I read an interview with a former story editor from a big competition show. She said they film hundreds of hours for one episode and cut it to create a clear villain and hero. The feelings are real but the timeline is often messed up. They'll use a reaction shot from a different day to make a fight look worse. So the person crying on Island Feud was genuinely upset, but the reason shown might have happened two days prior. The editing builds a narrative from real moments.

You actually closed the deal after that? I'm shocked the client didn't just write you off as unprofessional. My cat once walked on my keyboard and typed nonsense into a shared document during a meeting. Everyone just got quiet and awkward. I guess it only works if the client is already an animal person. A baby crying or a doorbell ringing never seems to charm anyone.