New Treasure Hunting TV show

[Oroblanco]

i wouldn't waste my time on any of them

Not even for a $100k payday, to go out and play on camera for a few weeks on their dime Dave? Hell I would, and make it interesting too even if it is scripted! The only way to lose in such a proposition is to go in with high hopes/expectations, just remember it is for Hollywood and the general public consumption, and who knows one might 'get lucky' on camera - without even being in a porno flick!

 

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[deducer]

Not even for a $100k payday, to go out and play on camera for a few weeks on their dime Dave? Hell I would, and make it interesting too even if it is scripted! The only way to lose in such a proposition is to go in with high hopes/expectations, just remember it is for Hollywood and the general public consumption, and who knows one might 'get lucky' on camera - without even being in a porno flick!

Roy, I don't think that most people like being made a fool of.

Remember that the producers of those reality shows are always looking to incite drama or show to continually provoke the dopamine release in the brains of the viewers that then makes them continually tune in. There's been a lot of research done that illustrates how manipulation of your dopamine level creates a lot of mini-addictions. Addictions that are barely noticable, but just enough to manipulate how you live.

In doing so, they won't hesitate to throw you under the bus and make you seem a lot more full of drama, unhinged, or undisciplined than you really are. Just ask Wayne Tuttle.

 

[gollum]

Not even for a $100k payday, to go out and play on camera for a few weeks on their dime Dave? Hell I would, and make it interesting too even if it is scripted! The only way to lose in such a proposition is to go in with high hopes/expectations, just remember it is for Hollywood and the general public consumption, and who knows one might 'get lucky' on camera - without even being in a porno flick!

Roy,

$100,000? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Here is part of my "Initial Talent Agreement" with GoGoLuckey:

Dead Man's Gold was the working title for Legends......

NONE of these reality shows get sold to major networks. They are all sold to secondary networks. They never get picked up by majors until they show huge popularity and then get picked up. My talent agreement with History Channel was a little different. The pay they quoted was $2000 per episode and a $4000 bonus after appearing in four episodes. You don't see a $100K payday until your show is a proven success.

Mike

 

[azdave35]

Roy,

$100,000? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Here is part of my "Initial Talent Agreement" with GoGoLuckey:
View attachment 1832708
Dead Man's Gold was the working title for Legends......

NONE of these reality shows get sold to major networks. They are all sold to secondary networks. They never get picked up by majors until they show huge popularity and then get picked up. My talent agreement with History Channel was a little different. The pay they quoted was $2000 per episode and a $4000 bonus after appearing in four episodes. You don't see a $100K payday until your show is a proven success.

Mike

if i remember right the guys from legends didn't even get paid

 

[deducer]

Roy,

$100,000? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Here is part of my "Initial Talent Agreement" with GoGoLuckey:
View attachment 1832708
Dead Man's Gold was the working title for Legends......

NONE of these reality shows get sold to major networks. They are all sold to secondary networks. They never get picked up by majors until they show huge popularity and then get picked up. My talent agreement with History Channel was a little different. The pay they quoted was $2000 per episode and a $4000 bonus after appearing in four episodes. You don't see a $100K payday until your show is a proven success.

Mike

So what happened? How come you didn't end up on the show?

 

[gollum]

I won't say anything about what other people did or didn't get. That's their business.

Chagy,

Is the show greenlighted by any network? If not, they should have had you sign whats called a "Shopping Agreement". That means you can't take your story anywhere else, and you yourself are tied into that production company for a year while they try to get a network to buy it.

No matter what they pitched you, the production company is using you. First, they will use you for what personal knowledge you have they can take for free (or near to it). Just like John Grasson with "The Lost Ship of the Desert". He made a cameo on one episode and told the story (leaving out the part about how the local Dr Pepper Distributor found it in 1967 and used a lot of the Spanish Caravelle's Timbers to build the guest addition to his home in El Centro). When they are done using your personal knowledge, they will send you to the interwebs to ask everybody on TNet about potential stories. They will pay a pittance for them and maybe give the teller a brief cameo. THAT is the formulae for a reality show. They get the basic story for free (or next to it). Stock the show with certain characters that fit the story (and pay them next to nothing) by lying to them about their plans for the show. Film the show for next to nothing (compared with a real network TV Show). If they do it right, they make a fortune (and you do make much more with a second season). If its a loser, they aren't out much money, and they move on to someone else and another story.

If you get lucky and have a marketable commodity (yourself), you may get some roles in other shows or commercials, but don't expect a lot.

