1. Press and Broadcasting: Investigate the characteristics of Reality TV'. How real is reality TV? http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7SrmTPuXLs0

2. Reality TV. What is it? The filming of ordinary people in either ordinary (natural) or extraordinary (constructed or contrived) situations. Usually unscripted, the focus is on real human thoughts, reactions, behaviours and attitudes.

3. What types are there?

4. Reality TV programs fall into 3 distinct categories: 1. 'Fly on the wall' reality TV shows 2. TV-generated reality TV shows 3. Shows that blend the two

5. 'Fly on the wall' A reality TV Program that deliberately acts as if it is following the stars (participants) at all times – usually a docu-soap type. E.g. Border Security, Bondi Rescue

6. TV-generated Shows that are deliberately generated to get viewers to interact with them. Such as Australian Idol, X Factor etc.,

7. The Blend Shows that are deliberately generated to get viewers to interact with them but have an element of hidden camera work where the stars are filmed. Such as: Big Brother, The Beauty and the Geek. etc.

8. Formats (franchise) Part of the success of reality TV is most programs can be modified slightly, or adapted, for different audiences. This is because reality TV programs have a basic format. So you get The X factor in Australia, in the USA, in Europe etc.,

9. The Audience: The target audience for each program is demonstrated by: a)Programming, b)Characters or participants, c) Setting, d) Plot (challenges, competition, story lines or simultaneous narratives) (for more information on these read pp.377 – 378 of your textbook)

10. Media New Ways and Meanings identifies 6 different types (subgenres) of reality TV (p. 376) 1.Observational docusoap 2.Formulated docusoap 3.Reality game show or gamedocs 4.Lifestyle Reality (transformational) 5.Talent Show reality 6. Clipshow reality Read p. 376 Types of Reality Television and using the TV guide find an example of each type and put into the correct category below SUB-GENRES

11. Fly on the wallTV generatedBoth or blend Reality TV sub-genres - examples

12. Discourse – the way in which ideologies and values are expressed in either written, visual, verbal or non-verbal language. They refer to the ways we frame our thinking and express these thoughts, attitudes and perceptions because of the language we use. Circa 2010 Circa 1985 Discourses

13. Representation Discourses associated with Reality TV – write these in your Viewing Logs Personal identity – self-reflection, self examination. Friendship and initimacy – bonding, tribalism or crossing friendship boundaries Personal bests – aspirational, attempting successes

14. INVESTIGATION TASK – To view, analyse and compare two different Reality TV shows over the holidays. View and take notes over 2 -3 episodes of each (this is your research). You will identify codes and conventions (features), discourses, and representations using the viewing log provided as a guide. After this is done you will write a Pitch for a new reality TV show and justify your idea with research. The Pitch - you will have class time after the holidays and after we have viewed the film The Truman Show (Day 6 – Day 2) to write up your investigation (Day 3)

15. Your Pitch – what to include –What kind of Reality TV show is it? – Observational docusoap, clipshow, etc. Why what are the features? –Setting and venue Where will your show take place? Why? –Characters – Describe the nature and number of participants you will have? Why? –Title - What will your show be called? –Programming - Broadcaster, time, duration? – Plot – what are the stories or what is the event? –Audience – Who will watch and why? –Representation – which groups of people will be represented and what values, ideologies and attitudes do you expect to support or challenge? –Discourses – How do you expect to do this?

16. Analysis –Audience – Who will watch and why? –Representation – which groups of people will be represented and what values, ideologies and attitudes do you expect to support or challenge? –Discourses – How do you expect to do this? Exercise – take one of the reality TV shows you have viewed and taken notes on. You have 10 minutes to draft a pitch for that reality TV show. Be prepared to pitch to the class.