Notes on the Television Program Production Proposal Form

Just like any other project, television program production follows a structured
workflow. Every television production starts with a concept. From the initial idea to its
broadcast and the subsequent stages, various steps must be executed systematically.
The production process of television programs can be broadly categorized into three primary
phases:
 Pre-production: This phase involves planning, scripting, budgeting, and organizing all
the necessary resources before actual production begins.
 Production: This is the stage where the program is actually filmed or recorded. It
includes tasks such as shooting, recording, and on-set management.
 Post-production: This final phase involves editing, adding visual effects, sound
mixing, and preparing the program for broadcast.
While each of these stages involves distinct activities, they are interconnected and
interdependent. The specific tasks and their relative importance within these phases may
vary depending on the nature and complexity of the program being produced.
Pre-Production: Planning and Preparation
The most critical factor determining the success of a production is the meticulous
attention given to pre-production planning and preparation. The pre-production phase
involves shaping the program before actual production begins.
The pre-production phase of a television program encompasses all the preparatory
work necessary for its realization, including planning and preparation. At the heart of this
phase lies the scriptwriting process and overall organization.
Pre-production planning and preparation serve as the foundation for a successful
production, and they typically start weeks, even months, before the actual shooting date.
The more meticulous the planning and preparation, the smoother, more efficient, and
reliable the production process will be.
The pre-production phase is essentially a communication and coordination phase.
This means that the entire production is meticulously planned and organized from the
outset.
Pre-production activities involve asking various questions about the program's requirements
(such as its purpose, target audience, duration, format, personnel, equipment, location,
budget, and start date), finding answers to these questions, and organizing them. In essence,
it involves organizing the entire production process, effectively completing the program on
paper before actual production begins.
During pre-production planning and preparation, all potential issues related to the
production are carefully evaluated and the production is planned accordingly. However, it is
possible to encounter unexpected challenges even with careful planning. If pre-production
planning and preparation are not carried out meticulously, it is likely to face unforeseen
problems. Such issues can negatively impact the team, prolong the production schedule,
complicate the work, and increase costs.
The pre-production planning and preparation process involves several stages and
various tasks. While these stages and tasks can be divided and sequenced differently, the
specific structure may vary from program to program due to factors such as the
organization's structure, the nature of the production, and individual approaches. However,
despite these differences, the fundamental tasks involved in all productions remain largely
the same, from the initial concept to the commencement of shooting.
Pre-Production Stages

The Program Idea

In television program production, every idea is the starting point. The script of a
television program is developed from an idea. All television productions originate from a
concept. It is crucial that the proposed idea differs from previously produced programs and
offers unique and interesting aspects to ensure the program's success.
If the idea is compelling enough to capture the attention of a program producer, it can
become the subject of a television program. The program idea should, first and foremost, be
attractive and beneficial to the audience. Any concept, real or fictional, related to human life
can be the subject of a television program. A program producer's education, skills, general
knowledge, creativity, and professional experience play a significant role in determining
which ideas will become the basis of a television program.
Evaluating the Program Idea and Preliminary Research
A program producer's primary goal is to transform their initial idea into a successful
television program. Once a basic idea is identified, the first step is to conduct preliminary
research to assess the feasibility of the idea, gather general information about it, and
evaluate whether it has the potential to be a successful television program. Research is the
first and most fundamental step in the realization of a program idea. An idea that initially
seems brilliant may prove difficult to implement as a television program.
Herbert Zettl, in his book "Television Production Handbook," suggests that the following
questions can guide you in determining the value and importance of an idea for television
program production:
 Will the program idea genuinely interest the public (your target audience)?
 Is the idea interesting and exciting? If so, why? If not, why not?
 What are the possible realizations of this idea?
 Does the idea require further research?
 If the idea is developed into a television program, what will the audience gain from
it? What benefits will they derive?
 Why do you want to develop this idea into a television program? What are your
goals?
 If you develop this idea for a television program, what kind of production problems
might you encounter?
