THE REALITY OF REALITY

Categories: Adult,Blog,Teen

by Michael Chasin

Screenwriting Mentor, IAFT/Miami

 

Reality TV reigns—with almost every channel offering programming that follows real people in real situations.

But how real is it—since participants are coached on how to behave in manufactured storylines?

Regardless of its authenticity, reality TV succeeds because at its heart—it is classic narrative storytelling.

Reality shows have a hero (not the host) who is the contestant or this week’s soon-to-fail bar/restaurant/salon/tattoo shop/whatever owner.

Identification with the reality hero—as with a movie hero—is created by exposing their strengths—and more importantly their flaws—that are similar to our own flaws—which helps us to care about the hero.

As in a movie, important personal stakes are dramatized—it’s not so much about saving the business (or winning the contest), but really about saving family relationships, or self-respect.

Enter the mentor—the host with the expertise—who will aid the hero.

During the show, the host-mentor will help the hero to discover that the failing business is really rooted in a character flaw (just as Mickey taught Rocky to embrace his ability).

To ramp up the drama, a ticking clock is introduced—as the re-launch/remodeling must be completed in days—when of course, pre-production has been ongoing for months.

After overcoming their character flaw—learning to be a better owner—and person—the re-launch is a success!  Family relationships are saved.  Self-respect renewed.

The host-mentor­—off to the next hero in need.

So is reality TV real?

It doesn’t matter.

It satisfies our need for real storytelling.

Michael Chasin
Author: Michael Chasin

Michael Chasin is an award-winning filmmaker with experience ranging from writing, directing, editing, and producing to screenplay consulting.  He founded and currently serves as Director of the ArtServe Film Maker Festival Series.  He’s also been a valued contributor to other festivals where he has presented screenwriting seminars and served as a Best Screenplay judge.  Michael has a boundless passion for filmmaking that he communicates avidly to his IAFT students in his classes on screenwriting, film finance, marketing, and distribution, film festival success, and career development. In addition to his Diploma in Filmmaking, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Masters in Human Resources Management, and a Masters in Business Administration. It's just been announced that Jordan Wall of The Glades will be making his directorial debut with Michael's short script, Greater Goode.