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Lights, Camera, Reality

Wannabe TV Stars Hope to Be Casted in Reality Shows and Win Big

Hankering for a little fame yourself? Here are the top tips ABC News gleaned from the experts:

Reality Show
A class photo at the New York Reality TV School.
(Evan Cohen)

Number One: Don't Perform. Just be Yourself.

"If I wanted an actor, I would hire an actor," said Tanania. "The only person I'm interested in meeting in those five minutes is you, so don't song and dance me."

Number Two: Be Open About Your Personal Issues

"As a reality star, you've got to always be ready to be on the surface with your personal issues," said Galinsky, "whatever they are -- your family, your girlfriend, your boyfriend. People are not asked to go on to reality shows to be private and reclusive."

"It's about portraying you and your own story," added Tanania. "Don't come in with brick walls all over you. They need you to come in open."

Number Three: Be 'Camera-Pretty'

"I don't like shiny people on TV; I don't like shiny foreheads," said Bendersky. His mantra is, "Shine but don't be shiny." He also advised students to learn how to do their own makeup, to pre-plan their wardrobes, and to know their best angles.

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Number Four: Speak in Sound Bites to Increase Your Airtime

"When you're asked on any interviews, just train yourself to always include the question on your answer," explained Bendersky. "If you want to be on a reality show, you want to be seen. Sound bites are so important because that's what people are going to remember."

And Finally, Number Five: Be a Hero

"When you help somebody shine, that light is going to shine right back on you," said Bendersky. "Being the mean one, you know, it would work, but remember it's thousands of people watching you outside. And if your future is going to go -- God knows where -- you want to be likeable."

And maybe, if you're likeable enough, a little of that fame will last. Of course, you must be willing to promote yourself.

"Jorge-licious is going global. Now I'm looking for an agent, and, hopefully, I'll get my own show," said Bendersky.

And that's the funny thing about getting bitten by the fame bug. It makes a lot of people yearn for a little bit more.

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