Do you have a concept for a reality TV show, but aren't sure about the next steps? Loaded with practical, step-by-step advice on the art and business of reality TV producing, and featuring insights from Mark Burnett, Dick Clark, and other top producers, <b>Reality Check</b> takes you from idea to...reality! At age 13, Michael Essany launched a lowly cable access TV talk show from his parents' basement in Valparaiso, Indiana. Fast forward to 2001, and Michael had turned his little talk show, <i>The Michael Essany Show</i>, into a multimillion-dollar project that quickly became one of the most talked about reality television shows. If Michael can do it, so can you. But be prepared for a lot of hard work and a few reality checks. This book includes compelling advice on how to:<br><br>* Better understand the nature, complexities, and potential of the reality genre <br>* Physically produce original reality programming<br>* Get past the gatekeepers and deliver quality pitches to major networks and production companies<br>* Legally protect yourself, your work, and your intellectual property <br>* Learn from glories and the gaffes of those who toiled before you <br>* Utilize the internet and other multimedia outlets to create and generate revenue from reality programming<br>* Avoid the professional pitfalls of the reality TV industry<br>* Parlay reality television projects into a successful and enduring career<br><br>* Shows you all the steps to pitching and producing a reality TV show<br>* Features contributions from industry heavyhitters including Mark Burnett, Dick Clark, and more!<br>* Offers information available nowhere else on the business, legal, and artistic aspects of reality TV