Learning how to write a reality TV show is crucial to screenwriting success because reality TV shows have become increasingly popular. Reality shows are a genre of television shows that document real events and feature ordinary people rather than celebrity actors and actresses. There is a wide range of programs that fall into this category, mainly game or game shows and elimination contests which are unscripted dramatic situations, culminating in the awarding of the winner. A sense of excitement is ignited among the audience, which increases advertising earnings.
Participants are placed in a special environment and are often trained to act in a certain way or say something that is pre-planned, creating an illusion of reality. Mastering how to write a reality show is an art that must be honed through experience. One might get the impression that since reality shows are mostly unscripted, learning how to write a reality TV show should be simple. Could not be farther from the truth. Letting the cameras roll does not produce a television show of this nature. Writing a premeditated plan will create a successful final product. Consider the following:
• Plan what your reality show will be about. Will it be a dating show? Will it focus on a particular profession, age group, gender, or segment of society? Will contestants be required to complete certain tasks?
• Do research on similar programs from the past. See what made them hit or miss. If a particular topic has been covered too many times, chances are it won’t be easily appreciated by viewers again.
• Once the concept is ready, it’s time to put it on paper. You must write the registration line, the summary and the treatment. All three help you understand how to write a reality TV show.
• The logline is a long sentence that describes the planned reality show.
• A one page portrait of the program is called a summary.
Other than the full script, the treatment is the longest document you’ll prepare for the reality show. In the treatment mention the following:
• how your show will work
• an overview of each episode
• how it is expected to end: the grand finale
• number of contestants and who will be
• where it will be filmed
• framework of the challenge posed
Everything that happens cannot be predicted on a reality show, even if you are composing the overview of how to deal with eventualities. Most of the writing work for a reality show takes place in the editor’s room after filming. If you want to become an expert on how to write a reality TV show, learn the rules beforehand and be sure to rewrite and get feedback.
