On Saturday, April 6, Onyx DNA Media, co-founded by Delia Hobbs and Arlene Wilkinson hosted their inaugural event. The event was in partnership with WIFTA (Women in Film and Television in Atlanta) and was held at Atlantucky Brewing in downtown Atlanta.
Curating a Reality Show: Insight from Behind the Camera was moderated by Rosalynn Daniels and the panelists included Crystal L.R. Kelly, Shanté Paige, and Princess Banton-Lofters. The ladies sat down to discuss their insight in the film and television industry.
Kelly is an Emmy Award-winning producer and is currently the co-executive producer for MTVs Unfaithful hosted by Tami Roman. Kelly explained when it comes to producing reality television you must know your talent. She said, “you have to humanize your talent” and be able to tell their story in the most authentic way. Kelly also explained that when she is producing a show, she feels like it is important that she looks at it from a viewer’s standpoint, she said “viewers love to have someone they can relate to and root for” when it comes to watching a show.
Paige pivoted from the music industry to the film/reality television industry, where she started creating her own content. She explained that she wanted to get into a space where she could be more creative. When it comes to finding talent that will shine through for viewers Paige said, “you have to find compelling personalities in the people that you choose.” She explained that she had to go against the curve when it came to her show that she produced called Behind the Pole. Paige said that “no one wanted to touch a show that was talking about strip culture.” It was important for her to not only tell that side of the story for those women but to also show them as mothers, daughters, sisters and even friends.
Banton-Lofter originated the concept and the original cast for the Real Housewives of Atlanta. She said when she got the meeting with the producers of the Real Housewives of Orange County that “my goal was to put black women on television.” When it came to creating the cast for the first season Banton-Lofter explained that it was an ensemble of women that knew each other and that is what initially made the franchise work. Banton-Lofter has since also pivoted and is now a talent on WE TVs Bold and Bougie.
A few things that all of the panelists agreed on when it comes to reality television is to have something that you can promote, have a real thing that is going on in your life. Paige said “show what is going on in your life and give your real authentic story. Another thing that the panelist agreed on collectively is when you get work to show up as your best self. Kelly said “your last job will predict your next job.”
To see what’s next for the ladies, you can follow them on Instagram @ckel12, @shantepaige, and @producerprincess.