Customer Reviews

Reality Check: The Business and Art of Producing Reality TV

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Reality TV is one of those categories of television that few really understand, even those who work in the industry. I think this author did an exceptional job of summarizing what it takes to break into the field, establish yourself, and survive the ups and downs.

I've written and produced for television for better than ten years, and I would say this is about the most accurate portrayal of the business I've read. The advice is sound and could be a life saver for the new or aspiring producer, particularly the elaborate discussions on ascending past the creative competition, show pitching, and circumventing the ethical nightmares that come with the territory in reality TV production.

Michael Essany has a good sense of humor and is a fountain of anecdotes, which makes Reality Check a quick read that, unlike the content of reality TV, actually nourishes the mind and soul. A really informative, well written and researched book.

I didn't buy this book, I was given a copy. I stopped buying books about reality TV when I realized that none of the authors really had a clue. I can say that this book is much different from most similar titles I've seen, at least in that Essany gets it right. And I would probably buy this book for that reason alone. The breadth of utility in "reality check" is quite impressive. And I think this is the first title I've seen by someone who was as intimately entrenched in this genre as Essany was (i.e., as both talent and producer). It's powerful for this unique attribute and, although there is often more information than we really need to have, I would argue that the author has one-upped his contemporaries by actually writing a good book about this business.

Where was this book when I was getting started? :)

I teach an independent radio/television production course and will probably assign Reality Check to my students. There are few practical books in this area, and I was overjoyed to find something so comprehensive and helpful.

Reality Check is an incredibly well written, helpful, and brutally honest book. This is a work that enables the reader to understand the business, how to break into it, how to produce for it, and (most importantly) how to avoid its pitfalls.

What I love is that Reality Check isn't a cheerleader for the programming genre of unscripted television. Essany isn't trying to win friends or influence anybody. It's a cautionary tale, in fact. The candor and honesty of the author is particularly appreciated (and refreshing). He says things about reality TV - both the art and business of it's production - that really make you think.

The scope of this work is very, very broad. I've never read anything that accumulates as much analysis, expert testimonials, and historical data. The interviews and contact information for networks and production companies are among the most helpful attributes of this text. Even if you're not trying to get into the reality TV business, per se, this title is still enormously advantageous if you're going to work in any facet of the television industry.

The autobiographical elements and personal stories alone make Reality Check an entertaining and informational read worth the while. Great book!

I am new to the reality industry....However after reading this book I am more prepared now than ever before to go out and do what I need to do to break into the reality business. Thank you Mr Essany for all of your knowledge!

P.S.
When will you do another show??!!

I'll give Essany credit for coming through on his intention to both encourage AND discourage producers, fans, and detractors of reality television. He doesn't pull any punches. But, after rereading it again, REALITY CHECK has defeated the myth (to me, anyway) that nothing on reality television is culturally viable or of merit. Of course, there's always going to be crap. But, as Essany explores, I think you can make sense of reality TV and make reality TV that is of quality and purpose. Whether you like reality tv or hate it (and want to work in it), or if you are just riveted by the culture and origins of reality tv, this is a definite read.

I just finished reading Reality Check and I was extremely impressed. The author not only assembles advice from an elaborate mix of TV show creators, but he gets them to answer the questions that matter most. This isn't another "how to" book, it's a great way to learn how some of the most successful television shows made it to broadcast. And a glimpse into the determination and sacrifice it takes to succeed in reality tv.

This book has about 10 pages of useful content. The story of how he landed a deal with E! was good, but his advice for others on how to pitch is ill-advised. I've worked in the industry over 25 years and landed over 20 deals from my pitches and many of the author's suggestions are just plain wrong.

TV Pitch School

I loved this book as an introduction to reality tv production. It gave good information on producing and case studies of reality shows. Like any book that's giving information on a genre, they had to give some history. I think they spent a little too much time on the history of reality tv and the shows leading to the recent past. But like any book trying to stay current, it quickly dates itself by not being able to give the most up to date examples of what's happening in reality. It's not a fault of the book; but with a genre that changes so rapidly and growing, this should just be seen as a beginner's guide.

I liked the book, It gave me an honest approach to how to sell a Reality TV show. Thanks