Reality TV Stripped Naked with Mickey Ramos

Mickey Ramos is not only a terrific, prolific TV producer who survived an attack by over 600 killer bees while filming Naked and Afraid. She’s also the voice of Kenny’s girlfriend on South Park (how cool!) Plus, she’s dealt with some of the most difficult situations you can imagine in reality TV and documentary series. Today, she not only shares some of the craziest behind-the-scenes stories we’ve ever heard, but offers you exclusive tips on breaking into showbusiness and making better TV.   Mickey Ramos Has Seen (And Felt) It All Mickey Ramos is a talented TV producer we’ve been lucky enough to work with in the past few years. She’s one of those rare, uncensored, funny, and honest people who make everything they work on better. Mickey has worked on some of the biggest shows on TV including Project Runway All Stars, Naked and Afraid, and Paradise Hotel. Along the way she’s dealt with tragedy on sets. She’s almost been killed by killer bees (not a joke.) And she’s had to be part TV producer, part friend, and even part counselor to those real people who’ve trusted her to tell their stories. Mickey’s Skill with Real People Mickey Ramos has a unique knack for connecting with her documentary subjects and reality TV cast members. In fact, it goes beyond a “knack” or a “skill” – the reason Mickey does so well when capturing real life is that she cares. Her concern for her cast, as well as her curiosity about their lives, is 100% real. That leads to her making amazing TV. It’s also a lot of responsibility. Sometimes it means she’s a cast member’s confidant, emotional crutch, and lifelong friend. It’s a responsibility she carries with her long after a TV show wraps. Just some of what we cover today: * The #1 take-away in dealing with subjects and talent on documentary series and reality shows. * The surefire way to earn trust and get people to open up to you. (And really, the only right way to do it.) * The responsibility of putting real people on television. * Balancing what’s real with what a particular show “needs” (without crossing the line.) * The human element of making reality TV. * The ripple effect that occurs when someone appears on unscripted television. * Making sure that you — and your subjects — understand the kind of TV show you’re making. * Can reality TV actually change someone’s life for the better? * “Pickups” and how to make sure you can get them. * Dealing with real-life tragedy when producing a show. * And…The dangers of shooting unscripted television – including getting attacked and stung by over 600 killer bees! Mickey Ramos has a lot to share with you! Hit that giant “play” button above for great tips on breaking into the business, building amazing relationships with your cast, and making better TV! Transcript Coming Soon! Helpful and Related Links * Have a show you want to hire Mickey for? Here’s the Mickey Ramos StaffMeUp page. * Building on what Mickey said, you should know this: Filming Real People – 5 Crucial Factors * Truly understand how to pitch unscripted television and how real people play a part in that. * Follow us on Twitter: @JokeAndBiagio – we hang out there often and try to respond to most tweets. Let’s Make Some TV Together