"Bunim-Murray hopes to walk 'Runway'
'Real World' producer taking over reality show
Bunim-Murray is close to signing on as the new producer behind “Project Runway.”
The “Real World” producer has been in talks with the Weinstein Co. for weeks about taking over the gig in time for the hit reality show’s sixth season and first on Lifetime.
More than one option
Bunim-Murray is no stranger to Lifetime, having recently produced “America’s Psychic Challenge” for the cabler. Company’s other recent credits include E!’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and “Living Lohan.” It also produces “Bad Girls Club” for Oxygen.
Well! With a pedigree that includes "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" and "Living Lohan," why, that fairly screams "quality, taste and style," doesn't it kittens?
And before any of you level-headed types say "It's not confirmed yet!" Zip it:
"The Real World producer Bunim-Murray Productions has signed up to make the sixth season of fashion reality series Project Runway – the show's first on US cablenet Lifetime."
Oy. Darlings, we don't know what to think. Will there be an alarming rise in drunken hookups and screaming matches? Will the cops show up at 4 am to break up a fight over who broke the serger? Will there be puking on the dress forms? A hot tub on the runway? Baseless speculations and wild conspiracy theories...GO!
137 comments:
ugh. i'm going to really enjoy these last few episodes on bravo -- sounds like it's going to be all downhill from there. they're going to to ruin it.
i'm so sad. :(
I wasn't sure that I'd follow Runway to Lifetime, and this news pretty much ensures that I won't. All good things must come to an end, I guess.
*sigh*
I think it would be nice if people would give it a chance before totally condemning it based on a network and producer switch.
That's it. I'll calling it.
Project Runway, time of death: 9:33AM.
--GothamTomato
I really wish this was an April Fool's Day post.
I think I feel sick.
I am the eternal optimist. I say that Tim Gund and company will not allow the formula to be monkeyed with if it means "turning to trash."
I predict after the discomfort of location change, we will settle down and find the new network handles things just fine.
Would anyone like to borrow some of my Prozac?
sorry Tim, my fat fingers mistyped.
Gunn. Gunn. Gunn.
Gotham I'll be your witness.
I never did enjoy the "big drama" aspect of the show as it was. I'm just not interested in watching people fight. Tell me about those cool sewing machines they needed to use for the swimsuit episode instead! I mean its interesting to have characters mind you but conflict is something these producers have ALWAYS emphasized on their shows. This is why I do think its fair to prejudge. RIP Runway
I am trying to remain optimistic, but really, 6 seasons is a lot for one of these shows to stay fresh, 3 in one calendar year is saturation. It's hard with the network, location and producing changes to keep that optimism up.
I smell a shark about to be jumped...but I'll try to remain optimistic.
I think they're going to trash it. Too bad. I loved it on Bravo.
Weren't they pretty much the creators of reality TV shows? Was there anything before The Real World?
We can also look forward to 2 minutes of teaser before every commercial and another 2 minutes of recap after- leaving about 30 seconds of actual content.
Will there be a Real World/Road Rules/Project Runway Challenge on MTV soon? My money's on Austin Scarlett.
Ugh. Harvey Weinstein will do anything for a buck it seems. I'll watch the first episode and probably hate it. I'm also betting that season 5 will be so rushed that it'll wind up like season 3 did with a lot of sniping.
They might add a little more drama and some naked butts running around the apartment, but I doubt they'll change the show beyond recognition.
I can say one thing for sure - the show will never be the same without Bravo and The Magical Elves.
FUCKING TRAGIC!!!!
Project Runway is now going to be as sleezy as season 2 of Top Chef was.
UGH! I was ok about the move to Lifetime .
Now I am no longer ok about it.
I guess I'll be sticking to Food Network and HGTV for decent competition reality.
Why does every show start out quality and then sell out to shady, trailer trash antics?
That would ruin this show for me.
Ack! At least I'll still have PR Canada.
Anonymous said...
Ugh. Harvey Weinstein will do anything for a buck it seems.
It's all about money, isn't it?
There are some things that should never be messed with, this is one of them.
