I spend a lot of time explaining this to producers from other countries. The proposal Producers pitching broadcasters a project with sponsors already in place can expect mixed reactions. If they already have a deal that includes obvious product placement or control of content in a way that we're not comfortable with, then we can't get involved with the show. If they come to us and say they have interest from a sponsor, we discuss the nature of that interest. If it's a hotel providing accommodation, an airline providing travel, or a caterer providing lunch for the crew, I don't have a problem with producers cutting those sorts of deals and acknowledging those people in the credit role.
Producers do a lot of that stuff in the lifestyle world.
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