9 minutes agoAuthor: Arunima Shukla/ Kiran Jain
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We often watch reality shows on TV. Sometimes one wonders if these reality shows are really real. Is what is shown on TV really true? To find out the answers to these questions, we reached Filmistan Studios in Goregaon, Mumbai.
The set of the reality show ‘Dance Deewane’ was installed there. We spoke to the creative directors there and some of the contestants. During the conversation it came to know that reality shows do not have a script, only some things are managed in advance.
The most interesting thing came out of the audience. In reality shows, viewers are called by giving money. 500 to 1000 rupees per person is given. He has to sit in one place and watch the whole show for 12 hours.
We talked about these issues in the new episode of Reel to Real..
- How is the reality show co-ordinated with the audience?
- How much money do celebrities get on the judge’s chair?
- How much do anchors and hosts charge?
- What is the selection process of contestants?
- What is the budget of a reality show?
Shooting takes place only on one day per week, with two episodes completed in one day
Arvind, creative director of ‘Dance Deewane’ said, ‘The shooting of the show takes place only one day every week. Two episodes are shot in a day. A shift of 12 hours is imposed in a day. From the judges to the audience, one has to give 12 hours of non-stop time without going anywhere. There is a little lunch time in between. The production team always tries to shoot one episode before lunch and one after lunch.
Audiences are invited for a fee
Many questions arise regarding the audience of reality shows. Are these normal people or are they called after giving money? Arvind also answered this question. He said, ‘The audience is invited. These are not ordinary people. They also have an organization. There are many people in the audience, who have been attending some show for the past 10 years. About 70 people sit as guests in our shows. A person is paid 500 to 1000 rupees to sit in the audience.
Reading here you will feel that viewers are doing very well, they are getting paid and also watching the performance of celebs and talented contestants. However, there is another side to this. Sitting in one place for 12 hours is hard work. Their activity starts to decrease and they start to get tired. In such a situation the audience coordinator comes and appeals to them to be active again.
How are contestants selected for the show?
The biggest question is how are the contestants selected? Arvind, creative director of ‘Dance Deewane’ replied, ‘We go to every major city in the country and find the contestants from there. We select 100 people, out of which 30 people are eliminated. Finally, 70 contestants remain, who are brought before the judges.
Apart from this we approach many dance coordinators and people running dancing schools. We tell them our requirements and what kind of competitor we want. Those who wish to join the show are first asked to submit a dance video. After this they meet. If the opposite person understands, we invite him to the show.
The creative team goes from city to city to select candidates
He said – He completes all the auditions in one city in just one day. It means that the city candidates have to go to is informed in advance. The production team selects a location and sets up camp there. All the candidates go there for audition, those who get selected are invited to come to Mumbai.
On one hand, the creative team travels from one city to another to select candidates, while on the other, the production team keeps preparing the sets in Mumbai. Both the functions go on simultaneously. It takes 22 to 25 days to make a set. Equal days are taken to select the candidates. Overall the shooting of the show starts in two months.
Contestants for audition stand in a line and wait for their turn.
17 cameras have been installed around the stage
How many cameras are needed to show such a big show on TV from every angle? Arvind said, ’17 cameras are used. Two to three cameras are used with the judge at the center. Apart from this, two cameras are used to show the contestant’s family members. 4 cameras have been installed on the stage. Two cameras have also been installed to show the performance of the contestants.
Heavy cameras are used on the sets. There is also a professional team to handle this.
You must have seen that sometimes reality shows pay tribute to celebrities. Some private images are also used in the background. If the actor’s family wants, they can also take money from the production house for those pictures.
No cuts or retakes between performances
Once the contestants start dancing, they do it till the end without any cuts. It’s not like you have to start over if you forget a step. Once the performance starts, it ends after only two or three minutes.
Contestants performing on the sets of ‘Dance Deewane’.
In ‘dance reality shows’ song selection is essential, TRPs are affected if the songs are boring.
The creative team gives the list of songs to the contestants on their behalf. One of these songs has to be selected and performed. Song selection plays a big role in dance reality shows. The creative team ensures that the songs are well chosen, so that the audience can enjoy both listening and viewing. If the songs are boring then it directly affects the TRP of the show.
If the costume is not right, it is changed overnight.A lot of attention is also paid to the contestant’s costume. All the contestants are asked to dance in their costumes on Sunday i.e. the day before the shooting. If it seems that a particular contestant’s costume does not match the song or the lighting of the show, it is changed overnight.
Hotel accommodation is arranged for the contestants
Proper accommodation and food arrangements are made by the production house for the contestants. A contestant present on the set said, ‘The production house takes care of our every basic facility. There is a hotel for us to stay, we can stay there as per our wish. Laundry is also available for washing clothes. Apart from this, there is a 24 hour medical facility here.
The area behind the set has food arrangements for the contestants.
Contestants participating in non-celebrity reality shows do not get paid
One thing to note is that contestants who participate in non-celebrity reality shows do not get paid. They get some amount only after winning the show. Apart from this, celebrities participate in such reality shows, they get paid according to each episode.