Can't say I'm too excited though I am interested to see what they end up doing with it. Hopefully (though I am afraid it might) it doesn't ruin the show, if so I definitely will not be following along for long.
That can only mean one thing:
ALCOHOL FUELED REALITY TV!!
God help us all, LOL....
Seriously- who knows....
I am really really hoping they go back to the way things were in S1 & S2: AMATEUR, hungry, humble, talented designers. Not the ones who have already shown in Bryant Park and who have established lines and clientele.
THATS what I missed last season. There was no hunger there.
i still cant deal with them being in LA! that is so wrong
DRUNKEN HOOK-UPS?!?
I totally want to be on the show now!
lisan said:
"Will there be a Real World/Road Rules/Project Runway Challenge on MTV soon? My money's on Austin Scarlett."
Honey, in that case they'll bring back Shatangi to really get things hopping...
Merde - I still want to be optomistic about the move to Lifetime, but having the producers of the substance-addled "Real World" is really depressing. I can just see the following scenario:
Tim: "Designers, I've just absconded with the wallet of one of our producers. You have a budget of $200 each and there's a wonderful bar just around the corner. You will have 2 hours to drink until you vomit or a brawl breaks out. Designers, let's get shitfaced!"
Anonymous said...
"I am the eternal optimist. I say that Tim Gund and company will not allow the formula to be monkeyed with if it means "turning to trash."
I predict after the discomfort of location change, we will settle down and find the new network handles things just fine."
Anonymous, I'd guess that you're not an optimist, you're an employee of the Lifetime or Weinstein companies.
See Shark Jump.
Well this is my eulogy for my all time favorite show, because this is going to be a slow painful death. Let there forever be the original seasons on DVD so I can still enjoy the passion for fashion!
Oy. The half-empty side of me is becoming more empty. ):
C'est moi, LOL. Unfortunately, that scene you conjured up may not be too far fetched :(
"anon said: I say that Tim Gund and company will not allow the formula to be monkeyed with if it means "turning to trash.""
Tim is just the hired help - he's not a producer, so I doubt he has any say. Heidi IS a producer, and we've seen ample evidence of her taste level (or lack thereof).
All I gotta say is: I better not see Tim in a hot tub. I don't think I could recover.
--GothamTomato
HEIDI:
"This is the true story--"
TIM GUNN:
True story!
HEIDI:
--of 15 fashion designers--
MARLA:
I can do it if you tell me how!
HEIDI:
--picked to live in a luxurious Los Angeles apartment building--
CHRISTIAN:
I sleep on the floor at home!
HEIDI:
--and compete in design challenges and have their lives taped--
JAY:
I didn't steal the bitch's dye!
HEIDI:
--to find out what happens--
(CHLOE cries when hearing about the 13th look)
HEIDI:
--when people stop being polite--
ANGELA:
Will you shut up? SHUT UP!
JEFFREY:
How about I couture your face?
HEIDI:
--and start being real!
DANIEL F:
That sounds like truth to me.
SANTINO:
I! WANT! YOUR! SOUL!!!
HEIDI:
It's the Real Project Runway: Los Angeles!
*sigh*
I don't really get it. Haven't they seen all the backlash from the announcement of the move? Why wouldn't they want to reassure the fans by keeping it as similar as possible for at least another season? Or at least until we learn to trust them.
It really makes no sense to me.
Ridiculous! My lord.
PS--It's spelled "serger" ;).
Kudos to Uncle Vanya!
--GothamTomato
Oh, PS Darlings, it's spelled "serger", not "surger"
XOX!
Gorgeous Things said...
Oh, PS Darlings, it's spelled "serger", not "surger"
Damn! Google let us down!
Why do I smell "Celebrity PR" in the works. Actually, that could be fun. Watch all the celebs who blindly throw their name at labels try to actually design something on TV without assistants.
"Make it work. (Posh, Nikki, etc.)."
"Work? Excuse me? I don't understand..."
Not optimistic. I too see a shark ready to be jumped.
1) What myra flection said.
