Raw, but c*nsored blabbing and blogging of a young journalista
and local news producer in Southern New England.
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Sunday, September 11, 2005

Writers vs. producers (for reality and others), PLUS: definition of Prepro

Tom Reynolds writes in a commentary for the LA Times, posted at calendarlive.com: Even bad TV has to have writers:

...The networks first tried to claim that the action on reality shows was completely spontaneous and unscripted. When that argument failed dismally, they qualified it by saying that writing on a reality show - which involves plotting out story lines, editing interviews and inventing dialogue - isn't the same as writing for a scripted series.

In fact, they argued, it isn't writing at all, and therefore the WGA has no jurisdiction. This is why reality TV writers are given job titles such as story editor, story producer, post-producer or associate producer. I've been a reality show writer on and off for five years, and I firmly believe that the networks' denial that there are writers on reality shows is more than just a way to thwart the Writers Guild's unionizing efforts.

If Tom worked in local television news, his thesis would be equally correct: PRODUCERS ARE WRITERS. Every day when I write my newscasts I am writing at least 60-80% of the content (the rest comes from other writers like associate producers, executive producers, the occasional anchor/writer, reporters, and other departments like sports and weather).

Still, I also get the idea that in markets like Boston and New York and LA that "line" producers are more producers and less writers, that they don't write as much for their own shows because they do more "prepro"* and perhaps put more thought into the "stacking" or ordering of the show's items.

But even something like "prepro" requires writing; the anchor or announcer must SAY something. The font/super/Chyron/character generated text on screen must SAY something. "Prepro" may include the collaboration of a graphic designer, a Chyron/CG operator, a technical director, supervisors, reporters, and writers, as well as the producer himself. (Patrick, aren't you happy I didn't say him- or herself??

In a sense -- and tell me if I'm going too far here -- you could say that making any creative choice for the on-air content of a television program constitutes a writing credit.

No?

So therefore -- any reality show contestant, even if she's told how to act or what to do by a director/producer/writer -- is helping to WRITE the content by creating the content. Coming up with statements for the camera like "I'm so shocked at what John is doing and I'm going to get him out of the house if I have to die trying" -- unless you are parroting someone else's words, THAT'S WRITING! (You are writing the story of your own life every day with every act and interaction. ....)

And shouldn't the actor who comes up with a really good line -- thru adlibbing, improvising around the script -- get a mention or few extra bucks here or there?

....Yeah, I really AM going too far with this.

*prepro: pre-produced graphics or animation to illustrate a concept on a television newscast, or to enliven the story. Can include graphics, video, music, narration/anchor voice over; can be "dropped in" to a reporter package after it is fed in via microwave, satellite or fiber transmission. Usually done as a specially ordered/produced item for a particular story or day, and may only air once or twice. It differs from standard "open animations" like "TOP LOCAL STORY," "TODAY'S BIG STORY," "FOX 12'S MOST WANTED," "HOT VIDEO," "BREAKING NEWS," "DEVELOPING STORY," and the like, which some people refer to as "franchises" or "brands."

Labels: Originally published

... Scribbled by Bill T ... 9/11/2005 07:50:00 PM ... Email this entry ...
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