Blogger launches reality TV consultancy for producers and contestants
A blogger has launched a consultancy for reality TV show makers and people who want to get on reality TV shows.
Emma Ashton, author of the blog Reality Ravings, has launched Reality Ravings Consulting, which offers services such as how to write an application form to get on a show, concept testing advice for new reality shows and post-production analysis of shows.
For a $275 flat fee, Ashton will provide a consultation over Skype or phone, a tailored application for would-be contestants to send in, and advice for those who make it to the interview rounds.
“I cannot guarantee they will get an interview or onto the show. However I can provide a well-crafted application that highlights you as a potential reality star,” Ashton said. “There are more reality shows being made, however more people are applying.”
According to Ashton, Masterchef receives over 8,000 applications every year and The Amazing Race Australia received 100,000 online applications in its first season . Bargain Hunt had 14,000 applications in the first 24 hours.
“Plenty of people want to be on reality shows, but don’t always have the skills or know-how to make it happen. To get even close to a camera, you need a stand-out application. This is where my new service comes in,” she said.
Ashton has appeared on The Morning Show, A Current Affair and Today Tonight, and writes for MediaWeek Australia and Punch.
I find her grab for cash pretty disdainful. Just because you like watching and blogging about tv, doesn’t mean you can charge $300 to ‘help’ write applications.
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So you reckon she should offer this service for free, Dana? It’s just another agency business that’ll suceed or fail based on the market demand. How much do you reckon Max Markson should charge? Or should he be free as well?
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Good for her. I’m surprised nobody has done something similar.
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Can it still be called ‘reality tv’ if the contestants/applicants have an ‘agent’ before they ‘audition’ for the role? Isn’t that just called casting?
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I don’t think it should be free – I don’t think it should be done at all. Its hardly resembling ‘reality’ if someone writes your application. This is much closer to casting.
Am also curious what kind of success options it offers. I can fail for free but for $300 I want to know I’m going to get an audition
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Don’t get upset people. They’re all going to be little rich kids whose parents pay. Just like in art schools. Good on you Emma, I love it when people find new ways to milk the rich.
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what planet do you live on Dana? no casting agent would guarantee you an auditon, let alone this service. $300 is an entirely reasonable fee if she knows what she’s talking about and will improve a wannabe’s chances. As Pete said, it will succeed or fail on market demand. And for those of you who think helping with an application is akin to an agent’s role – you’ve clearly never worked with an agent. An agent actively pitches you. This service does no such thing. That’s why it’s only $300.
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So, Dana, you’re saying there’s an ethics of reality TV? And that its “reality” must be defended?
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Just shows how much “reality ” is in the reality shows! Might be better to get a Nida student to audition….better chance of reality there
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I am thinking of pitching a reality show based on the bitchyness and handles of these posts….Reality Bites !
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@Peter Rush – you could not be more wrong. The profile of people who want to get on reality TV shows and need assitance in how to present their profile for themselves or their children is far more likely to be from the less advantaged socio-economic groups.
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sasha, great to see you’re ability to write a reasoned argument. since it was so petty, i’ll just ignore it, and echo Peter Rush’s comment “I love it when people find new ways to milk the rich”
sigh. gots to love the mumbrella snark.
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Firstly just want to thanks to the Mumbrella team for writing about my new business. Much appreciated.
If I may I will just respond to a few of the comments:
1. I am charging $275 (inclusive of GST) for assisting a person with their applications form.
2. People get their CV’s by professional because they may not have the skills to sell themselves through the written word. A professional CV writer does not guarantee the person they will get them the job. The role is to showcase the person in the best possible light, highlighting skills. This is what I will be doing in relation to people who want to go on a reality TV show.
3. I am not a casting agent, and therefore have no sway in getting them actually placed on a show.
4. Nor am I an agent representing them to production agents or taking a cut from their wages. However for the record there are reality TV agents operating in the USA.
5. Dana – Not sure I get the comment about how I should not be charging for a service. People will decide whether they want to pay for the service.
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I think this is agreat idea! I went googling specifically for consultants to assist me in my goal to be accepted as a contestant. I have the talent, looks, focus and personality. I have a very compelling story. But how to negotiate the gauntlet of casting people set up by the franchise and convince them that I belong on their radar? Time to call in a professional to help refine my game. P.s. I’m neither a rich young kid nor from the working class. I think in due time this is going to become a well-established niche. We need you and your Ilk Emma, so thanks for sticking your neck out to help.
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Bruh this is my mum and if u don’t want to be supportive or say anything nice dont say anything at all so shut up
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Slay queen im her daughter
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Your the one who is being petty now so yes ignore everyone who disagrees with u because u cant even think of anything to say back cause u know your wrong and no she isnt trying to “milk the rich” im not sure if u know this u probs dont because of ur previous comments i am her daughter and being a reality tv blogger doesnt pay much unless u are successful and it takes time to become successful my mum wasnt always successful so why not make some money off something she loves doing.
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Slay queen mum
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