Fox Reality and Indie TV Invite Viewers to Create Their Own Reality; Participation Format Series YOUR INSTANT REALITY to Launch in First Quarter 2007
Television network Fox Reality and Indie TV have entered into an exclusive arrangement to create and develop a new LIVE original television series for the all reality, all the time network, currently titled YOUR INSTANT REALITY. Fox Reality and Indie TV are bringing a viewer participation program to U.S. reality television that involves the audience being able to submit material, take part in challenges and vote on outcomes. The announcement of this new development in participation television was made today by David Lyle, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Fox Reality, and Mark Rowland, founder of Indie TV, Inc.
YOUR INSTANT REALITY will be a hosted, two-hour weekly live show where viewers can actively participate in the show, interacting with other viewers and the host through real-time polling, text messaging and submission of their own digital content. As another Fox Reality distinction among U.S. Participation TV formats, viewer video submissions will be included into the LIVE program. When the lights come up the next morning, YOUR INSTANT REALITY invites viewers to keep their reality real with weblogs, mobile messaging and more, until the next program is telecast.
"There have been basic quiz type shows here and Europe but with YOUR INSTANT REALITY we are melding viewer participation with the core of Reality Television. Reality fans wonder how they would do on TV, now they will get their chance...and become famous along the way," said Lyle.
Of the project, Rowland states, "YOUR INSTANT REALITY aims to bridge the gap between TV and online turning the rapidly growing Fox Reality fan community into the show itself. YOUR INSTANT REALITY will make stars of anyone with the guts to take part. If you think your life is more interesting than what you see on TV -- then why not share it with America? And not just for fun, there′ll be winners on this show too. And if you can′t handle the fame -- there′ll also be many other ways to take part -- via phone or via mobile messaging. The user-generated content revolution is already with us online -- YOUR INSTANT REALITY brings this phenomenon to TV."
YOUR INSTANT REALITY is being developed with Indie TV, Inc., the format company founded by Mark Rowland, executive producer of the US version of SUPERNANNY and BRAT CAMP. Mark Rowland will executive produce with Jason George, former CEO of Endemol′s digital production company Victoria Real, who has pioneered innovative interactive projects across Europe.
Rowland was formerly managing director of Mentorn International which brought PARADISE HOTEL to FOX. Rowland is also a former CEO of Red Fig Ltd, which created the UK′s first participation TV shows. He is presently partner in the international investment company Tamares Media.
George previously served as Controller of Interactive Programming across UK Pay-TV network Flextech, where he was responsible for all digital platforms. At Victoria Real, George made his name producing ground-breaking interactive content for UK broadcasters such as Channel 4 and the BBC.
