The expression "reality show" appeared back in September 1999, when one small Dutch television channel began broadcasting the Big Brother television program. Previously, they also tried to shoot something similar, but it was this project that made a splash. Now television shows of this kind began to show around the world. But why are they so interested in the viewer? Why do many want to get on such shows? In the article we will reveal the reasons for their incredible popularity.
What is a reality show
This is one of the varieties of entertainment television. The plot is this: demonstrates the actions of people or their groups in an environment that is as close to life as possible. In fact, many programs were combined in this show, but initially the reality project had to meet the following criteria:
- It is shown on the screen from the first take.
- He has no script.
- The program is attended by ordinary people, not professional actors.
- The shooting conditions are close to life to the maximum.
The meaning of the word “reality show” is “reality”, “reality” (from the English word reality). The idea is this: for a certain period of time (often a long time), television broadcasts life as well as the interaction of isolated participants in a specific environment. Viewers are convinced that this is not a played scenario, but real scenes.
A bit of history
Where did the reality show come from? The first program, which showed people in unexpected situations, was released in 1948 in America. It was called "Hidden Camera." It was a demonstration of the reaction of people who, by the will of the screenwriter, found themselves in unexpected situations.
In 1950, the game shows “Cause or Effect” and “Ahead of Time” appeared, which offered ordinary citizens to participate in a variety of comic contests, tricks and competitions.
The first real reality show was released in 1999 and it was called "Big Brother." It was with him that the era of the demonstration of this genre on television began.
How do these projects put
What is a reality show and how are they filmed? Despite the fact that most directors combine different approaches to staging a television show, there are certain rules.
- There is always a group of people (sometimes its composition changes), which is constantly located in a limited space.
- The whole life of these people around the clock filmed by cameras and shown on television or on the Internet.
- The project has a specific goal, upon reaching which the winner receives a prize (often significant). As a result, all participants are rivals.
- Periodically weak project participants drop out. Who will leave and who will remain is decided by the audience.
Video material is collected in a variety of ways. In most cases, a lot of video cameras (often hidden) are installed in the participants ’location to record everything that happens, and people are constantly wearing audio equipment to record.
The shooting results are broadcast in real time or undergo a small moderation and are shown at certain hours on TV. A traditional video recording may also be conducted, and broadcasts will be broadcast showing any significant events, voting, competitions, or some everyday moments.
Despite the fact that the concept of a reality show is real events without a familiar scenario, project directors have a tough control over everything that happens. This is necessary to maintain the interest of the audience.
Project Classification
There are several directions of transfers of this kind:
- Peeping. Thanks to such television shows, the passion of almost all people is satisfied - to eavesdrop and peep (Big Brother, Hunger, Ghostbusters).
- Update or modernization. In such projects, repair or modernization of the home or vehicle is carried out (“Wheelbarrow for pumping”, “Let's repair” and the like). The first project of this kind was the American show This Old house, which was released on television in 1979.
- Survival. Such projects are characterized by unbearable conditions for a normal life, where participants fight for victory (“The Last Hero”, “Fear Factor”, “Survivors”). In such reality shows, the scenario has already been thought out in advance (tests, obstacles), and the participants must pass all the tests.
- Training. These reality shows carry not only an entertaining function, but also benefits for the audience and the participants themselves ("Star Factory", "House"). In projects of this kind, people themselves must strive to acquire knowledge and put them into practice after winning. So, after the "Star Factory" many winners took to the big stage and gained popularity.
- Games. Such TV shows offer encrypted missions, non-standard conditions, intellectual and physical obstacles (“Battle of makeup artists”, “Cheeks and Freaks”).
- Travels. In such television shows, participants travel the world, showing beautiful places and sights (“Eagle and Tails”, “The World Inside Out”, “Food, I Love You”, etc.).
Reasons for popularity
What is a reality show and why are they so popular among viewers? Psychologists say that it’s all a matter of a person’s desire to “spy” on someone else’s life. It is this instinct that is satisfied with gears of this type.
General factors also work here: curiosity, the need for strong feelings, which, unfortunately, are difficult to obtain in everyday life.
Critics rating
Critics do not approve of watching reality shows, as they negatively affect the human psyche, especially the psyche of young people.
Often in such television programs, participants in the reality show behave obscenely, often going beyond the limits. Also, mental disorders can occur in project participants, since not everyone can be under the eyes of millions of viewers around the clock.
Russian reality show
- The first project of this type was shown in Russia in October 2001, it was called "Behind the Glass."
- In November of the same year, another television show was released - "The Last Hero".
- In the fall of 2002, the reality show "Russian Miracle" appeared on REN-TV. The uniqueness of this project was that its participants worked for 30 days in the same office in Moscow under the gun of 24 hidden video cameras, but did not know about it. This project did not gain much popularity.
- “Hunger” at TNT was one of the most popular projects.
- The most popular reality show to date is Dom-2 on TNT, which has been going on for over 8 years.
Every year all new projects that are no less interesting for the audience go to Russian screens: “Blonde in Chocolate”, “Holidays in Mexico”, “People's Artist”, “Dances”, “TOP Model in Russian”, “Star Factory” , "Eagle and Tails", "Secret Millionaire" and many others. Now you know what reality shows are and why they were invented.
If you also want to participate in such a project, just follow the news of the TV channels and, when recruiting participants, sign up for a casting. And if you pass it, then you need to do everything possible to win.