Wing Man of the Pig Man – Part II
This is the second part of a guest blog post by Justin Cook, Business Manager for Pig Man of Pig Man: The Series. Justin will now dive into day-to-day operations of keeping Pig Nation in tip-top form.
A day as the wing man of the Pig Man now is much different than it would have been for those who helped Pig Man pave the way back in the mid 2000’s. Regardless, I still get asked a lot of questions by associates and colleagues about what’s so difficult about making TV – and this should help with folks with dreams of producing a successful show.
Typically, I’ll start my day off reading through fan e-mails and addressing any general questions/commentary. The next step is running through both Brian’s personal Facebook and the Fan page to make sure friends have been added and the ridiculous games/apps have been blocked or ignored. Social media is a major focal point for us as it’s the best way for Pig Man to reach out directly to the fans personally. There are no gimmicks there and we don’t hire a PR firm to manage the accounts. Next, the email traffic directly addressing sponsor requests for photos/videos/testimonials and whatever else we are requested to do in order to support the effort to move product. Several of these require follow ups ensuring business are tended to whether it’s answering them directly or forwarding those requests to Pig Man, our Field Producer, Matt, or our Editor, Al. Lately we’ve had unique and sizeable opportunities that are tying up the bulk of our time, such as additional media projects and apparel/merchandising manufacturing. The attention to detail when it comes to developing, negotiating, and securing contracts can blow out an entire day’s schedule.
Currently, we are in the midst of launching of new product apparel and merchandising line that will be available both online this fall and in box stores 2012. Reviewing and approving designs and production samples for this process is something we still hold very near and dear to our hearts as we have to make sure the product quality is good for our fans. The decision to delegate the merchandising/apparel platform for Pig Man was one that stemmed from our inability to meet current demand in quantities and quality. The next best thing was to find someone who had both the time and professional resources devoted to making sure we give this brand the recognition it deserves. We’ve found that partner and it’s been a huge weight off my shoulders.
Every day it seems like we are being approached with new opportunities to increase the exposure and profitability of our project. Each opportunity is discussed between Pig, Keith, and me on who takes the lead based on current workload or who has the best chance at closing the deal. A lot of work goes into researching and seeking out the reward for each of these projects prior to making a decision on which ones to pursue or not pursue. Regardless, there are always potential deals that are on the verge of coming to fruition.
When you factor in all of the items above, there is one category yet to be addressed, which is often the most tedious: scheduling. Airline tickets, hotel reservations, appearance dates and times, strategic itineraries of where to be and when to be there, not to mention outlining key contacts at each destination. When it’s a vacation, it’s a simple process because you don’t vacation 52 weeks a year. When it’s a job and money is on the line, poor communication and poor scheduling can ruin the success of a hunt and ultimately result in a failure to produce a show. Sometimes hunts are a bust and travel plans have to change on the fly making it even more chaotic. As EP and Host of Pigman: The Series, Brian has to ensure these details are dealt with and that each trip, whether hunting or making an appearance, is given a chance to succeed in its core, not failing because of a Monday detail. While he is reviewing shows for approval, filming new shows for airing, sitting in meetings, or making appearances and kissing babies, these are the behind the scenes details that just simply have to be dealt with by someone other than himself. The majority of those times it’s the wing man of the Pig Man.
If I could sum up one true reason why I believe this project has been so successful in a year and a half, I would say that it has to do with our team’s level of confidence. When you believe with conviction that you have one of the most talented crews out there, suddenly the problems you face become a challenge, not a crutch. You find ways to get through them by pushing yourself to be bigger and better and I think this is where the Pig Man brand and character is headed. Behind the rough and rugged exterior attitude is a dude that cares deeply about his job and feel strongly about continuing to entertain his audience to the best of his ability. He’s been fortunate enough to surround himself with a great field production crew, a great post production crew, a great lineup of sponsors and partners, and a great group of close friends who he feels comfortable confiding in when two or three sets of eyes are better than one. I have to believe that the level of cohesiveness in projects such as this one is rare, otherwise it may have taken years upon years to get to where Pig Man and his show are headed to in the next 12 months. That’s what I’m most impressed with….he had a dream, he put a plan into action, and he built it from the ground up.
Thanks Justin! Well…what do you all think? Did you like this post? Would you like to see more like this?