Y9 - Drama (Little Sister Reality TV)

Reality TV Reflection

1) How have your characterization skills developed in this reality TV unit? (give examples) 

My characterization skills have definitely developed immensely from the start to the end of the reality TV unit. At first, I didn't have any sort of tone in my voice, it was as if I was just my normal self. However, throughout the unit, I developed my voice and made it higher pitched and softer, to make myself seem kind and innocent as my character, Jane, is an optimistic and happy person. Secondly, at the start of the unit, there was nothing interesting or unique about my character, she was quite literally a 'Plain Jane'. However, as the unit went on, Jane had unique things about her that were very easy to spot and were quite memorable about her. For example, her obsession with health and making sure everyone was doing the right thing and the annoying habit of her shouting at people if something they were doing was wrong and just being a buzzkill overall. Another example is that she reminds everybody that she 'followed her heart' and became a nurse which became quite pestering and annoying. 

2) What target can you identify for yourself in order to improve on your characterization skills next term? 

In order to improve my characterization skills, I need to ensure that if I change my voice in any way that I keep it for my whole performance and not lose my change of voice. For example, in my final summative assessment, I was supposed to speak in a high pitched tone, however, there were various parts where I lost my voice and began to speak normally. I could have also challenged myself further by perhaps speaking in an accent as many other people did, it wasn't very hard to make my voice high pitched, in comparison to changing my accent completely. At times, I was also quite a boring character so to improve, I would try to imagine myself in a reality TV show and think what the audience would actually want to see as often, people act completely crazy on reality TV shows to seem more entertaining to viewers so that they become famous.

3) How can you improve your homework when completing written work about the practical explorations in class? 

In order to improve my homework, I would improve my time management skills and organize my time wisely so that I do not complete homework last minute and in a rushed way so that I can meet the deadline. I would also write in more detail and if there's a research task, research it properly so that I have a lot of information to write in my task so that it is detailed and informative. To improve, I would also write with appropriate vocabulary to Drama so that I use terms appropriate to the unit and to the subject itself.

4) What have you most enjoyed about this unit? 

In this unit, I enjoyed being allowed to be completely creative with my character. I could change my character, however, I liked and branch out and try out things to experiment with my character so that I could create a final product, knowing exactly what my character is like by the end of the unit. I loved being given a vague task and being able to be creative with what my performance would be like as there were no specific instructions. I also enjoyed collaborating with all my peers so that I could learn from them through their various ideas in their character and performances.

5) What was your greatest achievement in drama this term?

My greatest achievement in Drama was the time that we could create any sort of scene in the Little Sister House, it could be anything as we were given permission to be completely creative with it and come up with whatever we wanted, which I really liked. Therefore, I made up a scene where I was disgusted by the state of the bathroom and got to experiment with my voice and character immensely as I had to shout a lot to showcase my anger which really developed my characterization skills. I also got an opportunity to showcase my personality as my character as I begged the other members in the Little Sister House to give them a lesson in yoga which was quite comedic as they were very bad and could not care less, it also showed my love of yoga which allowed the audience to get to know my character more. 

Reality TV Summative - 'Best Bits' Video & List of Props

Reality TV Debate

1) Do you think reality TV is more 'entertaining' than dramas or documentaries? Why/why not?

I personally don't watch any reality TV as it's all very overexaggerated and fake. TV Dramas follow so many different creative plots, where all the characters are made up but it all seems so realistic as very talented actors work on them. Documentaries can also be very interesting, they're definitely more entertaining than Reality TV as they're very beneficial as you can learn a lot from them. Arguments between Reality TV are all planned out and its painfully obvious as the people that go onto the show are not actors which is why TV shows are much more professional as actual actors play in them. 

2) What moral or ethical problems might there be with a programme like Big Brother that is filming its contestants 24 hours a day?  

There are plenty of moral and ethical issues with a programme like Big Brother, for example, it encourages people to insult each other and to be catty and two-faced in the name of entertainment so that more people will want to watch it. It can also immensely damaged someone's mental health as a number of insults and fights they get into or things that producers make them do as there are on a contract can eventually get unbearable. Being filmed 24 hours a day is also incredibly daunting as even the slightest mistake could end up on live television. People are also often incredibly rude and racist on these shows as it gives them attention, may it be positive or negative. It's incredibly stressful to be filmed 24 hours a day too as you constantly have to show a fake persona so that people will like you.

