Archive for category Television
Steps Required to Becoming a Participant on a Reality TV Game Show
Posted by Joe in Television on February 1st, 2009
Reality TV shows have taken the world by storm and have become quite popular. You always hear of people having to get their American Idol fix each week or you’ll be sitting in the doctor’s office hearing general conversation about the latest episode of Survivor. It isn’t like they contain any type of artistic wonder to them, but they are, however, cheap for to make and there are always new ways being developed that exposes the lives of people on TV.
The truth is that real life is not boring. It is interesting to see what it is someone is going to do next, especially if they are known for doing things that are considered to not be normal. However, these people get on these shows somehow, which means there are certain criteria that has to be met. Sure, we look at some of them and wonder what kind of criteria a show has when some of the participants may seem somewhat psychologically imbalanced, but it is those people that make reality shows even more interesting.
So how do people get onto reality shows such as the Bachelorette, American Idol, The Apprentice, and other such shows?
Let’s look at American Idol. We all know that there is an audition process involved. We watch them on TV and we laugh our heads off at some of those who think they can sing and can’t or who are just trying to get on TV. These are people that are amateurs, seasoned singers, but none of them are under any type of entertainment contract. The ages of 16 to 26 are permitted to audition at the designated venue before 8:00 a.m. on audition days. However, other reality shows may require that those applying to become participants on the show be at least 18 or 21. These are considered open call interviews, which a lot of reality shows such as the Apprentice will do in order to increase the choices of possible participants
All reality show auditions require that a release form be filled out and presented. Identification and a photograph are also required. Participants are usually interviewed at some point. For shows such as the Bachelor and the Bachelorette, the applicants must be single. The worst thing these shows want to learn is that a married man or a married woman is simply trying to get on TV. However, those wishing to participate can apply on their own or be nominated by someone else. Shows such as these also require a video that does not exceed three minutes must accompany the application and be mailed to a specified address.
For the shows that require travel in order to interview, the show will not pay the travel expenses, so it is up to the potential participant to fit the bill. Such reality shows that require this is Survivor and the Apprentice. An application is sent into the show along with a photo to a specified address. If chosen for the interview, the potential participant gets to go to Hollywood or another designated location for the interview. Most also a video no longer than three minutes that introduces the prospect to the
However, it is fair to say that the applications are on the reality show’s websites and those wishing to participate must be vigilant in listening for when the show starts asking people to apply. Many of the applications require photos and three minute video introductions and will require the prospect to fit the bill for their travel expenses if chosen for an interview. Then again, open casting calls are a great way to quickly get attention, so it is important to look out for those as well.
By: Amy Nutt
About the Author:
The truth is that real life is not boring. It is interesting to see what it is someone is going to do next, especially if they are known for doing things that are considered to not be normal. However, these people get on these shows somehow, which means there are certain criteria that has to be met. Sure, we look at some of them and wonder what kind of criteria a show has when some of the participants may seem somewhat psychologically imbalanced, but it is those people that make reality shows even more interesting.
So how do people get onto reality shows such as the Bachelorette, American Idol, The Apprentice, and other such shows?
Let’s look at American Idol. We all know that there is an audition process involved. We watch them on TV and we laugh our heads off at some of those who think they can sing and can’t or who are just trying to get on TV. These are people that are amateurs, seasoned singers, but none of them are under any type of entertainment contract. The ages of 16 to 26 are permitted to audition at the designated venue before 8:00 a.m. on audition days. However, other reality shows may require that those applying to become participants on the show be at least 18 or 21. These are considered open call interviews, which a lot of reality shows such as the Apprentice will do in order to increase the choices of possible participants
All reality show auditions require that a release form be filled out and presented. Identification and a photograph are also required. Participants are usually interviewed at some point. For shows such as the Bachelor and the Bachelorette, the applicants must be single. The worst thing these shows want to learn is that a married man or a married woman is simply trying to get on TV. However, those wishing to participate can apply on their own or be nominated by someone else. Shows such as these also require a video that does not exceed three minutes must accompany the application and be mailed to a specified address.
For the shows that require travel in order to interview, the show will not pay the travel expenses, so it is up to the potential participant to fit the bill. Such reality shows that require this is Survivor and the Apprentice. An application is sent into the show along with a photo to a specified address. If chosen for the interview, the potential participant gets to go to Hollywood or another designated location for the interview. Most also a video no longer than three minutes that introduces the prospect to the
However, it is fair to say that the applications are on the reality show’s websites and those wishing to participate must be vigilant in listening for when the show starts asking people to apply. Many of the applications require photos and three minute video introductions and will require the prospect to fit the bill for their travel expenses if chosen for an interview. Then again, open casting calls are a great way to quickly get attention, so it is important to look out for those as well.
By: Amy Nutt
About the Author:
HNE Castings is the leading agency that casts people exclusively for reality tv shows. HNE Castings has been on business for many years casting contestants for shows like Survivor, America’s Next Top Model, American Idol and more.