Mike

 

[Chagy]

I won't say anything about what other people did or didn't get. That's their business.

Chagy,

Is the show greenlighted by any network? If not, they should have had you sign whats called a "Shopping Agreement". That means you can't take your story anywhere else, and you yourself are tied into that production company for a year while they try to get a network to buy it.

No matter what they pitched you, the production company is using you. First, they will use you for what personal knowledge you have they can take for free (or near to it). Just like John Grasson with "The Lost Ship of the Desert". He made a cameo on one episode and told the story (leaving out the part about how the local Dr Pepper Distributor found it in 1967 and used a lot of the Spanish Caravelle's Timbers to build the guest addition to his home in El Centro). When they are done using your personal knowledge, they will send you to the interwebs to ask everybody on TNet about potential stories. They will pay a pittance for them and maybe give the teller a brief cameo. THAT is the formulae for a reality show. They get the basic story for free (or next to it). Stock the show with certain characters that fit the story (and pay them next to nothing) by lying to them about their plans for the show. Film the show for next to nothing (compared with a real network TV Show). If they do it right, they make a fortune (and you do make much more with a second season). If its a loser, they aren't out much money, and they move on to someone else and another story.

If you get lucky and have a marketable commodity (yourself), you may get some roles in other shows or commercials, but don't expect a lot.

Mike

Thanks Mike

 

[Crow]

Hello Chagy Its nothing personal but its what the industry has done for itself.

For the last 18 years or so tnet has had a host of would be producers looking for treasure legends etc all churning out the same empty claims.

In fact I know a few posted here has had some involvement only to see how twisted there research becomes into reality TV show posing as documentary. Its the loss of ethics for a quick buck...at the expense of everyone else.. that many here take exception to. The following link is an example.

Cork Graham - So You Want to be Reality TV Star: EVERYTHING I LEARNED ABOUT SEX, DRUGS, FRAUD, ROCK AND ROLL, AND VIPERS AS TEAM LEADER OF DISCOVERY CHANNEL?S TREASURE QUEST: SNAKE ISLAND? - Description


I saw the same production companies later production on the Bolivia story and become flabbergasted how much BS was filmed. They was not interested in the real story but wanted the story to be a prop for their reality show.....

So when anyone posts on Tnet "reality" show it sounds alarm bells. The only reality show is the participants chew up spat out with only the executive producer making any decent money out of it.

Sadly it that it is the reality format many people are just tiring of.

Crow

 

[Oroblanco]

Roy,

$100,000? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Here is part of my "Initial Talent Agreement" with GoGoLuckey:
View attachment 1832708
Dead Man's Gold was the working title for Legends......

NONE of these reality shows get sold to major networks. They are all sold to secondary networks. They never get picked up by majors until they show huge popularity and then get picked up. My talent agreement with History Channel was a little different. The pay they quoted was $2000 per episode and a $4000 bonus after appearing in four episodes. You don't see a $100K payday until your show is a proven success.

Mike

Mike you seem to have misread what I posted. I posed a question to Dave, if he would not be willing to go treasure hunting on their dime, for $100k. Not that you or I were being offered $100k. However the chance to get PAID to go treasure hunting, for those of us without unlimited budgets, is indeed an attractive point even if it were minimum wage! As for drama and being painted as unbalanced etc heck most people think anyone who goes treasure hunting is already insane and possibly dangerous, so it is not going to help if you were to behave like an academic professor, you will be perceived as nutcakes just for treasure hunting in the first place. As far as I can see it, the big dangers are in having high expectations and you will have a single shot at the quest because once your first episode is aired, you will have hordes of competitors and people all too willing to use dirty tricks going after "your" site.

Life is short, if you look at this as a possible fun time and getting paid to do it, I don't see the down side unless of course you are hoping to be "discovered" by Hollywood and become a mega-celebrity overnight. There is an old saying, when we reach the end of our lives, we usually regret most the things that we did NOT do, more than the things that we did.

Good luck and good hunting amigos, and I for one will be watching Chagy's new series when it comes out as far better than the rest of the crapola being broadcast, even if it is 100% phony and scripted too. I hope you find the treasures that you seek.
Oroblanco

 

[nobodie]

Why use real treasure hunters, why don't they just hire actors?

 

[deducer]

Why use real treasure hunters, why don't they just hire actors?

Primarily two reasons:

1) The reality show would be outed for what it exactly is- a work of fiction.

2) Major networks and sub networks have to abide by SAG-AFTRA rules which stipulate that actors must be paid a "living wage" and are subject to "reasonable working conditions."

