1 post tagged “reality tv”

I recently read an article regarding a writer's strike on America's Next Top Model. The writers on the show have the usual demands: better pay, insurance, and so on. In addition to that they are also demanding writing credits as opposed to being billed as producers. They argue for the same credit and compensation as writers of television drama and comedy. At first thought most people would say, it's reality tv, they do not really have to write.

This reminded me of an interview I heard awhile back with a television writer who worked mostly in reality tv.  He provided an inside look at just how much of reality tv is scripted. Now it's no secret the antics of Paris and Nicole on The Simple Life, are completely contrived. However, the writer doing the interview had worked on shows such as Big Brother and Survivor. In the case of Big Brother he revealed that almost every word out of the host's mouth was written in advance.

I believe that the writers on Top Model have a point. They along with sitcom and drama writers all work on scripted television shows. They should be given writing credit and payed accordingly. As far as I know the writers are still on strike and hopefully they hold out and get what they deserve.