You don’t have to use a professional videographer to secure a licensing agreement. It’s possible to shoot the demo video yourself using a smart phone or video recorder. There are many free video editing apps and software available and you can post them on a free YouTube account in an “unlisted” setting. As an inventor, it’s important that you become or partner with a video resource that can make demo videos that sell. Of course, you want to make the best video possible with the least amount of expense. Whatever you do, DO NOT include the As Seen on TV red/white logo on your product packaging or video. Many inventors think adding this well-known icon helps communicate TV viability. In reality, it suggests the product has already been tested by another TV distribution company and since is not widely seen in the market, it must have failed the early stage viability testing. Failing a market viability test makes the product toxic within the As Seen On TV industry. Who wants to fund a product that’s already failed? That’s like throwing good money after bad. However, many products that fail to gain mass market ASOTV exposure can go on to earn profits or royalties in more niche sectors, business to business channels or traditional manufactures. Contact my agents at www.InventiveIdeas.com for help licensing non ASOTV products. To submit directly for As Seen On TV consideration, checkout twww.Willitlaunch.com.
Also, give me First Look before showing the item around town or put it on the public domain. Speed to market and confidentiality are important in our business so if everyone is reviewing the product idea at the same time, it loses uniqueness, which is an important characteristic of success. In these highly competitive times, finding a partner you trust is important for all parties concerned. No one wants to be double dated.
Target Investors.
For TV products, we need to convince a group of investors that this item is worth funding. It must meet the Characteristics of Successful TV Products and be well made enough to capture their interest. Don’t include any fluff. We review 20-100 products per day/week so we “get it” fast. Steer clear of the inventor headshot with blah, blah, blah, blah. Just show us the product, explain the problem it solves and demonstrate your product solving it with benefits.
First: What Is It?
Show us you value our time by telling us WHAT the product is right away so we know from the start what we’re reviewing. I’ve seen videos that burn 15-30 seconds on a corny introduction and take over a minute before we even know what we’re supposed to be reviewing. Show us the item right from the start quickly, then move directly into the PROBLEMS of living without it is what sells.
Ready, Set, Action.
Include action and demonstration in every aspect. TV is visually demonstrable form of media. What sells is seeing the problem in action. What is the pain of living without this product? Connect to the emotional struggle that brings. Seeing the product in use solving the problem and bringing joy, comfort and ease of use to the situation is what sells. Showing and demonstrating use after use increases the value perception of the item showing investors its worth funding and buyers it’s worth owning. Products that solve everyday problems in demonstrable ways are the most successful.
Is There A Real Problem?
Is it a real mass market problem? Is it a mass market problem that really needs to be solved? More important, is is a problem that consumers on a mass market scale will pay to solve? Why? Your ability to visually demonstrate the pain associated in living without your new invention is key because it can motivate the purchase. Pain creates the impulse to buy, but it has to be positioned in a positive, helpful way that makes everyday life on planet earth more joyful. No negative, safety, preventative, fear-based or downer language. Just help the viewer connect with their struggles in a way that sparks a desire for change… something better.
Benefits / Value. Benefits / Value.
Once you position the problem in a realistic way, move into showing the benefits and value of the item. Create believability by showing the product doing what you say it will do. Connect viewers emotionally to the value of the solution. Value can come in many forms. Ease of use, many uses, and positive impact of the solution are just a few. Think it through. Try using before/after shots or with and without examples. Write out a script or just shoot the video on the fly and post and submit.
In The End.
If you have info about competitive products, costs, industry trends or other info that will help us make a decision to fund the product, please put it at the end, unless you built it into the problem.
What’s In A Name?
Not that big of an issue because we usually change it but if you want to brainstorm, make sure the name reflects the use. It’s better if it’s descriptive of the solution or clever. Many TV products seem to have two word names starting with the same letter. Consider Magic Mesh,Windshield Wonder, Jupiter Jack.
Then, there are single word names that do well with a super power quality such as Groutinator.
How Long?
Under 2 minutes would be great, but no more than 5 minutes, at most. A good rule of thumb is:
15 seconds to show the product.
15 seconds to 1 minute to explain the problem.
15 seconds to 1 minute to explain the benefits/value.
To find out more, read:
How To Submit Your Product For Review
