Space Cadets -- new reality show in development

[Jayrot]

I must admit that I am a HUUUUGE hater of reality shows. Truly, I’m disgusted at the direction in which mainstream television has gone.

But this really intrigues me.

"The Independent reports on a new reality TV show - in top secret production since March - that will trick nine clueless victims into thinking they’ve travelled into space. It’ll be filmed live starting in December.

"Issues that will be explained to them include the fact they will not be weightless in near space and that, like Sir Richard Branson's space-tourist shuttles, their craft will take off horizontally rather than vertically. A Russian fitness trainer will also take them through their physical paces.

The shuttle itself has been built using a set from the film Space Cowboys, starring Clint Eastwood, which was made from a Nasa blueprint. It consists of three sections - a cockpit, a mid-deck where they will they eat and sleep, and a laboratory, where the team will carry out experiments - some of them authentic, others slightly more wacky.

The cockpit has four windows, which are in reality giant digital screens using graphics three times the resolution of high definition television and better than the visual effects used in The Matrix, capable of recreating hurricanes over Mexico.

Full article here:
http://news.independent.co.uk/media/article327528.ece

[LiveOnAPlane]

Listen, I am well aware of the fact that there are some really stupid people out there and some of them will believe just about anything.

But I have to ask, what are the chances of getting these people for the show?

I mean, it’s supposed to be an orbital flight, right? No way you’re gonna orbit without being in free fall/microgravity. That’s what orbit is. How many people are gonna believe that for some BS reason, there’s gravity? Well, maybe a lot, what do I know?

It’s an intriguing concept, certainly. But if they get real brain-dead dumbasses, how interesting will the show be to viewers? I think they may be planning on the hoax being found out, instead and planning accordingly.

Huge risk IMHO.

[Jayrot]

So it’s reasonably safe to say that you didn’t RTFA?

[GorillaMan]

Previous thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=345199

[Jayrot]

@TFA

though the term space cadet is slang for someone who is distracted from reality, Shirley Jones, the show’s executive producer, insisted the contestants were “not stupid people”.

“Suggestibility is a psychological term that has no link with intelligence or gullibility. People who have a creative mind tend to be quite suggestible. All the tests we did have been done in conjunction with a psychologist,” she said.

Anyone with a military background or knowledge of space was instantly ruled out. In the next selection stage, the remaining applicants were taken on an adventure-training course in the Lake District.

I agree with you (and so do the producers, btw) that it’s a huge risk. It may well be that the joke is turned around onto the producers themselves is people figure out.

One more quote

Undercover actors will also pretend to be contestants, enabling them to alert the programme-makers if someone becomes suspicious, or to assuage the doubts of their fellow participants.

Only four people, including one actor, will initially be sent into “space”. If just one person realises what is really going on, the producers will take them aside and try to convince them to play along. If all three cotton on, a fresh team may be brought in to replace them.

[Jayrot]

@GorillaMan

Previous thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=345199

Ahh, thanks. Didn’t catch that one.

[LiveOnAPlane]

@Jayrot

So it’s reasonably safe to say that you didn’t RTFA?

Uh, me?

I can’t pull up the meaning of that, and I tried FAQs, but no matter…I can RTFA with the best of you!! Bring it on!

[Jayrot]

Here ya go

[MovieMogul]

If just one person realises what is really going on, the producers will take them aside and try to convince them to play along.

And if that doesn’t work:

“Uh, this is mission control. We regret to inform you that Missy was sucked out the airlock while everyone else was sleeping. Please carry on with your mission.”