3) What reasons do you think some contestants might have for quitting a reality TV programme?

Many contestants quit reality TV programmes because it gets far too stressful. They're been filmed 24 hours a day and have to start drama just so the show gets viewers to watch, producers can instruct them to do whatever so that it will be more entertaining. Many fights occur during shows like these which is people leave very often, its get way too much to handle as there can be select contestants that are far too cruel so that they can end up winning. Producers can make you do specific things to other people so that it can be filmed, they can make you retake takes so that it will be more perfected and interesting. 

4) How 'real' is the action or coverage that we see in reality TV programmes? 

Reality TV programmes are very fake, if people were living in a house together normally, they wouldn't be as catty and rude as they are on television as there is nobody you need to entertain and no viewers you need to attract, even if they secretly hated them they wouldn't straight out say anything or at least not go to the level and extremity of arguments you see on reality TV. Producers also constantly tell you to do specific things to increase the amount of drama to attract viewers. The fights are almost always not even real and just acted out so that the show would be more interesting. 

Emotional Entrances

The above image showcases my excitement in entering the Little Sister house. Upon entering the house, all I could feel was nervousness and excitement to be able to be a part of the reality TV show. My initial thoughts were that this was going to be an amazing experience and I can justify that by the above image that shows my optimistic and happy face upon opening the door to find the Little Sister house awaiting me. It's clear that I'm also in awe of everything I'm seeing in front of me.

The above picture uses body language as we're doing a firm handshake which shows that it's not awkward, opposed to a very quick and rushed handshake and we both look happy and comfortable to be meeting each other. This image also showcases that I'm also very excited about meeting a cast member as I'm generally kind to everyone. 

The above image showcases my excitement in talking about my profession, a traveling nurse. I'm using body language as my hands are raised in fists to showcase my happiness towards my job and how I love working as a nurse. I'm also smiling broadly to show that I'm proud of my profession too.

I didn't really get to talk much alone with any of the cast members, although I did really like Kim as he seemed happy to meet me and wasn't mean at one point at all. It's also never awkward between us and I was quick to defend when Brick insulted and laughed at him for being unemployed. A cast member I don't really like so far is Brick, as he made fun of someone simply because they were unemployed and even shoved Kim which resulted in a fight which I had to break up. He also suggested breaking something in the house, just for the fun of it which is something I found extremely disrespectful as the producers worked very hard to design the house and it would be incredibly mean to ruin all their hard work. 

Map Design - Little Sister House

The picture above showcases a bird's eye view of how I, along with Mike and Kim designed the Little Sister House. Each one of us picked what we wanted in the house. There were disputes over whether a specific room was needed or not. For example, I found no point in the wave pool as we already have another swimming pool but Mike insisted on having one due to his love of surfing and there being no ocean available. Kim insisted on having a huge field for him to play sports in which wasn't needed at all considering we have a garden to do all those things in, he even begged for a gym to be put in the house which we had to comply with as he was adamant and refused to back down. I asked for a botanical garden so that I could have a beautiful view while I do yoga and meditation but I still stay refreshed as the sun and weather won't be at full blast due to me being indoors. For an overall house tour, when you walk into the entrance hall you must have your identity checked by placing your fingerprint and other background checks in order to be allowed in. Once you walk in, there is a toilet to the right and a kitchen on the left which is perfect for me as I love to bake, it's one of my favorite hobbies. In front of the entrance hall is a large sitting room for everyone to hang out indoors if the weather is too hot. Next to the first toilet are two large bedrooms, one for the females and one for the males. Next to the second bedroom is another toilet and next to the sitting room is a dining room for everyone to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner inside. The door in the dining room on the other side of the wall leads you to the huge field. Once you walk through the field you're met with the wave pool that is right next to the diary room. If you walk through the garden or the diary room, you're met with the sky room where you can admire the view surrounding you. After the sky room, the huge pool is right in front of you. Next to the pool is the gym, courtesy of Kim, it'll be good to keep fit while in the Little Sister house but personally, I don't think it was needed at all. Next to the gym is my favorite room in the house, the botanical gardens that provide stunning scenery to admire while you meditate, I'll truly be in my happy place in there.

