Seventh International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

The “real variety show” is a new genre of TV format created in Korea by combining local variety shows and imported reality shows. Grandpas over Flowers has a competitive advantage in terms of intellectual property in the following three key factors of reality shows: casting, setting, and editing. First, Grandpa over Flowers has been innovative since its planning phase. A new element of “old people” was introduced to the common formula of backpacking programs. Producer Na Young-seok followed “the logic of subtraction” and focused only on the essentials of the program, which means “people” who are travelling. The programs were able to present contrasts between the actors’ true personal feelings and their public images on TV. Secondly, the role of the “scriptwriter” was stressed in the variety show. The documentary clips in the “live variety show” were enhanced with a moving plot, and the “scriptwriter” who knows how to “tell good stories” can successfully create a personality for each character in the variety show that appeals to the audience. Thirdly, innovation was integrated in both production and post-production. Hidden cameras were used to capture the most realistic and natural appearance of the actors and to create surprises and add more fun. The editors sifted out interesting clips from the vast amount of raw footage so as not to miss any trivial laughing moments. Subtitles were no longer “just subtitles”, but were specially designed so that they can express emotions, narrate as hosts, or invite the audience into a dialogue.