Producing Reality Television Masterclass

This six-hour Masterclass** is taught by a professional Reality Television producer with over 25 years in the genre. Tim McOsker has had a front-row seat in developing and producing a wide range of unscripted programming for top production companies and networks, including serving as Executive Producer of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for over a decade. During this exciting class, Tim will offer tactical and concrete ways to assess current and emerging markets for reality programming, and will dissect the evolving skill sets producers need to thrive both in the field and in the editing bay.

This extended session (six hours!) allows for deeper insights into the expanding landscape of unscripted content, including a robust section dedicated to the booming world of YouTube and social media. You'll explore how traditional producing skills apply—and shift—in digital-first environments, where pace, audience expectations, and storytelling rhythms differ significantly from linear broadcast formats. In addition, Tim will cover how branded content, shorts, and creator collaborations are redefining what it means to produce in today’s content ecosystem.

A core focus of the Masterclass will be the critical and rapidly growing role of AI in the content production pipeline. You’ll dive into how AI is currently being used to generate pitch decks, transcribe and organize footage, speed up edit notes, and even support story structure. We'll examine the newest tools from the AI community and how they can assist producers in pre-production planning, field logistics, and post-production workflow—offering a practical, hands-on look at tools shaping the future of production.

Throughout the day, Tim will share some content he recorded just for this class featuring several working producers who have agreed to share their experiences. These guests—who have created content for Bravo, Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube Originals, and more—will offer real-world insight into producing across formats and platforms, from small crews with influencer talent to full-scale network productions. Their perspectives will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how different producing roles adapt to changing industry demands, team dynamics, and storytelling challenges.

Tim will break down the producer's role from concept to completion, answering the big question: "What does a producer actually do—and how do they do it well?" Simply put, producers are the engine that powers unscripted content. They're responsible for turning raw reality into watchable, meaningful stories—part visionary, part therapist, part field general. It’s a challenging, creative, and deeply rewarding job that continues to evolve with each new platform and innovation.

You'll also participate in guided exercises that walk you through the core phases of production—from story prep and beat sheets to field-producing techniques, to giving effective notes in post. You’ll get insight into not just what producers do, but how they think. And you'll explore the essential tools of the trade—including the latest AI-driven software—to streamline your workflow and elevate your storytelling.

This class is ideal for those with some familiarity with the producing role in the content space. Industry context is used throughout the session, so being comfortable with the language and pace of the unscripted world is important. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your existing skills or expand into new formats and platforms, this Masterclass offers the perspective, tools, and inspiration to take your producing game to the next level.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY (Optional, not required):

Before the class begins at noon, we invite students to bring their own lunch and arrive at 11:30am to sit around the table and eat with the instructor so he can get to know you, and vice versa!

Class Size

To ensure a positive class experience, this class is limited to only 20 participants.

Location

We're very excited that the class is being hosted at Citizen Pictures, the production company that produces, among many other things, "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". There is plenty of free off-street parking, and we'll have some snacks for your enjoyment. There is filtered water in the kitchen, so PLEASE be sure to bring your water bottle! Check out their website at https://citizenpictures.com/

Taught By Industry Pros

This is a unique opportunity to learn practical skills from an award-winning producer with over two decades of professional experience specifically in producing reality television.

Beef Up Your Resumé

Each participant will receive a certificate from the Boulder County Film Commission upon completion of the class.

Make Industry Connections through the Boulder County Film Commission

Meet and connect with leaders in the Colorado film/video industry who run successful businesses that hire and recommend crew throughout the year.

Prerequisites

This class is ideal for participants who currently work as associate producers, editors, coordinators, camera department personnel, line producers, and others who want to grow into the producer role. In addition, this class is a great fit if you've gone through a media studies program, perhaps with a focus on production, editing, or writing, and are looking to move into another field, as well as professionals in other fields of content.

As mentioned above, students should have familiarity with the producing role in the content space. We use a lot of industry information throughout this overview course, so being comfortable in that space is critical.

Cost

The class is $149 for a limited time. Please be aware that due to using Eventbrite, refunds are very difficult for us to process, so PLEASE be sure you definitely want to take the class before signing up and paying, as no refunds will be given.

Since 2000, Tim McOsker has been a prominent figure in reality entertainment, navigating roles ranging from producer to Vice President of Production and Development across various production companies such as Citizen Pictures, High Noon Entertainment, Big Table Media, and Leopard USA. His contributions spanned seamlessly across cable, streaming, and branded markets.

Noteworthy achievements include producing Food Network's "Unwrapped" from 2000 to 2006, the long-running "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" from 2011 to 2020, and multiple series for Food Network, HGTV, Bravo, Max, and Magnolia. Tim also served as Vice President of Production and Development at Citizen Pictures in Denver, CO, from 2012 to 2020, a role that earned him multiple Emmy nominations for "DDD," a directing nod for "Real Girls Kitchen," and an Emmy win in 2013 for "Guy Fieri's Family Vacation."

In addition to overseeing numerous shows and programming teams, Tim has established himself as both a seasoned showrunner and director in the field. He works hands-on from project inception to completion, collaborating intensively with diverse talent, network professionals, and marketing executives.

About our Host

Citizen Pictures was established in 1984 by Frank Matson. What began as a small branded programming company is now a full-fledged, Emmy-winning television production and content hub. Citizen is focused on creating lifestyle-centric programming that features talent-driven and high-profile storytelling. Their office, overlooking Boulder's Flatirons, is the creative center for a multitude of diverse and talented individuals who all share the same passion for storytelling. On top of that, there is no better place to brainstorm, develop, or become inspired by one’s surroundings than the city of Boulder. From food, travel, and home to sports, true crime, and competition formats, they create entertaining content that they would want to watch. And they do so by collaborating with some of the top networks, streamers, digital platforms, and talent. At Citizen, they stand by quality over quantity, and they don’t take shortcuts. They believe in the power of the media industry to change perspective, to drive brands, and to ultimately create lasting impressions.

**Masterclass definition: "A masterclass is a one-off, special event, taught by someone who is expert in the subject matter, and hopefully charismatic! Attendees may include anyone with a genuine interest in the subject, regardless of their level of experience, but ideally they'll know the basics." (Definition is used with gratitude from .)

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS: By attending this event, all participants are expected to abide by these, BOULDER CHAMBER Community Agreements and Code of Conduct.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUTING: The BOULDER CHAMBER and Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections (BCTC) encourage you to use sustainable transportation options to get to Chamber events! Learn more about transportation options in Boulder and how BCTC can help employers encourage their employees to commute sustainably, on the BCTC website or by emailing us at dHJhbnNwb3J0YXRpb24gfCBib3VsZGVyY2hhbWJlciAhIGNvbQ==. BCTC promotes transportation choices that are efficient & sustainable and enhance the Boulder community as a great place to live, work, & play.

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE: By attending this event, photographs and videos of the event and individuals will be public and possibly used on future marketing for the BOULDER CHAMBER and its associates.

NOTE: The opinions and information provided by the BOULDER CHAMBER event speakers are strictly those of the speakers. The BOULDER CHAMBER does not necessarily endorse their opinions and has not independently verified the information presented.

Instructor Tim McOsker

Thanks for hosting the class Citizen Pictures!

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