#36: How do I get a job in reality TV?
Over the years, the team at Tidal Wave TV and I have overseen dozens of top-rated shows througout the reality TV explosion. If you think this might also be the career for you, here are some insights that will help you ride the reality wave:
Industry Structure. Usually, production companies (independent or studio-owned) produce shows for the networks (our “distributors”) to broadcast. Therefore, working on a reality show means getting staffed at the production company that’s producing it. Teir logo card airs at the end of the show on most networks, or you can look the show up on IMDb under “Company Credits.” There could be more than one company listed, so you may have to reach out to find out which company oversees physical production of the show!
Reality Myths. Non-fiction shows aren’t shot in the field then pieced together in an editing bay…or they shouldn’t be! Producers are needed who understand story beats and character arc in order to track stories from pre-interviews to field shoots to editing. And reality isn’t all about shaming guests or grossing the audience out! There are a lot of life-changing/life-affirming shows getting great ratings – I know because I’ve produced them.
Types of jobs. If any of the non-fiction genres appeal to you as a possible career goal, consider the skills you have that would work in these five areas:
- Casting needs recruiters to feed the machine with qualified, charismatic people to appear on shows.
- Story/Creative needs writers, researchers and bookers/interviewers to work with guests to develop their stories.
- Field needs directors, camera and audio operators, and support crew to capture the show in action.
- Production needs skilled office coordinators and production assistants to keep the machine running smoothly.
- Post needs editors, loggers and assistants to cut the shows together into hits.
Be warned: reality TV is brutal work (6-7-day weeks, 12+ hour days) with little time or money for error, so don’t try to start at the top by launching a production company and pitching shows before you learn how they operate. This is an industry where it pays off to learn fast as you go, and you absolutely will rise if you get the experience and contacts you need to create and sustain hit shows.
Finding a job. The truth is, you usually need to know someone to get a job. Wherever you live, join at least one professional writer or producer’s organization (or start one if you can’t find one). FIND is nationwide, for instance. Be a good contact, and you’ll make good ones. Post your rez at RealityStaff.com, and check there and Craig’s List and www.mandy.com for regular listings. If you live in L.A. or NYC, contact a show you love with a one-page, typed rez (use a Word table for a clean look), and offer to work for free for a set period of time. Everyone’s got a lot of interns, so stick it out until you find a company who needs you. Then wow them with your skills and see if you don’t get a paying job (or at least an all-important screen credit).
Selling Your Own Show. Selling your own reality show is not impossible; it just is not as easy as many people think it is! Our Show Starter service puts on seminars for professional organizations, film festivals, colleges and more to help people understand the unusual business model that is reality TV. If you are trying to sell your own reality show, be sure to read this blog and our book, The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System: Ten Steps to Creating and Pitching a Sellable Reality Show. Don’t forget to order the online goodie bag, filled with key resources you will need to make that sale!
Reality Checks… are lower than the fiction world, but it’s a great living once you get going.