Q&A: Mark Burnett

Let's start with the obvious. You've spearheaded the production of over 1,100 hours of reality programming. You seem to work 24/7. Do you sleep?Oh yes, quite well. And that's because of the competent production team I've surrounded myself with. It all comes down to trusting the people working on the shows.Do you stay involved with every series?Yes, but some shows take precedence over others, particularly if they're newer. Once a show is established it's the show-runner who keeps it successfully afloat. But I like to keep actively involved. Do you find your workload has increased now that the networks are producing fewer scripted series?That could certainly be a factor. But our growing presence is in direct response to our strong production team. We have about 20 other series pitches out there and are always looking for more ideas.Do the networks approach you directly for ideas or do you go after them?We target ideas to the particular networks. It's rare when a network comes to us. It all starts with the thought, then the concept and [then] finding the best suitable platform.Do the networks ever get involved with the shows?They may have some thoughts or suggestions and that's their prerogative. But it's up to us to produce these shows the best way we can. Four years ago you entered the world of syndication with the return of 'The Martha Stewart Show' in daytime. Now you're bringing out a stripped version of 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' Do you find producing shows in syndication different than elsewhere?From a frequency standpoint, yes. Five shows in one week is certainly a faster pace, but once you find your rhythm it can be exhilarating. I have a deal with Twentieth Television for another [syndicated] series.Will the daytime version of 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' be different from what we see in prime time? 'Deal or No Deal' also moved into first-run syndication and there are some noticeable -- and not necessarily better -- changes.We're going from one hour to a half hour, so the speed will be quicker, of course. But the show itself will be the same. Jeff Foxworthy will still host, we will have the same number of questions and a new group of 5th graders will be there to support the players. We're in conversations right now about the prize amounts, so that may not be altered as well. Do you have a preferred platform?Network TV is the biggest, but cable gives you more freedom. My preference is finding the right outlet for the right shows. As long as the show fits, that's what counts. And that's what matters to the viewers as well.Do you have a favorite among your shows?No. That would be like choosing one child over the other, wouldn't it?RELATED: "Syndication Market in Flux"

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Q&A: Mark Burnett

Marc Berman

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