2) uncle vanya, will you marry me?
oh boy. I better enjoy the last PR season on Bravo cuz it looks like Lifetime is really going to cock this one up. Way to go Lifetime. Thanks for ruining the one LIGHT in my life.
This fucking sucks.
And oh! I LOVE how the article lists the producer's credits like it was a GOOd THING. Real World? Kardashians? Living Lohan??!! *insert incredulous raised eyebrow here*
Oh puh-lease.
I don't think it's jumping the gun to say that the show we know and love WILL be ruined.
gothamtomato said:
"All I gotta say is: I better not see Tim in a hot tub. I don't think I could recover."
Now THAT is a sure sign of the apocalypse!
If you thought it was fun to see Tim recoiled in horror over turtle poop, I can't imagine the result someone dry-heaving while clinging to one of the dress forms would produce....
OMG Uncle Vanya! Will you adopt me??!!
Great post Uncle Vanya! TLo, you called the hot tub on the runway. I was thinking it would show up in the design room. Bunim-Murray is going to edit out those who don't create as much drama. Christian would be all over the show if they produced it last season. Jillian and Rami would never see the light of day.
I think we owe it to the designers who are trying out for the show to at least watch it. Give them a chance, because I wouldn't know what I would do without a Laura Bennett, Chloe Dao and Chris March in my life.
I'm still sad about the change, though. When the contestants talk about the challenges on their own, you know the background probably won't be that stark white. It would probably be this over-the-top Bobby-Trendy-like set design. The white was so honest and pure. Just the designer and their thoughts and feelings talking.
Yours with a heavy heart,
Frances Spencer
I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. To associate PR being under the same "auspices" as Kardasian, Lohan et companie, makes me want to reach (or retch) for the nearest bottle of Zantac with a Pepto Bismol chaser.
I REALLY want to give it a chance, but my heart (er, tummy) really isn't up to it.
-----StkrShock
C'est moi, c'est moi Lola said...
If you thought it was fun to see Tim recoiled in horror over turtle poop, I can't imagine the result someone dry-heaving while clinging to one of the dress forms would produce....
I'm sure he's seen that plenty of times already. Imagine what the Parsons workroom must be like the morning of the big Critic Show.
here's my attempt at being optimistic: does anyone remember the first season of the real world? when they chose actual people instead of boob jobs and hair gel with human bodies attached? when they at least attempted to discuss race and class and sexuality instead of having hot tub orgies and dancing on bars in very short skirts? maybe THAT bunim-murray will suddenly and miraculously reappear!
...anyone?
...no?
*sigh*
I enjoy watching people with skill and talent create things, and then hearing people talk about said created things. That's what makes PR special --all the time spent in the workroom and on the runway. The personalities emerge out of that.
I somehow doubt the show will so drastically devolve into drunken hookups and screaming matches, but I predict a lot more scenes of the contestants back at the residence, bitching about each other. It will likely be tedious more than sordid.
I'm getting out my widow's weeds. *Sob*
I had just about convinced myself that I was OK with the move to Lifetime, but now I'm not sure.
Why, oh why, did they have to screw around with my favorite TV show?!?!
There will be a hot tub and vomitting involved, perhaps both in the same scene. That's my sad prediction.
Please, please, please let me be wrong.
Why, oh why, did they have to screw around with my favorite TV show?!?!
Simple. It's the only thing making money for Harvey Weinstein right now, so he has to squeeze it and wring it until he gets every last penny out of it. Producers are always so surprised when it ends up a shriveled, tattered wreck after doing this.
Conspiracy theory 1: The Weinsteins have arranged a kickback from Bunim-Murray, hence making it the front-runner in the production stakes.
CT2: Harvey has repeatedly begged Heidi to service him. Her refusals have led, inevitably, to the switch to Lifetime. Heidi said she'd rather be on "The Real World, LA" than do Harvey. He's calling her bluff.
CT3: Bai Ling shows up as a contestant, along with Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and Mary-Kate Olsen.
CT4: Lifetime is acquired by Bravo in 2009, Jane Cha and Andy Cohen move in together and decorate an apartment with rainbows and kittens in a new reality venture: "Who's Gay Now?" (sigh. I wish at least the first part of this one were true.)
