Reality

[whipchick]

I said no the first six times.

The seventh year, the seventh season, after an hour-long phone call with William the freelance producer, I think, well, it’s in my mom’s city, and there’s money in it, and this project we’re working on, the one that can’t get booked because nobody’s ever heard of it? It could use some exposure. And I say, “Yes.”

And,

Comments

[myrna_bird]

True as life perspective for a would be audition. Absolutely love the 'tude for the exit interview!

[whipchick]

Thank you, and thanks for reading!

[similiesslip]

They call it reality TV but, like the news, it it, of course, slanted and edited according to the ideas of others.

I really like how you wrote this.

I also like how you knew, whether you made it or not, you ARE already professionals!

[whipchick]

Thanks :) And really, for the narrator, that's it - it really was just another gig, and the only difference was that the client's expectations were more than usually unclear :)

[karmasoup]

I've actually seen AGT live in Mpls. At least there, anyway, no one is prompted to boo. The audience is told, be very active in your responses. If you like something, go crazy. If you don't like it, go crazier. They showed us how to do the x, and, in 25 acts over 4 hours, we did use it 3 imtes... those acts totally had it coming, though, and they knew it... I think they were just looking for attention... not ever sure how they got on that stage in the first place. What I totally did not expect, though, was that the most entertaining part of the entire experience was the judges. We never even saw the host... that role is apparently pretty much off stage only, but, the judges very often had us in stitches. One of them I'm not going to miss, though, I can't say at all that I'm impressed with the chosen replacement. Meh... it's not like this is really quality entertainment, though. I get told all the time I should do it, but, the one thing about those shows that drives me nuts is all the crying how "This is my dream, this means

[theafaye]

That's why you wouldn't get on the show. I auditioned for the second season of the X Factor many, many years ago and it became clear very quickly how rigged it is, so it wouldn't matter how amazing you were, you wouldn't get through if you didn't have a 'story' they could work with. The woman who went in before me had a film crew film her before she went in and then filmed her coming out clutching her piece of paper - how did they know to be there? It was all about who would play to the camera and give them their little sound bite. If I ever were to go again, I'd take all my children with me, but it's highly unlikely I'd bother.

It was most satisfying seeing someone I knew make it to the first round, though, and although his audition didn't make it on screen, he was VERY bitter about being rejected (he had a highly inflated opinion of his ability and it was sooo good seeing him cut down to size!).

[whipchick]

It's all about the story, isn't it? On the up side, the narrator of this piece now has an excellent story!

[whipchick]

Thanks :) It was (for the narrator) a fascinating experience! And so interesting to get your take from the audience side, too. I'm with you on the quality thing, though - as a performer, I'm often told by audience members that we should do a reality talent show, in the tone of voice that people used to say, "You should go on Broadway!" or "You should be in Cirque du Soleil!" and it's a little sad that the modern equivalent of the Gong Show is seen as a high aspiration!

What's your act that people encourage you to take on the show?

[jem0000000]

I love the ending line. :)

[whipchick]

Thanks :) And thank you for reading!

[jem0000000]

You're welcome!

[jacq22]

So fascinating, and this totally confirms what my husband has always said.

"It's all rigged", its all scripted, no reality show is allowed without a script.... etc, etc,... yep although I am a bit more hopeful than he is, this made interesting reading, and I loved it.

[whipchick]

And I have to say, I 100% admire the ability of the editors and the producers to take so many disparate elements and create a story that is compelling to viewers - they are incredible at that job! America's Next Top Model is another one where the editing tells a terrific story - even if it's not very flattering to the people on the show :)