Sergio Alfaro: From Live TV Events to Running his Own TV Production Company
Sergio Alfaro, the CEO of Invent.TV, has had a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. Starting from humble beginnings, Alfaro worked his way up the ranks on live TV events to eventually establish his own successful TV production company. In a recent episode of the “Strictly Business” podcast by Variety, Alfaro shared the story of his rise, fall, and rise again as an entrepreneur in the entertainment world.
Alfaro’s path to success began with building a strong reputation in the close-knit community of live event production. This reputation allowed him to venture into unscripted TV, where he partnered with producer and investor Jeffrey Soros to co-found Invent.TV nearly a decade ago. Today, the company produces a wide range of TV content, including popular series like TLC’s “Dr. Pimple Popper” and Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” as well as special events like the annual Miss Universe competition.
Despite his current success, Alfaro’s journey had humble beginnings. In the 1990s, he started by stocking dressing rooms and cleaning up after shows on NBC’s “Motown Live.” Within a year, he was promoted to a coordinator role, which opened his eyes to the potential of a career in entertainment. Reflecting on his early days, Alfaro recalls his realization that there were opportunities for growth and advancement in the industry.
As a producer, Alfaro has experienced both boom times and challenges in the industry. Currently, the entertainment landscape is facing a contraction in the volume of series ordered by major networks and streamers. However, Alfaro sees the consolidation of decision-making power among network executives as a potential benefit for content creators. This shift allows producers to pitch their ideas to a single decision-maker who can consider multiple options, streamlining the process.
In discussing the evolving role of executives in the industry, Alfaro expresses empathy for the workload and responsibilities they now face. He acknowledges the challenges they encounter in juggling multiple shows and making tough decisions. Despite the complexities of the industry, Alfaro remains optimistic about the future of entertainment production.
“Strictly Business” is Variety’s weekly podcast that delves into the business side of media and entertainment. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, offering insights into the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. To stay updated on the latest episodes, you can subscribe to the free newsletter and access new episodes on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Play, and SoundCloud.
In conclusion, Sergio Alfaro’s journey from live TV events to running his own TV production company is a testament to his hard work, determination, and passion for the entertainment industry. His story serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives looking to make their mark in the world of television production.
