Age of Legends

Chapter 307 Breakout
"Reality show?" As a graduate of the School of Media Studies, Jiang Rong naturally knew what a reality show was. CCTV's "Tell It Like It Is" counts, right? Then what about their "Emotional Mediation Room"? Isn't it one?

"Isn't 'Emotional Mediation Room' also a reality show?" Jiang Rong exclaimed, her eyes wide. "I always thought it was a reality show. Although there is an element of acting involved."

Zhang Chen said, "According to my research, that's not actually the case."

“Your… research…” Jiang Rong looked at Zhang Chen, and she really couldn’t connect his identity with the “research” he mentioned.

Jiang Rong is, after all, a professionally trained actress. If Zhang Chen were to talk to her about a lot of academic theories and speak eloquently, it would inevitably arouse suspicion. In fact, Zhang Chen is not as knowledgeable as Jiang Rong in terms of textbook theory.

But Zhang Chen's problem is that he doesn't have the things from textbooks, but rather his real experiences from living two lives. So, he can extract some useful knowledge from these objective things and use it to answer questions with Jiang Rong, who is a professionally trained student, without arousing her suspicion.

"My understanding of reality shows is that they should first and foremost be about documentation, taking the perspective of ordinary people, and having a grassroots feel. Grassroots, as the name suggests, means that celebrities are high and mighty, which makes them seem unreal. But if you draw material from ordinary people, you can satisfy a certain voyeuristic desire. People have always been interested in documenting other people's lives... because the human mentality of 'eating gossip after one has eaten one's fill' has been consistent since ancient times..."

Jiang Rong thought for a moment, then burst into a beautiful laugh, "You really are..."

Zhang Chen continued, shaking his head, "I really enjoy watching American reality TV shows, and I often rent or buy DVDs of these shows to watch."

Jiang Rong stared at him suspiciously, "Didn't you look at anything else?"

Zhang Chen coughed and said, "Can we have a proper conversation? I'm a high school student, it's normal for me to have many interests."

Jiang Rong nodded slightly, "Okay, I believe you."

Zhang Chen, sensing something odd, continued, "Simply grassroots documentary programs are essentially social documentaries, so they can't really be considered reality shows. My understanding of reality shows is that they emphasize the 'show' aspect. That means there need to be established rules and competitive elements. For example, survival shows bring together people to take on survival challenges, allowing us to observe them from that perspective. Or singing shows feature ordinary people who, through selection, perform on a singing stage, and the audience can see how they gradually become stars. This is inherently more moving than a star simply appearing and singing for you."

Jiang Rong was somewhat inspired and moved by Zhang Chen, "Did you come up with all of these yourself?"

"Just overthinking it."

"By adding competition and awareness of rules, and by having ordinary people provide viewers with a sense of identification, it becomes somewhat like an observational program. It is closely related to their lives or the areas they want to understand, which can create an ecosystem for the program. I think it may develop into a major genre in the future."

“From my understanding, the reason why ‘Tell It Like It Is’ isn’t a complete reality show is because it’s just ordinary people sharing their experiences. It has that characteristic, but it still doesn’t have the ‘show’ element based on entertainment rules and purpose. Why isn’t ‘Emotional Mediation Room’ either? Because its essence is still to provide an outlet for emotional catharsis or to conduct legal education in the form of mediation and service. It also doesn’t have entertainment based on rules,” Zhang Chen said.

"You've got a good point," Jiang Rong glanced at him. "So, you're saying that the previous 'Emotional Observation Room' was just a half-finished reality show in your understanding, but even as a half-finished product, it still managed to break viewership records in Rongcheng. And now, you're going to present the complete version?"

"That's not quite right. I understand that reality shows are novel and might become popular, but they only offer viewers a novel experience. It doesn't mean they'll definitely be a hit," Zhang Chen said.

"Novelty is already quite good!" Jiang Rong said. "What audiences fear most these days is programs that aren't novel enough. Novel and fresh programs are so rare. Can you imagine that even on provincial TV stations, most of the day is spent on commercials, and it's all about hospitals seeking medical advice and treatment? If a good program can offer viewers something fresh and exciting, it will definitely attract more viewers! Hey, let me take a look..."

Jiang Rong didn't care about anything else and was hooked by Zhang Chen's enthusiasm, so she followed his document and read on.

"Seven Days' Promise" is an emotional observation reality show. It uses a fixed-camera DV recording method with post-production editing to create a documentary-style reality show.

