Sean Snow
07-13-2004, 04:03 PM
SoapNet lathers up reality
By Denise Martin
SoapNet is launching a search for the next big sudser star.
Cabler has greenlit production on "I Wanna Be a Soap Star," ordering six hours of the reality series from LMNO Prods. ("Double or Nothing"). Series is set for an October premiere.
Taking its cues from "The Apprentice" and "The Real World," series will star six aspiring daytime thesps as they live full-time on the set of ABC's "General Hospital" while competing in a series of acting challenges. Contestants will be whittled down every week until one just one is left standing.
Winner will receive a 13-week contract for a part on "General Hospital."
"This is a great format for reality because it is all one big real-life soap opera," said LMNO exec producer Eric Schotz. "From fight scenes to love scenes, the contestants will be tested both on and off camera around the clock."
Bill Paolantonio and Lisa Bourgoujian will also exec produce. SoapNet original programming veep Mary Ellen DiPrisco will oversee for the cabler.
"I Wanna Be a Soap Star" is a "natural fit for SoapNet," general manager Deborah Blackwell said.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/variety/20040712/va_tv_ne/soapnet_lathers_up_reality_1
By Denise Martin
SoapNet is launching a search for the next big sudser star.
Cabler has greenlit production on "I Wanna Be a Soap Star," ordering six hours of the reality series from LMNO Prods. ("Double or Nothing"). Series is set for an October premiere.
Taking its cues from "The Apprentice" and "The Real World," series will star six aspiring daytime thesps as they live full-time on the set of ABC's "General Hospital" while competing in a series of acting challenges. Contestants will be whittled down every week until one just one is left standing.
Winner will receive a 13-week contract for a part on "General Hospital."
"This is a great format for reality because it is all one big real-life soap opera," said LMNO exec producer Eric Schotz. "From fight scenes to love scenes, the contestants will be tested both on and off camera around the clock."
Bill Paolantonio and Lisa Bourgoujian will also exec produce. SoapNet original programming veep Mary Ellen DiPrisco will oversee for the cabler.
"I Wanna Be a Soap Star" is a "natural fit for SoapNet," general manager Deborah Blackwell said.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/variety/20040712/va_tv_ne/soapnet_lathers_up_reality_1