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Distinguish Reality from Fantasy
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You can’t believe everything that you hear, read or see. People, namely the media and paparazzi, make an entire living out of fabricating stories. Knowing how to read between the lines and pick out what messages these reality shows are sending is helpful. You can’t take things too seriously or view the situations cast members find themselves in as real. They are there purely for entertainment purposes.
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Differentiate between Reality and Fantasy
You are smart enough to know that anything put on television is to capture the audience’s attention; it’s to beat out other networks for ratings. Even the news, although reporting actual events, is affected by news editors and cameramen. News rooms are buzzing; bombarded with local, national and international news. Do you ever wonder why the news is so depressing? Or why you hear about positive events and heroic efforts long after the fact if at all? It’s because people don’t want to hear the good stuff. The gruesome, gory details are more exciting and interesting to a lot of people. The news is like a half truth. One side of the story is presented. Reality TV shows the juicy, racy things that go on. The characters that don’t spark controversy, fight or lust after cast members are viewed at boring. Those with eating disorders, emotional issues, or that don’t mind making fools of themselves are simply more fun to watch. Don’t get sucked into the storylines and drama of a series. The rumors that follow each season also seem to have little truth.
Know the facts before auditioning
From talking to a few people on various reality shows, it seems common to have cast members that are displeased with how the show portrays them. Former members of shows like “Real World” often complain that scenes were edited so words were taken out of context. A person might say, “I hate them” in reference to snakes, but on TV seems as though they are talking about housemates. Here are some things to remember to hopefully prepare you for reality TV:
You are never alone. Even when you are alone, there are cameras and microphones monitoring your every move. Shows where you do a narrative or “confessional” are not private. The audience will see it, and since it’s aired after the show is actually taped, it’s probable that cast members, friends, and family will see it. Don’t say anything that you will later regret.
Mind your Ps and Qs. Your behavior is aired on national television. Anyone can tune in to see you moon the cast (and don’t forget the camera crew). In a drunken stupor you might say or do something embarrassing. Don’t air your family and friends’ dirty laundry. While you might not see it as harmful, talking about your alcoholic best friend back home can affect your friendship and that person’s entire family.
Behave in edit-friendly ways. There is going to be a whole team of editors that will twist, reshape, retell, and distort every possible situation to make it more interesting. The fights, sex, and sheer madness are what make the cut. If you aren’t a part of that, they’ll just have to make it look like you are. If you don’t say or do anything that can be misinterpreted, you might be safe.
Gossiping on camera. Each cast member will do commentary on the show. Even if you are not one to talk behind people’s backs, you will have to. Try to remain neutral and conflict free and maybe they won’t show much of what you say.
What now? After the show wraps, it’s difficult for some people to get back to life as usual. People will recognize you and, if you were a jerk, tell you so. After time away from home, school or a career, and loved ones it may take time to get everything under control.
Laugh it off. If you don’t take yourself too seriously, others won’t. Make it known that you were made to look a certain way. You were supposed to be the token minority, all-American guy, drama queen or virgin. Anyone who knows you will realize the magic of editing.
Audition or apply
For most of these reality shows, auditions will be held in cities near you. If not, you can travel to closet casting call. Another way to apply is to mail in a tape of yourself. Each show has different criteria when looking to select the cast for a new season. Visit the website of your favorite reality show to find out what that is or, since you are a devout fan, you might already know the typical characteristics of the people who are chosen.
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