"Peter Duniho" wrote in message
...
"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
hlink.net...
I know nothing about TV production. What input would writers have on
unscripted TV shows?

Let's assume for the moment they are unscripted (not by any means a
foregone conclusion).

Given that they manipulate the story through careful editing, it makes a
lot of sense that they would have writers on staff to draw up the basic
plots and events used to guide that editing.

Who is "they?"
What do you mean by "story?
What type of show?
- Reality? (Location or In Studio?)
- Documentary? (Long or Short Form?)
- Entertainment? (Drama or Comedy?)
- Sports? (Anthology, Magazine Style or Live Event (Series [NFL on FOX]
or One Time [SuperBowl])?
- News?

I hope you're not under the impression that what one sees on the TV is a
100% true representation of what has actually *happened*. Even where the
events are 100% real, it's a very carefully crafted view onto the events
designed to give you a very specific interpretation of those events.
Having writers around helps ensure that the designed interpretation is the
one the producers wanted.

You give producers too much credit. Much of what ends up in the finished
version of a "reality" show like "Fear Factor" or "Survivor" is pure
serendipity. The really hard work is at the front end, in the casting.
Look at how they change up the formula for these types of shows. One time
you get "Family Fear Factor", then it's Husband and Wife teams, then Twins,
etc...

If you go into production knowing you've got an interesting group of people
then a lot of what ends up airing, writes itself. Why do you think Survivor
loves a 50 year old ex Marine paired up with/against a twenty-something
hottie with a Type A personality?
Do you think people would watch a show where 45 year old, overweight,
balding accountants from Grand Rapids are competing for a chance to win a
new calculator? (Don't think someone, somewhere didn't try to sell this
idea...)

It is accurate to say that MTVs "Real World" or "Survivor" are
unscripted...but it doesn't mean they are uncontrived. The editing process
mearly enhances whatever natural drama is already present while events are
unfolding and being recorded in real time (and by casting the right
individuals, the producers already know they'll get fireworks.)

Jay Beckman
PP-ASEL / Editor
Chandler, AZ