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Isolation/Mistreatment of Reality Sho...

Reality TVClubHouse Discussions: Other Reality Shows ARCHIVES: Archives for 2009 - 3: Isolation/Mistreatment of Reality Show Contestants users admin

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Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Monday, August 03, 2009 - 5:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
Interesting article from NY Times:


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/business/media/02reality.html

Long workdays and communication blackouts are largely the rule for contestants on reality shows, a highly lucrative genre that has evolved arguably into Hollywood’s sweatshop. Unscripted series now account for more than one-quarter of all primetime broadcast programming — and essentially the entire day on cable channels like Discovery, Bravo and A&E. The most popular reality series, “American Idol,” has commanded advertising rates as high as $1 million for a 30-second spot.

But with no union representation, participants on reality series are not covered by Hollywood workplace rules governing meal breaks, minimum time off between shoots or even minimum wages. Most of them, in fact, receive little to no pay for their work.

It can make for a miserable experience but compelling entertainment, creating a sort of televised psychological experiment that keeps contestants off-balance and vulnerable.

Most reality series have contestants sign nondisclosure agreements that include million-dollar penalties if they reveal what happened on set. But interviews with two dozen former contestants — most of whose agreements expired after three years — from half a dozen reality series suggest that the programs routinely use isolation, sleeplessness and alcohol to encourage wild behavior.


long two page article..

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Monday, August 03, 2009 - 5:39 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
Related earlier article about lawsuit by ex reality workers:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/business/media/20reality.html?fta

Luvstarzz35
Member

08-21-2008

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 5:53 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Luvstarzz35 a private message Print Post    
Thanks for that article. It really was interesting. Maybe some of the people I loved to hate weren't so bad after all.

Roxip
Member

01-29-2004

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 7:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Roxip a private message Print Post    
I'm thinking they knew what the deal was when they signed up for it.

Babyjaxmom
Member

10-20-2002

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 11:54 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Babyjaxmom a private message Print Post    
It all comes down to what won't people do to be on TV?

Dipo
Member

04-23-2002

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 12:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dipo a private message Print Post    
I am not sure they always understand that they will not be able to really get a good nights sleep. And sleep deprivation can do crazy things to people.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 1:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
I think when contestants say, "nobody understands unless they have been there" is true.

But if someone returns to the same show.. all bets are OFF. (Chima, I'm talking to you!)

I think the same is true for TV in general (non-scripted).

I was at a professional conference on Trauma and Dissociation once and one of the speakers was discussing what they went through testifying in court, or speaking in public or on TV and she mentioned that being on Oprah could often be quite traumatizing for a professional and more so for a client/patient, in that even on the best interview or talk show, you do NOT get to fully explain anything, you are often abruptly cut off, baited, tricked and later, edited.

I also knew a mom who went on Oprah with her young daughter who had AIDS and it was pretty clear when viewing the show that they were treated differently than two children with their parents, who were more appealing and active (less sick) and also happened to be african american.

Later the mom told me it was really a bad experience for them.. they were relegated to the front row and not to the stage, Oprah hugged and loved on and praised the other children but not so with the kids not allowed to be up on stage. Laura and her parents had been treated so well by other celebrities, especially those in the country music industry, where Laura had her Make A Wish in Nashville so they were taken totally by surprise at this TV treatment, and this wasn't even a game show, but a really brave girl who had been infected during a blood transfusion during heart surgery as an infant.

So I think it can be difficult to prepare for TV in general and Reality in particular. People THINK they know what they will do for money or to be on TV or both, but don't know about some of the backstage/off camera treatment.

====

I do not feel sorry for those who really think they are the stars, carrying a program, making good tv.. no.. you are just a cog in the wheel, for the most part.

But I thought the articles were interesting.

Sammi
Member

03-31-2008

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 3:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sammi a private message Print Post    
Did anybody see the girl that was on "Megan wants to Marry a Millionaire" (or some name like that). She was on TV yesterday because they guy on the show murdered his wife I Guess. Well isn;t that Megan chick the same one that was on "Beauty and the Geek" a few years back. She sure looks like the same girl. Anyone??????

Dipo
Member

04-23-2002

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 3:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dipo a private message Print Post    
Sammi, I think Megan was on the first I love money show, don't think she was on Beauty and the Geek. The guy suspected of murder wasn't married to her anymore, she had had the marriage annulled according to the papers here.

Twinkie
Member

09-24-2002

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 4:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twinkie a private message Print Post    
She was on Rock of Love, wasn't she?

Bob2112
Member

06-12-2002

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 4:31 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Bob2112 a private message Print Post    
She's been on everything (and everyone?)
Beauty and the Geek
Rock of Love with Bret Michaels
I Love Money
Rock of Love: Charm School
Megan Wants a Millionaire
Her and Scooter actually won season 3 of Beauty and the Geek.

I think "CSI: Megan" will be next


Sammi
Member

03-31-2008

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 7:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sammi a private message Print Post    
Thanks Bob, I thought she was the one on Beauty and the Geek. I had forgotten tho that she and her partner won. Glad to know that I am not loosing my mind with the contestants on all these reality shows!!!

Lilfair
Member

07-09-2003

Friday, August 21, 2009 - 8:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lilfair a private message Print Post    
I miss Beauty and the Geek!

I read that "Megan Wants a Millionaire" won't be seen anymore, they took it off. I watched one of the shows where they had to make her a gift?????

I don't have any sympathy regarding isolation for the contestants that sign up for these show but the behind the scene workers should't be working 20 hrs a day, or be docked or not paid for their time.

Kstme
Member

08-14-2000

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - 2:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kstme a private message Print Post    
Lilfair, most 'behind the scenes' people are paid by the day. Whatever is negotiated, is the price for a 24 hour period.

Kstme
Member

08-14-2000

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - 7:30 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kstme a private message Print Post    
Thekid told me, the behind scenes people can also negotiate a 'day' as so many hours with overtime kicking in after the end of the day. For example, after a negotiated 10-12 hour workday, the reality show can be responsible for food/lodging and overtime pay. Basically, each show is completely different and, very few, treat their behind the scenes people badly...especially, if they want to work with them again. Hope this helps!

Sunshyne4u
Member

06-17-2003

Thursday, October 08, 2009 - 1:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sunshyne4u a private message Print Post    
The title of this thread caught me. I've never seen Jon and ??? plus 8 but the kids are in the middle of the crossfire.

Evidently the mom wants to continue with a Reality TV show which follows the kids everywhere.

The dad says that the kids are older now and dont want the cameras on them all the time.

its a bizarre situation and it makes a person really wonder if the children are being mistreated.

There are strong laws to protect children from abuse in the movie industry. Obviously a reality show can get away with not following the rules.

i remember some outcry that occurred during that reality show where the kids were dropped off to fend for themselvse in that western town. There were cries of abuse after that show was being made due to the long long hours and stress the kids were put under