Guest Author - Ingrid Stamatson

Ghen Maynard, the CBS exec VP in charge of alternative programming and entertainment content for new media, is looking for new unscripted programming. Survivor and Amazing Race are getting old (in network terms), so the search for the next reality hit is underway. Maynard is betting on Jay Bienstock to deliver just such shows.

I have just been advised of a brand new show looking for contestants! CBS is planning a pilot show right now through Jay Bienstock Productions, which also worked on the very popular The Apprentice and Survivor shows. This new show is yet untitled, but will be filmed at approximately the end of February 2008.

They are looking for A-type personalities. Very driven, focused, competitive, all-work-no-play types of people. What I know of the format is that the contestants will engage in challenges that involve them reaching for and embracing their child-like side -- opposite of the personality types they are! They will find themselves in situations where they have absolutely no control, as opposed to their regular lives where they are used to calling the shots. The challenges and tasks they engage in can earn them real cash prizes, but will also show them a different side and viewpoint of life.

The as-yet unnamed show has no site yet because it is only in the pilot stage. After the pilot is shot, it would then be sold to the network.

If interested in applying, please contact Mindy Zemrak of Jay Bienstock Productions at m.zemrak@yahoo.com with your contact information and a brief biography about yourself. Include why you are so passionate about your work and your career. List activities that you participate in for fun - or anything you do for fun. Also include two recent photos of yourself.

Note: All applicants must be 21 years of age or older. You must be available to shoot in sunny, gorgeous Los Angeles for about a week at the end of February, 2008.

The first casting calls are set for Philadelphia and Boston beginning on January 18, 2008. LA Casting Directors will be in Boston Thursday January 24th to interview potential cast members. Other cities hosting auditions are Charlotte, NC and Denver, CO. The current schedule is below.

Saturday, January 19th

PHILADELPHIA @ Philadelphia Casting
Contact: Susan and Sam Gish
114 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.592.7575

DENVER @ Maximum Talent
Contact: Rob and Mary
1873 Bellaire St., Suite 915
Denver, CO 80222
303.691.2344

Thursday, January 24th

BOSTON @ Boston Casting
Contact: Angela Peri
129 Braintree Street
Boston, MA 02134
617.254.1001

CHARLOTTE @ Corrigan and Johnston Talent
Contact: Paige
3006 N. Davidson Street
Charlotte, NC 28205
704.374.9400

--- just keeping it real ---