Everything will be okay! Nothing will change! Let's all be optimistic!
(Oh, what the f*** do I know.....)
:-(
Well, I'm going to try to remain optimistic that they will realize that they get good ratings the way it is now and so won't mess with it too much.
wannabe said:
"CT3: Bai Ling shows up as a contestant, along with Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and Mary-Kate Olsen."
Oh lord, Bai Ling?! "Lupe, Lupe, Lu" indeed! :)
No on Mary-Kate Olsen. She wouldn't dare be photographed anywhere near the craft-services table....
Yeah, this is the clincher for me. It's nice to be optimistic but Bunim/Murray have never produced a show that wasn't all about conflict/bad behavior. They're not suddenly going to pull wit, taste, or style out of their ass. They will give us new versions of the Jeffrey/Angela's mother type of drama. And as soon as that happens, I'll grab my fabric swatches and run for the hills.
Thanks, Harvey. You're a gift that just keeps on giving.
The thing is:
At it's core, Project Runway is about talent looking for exposure.
At their core, all Bunim-Murray projects are about people completely devoid of talent, who are nakedly looking for fame at any cost. They are about the dark side of human nature.
Bravo has always allowed the Dark Side (ie; liars & manipulative lowlifes), to sneak into PR (ie; Jeffrey, Wendy, those types), but it has never been ALL about that. Bravo has always had its share of trash, but it's a different level of trash: Bravo is trash in a wicker basket. Bunim-Murray is trash in a fetid dumpster.
So this completes the circle: Lifetime, Los Angeles, and Bunim-Murray, the three horses of the PR apocalypse.
--GothamTomato
I don't think that I will be following Runway to Lifetime. It sounds like it's going to be a whore-fest. Perhaps they can create challenges for dressing celebutants on house arrest, or slutwear for Maxim shoots.
lala
I do remember watching a little of the first season of Real World, NYC and although there were no drunken hot tubs parties, they did play a fight between Kevin and that southern girl over race. They played it over and over, probably got a lot of response from the audience and realized they found a profitable formula.
sigh
Hey maybe we're all wrong and they'll realize they shouldn't change an already successful show. Here's hoping anyway.
Here's my main concern -- Will they have respect for the blogs == particularly the Rungay BLog and include you all in the events so we can get the kind of quality reporting we are used and desire?
Well, the news certainly has everyone's attention and that is all this ilk of producer cares about.
I agree, may the shark jumping commence, we knew it was coming eventually.
I had just about convinced myself that I was OK with the move to Lifetime, but now I'm not sure.
Why, oh why, did they have to screw around with my favorite TV show?!?!
I can only assume that Heidi is totally OK with the Weinsteins choosing the artistic genius behind "Real World", "Keeping up with the Kardishians"(who the fuck are they, anyway?), and "Living Lohan" to take over PR-after all, Heidi was OK with moving to Lifetime...
maybe THAT bunim-murray will suddenly and miraculously reappear!
Mary Ellis-Bunim died a few years ago of breast cancer. The original team ain't never comin' back. Also the money rolls in for the lowest common denominator no matter what it seems, so why overreach?
Here lies Project Runway. :(
What is about to break here is not the entertainment value of the show, but its respectability. Even if they attempt to keep the show's format identical to its current incarnation on Bravo, it will not be taken seriously as a showcase for talent (of either the young/raw/hungry or established varieties).
Lifetime is NOT a good fit for Project Runway.
Bunim-Murray is NOT a good fit for a talent-based reality show.
Los Angeles is NOT the fashion mecca that New York is.
These changes have already compromised the veneer of respectability that took a few seasons to establish. Even the Bryant Park show (if that continues to be the prize in future seasons) will be seen as an unearned, undeserved bauble.
The show is not dead yet. It is in guarded condition. Prognosis is grim. The time is here to start twisting those worry beads.
This story does keep getting worse and worse. I blame the Weinsteins for this debacle. Next twist in the story will be that Project Rungay has been sold and is being taken over by John Stamos and Scott Bakula!
ptrap
"Anonymous said...
