WORKING WITH DOGS AND CATS ON A FILM

www.drmelcaudle.blogspot.

May 23, 2013

DR. MEL'S WEEKLY MESSAGE

It's been almost three weeks since my last posting and there are some really good reasons as to why.

First, I traveled to Los Angeles for two weeks and it is impossible to write and edit the blog from my IPAD without my computer etc.  Then, upon returning, I had my first of four surgical procedures on my right knee and immediately spent the next two weeks recuperating at my beach condo in Orange Beach, AL.  Upon return, the remaining three procedures on the knee which included getting a "Chicken Soup" injection into my knee under my knee cap.  This procedure is not steroids, but a biological compound.  The injections hurt like double hockey sticks and I couldn't walk for two days after each injection.  WOW!  The good news is my knee is FANTASTIC and I'm back at it again after a much needed rest.

I think the "Chicken Soup" had duck in it, because I just looked out of my office and in my pool are three beautiful Mallard Ducks.  I guess they feel comfortable about it being near me.  

Now, back to business.  Although the last month was a time of surgery and rest, I still was very active.  The day before the first surgery, to remove the floating bone chip from my patella, I was still busy.  In fact, busy filming the remainder of the footage for the  A.D.A.M. trailer and the EPK package to get funding and distribution.

For the first time we welcomed to the set, Jaqueline Fleming, who plays Agent Turner.  Jaq really brought in all of her FBI looks, demeanor, and portrayal hitting a home run in her role.  Of course, I already knew she would as she consulted with me on the character long before the screenplay became a screenplay.  To be honest, I think I always had seen her in this role.

Jaq is no stranger to film or television having more than 43 credits to her IMDB page including her portrayal of Harriet Truman in Abraham Lincoln Vampire Diaries, Contraband, Red, and Treme.  And, I would be remiss if I didn't mention her fabulous role in the film ON THE SEVENTH DAY with Blair Underwood and Sharon Leal.  Jaq brings star power to our cast and attraction to the SY FY Distribution Team as she is on their "APPROVED WATCHED LIST."  

Along side filming with Jaq was the ever handsome Clyde R. Jones, who plays Agent Ed Morrison, and in the "Treason Arrest" scene, Jamie Alyson as Jessica Parker, and Tina D. Rubin as Rebecca Newland.  Like Jaq, Clyde bring star power as well with his name recognition.  If you have caught his recent interview on TMZ, check it out.

I must say simply directing Jaq and Clyde is a dream come true.  They are so good they really don't need a director, other than for us to say "Action" and "Cut."  Their chemistry on camera is so natural and fun to watch. I found myself engaged in their scene and often forgot to call cut because I didn't want the scene to end.  And, to pull that off, with them, acting inside of a car, says something about their abilities.  They made everything seem so real.   Later that day, I did find out that they had known each other for more than 20 years.  It doesn't get any better than that when you need actors to have the chemistry like theirs and this film.

Once we moved inside to film the "Treason Arrest Scene,"  with Tina and Jamie Alyson, their chemistry already established, things went just as smooth and quick as the day in California with DH Lewis, Stephen Beal, and Jamie Alyson.  And, as for Jamie's portrayal of Jessica, she brought her own quirkiness into the scene with her actions from jumping over the couch to her "Dumbfound" facial expressions upon being arrested and brutally handcuffed.  "This wasn't part of the plan," Jessica said as Agent Turner roughed her up a bit to handcuff her.  I can't wait to show everyone a clip from this day.  As soon as we get it edited, I will.  For now, you are stuck with photo stills, taken by Rudy Garza on this day as Ivan Hoey Jr., was manning Camera A this time.

Speaking of crew, we had lots of help that day.  I was honored to be working again with Andy Sparaco as our director of photography.  Andy and I previously worked on two other films together and have always talked about doing a film together.  So, having him come on board was an added bonus for me.  Thank you Andy.

Just take a look at the wonderful crew who came to help us.

Director of Photography - Andy Sparaco

Camera A- Ivan Hoey Jr.- Camera A

Camera B- Challa Sabree

Camera C- Chip Carrierre

Producer/Director Assistant- Roger Molina Jr.

Rudy Garza- Still Photographer

Robby Cook Stroud- Associate Producer and Craft Services for the Day

A very special thanks to each of these cast and crew who made it possible.

Also we were blessed with a couple of visitors who came by the set to lend support including the wonderful actor Sam Medina, Jerry Lopez Jr., and Johnny Rock.  It is always a please to see anyone of these guys.  

Enough of that for now, just take a look at some of the photo stills of the day.

WORKING WITH DOGS AND CATS ON A FILM

By Dr. Melissa Caudle

About a year ago, I began the audition process for THE KEYSTROKE KILLER.  One thing stood out for me that I laugh about today- the number of cats and dogs that bombarded their owner for their 15 seconds of fame.  At one point, I began highlighting all of the auditions where the owner's cats and dogs stole the scene.  Then, actors began posting their humorous outtakes for their auditions where their cat or dog stole the scene.  Like them, I met with the same fate with my two dogs, Lola and Gizmo when we filmed the Treason Scene for A.D.A.M..  At every turn they wanted their camera time and wanted to be in the scene.

It first became obvious when shooting the Agent "Stake Out" scene.  As Agent Morrison and Agent Turner sat in their car down and across the street, when Jessica would answer the door for Rebecca, the dogs ran out the door.  One scene, which may just make the cut, is where Jessica and Rebecca are trying to get the dogs back in the house.  I couldn't of planned that better, much less get the dogs to do that again.

Locking the dogs up in another bedroom didn't work.  They began to bark or howl.  They wanted out and with the "Party."  Mind you, Gizmo isn't the partying type.  He doesn't like other people other than me.  But "NO!"  He wanted in the scene and every time we would roll the camera he walked into the scene and sat in the middle of the floor, right in front of the camera. 

Lola wasn't any better.  Except, she wanted to be more in the shot and jumped on the couch and then laid behind on top of the couch cushion right behind Agent Turner.  She stayed there, of course until the shot where she was established and had to be in for the reverse angle.  So, I had to put her back on the couch.  Finally, she did exactly what I wanted her too and Chip, who was filming that direction finally stated, that she even moved her head and watched the action.