To decide if an idea is right for a program, the producer should also consider these
questions:
 What is the target audience for the program?
 Can the subject matter be developed to fill the duration of a program?
 What is the most suitable broadcast time for the program?
 Is the subject matter suitable for visual support?
 Is it compatible with the technical capabilities of television?
 What is the optimal duration for the subject matter? Why?
Program Proposal
A program proposal is required to assess the feasibility of a program concept that has
undergone initial research. This proposal, which contains comprehensive details about the
proposed program, is submitted for review to the decision-makers who will authorize its
production.
Developing the Program Idea: Production Research and Planning
The stage of developing a program idea involves a preliminary study that
encompasses almost the entire production, including production research and planning.
Production research and planning are essential stages of program production and require a
rigorous, disciplined, and time-consuming effort.
 Production Research:
A program idea can only be developed into a successful television program through
thorough research. There are three primary sources of information that program producers
utilize:
Informal sources: The knowledge program producers have acquired previously about a
topic, their readings, conversations with colleagues and friends, and their own
observations.
Institutional sources: All information developed by institutions, governments, companies,
associations, schools, unions, etc. These institutions typically record their own activities
and collect and store correspondence and meetings among themselves.
Libraries and databases: Reliable and accurate information obtained from libraries and
online databases.
Interviews with people: Gathering information through interviews is an important source
for program producers. Program producers can obtain useful information by interviewing
experts and relevant authorities on the subject. To fully utilize the people being
interviewed, prior preparation is essential. Conducting research before the interview is
important both for selecting the most appropriate people to talk to and for asking the
best questions about the topic. All the material obtained from production research is
sorted, selected, and prepared for writing, taking into account the program draft
approved at the proposal stage.
 Production Planning and Fundamental Questions to Be Answered in Production
Planning:
The questions that need to be explicitly answered during the program development
process also indicate the information a program producer needs to realize their program.
These questions are:
1. What will I say in the program, what will I explain?/ What is the program's core
message?
2. Why do I want to make this program?/ Why am I making this program?
3. For whom will I make this program? / Who is my target audience?
4. How will I make this program? / How will I produce this program?
The answer to the question "What" is the essence of the main idea, what we want to convey
in the program. In television programs, the main idea is the beginning of everything. A good
idea is the most important capital needed to realize a television program. The main idea
contains the key to the program structure and determines and emphasizes what will be
highlighted and what will be overlooked in the program. A program without a strong main
idea is worthless, directionless, and lacks a core; it is not convincing or interesting. It is
desirable to convey the program's main idea in the clearest, most understandable, and
simplest way possible. This plays a major role in conveying what is intended more effectively.
Having multiple main ideas in a program can lead to confusion and disorganization,
hindering the understanding of the intended message. The question "Why" explains the
purpose and reason for making the program. The program producer needs to answer why
they want to make this program. They should ask themselves: "Why do I want to share my
thoughts with others? What is my purpose in making this program?" These questions need
to be answered clearly. The answers to these questions show the producer the goal to be
achieved in the program, that is, the main message to be sent to the audience, and the
purpose of the program is revealed. The answer to the question "For whom" defines the
target audience. The target audience plays a significant role in determining the form and
content of the television program. The reason for producing television programs is to have
an audience watch the program. The target audience refers to the specific group or groups
of viewers to whom you want to convey the program's message. The target audience can be
defined by characteristics such as age, gender, education level, income level, ethnic origin,
family, religious preferences, place of residence, consumption habits, values, and lifestyle.
Program producers can use the data obtained from research to reach conclusions and
interpretations that they can use. A producer should define the target audience with all their
characteristics and expectations and develop a production accordingly. This should be
supported by information about viewers' lifestyles, what they enjoy, and what they need.
This information should be based on research and the interpretation and evaluation of
research. The answer to the question "How" aims to determine how the program will be
presented and produced. How will the subject matter be approached? How will it be
processed? What approach will be taken?
 Program Title:
The program title should be memorable and easy to recall. It should also provide clues
about the content of the program and be meaningful. (You can suggest multiple titles in
this section.)
