2017 New Year’s Resolution Suggestions for Reality Television Viewers and Producers


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All shined up for another year.

Well, here we are, not so deep into 2017.  I’m wrapping up on season three of Vh1’s K Michelle:My Life and looking forward to some new shows and non-TV opportunities the year is already hinting at… including another book.

If you know me, you know what a fan of lists I am.  I keep a list of goals to be accomplished in one year, five, and ten, and I’m also a big fan of making resolutions.

While I’ll be keeping mine to myself, as I usually do, here are a few that reality television viewers and producers might want to consider if they haven’t already filled up on “stop eating donuts” and “spend more time with Mom.”

VIEWERS

In 2017, I will…

… try to remember that reality television, like scripted, depends on conflict as an element of story.

… be skeptical of anyone publicly ranting about how a show “made them look,” while watching shows with a critical eye just in case overly heavy-handed producing is in play.

… write or email networks in support of the shows I like.

… stop blaming reality television for Donald Trump in water cooler conversation.  It’s not like the American Idol judges picked the president, the electoral college did.

… eat healthier snacks while watching The Voice.

… read more articles at RealityBlurred.com and listen to Joke and Biagio’s podcasts at ProducingUnscripted.com.

PRODUCERS

In 2017, I will…

… remember the credo “Everything can be made better than it deserves to be,” while also accepting that you should just do the notes if you can.

… establish style guides and then give the editors a little room to execute.  Don’t crowd ’em.

… think of the post team while in the field as more than the bank from which overdrafts are covered.

… think of the field team while in post, especially when writing massive amounts of pickup material or reviewing content that may not be perfect.

… establish what you expect before something is shot and cut.  “I’ll know when I see it” isn’t leadership.

… spend at least as much time contemplating story as the overall look of the series.  All beauty and no brains makes for a dull show.

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Published by realitytvtroy

Writer and reality television producer since 2001. Credits at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0222864/

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