Skip to main content

The Business of True Crime: Exploring the Lucrative World of Gripping Narratives

 


True crime has become a thriving industry, capturing the attention of millions of viewers and listeners across various platforms. With the recent success of Netflix's "Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" and the acquisition of Serial Productions by The New York Times, the popularity of true crime is evident. This article delves into the business of true crime, discussing its evolution, the process of developing true crime shows, the financial aspects, and the ethical considerations surrounding the genre.

Evolution of True Crime

True crime has experienced exponential growth, expanding into numerous sub-genres and platforms. From classic documentary series like "Unsolved Mysteries" and "Dateline" to scripted dramas and podcasts, true crime now has a wide reach. Dedicated TV networks like Investigation Discovery and Oxygen cater exclusively to true crime enthusiasts. Ed Hersh, a TV executive and industry consultant, emphasizes the diversity within the genre, including ride-along reality shows, crime-science programs, and documentaries. Additionally, true crime stories can be classified as "whodunits," "whydunits," and "howdunits," exploring the criminal mind, motives, and methods.

Creating a true crime show is a complex and competitive process. Filmmakers like Rob and Cindy Dorfmann, known for their work on Lifetime Movie Network and Discovery ID, highlight the importance of a unique entry point to stand out in the market. Networks such as Oxygen and ID typically start with a six-episode order, while pilots are increasingly common due to economic considerations. Budgets for episodes can range from $400,000 to $600,000, depending on production requirements. However, true-crime documentaries generally cost less than scripted shows or movies, which involve additional expenses like hiring writers, directors, and actors.

Financial Aspects

The true crime business presents lucrative opportunities, with projects often selling for millions of dollars. For example, The New York Times' acquisition of Serial Productions for $25 million demonstrates the financial value of engaging true crime content. While producing a 90-minute film can cost over $1 million, nonfiction documentaries tend to have lower production costs compared to scripted dramas. Television networks and streaming platforms invest significant resources to capitalize on the genre's popularity, often leading to substantial returns.

Ethical Considerations

As true crime gains widespread popularity, it also faces criticism for potentially exploiting victims and glorifying criminals. Critics argue that some narratives focus too much on perpetrators, causing distress to the families and friends of victims. Concerns about revictimization and the ethical implications of storytelling have grown in tandem with the genre's rise. However, responsible true crime storytelling can prioritize the victims, as demonstrated by Netflix's "The Keepers," which centers around the murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik.

The business of true crime has experienced significant growth in recent years, with its popularity spanning various platforms. From streaming giants like Netflix to dedicated TV networks, true crime content attracts large audiences and generates substantial revenue. The process of developing true crime shows requires a unique and compelling storyline to stand out in a competitive market. Financial investments vary depending on the production format, but the potential for significant returns remains high. As the industry evolves, ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of victims and responsible storytelling are increasingly emphasized. The future of true crime business lies in finding a balance between captivating narratives and ethical storytelling practices.

How to write true crime books that are easy to follow on Amazon!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

What Are Your Thoughts? Remember, you don't have to read this blog if it makes you mad. Name-calling and temper tantrums have no place here.

Popular posts from this blog

Darlie Routier Texas

I was contacted by a penpal of Darlie Routier's who gave me some of the most recent advances in her case to share with you all. I began writing to Darlie in December of 2005 and she is one woman whom I will never understand how she got behind bars. Really. You know what else? With all the information ALREADY out there about this case, in addition to the newly discovered info, I think if you can't see this poor woman's innocence, you may just be an asshole. So many legal flubs, so much question and police innuendo that turned out to be nothing. So many fingers pointed and road blocks thrown up, I am surprised this case isn't used in other countries to point to the clusterfuck we call a justice system.  I believe Darlie could have been released ages ago if the state had done the necessary DNA testing. Sadly, Texas has tried to stop it in every unconstitutional way they could pull out of a bull's ass. BUT- there is hope on the horizon. This from Camp Darlie ...
69 comments
Read more

The Most Beautiful Girls to Ever Kill Their Own Mother

As human beings, we have trouble fathoming the idea of a young girl committing so atrocious a crime as murder. Much less, the murder of her own mother. The concept becomes even more inconceivable when it pertains to a beautiful young woman beautiful young woman with a loving family and the world at her fingertips. These girls aren't all women in prison now. Some have been released and disappeared into the mainstream. Scary, huh?  Nakisha Waddell     At age 14, Nakisha Waddell stabbed her mother, Vaughne Thomas, 43 times in their Virginia home. In court, she said she was tired of the years of fighting and just exploded. Her 15-year-old friend, Annie Belcher, helped her dig a grave in the backyard. The pair poured alcohol and nail polish remover on the dead woman and tried to ignite her to no avail.  They eventually mixed a crude concrete mixture and poured it on top of her and finished by covering her with sticks, leaves, and yard debris. She gives n...
Post a Comment
Read more

Brenda Andrew Execution date

     Brenda Andrew is the only woman on Oklahoma death row. She is there for the murder of her husband by her and her boyfriend James Pavatt.      Brenda does not answer letters. It seems she may still have a bit of that pretentious attitude left over from her days as a respected deacons wife. Those days are over, hun.      There is no scheduled execution date for Brenda yet. Oklahoma lists its dates of execution for the prison she is in here .      Every time I read about this case I am utterly amazed at how stupid these two people were. She may as well have advertised their guilt on a billboard in front of the house. Both Andrew's and Pavatt's appeal were systematically denied without comment in 2008. The little Scorned episode "The Sunday School Killers" at the top of this post is about Brenda and James and its only $1.99 so its worth the money. Appearance White Female; 5 ft. 3 in. tall; 110 pounds; Bro...
74 comments
Read more