According to Hill
(2005) there is not one concrete definition of what reality TV is. It can be
loosely described as surveillance footage filmed with hand held cameras and
staring non-professional actors. But Hill further explains, and I agree, as
modern reality TV has developed these defining factors do not necessarily apply
to reality shows today. For example shows such as 16 and pregnant or survivor don’t
use hand-held cameras and the camera work is as advanced as that of film.
References:
Hill, A. (2005) The reality genre. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences
and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 14 – 40). Oxon: Routledge.
Short and simple. Maybe you could expand more on Hill's definition of Reality TV? There may not be a concrete explanation, but since there are many, maybe an example of these explanations would be good to jot down. Just suggestions though!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your pointing out that most modern reality TV shows don't use hand-held, such as 16 and Pregnant. I've noticed that most R.TV genre shows seem to be moving away from this. I wonder if it's for HD purposes, or because it gives the viewer a stronger sense of a spectator presence, rather than making them consciously aware of the fact they are watching something, as with handycam, it's so low resolution, lower frame rate, and jumpy, it's more like you're watching a video, than actually giving the illusion you're there in the room with the cast observing dramatic events unfold.
ReplyDeleteI guess this could be another reason why they always insist on having other cast members talk about their reactions to events, because their is no other way for the audience to feel they can participate, and this gossipy, talk about it afterwards, reaction is almost conversational. An example might be if on say Big Brother there was a fight in the house, they might show the thoughts and opinions of the other housemates, and the viewer can disagree or agree, in a seemingly not-so-one-sided way. Hopefully that actually makes sense. I don't really know how to describe it, but as if the viewer is being tricked into believing they are almost part of the reality, no matter how passive.