BAGHDAD, Iraq - Fox has announced a new reality TV show is in pre-production that centers on the lives of American troops stationed in Iraq. The as yet unnamed show is being made in the style of Big Brother, with cameras positioned in and around specific military facilities and in troops' equipment.
"We're hoping to show the drama and grit of war," stated the show's producer, Amaund Van Der Heuren. "Our camera will be everywhere. In their backpacks, helmets, on their tanks, in their showers. Technology being what it is, we can now insert super-small cameras inside bullets. So we hope to get some amazing shots."
Although defence personnel have expressed some reservations about the nature of such a show, Van Der Heuren is unapologetic.
"I know some people might claim it's tasteless and a little demeaning, but that's war, and to an extent it's also reality television. We've got this whole war going on over there and I think it would be a shame to waste it. It's classic entertainment, full of drama and suspense of real-life drama. People are going to follow these soldiers day in, day out. They'll grow to love them. Then you've got the ultimate climax and rating boost whenever one of them takes a bullet for his country."
The Pentagon has denied that the television show is an attempt to recuperate capital amid the tremendous financial cost of the war. "We're not about to shamelessly sell out our brave young soldiers for the sake of a few bucks," said Pentagon spokesperson John Hammond, "Let me make it clear, that's not what it's about. It's a tribute to the brave souls out there fighting for freedom and democracy."
The actual filming of the show will not be for a number of months. Currently, Van Der Heuren is auditioning soldiers who will star in the show. "It's TV, so we've got to get the cast right. So, when I've cast the right mix of people, half males, half females, the right ethnic backgrounds and looks so the viewing public will identify with them, we'll have a platoon. We don't have the details yet, but we're expecting the Pentagon will place them in one of the hottest zones, perhaps even Falluja."
Responding to concerns that some viewers might consider the show's concept exploitive or insensitive, Van Der Heuren responded, "We will not be showing footage of coffins with flags draped over them. We want audiences to be assured that we'll handle the show with great tact, humanity and delicacy. Ultimately, the show will be one that can be presented to prime time audiences - something the whole family can sit down together to enjoy."
Casting for the new reality series will begin on Monday 17th January. Interested applicants can contact the nearest Army Recruitment Office for further details.
-SN