Producing Reality Television Masterclass

This four-hour Masterclass** is taught by a reality producer with over 20 years in the genre. Tim McOsker has had a front-row seat in developing and producing a variety of unscripted programming for various production companies and networks, including serving as Executive Producer of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" for over a decade. During the class, Tim will offer tactical and concrete ways to look at the current and emerging markets for reality programming, and will dissect the ever-changing skills needed to produce both out-in-the-field as well as in the editing bay. He'll also feature a few industry professionals who have mastered their own producing roles in genres such as competition, social experiment, and docu-follow for networks such as Bravo, Netflix, HBO Max, and Paramount+. Tim will break down the critical role producers play in creating unscripted content from beginning to end, as he answers the question "What is a producer's role in the world of reality content?"

Simply put, there is no more important or challenging role in the entire universe of reality programming than that of the producer. Producers serve as the linchpin, weaving together the fabric of raw reality into captivating narratives. They're tasked with a dizzying amount of responsibility and serve as both visionary and orchestrator, navigating all facets of bringing a show to life. It's the best job in content by far, one that opens up opportunities to grow like no other position in the programming game.

You'll discuss the raw tools needed to survive and thrive throughout the show-making process, from development to pre-production, in-field production, and through the post-production experience. In this overview class, you'll better understand the most important role of a producer, that of storyteller, crafting compelling narratives from the unpredictable tapestry of real-life events and personalities.

Students should have familiarity with the producing role in the content space. We use a lot of industry information throughout the course, so being comfortable in that space is critical.

Class Size

To ensure a positive class experience, this class is limited to only 20 participants.

Location

We're very excited that the class is being hosted at Citizen Pictures, the production company that produces, among many other things, "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". There is plenty of free off-street parking, and we'll have some snacks for your enjoyment. There is filtered water in the kitchen, so PLEASE be sure to bring your water bottle! Check out their website at https://citizenpictures.com/

Taught By Industry Pros

This is a unique opportunity to learn practical skills from an award-winning producer with over two decades of professional experience specifically in producing reality television.

Beef Up Your Resumé

Each participant will receive a certificate from the Boulder County Film Commission upon completion of the class.

Make Industry Connections through the Boulder County Film Commission

Meet and connect with leaders in the Colorado film/video industry who run successful businesses that hire and recommend crew throughout the year.

Prerequisites

This class is ideal for participants who currently work as associate producers, editors, coordinators, camera department personnel, line producers, and others who want to grow into the producer role. In addition, this class is a great fit if you've gone through a media studies program, perhaps with a focus on production, editing, or writing, and are looking to move into another field, as well as professionals in other fields of content.

As mentioned above, students should have familiarity with the producing role in the content space. We use a lot of industry information throughout this overview course, so being comfortable in that space is critical.

Cost

The class is $149 for a limited time. Please be aware that due to using Eventbrite, refunds are very difficult for us to process, so PLEASE be sure you definitely want to take the class before signing up and paying, as no refunds will be given.

Instructor Bio

Tim McOsker

Since 2000, Tim McOsker has been a prominent figure in reality entertainment, navigating roles ranging from producer to Vice President of Production and Development across various production companies such as Citizen Pictures, High Noon Entertainment, Big Table Media, and Leopard USA. His contributions spanned seamlessly across cable, streaming, and branded markets.

Noteworthy achievements include producing Food Network's "Unwrapped" from 2000 to 2006, the long-running "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" from 2011 to 2020, and multiple series for Food Network, HGTV, Bravo, Max, and Magnolia. Tim also served as Vice President of Production and Development at Citizen Pictures in Denver, CO, from 2012 to 2020, a role that earned him multiple Emmy nominations for "DDD," a directing nod for "Real Girls Kitchen," and an Emmy win in 2013 for "Guy Fieri's Family Vacation."

In addition to overseeing numerous shows and programming teams, Tim has established himself as both a seasoned showrunner and director in the field. He works hands-on from project inception to completion, collaborating intensively with diverse talent, network professionals, and marketing executives.

About our Host

Citizen Pictures was established in 1984 by Frank Matson. What began as a small branded programming company is now a full-fledged, Emmy-winning television production and content hub. Citizen is focused on creating lifestyle-centric programming that features talent-driven and high-profile storytelling. Their office, overlooking Boulder's Flatirons, is the creative center for a multitude of diverse and talented individuals who all share the same passion for storytelling. On top of that, there is no better place to brainstorm, develop, or become inspired by one’s surroundings than the city of Boulder. From food, travel, and home to sports, true crime, and competition formats, they create entertaining content that they would want to watch. And they do so by collaborating with some of the top networks, streamers, digital platforms, and talent. At Citizen, they stand by quality over quantity, and they don’t take shortcuts. They believe in the power of the media industry to change perspective, to drive brands, and to ultimately create lasting impressions.

**Masterclass definition: "A masterclass is a one-off, special event, taught by someone who is expert in the subject matter, and hopefully charismatic! Attendees may include anyone with a genuine interest in the subject, regardless of their level of experience, but ideally they'll know the basics." (Definition is used with gratitude from this blog.)

Instructor Tim McOsker

Thanks for hosting the class Citizen Pictures!