Little Sister - Application Form

Personal Information

Name: Jane Smith

Date of Birth: March 16, 1992 (I'm a Pisces which is why I'm a peaceful person. They're usually very selfless which I would consider myself as I chose to become a traveling nurse. Pisces also is characterized by empathy which is what a water sign usually is, this also explains my career choice.)

Age: 25

Where I Live: I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona but moved to Dubai in hopes to attend this amazing show which will grant me so many opportunities. 

Jobs & Qualifications

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in nursing.

Current Job: Traveling nurse to fulfill my heart's desire which is to help people all across the globe.

Other Jobs I've Had: A waitress to save up money to go to college so I can help people.

All About Me

Hobbies and Interests: I love to practice yoga as it calms me immensely. I love to run to release endorphins to make me happier and more of my usual optimistic self. I love to read science fiction books as I find it absolutely fascinating and I love to bake but only healthy sweets of course!

Favorite TV Show: I have so many favorites as I love comedy shows but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be Friends as I am a goofy and playful person so this show entertains me immensely.

Favorite Food: Digestive cookies because I love to bake but it is very important to be healthy.

Least Favorite TV Show: Killer Karaoke because I despise when people get hurt just for entertainment purposes.

Least Favorite Food: Red meat, it is incredibly bad for your health so it's not worth it especially since the only thing it offers you is a good taste.

What I Like In A Person: People who are selfless and caring. Seeing how people treat their inferiors is how I judge a person character, if I see that they are immensely kind to everyone, no matter who they are, I immediately take a liking to them.

What Annoys Me About People: When people are cruel for no reason and when they think they're better than everyone else. Everyone is equal and deserve the same rights.

Above is my picture for my application form. It features me doing my favorite activities, these include watching my favorite comedy show, Friends. My favorite genre of TV is comedy and Friends is my absolute favorite comedy show as its quite a light-hearted and playful show. As I am a very energetic and playful person, I hate any sad or violent shows and so Friends is perfect for me. In addition to that, my personality is often described as quite goofy which is why comedy shows appeal so much to me and violent, serious shows do not. Next to me are my science fiction books that are on my reading list which I hope to begin reading after I finish my daily meditation. This is because one of my other favorite hobbies is reading science fiction books.

I love to do yoga so I'm doing a simple pose as a form of meditating to calm my nerves so that I can stay my normal energetic and optimistic self. Yoga is extremely good for the mind and helps to destress so I do it on a daily basis to remain calm. I'm in my workout clothes as I love to go running which I was doing shortly before, the yoga was to stretch my muscles after running so I won't be sore the next day. Running is one of my favorite activities to do as it helps release endorphins which make you happier.  All of these forms of exercise and ways of keeping fit is why I keep my hair tied back. The show I'm viewing keeps me entertained which is why I'm smiling in the image while meditating, I'm also quite an energetic, optimistic and playful person which is why I'm constantly smiling as I am radiant with joy. Running also helps me keep fit and I try to do it as often as I can, however, I have a hectic work schedule.

The reason I love to do yoga and run as often as I can is that its a necessity to keep healthy and fit to live a long, radiant life. I constantly wear my nurse hat because I take immense pride in my field of work as it truly helps so many people all around the world. Behind me are my pink curtains which portray my playful personality as that is one of the color's definitions. My carpet is the color red as it is associated with passion and love which portrays how passionate I am about my job and how much I love to follow my heart and do all my life dreams, one of them is helping people.

Little Sister - First Meeting

The video below showcases my first try as playing the character I was given, Jane Smith. She's a traveling nurse, whose life motto is to follow your heart. Therefore, I decided that my heart's dream would be helping people, hence why I'm a traveling nurse. I love to bake, run and do yoga which I briefly mention in the video below. This is definitely not my final product for my character as I'm still experimenting to see how I can improve upon it and make it more creative yet realistic. In my character description, it mentions that I'm often gullible and oblivious which is why I tend not to respond when people insult me and take immediate offense when they do, however, I don't retaliate. This is because I let people think what they will about me and disregard me. In my character description, I'm also supposed to be goofy which I will attempt to add to my character though that will definitely be a struggle for me as I'm not a very comedic person. I attempted to make my voice more high pitched and kinder to demonstrate my optimism which is why I sound very happy and go lucky in the video.