What I Learned Producing Unscripted TV Overseas
Posted on: Feb 06, 2025
Photo Credit: 1000 Words // ShutterstockStarting any new producing endeavor is nerve-inducing. Add to that the uncertainty of traveling overseas, and you’ve got yourself a whole new host of anxieties. Anxieties about establishing connections with new people, striking the right balance between listening and asking questions, and what to do when information gets leaked.
As a field producer on a docuseries with an international cast, here’s some of the challenges I faced and what I learned along the way.
Establishing Connections with Local Crew
Nothing breaks the ice faster than treating people as you would want to be treated. It also helps people forget about any perceived differences between you and them. I encourage you to establish boundaries early in your trip to prevent burnout. A welcome dinner was planned for the very day we landed, which I declined after being advised that we should not sleep until after 5pm so we could get acclimated to the new time zone. We landed at 5am earlier that day, and after flying for 12 hours, I was tired and needed solitude.
Declining social invites doesn’t have to be a rude occurrence. Politely communicate your needs to others and make plans to connect soon. This way, people understand that you’re simply tired, but not anti-social. Listen to your body and rest when you need to, so you can be present for your job, cast and colleagues. Don’t feel bad about taking care of yourself—once you’re rested, you can make connecting with other people a priority.
It was on this trip to the Philippines that I understood why people choose to work with others they know. The creator/executive producer and I worked together on a project for Oxygen years ago and kept in touch. When they asked me to work on this project with them, I jumped at the chance. Our previous connection allowed my genuine self to come out more easily. This helped me enjoy my time and get through the more challenging aspects of international production.
Listening Will Save You in the Field
The creator and showrunner was born and raised in the Philippines, so they told us the social customs of the country and gave tips and information as to what to potentially expect. When I say “listen,” I mean pay close attention to how people respond to you. Communication is mostly non-verbal, so it’s important to pay attention and pick up on subtle social cues.
When it comes to the cast, ask yourself: Do you sense they need a little encouragement or direct talk? Give them that. Meet them at their energy level and direct your efforts around what opens them up. Another thing I found useful on this trip was listening to conversations in my vicinity even if no one was speaking to me. This method answered any lingering questions I had, and helped me plan and execute shoots. Your ability to find solutions with little guidance will make you more intuitive and self-sufficient—all great things one needs to be a stellar producer.
Keep Sensitive Information Private
In the Philippines, crews are more open with cast about plans for shooting. Whereas in America, this is highly discouraged—and for good reason. When the cast of an unscripted series knows the producer’s plans, they can protest or otherwise throw off the shoot. A producer without the trust of their cast and crew has nothing. It’s important to note the producers oversee the story, not the cast. The cast not knowing every little thing allows for spontaneity in scene reactions and more genuine connections.
Producing my first shoot in Asia was a career-affirming experience. Producing a TV show is a collaborative effort. I encourage you to be flexible while adapting to other viewpoints, especially when working in a new area and with a new culture.
Gabrielle Glenn is an unscripted TV producer and development professional.
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