Logo

Adalian Column: It’s Time to Treat Reality Stars Like the Actors They Are

Jun 8, 2009  •  Post A Comment

By Josef Adalian

Right now, the first star of the modern reality TV era– "Survivor" meanie Richard Hatch– is holed up somewhere in a Pennsylvania halfway house, serving out the remainder of a four-year prison sentence for tax evasion.

Meanwhile, on the Costa Rican set of NBC’s "I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!," Hatch’s bastard stepchildren, Spencer and Heidi Pratt, are busy flexing every one of their underdeveloped acting muscles as part of their desperate bid to stay at the center of the network’s silly summer sideshow.

Hatch and the Pratts don’t have much in common, save for this: All three reality "stars" acted their way to celebrity. They’re part of an ever-growing roster of "talent" who provide thespian-like services to reality producers at cut-rate prices.

hatch.jpg

And it’s about time producers admit what’s going on, and begin compensating their actors for the services provided.

The probability of this happening, of course, is about as likely as universal health care being passed this year without any opposition by the Republicans.

As it is, reality producers– like their scripted peers– are already being forced to slash budgets as networks try to rein in costs wherever possible. Since reality shows are largely non-union, it’s much easier to squeeze budget savings from "Hell’s Kitchen" than "House."

Paying the "Biggest Losers" and "Survivors" of the world more coin just because it’s right? Not gonna happen.

But there’s a better reason producers need to be thinking about declaring their contestants actors, and paying them accordingly. If they don’t act on their own, eventually the government might step in and order them to do so.

It’s already happened in France.

Without much fanfare, that country’s highest court ruled last week that participants in a local version of "Temptation Island" were actually performers and were entitled to contracts and compensation similar to that provided more established thespians.

And in the U.K., the New York Times noted that the government was looking into working conditions on reality shows after the much-hyped breakdown of Susan Boyle after her surprise loss on "Britain’s Got Talent."

Now, France is generally a worker’s paradise compared to the U.S. I mean, they still get to take vacations over there.

In the U.S., bloggers aren’t even allowed bathroom breaks, lest they miss out on a single nugget of news.

What’s more, attempts by the Writers Guild of America to unionize reality workers have largely flopped. There simply are too many struggling editors and producers looking to make a Hollywood breakthrough, and willing to work crazy hours to do so.

But there’s a big difference between reality "writers" and reality "actors."

The former are faceless drones who toil in obscurity, not unlike the millions of other Americans who work $9 per hour jobs with no benefits. They’re being taken advantage of, to a degree, but no more so than many others in 2009 America.

By contrast, reality stars– when producers do their jobs– become a part of our culture.

Like Richie Cunningham, Sam Malone or Jessica Fletcher, the reality stars of the 2000s are beloved by many, and in some cases loathed, even more so in some cases because they’re real. The reason Jon and Kate Gosselin are on the cover of People this week is because millions of Americans have grown to think of the couple and their brood as parts of their extended family.

heidi-spencer-scorpio.jpg

So imagine what will happen once a popular reality star on a U.S. show decides to disregard the carefully crafted legal documents all unscripted contestants are forced to sign, and opts to file a suit against a producer.

Indeed, one attorney told the Times he’s already talking to lawyers in the States about how to structure cases challenging the notion that reality stars are contestants, rather than actors.

"You will see that France is not an exception — this isn’t just the crazy French or anything like that,” said Jérémie Assous, the French lawyer who represented the "real people" in the "Temptation Island" case.

But even if U.S. courts prove unfriendly to such a plea, producers have to be concerned about government intervention. If a Susan Boyle-like situation were to arise here, is there any doubt some politicians would race to take advantage of the situation by introducing a reality star bill of rights?

I’m sure some producers reading this will sigh that most reality participants really aren’t the same as actors. While the Pratts might be willing to take off camera direction from producers– I’ve got no proof that’s happening, but…c’mon– they’ll argue that the average "real" person can’t be controlled or depended upon to provide the drama producers need.

Perhaps. But that doesn’t mean many reality producers don’t try their darndest to coax their talent into providing the plot points they’ve written up well in advance. And it doesn’t change the fact that once they find a little bit of fame, many reality stars– like the Gosselins or Tiffany "New York" Pollard– don’t immediately find themselves being courted by agents and managers.

