By M&C Smallscreen Apr 5, 2008, 19:44 GMT
MTV rolls out the “green” carpet for the season 20 premiere of “The Real World: Hollywood” debuting Wednesday, April 16 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
In a series of firsts, “The Real World: Hollywood” will expand to one-hour episodes to feature more drama for 13 weeks only, and exclusive footage will post online at here where the action will continue to play out from what was seen on-air.
“The Real World” launched the modern reality television genre and is the longest-running reality series in history. Each season, the show brings seven young strangers to live together in a new city and rolls the cameras 24-7, witnessing as their lives intersect, their ideas are challenged and their passions emerge.
The Hollywood house is the first Real World home to incorporate environmentally-friendly items and eco-friendly lifestyle choices.
For the first time, the Real World Casting online community chose the seventh roommate from 20,000 online applicants.
Will “Pretyboy” of Daytona Beach, Florida exceed their expectations? Exclusive on demand and in Virtual Real World maerial allows viewers to access their faves online.
When seven strangers come together, one of them is known to everyone as he was chosen by the viewers in the first “Real World” online casting call – and negative opinions have already formed about the type of person “PretyBoy” is.
The roommates will pursue their Hollywood dreams – to be an actor, singer, journalist, host or music producer. They also form a comedy improv troupe, taking lessons at the IO West comedy theater.
As conflict erupts amongst the group, one roommate struggles with his own demons that may irreparably damage his chances for a career in Hollywood.
“The Real World pioneered the genre of reality television as we know it, while showing young adults navigating their way through a seminal period in their lives,” said Tony Disanto, Executive Vice President, Series Development and Programming, MTV.
“On this 20th anniversary season we wanted to get back a little to the show’s origins by casting people who were pursuing dreams of careers in the entertainment business,” said Jon Murray, “The Real World” Co-Creator and Chairman & President of Bunim-Murray Productions. “It gives the show real stakes and is a wonderful contrast to all the usual hook-ups and fights.”.
On Earth Day 2006, Think MTV launched Break The Addiction, an award-winning campaign that inspired young people to reduce their impact on the environment while improving their lives.
Marking the two-year anniversary of this campaign, Think MTV worked with Bunim-Murray Productions to produce an eco-friendly season of “The Real World: Hollywood.” Through their collaborative efforts, the first eco-friendly Real World house was created which includes environmentally-friendly products ranging from solar panels and hybrid cars, to bamboo flooring, energy efficient appliances, and a multitude of recycled and reused products around the house.
Each episode of “The Real World: Hollywood” will end with an eco-tip from one of the roommates. These tips will live online at here with additional resources to serve as an extension of the season, including a "green" house tour, interviews with the cast on living green and simple ways for viewers at home to take action to preserve the environment.
Meet the new Hollywood cast:
Joey, 24 – Chicago, IL
A true blue Chicagoan, Joey has never ventured outside the state. A personal trainer and a former bodybuilder, he is very devoted to his athletic training and works out all the time. Unfortunately, Joey continues to be haunted by his troubled upbringing of alcohol and addictions. He hopes to create his own path by following his Hollywood dream to be an actor. However, Joey’s impossibly high expectations on himself make dealing with the highs and lows of the business most difficult. Will it lead to his destruction?
Kimberly, 24 – Columbia, SC
With her southern belle charm, Kimberly sometimes is perceived as a ditzy blonde but her naïveté comes from growing up in a small town. Raised in a conservative religious household, Kimberly rebelled against the restrictive rules. She is a ball of energy, loves to be around people and have a fun time. Outspoken, she sometimes doesn’t think before she speaks and her comments can be offensive to others. Kimberly’s goal is to be the host of an entertainment show.
Dave, 22 – Waynesboro, PA
Outgoing and fun, Dave loves to be the center of attention and will do anything for a laugh – or to see someone’s shocked expression. A natural athlete, Dave likes to play any and all sports – from football, to cheerleading, to triathlons. He is very comfortable in front of the camera and would like to be an actor or television host.
Sarah, 21 – Phoenix, AZ
A recent graduate from Arizona State, Sarah is serious about becoming a broadcast journalist. A newfound feminist, she still retains strong conservative, traditional views. Sarah, who is Hispanic, is very close to her family, and this is the first time she has lived so far from home. Her move to Hollywood puts a strain on her long-distance relationship with her boyfriend – who used to be her debate coach.
Will, 23 – Detroit, MI
Charismatic and witty, Will is the ladies’ man of the house. Determined to be a successful music producer, Will is a bit of a hustler and will hit the streets to sell the music he has written. Back in Detroit, he worked as a DJ, performing at parties and bar mitzvahs. Will continues to create “beats” and to show off his moves – on and off the dance floor.
Brianna, 20 – Philadelphia, PA
Brianna is a self-defined “Philly girl” – she tells it like it is and doesn’t allow others to disrespect her. An ethnic mix of German, African-American and Puerto Rican, she hides a very sensitive side beneath her tough exterior. Until she moved to Hollywood, Brianna worked as an exotic dancer and left behind a volatile relationship with her boyfriend. Her passion is singing – and she was among the top 45 to compete on “American Idol” (season five). Does she have the ambition to make it in the business?
Greg, 20 – Daytona Beach, FL
Greg is the first “Real World” roommate selected by the viewers in an online casting vote with the online name “PretyBoy” – and has dubbed himself “The Chosen One.” With an unusual outlook on people – he refers to everyone else as “peasants” and all women are “associates,” he is extremely competitive when it comes to sports and academics. His attitude does not make him the favorite in the house – especially when he plays pranks on everyone. Although he studies Criminal Justice at the University of Florida, Greg’s dream is to be a high-end fashion model.
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