As we learned in our Unit 2 Intellipath map, there are three primary stages of production that Reality TV shows go through prior to the episodes airing for the audience:

Pre-Production Stage -> Production Stage -> Post-Production Stage

The Pre-Production Stage includes all the tasks that need to be done, prior to the actual filming of the show. This includes:

• Deciding on a theme or the goals of the show
• Finding/constructing a 'set' or location
• Casting - finding the show's participants

During the Production Stage, all tasks related to the filming are completed. This includes:

• Making decisions about lighting or location
• Setting up filming equipment in each location needed
• Filming crews recording footage
• Conducting Confessionals and On-the-Fly's

And lastly, the Post-Production stage includes all the work done after the film footage has been recorded. This includes:

• Adding sound effects, voiceovers and music
• Editing film
• Inserting special effects
• Placing graphics and logos

It is important to remember the EACH of these stages are used to CONSTRUCT the storyline of the show. There are messages about the story that the producers must think about from the very beginning of their pre-production tasks. The location they choose and the people they cast, for example, are not arbitrary - they communicate important aspects of the story.

To all,

What might be an example of a decision producers make in each of these stages, and how does the choice contribute to the story?

-Prof. Smith