"Jericho"

"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
hlink.net...
I know nothing about TV production. What input would writers have on
unscripted TV shows?

Let's assume for the moment they are unscripted (not by any means a foregone
conclusion).

Given that they manipulate the story through careful editing, it makes a lot
of sense that they would have writers on staff to draw up the basic plots
and events used to guide that editing.

I hope you're not under the impression that what one sees on the TV is a
100% true representation of what has actually *happened*. Even where the
events are 100% real, it's a very carefully crafted view onto the events
designed to give you a very specific interpretation of those events. Having
writers around helps ensure that the designed interpretation is the one the
producers wanted.

Pete

The new Battlestar Galactica, meanwhile, is probably the coolest sci-fi
series ever.

I agree! It is very well done.

"Peter Duniho" wrote in message
...
"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
hlink.net...
I know nothing about TV production. What input would writers have on
unscripted TV shows?

Let's assume for the moment they are unscripted (not by any means a
foregone conclusion).

Given that they manipulate the story through careful editing, it makes a
lot of sense that they would have writers on staff to draw up the basic
plots and events used to guide that editing.

Who is "they?"
What do you mean by "story?
What type of show?
- Reality? (Location or In Studio?)
- Documentary? (Long or Short Form?)
- Entertainment? (Drama or Comedy?)
- Sports? (Anthology, Magazine Style or Live Event (Series [NFL on FOX]
or One Time [SuperBowl])?
- News?

I hope you're not under the impression that what one sees on the TV is a
100% true representation of what has actually *happened*. Even where the
events are 100% real, it's a very carefully crafted view onto the events
designed to give you a very specific interpretation of those events.
Having writers around helps ensure that the designed interpretation is the
one the producers wanted.

You give producers too much credit. Much of what ends up in the finished
version of a "reality" show like "Fear Factor" or "Survivor" is pure
serendipity. The really hard work is at the front end, in the casting.
Look at how they change up the formula for these types of shows. One time
you get "Family Fear Factor", then it's Husband and Wife teams, then Twins,
etc...

If you go into production knowing you've got an interesting group of people
then a lot of what ends up airing, writes itself. Why do you think Survivor
loves a 50 year old ex Marine paired up with/against a twenty-something
hottie with a Type A personality?
Do you think people would watch a show where 45 year old, overweight,
balding accountants from Grand Rapids are competing for a chance to win a
new calculator? (Don't think someone, somewhere didn't try to sell this
idea...)

It is accurate to say that MTVs "Real World" or "Survivor" are
unscripted...but it doesn't mean they are uncontrived. The editing process
mearly enhances whatever natural drama is already present while events are
unfolding and being recorded in real time (and by casting the right
individuals, the producers already know they'll get fireworks.)

Jay Beckman
PP-ASEL / Editor
Chandler, AZ

"gatt" wrote in message
...

"Gig 601XL Builder" wrDOTgiaconaATcox.net wrote in message
...

What bothers me the most about the show is not the unreality of the
aviation but the fact that the general population would probably be a
stupid as they are portrayed on the show.

Exactly!

But, look on the positive side: At least the hero or the teenager didn't
hop in one of the airplanes and fly it without any sort of prior
experience.

Good premise initially, and the acting isn't even too bad, but
unfortunately it's not a well-written show.



I keep thinking the writing is that way for a reason. They are having to
work hard to hide something from us that should be obvious.

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

"Blanche" wrote in message

This is the funniest statement I've heard all week!

Remember, TV *writers* brought you American Idol, Survivor, Dancing
with the Stars, Jerry Springer, Skating with (whatever) [which I
consider to be the stupidest of all], all the "Judge what'-his/her-name",
and so on and so on and....


What did TV *writers* have to do with any of those shows?

Read the credits after each of these shows. There are always a
number of "writers".

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

"Larry Dighera" wrote in message

A little "creative" input perhaps?

I know nothing about TV production. What input would writers have on
unscripted TV shows?

Um...can you cite the name of an "unscripted tv show"? Even the evening
news is scripted. The script may be as sketchy as an outline or as
detailed as mandated dialog (e.g. 99% of all Star Trek episodes).
But there are still "writers".

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

"Larry Dighera" wrote in message

What makes you believe those shows are unscripted?

I believe they're unscripted because there's nothing about them that
suggests there's a script.

Oh, there's a script. It's embarassing for someone to admit that
they are a "writer" on one of those shows, but there's still a script.

Why?

Cost. It's not possible to cost an episode of anything without knowing
exactly how many cameras, lights, sound equipment, wardrobe, makeup,
etc. will be needed. That drives the number of people, which also
drives the quantity of the food...

Actual production - if must be a script in order for the director
to properly place the equipment, set up shots, call the show, etc.
And don't forget the after-recording editing. Placement for commercials,
suspense, etc.

Blanche wrote:
Steven P. McNicoll wrote:
I know nothing about TV production. What input would writers have on
unscripted TV shows?

Um...can you cite the name of an "unscripted tv show"?

"Whose Line is it Anyway?"
Improvisational comedy show:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whose_Line_Is_It_Anyway%3F

And aren't most talk shows unscripted?

In article ,
Jim Logajan wrote:

Um...can you cite the name of an "unscripted tv show"?

"Whose Line is it Anyway?"

well, there is SOME script for that show. Have you ever noticed
that the cameramen have pieces of paper in front of them? I would
hazard a guess that they have a clue as to what skits are coming, etc.

--
Bob Noel
Looking for a sig the
lawyers will hate

"Blanche" wrote in message
...

Um...can you cite the name of an "unscripted tv show"?


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