Reality TV Auditions: Prepare Your Portfolio With Proper Pictures
Posted by Joe in Television on October 22nd, 2008
The cult-like following shows like The Bachelor and The Amazing Race have garnered have transformed the ‘reality’ TV show format into something of a pop-culture phenomenon.
Whether you an experienced or amateur actor, you may have decided you would like to audition for a certain reality TV show. Even if you have no acting experience and no interest in acting, you may be considering trying out for a reality show just for the thrill of it. There are many factors to consider when auditioning to be on reality TV. One very important factor to consider is the portfolio of pictures you will submit in the audition process.
Already Have a Portfolio?
If you are an actor with any level of experience, you may already have an existing portfolio of professional photos of yourself. Your portfolio may include head shots, body shots and lifestyle photos among others. Whether the photos of you that are in your portfolio were taken by an agency, a professional photographer or a friend, they are undoubtedly both professional and flattering. Unfortunately, producers of reality TV shows are not looking for professional actors or models (unless you are trying out for America’s Next Top Model, etc.)
Keep it Real
If you want to audition for and get cast in a reality TV show, chances are, you will need to portray yourself as a real person - A.K.A. your real self. So if you have a professional portfolio, scrap it altogether and start from ground zero. Choose a simple photo album for your portfolio. Go through recent personal photographs that include you. Make sure the photos you choose to include portray you as you currently look. If you had long hair but recently cut it, make sure to only use photos where your hair is the same as its current style.
Capacity for Drama
In addition to choosing pictures where you look like a regular (real) person and where you really look like yourself, look for different pictures that capture the range of emotion you are capable of. Reality TV producers look for participants that will create interesting circumstances due to their propensity for drama. In other words, do not choose only photos in which you are happy and shiningly smiling. Try to find some (or strategically take some) pictures where different emotions are captured on your face. This may sound gloomy, but if you have pictures where you look angry or sad, include them so that you come across as someone with some depth of emotion.
Personality Pointers
When putting together your photo album - A.K.A. portfolio, make sure to include several pictures that portray your personality and lifestyle. For example, if you are known as a world traveler, use pictures of yourself in Italy, or at that Buddhist temple you visited last summer. If you are an avid athlete, include photos of recent events you participated. Try to use pictures that show you actively participating in life no matter how you do it.
Video Portfolio
Though sometimes you will be auditioning live, (and may be asked to submit your photographs prior to the audition) chances are you will be asked to videotape a 2 to 5 minute video of yourself first. Some reality TV producers request a video tape in lieu of photos or a portfolio. In this case, review past seasons of the program you are trying to get cast for and see what type of people the show is likely to pick. Practice in front of friends and family members, and re-record your audition as many times as it takes until you get it just right.
By: Amy Nutt
About the Author:
Whether you an experienced or amateur actor, you may have decided you would like to audition for a certain reality TV show. Even if you have no acting experience and no interest in acting, you may be considering trying out for a reality show just for the thrill of it. There are many factors to consider when auditioning to be on reality TV. One very important factor to consider is the portfolio of pictures you will submit in the audition process.
Already Have a Portfolio?
If you are an actor with any level of experience, you may already have an existing portfolio of professional photos of yourself. Your portfolio may include head shots, body shots and lifestyle photos among others. Whether the photos of you that are in your portfolio were taken by an agency, a professional photographer or a friend, they are undoubtedly both professional and flattering. Unfortunately, producers of reality TV shows are not looking for professional actors or models (unless you are trying out for America’s Next Top Model, etc.)
Keep it Real
If you want to audition for and get cast in a reality TV show, chances are, you will need to portray yourself as a real person - A.K.A. your real self. So if you have a professional portfolio, scrap it altogether and start from ground zero. Choose a simple photo album for your portfolio. Go through recent personal photographs that include you. Make sure the photos you choose to include portray you as you currently look. If you had long hair but recently cut it, make sure to only use photos where your hair is the same as its current style.
Capacity for Drama
In addition to choosing pictures where you look like a regular (real) person and where you really look like yourself, look for different pictures that capture the range of emotion you are capable of. Reality TV producers look for participants that will create interesting circumstances due to their propensity for drama. In other words, do not choose only photos in which you are happy and shiningly smiling. Try to find some (or strategically take some) pictures where different emotions are captured on your face. This may sound gloomy, but if you have pictures where you look angry or sad, include them so that you come across as someone with some depth of emotion.
Personality Pointers
When putting together your photo album - A.K.A. portfolio, make sure to include several pictures that portray your personality and lifestyle. For example, if you are known as a world traveler, use pictures of yourself in Italy, or at that Buddhist temple you visited last summer. If you are an avid athlete, include photos of recent events you participated. Try to use pictures that show you actively participating in life no matter how you do it.