Therefore, one thing I learned about working with cats and dogs is you have to have patience and lots of it.  For them, they get bored, wander off, or look right into the camera when you don't want them to.  And, when you do want them to, they don 't.  So, anyone filming a short film or an independent film and decide to use your home as a location and you have either a cat or a dog, I strongly suggest that you kennel them elsewhere for the day.  Why?  The day can be stressful for them as there are so many new people in and out of the house.  Of course, there is another way - "Send them to acting school," says Chip Carrierre, who was on Camera C.

Chip got me to thinking.  During the last year of this blog, I haven't written anything for filming with animals.  Nor, have I written one on how to direct animals and be safe.  So, I did some research and made some phone calls.  

Ellen Goosenberg has been an animal trainer for years and many of her animals have been on films that aired on HBO, PBS, CBS, and more.  Her advice is to use well-trained animals and look for a Handler that can get the animals to respond with hand commands.  This one step is easier said than done.  It also can be very expensive for low-budget films.  So, what does an independent film producer and director do when you have a dog or cat that insists on being in the scene?

Animal trainer and veteran "Animal Handler" Vanessa Warrant says,"Establish yourself as the boss."  By this she stressed that dogs need and want an "Alpha" personality - meaning, a person to take control.  "You have to let them know who is in charge."  One way to do this is not to allow your actors to become "Friends" with your own pets you plan on using.  The reason is they need to know only to listen to their owner.  Also, rewarding the good behavior of the dog or cat is important.  So, both Warrant and Goosenberg said to have on hand small treats for the animals and after each take give them a reward.  That way, they become conditioned of doing the same thing over and over.  "The snack is a great motivator," says Warrant.  "And, only the owner should provide the food reward."

There is another aspect of working with cats, dogs, and other animals.  You must make sure of their safety.  My research revealed that more than 25 animals each year are injured on a film set.  And, those are only the ones that are reported on major films.  If injuries can occur on a major film set with the animal trainer on set, the SPCA on set, and animal wranglers, just imagine how your own pets can be injured.  Warrant stated that she has talked to numerous independent producers who used their own pets and actors have stepped on their paws which resulted in broken bones and other animals have jumped off the back of couches and injured their legs and the worse case scenario was when an independent film producer used their own dog to jump into the lake off a boat.  Although, this dog has done this a thousand times for his owner, when they were alone, having a camera crew and actors involved with the dog caused him to have a panic attack.  And, when the owner threw the ball into the water, wanting the dog to jump in and get it, the dog hit his mouth on the side of the boat and knocked some of his teeth out.  Simply put, no matter how many times your own cat or dog can do tricks in your backyard, it is not going to be the same when you insert actors and a camera crew.

THE FUTURE OF FILMMAKING

By Dr. Melissa Caudle

I think at one point or another all of us wanted to be in the movies when we were growing up.  For some children, their dreams have come true and took their childhood love to a different level and became professional actors, directors, screenwriters, and producers.  

When I was growing up, I had no idea that there was a career waiting on me in the film industry.  I wrote my first novel while I was in the seventh grade.  In fact, I co-wrote it with one of my childhood friends, Anne as our combined English semester project.  The novel was called "Sunshine My Love."

I just imagine that if my English teacher at that time encouraged me to write with making a movie in mind how my career might have changed.  You might be thinking, "Hold on a minute, you're a producer, director, and screenwriter?"  Yes, I am.  However, it took me until I retired from the school system as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator, to realize my love for filmmaking.  I just can't help but to keep thinking where I would be if I had someone early in my life to encourage me in this field.

Now children in the New Orleans area won't have to sit back and wander.  So, parents, teachers, counselors, youth pastors, and anyone else who works with children can encourage them to investigate a future in the film industry this summer at Jaq's Acting Studio, located in Metairie, LA.

I found out about this seminar while filming for A.D.A.M. this week.  One of our lead actors, Jaqueline Fleming, who also owns Jaq's Acting Studio told me of her plan for this summer workshop.  "During the course of ten weeks, the students are going to learn the process of filmmaking," Jaq says.  "They are going to write, direct, and film their own short film."

I got so excited just to hear about it and have volunteered my time as well.  I will be visiting the summer classes and lending a hand.  I'll work with the students on the process of screenwriting and when it comes time to film their short film, I'll be there with my cameras etc. How fun?

Now, if you love children and want to get involved, call Jaq.  I'm sure she'd love the help.  She also is going to have a fundraiser for the children so they can purchase supplies they need, such as props, tapes, craft services and more.  They also want to raise money so they can find a venue to hold a Red Carpet Screening.

You can help these children, our future of filmmaking.   Please donate any amount to the Jaq's Acting Studio.  Details will be below.  Also, you can be a mentor to the children and donate your time and skill.  Let's say, your a cameraman.  Call Jaq and talk with her to schedule a time to talk with the students or come and help us out when we film their short film.  You get the idea.  It's about the children here, and not us.

If you know of a child, that wants to attend, please refer them.  They don't have to have any experience, just want to learn the art of filmmaking.  And, Jaq said, any child who enrolls and says that Dr. Mel referred them or they read about it in Dr. Mel's blog can receive a 10% discount.  

Listed below is all of the details.

THE WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

WHAT: SUMMER FILM CAMP

WHO:  CHILDREN UP TO AGE 17

WHEN:  MAY 11 FOR TEN WEEKS

              (A child can start at anytime and the fee will be prorated)

WHERE:  Jaq's Acting Studio

                3121 Metairie Road

                Metairie, La  70001

                504-849-9020

COST:  $500       (10% DISCOUNT IF YOU SAY YOU READ ABOUT IT HERE)

                           Studio has payment plans and tuition can be paid in increments)

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEAD SHOTS

BY DR. MEL CAUDLE

Actors beware!  If you aren't getting the number of auditions you want or think you should, it might not be your agent's fault, but your own.  Why?  Agents can only do so much with the marketing tools you provide.  This means, that if you don't have professional head shots, get them without delay.  Your future depends on it.  It is no longer something you can not do afford to do.  The competition is fierce and your head shot is the first thing that a casting director looks at.  If they don't like what they see, there is nothing your agent can do about it.  So, don't blame them, blame yourself.  It is that important.

