Janelle Randazza defines reality TV as a mixture of theater and journalism. Given that the North Shore native graduated from Salem State with a degree in theater before working as a reporter at the Gloucester Daily Times, her definition may come as no surprise.
But Randazza, who was a casting producer on “Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys” on Sundance and “Budweiser Presents: The Big Time” on ABC, is also drawing on experience when she talks about the genre.
“What I love about casting is getting to know the background of the people,” said Randazza, who will soon be in greater Boston to cast a show about couples trying to reignite the romance in their relationships. “Researching, interviewing and writing — it’s similar to reporting.”
One important difference is that, while the subjects of newspaper stories are sometimes reluctant to talk, people are often eager to be cast in reality TV.
“Sometimes the hazards of the job are inundation” from applicants for roles, she said.
But that’s also part of the casting process Randazza has come to appreciate, and it’s where her background in theater comes into play.
“I don’t mind the enthusiasms of people because those are the kind of people who project well on TV,” she said.
Randazza, who went to Gloucester High School before graduating from Salem State in 1998, lived in Salem for six years, during which time she also wrote a book, “Go Tweet Yourself.”
“It’s a book about social networking — 365 reasons why social networking” stinks, she said.
Randazza moved to Los Angeles 21/2 years ago and was looking for work as a journalist when she was hired for her first casting job on “Project Runway.”
She has been interviewing couples for three weeks for her new show and expects to talk with a total of 90, from which 16 will be chosen.
The couples will appear in eight hourlong episodes that Shed Media U.S., the company she works for, has been contracted to produce.
Its name and the network where it will appear have yet to be released, but the show’s concept is clear.
“When people actually take the time to fully connect each day, their romantic connectivity can increase exponentially,” Randazza said.
“What we’re trying to do is teach them how to be romantic in their everyday lives. We’ll give them scenarios that can be sustained long after they leave the show,” she said.
Randazza encourages couples from the North Shore who would like to appear on the show to contact her.
“We are looking for big personalities, vibrant people who really want to improve their marriage and amp up the spark in their romantic life,” she said.
Casting call
Randazza will be casting her new television show, about couples trying to reignite their relationships, until Nov. 30. Those interested should email her at randazzacasting@gmail.com. Randazza pre-interviews people on the phone before meeting with anyone. Only couples will be considered for this show.