Three Things I Learned About Selling a Show from Janine Sherman Barrois

Last week, I attended the Black TV & Film Collective's virtual event The Download. This particular conversation was about show running featuring the Janine Sherman Barrois and, as a member of the BTFC, I was given the opportunity to ask her a question.

Barrois is the Creator and Showrunner of Kings of Napa on OWN. Executive Producer at Claws, Executive Producer at Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker and Producer of many many more groundbreaking and iconic shows. (The PJs, Criminal Minds, the list goes on.

I have to say, this is opportunity to speak with her is super timely because selling one of my shows to reputable network or streamer is my #1 goal this year. It's my priority. It's my focus. My entire 2022 Strategic Plan is built around this goal and this goal only. And in order to get there, my life coach strongly suggested I started to speak to people who had already sold a show.

Having a plan helps, of course, but hearing directly from people who have done what I want to do - 10x as helpful.

When my turn came, I asked:

What are the top three strategies you believe helped you sell your show? Her answers:

1. Write and keep writing.
2. Network with fans and create more fans.
3. Create what you believe in.

Straight to the point and direct advice.

She encouraged us to always be creating and writing and developing. To spend time with our fans, get to know them: what do they like about your content? What do they like about the story? What do they want to see from the story?

My favorite piece of advice was to create what I believe in. Because I get it - I can see how easy it is to convince myself as a creator to create what I think the network would want to see. And that may be part of it but I must lead with what I believe in. I must lead with creating what I want to see and what I love.

She dropped so many gems that night and I am so thankful for the opportunity to not only join but to chat with her briefly. Onward - on the journey of Operation: Sell a Show 2022.

Learn more about the Black TV & Film Collective above.