Now, as an agent, it is their fault as well for allowing actors to get by with lousy head shots.  I know I'm guilty of this very same thing and must be fixed.  This means, that LACA NOLA talent agents are going to be revamping the entire LACA NOLA WEBSITE.  Head shots of our actors, that aren't professional, are going to be removed as each individual head shot reflects all of us.  Keep that in mind.  Your head shot reflects YOU as an actor, the agency as your representation, and each other as part of the family.  LACA NOLA is setting high standards in order for all of us to compete in this industry.  We will be contacting you individually to inform you to update your head shots if needed.

So, when deciding on the photographer who will do your head shots, investigate them.  Look at their other work, and get recommendations.  You want the best, because we are the best.

DEAR DIARY

by Robby Cook Stroud

I am in Chicago working for FEMA. I was here in 2010 for the same flooding. I don’t understand how people can keep putting there personal items in a basement and keep losing them to flood waters. I’m from the south and it doesn’t make since to me to dig a hole and put furnaces, hot water heaters and other valuables in it. If you want 3 floors… build up.. Anyway, It is not as big as the 2010 flood ,and work is already slowing down, the bad news is Oklahoma got slammed to the ground and we will be very busy there for a while. I want to get to LA, but it might be another month before I am finished here.  This doesn't keep me from working on LACA NOLA and submitting to breakdowns etc as we have five people who constantly are on target with that.   

I want to congratulate JOHNNY ROCK for winning best reel contest and to JACK CURENTON who won 2^nd place. 

This contest was national, and I think it states a lot about our KSK fan base to have 2 of our actors rise to the top. I will keep you all informed on face book. Be safe out there a I will too, Robby

REALITY TV: THE BIG IDEA

www.drmelcaudle.blogspot.com

APRIL 25, 2013

DR. MEL'S WEEKLY MESSAGE

WHEW!  This week has been crazy.  Lots of activity and lots of fun news; especially when it comes to my film A.D.A.M.  So, let me begin.

Stephen Beal, DH Lewis, Jamie Alyson with Gary Sievers
1st Day of filming A.D.A.M. EPK package

The filming for A.D.A.M.  in Los Angeles was so inspiring I couldn't wait to come home and edit the new footage into the EPK I am forming.  Of course, it is so easy to film when you work with actors such as DH Lewis, Clyde Jones, Stephen Beal, Jamie Alyson, and Bill Ensley.  And, now, this coming Monday, I once again to shoot more footage for A.D.A.M. and introduce our latest cast member who will portray Agent Turner.  Our new cast member, Jaqueline Fleming, is a rare gem in this industry.  Not only is she a fantastic actor, she owns an actor's studio and empowers others to create and be their best.

Jaqueline Fleming

Having Jaqueline teaming up with us is so special as she will bring Agent Turner to life for the first time in our filming.  Along side her will Clyde Jones, as Agent Morrison, Jamie Alyson, as Jessica Parker, and Tina Rubin, as Rebecca Newland.  The scenes we have in store will drive home our EPK scenes as the stress point is heightened with Jessica's arrest for treason.

Of course, none of this can happen without the cooperation of the cast and crew.  And, on board for next week for shooting these scenes are some new crew members including Roger Molina Jr., Chip Carierre, and Andy Sparoca.  And, for the Los Angeles crew, Ivan H
oey Jr. returns with us as he is now back in New Orleans.  All of these members bring with them a certain professionalism and point of view.

PHOTO STILL FROM DARK BLUE
NEW GUY FILMS AND ON THE LOT PRODUCTIONS
PRODUCERS:  DAVE KIRTLAND AND MELISSA CAUDLE

I am especially excited to be working once again with Andy Sparoca.  Andy and I first worked together on the film I was the associate producer on called VARLA JEAN AND THE MUSHROOM HEADS.  Then again, on the film DARK BLUE where I was one of the producers and he was the director of photography.  Andy has an incredible eye for detail and lighting and can't wait to once again work with him as the director of photography for the New Orlean's unit.  Again, Gary Sievers served in that same capacity for the Los Angeles shoot.

WATCH AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. MELISSA CAUDLE 

FOR THE FILM DARK BLUE

Also this week I got a great surprise when my daughter, Jamie, flew in from Los Angeles for a three-week visit back home to New Orleans.  We pulled off the prank of the decade as no one knew that she was arriving to town, not even her sisters.  My husband invited the other girls over to the house for a family meeting.  Rumors went around between them as to why "Dad" called a meeting.  The moment met with joyous tears as my three girls re-united for a family dinner.

Now, the bad news.  I fell and really hurt my right knee.  In fact, the surgeon said I have torn my cartilage and meniscus AND TO make matters worse, chipped my knee cap.  OUCH!!!!  But, the way I look at it, it won't keep me down long.  Surgery is pending, but I plan on making the best use of my time writing.  So, if you think I write "BOOK BLOGS" now, just wait until I have to stay put and can't walk around after surgery.  The way I look at it, it is just a little set back.

And, speaking of set backs, I can honestly say there is no one more frustrated than me at the moment with the progression of filming THE KEYSTROKE KILLER.  I have poured my heart and soul into this project for more than two-years now.  So, if you are frustrated with the long wait, simply put your shoes into mine.  Not only am the creator and screenwriter, I am also just as lost as the rest of you in the waiting game.  I am on more than pins and needles.  We were supposed to start filming in February which got delayed with a suggested start date of April.  Well, we all know that didn't happen.  The only thing I am getting is that not all DEAL POINTS between producers and investors have been worked out.  I'm not privy to those talks as my points are secure as the writer and creator of the show.  That can't change.  I thank a miracle for that as my entertainment attorney had my back.  That is truly one lesson I have learned and will constantly preach is to always have the best entertainment attorney at your disposal when selling and/or optioning a screenplay.  Anyway, I, like the rest of you sit and wait.  Until all of the fine details can be hammered out between the investors and the producers, we cannot move on this project.  Period.  The good news is that come August 1, 2013, if filming has not begun, the entire project of KSK comes back to me as their option expires.  Then, I'll once again be in control.  And, that is the worse case scenario.  If this happens, the cast will remain in tact, no worries there, as I have always had control over casting.  I hope this explains things a little bit more.

With producing, it is very detailed and complex.  Many "I's" and "T's" have to be crossed with a lot of bantering.  Nothing is automatic and it can be very frustrating.  In fact, some films go through this stage for five or more years before ever seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  I'm just now learning all of this for myself.  When we started casting KSK, please keep in mind we were still in the developmental stage.  Actors aren't usually involved so early in development; however, we chose to because we used a different auditioning approach through social networks.  There have been many advantages and disadvantages to this approach.

