You Control the Information
Brianna writes in: I’ve been hesitant to take anything reality-based work that I am offered. An acquaintance (who is now an AD after earning his PA days) told me that no one will hire a PA on a scripted show if they only have reality on their resume because they’re two different worlds. My entire […]
The Reality About Reality
Last week, I wrote some not-so-nice things about reality television. Full disclosure: I’ve worked on more than a few reality shows, and had some bad experiences. However, I received some emails and comments that take exception with what I wrote. A reader who asked that I not reveal her name or the show she works […]
Thanks for Ruining my Day, JohnD
Last weekend, in response to my post regarding a story producer who asked me to do his job, reader JohnD said: They have jobs because they are smart enough to go to the pool of assistants and solicit them for 50 ideas for free. They’ll stay a story producer. And of course, assistants who just […]
Do Your Own Damn Job
Reality TV shows don’t have “writers,” per se. They have what are called “story producers.” Their job is pretty much twofold. First, they come up with the wacky situations for the contestants to get into. They’re the ones who send the rich debutant to a farm, and the ghetto-fabulous girl to Morton’s. Once all this […]
How to Move Up from Reality TV to Real TV
Reader Kelly writes: I love your blog, just wanted to say that. Thanks for writing it. Awwww. Well, that’s it for today! …Oh, wait, no. She also had a question: I have been working more and more in production, specifically most recently in reality. How do I get into being a P.A. in features or […]