NETWORKS |
We are approaching two types of broadcasters, with two slightly different aims in mind:
- cable networks like SCI FI CHANNEL, USA NETWORK, FX, TNT, which have expressed interest in picking up
the show, and with who Warner Bros is / will be negotiating. Right now the top priority is SCI FI CHANNEL, but
we must keep contacting the others too. (for SCI FI CHANNEL specifically, click here; also see this article).
- in addition, because it appears that these may have difficulty paying for Moonlight on their own, we as a
fanbase are also approaching satellite networks, DIRECTV and DISH NETWORK. The aim is to motivate them
to enter into a partnership with the cable networks interested to co-finance the show, in the spirit of what
recently happened between NBC and DIRECTV for Friday Night Lights. For more on these satellite networks
click here. For now, we should concentrate on DIRECTV.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Snail-mail: click here for contact details
Snail-mail is the first priority because it is what has the most impact. For post-cards click here .
E-mail to Snail-mail service: click here fore details
E-mail this service, and they will write down your message on "perpetual cool" postcards, and mail them to
all the networks by priority mail!
E-mails: click here for contact details
Prepare a text that you can use for all the networks, with perhaps minor modifications. E-mail them all in one
easy click.
Moonlight boards & threads: click here for links
Prepare a post that you can copy and paste to all the different boards / threads on the websites of these
Networks. You will have to register on each site but this is usually quite quick.
Websites: click here for links (list of their shows provided here)
To familiarise yourself with our prospective homes, and especially with their shows, visit their websites.
WHAT TO SAY: suggestions and sample e-mails / letters
For sample letters/e-mails for inspiration click here
- cable networks like SCI FI CHANNEL, USA NETWORK, FX, TNT, which have expressed interest in picking up
the show, and with who Warner Bros is / will be negotiating. Right now the top priority is SCI FI CHANNEL, but
we must keep contacting the others too. (for SCI FI CHANNEL specifically, click here; also see this article).
- in addition, because it appears that these may have difficulty paying for Moonlight on their own, we as a
fanbase are also approaching satellite networks, DIRECTV and DISH NETWORK. The aim is to motivate them
to enter into a partnership with the cable networks interested to co-finance the show, in the spirit of what
recently happened between NBC and DIRECTV for Friday Night Lights. For more on these satellite networks
click here. For now, we should concentrate on DIRECTV.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Snail-mail: click here for contact details
Snail-mail is the first priority because it is what has the most impact. For post-cards click here .
E-mail to Snail-mail service: click here fore details
E-mail this service, and they will write down your message on "perpetual cool" postcards, and mail them to
all the networks by priority mail!
E-mails: click here for contact details
Prepare a text that you can use for all the networks, with perhaps minor modifications. E-mail them all in one
easy click.
Moonlight boards & threads: click here for links
Prepare a post that you can copy and paste to all the different boards / threads on the websites of these
Networks. You will have to register on each site but this is usually quite quick.
Websites: click here for links (list of their shows provided here)
To familiarise yourself with our prospective homes, and especially with their shows, visit their websites.
WHAT TO SAY: suggestions and sample e-mails / letters
For sample letters/e-mails for inspiration click here
Be polite, thoughtful and encouraging when you contact networks, and: - As a viewer, of course tell them why you love the show, how great it is and why, ... but ALSO stress that you fit with their viewership if this is the case: - give relevant information concerning your demographic profile if it corresponds to who they want to attract. In the case of Sci-Fi, women and 25-54 (so if you are either, boast about it) - mention shows that you love that they are currently broadcasting (even if you know them from elsewhere and don't have Sci-Fi right now; hec that's even better because then they know they'll keep you there when you get it for Moonlight). Be aware: from a network's perspective, if the show is loved by people that fit the profile of their viewers, or of the viewers that they are currently attracting, this means that whatever viewers Moonlight brings them will watch many of their other shows and become a stable asset for this network. This is really key for them. - As a fan, stress what YOU can do for THEM: That loyal fans will go to/remain with any network that picks up their favorite show, and that you will be proactive in getting others to do the same (you will encourage your friends to do so, you'll buy Moonlight T-shirts and wear them when you go to rock concerts/football games/the mall/at school (any place you like to go where there are lots of people); or you'll tell people about the show on myspace/facebook page/ on this other forum where you post" (NOT a Moonlight related forum, anything else that you like and can while respecting their rules). We have to tell networks that we can bring them viewers from outside our own fanbase; if you have access to international oriented groups on the web even better: Sci-Fi is about to start expanding internationally big time)). And then that you are open to any suggestion that THEY may have to help them make this venture a financial success for them. Understand the difference between a simple viewer and a fan: as fans, we are not nearly as numerous; however we can do more for them so stress that because that is our strength, and because the networks know full well that it is us fans flooding them right now. - Stress the numbers: This show has had 7.5 to 8 million viewers on CBS. The show reached the desired 18-49 demographic, and consistently helped CBS to win Friday nights, being the first in its time slot. That the show won People's Choice Award for "Best New TV-Drama" with 10 million votes, with only one vote per person per day (= big fanbase, not just simple viewers). (notice that they know that, so stressing numbers is not enough, but is expected nonetheless) Also realise that the networks know that not nearly all of CBS' s 8 million viewers will follow the show wherever it ends up landing, so I suggest that you be careful when you speak numbers: don't come across like you believe that, because that may very well make you come across as naive at best and clueless at worst... |
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