Analysing reality television program openings

Reality TV shows document real life occurances and the lives of real people, they tend to be more for entertainment purposes than educational or informative.
Made in Chelsea! 
Made in Chelsea is a reality television show which is focused on the lives of about 10 different people who all live in Chelsea and are in one way or another intertwined (friends, couples, family etc.).
Firstly the opening sequence consists of 'Previously on Made In Chelsea' which features clips of important footage from the previous episode. This just reminds the viewer of the ongoing plot and since every episode ends on a cliff-hanger, this will purely involve the audience from very early on because they will remember the cliff hanger then want to see the resolution.

The title is shown at the very end of the opening sequence, it uses the layout of the World War 2 'keep calm and carry on' layout, which presents the show as quite classy since the 1940's was a very glamorous time. The white writing against the blue background suggests light entertainment, quite a chilled reality television program which isn't really heavy or intellectual, purely just light enjoyable entertainment. The boldness of 'Chelsea' suggests that the location plays a big part of the show, suggesting that the people featured are probably quite wealthy due to Chelsea being a very respectable city. The use of the British campaign layout and the boldness of Chelsea definitely is an implication that it's a very British television program, which puts focus upon an upper class British lifestyle. The crown another obvious suggestion that the characters are wealthy, glamorous and have quite an easy lifestyle. This would appeal to the young adult/teenage target audience that Made In Chelsea aims for since that life of luxury and ease is something that greatly appeals to young people, they quite like to watch what they would label as an idealistic lifestyle in admiration. The title sequence is very short which adds an enigmatic question behind what the contents of the television show is, that mystery encourages people to actually watch the episode.

Geordie Shore

Geordie Shore is a less serious reality TV show, filled with partying and crazy nights out more than anything else. It's set in Newcastle and follows the night lives of eight different young typical 'Geordie's'. The opening introduces the different characters as they quickly say something about themselves over the background party music. In the background each time is colourful, flashing lights and footage which creates a lively and exciting vibe. This appeals to the young adult/teenage audience of Geordie Shore as it presents the characters' crazy and exciting lifestyles, it gives the impression that the show is upbeat and therefore entertaining to watch. The characters also dance to the music as they are introduced showing them as 'larger than life' fun characters, who's lives would not be at all boring. The character of Charlotte introduces herself as 'I would never date a guy without a six pack' therefore it is likely that the audience will pick her out as a character that they can laugh at, as she seems slightly dim, which always leads to good entertainment. The bold font used to introduce the characters and the title suggests quite an in-your-face reality TV show, bold, big and unmissable.

The Hills
The Hills is an American reality TV show which was produced for a number of years due to its popularity, it follows a number of glamorous young character's lives as they venture into the world of LA and New York fashion. The opening sequence begins with this shot of the very beautiful, sunny LA beaches instantly suggests to the audience that the show will follow exciting lives, probably of wealthy characters who are reasonably care-free. The clear blue sky and sea represents a perfect place, and gives the audience that holiday-feel if only by looking at the shot which leads to the audience themselves feeling quite relaxed and gives them the awareness that this will be quite an easy-going entertaining show. There are a few shots of typical LA scenery - sign posts, huge highways and glamorous cars which is then followed by this shot of one of the characters relaxing on the beach. The blonde hair, feminine bikini and relaxed body language again implies a luxurious lifestyle, one which perhaps the audience will aspire to. The music used for this opening is Natasha Beddingfield's 'Unwritten' which is a song about living life and creating your own story and yourself, therefore it is represented as a well-made reality show, not following tedious plots but real young people trying to create a life for themselves. Shots follow of the female characters happily shopping, partying, talking, possible love interests are shown and footage of them at fashion events being shot by the paparazzi. Exciting and glamorous lives, which the young female adult target audience would be interested in. Especially the aspect of fashion, since so many young girls aspire to work in the fashion industry, they'd find it interesting to learn about fashion in reality. The title of 'The Hills' finishes the sequence, shown in fine glittery silver writing an implication of class yet simplicity, representing a more serious, glamourous show than Geordie Shore which focus' on 'the dream lifestyle'.