Q&A: Mark Burnett – The producer has hit paydirt with his reality programming empire -The Hollywood Reporter
July 9th, 2009 | posted by cwalton |By James Hibberd
Mark Burnett, the Emmy-winning producer of such reality shows as “Survivor,” “The Apprentice” and “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” is at it again. His latest venture, ABC’s “Shark Tank,” premieres Aug. 9 and offers entrepreneurs the chance to have their products become reality, if they can convince a panel of real-life business moguls — the sharks — to part with their money.
Speaking to THR’s James Hibberd from an undisclosed location in the South Pacific where the 19th season of “Survivor” is being filmed, Burnett chatted about his new series, the need to change Emmy rules and the iconic show he calls “part ‘Swiss Family Robinson,’ ‘Cast Away’ and ‘Lord of the Flies.’ ”
The Hollywood Reporter: Do you think it’s significant that “Shark Tank” is the only new reality show that has made it to the fall broadcast TV schedule?
Mark Burnett: “Shark Tank” is an extremely high-quality (show). The people at ABC and Disney love it. It feels like (it) belongs up there with great dramas. (The contestants) are high and dry. They’ve got great ideas or existing small businesses that they can’t take to the next level. At the same time these wealthy investors are looking to invest. It really is that golden opportunity — and maybe the last opportunity — for some of these people, so you really can feel the genuine tension and drama in the air.
Read the entire article at:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i16eec4cb803d7b6fd79cff9fb82be66f
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