Well it was just a matter of time before it happened... reality television is now receiving its own "True Hollywood Story," "Behind The Music," "Where Are they Now?" style documentary series.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bravo has announced that it will explore the world of reality television and the every-day-people-turned pop icons by this genre in a five-part documentary series “The Reality of Reality.” Set to premiere September 8, 2003 at 9-10 PM ET, the series will air concurrently throughout the week of September 8. Golden Globe winner Kyle MacLachlan (“Twin Peaks” and “Sex and the City”) will narate the series.
The documentary series reviews the current trend of reality television series, referring to such current brands as NBC’s “Fear Factor,” “Survivor” and “The Bachelor,” as well as examining the history of the genre, the scandals and the fifteen minute celebrities created in its wake.
The episodes are as follows:
- “The Reality of Reality: How Real is Real?” - This first installment investigates the unseen side of reality television and the producers behind it, exposing some of the best-kept secrets in Hollywood. The episode features interviews with Ytossie Patterson of “Temptation Island,” Sarah Kozer of “Joe Millionaire,” Jacqueline Kelly of Manhunt, Joel Klug of “Survivor,” Jerri Manthey of “Survivor” and “The Surreal Life,” Danny Wolf, Producer of “Busted on the Job” and investigative reporter Peter Lance. From basic fudging to recreating footage all the way down to federal charges, Bravo investigates the stories that have Hollywood’s top brass wringing their hands.
- “The Reality of Reality: Behind the Scenes” - From conception to post production, this episode provides an in-depth look inside the genre that has revolutionized television. Featuring interviews from some of Reality TV’s top producers, casting directors, editors and stunt producers including: “Survivor” executive producer Mark Burnett, “Fear Factor” executive producer Matt Kunitz, “Big Brother” executive producers Arnold Shapiro and Allison Grodner, “Survivor” host Jeff Probst and Cord Keller, the director of “Survivor.”
- “The Reality of Reality: America’s Instant Idols” - This installment explores the reality “personality” - ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the chance to become a star. Some of reality TV’s most memorable stars share their incredible stories, including Justin Guarini of “American Idol,” Jerri Manthey of “Survivor,” Dr. Will Kirby, M.D. of “Big Brother 2,” Alex Michel of “The Bachelor,” Eric Nies of “The Real World,” Richard Hatch of “Survivor,” Danny Bonaduce, Gladys Sanabria of “Road Rules 7,” Joel Klug of “Survivor” and Monica Bailey of “Big Brother 2.” The episodes reveal what happens when reality celebrities hit minute 16 on the 15 minutes of fame ride.
- “The Reality of Reality: Everything New is Old” - From “Truth or Consequences” to “Survivor,” this episode poses the question: is reality really new? Examining the genesis of reality with moments from your popular shows and interviews from reality veterans and historians such as Bob Barker of “Truth or Consequences,” John De Mol of Endemol, Steven Chao formerly a Fox executive, Gary Owens host of “The Gong Show,” Craig Gilbert producer of “An American Family,” John Langley producer of “Cops,” and Jonathon Murray producer of “Real World.” This show succinctly shows how today’s reality series are nothing but the next evolution of yesterday’s reality programs, dating back to one of the first television show ever to go over the airwaves.
- “The Reality of Reality: Outrageous Worldwide TV” - The final installment offers viewers a look into the international reality television market and outrageous series from around the globe. See where and how reality television began in this shocking, bizarre and often hilarious program that examines how far television can push sexual, moral and cultural boundaries all over the world. The episode features interviews with John de Mol, creator of “Big Brother”; Anna Brakenhielm, Sweden’s “Queen of Reality TV”; international media consultant Gary Carter; Brian Dowling, winner of “Big Brother 2”; in the United Kingdom; and the first-ever reality show winner, Martin Melin, of “Expedition Robinson” in Sweden (the first-ever “Survivor”).
Perhaps best known for his recent role in the hit cable series “Sex and the City,” MacLachlan made his feature film debut in the sci-fi epic “Dune” for director David Lynch. His other film credits include Lynch’s “Blue Velvet,” “The Doors,” “Timecode,” “Hamlet,” “The Flintstones,” “One Night Stand” and “Northfork.” He garnered an Emmy Award nomination for his portrayal of FBI Agent Dale Cooper in the series “Twin Peaks” and appeared again in the feature film: “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.”
World of Wonder Productions produced four of the five installments with Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey serving as executive producers and Gabriel Rotello as supervising producer. Jumbolaya Productions produced “The Reality of Reality: Outrageous Worldwide TV” with Nancy Stern and Mary-jane April serving as executive producers.
”The Reality of Reality” five-part series was produced in conjunction with Bravo. Executive producers for Bravo are Shari Levine and Amy Introcaso-Davis.