Video Portfolio
Though sometimes you will be auditioning live, (and may be asked to submit your photographs prior to the audition) chances are you will be asked to videotape a 2 to 5 minute video of yourself first. Some reality TV producers request a video tape in lieu of photos or a portfolio. In this case, review past seasons of the program you are trying to get cast for and see what type of people the show is likely to pick. Practice in front of friends and family members, and re-record your audition as many times as it takes until you get it just right.
By: Amy Nutt
About the Author:
HNE Castings is the industry’s top reality tv show castings agency that has become a top producer of reality TV talent.
How to Prepare for Reality TV Show Auditions
Posted by Joe in Television on October 7th, 2008
Part of the appeal that has reality TV shows so intriguing is the fact that the characters are true-life people, folks who could be your neighbors or co-workers. This engages the audience in a way that not only allows them to relate to the characters, but also makes them feel as if they too could be a television star by being on one of these shows.
Many people in fact do want to be on a reality television show and would like to know how, when and where they can audition to be on shows like The Biggest Loser, The Bachelor and others. Below are some tips on how to prepare for your reality TV show audition.
Get Started
Several reality shows allow candidates to apply online or by mail. For other shows, you must make a videotape of yourself and send it in. There are many reality shows that require that you audition in person. In order to start preparing for the audition process, you’ll need to find all the details of that process. Start by looking at the TV network Web sites for reality TV show casting information
When and Where?
There are many online sources for finding out when and where live auditions are held for reality shows. Some blogs or audition sites list audition schedules for multiple reality shows. If you are interested in a specific show only, for example The Amazing Race, you could go to the Web site of the TV network that the show is on to find audition information. Once you know when and where auditions are, you’ll need to figure out the logistics of being available for and getting to the audition. There may not necessarily be an audition in your home town or city. In this case, you’ll need to arrange travel to the nearest audition site.
Know Your Story
Whether you are applying to be on a reality TV show online, through the mail, or showing up to a live audition, you must prepare by knowing what you will say about yourself. You will need to portray yourself as an interesting person. Start by brainstorming a list of as many different facts about yourself as you can possibly think of. Include places you’ve live, places you’ve been, accomplishments you’ve made, anything at all that makes you interesting. After that, narrow it down to 5-10 interesting tidbits that you can memorize and speak about on demand.
Make for Good Drama
Many of today’s reality shows claim they’re not casting to fill niches or to create conflict. Despite those claims anyone who has seen more than one episode of any reality show can tell this is not always true. The fact is, reality TV must have some drama in order to be interesting and engaging. Casting people that are likely to create interesting types of conflict ensures this element will be covered. You can use this to your advantage. First off, make sure to keep it real. Don’t lie or grossly exaggerate. Think about your opinions and outlooks on controversial matters. Play up certain things about your lifestyle that may clash with that of someone else. Play up certain things about you that make you likely to fill a certain niche.
Confidence is Key
In conclusion, once you have found out all the details about the audition, prepared and memorized your ’story’, and strategized your drama factor, focus on your confidence. You must come across as someone outgoing who is not afraid to be themselves and be outspoken. If nothing else, focusing on this will give you the greatest chance of being cast on a reality TV show.
By: Amy Nutt
About the Author:
Many people in fact do want to be on a reality television show and would like to know how, when and where they can audition to be on shows like The Biggest Loser, The Bachelor and others. Below are some tips on how to prepare for your reality TV show audition.
Get Started
Several reality shows allow candidates to apply online or by mail. For other shows, you must make a videotape of yourself and send it in. There are many reality shows that require that you audition in person. In order to start preparing for the audition process, you’ll need to find all the details of that process. Start by looking at the TV network Web sites for reality TV show casting information
When and Where?
There are many online sources for finding out when and where live auditions are held for reality shows. Some blogs or audition sites list audition schedules for multiple reality shows. If you are interested in a specific show only, for example The Amazing Race, you could go to the Web site of the TV network that the show is on to find audition information. Once you know when and where auditions are, you’ll need to figure out the logistics of being available for and getting to the audition. There may not necessarily be an audition in your home town or city. In this case, you’ll need to arrange travel to the nearest audition site.
Know Your Story
Whether you are applying to be on a reality TV show online, through the mail, or showing up to a live audition, you must prepare by knowing what you will say about yourself. You will need to portray yourself as an interesting person. Start by brainstorming a list of as many different facts about yourself as you can possibly think of. Include places you’ve live, places you’ve been, accomplishments you’ve made, anything at all that makes you interesting. After that, narrow it down to 5-10 interesting tidbits that you can memorize and speak about on demand.
Make for Good Drama
Many of today’s reality shows claim they’re not casting to fill niches or to create conflict. Despite those claims anyone who has seen more than one episode of any reality show can tell this is not always true. The fact is, reality TV must have some drama in order to be interesting and engaging. Casting people that are likely to create interesting types of conflict ensures this element will be covered. You can use this to your advantage. First off, make sure to keep it real. Don’t lie or grossly exaggerate. Think about your opinions and outlooks on controversial matters. Play up certain things about your lifestyle that may clash with that of someone else. Play up certain things about you that make you likely to fill a certain niche.