The best advantage is having the opportunity to form such wonderful relationships with people from all over the world.  I have found and created numerous friendships that will be my friend for a lifetime.  The disadvantage, is by being an open book to the public, people expect to be constantly fed with information about a project that by contract, I'm not always able to provide.  But, I will take the advantage over the disadvantage any day.  So, all I ask is for everyone to be patient as the hammer out the final details.

ONE OF THE FIRST MONTAGES FOR CAST AUDITIONS FOR
THE KEYSTROKE KILLER
"A BLAST FROM THE PAST"

GETTING REAL:  REALITY SHOWS

By Dr. Melissa Caudle

Note:  This is an excerpt from the book THE REALITY OF REALTY TV:  REALITY SHOW BUSINESS PLANS by Dr. Melissa Caudle.  The book and workbook are available on Amazon.com

Making a reality show is fun.  And, yes it is very hard work.  It’s not for those that give up easily.  It takes drive, determination, planning and persistence.  I am a strong believer that those that fail to plan, plan to fail.  It’s up to you to decide on which category you want to fall.  For me, I’ll take planning to succeed on any given day.  Producing a reality show is a whole lot different from making a movie or directing a stage play.  First, you don’t have a script; therefore, you don’t know the outcome.  Second, they are a lot shorter.  Well maybe not when you consider a single season reality show season an average of 13 episodes.  Lastly, you don’t have to shoot on 35 mm film camera now that pro-consumer high-definition cameras are available to producers at an affordable rate.  The Canon XH-A1 is a perfect example of an affordable camera.  I have shot three reality shows on this camera and the quality has been exceptional. This camera provides the option to shoot footage at 24 frames per second, just like film.  Add a shotgun microphone, a couple of lights, a green screen, and editing software and just about anyone can become a creator and producer of a reality show. 

There are numerous advantages to producing a reality show over a television series or feature film.  The lower cost is enough for me considering feature films can cost anywhere from $10 to $44 million dollars to produce.  Likewise, a high action pack drama or comedy series episode can cost an average of $1.6 million dollars.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of money. 

ORDER YOUR COPY - CLICK HERE

Reality shows can be made far less expensive which in terms of economics - more bang for the buck.  I helped produce one reality show, eight episodes and a sizzle reel, for $50,000.  For my first reality show I produced four episodes and a sizzle reel for $3,500.  It’s possible and with a little creativity and the right contacts I think you can do the same.  If I believe in you why don’t you believe in yourself?

Now let’s talk about the script.  What script?  Exactly.  For the most part reality shows are unscripted; thus, you don’t have to write a screenplay to start shooting.  Do you remember during the writer’s strike of 2007 and 2008?  All television programming shut down with one exception – reality shows.  Even news programs continued to air because they in essence are reality.  So, why not produce a reality show with all of the advantages they have to offer?  Come up with an idea and yours could be the next big reality show.

THE BIG IDEA

Topics for your reality show are endless.  They are wide-open ranging from following your friends around, finding a celebrity to be the star, demonstrating something spectacular like cooking, highlighting your profession, to hiding and capturing hidden moments.  Any topic and any subject are fair game as long as the people in your show agree to participate and sign off on it in a Letter of Intent.  That’s the easy part.  The difficult part is getting your reality show on television.  There is a process. So, let’s begin.

DECIDING ON THE SUBJECT MATTER

As with any reality show, the first step is deciding on what I call the “BIG 5 Ws” or who, what, when, where, and why.  We all learned these big five “Ws” in elementary school and now after years of wondering why you had to acquire this useless knowledge in the first place you are finally going to get your chance to find out.  You needed to learn them in order to create your reality show.  At last you know the answer. You probably would have paid more attention to your fourth grade teacher had she told you that in the beginning.  But back when I was in elementary school reality shows didn’t really exist.  So like you I didn’t pay attention either.  Now I do.  Each time I develop a new reality show I do so based on the “Big 5 W” structure.  In no time, I have created an entire concept from start to finish by addressing them.  You will too and with a little practice you’ll be creating shows instinctively and without hesitation.

Now, let’s examine the big five “Ws.”  I’ll begin by taking the time to explain the importance of each and the necessity of learning them now as adults to impact your reality show.

Who?

Without exception all movies, television shows, screenplays and novels are centered on the noun who.  Without knowing who the show is about it would be of no interest to audience members.  One of the very first reality shows to hit the networks was Today’s Homebuilder starring Danny Lipford.  His show detailed how to remodel and repair your home.  He started a very small show in Mobile, Alabama and once it was syndicated became a network sensation.  Today HGTV has multiple shows around this same concept.  Lipford was a trend setter before reality shows became a trend.

Take a minute and think about some of our favorite reality shows.  Who is the show about that keeps you coming back?  Who is it that captures your attention?  Who in it do you love to hate or hate to love whatever the case may be?  Who do you like?  Who do you want to be like?  Who makes you sick at your stomach? Who as a reality star is constantly the target of late night talk show hosts in the form of jokes?

You get the picture.  The answers to the above questions center on someone or some group.  Take another moment and reflect on these people.  In researching for contents of this book I conducted an unofficial and very non-scientific research survey.  I went to my local mall and stopped more than 100 shoppers, male and female and from ages eight to eighty-three.  Not one shopper couldn’t list or identify at least one reality star.  That’s fantastic odds when you bat 100 percent. 

Now it’s your turn.  What reality stars can you list?  Offhand you probably have thought of the sisters in Keeping up with the Kardashians; e.g., Kim, Khloe and Kourtney.  Maybe, Snookie and The Situation are the first reality star names that popped into your mind from the infamous Jersey Shore.  Then there are the rock star reality families that dominate the airwaves such Black Sabbath’s lead vocalist Ozzie along with his wife and kids.  Sharon Osborne has gone on to be a judge on the summer sensation America’s Got Talent while daughter Kelly made her debut on Dancing with the Stars and often appears on the series Fashion Police.   The Osbornes may have not been renewed but each have benefitted from their participation. The other family, the famous Kiss foursome in Gene Simmons Family Jewels still airs today. 

