The rise of reality TV came at a time when networks were looking for a quick fix solution to economic problems within the cultural industries. Its increased costs in the production of drama, sitcom and comedy ensured unscripted, popular factual programming became a viable economic option during the 1990’s. The deregulation and marketisation of media industries, especially in America also contributed to the rise of reality TV.
Here are some certain aspects why people found interest in early reality TV. Its sense of reality has become a popular and effective tool in the biggest market of entertainment;
- The original edgy, shaky camera work
- Participant self- reflection (video diary)
- Lots of location filming (although sets often constructed to imitate location)
- Focus on regularity of everyday life
- Voiceovers to construct narrative over observational shooting
- Subjects as ordinary culture/ordinary people (although often poetically staged)
- Recognition of subjectivity – the film- maker enters the frame.
- Intimacy of observation – subjects explored through close-ups and sound.
- Interweaving of different stories in a soap opera style – cliffhangers
Hill, A. (2005) The rise of reality TV. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 15 – 40). Oxon: Routledge.
Hey Sheldon,
ReplyDeleteAs a fan of reality TV (my latest obsession was My Kitchen Rules, where we attempted to emulate the dishes, but um with very little success hahaha)I can identify with a couple of your examples. The focus on everyday life, we all have choices and issues to deal with, and rejoincing in the knowledge that the Kardashians are as screwed up as any other Hollywood family makes me grateful for the sane one I have. I think I get some unhealthy gratification knowing their lives are just as ordinary as ours. But then again reality tv has a way of editing to evoke viewers emotions, but that too has become predictable where you can easily tell what is and what isn't edited. And I know the shaky camera business is all part of the originality of the piece, but it really irks me because it completely detracts my attention. I could never put up with it, and I still can't. There are so many reality tv shows now that turning onthe tv to watch quality tv is very rare. What are your opinions on reality TV?
i think media today has turned reality TV into something so ordinary to a world renowned success. i was the same as you in terms of the shaky camera thing, i hated it it really irretated me, but ive warmed up to it now that its revolutionized into a strong entertainment force. i think its majorly successful now because of that very thing, people like to me entertain by shows that perceieve reality or that showcase realistic people/situations.
ReplyDeleteI think initially reality tv WAS entertaining. But then that kinda phased out and the reality became 'boring' until editing played a huge part in making it more entertaining to the viewers. Have you noticed the shaky camera on certain movies now? We watch alot of zombie movies, and one in particular was made along the same lines as the Blair Witch Project. I'm guessing it was supposed to inject that 'reality' factor, but I really couldn't enjoy the movie.
ReplyDeleteInteresting interaction above - tho Sheldon - I don't think that shaky handheld cameras (and the other things in your list)can necessarily be described as the reason for the poularity of Reality TV. Your first and last paragraphs are better - BUT you NEED to provide in-text references (and use quotation marks where appropriate) for ideas you get from other sources.
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