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[mantaraydre]

For this to get on espn or the nfl network, it must be a massive showing of support by the ef community. A total oversight happened this year, i did not hit me until after the fact. Here in ny we all know they hold the nfl draft. When turning on the tv to watch all you saw were fans of all NFL TEAMS sporting there jersey's. 'WE SHOULD HAVE HAD A STADIUM SET UP AT THE HOTEL WERE EVERYONE STAYED AND AT THE DRAFT ITSELF. We could have picked up a major number of new MFCa memebers just on that saturday.
GOT BAMIT!

If the nfl were to sponsor our hobby for a tv spot, they would need to see concrete evidence that this can be exciting for viewers to watch. I want to run by weirdwolf setting up the 'MFCA TV NETWORK'. What if we all got together and pooled our money purchasing a high powered streaming service that can bring crystal clear images streaming in real time or tape delayed. A section right here on this chat that brings you to the tv network. We can talk about the cameras needed later.

Ever since I took a break from EFL to venture out into filmmaking I have learned a lot about this business.
This hobby/sport is ready for TV and has been.
Even though to some it may be boring due to the speed of the game or time it takes coaches to set up and make decisions or the "TTQB" passing(i still think this has to be used) or just the length of a game....
We all have to realize the power of editing.....I'm a huge Texas Holdem fan...but have you ever just watched a game that wasnt on TV? Boring!! but on TV...intense, dramatic, suspenseful for others...and theres always great "characters"......

In my opinion this is not about licensing with the NFL but merely a manufacturer of the game. We dont need the NFL....its about money..who will be the "producers" making the show and making the money? who will be in chanrge? Because a show like this will make money...

The ground work and foundation has already been laid by the LAEFL. In case you have never seen their Nissan video then check it because this is how it needs to be presented but on in venues that look like the poker ones or the hot dog eating contest and chess tournaments.

To get things going maybe this needs to be in Vegas because of the amount of people that are there and always looking for something to view. Its a place people are willing to travel to in a heartbeat because while watching EFL the wife can go off and enjoy the city....the city is always alive and we could stay up all night an play like we do anyways..its a city that never sleeps....
The producer and production company would have to present it like this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijCNk0PqaCs&NR=1

Sponsorship is always key....who is going to fund the episodes? How many will air? Usually a TV station wants to see 6-13 episodes already done, THEN they will either buy the show OR say hey lets do it on a larger scale.

This is something I presented years ago to a production company after watching this show(the name slips my mind) where techs created custom machines that would fight in the middle of this ring...they had a GREAT concept and the show was put together professionally...it was picked up because they had financial backing from sponsors they were able to film episodes that were broadcast ready.

I would be willing again to work as a producer on this but at the end of the day its going to take money to do it right.

I just worked on a TV show for the past 2 years where I was a producer and assistant director....it can be done but good quality production costs.

Feel free to hit me up at ohioproducer@yahoo.com

I mean think about it....we were just on ESPN...before that CBS Sunday Morning News. And I looked good on those shows LOL

AJ

The show i was thinking about is Battlebots...
If we follow this concept for a TV show we are on to something big.

www.battlebots.com

AJ

One of the things that will drive this venture is sponsors. Why? You get paid to do what you enjoy doing..playing electric football and you will be able to travel to events easier and sponsor paid.....imagine that.

Imagine having a custom home field with the sponsors logo in the middle and endzones...they would love to see this on TV..look at all the pro stadiums now with sponsors.
Have a custom jersey made with your sponsor all over it.
Is there an audience like poker? Make flags to wave around to support your team. Hats, T-shirts...We did this for my flag football team and landed a nice sponsor.
Create logo stickers for the back of your teams bases.

Here is a great article from the battlebots website about getting sponsors...

http://www.battlebots.com/bnc_sponsor.asp

Main sponsor- The main sponsor would put up the prize money, money for venue and help cover production costs..you cant just use any production company for this.
Who will the host be? Will there be guest host? Herm Edwards seemed very interested in EFL...get him on the show and people will watch.

Individual sponsors- can help cover travel, hotel
Tom from Minneapolis is great with sponsors and could give more insight too.

This project would be a grind....are we really ready?

Just to give you guys and idea of cost. When Dewayne and I presented this to a production company here in Columbus they loved the idea..and still do...
You are looking at maybe $3-$5k per episode(30 min show) or per day(you could actually get 3-6 episodes per day if filmed and edited right. One weekend tournament could be an entire season of episodes. This would cover various camera angles, producers, directors, crew and editing. Shows are not cheap and thats on the low end.

So lets say we raise $10k(prize money, production and post production) to shoot in one weekend. A non stop tournament to the championship.....out of that lets make 6 shows...Now the show is picked up or bought and paid for by commercials or the network looking to buy programming.....so lets now say the creators of the show sell it for $10k an episode...now the network makes their money back from the commercial spots....
Electric Football is now on TV.......

AJ

[Coach K-LO]

welcome back AJ and you have a grasp of the other aspect of this endevor and thanks for sharing!!!!!

Michael, you are speaking my language! This is doable!

AJ...WELCCOOMMME BAAACCKK! we've spoken about this before and you know I'd like to see this happen.

We probably need to put together a small team that shares an interest in getting this done. I know there are a few others that share this vision. If we work together it is doable!

DMC

I took a poll a while ago and threw in some "what ifs" as far as rules and equipment were concerned. I got about 20 cats that DON'T CARE what we play with or how. So I would start there and let all the naysayers watch the DVD. I am taking a video production course at my local all-access cable channel, so I'll definitely have a lot more insight into the backside of doing something like this. I'M ALL IN!!! LMK.

And I remember printing the 80+ pages of the "Battlebots" Rulebook, AJ, a few years ago when you wanted to go this route. I still think that's one of the best models out there to follow as far as getting sponsorship and the setup and all. I SEE YOUR $50K, AND I RAISE YA $50K!!!

So whats up? Mike I support you...
Jimbo thats great you are taking some production classes. Welcome to the fraternity of producers because now you are one...LOL
I also agree lets open it up. No figure shall be left behind. This has to be fun, intense and even dramatic..thats what sells...

I also want us to give back to foundations or be involved in some type of community service. Cancer is huge and since we have lost several coaches and wives I want us to be able to honor them in video as well as donations to research.
I'm also a veteran and would like to give to the families and kids who may have lost a parent in the war. Death benefits for veterans is only 10K for giving their life for us. Would be nice to put a smile on a kids face with some EFL and to help out families.

Well thats my two cents.
Jimbo i'm about to study the Battlebots structure again and also do research on all that is needed for production to start putting budgets together.

Is anyone against Vegas? Since Mike Turner is there I know he can get me some info on nice looking venues that would allow and elaborate set up for tournament play.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

AJ

Fellas,

I just learned the Battlebots will be returning to ESPN so I now have a call and emails to the organization so I can pick their brain.

As soon as I get some info I will update you.

AJ

Gotta agree with Dallcow4life.......... even if he is a Cowboy fan.