Big Brother and Cheaters have one thing in common: an abundance of people who gossip and connive against each other. The two shows have another similarity, too: the presence of an army of cameras.
Reality TV has a glut not only of eager participants, but also outdoor security cameras that monitor these participants’ interaction with one another. In fact, in a reality TV set, it is not uncommon for there to be as many as ten outdoor security cameras. What goes on outside enclosed spaces is just as interesting as the goings-on from within, after all.
What Are the Functions of Cameras in Reality Shows?
Reality shows focus on human activity and interaction from the mundane to the unusual. For each reality show episode, it is not uncommon for hundreds of hours of film to be shot. Thats righthundreds of hours! To ensure that the juicier parts of these activities and interactions are captured, cameras are placed in strategically located places. Inside Big Brother’s house, it’s not very easy to hide these electronic eyes. Outdoors, however, outdoor security cameras can be quickly camouflaged to lull people into a sense of complacency. People are...