Here's my main concern -- Will they have respect for the blogs == particularly the Rungay BLog and include you all in the events so we can get the kind of quality reporting we are used and desire?"
Fortunately for us, Tlo's refreshingly independent (snarky) reporting does not involve starfucking; and thus does not require their lips to reach the asses of any particular network or castmembers.
And that is the way G-d intended it.
--GothamTomato
Does this mean the return of MODEL DRAMA?
Which -- truth be told -- could be fun.
Otherwise. Ick.
-- desertwind
Ooh! Anonymous 1:44, you may be on to something.
The models have already reported they sit around for hours with nothing to eat. Why not pass out the champagne?
ick. just ick.
I'm not quite with gotham tomato, because it's dead quite yet. But the death sentence has been pronounced, and appeals are over.
Anonymous 9:38 said,Tim Gund
~smile~
I always knew he was a teddy bear!
"Gorgeous Things said...
See Shark Jump."
Jump, Shark, Jump!
First I'll be tapping my red heels three times. Then I'll be repeating over and over "I do believe in fairies." Finally, I'll be crossing my fingers really really tight.
Here's hoping these new producers are so busy with their other shows that they don't have the time to mess much with Project Runway.
i've gone from being confused and annoyed by all these changes to being downright hurt. TWC obviously isn't considering the Project Runway fanbase when making these decisions. It's just really sad. We're not only losing a great show, but a community.
Whatever - it's gotta be more interesting than Season 4.
This is the last straw.
I was OK, but not happy with the Lifetime move.
I was pretty pissed about the loss of the Magical Elves (no more Michael Rucker?! *sniff*), but I figured that whoever took over would just copy their formula.
Bunim-Murray? Are you friggin' kidding me?!
I'll still watch, but the minute I see a hot tub, I'm out!
This is NOT sounding good. However, I would be willing to view the first set of the Lifetime version of PR if only as a vehicle for TLo's snark - well, that and as a drinking game. Perhaps if we are willing to sacrifice our livers in the cause of fashion, we can survive this travesty. Until we see how low they are willing to go, we cannot establish the criteria for taking a shot, but in the interest of being prepared, I hope that TLo will provide us with every shred of advance information available on Season 6, "Move to Lifetime" alternately titled, "Who Killed Project Runway?"
So poodles, don't despair yet. Mix up a pitcher of Manhattans and steel yourselves for the tragedy to come.
This is too close to the stench of a Kardashian for me.
Here's to NBCUniversal winning their lawsuit.
Well that kills it.
While I have to problem with Lifetime, I'm in throws about having the same producers of RL and that icon of White Trash Mothers everywhere - Dina Lohan - signing up to do PR.
Poor Tim. What did he do to deserve this.
Let's look for a bright side here:
1. The inevitable "make a cocktail dress out of Smirnoff labels" cross-promotional episode should be a hoot.
2. The focus will surely shift from designing and creating fashion to interpersonal conflicts and petty arguments during the off hours. So if you like the chic designer styles of the contestants' hotel suites, good news! You'll get to see a lot more of them.
3. The worse the show gets, the better the TLo blog gets. I'm anticipating some scorching commentary.
Lighten up! It's just fashion!
uncle vanya said...
[Why, oh why, did they have to screw around with my favorite TV show?!?!]
"Simple. It's the only thing making money for Harvey Weinstein right now, so he has to squeeze it and wring it until he gets every last penny out of it. Producers are always so surprised when it ends up a shriveled, tattered wreck after doing this."
That and he needs money to be the sugar daddy to his wife's fashion line, Marchesa. Can you say, Carolyn Roehm and Henry Kravis, Part Deux?
Antares, it's not just fashion, now it's just reality TV.
Sigh...
another reason why i won't be watching PR once it leaves bravo.
Anon. 11:40 said, I enjoy watching people with skill and talent create things, and then hearing people talk about said created things.
