Starting Over Talk - Peer Coaching Support Site

Did any on you see a special last week about behind the scenes of reality television. I think it was on VH1 and I think there were 2 parts. I saw part I.

I always knew that most reality shows had staged scenes and focus on troublemakers, but, I never imagined just how much the producers edit and even outright lie about the people and the scenes.

They focused much of the program on The Real World, which is produced by our "favorite", Bumim/Murray Production. If their production and editing with SO was anything like they do with their other shows, it is no wonder the staff and hg had problems with them. OMG, It was unbelieveable how they operate. I now kind of understand why a couple of the girls got into trouble with the crew on SO.

Mike from Big Brother was on there too. He was going on and on about how Big Brother screwed him over. He said they showed scenes of people saying things and other people reacting, when they were not even in the same room or hearing distance. (This special was taped before he returned for Big Brother All-Stars). He said if a reality show calls your name, run like hell. Of course, we know the lure of the money brought him back despite his words of caution.

The special said the only thing the reality show producers want is a shock or humilation and they will go to any length to get it. Of course, alcohol is their favorite tool. Do we know if the decision to NOT pick up SO came before or after Iyanla and Rhonda decided to abolish alcohol from the SOH? It makes me wonder.

I saw a part of it the other week. I remember thinking it was horrible that they would manipulate editing to make someone look bad or to portray something that didn't really occur as they make it seem. Case in point..was about Tammy Faye Baker... They made it look like she had seen some shenanigans in the hot tub..(nudity) and she says she never saw it. They spliced something else into the sequence.

I'll have to watch for that show again to try to catch the whole thing... I hope it winds up biting B/M in the butt! I've only ever watched SO but wouldn't put it past B/M to have done similar things in an attempt to boost the storylines.

Try to check it out further if you can. It was amazing what some shows do. Some people are suing these show that surprise you or humiliate you in public. One guy was trying to get through airport security and the son on the man who did Candid Camera was dressed up like the security person and insisted the man get on the conveyer belt and go through the x-ray machine. (It wasn't really an x-ray machine) The guys pants got caught in the conveyer belt and anyway he was not amused and refused to sign a release for the tape to be aired. He also sued them for something, I guess, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.

Also, some of the fear shows have been sued for actually scaring the bugeebies out of people. If you have a weak heart I could understand that or if you are a young woman out at night and think you are being attacked, I can understand that not being funny either.

I have never like that show about being punked with Ashton Kuchter. Something about it just doesn't set well with me. I'm not sure what it is. I know it is in good fun and all, but still....

i saw some of the show and it is pretty shocking! how they keep the bar fully stocked and encourage drinking! we all know that reality shows are not "real" but they are very entertaining to me. i was surprised at the background checks and the release forms they have everyone sign. i really think people are desparate to be on tv. to sign away every right for them and even their families to sue in case they are injured or killed. i remember some girls from the show "the swan" were upset that their lives were the same when they came home from the show after having thousands of dollars of plastic surgery. they were shocked that the still had no money and had to work. these networks make millions off of these shows. its a shame.