Creating Reality and Non-Fiction Television: What Really Works

Reality television is at the forefront of TV culture both domestically and internationally. The objectives of the course are to acquaint you with the various formats and to prepare you to conceptualize your own reality series for various television outlets including network, syndication, cable, and Internet. The latest trends in the various digital media arenas as they relate to original non-fiction programming and distribution are also explored, including interactivity, games, transmedia, webcasts, ARGs, MMOGs, and VR. You first get under the hood of the broad range of programs which claim to depict "real life," from reality drama and comedy to talent competitions, hidden camera, docu-soaps, games, food, adventure, travel, and documentary. Topics include what makes a show a hit--or not; the art of interviewing; the role of scheduling, ratings, multi-platforming, and social media; and an overview of legal issues specific to reality TV. Working both in teams and individually, you will explore and engage in the development and the pitch process of original ideas for a non-fiction television series. You will prepare a series log line, a one sheet description, and a "bible" with episodic examples that will then be pitched as your final project. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to both hear from and interact with guest speakers who have created, produced and directed iconic pop-culture hits.