truTV Invites Tumblr Users to Bring Us Your Big Ideas

truTV Tumblr Big Deal Contest Seeks Unique, Clever Show Concepts For truTV's Audience of Funseekers

truTV and Tumblr are inviting creators of all stripes to bring their fun new show ideas to truTV this fall through an online contest that could result in one or more participants scoring a development deal with the network. Now open for submissions, the truTV Tumblr Big Deal Contest is part of a multi-pronged partnership designed to turn Tumblr users into truTV fans and members of the newly refreshed network's audience of funseekers.

"truTV is all about fun," said Chris Linn, president, head of programming for truTV. "And we believe the best way for us to bring viewers fun, innovative programming is to be the place where creators come to play. We also believe that great ideas can come from anywhere. So we're inviting all of our current and future fans on Tumblr to bring their fun show concepts to truTV. We want to tap into Tumblr's creative community and turn their ideas into reality."

To participate in the truTV Tumblr Big Deal Contest, creators must submit a Tumblr URL that includes a video between two and three minutes long that outlines the show concept and format. Beyond the required video, the Tumblr blogs can be used as a blank canvas to feature mood boards, ideal casting assignments, and more.

"We're looking for unscripted series' that have likeable and authentic people and unique points of view; shows that take us to new and unexpected places; shows that make us laugh, like Impractical Jokers and Friends of the People; or that simply amaze us, like The Carbonaro Effect and Fake Off," Linn said. "Most of all, we want shows that are fun and fresh. We really look forward to seeing those big ideas ready to sprout from the Tumblr community's wealth of creativity."

Submissions will be judged by programming executives and other truTV team members who will select two winning entries, one on-air series idea and one digital series idea. The winning creators will then be offered a development deal with truTV. Complete details and rules are available at truTVbigdeal.tumblr.com.

"Our creators are always making exceptional content, and this program allows them to reinvent and invigorate the entertainment pilot process for the digital age," said Sima Sistani, head of media at Tumblr. "This collaboration provides the Tumblr community with an opportunity to showcase their talent and raise their profiles to offline audiences."

The truTV Tumblr Big Deal Contest is the latest in an ongoing collaboration between truTV and Tumblr. In September, the two companies announced a unique initiative tied to truTV's upcoming series Hack My Life. As part of the humorous and practical life-hack series, viewers will be invited to share their own hacks via a new Hack My Life hub at hackmylifetrutv.tumblr.com, with each week's best hack to be featured on the show. The Hack My Life initiative marks the first time that Tumblr's user-generated content will be featured in every episode of a weekly series.

"The truTV Tumblr Big Deal Contest is a great extension of our partnership with Tumblr," said Mari Ghuneim VP of Digital Strategy and Development, truTV. "By offering our fans on Tumblr the chance to participate in truTV's creative process, we're forging a connection that goes deeper than viewer and network. We're inviting them to join truTV on a very important mission - to make the world 'Way More Fun.' (By the way, that last sentence sounds a lot better if you read it while humming the theme from your favorite action movie.)"

About truTV

truTV takes viewers on a fun ride that surprises and entertains. The network delivers a dynamic mix of action, comedy and competition, featuring engaging characters and compelling new worlds that pull you in and leave you wanting more. Currently seen in 92 million U.S. households, truTV features such popular original series as Impractical Jokers, The Carbonaro Effect, Friends of the People, Fake Off, Hair Jacked, How to Be a Grown-Up, Barmageddon, Hardcore Pawn and South Beach Tow, as well as the upcoming series Breaking Greenville, Branson Famous, Kart Life and Hack My Life. In addition, truTV is a partner in airing the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.