That's what drew me into the show, and that, for me is where the drama is. Oh, sure, if every once in a while someone has a few drinks, swings on the scaffolding to impress a girl, and falls on his head, that's okay. But what I want to see in greater proportion is the making of silk purses from sows' ears.
But we really don't know what'll happen. It seems a bit premature to start planning a funeral.
Not loving this at all. Bad, bad decision.
By moving the show to LA, they have already effed up the show.
How to ruin the best reality show on TV:
1) Change networks from one with a great reputation for high quality reality TV to one with no reputation for quality reality TV because your exec. producers need to make more money
2) Get rid of the producers responsible for five great seasons of PR and hire producers responsible for some of the worst reality TV out there
3) Watch What Happens!
At least the contestants will be drunk all the time like in season one.
"gorgeous things said: That and he needs money to be the sugar daddy to his wife's fashion line, Marchesa. Can you say, Carolyn Roehm and Henry Kravis, Part Deux?"
A couple of weeks ago, Gawker had the best description of what Weinstein is doing: They refered to it as 'strip mining Project Runway'. And they also mentioned that it was because he needed the money because his other projects had not faired well recently, but I think that all the projects they mentioned were movies that bombed.
Their article was about how much they are charging Marie Claire (and others) to be a part of it.
--GothamTomato
There's going to be a LOT of drama and fights.
GothamTomato said...
"gorgeous things said: That and he needs money to be the sugar daddy to his wife's fashion line, Marchesa. Can you say, Carolyn Roehm and Henry Kravis, Part Deux?"
A couple of weeks ago, Gawker had the best description of what Weinstein is doing: They refered to it as 'strip mining Project Runway'.
I read it too. Very interesting.
Here it is.
"The Weinstein brothers' strip-mining of Project Runway—the powerhouse fashion contest they own—is in keeping with the guiding principle they've stuck with since their heyday at Miramax. Harvey's critical successes were funded by profits from his brother's B-movies; and now the irascible film producer is milking reality television for the same purpose. Fine—except the Weinsteins' demands for payment from Marie Claire for the privilege of association with Project Runway (which we reported yesterday) are extreme even for them. And their motives may have less to do with greed and more with desperation. Hollywood insiders speculate the brothers' $1bn launch financing isn't as much of a buffer as it seems: the investment bank and other investors may pull some of the funds at the end of the year."
They are going to hunt for every stereotype they can find pick contestants based on their ability to 'bring the drama'.
Ah - Project Runway. I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.
Sad, sad, sad. Though - the thought of "Project Runway presents: Psychic Designers!" has its merits. Just imagine – contestants search for Michael Kors originals hidden away in some tacky hotel or seedy waterfront dive (it has to be seedy with at least one unsolved crime). The trick is to distinguish them from similar cheap knock-offs made in China – while identifying who killed Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick.
We wait with bated breath.
it's not going to ruin the show for me so to speak but it's most definitely never going to be the same.
I understand the drive to make more money, but don't they understand that making stupid decisions like that is just going to ruin the show for all of us devoted fans?
This is a huge downgrade to Project Runway. Bunim-Murray is responsible for most of the sleaziest crap on TV. I'm very disappointed.
I can't think of a worse partnership with Project Runway. What I love about Project Runway is that it's a show based on talent and creativity not backstabbing and sex.
First George Carlin and now this! Too much to mourn in one week.
I suspect guest judges will include the Kardashians, the Lohans, and the latest Real World bimbos. The wrestling challenge will seem classy and restrained by comparision.
No time to read the replies right now, but had to respond with a resounding (and I'm sure very in-step with my Rungay Poodles-in-Crime):
OH.MY.GOD.