Confidence is Key
In conclusion, once you have found out all the details about the audition, prepared and memorized your ’story’, and strategized your drama factor, focus on your confidence. You must come across as someone outgoing who is not afraid to be themselves and be outspoken. If nothing else, focusing on this will give you the greatest chance of being cast on a reality TV show.
By: Amy Nutt
About the Author:
HNE Castings is an agency that do casting only for reality tv shows. Visit us at HNE Castings.
Is Reality Tv Educational? Making Changes to Televised Crap Can Help Your Kids Prosper
Posted by Joe in Television on August 28th, 2008
What is it about reality TV that has us glued to the television screen? How many people can relate too writhing and that of the head shake shiver in a bid to stop ****** our pants, all because we fear missing the next jibe or hint of rudeness blurted from the mouth of a big brother contestant. What of “I’m a celebrity get me out of here,” a show where famous celebs are left in the Australian jungle to fend for themselves. The celebrities have to face their fears in somewhat unimaginable circumstances just to put food in their belly. Most jungle edibles digested in camp is not through choice, it is the challenge of the bush tucker trial menu which has us see celebs squirm while eating grubs and kangaroo *********. Okay, not nice, in fact sickening, but if crunching cockroaches and eating the head of a grasshopper boosts television ratings, then the jungle inhabitants will always be part of our lives.
If reality shows were directed more to helping youngsters, then this nation would be full of highly qualified MENSA boffins, hugely because of the interest kids take in this sort of entertainment.
Famous people are a powerful force to get a message across. I am not disputing that “I’m a celebrity get me out of here,” is not entertaining, but where is the learning in this, it is not every day our kids are left stranded in the jungle. We need reality TV to step up the power it has and make reality TV an educational experience. In the big brother house there is nothing to be learned aside from swearing. It accommodates British non-entities who doss around all day back stabbing and arguing, in hope of winning money along with fame, who wants to be famed for this type of behaviour. Behaviours stemming from achievement are a type of fame worthy of recognition.
If reality TV offered incentives then our kids are looking towards a brighter future. I believe India aired a programme called “Scholar Hunt Destination UK” it offered the 14,000 entrants the opportunity to win an all expenses paid place on an undergraduate degree programme in the United Kingdom. The winner secures a place at the University of Warwick studying Engineering. Now that is contributing to society in a way that is beneficial. Television producers need to create in children a hunger for a good education. I just read that reality TV goes against everything we teach our kids about tolerance, of course this may well be true, but it can also have its benefits if tastefully done, like India’s incentive. However we still have a catch 22 situation, production managers need to give the public choice.
Television is a great ally in helping children and adults further their education. A lot can be learned from Animal Planet - Life In The Amazon Rain Forest or Living Under Water so on. Television can take us around the world without having to leave our armchair, give us perspective on other cultures, and take us all sorts of places we can only ever dream of.
1 Celebrity Love Island, what’s this all about? The only thing to be learned from this is, that twelve famous faces embark on 5 weeks of sun bathing and flirting on the beautiful island of Fiji looking for love, so what, who cares, because not all are true to their word while their spouse seeks divorce.
2 Survivor - Mark Burnett takes the recognition for hit television shows like “Survivor” and “The Apprentice,” which each regularly pull in 20 million viewers. Wow this is big numbers; imagine if this Burnett was let loose in helping to educate our children, then reality TV may not be so bad after all. Many reality shows have come and gone since producers stranded the first “Survivor” contestants in 2000, but Burnett has proven this by beating his rivals and sticking with what he does best. Every year since its beginning, “Survivor” has won the People’s Choice Award for favourite reality show. It has also been nominated 14 times for an Emmy, coming out on top twice..
The BBC and ITV clashed as talent contests Britain’s Got Talent and I’d Do Anything went head to head in a battle to boost ratings. The UK show Britain’s got talent has seen teen dancer George Sampson crowned the winner of the contest. Let us hope he invests his £100,000 prize wisely. Britain’s Got Talent pulled in 14 million viewers. Bhangra dancers Signature came second and young singer Andrew Johnston was third. The BBCs I’d Do Anything has averaged between five and six million viewers each week. Jodie Prenger was crowned winner and will play role of Nancy in the West End production of Oliver! The 28 year-old, from Blackpool, beat competition from Irish teenager Jessie Buckley to win the public vote.
Let us take rating figures from a couple of reality shows like Survivor and The Apprentice each pulling in 20 million viewers, add them together gives us 40 million. Another 20 million avid fans from Britain’s got talent and I do anything - gives us now a grand total of 60 million, that is an amazing number which producers need to take note of and use constructively. Planning a show that is educational, fun and interesting would certainly help 60 million children who need support in understanding what it is that needs to be understood for them to get on in life.
