ReacTV has been selected as the first company to be featured in a new reality series highlighting the risks and thrills of launching an entrepreneurial venture. The series, titled START UP, delivers behind-the-scenes footage of the fast-paced decision making, strategic thinking and hard work that bring big ideas to life. The series will be the first to showcase a new genre of reality TV programming -- "reality business" -- as it profiles real companies, real executives and real- time true stories behind business success or failure.
START UP follows the ReacTV team as it launches its new cable television network, which features reactive programming and ads that allow viewers to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes each hour. Cameras shadow company executives in crucial meetings and behind closed doors to document ReacTV´s metamorphosis as it happens. The 13-week series will capture the company´s debut at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association trade show in Atlanta and its official launch in July 2006.
"It´s exciting to be part of a truly unique project and a new TV genre at the beginning of its existence. This show will bring reality television to St. Petersburg for the first time, exposing a whole new audience to this vibrant city´s lifestyle and culture," says Frank S. Maggio, ReacTV´s founder and chairman. "The goal is to demonstrate what creative people can accomplish in real settings. We want to inspire viewers and give them courage to go after their dreams."
Director and executive producer John Biffar, together with executive producer Tod Dahlke, came up with the reality series idea after realizing that Americans were starting businesses in record numbers, yet receiving little real-world guidance on how to succeed from existing business programming. "Shows like THE APPRENTICE are the opposite of reality programming. Teams and situations are manufactured by the producers. The resources given to each team are limited. Operating in the real world is completely different. Opportunities, challenges and resources are dynamic, and they demand consistent, savvy leadership," says Dahlke.
Biffar, who gained firsthand entrepreneurial experience when starting his production company, Dreamtime Entertainment, gravitated to ReacTV´s story because of its David-and-Goliath appeal and the maverick vision of its founder. "The cable television industry is intensely competitive with a lot of big players. ReacTV is a small company with strong leadership, a smart team, a brilliant patent and financial stability," says Biffar. "The founder is a very interesting character. He´s honest and has a huge vision. It seems as though his team would do anything for him. Whether he´s right or wrong, it´s going to make for great drama."
