Breaking into Reality TV
Since then MTV, along with almost every other network on television, has developed multiple reality shows, many of them growing in popularity each season. Relatively newer shows (compared to Real World) that are holding their own in the reality world include Fox’s American Idol and NBC’s The Biggest Loser among other shows.
Many viewers cannot get enough of these types of shows, no matter how many of them spring up. Some people enjoy the connection with the casts that watching real lives be played out on television fosters. Many people enjoy the drama that is likely to arise on shows with large casts. And then there are those who are watching for strategy. These are the people who aspire to be reality stars.
Let’s face it. Some reality show cast members have gone on to capitalize on the opportunities afforded by inviting the viewing world into their lives. Take Real Worlders Melissa Howard (season 9), who can be seen on Oxygen’s hilarious prank show Girls Behaving Badly; Kevin Powell (season 1), who’s published a few books and frequently appears on political commentary shows; and hip-hop artist Heather B. (season 1). Not to mention those who return to MTV yearly to participate in various Real World/Road Rules challenges.
For those who want to follow in the footsteps of these, among other, reality pioneers, you must realize that you are not alone in the fight for reality TV stardom. So I have listed below some tips to help you get your foot in the reality door.
1. Whenever possible, audition in person. Many reality show producers will accept video taped auditions. However, if you’re making a decision about who wants a position more, it’s easier to make an argument for the guy who drove for four days from Georgia to California in pursuit of his dream than the guy who took the easy way out and mailed in a video tape. The drive and determination just isn’t as apparent on video tape.
2. Have a talent. Definitely for shows like American Idol, you want to be able to sing (although sometimes the most memorable contestants are those who don’t know that they stink like old cheese). But even in other situations, having a talent is not a bad idea. Sometimes, talent makes a person more likely to appeal to and be remembered by audiences. Don’t oversell your talent, of course. You don’t want producers to think that you’re just trying to get recognition for your talent unless it’s a talent showcase show.
3. Stand out. A cactus in your hair. A tattoo on your face. Moonwalk into the room. You get the picture. Do something to set yourself apart from the thousands of contestants that producers or judges have seen before or will see after you. So when the time comes to make a decision, they have not problem putting a face to a name. Just think, if you make a lasting impression on the producers, they may be inclined to believe that you’ll make a lasting impression on viewers.
4. Bring your sob story. And if you don’t have one make one up. You wore the same clothes to school everyday because you were so poor growing up. You need an operation to fix something (that no one else can see if you’re lying). Sob stories are the bread and butter of many reality shows. I was watching and episode of ANTM the other night and one of the judges commented that one of the girls looked sad in her photo shoot. Well, Tyra defended her, saying that the girl lost everything last year during Hurricane Katrina. Well, not to say that the girl won’t make a great model, but you could just see that Tyra wants to keep her in the competition for that reason more than any other. Why? Because humans have a natural tendancy to want to see people with rocky starts have a happy ending in most cases. We like to see underdogs win. It gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling. Also, in situations where groups of people have to live together, it often makes for great drama.
5. Be a Badass. There’s one on almost every reality show. The person who is just crass, rude, and mischievous. And we love to see what stunt the black sheep is going to pull next.
6. Humble yourself. Okay, Miss Fly Diva. I know that you think you’re all that and a strawberry shortcake popsicle, but that attitude is not going to get you on a makeover show. I was on a talkshow once where I got a makeover. Because I was going to be on T.V., I put on my little lipstick and tried to make my hair look decent. Well, the producers of the show just shut my whole little world down. I had to remove my lipstick and tone down my hair so that my before picture would look pathetic in order to pale in comparison to the after picture so that the show could be credited with turning the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.
7. Do your research. Breaking into the reality television sector can be difficult. That’s why you have to stay up on the latest trends for a particular show, not to mention audition dates, times, and locations. Watch the show. This is where the best information comes from. You get to see the types of people producers have chosen in the past. Also, many times, upcoming auditions are announced during or after the show. Also, look for the show’s website. Shows like American Idol, Real World, and The Biggest Loser usually post audition information online.
The bottom line is that the secret is out. Everybody knows that, if nothing else, reality shows at least guarantee people their fifteen minutes of fame. For those who know how to make a dollar out of fifteen cents, the reality tv experience could open doors that were once closed. The first step, however, is making onto the show that’s right for you. The competition is fierce. But you can make the producers or judges pay attention and remember you. Be unforgettable.