By: Kacy Carr
About the Author:
If reality shows were directed more to helping youngsters, then this nation would be full of highly qualified MENSA boffins, hugely because of the interest kids take in this sort of entertainment.
Famous people are a powerful force to get a message across. I am not disputing that “I’m a celebrity get me out of here,” is not entertaining, but where is the learning in this, it is not every day our kids are left stranded in the jungle. We need reality TV to step up the power it has and make reality TV an educational experience. In the big brother house there is nothing to be learned aside from swearing. It accommodates British non-entities who doss around all day back stabbing and arguing, in hope of winning money along with fame, who wants to be famed for this type of behaviour. Behaviours stemming from achievement are a type of fame worthy of recognition.
If reality TV offered incentives then our kids are looking towards a brighter future. I believe India aired a programme called “Scholar Hunt Destination UK” it offered the 14,000 entrants the opportunity to win an all expenses paid place on an undergraduate degree programme in the United Kingdom. The winner secures a place at the University of Warwick studying Engineering. Now that is contributing to society in a way that is beneficial. Television producers need to create in children a hunger for a good education. I just read that reality TV goes against everything we teach our kids about tolerance, of course this may well be true, but it can also have its benefits if tastefully done, like India’s incentive. However we still have a catch 22 situation, production managers need to give the public choice.
Television is a great ally in helping children and adults further their education. A lot can be learned from Animal Planet - Life In The Amazon Rain Forest or Living Under Water so on. Television can take us around the world without having to leave our armchair, give us perspective on other cultures, and take us all sorts of places we can only ever dream of.
1 Celebrity Love Island, what’s this all about? The only thing to be learned from this is, that twelve famous faces embark on 5 weeks of sun bathing and flirting on the beautiful island of Fiji looking for love, so what, who cares, because not all are true to their word while their spouse seeks divorce.
2 Survivor - Mark Burnett takes the recognition for hit television shows like “Survivor” and “The Apprentice,” which each regularly pull in 20 million viewers. Wow this is big numbers; imagine if this Burnett was let loose in helping to educate our children, then reality TV may not be so bad after all. Many reality shows have come and gone since producers stranded the first “Survivor” contestants in 2000, but Burnett has proven this by beating his rivals and sticking with what he does best. Every year since its beginning, “Survivor” has won the People’s Choice Award for favourite reality show. It has also been nominated 14 times for an Emmy, coming out on top twice..
The BBC and ITV clashed as talent contests Britain’s Got Talent and I’d Do Anything went head to head in a battle to boost ratings. The UK show Britain’s got talent has seen teen dancer George Sampson crowned the winner of the contest. Let us hope he invests his £100,000 prize wisely. Britain’s Got Talent pulled in 14 million viewers. Bhangra dancers Signature came second and young singer Andrew Johnston was third. The BBCs I’d Do Anything has averaged between five and six million viewers each week. Jodie Prenger was crowned winner and will play role of Nancy in the West End production of Oliver! The 28 year-old, from Blackpool, beat competition from Irish teenager Jessie Buckley to win the public vote.
Let us take rating figures from a couple of reality shows like Survivor and The Apprentice each pulling in 20 million viewers, add them together gives us 40 million. Another 20 million avid fans from Britain’s got talent and I do anything - gives us now a grand total of 60 million, that is an amazing number which producers need to take note of and use constructively. Planning a show that is educational, fun and interesting would certainly help 60 million children who need support in understanding what it is that needs to be understood for them to get on in life.
By: Kacy Carr
About the Author:
How Do I Sell My Own Reality TV Show?
Posted by Joe in Television on August 3rd, 2008
How do you sell your own reality TV show? If you’re like most people who work in reality TV, you sell a show by working for several years in reality television, amassing good credits and production experience, building strong relationships with production companies, networks and vendors, running someone else’s shows for trench education, then pitching your concepts and your solid reputation to make your first sale(s).
If you’re like most people who don’t work in reality TV, you sell a show by coming up with an entertaining concept and find a personal “in” to a network exec or a production company where you can pitch. If a network exec likes the idea, s/he will partner you with a production company or show runner s/he already knows and trusts, and they will execute your concept. You will turn all of the control of your show, as well as most of whatever initial fees come in, over to the show runner or production company.
The same process happens if you approach a production company yourself to bring your idea to a network for you. Your attorney will work with the production companies to hammer out a “deal memo” that spells out what involvement, if any, you will have in the show. The company will do their best to remove you from any control over the process…because you have no idea how to run a television show. They also will take most of the money involved…because you are bringing nothing to the table but an idea that they will have to do all of the work to develop then execute, as well as use their hard-earned contacts to sell. In their eyes, you are bringing nothing to the table.
