Nevada is seeing nearly a hundred reality shows a year shoot in our state, and they simply do not fit any one mold. There are low-budget, high-budget, unscripted, partially scripted, blocked/planned and rehearsed, unstructured, and every other kind. There are actors pretending to be "real" people, there are genuinely amateur real people, there are real people versus celebrities and much more variation on a theme.

Do YOU want to be on reality television? There are some places you should check out, since they're always looking for contestants or participants somewhere, some time. For example, if you go to: www.nbc.com/Casting/ you can see the requirements for shows like "Fear Factor," "Nashville Star" and "The Biggest Loser," among others. Do you think you've got the right stuff to survive on "Survivor"? Go to: www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor_application/ and see if you can compete! On ABC's network, maybe you could be the next great inventor and build a better mousetrap. If you think so, check out: abc.go.com/primetime/americaninventor/index.html

As you can see, many opportunities are out there for the average (or above-average) Joe and Jane who wish to become television celebrities. It takes courage! It takes chutzpah! It takes perseverance. You also have to be willing to hunt and peck you way through the riff raff, and make sure you're applying for legitimate opportunities. NEVER PAY A FEE! If someone wants to charge you, you're likely being scammed. Caveat Emptor, as the saying goes. Again, for example, if you go to the website: www.realitytvlinks.com you'll see listings for dozens upon dozens of reality shows. But you'll also be bombarded with pop-ups, sexy ads, banners, blah blah blah, ad infinitum. So, again—beware the luring link that wants to lead you off down the rabbit trail!

So, let's say you actually plan to audition and take the necessary steps to get yourself considered. Know the subject matter! Study the program inside and out, who has won previously, why and how. What makes people stand out? Personality? Appearance? Spiel or schmooze? Experience or lack thereof? You cannot be TOO prepared. Do your homework, as the saying goes.

Then, if you physically go to be evaluated, dress the part. Wear the appropriate clothing so if they ask you to climb a rope ladder or dance a tango or cook a soufflé, you're ready, willing and able to do it on the spot. No casting director wants excuses—"Oh, please give me an hour and I'll go get my hiking boots!" "Gosh, I didn't think to bring my pet boa constrictor for the animal handling test!" "What do you mean my 4-inch spike heels won't work for the hop-scotch course?" And so forth. You get the picture.

Bottom line: Be all that you can be, fitting for what you're trying to achieve. In fact, think about "fit" in every aspect, and concentrate on how to make yourself just shine with suitability for what you're seeking to do.

Good luck and go get 'em!

For more information on the Nevada Film Office contact:

Jeanne D. Corcoran

E-Mail: jdcorcor@bizopp.state.nv

Direct line: (702) 486-2713