"Participants" on the other hand, receive very little protection. They sign away their ability to sue the production for anything, or go public with any information.

 

[azdave35]

Primarily two reasons:

1) The reality show would be outed for what it exactly is- a work of fiction.

2) Major networks and sub networks have to abide by SAG-AFTRA rules which stipulate that actors must be paid a "living wage" and are subject to "reasonable working conditions."

"Participants" on the other hand, receive very little protection. They sign away their ability to sue the production for anything, or go public with any information.

kinda sounds like a deal with the devil

 

[gollum]

Primarily two reasons:

1) The reality show would be outed for what it exactly is- a work of fiction.

2) Major networks and sub networks have to abide by SAG-AFTRA rules which stipulate that actors must be paid a "living wage" and are subject to "reasonable working conditions."

"Participants" on the other hand, receive very little protection. They sign away their ability to sue the production for anything, or go public with any information.

.........and don't forget having to give up a very large percentage of anything you might make based on your TV persona (website, merchandise, book deals, book signings, guest appearances, actual finds, etc etc etc). That applies typically for seven to nine years after the last episode airs.

Roy,

But you are missing the point. Not only are they paying you a pittance, you don't REALLY get a chance to search for your treasure. Why don't you ask Frank how much time they spent hunting treasure. For that matter, find out how much time they spent filming in the SWA (Superstition Wilderness Area)? I can tell you, and it ain't pretty. Wayne and Frank had access to every one of the still living old timers. Do you recall how many interviews they showed with them? NONE! You don't get a chance to search. They have a script they go by for each episode, and you have to stick to that script. Do you think they just throw money at you and let you roam around based on your research? NOPE! You give them your story (and all rights to it). If they deem they can stretch it out to a season, THEY write scripts for each episode. You are basically just along for the ride. If you rebel, they might just cut you out completely, and bring in someone like Scott Wolters or another person they already work with. They can take some stock footage they shot of you and mix it in. They can cut you COMPLETELY out of the show, and as long as they pay you, you are bound by the contract you signed. They have a million ways from Sunday built into the contract to screw you over if you become troublesome to them.

For the greatest majority of people that get involved with them, there turns out to be very little upside. A few people are sharp and know who to make friends with on the Production Staff. That way they get remembered for future projects. They get invited for guest shots in other shows (crossovers) or cameos. They get paid for some, and some they do Pro Bono (they may get a free flight, hotel, and per diem).

Remember, in the last twenty or so years, I have been pitched (typically) two to three times a year by different production companies. In all those years, I signed up for one pilot (Legends because Wayne asked me), and a shopping agreement that didn't get bought because it was too authentic and not enough action. By authentic, I mean it was about ACTUAL treasure hunting. Research, permits, private property permissions, as well as camping, climbing, and hiking.

Mike

 

[azdave35]

.........and don't forget having to give up a very large percentage of anything you might make based on your TV persona (website, merchandise, book deals, book signings, guest appearances, actual finds, etc etc etc). That applies typically for seven to nine years after the last episode airs.

Roy,

But you are missing the point. Not only are they paying you a pittance, you don't REALLY get a chance to search for your treasure. Why don't you ask Frank how much time they spent hunting treasure. For that matter, find out how much time they spent filming in the SWA (Superstition Wilderness Area)? I can tell you, and it ain't pretty. Wayne and Frank had access to every one of the still living old timers. Do you recall how many interviews they showed with them? NONE! You don't get a chance to search. They have a script they go by for each episode, and you have to stick to that script. Do you think they just throw money at you and let you roam around based on your research? NOPE! You give them your story (and all rights to it). If they deem they can stretch it out to a season, THEY write scripts for each episode. You are basically just along for the ride. If you rebel, they might just cut you out completely, and bring in someone like Scott Wolters or another person they already work with. They can take some stock footage they shot of you and mix it in. They can cut you COMPLETELY out of the show, and as long as they pay you, you are bound by the contract you signed. They have a million ways from Sunday built into the contract to screw you over if you become troublesome to them.

For the greatest majority of people that get involved with them, there turns out to be very little upside. A few people are sharp and know who to make friends with on the Production Staff. That way they get remembered for future projects. They get invited for guest shots in other shows (crossovers) or cameos. They get paid for some, and some they do Pro Bono (they may get a free flight, hotel, and per diem).