If you are still reading this after that stunning statement, you are ready for the road ahead as you try to pitch a show. You understand now how the industry will perceive you, and you accept your own limitations as someone who knows nothing about making a show but has an entertaining spin on a popular concept. You also understand, because I’m about to tell you, that you are not going to become rich when the show is sold.
Don’t confuse non-fiction TV with selling a movie or a sit-com or drama. “Back-end” and “created-by” fees and “residuals” are rare in this world. On your very first sale, be ready for some serious compromise if all you have is an idea. Your attorney is going to work hard enough just to keep you from being removed from the show entirely.
I’m going to write that again. YOUR ATTORNEY IS GOING TO WORK HARD ENOUGH JUST TO KEEP YOU FROM BEING REMOVED FROM THE SHOW ENTIRELY.
So how exactly do you sell your own show?
The smart way is to work in the biz and know that you are selling yourself and your experience and your reputation and your contacts far more than any concept itself. In fact, networks who have come to know you will call you and ask you to do a show for them! And you will be able control the production process and make the fees from it, because you’ve learned and earned you way into that position. Your agent is your best friend here because s/he is pitching you non-stop to the nets, setting up meet-and-greets with execs and keeping you up-to-date on how the net calls for content are shifting (and they always are shifting).
The fast way is to have a terrific concept and partner with someone else who can get it executed. You will have researched similar shows, checked out imdb.com for company and network information and approached the right people to match your genre and audience. If all goes well, you, indeed, will have sold a show, but often with limited involvement or reward! Your attorney will be your best friend here because s/he will need to be determined and creative to keep you a part of the process after the sale.
The back-door way is to know a person or property (like a popular book) that people want a piece of, develop a show with them attached to it, and have a written “”option”" that binds them to any sale. This is where having Paris Hilton as a close friend actually is a good thing. A hypothetical: Yes, she stole your boyfriend, but she felt so bad that she signed an option agreement allowing you to shop a makeover show with her as the host. Pretty much anyone will talk to you now, and you’ll have a lot more power keeping yourself attached since you are, at last, bringing something bankable to the table!
Whatever way you try to sell your show, remember, as always, to do an “entitlement” check before you start the process. If you are not Tyra Banks, do not expect to get a deal like Tyra Banks. If your talent is not Donald Trump, don’t expect to get a budget like Donald Trump’s. And if you have never run a television show (I didn’t say never written, produced, edited or shot, I said RUN), then don’t expect to run even your own. Not the first season, at least.
And please don’t go into reality TV to get rich. (Where are all of these Discovery Health- and Food Network-producing millionaires people think they’re joining the ranks of?) If you want to get rich, please go back for your MBA and head to Wall Street and build and protect your stock options like everyone else does. There’s way more chance you’ll get a return on your investment - and in a far shorter period of time! If you want to get rich quickly, with minimal effort, keep buying scratchers and hope for the best. But if you really want to make reality TV, while there’s no money at the start in this world, like almost everything else, working hard in this business ultimately has its own personal, professional and, yes, financial rewards. Plus sometimes, you get to make people eat bugs.
By: DMA/Donna Michelle Anderson
About the Author:
If you’re like most people who don’t work in reality TV, you sell a show by coming up with an entertaining concept and find a personal “in” to a network exec or a production company where you can pitch. If a network exec likes the idea, s/he will partner you with a production company or show runner s/he already knows and trusts, and they will execute your concept. You will turn all of the control of your show, as well as most of whatever initial fees come in, over to the show runner or production company.
The same process happens if you approach a production company yourself to bring your idea to a network for you. Your attorney will work with the production companies to hammer out a “deal memo” that spells out what involvement, if any, you will have in the show. The company will do their best to remove you from any control over the process…because you have no idea how to run a television show. They also will take most of the money involved…because you are bringing nothing to the table but an idea that they will have to do all of the work to develop then execute, as well as use their hard-earned contacts to sell. In their eyes, you are bringing nothing to the table.
If you are still reading this after that stunning statement, you are ready for the road ahead as you try to pitch a show. You understand now how the industry will perceive you, and you accept your own limitations as someone who knows nothing about making a show but has an entertaining spin on a popular concept. You also understand, because I’m about to tell you, that you are not going to become rich when the show is sold.
Don’t confuse non-fiction TV with selling a movie or a sit-com or drama. “Back-end” and “created-by” fees and “residuals” are rare in this world. On your very first sale, be ready for some serious compromise if all you have is an idea. Your attorney is going to work hard enough just to keep you from being removed from the show entirely.
I’m going to write that again. YOUR ATTORNEY IS GOING TO WORK HARD ENOUGH JUST TO KEEP YOU FROM BEING REMOVED FROM THE SHOW ENTIRELY.
So how exactly do you sell your own show?
The smart way is to work in the biz and know that you are selling yourself and your experience and your reputation and your contacts far more than any concept itself. In fact, networks who have come to know you will call you and ask you to do a show for them! And you will be able control the production process and make the fees from it, because you’ve learned and earned you way into that position. Your agent is your best friend here because s/he is pitching you non-stop to the nets, setting up meet-and-greets with execs and keeping you up-to-date on how the net calls for content are shifting (and they always are shifting).