Now reflect on the competitive reality shows where normal people compete to win a prize such as The Amazing Race or Survivor.  We can’t overlook Tyra Banks and all of those beautiful girls wanting to become models in the reality show America’s Next Top Model.  Both shows created “stars” out of normal people just like you and me. How many reality stars can you list?  Two?  Four?  Eight?  Twelve? 

Did you identify at least one reality star?  Good. These are names that we all know and these shows are based off of people, some famous prior to the show and some made famous because of the show.  The point is these reality shows are based on “who” was a part of the show.  Without the “who,” there would be no show.  In other words, no one would be the star.

What?

Simply put, ask “what” the reality show is about.  This is a wide-open topic and includes more than star or group of people.  It’s about what the show is like.  The environment you film these cast members is the key; and in relationship to this section we are describing the type of genre your show falls into or the “what.”

 

There is an array of “what” in reality television.  In essence, there are a myriad of unique genres.  The global explosion came between the years 1999-2000 with the hit reality shows Big Brother and Survivor.  I’ll never forget the first airing of Survivor.  I had my own segment on the CBS morning news affiliate station in New Orleans, LA called Family Matters with Dr. Mel.  Every morning when I arrived at the station the buzz about Survivor’s episode the night before was the only thing the producers and floor directors wanted to talk about. 

When my show started, which was a live call in segment that began at 6:30 a.m., the callers went crazy over Survivor.  They too wanted to get my opinion.  I had to learn quickly about realty television or I wasn’t going to survive.  I consider this a funny little twist on life.  If you would have told me back then that in 2011 I’d be a reality show creator and producer and write a book on the topic I would have laughed at the thought and told you that you bordered on the verge of insanity. 

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The genres of reality shows are numerous.  Table 1-1 provides an overview.  

Table 1-1 Reality Show Genres

Documentary Temptation Island Road Rules Voices of the Innocent	Game Show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire The Weakest Link
Life Drama The Secret Millionaire Bad Girls 16 and Pregnant	Dating Shows The Bachelor Flavor of Love For the Love of Money
Special Environment Temptation Island The Lofters	Celebrity Dancing with the Stars Anna Nicole Darren:  Sharper Than Ever
Competition American Idol Project Runway So You Think You Can Dance Live to Dance	Surveillance Big Brother The 1900 House Road Rules Wife Swap
Talk Shows The Oprah Winfrey Show The Tyra Banks Show The Jerry Springer Show	Professional Activities Miami Ink The Ace Mechanic Face Off
Paranormal Ghost Hunters Scariest Places on Earth Paranormal State Celebrity Paranormal State	Makeover or Renovation Biggest Loser The Swan Supper Nanny Made Charm School

(Note:  Not a complete list)

Documentary Genre

The documentary style type reality show follows the day in a life of someone like The Osbornes. This sub-genre documents the lifestyle of the cast highlighting the good with the bad.  Producers attempt to cultivate the most interesting moments and will often sensationalize them to increase ratings. 

One example is on the reality show shot in New Orleans, Stephen Seagal:  Lawman.  It chronicles Seagal who has been a Jefferson Parish Deputy Sherriff for more than 20 years.  Up until his show, he flew under the radar in his capacity as a deputy sheriff and at times even worked with the Jefferson Parish Swat Team. This is the same police department that I used to consult with on gang members when I was a high school principal.  Another story I’ll have to save for another time.  That is how small of world this is.  Anyway, the producers capture Seagal responding to police 911 calls as he rides around in a black SUV with the Sheriff of the Jefferson Parish Police force.  How unreal is that?  The producers sensationalize the smallest violation of the law and have Seagal come to the rescue to protect the citizens of Jefferson Parish.  They almost have viewers believe that someone who ran a red-light might be a serial killer.  Since I live in Jefferson Parish I guess I should sleep better knowing Seagal is out there on the streets.

Just last week, I found myself having dinner with the Sheriff that Seagal runs with and some fellow political leaders in our community.  It was a no-brainer that the concept of reality television surfaced as did the making of my next film Dark Blue starring Tracy Miller and Lance Nichols.  My company, On the Lot Productions, LLC is co-producing this film and since it is about cops, a rogue morally inept one at that, they found it interesting.  You never know when real reality will present itself as real-life drama in your own life.

Game Show Genre

The sub-genre reality game show involves a competition against others for an ultimate prize as in the show Survivor.  In other shows the contestant can be an individual, as in Who Wants to be a Millionaire or team members such as in the Biggest Loser or Shedding for the Wedding.  I better add computer to the list of possible contestants since the appearance of  Watson, the IBM computer contestant on Jeopardy who competed and won against two humans - Ken Jennings, record holder for most consecutive wins on Jeopardy, and Brad Rutter, record holder for winning the most money on a US syndicated game show.  There is slight hope for humanity since Watson missed his final Jeopardy question on day one of the competition, "Its largest airport was named for a World War II hero; its second for a World War II battle." Both Jennings and Rutter answered "Chicago," while Watson messed up and guessed "Toronto."

As for all game shows a substantial prize awaits the winner.

Life Drama Genre

In many reality TV programs producers have a cameraman shoot as if they were the fly on the wall to convince viewers that they are stepping into the private life of an individual or group.  That is how the terms docusoap and docudrama were developed.  There are also reality shows that follow drama like America’s Most Wanted or EMS.  These shows fall into the category of life drama genre.   

The Girls Next Door reality show could be considered a Life Drama Genre with a touch of celebrity in that the show captures the lives and events around the three playmates Holly, Bridget and Kendra.  For instance, the girls came to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.  The first night in New Orleans, the girls went to the House of Blues to attend a charity event at for Brad Pitt’s foundation Make it Right that benefited the areas of the city hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina 2005.  Kendra is pictured to the left with Rockin Dopsie Jr.  Later that evening the girls auctioned off a variety of different items, including a tour of the Playboy Mansion.  At end of the benefit, the girls presented a $30,000 check to Pitt’s foundation.

The next day Bridget and Kendra were extremely sick with the flu, which happened to be Fat Tuesday.  I was presented with one of the greatest challenges in producing reality television.  I had to find French Onion soup on Mardi Gras day for the girls and get it to them as fast as I could.  In New Orleans, everything shuts down on Mardi Gras.   Nobody gets in or out of the French Quarter and all stores with the exception of bars are closed.  So this really was a huge challenge.  If I couldn’t find the soup, we wouldn’t be able to finish the episode featuring New Orleans.  Fortunately for me I have connections with many of our five star restaurants in the city and Mr. B’s was able to provide the soup on a moment notice for the girls.  The soup did provide the magic cure. Bridget was able to get out of bed, followed by Kendra and then Holly. The three of them partied all night after a quick recovery.

