"Reality" TV has launched whole unreal industry

There might still be some scripted comedies and dramas on television. But amid the relentless rush of "reality shows," good luck finding them!

You always need quote marks around "reality shows." The hugely lucrative programming genre launched by "Survivor," "Big Brother" and "The Apprentice" is many things - maddening, magnetic, undermining of various values we all hold dear. But almost never is a "reality show" entirely real.

Just to prove it: A whole industry is quietly growing up to recruit "reality show" contestants, connect the talent with the shows and help the craftiest players figure out how to demolish their opponents.

"Every week, thousands of people audition for these shows," says Robert Galinsky, whose New York Reality TV School has guided contestants' machinations on "Top Chef," "Joe Millionaire" and "The Search for Next Pussycat Doll," among others. "It's difficult to even make the cut," he said. "But there are techniques you can learn that will vastly improve the odds you'll be cast for a show, then help you win and look great once you get there."