Defining Reality Television
Reality television includes a broad range of programs which aim to be both entertaining and include factual information. No one definition covers all reality television creations but in general Charlie Parson's definition suits all but emergency services and police reality productions. Parson's defines Reality TV as 'producer created environments that control contestant behavior'. Kerrie Murphy provides a broader definition ...'generally involves filming the actions and reactions of people in a set situation'. The situation can be either natural, that is, actually filmed in as it unfolds, an example of this is Airport (UK) or entirely contrived, for example, Big Brother. Yet another definition attributed to Jonathon Bignell, defines Reality TV as programs 'where the unscripted behaviour of ordinary people is the focus of interest'.
Genres of Reality Television
Observational docusoap This is a combination of observational documentary - filmed in a 'Fly on the wall' style and the dramatic conventions usually seen in dramatic soap operas. This type of Reality TV show is often based on high-stress work situations, for example, medical emergencies. the roots of this style are in cinema-veritie.
Formulated docusoap This style takes ordinary people out of their own world and places them in specially constructed environments, for example, Big Brother.
Reality game shows these take contestants and position them in demanding artificial situations, for example, Survivor. Big Brother also fits this genre.
Lifestyle reality experts transform ordinary people from ordinary lifestyles into the extraordinary. These are not about winning the prize but rather the 'reveal' of their transformation. For example, Extreme Makeover and The Biggest Loser.
Talent show reality These focus not only on the talent but on the lives of the participants. Example include: The Voice and Australian Idol.
Clipshow reality consists of viewer provided amateur video clips which compete for mainly cash prizes. An example of this is Australia's funniest Home Videos. Other variations include CCTV footage from criem scenes and surveillance videos
Genres of Reality Television
Observational docusoap This is a combination of observational documentary - filmed in a 'Fly on the wall' style and the dramatic conventions usually seen in dramatic soap operas. This type of Reality TV show is often based on high-stress work situations, for example, medical emergencies. the roots of this style are in cinema-veritie.
Formulated docusoap This style takes ordinary people out of their own world and places them in specially constructed environments, for example, Big Brother.
Reality game shows these take contestants and position them in demanding artificial situations, for example, Survivor. Big Brother also fits this genre.
Lifestyle reality experts transform ordinary people from ordinary lifestyles into the extraordinary. These are not about winning the prize but rather the 'reveal' of their transformation. For example, Extreme Makeover and The Biggest Loser.
Talent show reality These focus not only on the talent but on the lives of the participants. Example include: The Voice and Australian Idol.
Clipshow reality consists of viewer provided amateur video clips which compete for mainly cash prizes. An example of this is Australia's funniest Home Videos. Other variations include CCTV footage from criem scenes and surveillance videos