Rather than continuing to maintain the fiction that contestants aren’t performers, reality producers need to admit the truth and start treating their actors with the respect they deserve. That doesn’t mean the cast of "Survivor" ought to have plush trailers waiting for them off-camera between immunity challenges, or that the…um, "ladies" on VH1’s "…of Love" franchise out to get spa treatments after every cat fight.

But why not pay stipends of more than a couple hundred dollars a day? And if a show works, why not give participants a bonus in recognition of a job well done?

I know, it all sounds naive. But as modern reality prepares to enter its second decade, it seems inevitable that those folks who’ve had so much to do with the genre’s success will eventually step up and demand to share in the spoils.

“Producers aren’t above the law,” Assous said. “They have to respect the law, just like Michelin or McDonald’s.”

 

90 Comments

  1. The reason why these people are paid a pittance is because they’re utterly replaceable. Reality TV viewers will watch whoever the producers elect to cast (and provide cues for).
    In a rare instance where a reality “star” is wholly unique they can get their dues. It’s not as though they’re all paid bottom dollar. The Osbournes’ got a collective 20 million following the success of their first season on MTV.

  2. Joe:
    Enjoyed your piece here. Maybe TVW should create a Reality Stars Hall of Fame right in Hollywood?. Are you familar with the work of the organization called Realty Cares?..they are doing some nice things in the name of the genre

  3. Reality tv is, and always will be a bunch of crap. Of course the “contestants” act their little hearts out. It’s expected of them. It’s not real or no one would care to watch it. It would be boring as hell and viewers who like this type of program would quickly flip the channel. People have always enjoyed watching this crap and will continue. I just hope that they don’t turn into total trolls touting their favourires below. Happy commenting! 🙂

  4. Thanks for posting this. Would be intrested to read more or possibly please contact me by email thank you!

  5. Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?

  6. Hi, awesome post, I truly enjoyed reading this. This post gave me the kick to try my own blog, please see my blog by clicking my name at the top of this comment, thank you

  7. Good post, thanks

  8. Thanks for posting this it was helpful for a paper I am now writing for my finals. Thanks

  9. Wonderful to read!

  10. Excellent job.

  11. I will definatly be putting this post in my favorites great post very informative post thank you for the share.

  12. Thanks for your visiting this http://www.replicaseller.com/replica-pens online store.

  13. Do you realy want high profile gossip? Dislike it? Can you take very long lunches from work when you’re conscious when the trendy issue of People will hit the newstands? I waiting to find out just how many people actually find hollywood news entertaining, and just how many merely find the infatuation about it plain stupid.

  14. Outstanding! Ahmadinejad did us a big favor! Each of us anxiously delude ourselves into thinking this guy (and others who applaud him) are fit to get treated as good human beings, he spits in our face to point out to us that individuals are (again) fooling ourselves.

  15. New York Jets is a good team,I like it.

  16. I wish to retire for the. But I want to remain up as well as pay attention to Mumford & Son’s. Selecting the latter.

  17. Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass’ favor.

  18. Sorry for the huge review, but I’m really loving the new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews some other people have written, will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

  19. Nice list.

  20. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post

  21. Sent you an email…and enjoyed this paragraph:
    “Rather than continuing to maintain the fiction that contestants aren’t performers, reality producers need to admit the truth and start treating their actors with the respect they deserve.”
    Hobbit Me,
    globe life insurance

  22. You did the logo. I want to do something like that.

  23. I come and read constantly. very nice blog.Thank you.

  24. I cant believe the NHL is going to risk losing one of the best players in his prime to the nHL

  25. Enjoyed having visited the site – so feel lucky yahoo landed me here.

  26. I added Google Reader to your site when I have spare time try to follow.

  27. Where is link?

  28. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. It is the old what goes around comes around routine. Did you acquired lots of links and I see lots of trackbacks??

  29. Hi, I like your article. This is a good site and I wanted to post a little note to tell you, great job!

  30. Kudos for the great piece of writing. I am glad I have taken the time to read this.

  31. Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article

  32. I really like the colors here on your blog. did you design this yourself or did you outsource it to a professional?

  33. Thanks for ones facts but I’m obtaining some issues seeing images.

  34. Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.

