“Truth is stranger than fiction, which is why reality TV is so popular.” - Heather Dubrow

Reality Television

Reality Television Consulting

In today's world, there are countless paths to fame, and none of them are inherently wrong, nor is there a single definitive way. Reality TV shows have emerged as a legitimate and impactful avenue to amplify a platform or even establish one from scratch. They offer an opportunity for individuals from various fields like acting, singing, modeling, dancing, and more to converge. The inner workings of this unique process can be intriguing. We're here to provide you with an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes, address questions you may have , and equip you with all the essential knowledge on how to embark on your reality TV project.

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Why consider creating a reality show?

The answer lies in one key aspect: exposure. And not just any exposure, but free exposure. Unlike traditional television platforms that require membership in organizations like SAG-AFTRA, reality shows offer a chance to showcase creative television show projects without the extensive costs and lengthy process associated with joining a union. Producing a reality show potentially grants you screen time, on multiple platforms which may lead to a lucrative distribution deal with a large network. Additionally, there's another advantage - the possibility of merchandise marketing and strategic brand partnerships for additional revenue.

When it comes to popular reality TV shows, there are two main categories to consider: talent-based and personality-driven. Talent-based shows focus on specific skills and often involve competitions, while personality-driven shows explore human experiences with less tangible rewards.

Talent-Based Reality TV Shows:
  • So You Think You Can Dance?
  • The Voice
  • Top Chef
  • RuPaul's Drag Race
  • America's Got Talent
  • American Idol
  • Project Runway
  • America's Next Top Model
Personality-Driven Reality TV Shows:
  • The Bachelor
  • The Bachelorette
  • Love Is Blind
  • The Real World
  • Big Brother
  • Survivor
  • The Amazing Race
  • The Challenge
  • Love and Hip Hop
  • Catfish
  • The Vanderpump Rules
How to cast for a reality show?

If you're aspiring to create your own reality show, there are various avenues to explore. One effective method is to utilize a platform to cast for talent. You can issue casting notices that match for skills and interests of talented individuals who want to be in a reality show. In addition, you can create your own submission system through a website, which Strategxy can help you build that features dedicated casting pages that provide information on your projects. You can accept applications through this way very effectively. if your project is still in the early stages of development, you might even want to reach out to potential talent on social media platforms like Instagram. Social media has emerged as a popular and legitimate channel for casting directors to discover potential talent. Social media has become a genuine way for casting producers to connect with prospective contestants.

What to expect in realty show auditions?

Imagine that your reality show opportunity has received hundreds of applications responding to your casting. It's important to understand that the casting process for reality television is distinct from that of scripted productions. They involve many individuals and agencies within the industry. The initial step typically involves a basic phone screening to gauge if the individual could be a good fit for the show. If they pass this stage, you will proceed to offer a virtual interview, usually conducted via platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet.

The interview will be an opportunity for the talent to showcase their on-camera presence, demonstrating whether they have that special ability to "pop" on screen. The interview process may involve a casting director and a casting producer. The casting producer's role is to orchestrate the interviews, keeping in mind the specific soundbites the network is looking for. This interview serves as a preliminary assessment of how well candidates can be produced for the show. During the interview, the casting producer will listen to what the talent candidate has to say and may be conducted extensively, with the edited versions being pitched to the network. In some cases, additional interviews may be required.

Candidates may also go through "Greenlights," where a camera operator and a casting producer, or sometimes just a field producer, visit the candidate's environment and shoot footage for a day. This step allows them to meet secondary characters who may play a role in your story. Throughout this casting process, it's crucial to keep in mind that the production company will conduct an extensive background check on all potential candidates, particularly if they will be living with others on the show. This step ensures the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Once you decide on casting an individual, discussions about contracts and compensation will come into play.

How to look for stand-out talent at your reality show audition?

It's crucial to identify a candidate that makes a lasting impression on the casting team. In the world of reality TV, from a technical standpoint, pay attention to the appearance, hair, makeup, and overall presentation of the candidate. Despite the casual nature of reality TV, the audition process should be very well prepared. Candidates should be advised to avoid wearing labels or product placements during their interview. The best interviews are the ones where candidates realize that it's not just a chat but a job interview, an audition.

What makes for a great reality show candidate?

When you are casting for talent, look for someone who can speak without needing constant prompts, someone who can provide more than two-word answers. The more they're willing to open up, the better. As a reality TV show creator or producer, you want individuals that you can mold into compelling characters and create intriguing storylines around. Candidates must be willing to navigate challenging situations. Through editing, anyone can be portrayed as the hero or the villain on the show. If candidates have no reservations about being 'the bad guy,' they have a great chance of making it on TV and helping to make your show more successful.

Get in touch with us to discover more about Strategxy reality television consulting services!
What to offer for reality TV contracts?

As a reality TV producer, once you select a suitable candidate, the less glamorous side of the business must be addressed, like contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and confidentiality. In the age of social media, it's crucial to enforce strict guidelines regarding candidates sharing the exciting news, as your reality TV show might not be publicly announced for some time. Contracts vary from project to project, but some common elements exist. "For projects in development, you'll want a candidate to sign to a one-year commitment, so if your initial particular project doesn't move forward, you can involve them in potentially other projects. You want to ensure that the candidate does not approach other production companies for similar projects. Even if your show doesn't sell, they are still bound to your project for a year, and they can't try to do a similar show with a different production company or network. Additionally, talent should be aware that their likeness is a part of the contract. The contract should always include the usage of the talents face, voice, and likeness for show and network promotion.

Partnering with Strategxy for the creation of your reality television show promises to be a game-changing decision. With our expertise in this space, we bring a unique blend of creativity, market insights, and industry knowledge that will undoubtedly elevate your project to new heights. By entrusting Strategxy, you can rest assured that we will strive to help you create a show that will captivate audiences, deliver engaging content, and stand out in a crowded entertainment landscape. Collaborate with Strategxy and embark on a path towards a successful and unforgettable reality television experience.

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