Remember, in the last twenty or so years, I have been pitched (typically) two to three times a year by different production companies. In all those years, I signed up for one pilot (Legends because Wayne asked me), and a shopping agreement that didn't get bought because it was too authentic and not enough action. By authentic, I mean it was about ACTUAL treasure hunting. Research, permits, private property permissions, as well as camping, climbing, and hiking.

Mike

these people sound like politicians lol

 

[GoDeep]

Why use real treasure hunters, why don't they just hire actors?

They do! As you know, most all of these "Treasure hunting" shows, have a permanent Host and his support crew. They lead the narrative in every episode and take you from treasure story to treasure story, usually meeting with some locals who get a few minutes of screen time. These requests aren't to make you the star of any show, you're just the local guy they're looking for to make it seem more authentic. The few fleeting minutes you may be on screen, you won't control the script, they will.

 

[Roger Rantz]

Hello Mike

It comes down their target market and sadly hardcore passionate treasure hunters are not their target market. They are very small select target audience.

My guess they want to do is use the reality format as cheaply as possible to flog the concept of what treasure hunting is believed to be to average Joe blow. A vegetative market with little concentration spans that are not into facts or into analyzing information.

Being a Reality show they would most likely drag up some unknown young 20 year man in the prime of life with a 6 pack body who happens to have his shirt off half the time. A tanned bikini model with beautiful wobblies who has archeology degree which is constantly in scenes with her boobs half hanging out running around exploring various locations in the Superstitions. Under the guidance of a silver bearded wise one researching the stories connected to the Dutchman story. And his faithful half wit of side kick that is the clown of show who is always getting himself into trouble along the way. In between a host of peoples claims and counter claims. They wander though various locations and adventures from episode to episode. Producers objectives are not researching the truth but flying the banner of so called entertainment. While keeping more viewers watching at all costs for generating advertising revenues.

And to keep them viewing each show ends in a breath stealing gasp in suspense to keep punters coming back from more...

Crow

Would they take a 33 year old with a ten pack? Just wondering, because Im interested. Might even do some sit ups and pull a 12

 

[Oroblanco]

.........and don't forget having to give up a very large percentage of anything you might make based on your TV persona (website, merchandise, book deals, book signings, guest appearances, actual finds, etc etc etc). That applies typically for seven to nine years after the last episode airs.

Roy,

But you are missing the point. Not only are they paying you a pittance, you don't REALLY get a chance to search for your treasure. Why don't you ask Frank how much time they spent hunting treasure. For that matter, find out how much time they spent filming in the SWA (Superstition Wilderness Area)? I can tell you, and it ain't pretty. Wayne and Frank had access to every one of the still living old timers. Do you recall how many interviews they showed with them? NONE! You don't get a chance to search. They have a script they go by for each episode, and you have to stick to that script. Do you think they just throw money at you and let you roam around based on your research? NOPE! You give them your story (and all rights to it). If they deem they can stretch it out to a season, THEY write scripts for each episode. You are basically just along for the ride. If you rebel, they might just cut you out completely, and bring in someone like Scott Wolters or another person they already work with. They can take some stock footage they shot of you and mix it in. They can cut you COMPLETELY out of the show, and as long as they pay you, you are bound by the contract you signed. They have a million ways from Sunday built into the contract to screw you over if you become troublesome to them.

For the greatest majority of people that get involved with them, there turns out to be very little upside. A few people are sharp and know who to make friends with on the Production Staff. That way they get remembered for future projects. They get invited for guest shots in other shows (crossovers) or cameos. They get paid for some, and some they do Pro Bono (they may get a free flight, hotel, and per diem).

Remember, in the last twenty or so years, I have been pitched (typically) two to three times a year by different production companies. In all those years, I signed up for one pilot (Legends because Wayne asked me), and a shopping agreement that didn't get bought because it was too authentic and not enough action. By authentic, I mean it was about ACTUAL treasure hunting. Research, permits, private property permissions, as well as camping, climbing, and hiking.

Mike

Mike it appears that you have missed the point. I thoroughly understand what you have been saying - and have had a number of such 'pitches' made to myself in the last few years. In fact I turned two down in the past two months. The only one I signed for had specific clauses that anything found is going to the searchers and not to the outfit (which was not Go-go-lucky productions by the way) and it was also specifically not scripted. I would think that you would be wise enough to make sure to insert the necessary clauses in any contract before you put ink to paper as I did.

When and if you get the "right" offer, you won't want to turn it down. Suppose you were offered all the financing needed, all expenses covered, not scripted, no added 'character' type people added to your 'crew' with or without your consent either, AND you were going to get paid on top of everything? You could not think of a treasure you would love to go hunt for, and allow the film crew to capture the adventure on video, while you get paid whether you find anything of value or not?

