[quote name=\'mitchgroff\' date=\'Nov 30 2005, 06:32 AM\']Random comment: looks like NBC has chosen their slate of contestii for DoND from the same stable as Dog Eat Dog...no "real people" who look like...well, me...
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I don't know what *you* look like, but I'd like to respond.
I worked DoND and among the several old friends on that staff with whom I've toiled many times before was the lovely Judy Helm. Judy was the Producer in charge of selecting and working with the contestants and their families for DoND, and we talked about the specific challenges she faced in casting this show.
Do you want a dose of reality on reality TV?
First, know that Judy is a graduate of the Goodson-Todman empire who has worked her way through the contestant casting trenches for literally decades. There may be nobody better at filling the the Exec Producers' and network's/distributor's needs. The job is not easy.
To your point on appearance, the thinking at the programming level is that America is not interested in seeing people who are not somewhat photogenic. It's a visual medium, and it's all about entertainment. The contestants on game and reality shows are the stars of the show and they must be emotionally accessible and likeable; appearance is part of that package. No contestant coordinator or producer is going to submit non-photohenic prospects to their bosses. Lower points on appearance can be compensated for by personality traits and other factors, but I expect you will never see anyone who is difficult to look at. And that's no different than the generic but pleasant faces of strangers you see in picture frames when you buy them at Target.
But believe it or not, the hardest part of casting DoND was finding people who express their on-going internal decision-making dialogue very naturally, have up-beat attitudes, AND have relatives and friends who could do the same. They all need to have an exuberant and fun chemistry when they interact. Beyond that, the story behind the relationships of the contestants' friends helps to make it all interesting viewing. Remember, this is a show that makes an hour out of what would be a three minute segment on TPiR or LMAD. It's all hinges on casting contestants whom the home viewer can relate to, care about, and root for... for a long stretch of time.
It's about commerce, not community service. There is no heavenly bestowed right to appear on entertainment TV. But even the most "plain" looking people can be welcomed with open arms by contestant coordinators if they are naturally expressive and enthusiastic, and have an interesting story about themselves. Even in the few seconds that Trebeck speaks with the contestants on Jeopardy! almost all of them are able to project some kind of personality, style or positive image. None say "I've auditioned for your crappy show a dozen times and you sons of bitches have always blown me off. Well I'm here now and plan to walk away with all of your damn money!" Well, none until Matt auditioned! ;-P
If somebody feels they MUST appear on television and can't project that kind of personality, I suggest thinking about very unique sideshow skills, news programming, or perhaps shows like "Cops". Otherwise you're relegated to the Jerry Springer and Maury tier. And apparently there's no shortage of people who will stop at nothing for their hour on the tube!
Randy
tvrandywest.com
