big brother comes begging

[wesleythorne]

Hi, just got a begging email from end-um-all, asking for free products for their big brother show, why is it a company that's so successful does not want to pay for anything!
In the past we have 'donated' products for various shows/events but never had any decent response. We now have a policy of no pay no goods.
If they can guarantee our products will be promoted to benefit us in some way we might consider but of cause they never can.
Wes

[jont]

Whenever I receive these I send a reply saying sorry have just donated £10000.00 to a rival show on the other side

[wesleythorne]

good idea, i will double it!

[george]

Depends the value of what they are after.

Ask them to agree to put your website on the credits of the programme, and give you permission to use the C4 or BB logos on your site... "as supplied to..."

Football Heaven were once on the credits of Coronation Street! (I kid you not).

[fleetwood]

In our experience, the blaggers are rarely in a position to promise anything, as they have nothing to do with the production of the show, but are merely props and location blaggers.

Most of our approaches have been for use of location (comic shops seem to have a great appeal to show makers!), but where they do want props, they expect the earth (such as spending all day trying to track down an ultra specific item for them, and then don't expect to pay anything for it!).

Unless you get something contractual, don't be surprised if you are politely forgotten about when it comes to getting any sort of return or recognition for your genorosity.

Bear in mind that "I'll see what I can do for you", simply means, I'm told to go and get things, but am not listened to about anything else at all.

The closest we got to free publicity on TV, was our A board in the background of an episode of League of Gentlemen

[Jan]

I think a lot of this sort of program rely on donations - house rennovation programs do as well (60 minute makeover, one of my favourites, has featured actinic sites as donors). Big brother in particular have been mentioned for doing this on here before.

It's really interesting to know though, thanks for posting that.

Regards,

[buspassjohn]

On most occasions when we have supplied props, at least with the commercial stations we usually got a link on the channels website, very good for big G!
A long time ago when we supplied loads of stuff for the Beeb's Lovejoy, we sold the items to the Beeb and were still not paid after a year, only to be paid on the eve of issuing a writ!
The pattern seems to be the BBC pay for the goods with no acknowledgement or link, the commercial stations expect free goods but give acknowledgement and link on the program/station website.

[fleetwood]

and give you permission to use the C4 or BB logos on your site... "as supplied to..."

I can see it now.......

"I ONLY USED 2 F***ING STOCK CUBES - as supplied by www.stock-n-cube.co.uk - SO STICK THAT UP YOUR....."

[jont]

"I ONLY USED 2 F***ING STOCK CUBES - as supplied by www.stock-n-cube.co.uk - SO STICK THAT UP YOUR....."

LOL ....

[leehack]

I can see it now.......

"I ONLY USED 2 F***ING STOCK CUBES - as supplied by www.stock-n-cube.co.uk - SO STICK THAT UP YOUR....."

I think you've missed a few marketing chances there Martin:

"I ONLY USED 2 F***ING STOCK CUBES - as supplied by www.stock-n-cube.co.uk - SO STICK THAT UP YOUR .... which is kept clean using www.andrex.co.uk after having sat on the throne provided by www.twyfords-ceramics.co.uk"

[jont]

I think you've missed a few marketing chances there Martin:

"I ONLY USED 2 F***ING STOCK CUBES - as supplied by www.stock-n-cube.co.uk - SO STICK THAT UP YOUR .... which is kept clean using www.andrex.co.uk after having sat on the throne provided by www.twyfords-ceramics.co.uk"

.. whilst reading a rare copy of Death Stalker Ultra-Man IV supplied by www megacitycomics co uk

That would be great for your blog

[leehack]

LOL yes, DOH i missed out the reading material.

[buspassjohn]

Sorry it's all gone over my head as I'm still trying to be the last person to ever watch Big Brother! never seen it, never want to.

[Duncan Rounding]

Sorry it's all gone over my head as I'm still trying to be the last person to ever watch Big Brother! never seen it, never want to.

Likewise, I really dislike these reality programs - absolute rubbish. And the fact that they want everthing for nothing and still want people to phone in and pay too. It also amazes me that millions of people are actually prepared to phone a premium rate number and flush their money away as well.

Maybe I'm the exception.