"If you were given seven days, would you dare to make a promise with someone to finish something you haven't done yet?"

Jiang Rong was immediately captivated by this very beginning.

Seven days, a promise with one person, and two people fulfilling it within seven days?
interesting.

What kind of agreement is it? To go to the sea? To go to space? That's definitely impossible.

Or, should they decide to divorce or break up?
Zhang Chen, observing the thoughts swirling in Jiang Rong's mind, offered some directions and suggestions for the future of the program.

"I want to reconnect with my estranged parents."

"I want to rekindle a relationship with my ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend."

"Want to make up for neglecting my children and partner, plan a trip (choose carefully, it's a budget killer)" "Want to confess to the person I have a crush on".

Over seven days, the host and consultants help the guests establish a clear and actionable seven-day agreement. For example, the couple might decide the future of their relationship by writing each other a letter. This letter could be a love letter from one person and a breakup letter from the other. Or it could be a date that must be kept, or something long overdue, like taking wedding photos.

The production team intervenes appropriately, without forcibly interfering with the outcome. However, they provide some guidance and planning.

The program is recorded, but the filming techniques should have the feel of a live broadcast.

Each line, each column, is clear and distinct.

Jiang Rong was completely absorbed in the story, and after watching it, she felt a surge of emotion.

She has almost completely immersed herself in the production and audience perspective of the show, and can already feel the novelty and some of the touching moments.

Good program planning should be like this: without fancy gimmicks or obscure content, but with an essence that is immediately clear, allowing you to see the entire program's flow and highlights, and even encouraging the creation and addition of more brilliant content—the so-called collaborative brainstorming.

In 2001, when most emotional programs were still limited to "hotline calls and reading letters," Jiang Rong could almost feel the surging energy behind this program.

In fact, based on his knowledge from later generations, Zhang Chen had many plans that were unprecedented in this era and could be copied from past hits. But his choice to enter the reality show market in this particular way was due to his "genes."

Currently, in the television ratings market of Rongcheng, "Emotional Mediation Room" is the top-rated program, indicating that audiences enjoy this kind of reality mediation program that is closely related to ordinary people. Under these circumstances, Jiang Rong's timely promotion of "Seven-Day Agreement" serves as a bridge between the two.

Zhang Chen's throat was dry from talking, so Jiang Rong immediately handed him a water glass.

Zhang Chen glanced at her personal water bottle, but didn't say anything, and she didn't mention it either. Zhang Chen took a sip and continued, "Speed ​​is of the essence. You can get started now. Register the copyright for the project proposal. For this large-scale filming, my godfather Wang will also go all out. Let's get the first phase going in seven days."

Wang Bowen is also about to get involved in this level of production; he might even be qualified to be the host and leader of the program. Of course, Wang Bowen is also waiting for his plan. The setback with Meng Lihui this time has made him take it seriously, and he should focus on stabilizing his base. Therefore, Wang Bowen might be even more proactive than before.

After speaking, Zhang Chen looked at Jiang Rong, who was staring blankly into space, and gave her an inquiring look as if to ask, "Is there any other question?"

She didn't seem to care about the details, since she could contact Zhang Chen anytime to ask. Instead, she looked at him with a deep gaze, saying, "Our time slot was blatantly taken away, some people just left without a word, the program was repackaged and stolen, and some gossip reached my ears. People who are always smiling at us are saying really nasty things behind our backs... I've been angry, and I've also endured it. When you're under someone else's roof, what can you do if you don't endure it? I even felt bad about explaining it to Teacher Wang, and to you... But now, with this..."

She reached out and pointed to the computer screen, her fingertips trembling slightly.

The weariness on her face was replaced by a resolute determination, and her face regained its color, making her look as beautiful as ever.

"My secret weapon," she said playfully.

"I suddenly regained my confidence. Facing people like Meng Lihui and Wu Yue, continuing to take action and making this program well is the best way to fight back against them."

She stretched out her hand, her five fingers raised in front of her, and the shimmering light shone on her palm.

Zhang Chen didn't react.

She stared at Zhang Chen and said very seriously, "This is also our seven-day agreement, it's settled!"

Zhang Chen paused for a moment, smiled, and reached out his hand.

He greeted her with his palm.

Snapped.

The crisp sound echoed throughout the small rented room, like a spark striking dry tinder, igniting the tiny, hidden warmth in the air.

(End of this chapter)