All that said - your advice is well founded, to all treasure hunters considering taking the offers of these various TV producing outfits - make sure you know what you are getting into before you get into it. In fact to anyone considering such a thing, I would SUGGEST to consider just doing it on your own, film it yourself and then offer the video to a producer after the fact. Of course if you can't afford to go it alone, you could try pitching your idea to a producer and maybe get a bite.

My older brother was offered a part as the main 'bad dude' in a Mexican movie some years ago, the pay was OK but nothing to get excited over and he turned it down as he was engaged full time at Doc Rickett's Lab playing every week. Afterwards he regretted it as the female lead in the movie was a hot tamale and the 'bad dude' had several interesting scenes in the movie with her, the movie had lots of shoot-em-up action scenes too. Morale of story - don't pass up a good thing if you can find it, but as Mike has pointed out - watch out and don't leap without looking.

Coffee?

 

[deducer]

Suppose you were offered all the financing needed, all expenses covered, not scripted, no added 'character' type people added to your 'crew' with or without your consent either, AND you were going to get paid on top of everything? You could not think of a treasure you would love to go hunt for, and allow the film crew to capture the adventure on video, while you get paid whether you find anything of value or not?

In what world does this exist?

 

[gollum]

Mike it appears that you have missed the point. I thoroughly understand what you have been saying - and have had a number of such 'pitches' made to myself in the last few years. In fact I turned two down in the past two months. The only one I signed for had specific clauses that anything found is going to the searchers and not to the outfit (which was not Go-go-lucky productions by the way) and it was also specifically not scripted. I would think that you would be wise enough to make sure to insert the necessary clauses in any contract before you put ink to paper as I did.

When and if you get the "right" offer, you won't want to turn it down. Suppose you were offered all the financing needed, all expenses covered, not scripted, no added 'character' type people added to your 'crew' with or without your consent either, AND you were going to get paid on top of everything? You could not think of a treasure you would love to go hunt for, and allow the film crew to capture the adventure on video, while you get paid whether you find anything of value or not?

All that said - your advice is well founded, to all treasure hunters considering taking the offers of these various TV producing outfits - make sure you know what you are getting into before you get into it. In fact to anyone considering such a thing, I would SUGGEST to consider just doing it on your own, film it yourself and then offer the video to a producer after the fact. Of course if you can't afford to go it alone, you could try pitching your idea to a producer and maybe get a bite.

My older brother was offered a part as the main 'bad dude' in a Mexican movie some years ago, the pay was OK but nothing to get excited over and he turned it down as he was engaged full time at Doc Rickett's Lab playing every week. Afterwards he regretted it as the female lead in the movie was a hot tamale and the 'bad dude' had several interesting scenes in the movie with her, the movie had lots of shoot-em-up action scenes too. Morale of story - don't pass up a good thing if you can find it, but as Mike has pointed out - watch out and don't leap without looking.

Coffee?

Roy,

I didn't miss anything. What you seem to be missing is as Deducer put it "In what world does that exist?". It doesn't. Nobody EVER gets that offer, unless you already have a proven record of finding treasure. I think the thing is, if someone PRIVATELY wanted to fund me on a treasure hunting expedition, that is a different story. Depending on their terms, I would be all in. Its just that when you get networks, production companies, and lawyers involved, then come the bureaucrats, law enforcement, Forest Service, politicians, and million more know nothings. Then if you find something, and its televised, along comes a million more nasty things. Nope, you can keep your piece of fame. I will take anonymity and the ability to keep whatever I find.

Mike

 

[azdave35]

Roy,

I didn't miss anything. What you seem to be missing is as Deducer put it "In what world does that exist?". It doesn't. Nobody EVER gets that offer, unless you already have a proven record of finding treasure. I think the thing is, if someone PRIVATELY wanted to fund me on a treasure hunting expedition, that is a different story. Depending on their terms, I would be all in. Its just that when you get networks, production companies, and lawyers involved, then come the bureaucrats, law enforcement, Forest Service, politicians, and million more know nothings. Then if you find something, and its televised, along comes a million more nasty things. Nope, you can keep your piece of fame. I will take anonymity and the ability to keep whatever I find.

Mike

"networks, production companies, and lawyers involved, then come the bureaucrats, law enforcement, Forest Service, politicians"...you mean parasites,bloodsuckers and crooks?