The Real Estate Commission: Producing a Reality Show During COVID
Role: Executive Producer
Timeline: 2020
Headline result: An independently produced reality series shot in two weeks, picked up by A&E for two seasons, with early episodes drawing millions of views on Facebook.
The challenge Cast, staff, write, insure, and produce a competition show under COVID restrictions, inside a one-month window, for a client who had never produced anything.
The context Todd Drowlette, who runs Titan Commercial Realty Group in Albany, NY, wanted to shoot a reality show with a few fellow commercial real estate leaders (and competitors). Contestants would compete for a cash prize and a chance to join their firms. He had no production experience, it was the middle of quarantine, and he asked me to take it on.
What I did
Hired and managed a production team to handle management and coordination.
Staffed the crew while writing and formatting the show at the same time.
Partnered with The Desmond Hotel for a dedicated wing as our location.
Secured two State Farm vans for crew transportation.
Hired a COVID team, including a nurse and temperature screeners, to maintain safety bubbles for the whole shoot.
Shot the entire series in two weeks.
Results
A&E picked up the show for two seasons; it is currently in season 2.
5 episodes released on Facebook earned millions of views.
Todd spun off a podcast with the same name that is drawing media attention.
The cast became well-known names across upstate New York, with significant business growth from the exposure.
