Reality TV scales new heights - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

flamingdog · 12-08-2005, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Space Cadets hoax out of this world
By This is London
16 November 2005

A new reality TV show is aiming to pull off the biggest hoax in TV history - by persuading a group of Britons that they have been blasted into space

The new Channel 4 series Space Cadets has been under wraps since the idea first came about 18-months ago.

Nine people will be told they are set to visit the final frontier as space tourists and that in preparation they will undergo intensive training in Russia courtesy of the Space Tourism Agency of Russia, but in reality the groups will be "trained" for space in a disused airbase in a secret location in the UK.

Unbeknown to them, their shuttle will be a Hollywood creation, made originally for the film Space Cowboys.

A giant custom-built screen positioned just outside the shuttle will, it is hoped, provide the illusion of a view of Earth from space including a hurricane over Mexico and a glimpse of the UK on one day when cloud cover parts.

The launch sound has been created by a Hollywood sound specialist while the shuttle will tip and rock in the process.

Channel 4 admits that the joke could be on them if the participants, who are currently being selected from a group holed up in a secret location with no contact with the outside world, cotton on to the stunt.

Three actors have been placed in the group and will be able to report back on whether there are any suspicions.

Apparently this just started tonight in the UK. Could this be the silliest reality TV show idea yet? I can't help but wonder what kind of pond-life is going to fall for this... and how are they going to simulate zero-gravity or explain the fact that they're walking around normally?

And in spite of my reservations, most of all, I wonder if they're actually going to pull it off?

silent_jay · 12-08-2005, 04:38 PM

I hope I can find this to downlaod, sounds like it'll be good for a chuckle. Kind of like the Joe Schmo Show was, I miss that show.

Menoman · 12-08-2005, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamingdog

Apparently this just started tonight in the UK. Could this be the silliest reality TV show idea yet? I can't help but wonder what kind of pond-life is going to fall for this... and how are they going to simulate zero-gravity or explain the fact that they're walking around normally?

And in spite of my reservations, most of all, I wonder if they're actually going to pull it off?

gee sounds like you have a bit of a chip about reality TV shows -_-

If done well enough, you could be the 'pond-life' that falls for it you know?

fresnelly · 12-08-2005, 05:26 PM

From what I've read, the focus of this show is mostly about the training camp that the cast will be sequestered at. They are being told that the camp is on a base in Russia when it is in fact somewhere in rural England.

So it's still mostly about a bunch of chumps fighting over who did the dishes, and who has an alliance with whom.

Having a faked blast off at the end is a bonus though. Shades of <i>Capricorn One</I>; one of my favourite movies.

Edit: Here's the official show link:

http://www.channel4.com/entertainmen...S/spacecadets/

little_tippler · 12-09-2005, 04:13 AM

eerrrr.....I smell lawsuits coming on, these TV people must be pretty thick! What a stupid idea for a show.

Daval · 12-09-2005, 07:09 AM

God, i hope we can get this in canada, it would be freaking hillarious if they can pull it off

Charlatan · 12-09-2005, 07:21 AM

I read about this show a while back in one the trade magazines. It looks like it should be a lot of fun.

Apparently they get bonus money for every day the keep believing they are in space.

There is a similar show to this in the works by some friends of mine. The difference being that contestants will know they are in simulators.

The producers are going to build two state of the art simulators in Montreal and have two teams go head to head in a race through "space". Each episode will have contestants arrive at space station or planet where they will compete directly with the other team.

Some of the obstacles they will encounter will be things like an oxygen leak. There are five people in your ship and you only have enough oxygen for four. In order to make it to your next destination alive you will have to jettison one of your people into space. Who will it be?

The show has the potential to be pretty cool.

jwoody · 12-09-2005, 07:33 AM

I had all of the questions you can think of (and more) about how they coiuld pull this off.

Fortunately, the first episode was all about answering these questions.

I'm just going from memory, so I might not have the details exactly.

12 months ago an advert was placed in a newspaper looking for people who wanted to do something extraordinary.

Out of hundreds of applicants they removed anyone who:

Had an above average IQ.

Could name 4 characters from Star Trek.

...and some other stuff which I didn't see because Manchester United were losing on the other side.

THey did some aptitude tests to find people who could be easily lead and would be easily influenced by 'group thinking'

Then some abseiling followed by jumping off a bridge.

I'd say it was a good show... but not as entertaining as watching Manchester United lose.

JustJess · 12-09-2005, 07:38 AM

The part I find sketchy and slimy is that they purposely chose "easily-led" people. Seriously, that's just fucked up.

So, I will not give them my ratings should it air in the US.

jwoody · 12-09-2005, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJess

The part I find sketchy and slimy is that they purposely chose "easily-led" people. Seriously, that's just fucked up.

So, I will not give them my ratings should it air in the US.

