The Golden Cage
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In 1999 De Gouden Kooi (The Golden Cage) used to be the original concept and working title for Big Brother. In 2006 it has been turned into another format of Reality Television.
The idea for De Gouden Kooi was born on thursday, 4 September 1997 during a brainstorm session at the production house John de Mol Produkties, an independent part of Endemol. Participants were John de Mol himself, Patrick Scholtze, Bart Römer and his brother Paul Römer. After John de Mol left Endemol he reintroduced the original format for his tv-station Talpa.
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[edit] Format
De Gouden Kooi is considered to be a mix between a soap opera and reality television, parts of the events seem to be scripted. Ten millionaire enter a capital villa. Their life on the Dynasty-like ranch is relieved by a (rotating) staff of personnel. The contestant who remains for the longest time within the compound may keep it. A jackpot which could add millions of euros more will ascertain a lifelong income.
Those who choose to participate give up their freedom for a minimum of a year. The rules are strict. A person who leaves the house, is forbidden to return unless they have used contact-points to briefly depart the house for personal reasons. These may be gained in daily games, by trade or as a gift. But this may only occur when their competitors give their permission. Contact-points are also needed to communicate with relatives or to be allowed visitors. Contestants who voluntary leave the house, lose their entrance fee of 10.000 euro are replaced by new ones. Only when a contestant is unanimously voted out, he or she isn't replaced. Participants are encouraged to start a study or enterprise.
[edit] Synopsis
The first Dutch episode on 23 September 2006 had slightly less than 1 million viewers (10-15% market share, it was programmed right after the Dutch Eredivisie football show, which always attracts many viewers); the two subsequent episodes received around 500,000 viewers (5-10% market share). Thereafter the audience dropped to about 350,000[1]. The setting was a 2 million euro capital villa in Eemnes. After a view months the more uglier sides of the particpants came to light. A lot of millionaires were constantly plotting how to get rid of the others. Natasia, who had left behind her two young kids, refused to return home when her boyfriend who cared for them asked her to. She wanted to reach her goals first: a boob job and a drivers license. One participant regularly ordered the use of (masked) prostitutes. Some participants started (loveless) sexual relationships, which led to jealousy and much verbal abuse. The young femme fatale Nena, had to be disqualified on 2 February 2007 after she kicked another participant against his leg.
[edit] Criticism
The concept has been heavily criticized. Because there are no nominations or votings off like in Big Brother, psychologists assume that harassment and bullying will be the only ways of getting rid of one's rivals and obtaining the reward. This would provide a very wrong role model for the youth of the Netherlands. John de Mol therefore promissed to introduce a bully referee. The producers rather expect that housemates will leave if they experience homesickness or family-complications will occur (death, birth or sickness).
[edit] Other Countries
John de Mol, who is using his own televisionstation (now renamed Tien) as a testing ground, sold the concept to the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on 2 February 2007 .
