefs not enough indians. Wong Jing is the man with many ideas and a hard working individual that have seen it all in his years. TVB go get him.
I’m sure there will be lot of requests for anything that consists of Raymond Lam taking his clothes off and showing his body.
We don’t want to see an uncle get naked
I need suggestion of a gay or les drama 🙂
Chow Yun Fat and Idy Chan onscreen together.
the idea of Jaynestars’ commentators becoming famous because of this is both funny & cool P:
BRING BACK MR HK!!!!!
A supernatural drama would be nice. Less comedies and back to simple, effective dramatic storylines.
Yup, like a step into the past, journey to the west, god of honour, and….there was one where two girls had their faces switched , and one of them married the Emperor while the other girl lived the poor life. And there was one drama where Roger Kwok solves mysteries by phoning his supposedly dead father in the past. Those were my favorite supernatural dramas.
the series you’re referring to is Love Is Beautiful (无头东宫)
Oh yea that’s the one. Also the Three Kingdoms RPG is also pretty good too. It got high ratings. TVB should really stick to this route in drama…I love love love watching them.
Are Japanese dramas that good?
Not really…that’s just my opinion though. The acting is really cheesy
The answer is yes for many. Of course there are some chessy and boring ones but overall good :). The storylines/genres are varied and the acting is good. Of course Japanese style is different to HK’s (a bit lousier when it comes to comedy) but if you wanna try to find good plots, watch J-drama.
P/S: Not a fan of K-drama, too dramatic.
I guess it also comes down to a matter of opinion. Many loved K dramas but I have seen many and do not like most of them. A few are ok but the majority of them are kind of boring to me.
Japanese anime is good. Japanese drama not really, depends… That’s my opinion. Maybe that’s why many watch their anime (millions on certain websites), but few (thousands) watch their dramas.
“bit lousier when it comes to comedy”
I personally feel that their games and anime scriptwriters are better than the drama scriptwriters.
I always prefer manga over anime, dunno why. Even the famous one likes Elfen Lied I still like the manga more. But there is one exception and it was School Days. The anime was more dramatic and sad. I feel for Kotohana more and the Slow boat ending is truly sucky there.
When there is an adaption of a manga to screen, in my opinion, the Japanese version is always the best. Hana Yori Dango, Hana Kimi, Yamada Tarou, It’s started with a kiss, Devil besides you and so on.