A few weeks ago at the start of alumni weekend, Penn alumni working in reality TV from both sides of the camera came back to Penn to discuss what is "real" and what it takes to make it in the business.

The "Getting Real: From Campus to Camera" panel was moderated by Katherine Sender, Associate Professor at the Annenberg School for Communication. Panelists included:

• Mark Cronin (ENG '86), writer and producer of "celebreality" shows such as "The Surreal Life" and "Flavor of Love"
• Kristin Haskin Simms (C'93), contestant on the eighth season of "Project Runway"
• Charlie Herschel (C'01), contestant on the seventeenth season of "Survivor"
• Greg Goldman (C'96), producer of reality television shows such as "Don't Forget the Lyrics", "Secret Millionaire" and "Shaq's Big Challenge"

Overall the contestants on the panel discussed the application process, the submission videos they created, the psych tests they had to take, how closely the edited version was to real life, and recognition in the real world.

The real juice on the panel however came from the producers (especially Mark Cronin) including what they look for in a contestant (and their casting tape) and the true "manipulating" roles they serve as producers on the show.

After the jump, watch the video and check out 10 juicy highlights I've boiled down from the panel that you'll be interested in for sure!

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In years past, Penn's commencement speakers included Jon Huntsman Jr (C'87), Google chairman Eric Schmidt, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

If you didn't plan on coming to Penn's Reunion/Graduation 2011 weekend, you may be enticed after you find out which big Hollywood star will be giving this year's commencement address.

After the jump, find out who and what other tv stars and producers will be speaking during the weekend!

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Back in September, it seemed like a promising season for 2 Penn alumni on reality TV, however it all came tumbling down for these alumni within 3 days of one another.

Last Thursday, Charlie Herschel (C'01) was blindsided and then eliminated from Survivor Gabon. Then three days later, Sarah Leshner (C'98, W'01) and her boyfriend Terrence were "the last team to arrive" and then "eliminated from the [Amazing] race".

Check out what Charlie revealed to Marcus when he arrived at "Ponderosa" (the place you go to after you're kicked out of Survivor), what he did there, and then how he felt the day after.

Then listen to Sarah and Terrence about their final thoughts about The Amazing Race, each other and their most memorable moments from the show:

Sarah and Terrence on The Bonnie Hunt Show:

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Did you see Charlie Herschel (C'01) on last night's Survivor Gabon?

Check out minute 2:30 above where a smitten Charlie aligns himself with fellow Kota tribe member Marcus.  From the looks of it, it seems like Charlie's pulling the strings.  From watching previous seasons of Survivor, I think he'll go pretty far in the game.

What do you think?

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On Wednesday, I reported that Penn alum Charlie Herschel (C'01, Tour Guide, West Philly Tutoring) will be appearing on this season's Survivor: Gabon.

I've since chatted with Charlie about why he tried out for the show.  Per Charlie,

"I have always been a HUGE fan of Survivor--I used to have a "Survivor wall" at 4045 Pine Street with cut outs of the contestants and a home-made countdown to the finale. I threw Survivor parties at Penn and have remained a loyal fan ever since. I never thought I would get on the show so never applied. ...but I randomly applied this season and feel like I won the lottery. It's a dream!"

Just Released:

Watch the interview Charlie did with Entertainment Weekly!


Other Penn alumni on TV here!

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It was just announced that Penn alum Charlie Herschel (C'01, Tour Guide, West Philly Tutoring) is going to be on this fall's Survivor: Gabon, premiering Thursday, September 25.  Check out the sneak peek above (Charlie is at minute 1:49)

More about Charlie here!

Other Penn alumni on TV here!

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