If you get the chance, I'd recommend watching the first episode just to see how they chose the people.

The whole thing is 100% sketchy, but I wouldn't call it slimy.

http://www.channel4.com/entertainmen...S/spacecadets/

stevie667 · 12-09-2005, 08:10 AM

I saw the first episode last night, made me laugh, and wince. The people on it are seriously gullible.

However, i do think someone will get sued at the end of it...

xepherys · 12-09-2005, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJess

The part I find sketchy and slimy is that they purposely chose "easily-led" people. Seriously, that's just fucked up.

So, I will not give them my ratings should it air in the US.

On the contrary, exploiting the gullible is A-OK in my book. While I try to be fair, I depise stupidity. Sure, evenyone is ignorant of many things... but HOW many things is what makes the difference. *shrug* I'd watch at least the first episode.

flstf · 12-09-2005, 11:34 AM

Tricking gullible people for our entertainment, what a great idea. Could be the start of something big. Maybe show up at people's house with a news crew and tell them they won millions in a lottery then watch their reaction when they are told it is a joke. Or maybe dress up like a police officer and tell them their family just died in a car crash and watch them squirm until they are told the truth. Whatever gets the ratings.

CSflim · 12-09-2005, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flstf

Tricking gullible people for our entertainment, what a great idea. Could be the start of something big. Maybe show up at people's house with a news crew and tell them they won millions in a lottery then watch their reaction when they are told it is a joke.

Don't forget that this was already done, sorta, with the American show about dating a 'millionare'. Can't remember the title, something like Joe Ordinary, or something.

I kind of liked the idea of Space Cadets. Thought it was at least an original idea for a show. Watched the first episode and gave up. It plays just like the usual generic reality tv shit; i.e. three minutes worth of material stretched to a half hour show.

Although I did like how they danced around the fact that they wanted to select gullible morons - as far as we are told, they were looking for 'suggestible' people, or 'easily influenced' people, etc.

flamingdog · 12-09-2005, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamingdog

and how are they going to simulate zero-gravity or explain the fact that they're walking around normally?

I read that they're getting around this little problem by telling the contestants that they're going to be travelling to 'Near Space', where they'll still feel full gravity, as opposed to 'Deep Space' where the zero-g effect would kick in. If they were going to cotton onto this, I think that would be a big clue...

I wonder as well, if someone tumbles to it, and mentions it to the others, whether they'll think he's space-crazy? That would be kind of funny...

HamiC · 12-13-2005, 04:48 AM

Sounds like the Jim Carey movie from a while back... Somehow, I think we'll all be better off sticking to the movie. Reality TV works best when the viewer can relate ("I could do that" or "I'd like to do that"). Not much to relate to in this show, unless you think of yourself as highly gullible.

Rodney · 12-13-2005, 06:34 AM

All that time and money to trick gullible people. When more fun can be had by tricking a cat into chasing a flashlight beam around the floor?

MSD · 12-14-2005, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

Apparently they get bonus money for every day the keep believing they are in space.

We have now seen the debut of a show that directly, unquestionably, literally, rewards people for their stupidity.

jwoody · 12-14-2005, 08:23 AM

I was watching this again last night. For those who don't know, three unsuspecting wannabes and one actor were chosen to 'go into space' with two astronauts/actors.

The three wannabes definitely believe they are in space. It's interesting to hear them and see their faces as they look down at (a projection of) planet Earth.

flamingdog · 12-14-2005, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamingdog

I read that they're getting around this little problem by telling the contestants that they're going to be travelling to 'Near Space', where they'll still feel full gravity, as opposed to 'Deep Space' where the zero-g effect would kick in. If they were going to cotton onto this, I think that would be a big clue...

I wonder as well, if someone tumbles to it, and mentions it to the others, whether they'll think he's space-crazy? That would be kind of funny...

I now gather that they told them their ship has artificial fucking gravity. How do these people remember to breathe?

troit · 12-15-2005, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silent_jay

I hope I can find this to downlaod, sounds like it'll be good for a chuckle. Kind of like the Joe Schmo Show was, I miss that show.

http://www.spiketv.com/shows/series/joeschmo/meet.jhtml

Joe Schmo - how funny. My buddy Tim from DC was actually on the show. It was actually a pretty good time because all of us would actually meet at the bar he bartends at and watch the show with him every week. Nothing like getting the inside scoop.

If any of you are in the DC area go visit Tim at Town Hall on Wisconsin in upper Georgetown.