 

Before leaving New Orleans, the girls took a tour of one of New Orleans oldest cemeteries followed by a visit to the Lower Ninth Ward. They saw all the homes that were completely destroyed during the hurricane.  It was extremely emotional for the girls to see all the devastated homes that were not rebuilt and they made the comment that the trip to New Orleans was worth it and very rewarding because they couldn’t believe the devastation of the city without seeing it for themselves.  

Dating Show Genre

To add to the variety of reality TV programming dating shows surfaced as a popular sub-genre.  Although dating shows aren’t an original program idea, shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette became a top choice of viewers.  I consider The Bachelor a spin-off to the seventies show The Dating Game.   On The Bachelor it became evident that the public loved to tune in to see who was going to be kicked off and who would continue to capture the heart of the bachelor.  Numerous spin offs from this show resulted such as Hell’s Date, Blind Date, and Tough Love where Drew Barrymore came on as one of the producers.  

On the flip side are reality shows such as Cheaters.  The Newlywed Game was also originated and brought back to life from the seventies and resulted in spin-offs such as The Millionaire Matchmaker. I remember at 12 years-old watching my brother and his new bride compete on this show.  They didn’t win but my introduction to reality shows began at that moment.  Things haven’t changed in forty years.  Somehow audience members love to be matchmakers.  This clarifies the popularity of dating style reality shows in today’s market.  Dating reality shows went global into Canadian and British markets and a big hit with both men and women of all ages.

Special Living Environment Genre

Special living environment reality shows such as The Colony are also popular and attractive to viewers. Although audience viewers know from the beginning that the situation isn’t real they watch the show as if they were and are fascinated by them.  As an experiment that assisted in my preparation in writing this book I signed up to be an extra for The Colony season two.  It was a quick $80 dollars each day to observe others in the reality show business make a reality show in a different genre than what I produce.  I got paid to learn my own craft.  I consider that amazing to get on the job training and they pay you.  It’s really not a bad strategy to follow.

The Colony operated on the premise that an airborne virus is killing off the world’s population.  It was Armageddon in 2010.  The Colonists were instructed to behave accordingly as if they were the last survivors.  I played the part of one of 30 marauders who invaded the colonist’s compound on several episodes.  We raided them, destroyed their compound and on the next to last episode set the colony on fire.  It was fascinating watching the main cast in action as I was in the thick of things.  I’m used to watching through a monitor in video village.  This time, I was upfront and on camera. 

The Colonists, as did the Marauders, embraced the reality of the special environment created by the producers.  In this case an area of St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana just outside of New Orleans.  The area used for the show was one of the most devastated areas struck by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  Five years after Katrina the area hadn’t been touched and it looked like the day after the levees broke.  This location was perfect for an apocalyptic reality show.  The Marauders had a clear advantage - we were informed by the director beforehand the twist for each episode.   All the same, when my friends and family watched the show they really got into it as if the situation of a deadly viral outbreak truly existed.  

 

Surveillance or Voyeurism Genre

One of the most well known genres in reality programming is categorized as surveillance or voyeurism such as Big Brother and The Real World.  In these shows viewers are attracted to watching life as it happens.  It almost has the same effect as when the fictitious audience in the movie Truman was so caught up in Jim Carey’s character.  The same holds true in this genre.  Usually cameras will run 24/7 to capture everything that goes on in the house or situation.  The audience becomes the fly on the wall so to speak.  That is why the show The Jersey Shore is so popular.

Celebrity Style Genre

Say what you will about Hollywood, but they are in the money making business and they find ways to make it.  One example is tapping into the celebrity world.  This year’s cases in point - the new casts for ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice on NBC.  Kirstie Alley, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ralph Macchio, and my playmate Kendra among others are attached to Dancing with the Stars.   Like some before them, they hope that this one show will put new spark in their otherwise crashing careers.  

Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice announced Gary Busey, David Cassidy and LaToya Jackson.    The cast is proving to be a mix of high strung tempers with mediocre talent and skills as they make their way through the challenges that the judges of the dancing show Trump provides.  What’s interesting about Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Apprentice they both have found away to tap into the celebrity reality world without paying the high sums of money often demanded by celebrities.  Stars like Meatloaf and Lisa Rhina, like those on Dancing with the Stars are using Trump’s reality show platform to kick start their career.  I think it is reasonable that some may succeed in their quest for re-stardom.  My money is on Ralph Macchio who rose to stardom in the original Karate Kid.  He already has a background and an attitude for comebacks.

As viewers we watch reality shows because somehow without explanation we are curious to see what these celebrities will do once they are out of their comfort zones.  It’s important here to note that Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Apprentice aren’t the same type of a reality show as those that feature a single celebrity. There is a crossover into the competition genre. Shows like I’m a Celebrity Get me out of Here and Dr. Drew fall into this category.  A true celebrity style show features one celebrity such as Anna Nicole and Kendra.  They provide viewers a chance to get into the private lives of those they watch on television or in films. 

Why people are attracted to celebrities I’ll never understand.  Maybe as an audience we want to identify with them.  We consider them friends or somebody we know very well.  Hollywood uses these as their weapons.  I’ve worked with some of Hollywood’s best including actors Kate Bosworth, James Marsden and James Woods.  I celebrated James Marsden’s birthday with him along with Kate Bosworth while we all were working on the Sony film Strawdogs.  And just the other night, I called James Woods at midnight to discuss the possibility of him being in my next movie Dark Blue. Without exception each eat, sleep and drink just like we do.  Nevertheless, audiences love to watch reality shows when it’s about a celebrity.

Professional Style Genre

Reality shows can also revolve around professional activities shows such as Miami Ink and Cops.  People love to watch others at work.  That is why one of this year’s newest reality shows, Undercover Boss is such a hit.  Other shows such as is Billy the Exterminator are following suit.  Last night at the wrap party for one of my films, I ran into Wayne Morgan, a colleague in the Louisiana Film Industry who founded the H.U.R.D Network, an organization for filmmakers and cast in Louisiana formed for the sole purpose of networking.  Wayne and I have been friends for more than 10 years and he came out to support my film.  During our conversation he mentioned to me that Dog the Bounty Hunter’s producer was looking at him and his friends for a reality show on Security Guards.  You see, Wayne is also a security guard for celebrities that come into New Orleans.  In fact, I used him and his people to protect Kendra, Bridgette and Holly while we were filming The Girls Next Door during Mardi Gras. This only supplants my belief that reality shows around a profession are in high demand.

