Master Class explores reality TV phenomenon

 

 The Chinese television industry is seeing a rise in “phenomenal” reality shows since the huge success of Hunan Television’s “Where are we going, Dad?”

The Chinese hit was based on the original South Korean reality show “Dad! Where Are We Going?”

At a master class for the production of reality TV shows, Zhang Jianzhen, associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and chief expert of Legend TV Formats Academy, addressed the current status of Korean variety shows in China.

“It’s a new trend for Chinese TV stations to import and produce South Korean programs,” she said. “In the next two or three years, outdoor reality shows featuring celebrities will be a new trend.”

Creating a “phenomenal” reality show requires the integration of a wide range of resources, from creativity to marketing.

Zhang also explained the importance of having a complete team producing every reality show.

“It’s a must for reality shows in order for the story to be coherent,” she said. “The Chinese production teams are normally divided by stages, from preparation to filming to post production, and this poses a problem.”

The audience is constantly judging reality TV characters, so the consistency of the show is necessary for familiarity to be established between the audience and characters.

“Minor matters can then attract audiences because of the nature of the characters. The audience comes to see the celebrities as people they know,” she said.

South Korean screenwriter Park Hwi-sun is the head writer for hit shows like “Heart Beat” and “Law of the Jungle.” He explained the role of the screenwriter in reality shows, a position Chinese shows don’t have.
“The screenwriter and director are the parents of the show,” he said. With united parents in charge of production, the ratings of a show go up because there is resonance.

Consistency behind the scenes allows the essence of a show to fully develop. “The core element of a TV show forms its core value,” Park said.