 Program Type :
Television programs are grouped considering certain qualities. Determining the program
type in the pre-production phase is important for a production. The program producer
should decide on the program type based on factors such as the characteristics and
subject matter of the program to be prepared in the pre-production phase, its purpose
and target audience, the broadcast goals and policies of the television organization, and
the production resources and capabilities.
 Program Duration:
The program duration is the length of the program in terms of time. The duration of the
program should be determined during the planning phase. Factors such as the subject
matter, purpose, type, and target audience must be considered when determining the
program duration. The program duration should neither be too long as to bore the
viewer nor too short to be understood.
 Broadcast Platform and Time:
Choose the most suitable channel or platform and broadcast time to reach the target
audience, considering their viewing habits. During the planning phase, it is necessary to
determine the broadcast channel and the ideal broadcast time, in terms of month, day,
and hour, where the program is intended to be broadcast. When determining the
television channel/platform and the ideal broadcast time for the program, the viewing
habits of the target audience should be considered. Here, research on the viewing habits
of users should also be used if the content will be shared on the internet. The program
producer must answer the question of whether the target audience can be reached on
the day, time, and channel/platform where the program will be broadcast.
 Target Audience of the Program:
Clearly define the specific group of viewers the program is aimed at.
Program Synopsis:
To write a program synopsis, you can follow these steps:
1. Define the topic: First, determine the topic of the program. This topic could be an
event, person, or idea.
2. Summarize the topic: Write a brief summary of the program's topic. What is the topic
about and when will it take place? What will be the focus?
3. Purpose and scope: Explain the purpose and scope of the program. What is the
program about, and what information will it provide to the viewers? Is the program
being made to serve a specific purpose or simply to provide information?
4. Content: Explain the main headings that will be included in the program and the
details that will be included under these headings. Discuss which topics will be
covered in the program and how these topics will be presented.
5. Style and tone: Explain the style and tone of the program. Will the program be
serious or entertaining? Explain how it will make an impression on the audience.
6. Audience: Who is the program aimed at? Which audiences are you targeting? This
audience may vary according to factors such as age, gender, interests, and education.
7. Identify key points: What are the important highlights of the program?
8. Call to action: Make a call to action at the end of the program to motivate viewers.
Do you want them to take a specific action, or do you just want them to learn more
about the topic? Specify.
9. Summary: Finally, briefly summarize the program's topic, purpose, content, style,
target audience, and the information it will provide.
A synopsis for a news documentary is a concise summary of the documentary's main
theme, key points, and overall narrative. It should be informative and engaging, providing a
clear overview of the documentary's content.
Key Elements of a News Documentary Synopsis:
1. Central Theme: The main topic or issue that the documentary explores.
2. Key Points: The most important points or arguments made in the documentary.
3. Narrative Arc: A brief overview of the story's structure, including the beginning,
middle, and end.
4. Target Audience: The intended audience for the documentary.
5. Unique Points: What sets the documentary apart from others on similar topics.
Keep the synopsis concise and impactful. Avoid giving away the entire story. The goal is to
hook the producer, leaving them wanting more and eager to see the full project.
Example 1
Synopsis:
This documentary delves into the global crisis of climate change, exploring its causes,
impacts, and potential solutions. Through interviews with leading scientists, policymakers,
and activists, the film highlights the urgent need for action to mitigate the effects of climate
change. Key topics include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the transition to
renewable energy sources.
Example 2
This program explores the far-reaching consequences of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It
delves into the virus's origins, spread, and worldwide impact. We examine how the pandemic
has affected everyday life, economies, politics, and education across different nations and
regions, and the measures put in place to combat it. Presented in a serious and scientifically
grounded manner, the program is designed for viewers aged 18 and over with an interest in
health, science, and politics.
Production Timeline/ Schedule:
A production timeline is a project management tool that visualizes the sequence of
tasks and their due dates. It helps maintain a structured and timely workflow.
Scriptwriting
Before production begins, the necessary preparations for writing the program script
are made. The program script is the foundation and essence of the program to be produced.