Leading the race as the top professional genre of reality TV are cooking shows.  We all complain about them and we swear up and down that we don't watch them but deep down, they are a guilty pleasure.  The Chopping Block airs on NBC but came from the land down under. The Australian version of the show was hosted by Matt Moran and Catriona Rowntree. The premise was that two Australian restaurants were reviewed secretly, they would then be given $5000 Australian dollars and 72 hours to revamp their menu at which point they would be judged by the food from the new selections.  NBC picked up the rights to the show and produced an American version hosted by Marco Pierre White. The US version has a different format with multiple contestants competing in an objective based format with a heavy emphasis on competition.   

The Emmy award winning reality series Top Chef airs on Bravo.   Several contestants at the same time complete different food based challenges which are then judged by a panel of well established chefs.  This has been by far one of the most successful cooking shows to date.

SyFy Channel is jumping into the cooking genre frying pan this year with their newest reality show starring last year’s Top Chef Winner.  SyFy unveiled the new reality series, Marcel's Quantum Kitchen, featuring molecular gastronomist Marcel Vigneron, one of America's most notorious chefs who is on the cutting edge of the culinary field.  Marcel's Quantum Kitchen follows Vigneron as he begins to explore the potential next phase of his career – to stay at Bar 210 in Los Angeles or break away into a private catering company. 

During each episode, a demanding client hires him to pull off extraordinary events and celebrations.  Based on the clients' requests, Vigneron dreams up a menu for the event ranging from a dinner party for extreme sports enthusiasts to a "dinner in the sky" themed-party -literally held in mid-air. The new series debuted on March 7, 2011 with minimal ratings and bringing a strong debate with it.  Some say the show is not a cooking show because they are not trying to instruct anybody on techniques of cooking or sharing recipes.  Rather, If you take the show at face value - a reality show about a very unusual chef and his crew - and bring with it a "how did they do that?" attitude, you will likely find Quantum Kitchen entertaining. That is, if you're not put off by the wealthy clients that hire Marcel to make his culinary magic, or by Marcel himself.

Next Food Network Star airs on The Food Network. Winners of this show get as their grand prize their own reality show.  Unfortunately for them with one or two exceptions they usually get a lousy time-slot. 

Iron Chef America is one of the most popular cooking shows around today. Hosted by Alton Brown this show originated from the Japanese version of Iron Chef.  The concept of the show is similar to a boxing match straight from the movie Rocky - a professional competitor chef who challenges one of the Iron Chefs to a cast iron meltdown.

Hell's Kitchen airs on Fox hosted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.  Ramsay uses harsh language and is very short tempered.  His high strung perfectionist attitude leaves many competitors in tears as they just don’t measure up to his expectations.

Competitive Style Genre

Competitive reality shows began to become popular the day after Fear Factor aired its first episode.  Competitive type shows such as Project Runway, Survivor and America’s Next Top Model provide audiences a chance to get behind certain cast members to see them succeed.  I believe that as viewers we like to cheer for everyday people and watch them overcome obstacles.  In a way we identify with these people.  For this type of reality show a big prize awaits the winner as each contestant must go through numerous challenges.  Shows in this genre have also created celebrities who have gone on to get their own show and status.

 

A good example of this is for the show Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.  Tabatha first appeared on the reality show Shear Genius hosted by Jaclyn Smith of Charlie’s Angels.  Tabitha didn’t win the season she was on but was adored by the viewers.  They voted her as “The Audience Favorite” resulting in Bravo green-lighting her own reality show.

Paranormal Style Genre

We can’t leave out the paranormal reality shows such as Ghost Hunters.  In this style of genre supernatural and paranormal activity are followed and the cast of the show attempts to either prove or disprove the existence of each phenomenon.  Paranormal State airs on channel A&E and follows members of the Paranormal Research Society.

Ghost Lab shows on Discovery Channel. This paranormal show features the crew of everyday paranormal run by Brad and Barry Klinge. They travel the U.S. in a Mobile Lab. Ghost Adventures airs on the Travel Channel. Each episode is one hour long. Follow Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin, as they get locked down during each episode and provoke the spirits to interact with them. My favorite episode was done at the Eastern State Penitentiary on death row. 

Ghost Hunters International airs on the SyFy channel. Each episode is one hour long. This is a spin-off from the original Ghost Hunters. Led by Robb Demarest, this investigative group travels the world to find cases. Investigations have includes Chillingham Castle and the forgotten underground city of Mary Kings Close.

Makeover or Renovation Style Genre

Makeover shows such as The Biggest Losers and Shedding for the Wedding attract viewers which bring out a certain element in the programming to see change in people.  In this type of show someone or something goes through a transformation.  Some shows in this category have failed miserably such as The Swan which featured total transformations with cosmetic surgery.

Shows dealing with design or home improvement seem to be the most popular and fall into the category of Renovation.  These shows not only demonstrate to viewers how to fix home repair problems but provide advice to spice up living environments.  Design Star which airs on HGTV is similar in design as the Next Food Network Star.  The contestant’s or designers compete for their own reality design series. Design on a Dime also on HGTV shows viewers how to redecorate any space with $1,000 or less.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition airs on ABC.  This show selects a family that needs a new home and coordinates with local contractors to completely overhaul the family's current house.  Many other design shows became very popular and have audience appeal.  From shows such as Trading Spaces and Design Star new shows were created and multiple spin-offs.  Former Design Star winner, Emily Henderson, continued to capture audience appeal in her spin-off series.  In fact, almost all of these are now in syndication in the domestic and foreign market. It doesn’t look as if this genre will die out anytime in the near future.

Closure to Reality Show Genre

Take a moment and look at the following Table 1 -1 on page 17. Pay particular attention to the “what” of each reality show listed in the table and reflect as to why each reality show was placed in a particular genre.  Did you identify any crossover into a different category?  Sometimes a reality show can.

When?

