Diving TV Shows

[lovesmexico615]

Hey guys,

Looking for some ideas here.... I work in the TV industry, and am putting together a pitch for a pilot show that would revolve around travel and diving. I'm looking at a Travel Channel or a Discovery Channel as a possible pitch channel, and some local channels looking for original programming.

So, what would you want to see in a dive show? What I was thinking was a show that followed an instructor and student through some of the book and poolwork, then they could move on to OW dives in beautiful locations (but really, how many reefs aren't). Maybe stopping at local bars and restaurants, getting tips for the next day, and some off the beaten path locations.

Would you tune in?

[Blackrock]

I would love to see a show specifically devoted to diving.

The idea about following an instructor and student sounds much less appealing to me though. (no offense) I do like the idea of throwing in a bit of the top-side culture though; that should keep it interesting. Throw in some conservation/environmental awareness stuff as well. Maybe don't just stick to the saltwater reefs, include some ice-diving, deep diving, and maybe some freshwater wrecks. And try not to make each episode one big commercial for a particular dive op.

I have a ton more ideas, but I'm sure that's enough. Thanks for asking.

[Chad]

I would definitely watch something like that. Sounds perfect for the travel channel. Good luck!!

[lovesmexico615]

Thanks for the input. Thats what I'm looking for. Good to know how you feel about the instructor/student angle. So, thinking just following a couple divers around? I'm new to diving, but have been working in TV for years. This would be my first real pitch for a show, so feel free to let me know what you would find interesting and *when* we get picked up and make it to your neck of the woods I'll take you out for a cold one!

[kenmendes]

Yes i would watch a show about diving. I like to watch planet earth> sometimes they show stuff about the ocean.

[lovesmexico615]

The planet earth was sort of where I got my inspiration. Plus, I've seen shows about Tech diving, and searching for undiscovered sealife, but not much just for recreational diving.

[Blackrock]

Oh yeah!...the cave diving part of that Planet Earth episode was Awesome! It was well lit and well done, especially when they took the camera through the halocline.

[lovesmexico615]

They did a cave diving on Planet Earth?!?!? I missed it. That I would love to see!

[No Misses]

I agree with blackrock. The instructor / student angle might be a little weak. How about some extreme diving? You could have the instructor and student doing the interviews and narration. Or, after you have introduced the divers to the sport, you could show them some of the diving opportunities that are outside of the mainstream (pun intended)

Show #1 - Dive some of the WWII era wrecks on the East Coast. The German U-Boats added a lot of steel to our ocean bottom. There are some well preserved wrecks out there. This has a history and human interest (wreck victims/survivors) angle. You could throw in some topside and reef action to entice the non-history buffs. Heck you could make a whole series out of the instructor and student visiting all of the accessible historic wrecks around the world.

Show #2 - How about going along with some Ice Divers? If they are doing some research dives this could draw in the biology buffs. Plus, the views from under the ice are beautiful.

Show #3 - You could highlight the commercial divers on the gulf oil rigs.

Show #4 - Cave diving - enough said.

Show #5 - Coral Reef conservation. There are groups actively restoring reefs by transplanting corals. You could hit the whole science and conservation angle here.

Ok, I realize that my thoughts are scattered. It is time for me to go get something to eat. If I do not see more ideas added to this thread, I will revisit my list. Good luck.

[MSilvia]

I'd like to see a recreational diving show that wasn't about flying off to exotic vacation destinations. A show about people diving in their own "back yards" would be a lot more appealing to me, as we'd see sites off the beaten path, and get more insight into how dedicated local divers address challenges specific to their locales.