Today's Realty Shows Have Turned Scripted

Alas - long gone are the days of real outbursts and unplanned snaffu's. Long gone are the talent who really had little idea of what they were getting into. For better, or for worst, today's reality shows are no better than scripted programming. Only now, the directing is being done in the editing bay, and the on-screen talent isn't being paid nearly enough for their performances.

The "realty" brand is truly a brand that has lost its integrity. So, when Real Housewives of New York hits the airwaves again this year, the shame of it is that everyone knows they aren't even from New York City. Nor are they even going to be caught unawares. Instead, they're all feeling their own semi-celebrity. They're all trying to make a splash out of a ripple when the red light of the camera goes on. But the worst part of it is they're not even doing it well. Even shows like Project Runway is bringing in a group of wanna-be celebrities, rather than real designers. The producers have a say in who goes and who stays. So if you ever wonder why sometimes a good designer is "auf weidershened" when a weepy one is kept on. It's their way of directing the drama.

As Lincoln Hiatt - the executvie producer for Solitary on the Fox Reality Channel, calls sleep deprivation "a producer's ally on almost any show."

So that is how they get drama when it's needed. Keep them up later, add some caffeine or bring in the wine.

Gosh, had I known how easy directing is, I would have made a career change much earlier.

But isn't is a shame that the concept of a "reality show" has lasted for less than a few years. Instead, it has moved into the realm of trash - read Jersey Shore. And as the brand goes, so to shall the advertisers and sponsors. A shame, because it could have actually been a goose, rather than a golden egg that is already cracking....


Jeff Cannon

www.thinkcannon.com