SAMPLE QUERY LETTER
USED ON THIS PROJECT


MR. TERRY D. HILMER

12917 West Alvarado Road

Avondale, Arizona 85392-7143

Telephone: 602.930.6995 / 623.594.3066

Email: TerryDHilmer@terrydhilmer.com

                                                                         {DATE}

TO:                        

 FROM:                  Terry D. Hilmer

 RE:                          Reality TV Concept Creator looking for Professional Representation

 Dear ;

 My name is Terry D. Hilmer. I am a screenplay writer who has stepped outside the box to challenge my creativity and have recently completed the concept and outline for a new and very unique Reality TV program that raises the bar for this genre. It incorporates human conflict without being offensive, shocking or weird. In addition to its entertainment value, it has educational and includes an interactive twist. Financially, it is self-supporting and self-sustaining, which during these economically difficult times, should be of special interest to the network executives. It is groundbreaking and certain to be the next generation for Reality TV.

 TITLE:                    “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time”  -  WGAw ®#1272376.

 GENRE: Reality TV

 LOGLINE:             “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” is a riveting examination of conflict and the human condition having an irresistible personal connection enthralling viewers into the action with a ground breaking interactive twist. As the next generation of Reality TV “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” is a unique configuration of three success driven formats, which defies comparison. It offers entertainment and educational value in an environment that is not offensive, shocking or weird. As the first of its kind, it offers the network an inimitable opportunity for self-promotion with a program that can be financially self-supporting.

PITCH:                   “Judge Judy” meets “American  Idol” and “Deal or No Deal”.

If this has sparked curiosity and tempted your interest, you owe it to yourself to invite me to send you a copy my Concept Outline and support information, for your perusal. This is truly a breath of fresh air for the Reality TV genre, completely new and very unique. Please feel free to contact me via Email, telephone or by postal service to the above referenced address, at your convenience.

Most Respectfully Yours,

Terry D. Hilmer

TITLE:                                    “WE THE PEOPLE, In
                                              Prime Time”

AUTHOR:                              Terry D. Hilmer

GENRE:                                 Reality TV

DEMOGRAPHY:                    The regular viewer of this program will be Caucasian and African American in the age range of from 24 to 62. Primarily, they will be blue-collar any middle management types with incomes in the upper-lower to lower-upper bracket. It s estimated that 30% will have children living at home and view the program as a weekly family activity.

PITCH:                                  “Judy Judge”  
       meets “American Idol” and “Deal or No Deal”.

LOG LINE:   “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” is a riveting examination of conflict and the human condition having an irresistible personal connection enthralling viewers into the action with a ground breaking interactive twist. As the next generation of Reality TV “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” is a unique configuration of three success driven formats, which defies comparison. It offers entertainment and educational value in an environment that is not offensive, shocking or weird. As the first of its kind, it offers the network an inimitable opportunity for self-promotion with a program that can be financially self-supporting.

SYNOPSIS:  “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” provides viewers with an interactive look into the American Institution of the Civil Court Justice System. While other reality based courtroom dramas look at the personal disputes of the Small Claims Court, “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” reaches beyond landlord-tenant disputes providing insight into the life changing high stakes of the Civil Court and the American Jury System. In this forum, “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” becomes the Court of Public Opinion with an interactive twist that allows the home viewer to participate as members of the jury.

With all the spirit of any game show, the participants, (plaintiff and Defendant) will compete, within specific time limits to present their best case (complaint/defense) to the jury (viewers) using all the heart of a talent contest. A real life judge will preside over the action to ensure decorum and compliance with applicable rules of this court. Each of the Pro Se party’s are provided approximately twelve minutes to present their initial arguments, any evidence and witnesses. At conclusion of the initial arguments, the judge will field questions to ensure all key elements are, disclosed. Following, the party’s have an opportunity to make a three or four minute final closing statement to the jury (viewers). Concluding the one-hour episode, the judge will issue appropriate jury instruction, including application of law, for deciding the case.

Simultaneously, the show’s website will present the evidence, the complaint and answer originally filed in the case, applicable case histories and prevailing law for the jury’s review. This website provides a unique forum for network self-promotion. The jury (viewer’s) will have three hours to view the evidence and render their verdict by calling one of three telephone numbers (1) in favor of the plaintiff; (2) in favor of the defendant; and (3) a No Contest decision. There will be a stipend charge for voting, which is used to re-seed awards given during each episode thereby making the show financially self-supporting.

The following evening, during an abbreviated version of the show, a panel of at least two attorney’s, representing a prosecution and defense attorney’s train of thought, will render their opinions about the presentations of the litigants and what they believe the outcome will be. The total number of voting calls generated along with the number of hits on the website during the same period will provide an inside look at just how seriously the American Public takes their responsibility in serving on the jury. Then, the actual vote tally presented with the judge distributing awards according to the percentage of votes received for both parties from the total award sought by the action, less any No Contest votes. The matter is settled, with no out of pocket expense to either litigant, hence the attraction of having their case presented in this forum.

CONTESTANT RULES:

1.       All Contestants (litigants) will have a verifiable Civil Court Action filed in any Jurisdiction within the United States of America.

2.       The filed action cannot be in the advanced stages of litigation in any court of original jurisdiction including advanced stages of discovery if, any party thereto is represented by council unless said council shall agree in writing, and/or the matter is scheduled on the court’s docket for trial.

3.       Both parties will be required to dismiss with prejudice, their originally filed court action and enter into contractual agreement to have their case settled in this forum, with the decision of the jury deemed to be final and binding upon the parties.

4.       The parties agree that they will be Pro Se litigants and present their respective action without the benefit of an attorney or Legal Council in this court of Public Opinion. However, there shall be no restricting any participant from engaging the services of such attorney and/or Council in preparing for presentation of the case and arguments in this forum.

