As Live Unit: Project Update

"The Unsigned Show"

(a working title)

As Live Music Television Show (30 minutes)

BBC Three - Sunday Evening

The Unsigned Show is an innovative programme that looks to showcase emerging bands and provide them with a turning-point for their careers; fitting in with BBC Three's ethos in supporting new talent. The unique selling point of the live show is that it is tapping into 'new' authentic 'anti-X Factor' music that has become more popular, especially for teenage fans. Therefore, I propose to create a platform for these up-coming artists, promoting original songwriters and bringing awareness to the other side of the music industry.

Audience expectations have changed, they are more active and creative and have become more aware of identifying their own tastes in an online community to make themselves feel more unique. By finding bands which are 'undiscovered' gives the audience a sense of ownership and the music brings a sense of 'authenticity' to the show. People know how music is manufactured, they've seen it already on shows such as 'The X Factor'; what they don't know is the plight of many musicians singing their hearts out across many different pubs and clubs in their local area, trying to build a career out of the music industry. 

It would be a great addition to BBC Three's Sunday night schedule because the 16-34 audience would typically be busy on a Friday and Saturday night but would stay in on a Sunday night for work or school the next morning. They would be attracted to the fast-paced, 'unpolished', 'indie' style. More importantly, I want to exploit the 'live' element to give the show it's much needed 'edge' and a sense that anything can happen. 

During the programme, a presenter will be in the studio introducing the next acts, entertaining the audience and providing links to the three VT's. They will also enter the 'green room' where the bands will be waiting to provide interviews. In each episode, the first VT features another presenter informing the audience of a guide to the area in which they are broadcasting from; this includes places to see music, venue guide and quirky facts about the area. The second VT is an 'On the Road With...', whereby the presenter meets up with one of the bands and explores their routines and traveling to a venue, possibly including pieces about roadies and fans. The third VT may look into the band members day jobs, or special pieces on 'Inside the Recording Studio' with a producer. The VT's will be interlaced between the live music from the studio, before the finale with the main band playing out.

Music shows are popular. I believe there is a gap in the market for this type of show, especially for my targeted audience; and it has potential to expand and develop as the music industry changes and the seasons change also; for example, festival specials, highlighting the smaller UK festivals that new bands would start out at.

There is also potential for online content, especially as the programme is targeted at the 'MySpace', 'Facebook' and 'Twitter' generation. I would exploit user-generated content; audience participation would be encouraged on the internet through being able to upload content, videos, and voice their opinions. The ability to share music on the internet and on 'Facebook' has become more popular; real-time activity and sharing with friends compels you to join in, makes music more discoverable. Music is something we like to talk about and share. Audience feels as though they're discovering a new band and this adds value. For future shows, artists may upload their video or songs to appear on the next programme. At the end of a series, audiences may vote on an online poll who the top unsigned act was, or top song, and the artist could win a music video and a recording of the track. Audiences can immerse themselves into the artist's world by watching backstage content, interviews, band diaries (blogs) and photos of themselves 'On the Road'.