The program script is not merely a written version of the program on paper. It is the written
creation of the development and togetherness of all events in the program and requires
extensive knowledge about the program's subject. The information and materials obtained
as a result of the production research are selected and separated according to the program's
purpose and what is necessary. Their qualities and usefulness are evaluated and organized.
The program producer should consider the reliability, credibility, characteristics of the target
audience, legal and ethical factors, values, preferences, etc. of the information to be used.
The script is a work that transforms the main idea of the program into a television program
with visuals and sound. The script is organized to include the form and flow of the program,
its content, and important production information. It is like a roadmap or navigation
information in the director's hands; starting a production without a script is similar to
traveling or finding your way without a map or navigation in an unknown place. Since words
and thoughts in scriptwriting will ultimately be transformed into images, the most
fundamental quality a scriptwriter should have is the ability to think visually. Writing an
effective television program script primarily requires creativity. Creativity in scriptwriting is
the ability to produce new information, new results, new solutions, and to synthesize using
the information previously acquired by the writer. The scriptwriter should know the
language and technology of television, the television program production process, the
technical and narrative features of the studio and camera, control room, special video
effects, editing and sound capabilities, the program's objectives, target audience, budget,
and human and equipment resources. A television program script should be written with
images in mind. Visual, auditory, and movement elements are stimuli for the viewer. These
elements should be organized by the scriptwriter as needed to achieve the program's
objectives. The scriptwriter should organize in the script which presentation format will be
used in the program. By organizing the visual, auditory, and movement elements, the
skeleton of the presentation format is also revealed for the whole program. Various formal
methods are used in scriptwriting. In general, scripts written for television programs divide
the page vertically in half, and information related to the image is written on the left side of
the page/screen, while information related to the sound is written on the right. In this study,
it is expected that you use the three-column form, an example of which is given at the end of
the text.
Program Production Team
 Who will be on the program's production team? Television program production is a
team effort. Television programs are created through the collaborative work of many
people. The care taken in selecting the production team plays a significant role in the success
of productions. A mistake made by any member of the team will reflect on the entire
program. In a production team, team members are in constant communication with each
other. In addition to their own tasks, members of the production team should have a certain
level of knowledge about the work of other members of the team. The television production
team can generally be divided into two groups: production team members and shooting
team members. Production team members consist of the producer, director, writer, and
various production assistants whose duties are considered creative. Shooting team
members, on the other hand, are primarily those who work individually with tools and
equipment, and can be listed as technical director, sound engineer, cameraman, studio
director, editing operator, their assistants, and technicians.
Program Locations
In television programs, all the shooting can be done in television studios or in outdoor
locations, or some parts of the program can be done in a studio and some parts in outdoor
locations. The choice of location for the program should be determined in the pre-
production phase. The program producer should determine where the most suitable
location or locations are for the program they intend to produce, considering factors such as
the program content, type, target audience, and economic possibilities, during the pre-
production planning phase. Locations are as important as people and objects in a television
program. The success of determining and selecting locations depends on the research
conducted beforehand. Even if the location to be used is known in advance, a pre-shooting
research trip can be made to take visual recordings of the location, preventing potential
problems later. A site visit can be made to investigate whether the location is a better place
for shooting by questioning the condition of the location.

 Is the location suitable for shooting the program, and if not, what can be done to
make it suitable?
 Can permission be obtained to use the location? From whom? When? For how long?
 What are the limitations on using the location? (Is there any unwanted noise, light,
etc. from outside? Is the ceiling height sufficient? Etc.)
 Is natural light going to be used? If so, what time of day will the sun be suitable for
shooting?
 Will artificial light sources be used? If so, is there a suitable infrastructure in the
location? (Can light sources be easily placed? Is there sufficient electricity? How
much cable is needed?)
 Where will the cameras be placed? If a track is to be laid, is the location suitable for
this?
 Can the basic needs of the shooting crew be met at the location?
 Is it necessary to take precautions to separate the shooting crew from those
watching the shooting? If so, who will do this?
