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PROPOSAL

 

WORKING TITLE ‘THIS OLD SHACK’. This show is currently self-published and is viewed on the internet. The popularity is ‘decent’; the advertising is very minimal but receives positive response from audiences.

 

Concept: Think Red-Green meet Bob Vila and Tim Allen.

 

Currently, there have been three episodes taped and “in the can” that are available on the internet. The show structure is as follows and flows nicely as is. The host delivers his orations in a deadpan style at first and begins to have more and more emotion as the show progresses. Here is the flow of the show:

 

1.      The host, Bill Xam, introduces himself and talks about the episode. The introductions are followed by some improbable event that usually ends in disaster. Example: 1)  On a trip to a solar powered cabin, the host is led to believe that it will be warm and sunny. It’s actually cold and rainy with humorous results as the host blames his agent. 2) The host sets out to tape an introduction so his family can watch. However, constant interruptions end the effort with a dull thud. And a phone call from Al Gore.

2.      Numerous disclaimers regarding the potential dangers of working with high amperage systems.

3.      Show credits. The production company is “A Man With Too Much Time On His Hands”.

4.      Actual show begins with host showing how some system or another works.

5.      Show ends with a review and demonstrations.

6.      Show end credits with bloopers and music.

 

Typical show duration is between 17 and 20 minutes to allow for commercial interruptions. The show runs on the fake television network “Saline Entertainment Television” and includes descriptions of dummy shows that are on the network.

 

Premise:

 

An educational / humor show involving alternative energy including:

 

·         Solar produced electricity

·         Solar heating

·         Wind produced electricity

·         Water produced electricity

 

This includes the following bullet points:

 

·         Its uses

·         Commercial/government installations

• Interviews.
• How the power is used.
• Costs and returns on the investment.

·         Residential installations

• Interviews with homeowners – should (am tempted to say MUST) be entertaining individuals.
• Details of installations.
• Legalities, inspections and how to do work properly.
• Unusual installations:
• Wind turbines.
• Solar shingles.
• Large photovoltaic arrays.
• Water driven turbines.
• Solar heating (both passive and active)

·         Commercial production

• Plant tours.
• Factory details.
• Interviews with manufacturers.

 

The show also features segments with actual “hands on” video instruction about alternative energy installations including the following topics – some of which are planned for future episodes and are in development.

 

·         How to make battery cables for a battery bank.

·         How to set up and use a battery bank

·         How to connect solar arrays/wind turbines/water turbines to a battery bank using a charging regulator.

·         How to wire an inverter (DC to AC) to a battery bank.

·         Testing a battery bank using real world loads.

·         Installing a small residential generator properly.

·         How to charge a battery bank properly from a generator.

·         How to wire the inverter to household circuits.

·         How to wire and use low voltage items from a low voltage system.

 

 

 

Production costs:

 

Productions costs for “This Old Shack” are minimal. The highest current cost is travel. Secondary are time and talent involved in production. The show is currently set up as a high profit margin venture.