REALity TV

[MarcusM]

I know that there has been some discussion on these forums about 'reality' TV, but i want to know more about how ppl feel about them. Say you got a call and someone from NBC wanted YOU for a reality series however, they wouldnt want you yo perform at all, so it's not like a talent reality TV series, just a Bachelor or Real World.
Would you take it?

Do you think it would hurt your career as an entertainer even though you're not performing?

Or do you think it could be real positive and you can earn instant fame and become a success???

I am pretty mixed because i think it can go both ways for every question but it would help to know what others think.
~marcus

[malkav powermann]

did you see that show 'my big fat obnoxious fiancé '....that guy isn't so fat !!![or obnoxious!]

[martin ewen]

You do it..you get exposure
You do it..they make the rules
You do it.. You may impress
You do it.. You may be edited to look like an idiot.
You do it..They sell toothpaste.
You do it..Your recognition opens doors
You do it..and your personality connects with viewers
You do it..No-one takes you seriously for the month they remember you before the next disposible meat puppet gets given the same treatment.
You do it..because you have very little to loose and a wage to gain and your young and its a weird opportunity.
You almost do it..and learn something about the process.
You almost do it..and make some contacts
You almost do it..and improvise your opinions as you go.
You don't do it..because it interrupts your planned career path.
You don't do it..because you realise the american dream they are dangling in your face where all you have to do is be yourself to recieve all the fame and recognition you so rightfully deserve says more about your hollow yearning for the love of strangers than your juggling ever could.
And more about their need to manipulate youth for profit than anyone your age has any right to understand.
Do it! You're young. You'll survive.
Write a secret blog so you can tell your own story.

[pablo]

My 15 minutes

Here's my 2 tv stories:

A few years ago at a party, I met Susan - one of the final four on the original "Survivor" reality show who got her face on the cover of Newsweek. I asked her what she had learned from being a "star" on tv. She told me 1) never believe anything a tv producer promises you, and 2) never believe anything you see on tv.

I've been on tv many times, including last year at Chicago's Busker Fest where I was interviewed on 2 morning news shows. This "exposure" has had no effect on my career, my bank account or my sex life. But... whenever I have a gig in Chicago now, someone will say to me, "Hey, I saw you on tv."

Good luck!

[jester]

I have been on TV 20 times.

Only on three of those occassions was I paid.

Of the stuff I'm really proud to have done, not many people saw it.

Of the stuff that I was indifferent to lots of people saw it and it was a good thing. About four or five weeks ago I was on a reality show called "The Salon" and I had my haircut. Mind you, I also got to perform a little.

This led to more than 100 emails from people who saw it that night.

I still get people stop me in the street and tell me they saw it. (Twice yesterday). Because of the nature of the show I never told anyone I was on it incase my bit never got shown.

I was breifly on "Songs of Praise" once. Lots of people saw that too.

I think reality TV has a lot more integrity than commercials. If you want to do it, do it. I really don't think it will harm your career. It is obvious to people who see me on TV that I go out of my way to be on TV and they still think it's a good thing for me to do.

A local actress recently said "I get paid to be on TV." so I replied "You are never yourself on TV, they always want you to be somebody else. With me they want me and I still earn more than you over the whole year."

It is a commercial fact that when you have been on the television people regard you as much more valid and proffessional as an artist. This can only help. I have the words "As seen on TV" on my promotionl literature. it makes a difference.

[Butterfly Man]

Always powder your head

I just finished a small bit for an upcoming pilot "Comedy on the Edge" ... during the break the AD walked up to me and said, "Hey, didn't I see you at Pier 39?"

[clapchap]

I have a friend that's helping to coordinate the stunts on Fear Factor (this summer?). I'll ask him how that side of the business is when i see him next...

[MarcusM]

I like Martins approach

I liked reading the pros and cons of this. Good stuff, and keeping a journal of what really happens is a great idea. Anyone have anymore to add?
~Marcus