There are two elements of “when.”  The first element is seasonal; whereas the second is time.  Several questions should be addressed by a reality show producer. When would it be better to film the show? And, should the show be filmed in the spring, summer, winter, or fall?  There is no one correct answer.  It depends on the type of show and when it should air to attract the most viewers and have a chance at garnishing high ratings. 

For instance, reality shows on the topic of best beaches for a summer vacation, scuba diving or training future Olympic swimmers, you don’t want to film them in the summer, but in the winter, so it can be aired in the summer.  Viewers associate swimming as a summer sport. Another example is Skating with the Stars. This show is shot during the summer for winter broadcast.  Viewers associate ice skating as a winter sport.  However shows on topics of snowboarding or a show where seven people live together in a ski resort would be filmed during the winter months but would have to air the following year during the winter time.  That is why seasonal reality shows aren’t such a great hit because the return on the investment is delayed because of the time of year the show can be released for maximum viewing.

In contrast, consider America’s Got Talent.  This is a summer program geared for summer season ratings.  For the most part school is out and older audiences want something for entertainment to fill a void in re-run programming that often occurs in the summer.  This show is filmed in the winter for summer viewing.  For some shows it won’t make a difference when they film it as long as you as the creator and producer have at least visited the topic. 

The second element of “when” is relevant to the time of day and I’m not talking the time of day a network should air your program.  I’m talking when the camera should be turned on.  A creator must consider the most effective time to make it believable to the audience.  Should it be shot at night or during the day?  Should cameras operating 24/7 or only during optimal moments designed by the producer?   As in Survivor, it is important to film the competition game portion during the day; whereas, the segment of the tribal council at night when they extinguish the torches.  The tribal council segment wouldn’t be as effective if shot at high noon.  Would it?  Big Brother has cameras rolling all the time.  The producers never know when something air worthy will happen.  Timing is critical and elements in Big Brother are unpredictable.

More predictable in nature are competitive reality shows such as American Idol.  Cameras roll at pre-determined segments and not catch what happens in the house where the contestants live.  I personally think the producers have missed a great reality show concept by not doing so.  However, cameras roll during rehearsals when contestants are mentored by the producers, during live performances and with the feedback session when Ryan Seacrest announces who goes home.  All of these moments have been pre-designed by the producers to carry out the developmental arc of the show.  This is an important aspect to consider when you design your show.

Where?

Location.  Location.  Location.  And did I mention location.  This is the most important element in discussing “where” the reality show should take place.  Sit back for the next 30 seconds and think you of favorite reality show.  Ask yourself what attracts you to the show in relation to the location.  To bring this point home, let’s examine the competitive reality show, Project Runway.  Where, or in this case the location, is this show is filmed?  It takes place in a design studio in New York.  This is a very important aspect to the show especially when viewers tend to associate New York City with Fashion Week.  This show wouldn’t work if it were located in Midland Texas or Baton Rouge Louisiana.  Nobody associates these two cities with fashion.  I think of cowboys and hayrides when I reflect on Midland and swamps and LSU football for Baton Rouge.

Now consider Survivor and The Amazing Race and where they are filmed.  Wow.  Can these shows get any better in the location department? I don’t think so.  They go all over the world and bring the world into our homes.  They are exciting for us as viewers to watch.  On the other hand, reality shows such as Miami Ink, which are classified as professional reality shows, won’t work anywhere but in a tattoo studio.  In this case, Miami or the city isn’t the key.  The show could be filmed in any city the world but only in a tattoo studio.  This show would not work if they filmed the show in someone’s house or apartment.  It just wouldn’t be the same nor have the same vibe. 

I have filmed several reality shows and films in New Orleans.  It is a remarkable city that offers a variety of locations.  The key in deciding on the location is to ask, “Is the location suitable and reflect the concept of your reality show?”  That is why Hoops: Life off the Court was decided that it had to be filmed in Kentucky.  That state is known for the love of basketball.  My show The Baker Girls:  Sealed with a Kiss is being shot in New Orleans but it really doesn’t make a difference as to location.  It could be shot in any city.  In this case, I chose the city that was the most economical for the production.  Louisiana offers powerful tax incentives to film in their state and there are plenty of qualified crew and actors available.  Besides, with me living in the area there are no transportation or lodging expenses by hiring local.

Why?

Why? Why? Why? The ultimate “W” of the big five Ws is why.  You as a producer or creator of a reality show have to ask several questions. Why am I producing this show?  Why would people care?  Why is the show of importance?  Why I tell you;   the reality show will make a difference to someone, somewhere, sometime and for some reason.  It could be as simple as saying the show is of importance because it raises the awareness of what tattoo artists go through or why some people choose to get tattoos as in the case of Miami Ink. 

It could have a personal impact on a young teen girl who may be victim of an online predator and she said “No” after watching an episode on The America’s Most Wanted.  In this case, the “why” of the producers wanted to bring to the attention of the viewers the nature of child predators and help put a stop to this crime.  That’s a huge why. 

In dating type reality shows or surveillance type shows such as The Bachelor or Big Brother the “why” is shear entertainment. Producing a reality show for entertainment purpose is perfectly fine as long as you as a producer understand “why” the show is being filmed and can relate that to investors in your reality show business plan.

Again, reflect on some of your favorite reality shows listed in Table 1 on page 17.  Try to understand the “why” behind each reality show to grasp an understanding of the importance of this “W” and the significance this area holds for your reality show.

YOUR SHOWS 5 “Ws”

Now that I have got you thinking it’s time to get really creative and get your thought process working on creating your own reality show.  Have you already come up with a concept and title or do you need to do it?  If you have, then you are already ahead of the game.  If you haven’t, gut it up and think of one right now.  To accomplish this task do a little brainstorming.  Study the reality show genres presented in this chapter and decide which type appeals to you.  If you can’t decide, put the genres in a hat and randomly select one.  By doing so you at least narrowed your genre.  And since you purchased this book to learn how to write a business plan for a reality show, you might as well make it count and create a real one.  Don’t waste valuable time by going through the motion – actually create a reality show.  Darren Sharper, five-time Pro NFL and New Orleans Saints Super Bowl champion, manager Darryn Dewalt told me at the beginning of this year that in order to achieve you must stop just thinking about doing things but actually do them.  He has been with Sharper for 14 years and given him good advice. Why don’t you take the same advice and move forward toward achieving your goal of creating a reality show business plan.