  35. This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work 🙂

  36. I cling on to

  37. Love all the opinions expressed here! How is everyone? Love how everyone expresses whatr they feel 🙂

  38. Interesting thoughts here. I appreciate you taking the time to share them with us all. It’s people like you that make my day 🙂

  39. I would like to start my own blog one day. This was a really nice blog that you made here. Keep up the success 😛

  40. Its not secret that im not a very active blog poster, just wanted to say thanks as I enjoy reading your post’s.

  41. I am not new to blogging and really treasure your web site. There is much original subject that peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your internet site and keep checking you out.

  42. Love the blog here. Nice colors. I am definitely staying tuned to this one. Hope to see more.

  43. Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.

  44. Thanks For This Blog, was added to my bookmarks.

  45. interestingly blog, could you update offten? :-p

  46. This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work 🙂

  47. Interesting layout on your blog. I really enjoyed reading it and also I will be back to read more in the future.

  48. I love the expression. Everyone needs to express there own opinion and feel free to hear others. Keep it up 🙂

  49. This is the best blog I’ve ever seen in my life! I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to share your this with everyone.

  50. Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.

  51. cwqc

  52. I hope that you will sense much better already! The main trail of your wellness and do not overdo it. ! Tiffanys rings

  53. Love all the opinions expressed here! How is everyone? Love how everyone expresses whatr they feel 🙂

  54. I love the way you write and also the theme on your blog. Did you code this yourself or was it done by a professional? I’m very very impressed.

  55. I like that! Also check out http://www.kmusikonline.com

  56. High quality info here! Keep up the great work. I love the feelings being expressed.

  57. Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.

  58. You made several fine points there. I did a search on the matter and found most persons will go along with with your blog.

  59. This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work 🙂

  60. Thanks much for the great document. I am glad I’ve taken the time to learn this.

  61. Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.

  62. Interesting thoughts here. I appreciate you taking the time to share them with us all. It’s people like you that make my day 🙂

  63. Hi
    Thanks for sharing this amazing info. Keep up the excellent work.

  64. Kudos to you! This is a really good blog here and I love your style of writing. How did you get so good at blogging?

  65. Great story over again! I am looking forward for your next post=)

  66. Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  67. Great work once again. I am looking forward for more updates:)

  68. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks

  69. Hey I actually approve of your thoughts very much. I viewed your blog on Bing and I am confident you will receive lots of visitors.

  70. Interesting layout on your blog. I really enjoyed reading it and also I will be back to read more in the future.

  71. My english is just not good. Could u give me link to some translator? I want to be able to read this so mucho :(( ..

  72. Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.

  73. I think your blog is great.Just keep on!I think I will come back on one day.

  74. This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work 🙂

  75. Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.

  76. Thanks for your insight for the great written piece. I am glad I have taken the time to read this.

  77. Hi there, I found your website from Yahoo. As a roofing contractor I like your post, I think it is very informative, made me thinking.. I already bookmarked your website and will revisit your website again, please keep up your good job. Thanks!
    thanks
    Vancouver Roofing Company

  78. Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  79. Can I just answer what a pain relief en route for locate a star who in reality is familiar with what theyre talking about on top of the online. You definitely recognize how to transport an problem to light plus build it significant. Additional public must to read this and recognize this side of the narrative. I cant consider youre not extra fashionable because you absolutely have the gift.

  80. Thanks for the entertaining article. I will be taking advantage of the great information on your website. I will be coming back!

  81. Hey how are you doing? I just wanted to stop by and say that it’s been a pleasure reading your blog. I have bookmarked your website so that I can come back & read more in the future as well. plz do keep up the quality writing

  82. Thanks for the informational article. I will be taking advantage of the great information on the blog. I will be coming back!

  83. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post

  84. Super cool logo designs! I love the textures.

  85. Each and every once inside a while I obtain some thing really worth studying when I’m surfing the world-wide-web. Bravo?- thanks for creating actual content here?-

  86. Amazing freakin blog here. I almost cried while reading it!

  87. Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.

  88. in last day i was read a article on your website and i was added a commet and ask a question but you didnt approval my commet. i didnt get my questions answer.

  89. If you’re still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.

Leave a Reply to Cedar Roof Care Cancel Reply

Email (will not be published)