5.       Because this forum forgives each party’s financial obligation, one-to-the-other, the party’s individually and collectively agree to waive certain rights provided under the Constitution of the United States of America and all rights to appeal the decision of the jury.

6.       Upon the decision of the jury and issuance of any monitory awards, the litigants agree the matter is fairly settled, and resolved to finality.

7.       In the event of any Cross-Claims or Cross Complaint filed in the original action with the court of original jurisdiction, the party’s agree that each action will be treated as a separate action and may be scheduled as two independent cases for presentation at the show’s/producer’s sole discretion. No Counter Claim or Cross Complaint is to be, considered unless it previously existed and acknowledged by the court of original jurisdiction.

8.       No action involving offensive sexually explicit material or subject matter will be, considered. The management, producers and legal staff of “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time” reserve the right to reject any action that does not conform to the Network’s standard on morality.

9.       All actions submitted for consideration must accompany an application to the show, a true and verifiable copy of the original court action including all pleadings filed to date (complaint/answer). Upon review by our legal staff, selected cases notified, and a contract will be required before scheduling.

10.   Prior to scheduling and/or airing of the case, each party will be required to meet independently with an assigned member of our legal department for review of the case you intend to present to ensure conformity with applicable law, the rules of the contest, network ethics standards and will conform to time constraints of the show.

11.   Unsubstantiated claims and/or accusations deemed to be unnecessarily damaging to any opposing party’s person or reputation shall be subject to editing prior to airing or otherwise edited by applicable transmission delay during any live broadcast.

12.   Any actions involving multiple litigant’s, shall only be considered as separate actions between the individual parties and at management’s sole discretion may be rejected for time considerations.

PROGRAM CONCEPT OUTLINE: (60 minutes)

Fade in on the Courtroom. (Judge’s bench or official seal)

A.       Cue theme music.

B.       Narrative Introduction

NARRATOR:           This is the Civil Court of America. In this Court, a life can change forever for better or worse. Since the days of Kings, citizen disputes have been, won and lost in this arena. Unlike the Criminal Court, where the Government itself seeks to punish with fines and jail or prison terms, in the Civil Court, the state is not involved superseded by private citizens and business. The penalty sought is not imprisonment, but most often financial. This Court is, governed by rules, laws and the protections granted to citizens by the Constitution of the United States. Litigants in the Civil Court have the expressed right to have their grievances heard by a Jury of their peers. Tonight, you will witness one of these high-risk cases, as actual litigants will present their arguments before you, the Court of Public Opinion. Tonight, you will experience first-hand the power of the Jury System as you participate in deciding the fate of this true-life case. Who will win, who will lose? That decision is yours because tonight, ladies and gentlemen, you are the Jury, and this is “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time”.

C.       Display Show’s Logo:   “WE THE PEOPLE, In Prime Time”

D.       Roll Opening Credits.

E.        Go to Commercial Break.

F.        Introduce Plaintiff and Defendant.

G.       Give an abbreviated analysis/introduction of the action and amount of money in controversy.

H.       Introduce the Judge, by the Bailiff.

I.         Judge states the original jurisdiction and prevailing law to use in deciding the case.

J.         Go to Commercial Break.

K.       Judge provides any initial Jury instructions.

L.        The Plaintiff presents his/her complaint and initial arguments. (12 minute limit)

M.     Judge questions the Plaintiff.

N.       Go to Commercial Break.

O.      The Defendant presents his/her defenses and initial arguments. (12 minute limit)

P.       Judge questions the Defendant.

Q.      Go to Commercial Break

R.       Introduce the Attorney’s who will render opinions during the “Result/Follow-up show.

S.        Judge discussed applicable rules, law, and other pertinent information.

T.        Go to Commercial Break.

U.       Plaintiff makes his/her closing statement (approximate 4 minute limit)

V.       Go to Commercial Break.

W.     Defendant makes his/her closing statement (approximate 4 minute limit)

X.       Go to Commercial Break.

Y.        Judge renders a general opinion on the nature of the case, prevailing law, and issues his final Jury instructions assigning telephone numbers in favor of the Plaintiff, in favor of the Defendant or for a No Contest vote.

Z.        Closing Credits.

Fade out on Courtroom.

RESULTS SHOW OUTLINE:  (30 minutes)

Fade in as above

a.        Follow Items A-H above.

b.       Judge introduces clips/highlights from previous night’s show.

c.        Go to Commercial Break.

d.       Judge introduces the Attorney panel (at least two)

e.       The Prosecutor’s View Points/Opinions.

f.         The Defense Attorney’s View Points/Opinions.

g.        Go to Commercial Break.

h.       Total Votes (calls) are compared/contrasted with number of on-line hits during the same three-hour period. Shows seriousness people with respect to jury service.

i.         Jury Foreman reveals the actual total votes cast for each category.

j.         Go to Commercial Break.

k.        The Judge imposes sentencing distributing monies directly proportionate to the jury’s decision less any amount reduced from the number of No Contest votes.

l.         Closing Credits.

Fade out as above.

EXAMPLE OF AWARDS/AWARD DISTRIBUTION:

In a case seeking $100,000.00 in damages, if the Plaintiff receives 75% of the total votes, the Defendant receiving 23% and 2% for No Contest, the Plaintiff would receive $75,000.00/Defendant $23,000.00. the show would maintain $2,000.00 in its award fund as recipient of all No Contest awards.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Terry D. Hilmer

12917 West Alvarado Road

Avondale, Arizona 85392-7143

Telephone: 602.930.6995

Email: TerryDHilmer@terrydhilmergroup.com