Hills (2005) suggests that in reality television, camers follow people to show what they do every day, and many reality television the viewer and the camera are passive observers following people going about their daily personal and professional activities which allows audiences to watch people's private lives and all the conflicts happening in situations. Some reality television shows cover a person or group of people improving their lives. Sometimes the same group of people are covered over an entire season (as in The Swan and Celebrity Fit Club), but usually there is a new target for improvement in each episode. Other self-improvement or makeover shows include The Biggest Loser (which covers weight loss) and Extreme Makeover (entire physical appearance),
Reality television saw an explosion of global popularity starting in the early 2000s. Two reality series, Survivor and American Idol, have been the top-rated series on American television for an entire season. Documentary television has significantly influenced reality television. There are hundreds of shows based on reality, and many of them are emerged in the documentary genre. Both genres use various techniques like voice-overs which construct narrative over observational shooting, edgy, shaky camera work, fly-on-the wall/observational approach, hand-held cameras, and more. Examples are The Osbournes, The Hills, Rescue 911 and even shows like American Idol and Master Chief. These shows give viewers a chance to get a sight into events and happenings that are in characters’ lives. "Reality TV can give an audience suspenseful moments, rather than being boring" (Hill, 2005).
“Reality TV viewers classify programmes according to fact/fiction criteria.” (Hill, 2005).
Real TV genre is a way for the camera to catch every moment, and it is supposed to be like they are looking in the “mirror of realism”. Most of these reality shows are like that, but you do get the ones when it is scripted to look real. Many audiences say the show is not real because the people in the show are just ordinary people, but their lives are as fancy as celebrities in Hollywood.
References
Biressi, A. & Nunn, N. (2005). Real Lives, documentary approaches. In Reality TV: realism and revelation. (pp. 35-58) London: Wallflower.
Hill A. (2005). The rise of reality TV. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 15 – 40). Oxon: Routledge
Hi Boyoung, really enjoyed reading your post. What you have written; "Most of these reality shows are like that, but you do get the ones when it is scripted to look real. Many audiences say the show is not real because the people in the show are just ordinary people, but their lives are as fancy as celebrities in Hollywood." really applies to the example you have given of the Hills. Did you know the whole show was pretty much scripted and fake? In the last episode, the camera zooms out to reveal a completely fake backdrop of the 'Hollywood hills'. The shot purposefully revealed dozens of people running around organizing the set and directing every move. I was so shocked - as a fan of the Hills, I didn't see this coming! Apparently it was done to show the audience that the character’s lives weren't all they were cracked up to be - that much of what went on was well, fake and role-played. So much for REALITY tv, huh?
ReplyDeleteHi Jess, thanks for the comment. I don't think all of them are fake but definately some of them, yes i do think they have some scripts. well, it is hard for us to find out weather it's real or not, we just think it's real because they say so. yeah right!
Deletehey Boyoung,
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoyed watching 'Hills' the reality show and I was so caught up with their dramas that were happening in each episodes. However, because they are all scripted and still the audience enjoys it. Referring to Jess, the show cannot be real and because they live their Hollywood life the audience just automatically thinks that the reality of Hollywood would be exciting and fun. I think , because we basically live our normal lives, the reality shows are always about people living in poverty and the wealthy people. The rest is just the normal working class people watching this reality programme about the super rich people or the developing countries who are going through hard times. However, all the scripted reality shows , especially in America are mostly about the fabulous life that they have. Their dating skills, being successful, challenges, money etc .. are all shown through the genre of "Reality TV". I believe that the directors can do anything to make the audience think in a way that they want us to think by editing and scripting all these reality shows.
Thank you May, and I also do agree with you and Jess's comment above. They are just normal people but their life is so glamourous! I think Reality TV sort of reflects our desire and what we actually want. Like a Cinderalla story! I actually don't know why they call it reality tv when there is script and fake in the episodes..
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