Reality TV producer reveals exactly what she looks for in contestants… and the one thing that EVERY hopeful star must have to be cast on a show
One of Australia’s most successful reality TV producers has revealed the secrets to getting cast.
Yana Groves, who has worked on shows like Big Brother and My Kitchen Rules, told the Back From Reality podcast that authenticity is the key to winning over producers.
‘I think it’s about being very clever in your questioning,’ Yana said when asked how she weeds out fake people during casting.
‘I look for authenticity’: Reality TV producer Yana Groves has revealed the key qualities people need to get cast on shows. (Pictured: Big Brother’s Skye Wheatley)
‘I look for authenticity. I think most producers and casting directors and executives are looking for genuine people, people that are happy in their own skin,’ she continued.
‘The truth be told, I want to see someone say, “there’s nothing I want more than to find love and I genuinely mean it.” And you can feel it. We know how to relate to people, you can tell.’
Yana said that people who are driven to be in the spotlight are fine for talent competitions, but there needs to be more genuine intentions for other genres, like dating shows.
‘I think most producers and casting directors and executives are looking for genuine people, people that are happy in their own skin,’ Yana said
‘You have to have some element of genuine interest in the show’s elements, so whether that’s a DIY show or a gold digging show, you want people who are genuine so that the audience can relate to them.’
She added: ‘These are not scripted scenarios. The audience wants genuine stories to follow and be inspired by.
‘Genuine people to go on their journey with, genuine people that they can identify with. I think the audience can spot a phony from a mile off.’
‘The audience wants genuine stories to follow and be inspired by,’ said Yana. (Pictured: The Bachelor’s Sam Wood and Zilda Williams)
She also said that it’s important to make sure that potential participants are strong enough to handle the gruelling process of filming a reality show.
Last year, Yana spoke to Mamamia about what producers were looking for in Big Brother contestants.
‘What we’re always looking for is people who stand out, who have the X-factor, people who have that sort of star quality,’ she said.
‘I think the audience can spot a phony from a mile off,’ Yana continued. (Pictured: Married At First Sight’s Dan Webb and Jessika Power)
‘But also people who are interesting… and somebody that can really entertain the crowd or the audience.’
Yana was a producer on Big Brother’s sixth season, which was won by Jamie Brooksby.
She has also worked on Farmer Wants a Wife, The Celebrity Apprentice, and My Kitchen Rules.
Claim to fame: Yana has worked on Farmer Wants a Wife, The Celebrity Apprentice, and My Kitchen Rules. (Pictured: MKR’s Josh and Austin Bonwick)