The fast way is to have a terrific concept and partner with someone else who can get it executed. You will have researched similar shows, checked out imdb.com for company and network information and approached the right people to match your genre and audience. If all goes well, you, indeed, will have sold a show, but often with limited involvement or reward! Your attorney will be your best friend here because s/he will need to be determined and creative to keep you a part of the process after the sale.
The back-door way is to know a person or property (like a popular book) that people want a piece of, develop a show with them attached to it, and have a written “”option”" that binds them to any sale. This is where having Paris Hilton as a close friend actually is a good thing. A hypothetical: Yes, she stole your boyfriend, but she felt so bad that she signed an option agreement allowing you to shop a makeover show with her as the host. Pretty much anyone will talk to you now, and you’ll have a lot more power keeping yourself attached since you are, at last, bringing something bankable to the table!
Whatever way you try to sell your show, remember, as always, to do an “entitlement” check before you start the process. If you are not Tyra Banks, do not expect to get a deal like Tyra Banks. If your talent is not Donald Trump, don’t expect to get a budget like Donald Trump’s. And if you have never run a television show (I didn’t say never written, produced, edited or shot, I said RUN), then don’t expect to run even your own. Not the first season, at least.
And please don’t go into reality TV to get rich. (Where are all of these Discovery Health- and Food Network-producing millionaires people think they’re joining the ranks of?) If you want to get rich, please go back for your MBA and head to Wall Street and build and protect your stock options like everyone else does. There’s way more chance you’ll get a return on your investment - and in a far shorter period of time! If you want to get rich quickly, with minimal effort, keep buying scratchers and hope for the best. But if you really want to make reality TV, while there’s no money at the start in this world, like almost everything else, working hard in this business ultimately has its own personal, professional and, yes, financial rewards. Plus sometimes, you get to make people eat bugs.
By: DMA/Donna Michelle Anderson
About the Author:
DMA is a former film story analyst, international runway model and stage performer who is now the executive producer of Tidal Wave TV, a new media and reality TV production company in Los Angeles. Learn more about how to sell a reality show from her book, “The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System: Ten Steps to Creating and Pitching a Sellable Reality Show.” She also offers “reality production instruction” seminars through her company’s Show Starter services.
For DMA’s national speaking schedule and more insider resources for breaking into Hollywood, please visit Planet DMA. It is our goal to mentor you through your career in the entertainment industry!
Reality TV Gone Mad
Posted by Joe in Television on June 1st, 2008
It’s hard to turn on television nowadays without seeing reality shows on every network in ad nauseam. Reality TV have left few topics unexplored, ranging from finding a spouse, trying to land a job, competing to win that million dollar prize, etc., etc. Allegedly, these shows are unscripted and unrehearsed social experiments which are designed to bring out interesting aspects of interpersonal and human behavior that maximize appeal to general viewers. However, what is considered “appealing” often turns to be the uglier side of human nature. Contestants sabotage each other, engage in mind games, encourage disloyalties, and employ almost an endless variety of unsavory tactics, all in the name of competition without regards for any self-respecting attributes or decency.
Reality TV was first known to me in 1998 from the movie “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey. Unbeknownst to the protagonist, his fateful events in life are carefully chronicled by media surveillance. He lives a normal existence until one day he discovers that his entire life has been an illusion for the entertainment of the public. This movie started a trend which continues today and is symbolic of how the media has shaped events and censored what viewers see. The media, whether it is the newspaper or radio or television, have such power to alter and even brainwash how we interpret events and manipulate how we think often blurring the line between fiction and facts.
Reality TV portrays a highly manipulated and adaptive form of reality, so it is anything but real. In order to generate high TV ratings, TV executives have carefully designed these shows to insidiously and subliminally appeal to certain base human instincts. If nothing else, these shows can be quite amusing on an otherwise uneventful weeknight. Nonetheless, it is still disturbing that we find entertainment in the highlights of abuse and humiliation of others. If there is any redeeming value about these reality TV shows, let’s hope that people see it as more than just entertainment. After all, it is supposed to be “reality”, and by stressing the unpleasant aspects of human nature, people should reflect on their own behavior and make the world a slightly better place when it comes to dealing with our fellow human beings.
By: Milana
About the Author:
Reality TV was first known to me in 1998 from the movie “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey. Unbeknownst to the protagonist, his fateful events in life are carefully chronicled by media surveillance. He lives a normal existence until one day he discovers that his entire life has been an illusion for the entertainment of the public. This movie started a trend which continues today and is symbolic of how the media has shaped events and censored what viewers see. The media, whether it is the newspaper or radio or television, have such power to alter and even brainwash how we interpret events and manipulate how we think often blurring the line between fiction and facts.
