AN INNOVATIVE AND SEXY TALK SHOW THAT FOCUSES ON CURRENT ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Transcription

1 AN INNOVATIVE AND SEXY TALK SHOW THAT FOCUSES ON CURRENT ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY

2 IT IS THE TIME FOR A SHOW LIKE THE SHRINKS Did you know that Dr. Phil has been nominated for an Emmy award every year since 2004, and that he is not licensed as a psychologist? The public yearns for information, and many would appreciate the information in an informed manner. It is the time for a show like the Shrinks; the new generation of psychology professionals who are down to earth and relatable. Shows like In Treatment, Intervention, Hoarders, Biggest Loser, What Would You Do, Dr. Phil, Dr. Drew have successfully hollywoodized mental illness, but they ve glossed over the real issues. The Shrinks is a talk show providing education and entertainment to a general audience (i.e., years old). It is a panel of diverse mental health professionals navigated by Dr. Pete and will include segments with real people, discuss behaviors of celebrities, bring on celebrity guests, and portray mental health in an objective and compassionate manner. It will separate itself from other shows in that it will be entertaining and educational. The Shrinks will address the sensitive topics that most people avoid. Think about the 2008 election, the media was quick to talk about gender differences between Barack and Hillary, but there was little to no mention about race when it came to Barack and John. The Shrinks is a show that is not afraid to tackle such issues, issues like: DEPRESSION & ANXIETY ADDICTION BULLYING INTIMACY & INFIDELITY There are so many issues in mainstream media that people love to discuss, debate, and learn about, and they are directly related to psychology (i.e., the study of the human mind and its functions). These hot button topics can get tempers flaring and most people avoid discussion of these topics because they can be uncomfortable.

3 MEET THE SHRINKS the DR. PETER ECONOMOU Dr. Pete Economou is a cognitive psychologist and professor of counseling psychology, former model and elite collegiate swimmer, who can captivate an audience and make people feel good. He has presented across the country, researched and published on various topics including neuropsychology, gender constructs, and sexuality. DR. TARA MCKINNEY the Dr. Tara McKinney is a psychiatrist who trained in the inner city, a marathon runner, she has a neurologist husband and she s a mother of two. Standing at 5 feet tall, Dr. McKinney is a firecracker, and is current and relatable. You will note that Shrinks are a diverse group of professionals whom have been busy. The panel is full, however, casting for other panelists is an open part of production which could also include professional diversity (think Aisha Tyler).

4 SHOW STRUCTURE 1 SEGMENT 3SEGMENT 2SEGMENT THE SHRINKS Panel discussion regarding relevant current issues in the media. Its truly remarkable how many issues are related to mental health. See Possible Show Topics on the next page. SHRINKS THE AUDIENCE Think Wendy Williams as she says how you doin? to the audience and takes their questions/comments. This will also include man on the street segments and other technologies. SPECIAL GUEST Guests might include celebrities as they choose to disclose their battle with mental illness or their experiences with counseling. Also, top psychologists and researchers from around the globe will be invited to the show. 4 SEGMENT 5SEGMENT 6 SEGMENT CELEBRITY LINK A celebrity will be shrinked. That is, the panel will discuss behaviors of a celebrity and issues that might be related to their behaviors. Britney Spears drives her truck with her baby on the lap - A hypomanic or a manic episode?! You think? WHO DOES THAT? We ve all uttered those words. This segment deconstructs psycological phenomena such as people incessantly on their phone while on a date, bringing their dog everywhere, or even the desire to go skydiving. SHRINK OF THE DAY Each show will end with a fact and suggestion for the audience. For example, we might talk about the effectiveness of catharsis. It is our hope that we can not only address the current issues while entertaining the audience, but also be proactive and provide the audience with information that will enhance their quality of life.

5 POSSIBLE SHOW TOPICS POTENTIAL AUDIENCE MARKET SHOOTINGS (SCHOOL, MALL, & MOVIE THEATRE SHOOTINGS) PLASTIC SURGERY ADDITIONS TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS AND CODEPENDENCY TATTOO/BODY MODIFICATION POLITICIANS AND SEX ADDICTION/DRUG ABUSE PSYCHOLOGICAL STIGMAS MYTHS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ADDICTION POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SOCIAL NETWORKING AND HOW TO DEFRIEND SOMEONE CELEBRITY BATTLES WITH ADDICTION & THEIR RELATIONSHIPS; OR LACK THEREOF INTIMACY SEX THERAPY SAME SEX MARRIAGE ADOPTION ABORTION VIDEO GAMES AND DO THEY CAUSE VIOLENCE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGY VERSUS GLOBAL PSYCHOLOGY EFFECTS OF DIVORCE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA SEXUAL ADDICTION EATING ADDICTION EATING DISORDERS, YOUTH MORE SELF-CENTERED TODAY SUICIDE ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR PERSONALITY DISORDERS EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COMMUNICATION BULLYING, NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND THE MILGRAM STUDY AND STUDIES OF OBEDIENCE DEPRESSION ONLINE RELATIONSHIP CHEATING Based on ratings of similar shows, The Shrinks would captivate a daytime audience and could easily compete with similar shows such as The Doctors, Dr. Oz or even Dr. Drew. It is our belief, however, that an early afternoon time slot would be most advantageous. We also believe that we can reach the coveted demographic by remaining topical and weaving in popular culture. Academic venues are also a great way we can reach this crowd. For example, many academics are often seeking audio visual information to integrate into their classroom environment. Hence, there would be an additional market to copyright and produce educational videos from tapings and sell to universities. The options are endless...

6 SHRINKING THE STATS Consider some stats from the National Institute of Mental Health: MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE MORE COMMON THAN CANCER, DIABETES, OR HEART DISEASE. 3% OF THE GENERAL POPULATION WILL MEET CRITERIA FOR A DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION 17% WILL EXPERIENCE A DEPRESSIVE EPISODE IN THEIR LIFETIME % OF U.S. ADULTS SOUGHT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT IN SUICIDE RATES HAVE REMAINED CONSISTENT SINCE 1997 UNTIL 2007 WITH APPROXIMATELY 1 OUT OF 10,000 PEOPLE COMPLETING IT EVERY YEAR. THE U.S. POPULATION IS 311 MILLION! 5-15% OF INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH ANOREXIA OR BULEMIA ARE MALE WHILE ONLY 30% OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS SEEK TREATMENT... BLACKS AND HISPANICS ARE 20% LESS LIKELY, THAN WHITES TO EXPERIENCE ANXIETY DISORDER DURING THEIR LIFETIME. VICODIN IS ONE OF THE DRUGS MOST COMMONLY ABUSED BY ADOLESCENTS. IN 2008, 15.4% OF 12TH GRADERS REPORTED USING A PRESCRIPTION DRUG FOR NON-MEDICAL PURPOSES IN THE LAST YEAR. 86% OF SUICIDES OCCUR IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES.

7 the Shrinks The time is NOW. The Shrinks is a show that the general audience is ready for. Thank you for taking the time to read our show pitch, and we encourage you to act quickly to be the one to have the opportunity to produce this inevitably successful show.