The Inside Scoop Behind Reality Television

There's no shortage of housewives, pawn shops, and hillbillies on television. Once a show is successful, producers rush to flood the market with similar offerings. How does the process work? And how does one show separate itself as the clear leader?
This panel discussion at Full Sail University features four reality television professionals with years of experience to their names. In this lecture, they talk about the process by which reality shows go from an idea to a finished product, discuss current trends in reality television, and give the inside scoop about what goes on behind the scenes of some of America's most beloved television shows.
Troy DeVolld developed a love for reality television early in his career, landing a role on MTV's 'Fear' after graduating from Full Sail's Film program in 1996. He eventually took a position as Story Editor on the network's massive hit, 'The Osbournes.' Since then, Troy has worked on a string of successful series such as 'The Bachelor,' 'Dancing With The Stars,' 'Flipping Out,' and 'Basketball Wives.' In 2011, Troy published his first book, 'Reality TV: An Insider's Guide to TV's Hottest Market.'
Jennifer Dubasak has worked in producing, developing, and casting reality television for 15 years. She worked as Director of Development on hits such as Bravo's 'Most Eligible Dallas,' 'Miami Social, and' 'Thicker Than Water: The Marinos,' Style Network's 'The Amandas' and 'Truth Be Told,' and CNT's 'My Big Redneck Wedding.' She also runs Vintage South Productions in Orlando, the casting/development company behind Style Network's 'Big Rich Atlanta' and A&E's 'Shipping Wars.'
Kristin Zimmerman worked as Production Coordinator for Revolver Films in Los Angeles on shows such as 'Laguna Beach,' 'Chasing Farrah,' 'Bands Reunited,' and 'Totally Obsessed.' She is currently a Course Director in Full Sail University's Sports Marketing & Media degree program.
Moderator Anne Watters worked for ten years in reality television as a story producer on shows such as 'Dancing With The Stars,' 'The Bachelor,' 'My Big Redneck Wedding,' and 'Truth Be Told.' She is currently the Film Program Director at Full Sail University.
Learn more at w.fullsail.edu/fsfilmschool

[@StoryTroy]

Always a great time at Full Sail. Thanks for having me back!

[@atlantabanquet311]

This was great thank you

[@lamontlankford9841]

I HAVE MY CAST AND WORKING ON THE SIZZLE REEL WHAT NEXT?

[@hgwilt1]

I wonder when did they start making it reality TV shows was it in the late 80s or early 90s?

[@consis]

Welcome to the old way of tv and cable. No mention of netflix or hulu or even youtube, the new way of doings things. Great depiction of how ignorant the industry was only 5 years ago.

[@jamasonthielenhouse2257]

reality television in my view is wrong i would never par take in such a thing for any price, i feel it basically ruins lives, i mean people exploting themselves and there poor children that dont have a choice cause the parnets have cusity,

[@mirandataylor6385]

I’m surprised they were able to confidently sit there and talk about such a deceptive career. The average population now believes reality tv is real. And that’s how we got a president like Trump.