CableU.tv is honored to bring you this exclusive interview with Elaine Frontain Bryant, Vice President of Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming for A&E and BIO, in July of 2007. Frontain Bryant is responsible for overseeing the development and production of A&E’s real life series. She has served as executive producer on several critically acclaimed and hit real life series including “Criss Angel Mindfreak,” “Paranormal State,” Psychic Kids,” The Exterminators,” and “Paranormal Cops.”

What is the key element that makes a program right for your network?

If I have to pick one, it would be authenticity – from “Intervention” to “Hoarders,” “Paranormal State” and “The First 48,” we are all about documenting a real experience.

What programs and/or genres are you looking for in the next year?

We are looking to build on the successes that we currently enjoy: shows that complement our Monday night block of real life drama – the “Interventions” and “Hoarders.” More Paranormal shows to complement “Psychic Kids” and “Paranormal State.” Crime and Justice that complements The “First 48,” Real life on the job type shows like “Steven Seagal: Lawman,” “Dog the Bounty Hunter” and “The Exterminators.” Celeb real life comedy that complements “Gene Simmons Family Jewels”. But in addition to finding shows that will build off of current successes, we look for producers to bring us what is fresh and new. We are always looking for the next hit that could be right for us.

How important are other platforms like broadband and mobile applications in the initial pitch?

Its good to know a producer has considered the extensions of a property, but for us as programmers, its got to be good tv first. Once we have that, A&E has a great team of people to blow out the full 360 plan.

What’s the best way for a producer to pitch you?

Happy to take an email inquiry, and if it sounds like it could be promising for us, set up a phone or in person pitch. If it doesn’t come through an agency, there is a release form to sign.

What do you look for in a first-time producer besides a great idea?

Passion about their idea, and a knowledge of the network they are pitching to.

What mistakes do producers make when pitching you?

Not being educated about our programming, and therefore not understanding how their show could be right for us. Also, I really dont like it when producers don’t possess a clear vision for what they want their show to be, but look to me to shape it for the network. I think its lazy development. Be collaborative, but do the work first.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

When I was just out of college, and nervous to move to LA, my father said “Hey, just go and try it. You can always come home.” I went, and never came home, but just knowing I could helped me take the leap.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever given?

I have passed my dad’s advice on to interns and assistants who worked for me – go for it. You dont have to see the map of your whole career as you start out.

Who in this industry do you most admire and why?

As a working mother, I really admire working moms. AETN is filled with them, from the most senior position down. Its very inspiring to see these women do such focused work by day, knowing they go home to another job. No offense, dads…..

What’s the smartest programming decision you have ever made?

Bringing the paranormal genre to A&E.

What’s the dumbest programming decision you have ever made?

Passing on The Biggest Loser (not as a buyer but as a branded entertainment exec).

In all of television, which classic program should be revived?

Mr Ed. My daughter would love it.

Should NEVER be revived?

Barney and Friends -oh wait that’s still on.

Bio (continued): Prior to joining A&E Network, Elaine Frontain Bryant served as Vice President, Creative development and Productions at Magna Global Entertainment, overseeing the creation and production of original television programming funded by Interpublic Group’s Fortune 100 clients. She was an Executive Producer on TNT’s original movies “The Wool Cap” and “14 Hours,” on CBS’s Humanitas Award nominated film, “Saving Milly.” She was c0-executive producer for the first two seasons of Bravo series “Blow Out.” Prior to joining MAGNA Global Entertainment, Frontain Bryant directed and produced two seasons of The N’s teen non-scripted series “Girls vs. Boys” and produced more than 15 episodes of the Peabody Award-winning “A Walk in Your Shoes,” also for The N.

Frontain Bryant also produced the independent feature film “The Farmhouse,” starring Blythe Danner.  Prior to that, she served as director of creative affairs for Fred Berner Films.  Films produced during her tenure include Louis Malle’s “Vanya on 42nd Street,” A&E’s “Murder in a  Small Town” and Ed Harris’ “Pollock.” Also as Fred Berner Films, Frontain Bryant associate-produced ABC’s Emmy-nominated prime time special “About Us: The Dignity of Children,” Hosted by Oprah Winfrey.

Frontain Bryant is a graduate of Texas Christian University and lives in New York with her husband and daughter.

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