In 2011, a cover story in Agricultural Aviation magazine highlighted the harmful impacts reality television can have on the ag aviation industry. The article written by Jason Colquhoun, a veteran photographer/filmmaker turned ag pilot, explained how easy it is for production companies to manipulate footage to portray anything in a bad light.

 

Although this article was written twelve years ago, it still rings true today. NAAA has been informed that a film production company Serendipitous Films has been contacting various ag pilots to be filmed for a “dirty jobs” type of television show. 

 

NAAA is circulating this article again as a reminder that television production crews have their own spin on how they want to portray the industry. As such, bringing forth the article will remind the industry to be aware of the risks involved with being the subject of a reality TV program. The scripted and artificial drama that comes along with reality TV is not something that can benefit your operation or the industry. While NAAA wants to expose more of the public to the ag aviation industry, the tone, perpetuated stereotypes, and conflict-oriented focus of reality TV overshadow any positive message or publicity.

 

Things in our industry that make television producers salivate, such as accidents, injuries, chemical spills, or issues with drift, are already very serious issues that do not need to be sensationalized for entertainment.

 

NAAA encourages all members to consider the warnings in this article and be extremely guarded if you are approached by a production company about taking part in a reality TV series. The thrill of seeing yourself on TV is far outweighed by the harm Hollywood has the power to inflict on your business and the ag aviation industry with a few simple editing techniques.

 

This is also a reminder that what you post on social media – even in private groups – can easily be shared by others. Don’t film while you are spraying. No matter what image is taken, what is said or recorded, files can be manipulated. Everyone has a camera, everyone has editing software and now with multiple social media outlets, anyone can post anything, and it can go viral in hours. You’ve probably heard the saying “if you wouldn’t want your mother to see it, then don’t post it!” If you don’t want regulators to see your photos or videos, then don’t post it.

 

If you have questions, concerns or are approached about participating in a reality TV program, please contact NAAA’s Lindsay Barber at (202) 546-5722.