12-08-2005, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
silent_jay Her Jay Location: Ontario for now....	I hope I can find this to downlaod, sounds like it'll be good for a chuckle. Kind of like the Joe Schmo Show was, I miss that show. __________________ Absence makes the heart grow fonder

12-08-2005, 05:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
fresnelly Functionally Appropriate Location: Toronto	From what I've read, the focus of this show is mostly about the training camp that the cast will be sequestered at. They are being told that the camp is on a base in Russia when it is in fact somewhere in rural England. So it's still mostly about a bunch of chumps fighting over who did the dishes, and who has an alliance with whom. Having a faked blast off at the end is a bonus though. Shades of <i>Capricorn One</I>; one of my favourite movies. Edit: Here's the official show link: http://www.channel4.com/entertainmen...S/spacecadets/ __________________ Building an artificial intelligence that appreciates Mozart is easy. Building an A.I. that appreciates a theme restaurant is the real challenge - Kit Roebuck - Nine Planets Without Intelligent Life Last edited by fresnelly; 12-08-2005 at 05:29 PM.. Reason: added link

12-09-2005, 04:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
little_tippler Leaning against the -Sun- Super Moderator Location: on the other side	eerrrr.....I smell lawsuits coming on, these TV people must be pretty thick! What a stupid idea for a show. __________________ Whether we write or speak or do but look We are ever unapparent. What we are Cannot be transfused into word or book. Our soul from us is infinitely far. However much we give our thoughts the will To be our soul and gesture it abroad, Our hearts are incommunicable still. In what we show ourselves we are ignored. The abyss from soul to soul cannot be bridged By any skill of thought or trick of seeming. Unto our very selves we are abridged When we would utter to our thought our being. We are our dreams of ourselves, souls by gleams, And each to each other dreams of others' dreams. Fernando Pessoa, 1918

12-09-2005, 07:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
Daval Junkie Location: The True North Strong and Free!	God, i hope we can get this in canada, it would be freaking hillarious if they can pull it off __________________ "It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it." Winston Churchill

12-09-2005, 07:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I read about this show a while back in one the trade magazines. It looks like it should be a lot of fun. Apparently they get bonus money for every day the keep believing they are in space. There is a similar show to this in the works by some friends of mine. The difference being that contestants will know they are in simulators. The producers are going to build two state of the art simulators in Montreal and have two teams go head to head in a race through "space". Each episode will have contestants arrive at space station or planet where they will compete directly with the other team. Some of the obstacles they will encounter will be things like an oxygen leak. There are five people in your ship and you only have enough oxygen for four. In order to make it to your next destination alive you will have to jettison one of your people into space. Who will it be? The show has the potential to be pretty cool. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

12-09-2005, 07:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
jwoody Shackle Me Not Location: Newcastle - England.	I had all of the questions you can think of (and more) about how they coiuld pull this off. Fortunately, the first episode was all about answering these questions. I'm just going from memory, so I might not have the details exactly. 12 months ago an advert was placed in a newspaper looking for people who wanted to do something extraordinary. Out of hundreds of applicants they removed anyone who: Had an above average IQ. Could name 4 characters from Star Trek. ...and some other stuff which I didn't see because Manchester United were losing on the other side. THey did some aptitude tests to find people who could be easily lead and would be easily influenced by 'group thinking' Then some abseiling followed by jumping off a bridge. I'd say it was a good show... but not as entertaining as watching Manchester United lose. __________________ .

12-09-2005, 07:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	The part I find sketchy and slimy is that they purposely chose "easily-led" people. Seriously, that's just fucked up. So, I will not give them my ratings should it air in the US. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

12-09-2005, 08:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
stevie667 Too Awesome for Aardvarks Location: Angloland	I saw the first episode last night, made me laugh, and wince. The people on it are seriously gullible. However, i do think someone will get sued at the end of it... __________________ Office hours have changed. Please call during office hours for more information.

12-09-2005, 11:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
flstf Easy Rider Location: Moscow on the Ohio	Tricking gullible people for our entertainment, what a great idea. Could be the start of something big. Maybe show up at people's house with a news crew and tell them they won millions in a lottery then watch their reaction when they are told it is a joke. Or maybe dress up like a police officer and tell them their family just died in a car crash and watch them squirm until they are told the truth. Whatever gets the ratings.

12-13-2005, 04:48 AM	#16 (permalink)
HamiC Insane Location: USA	Sounds like the Jim Carey movie from a while back... Somehow, I think we'll all be better off sticking to the movie. Reality TV works best when the viewer can relate ("I could do that" or "I'd like to do that"). Not much to relate to in this show, unless you think of yourself as highly gullible.

12-13-2005, 06:34 AM	#17 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	All that time and money to trick gullible people. When more fun can be had by tricking a cat into chasing a flashlight beam around the floor?

12-14-2005, 08:23 AM	#19 (permalink)
jwoody Shackle Me Not Location: Newcastle - England.	I was watching this again last night. For those who don't know, three unsuspecting wannabes and one actor were chosen to 'go into space' with two astronauts/actors. The three wannabes definitely believe they are in space. It's interesting to hear them and see their faces as they look down at (a projection of) planet Earth. __________________ .