Reality TV portrays a highly manipulated and adaptive form of reality, so it is anything but real. In order to generate high TV ratings, TV executives have carefully designed these shows to insidiously and subliminally appeal to certain base human instincts. If nothing else, these shows can be quite amusing on an otherwise uneventful weeknight. Nonetheless, it is still disturbing that we find entertainment in the highlights of abuse and humiliation of others. If there is any redeeming value about these reality TV shows, let’s hope that people see it as more than just entertainment. After all, it is supposed to be “reality”, and by stressing the unpleasant aspects of human nature, people should reflect on their own behavior and make the world a slightly better place when it comes to dealing with our fellow human beings.
By: Milana
About the Author:
Visit www.lifesamenu.com to read more articles from Milana.
The True Story Behind Reality TV
Posted by Joe in Television on April 6th, 2008
Reality tv has been the staple television programming for numerous networks for quite a few years now. Just set up some hidden cameras or a discreet film crew and film. The blend of real life drama and cheap production cost make it a win-win situation for viewers and producers alike.
However, given the instant fame that it brings the reality tv contestants, can we even assume that these are everyday, regular people? And, to heighten the drama, can we trust that the producers won’t manipulate story line?
It can be argued that Mark Burnett created the reality tv phenomena with the grand daddy of them all, Survivor. The concept was simple enough: in a micro environment, who was best fitted to survive the group dynamics and the environment. Logically speaking, you’d think the best outdoor survivalists would win. However, in cases more often than not, it’s the person who best plays the players that win. So is this representative of a real life emergency situation that you’d shun the nicest people and those who are actually capable of fending for themselves in the outdoors?
Stripping down of the external hardships, Big Brother is another non-scripted show that makes you wonder if people really behave this way. Stuck inside a house and bored out of their minds, we spy from the hidden cameras that the contestants have nothing better to do than to plot the demise of one of their own. For this game, the ability to wheel and deal, forge alliances and backstab is the route to victory.
If you have ever noticed, reality tv contestants are also generally pretty good looking. This probably is not a true reflection of the office slobs that the general public has to deal with. However, one thing is for certain, genetically gifted people are given the leg up for at least being casted in the show. The work is probably a godsend for struggling actors and models trying to get a break. And no doubt that they are probably all about getting screen time by creating drama for the benefit of the producers watching behind their hidden spy cameras.
So, is reality tv real, and is it just a microcosm of everyday life? Yes and no. It is a fact that good looking people will get ahead in the world. However, people do tend to want to live in harmonious situations. But all this changes when your livelihood and self preservation is at stake. Once threatened, all civility goes out the window. The situation is the same when there’s a promotion or something else that will help you advance your status in life. Therefore, don’t be surprised by backstabbing coworkers in the corporate world. While the audience can watch the contestants every move with hidden cameras, we don’t have this luxury in the workplace. Maybe reality tv can teach us something after all.
By: Mariam Ma
About the Author:
However, given the instant fame that it brings the reality tv contestants, can we even assume that these are everyday, regular people? And, to heighten the drama, can we trust that the producers won’t manipulate story line?
It can be argued that Mark Burnett created the reality tv phenomena with the grand daddy of them all, Survivor. The concept was simple enough: in a micro environment, who was best fitted to survive the group dynamics and the environment. Logically speaking, you’d think the best outdoor survivalists would win. However, in cases more often than not, it’s the person who best plays the players that win. So is this representative of a real life emergency situation that you’d shun the nicest people and those who are actually capable of fending for themselves in the outdoors?
Stripping down of the external hardships, Big Brother is another non-scripted show that makes you wonder if people really behave this way. Stuck inside a house and bored out of their minds, we spy from the hidden cameras that the contestants have nothing better to do than to plot the demise of one of their own. For this game, the ability to wheel and deal, forge alliances and backstab is the route to victory.
If you have ever noticed, reality tv contestants are also generally pretty good looking. This probably is not a true reflection of the office slobs that the general public has to deal with. However, one thing is for certain, genetically gifted people are given the leg up for at least being casted in the show. The work is probably a godsend for struggling actors and models trying to get a break. And no doubt that they are probably all about getting screen time by creating drama for the benefit of the producers watching behind their hidden spy cameras.
So, is reality tv real, and is it just a microcosm of everyday life? Yes and no. It is a fact that good looking people will get ahead in the world. However, people do tend to want to live in harmonious situations. But all this changes when your livelihood and self preservation is at stake. Once threatened, all civility goes out the window. The situation is the same when there’s a promotion or something else that will help you advance your status in life. Therefore, don’t be surprised by backstabbing coworkers in the corporate world. While the audience can watch the contestants every move with hidden cameras, we don’t have this luxury in the workplace. Maybe reality tv can teach us something after all.
By: Mariam Ma
About the Author:
WeSpy4U sells a variety of wireless hidden cameras. USB pen camera and other gadgets available.