 What types of lenses will be used?
 What types of microphones will be needed? Will cables be needed for the
microphones? How many meters of cable will be needed?
  Where will electricity be obtained?
Essential Elements: Props and Set Design
Television programs, even the simplest ones, require various props and set dressing
to create the desired atmosphere. These can include clothing, accessories, furniture, and
decorations. Before production begins, it's essential to create a detailed list of all the props
and set dressing needed. This list should be compiled during the pre-production phase and
items should be acquired well in advance of the shoot.
Audio, Visuals, and Archival Materials
What audio, graphics, and archival materials will be used in the program? In
programs prepared in the studio, sound is generally recorded along with the image.
However, sometimes separate recordings (such as sound effects or pre-recorded sounds like
program music) and edits may be required. In outdoor shoots, speech sounds are recorded
along with the image. This is also accompanied by natural ambient sounds. In outdoor
shoots, sound effects and music or pre-recorded sounds are added during the editing of the
program. During the pre-production preparation process, it is necessary to determine the
audio materials to be used in the program and prepare them for shooting. Various graphic
materials are used in television programs for various reasons. Some of these contribute to
the explanation of the subject, while others are added to give the program an effective visual
appearance. A list of graphic materials to be used in the program should be prepared in
advance and this process should be completed before production. Previously recorded video
footage, photographs, and audio recordings can be used in the program. These materials can
be found in the television organization's own archive or obtained from other sources. The
archival footage to be used should be determined during the program's research process,
listed, and obtained.
Program Budget
Producing a television program is a costly endeavor. The costs associated with a
television production can include equipment (cameras, lights, microphones, etc.), materials
(costumes, sets, props, graphics, etc.), transportation, accommodation, food and beverage,
rentals (studio space, equipment), salaries for the production crew and cast, and various
other expenses.
Presenter of the Program
The television presenter is the face of a program. The presenter is the final
professional figure who completes television programs, forms their showcase, and delivers
them to the target audience. They convey the content prepared by the producer, director,
and other creative teams using correct grammar, emphasis, and intonation. The presenter is
expected to use gestures and facial expressions. The presenter must be knowledgeable
about the program's topic, that is, they must be equipped both theoretically and practically.
It is quite difficult for a presenter who is not knowledgeable about the program's topic to
convey the topic accurately to the audience. Moreover, it is not possible for them to ask the
right questions and direct the program. It requires as much talent as a good education.
According to Andrew Boyd, the qualities that can be listed for a presenter are as follows:
authority, personality/character, reliability, professionalism, clarity, tone of voice and
diction, warmth.
References
Boyd, A. (2001). Broadcast Journalism: Techniques of Radio and Television News. Oxford:
Focal Press.
Işıklar, H.C.(2020). Televizyonda ve Dijital Medyada Görüntülü Habercilik. Ankara: Nobel
Yayıncılık.
Künüçen, Ş.A. (2022). Düşünceden Ekrana. Ankara: Nobel Yayıncılık.
Kapaklı, K. (2010). Televizyon Programcılığı. Ankara: Gazeteciler Cemiyeti Yayınları.
Kars, N. (2003). Televizyon Programı Yapalım Herkes İzlesin. İstanbul: Derin Yayınları.
Zettl, H. (1992).Television Production Handbook. CA: Wadsworth Publishing.

Shooting Script Sample

A three-column shooting script is a detailed breakdown of a scene, outlining the action,
characters, and visual elements for each shot.
Scene No. Description Visuals Audio
1 Wide shot of a Establishing shot. Sounds of the
bustling city street. Daytime. Crowds of street
people walking.
2 Medium shot of a Character Music fades in /
young woman walking introduction. She Strange by Celeste
alone. looks lost and
confused.
3 Close-up of a vintage Emphasizes the map. Silence
map in the woman's Soft focus on her
hand. face.
Tips for writing a documentary script:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nLRZ5codHU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaxmM-3AC8s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pghDB21fVk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL0atQFZzL8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KUEFx_BeUI