Reality Shows Pay With Resuscitated Careers

(See accompanying Q&A with the “DWTS” talent hunter.) Joey Fatone used the show as a springboard to become the host of “The Singing Bee.”
 
And the list goes on: “DWTS’” Julianne Hough got a boost to her fledgling country music career; Mario Lopez was tabbed to host “Extra.”
 
The thing that has changed from the “Battle of the Network Stars” days is, in a word, volume. “There’s more of it out there,” said one television agent who has set up reality shows for his clients. “With more out there come more opportunities for people who wouldn’t otherwise have had an in on television. Now they are given their shot, their 15 minutes. And some people are parlaying those 15 minutes into 30 minutes or hours or full careers.”
 
Though, for some, like Gary Busey, the options for reinvention seem limited to a stint on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” -- a hit show that is unlikely to do very much for its participants other than reinforce stereotypical views.
 
The television agent said he will spend several hours in development meetings trying to identify career goals and branding options for his clients before coming up with a reality show pitch. His greatest successes have come when he has been able to resuscitate a career -- he did not want to name names, but he has done so several times by now.
 
“Some shows have been proven to be safe and have developed reputations as career rejuvenators,” a television insider said. “’Dancing With the Stars’ is a show people can do. ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ is safe to do. Of course, it’s up to you to conduct yourself in a way consistent with your celebrity brand."

Indeed, there’s no question a cleverly crafted reality show stint can do wonders -- especially if the celeb is willing to open up the idiosyncracies of his or her personal or professional lives to public scrutiny.
 
“At a time when the business is contracting and opportunities for a lot of celebrities are disappearing,” the insider said, “there is greater pressure to take advantage of those kinds of shows.”
 

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