Be Real with JR Digs

Be Real with JR Digs is a 13-part Canadian television series which premiered on September 20, 2006, on TVtropolis. Produced by Mountain Road Productions, Be Real is the TV show that spontaneously turns regular people's ordinary lives into their very own reality TV show.

Be Real with JR Digs
GenreReality
Created byTim Alp
Directed byKevin Burton
StarringJR Digs
Theme music composerBartmart Audio
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producerTim Alp
Production locationOntario, Canada
Running time22 minutes
Production companyMountain Road Productions
Release
Original networkTVtropolis
Original releaseSeptember 20, 2006 (2006-09-20)

It is the ultimate in Reality TV - nothing planned, nothing scripted just a regular person, a director to guide them, and the day that lies ahead.

Synopsis

Be Real is the TV show that spontaneously turns regular people's ordinary lives into their very own reality TV show and it all happens in the spur of the moment. There's no script, no pre-production, not even a story idea. A random person is chosen to star in their own life for a day in front of a camera.

Host bio

For years, JR Digs wanted to star in his own network television show. Determined to attain a level of stardom comparable to his childhood idol, Johnny Carson, and not sure of how to go about attaining any form of stardom, JR decided to buy it. In the summer of 2001, JR purchased air time and started his own brand of late night TV with a show called The JR Digs Show. The high cost eventually led JR into financial ruins.

Be Real is the culmination of JR's search for that elusive network deal. Ironically, after all those years of struggle, JR is now in the position to give others the chance to be stars and all they have to do is be in the right place at the right time!

Episodes
1"A Fare to Remember"Kevin BurtonSeptember 20, 2006 (2006-09-20)
JR looks for his reality star on the streets of Guelph, and finds a cab driver named Scott. The day starts with JR directing Scott as he looks to buy a rental property with his wheeling and dealing realtor. Then it's off to work, as we meet the wild cast of characters who ride in his taxi. The night only gets stranger as it progresses.
2"Woman on Top"Kevin BurtonSeptember 27, 2006 (2006-09-27)
JR searches for his talent in the town of Perth. He finds Sue, a wife and mother who has just successfully finished entrepreneurial school. JR directs the graduation ceremony and then follows her home to celebrate. Upon his arrival, JR finds out that her husband may not be so happy with his wife's new direction in life.
3"Farm Follies"Kevin BurtonOctober 4, 2006 (2006-10-04)
In Saint Jacobs, JR searches miles of rural roads looking for a farming Mennonite, but finds his next great reality star selling Chanel and Gucci at a farmer's market. He follows her as she closes down for the day and goes to pick up her pampered pooch. The action heats up when she takes a special interest in the young, strong farm boy next door—shades of Mrs. Robinson as JR directs her to ask for a glass of water to help cool herself down.
4"Bridging the Gap"Kevin BurtonOctober 11, 2006 (2006-10-11)
While casting in Carleton Place, JR finds a grandfather visiting from Labrador to be his reality TV star. JR introduces his star to a crowd of adoring fans at the local Highland Games. Later, on the way to pick up pizza for a family dinner, an incident exposes a generation gap between the star and his grandson. JR takes on the challenge of helping his star to bridge the gap in one of the season's most emotionally charged episodes.
5"Get a Job"Kevin BurtonOctober 18, 2006 (2006-10-18)
JR searches for his reality television star in downtown Ottawa, and finds a young woman struggling in search of a job, and in search of herself. JR takes on the role of friend and councilor, and with his guidance, she gets rid of her boyfriend, gets a make-over, and finds herself a job.
6"Wrestling with Reality"Kevin BurtonOctober 25, 2006 (2006-10-25)
In the streets of Hamilton, JR finds an up-and-coming professional wrestler to be his next reality star. JR directs him as he goes through his training, including an urban workout on the streets of the city. Then it's into the ring, as JR helps his star find a signature move to unleash on an unsuspecting opponent. After that, JR introduces the city to his creation – "The Asian Nightmare" - and directs him on how to handle his adoring fans.
7"Honeymoon Upgrade"Kevin BurtonOctober 25, 2006 (2006-10-25)
JR finds a newlywed couple to star in this honeymoon version of Be Real from Niagara Falls. Using the power of television, he moves them to the front of the line on the Maid of the Mist, gets them the best seats in town for dinner, arranges a fireworks display, and takes them on the wildest rides on the strip. Then it's back to their hotel room where things heat up with champagne and a dip in the hot tub to conclude their first-class honeymoon.
8"The First Date"Kevin BurtonOctober 25, 2006 (2006-10-25)
In the lakefront town of Port Dalhousie, JR finds an aspiring pro beach volleyball player to be his reality star. The day starts with a match on the beach with his shirtless buddies - can you say "Top Gun?". Then JR directs the star through a wild first date that includes a sunset boat trip, two hippies and a bunny, and dinner at a Greek restaurant - complete with ouzo, dancing and plate breaking.
9"I Do! I Don't!"Kevin BurtonOctober 25, 2006 (2006-10-25)
In Ottawa, JR finds a government worker on his way home from work. The episode comes to a screeching halt when his wife tosses the crew out of the house and lets him know that his reality TV debut is over. JR saves the show by finding a guy celebrating his last night of freedom with his friends before his wedding the next day. Go-Karts, mini putt, beer and women ensue. The episode continues the next day when JR attempts to crash the wedding.
10"I Do! I Don't! DJ Remix"Kevin BurtonOctober 25, 2006 (2006-10-25)
In Kingston, JR meets a bride that agrees to have her wedding day turned into reality TV, but is soon stone-walled by the groom's family. He then hooks up with Mango, a rapper, actor and DJ. JR directs him as he advertises a gig that he's doing that night, then follows him back to his "crib" to lay down some new tracks for the show. Then it's off to the venue, where JR gets Mango to interact with his adoring fans and helps him turn his bar gig into the biggest show in town.
11"Pink Bike No More"Kevin BurtonOctober 25, 2006 (2006-10-25)
JR searches for his star in the town of Picton. He finds Gregory, a shy kid in search of a job. JR helps him replace his pink bicycle at the hardware store, then helps give him the confidence to apply for a job while he is there. Gregory really breaks out of his shell when he learns to fly a kite. The day raps up as Gregory spends time at home with his family. A truly beautiful JR created moment!.
12"Jumping the Shark"Kevin BurtonOctober 25, 2006 (2006-10-25)
JR searches for his next reality TV personality in Kitchener, and finds a Brazilian basketball player in town with the Brazilian women's Olympic basketball team. JR joins them as they prepare for an upcoming tournament. While directing her, JR learns that our star is recovering from an injury caused by a shark attack. He takes her from the basketball court to the weight room as she struggles through her pain to regain her form. Then JR directs her interaction with her teammates, as they break curfew to enjoy a night on the town Canadian style.
13"Here, Mayor and Everywhere"Kevin BurtonOctober 25, 2006 (2006-10-25)
In Nappanee, JR finds a civic minded city worker with a full schedule. He helps her wrap up her day at the office, then directs her through a sequence that has her wake up her husband and get him off to work for his night shift. Then she checks out an Elvis impersonator who is playing a charity event she is organizing, and reports back to the mayor. She ends her busy day curled up in bed with her Saint Bernard—and JR of course.

Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 Be Real with JR Digs Summit Awards (SIA), Category: Movie/Film Music Website Won Gold
2007 Be Real with JR Digs Banff World Media Festival, Category: Hors Concours Selection for Reality Format Programs Won
2007 Be Real with JR Digs Gemini Award, Category: Best Host in a Lifestyle/Practical Information, or Performing Arts Program or Series – JR Digs Nominated

References
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