1.
Before you watch the TV tricks story, record what you know about reality television shows.
2.
In what ways are reality TV shows similar?
3.
Describe some of the elements of a reality TV show.
4.
What role does the editor play?
5.
What techniques do reality TV shows use to make them more interesting?
6.
Why do you think reality TV shows are so popular?
7.
Reality TV is sometimes criticised for its lack of reality. What aspects may be artificial or made up?
8.
Do you watch reality TV shows? If so, which ones and why?
9.
What was surprising about this story?
10.
Name three facts you learnt in the TV tricks story.
TV tricks
Students will investigate the elements of reality TV shows and develop an idea for their own program. Begin by showing some examples of reality TV shows so that students become familiar with the format and techniques used. For example, how are challenges included in the shows? Do they always lead to elimination? How are drama, emotion and conflict used to keep viewers interested? What works and what doesn’t work for each show?
Working in small groups, students brainstorm some potential ideas for a reality TV show. The following structure may help them with their planning:

Hook (what will get the audience to watch/tune in?)

Who (contestants, judges)

What (challenges, eliminations)

Where (studio/locations)

Why (prize)
The students then turn their show idea into a pitch. A pitch is a writer’s description of a story/program idea to a producer/TV executive. They are trying to sell the idea to the person/people they are pitching to. A pitch is usually delivered verbally.
Each group of students can pitch their show to the class or another group.
Encourage students to give constructive feedback after each pitch.
Students can then storyboard a short segment of their show with dialogue and action. The following website may help students with their storyboarding
EPISODE 12
17 TH MAY 2011
Learning Area
Arts
Key learning
Students will investigate the elements of reality TV shows and develop an idea for their own program.
© ABC 2011

http://kidsvid.4teachers.org/scripting.shtml
Encourage students to share their work with the rest of the class.
Further investigation
Create a journal/diary entry of a participant in a reality TV show. Document how you feel about being on the show and how your perceptions about reality TV may have changed.
 Related Research Links
ABC 3 – Escape from Scorpion Island http://www.abc.net.au/abc3/scorpionisland/
Howstuffworks – How reality TV works http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/reality-tv.htm
EHow – Facts on reality TV http://www.ehow.com/facts_4568511_reality-tv.html
© ABC 2011