Now she's riding a mega-hit. For most of the US summer, Survivor has been the No 1 show. Survivor II is set to premiere after TV's biggest event, the Super Bowl. For fictional series, you cast actors. For most game shows, you find contestants whom viewers barely get to know.
Reality shows are much more up-close and personal.
You want personalities, you want chemistry, Spillman explains. You need to make sure they're interesting, dynamic people who give substance to the show. It's more about relating and getting along with the people than it is winning an athletic event. Her work on the sequel began in mid-June, and this time she has more help in carrying out the vision of producer Mark Burnett. I have a staff of 30, and half of them just sort and open mail and the other half view tapes.