(and I'm agnostic)
First, let me say that PR is my very favorite show and I have watched every episode of every season at least ten times. Although I am tepid as this morning's bath water over the switch to Lifetime, and am dubious about the loss of Magical Elves, sometimes a radical change like this will 'refresh' a show that was starting to stagnate and become formulaic. I remember people discussing that last Season had become a bit dull and uninspired because of the professional designers and the somewhat repetitive themes of the challenges. Also, the fact that PPS won and has gone on to the Happy Land of Plentiful Publicity in a way that no other winner has (Paging Jeffrey Sebelia...Jeffrey Sebelia...) reveals a much younger viewership demographic. I hate to be the messenger of tragic news, but the 16-29 year olds love the movie Weep Fests on Lifetime and watch them regularly~ugghhh. Bravo? Not so much...we Old People (35-55 year olds) love us some Bravo as we have the maturity to appreciate all of its upscale, intelligent reality programming. The Weinsteins may ultimately have done the right thing for the wrong reason~greed. I don't think Heidi will allow her baby to be spanked too hard; if she hears it crying (bad press), she will take charge, IMHO.
The only slim defense I can find for this decision is that I actually thought "America's Psychic Challenge" was handled rather well, treating it with a modicum of respect by not hiring a bunch of obvious loons.
Then again, it's about psychics, so the point alone is debatable.
I just cannot see this working well.
I don't know what to say, things keeps getting worse and worse. I hope we're all wrong for the sake of the show.
For the time being I'm with rosie's girl. I think I'm willing to continue watching PR through the move from Bravo to Lifetime with our beloved bloggers, TLo as guides through this inevitable tragedy. Hopefully, TLo won't get totally disgusted and ultimately disassociate themselves from the new PR and move on to more fashionable and fabulous pastures. In fact, I can't imagine this blog without the wit, humor and snark of many of its most notorious and regular contributors should they choose to leave as well.
- edina -
P.S.
Uncle Vanya, loved your treatment for the opening credits of the new PR.
The more I read about the Lifetime season of Project Runway the more it confirms my decision to watch this season on Bravo and then stop watching.
I have to embroider on Uncle Vanya's intro. Bunim/Murray's first PR episode challenge: designing new uniforms for Hooters waitresses with gratuitous shots of large mammaries and 'real life' outtakes of waitresses bemoaning how difficult it is to find a comfortable fit when you're well endowed. Pamela Anderson as guest judge...
(I have to stop typing; I just threw up in my mouth.)
Hey, they're not losing us, are they, really? we'll still all have to watch the show to fully appreciate the TLo Project Rungay experience.
It will just be with 2 martinis instead of one. Up with a twist, please.
Anonymous said...
"Weren't they pretty much the creators of reality TV shows? Was there anything before The Real World?"
This makes me a bit sad, there used to be reality TV that wasn't based on manipulated drama and publicity seeking....... I suppose more documentary....
Few in in America would know this, but there was a program on the BBC called "Seven up" where they selected a group of kids born in a given year and filmed them every 7 years of their life. The last episode in 2005 they were 49. Fantastic.
Anonymous 7:45 said, " there used to be reality TV that wasn't based on manipulated drama and publicity seeking....... I suppose more documentary...."
Yep. An American Family, by Alan and Susan Raymond, on PBS, the granddaddy of them all. Pat kicked her husband's sorry ass out, Lance came out, all on public television in 1973 (with an "update" in 1983, and a final chapter about Lance's death in 2001). "The Real World", indeed. Ha.
Jesus. I leave town for a day and all hell breaks loose.
If we thought Elisa's spit marks were awful, just wait until Bunim-Murray recasts Puck.
Damn you Harvey!
"anon said: Few in in America would know this, but there was a program on the BBC called "Seven up" where they selected a group of kids born in a given year and filmed them every 7 years of their life. The last episode in 2005 they were 49. Fantastic."
I wouldn't put Michael Apted's 7Up series in the same category as a reality show. Those are a series of documentaries.
--GothamTomato
"lilithcat said: Yep. An American Family, by Alan and Susan Raymond, on PBS, the granddaddy of them all."
I remember watching that (though I remember it being on earlier, like '71 or '72). They reminded me of the Cowsills. And I believe there was a follow-up series a few years later, wasn't there? Lance was the most memorable one, and he tried to turn it into a singing career, but that didn't work.
--GothamTomato
jay zus you crazy bitches need to chill I bet it'll be fine on lifetime.
Gotham said....
"I wouldn't put Michael Apted's 7Up series in the same category as a reality show. Those are a series of documentaries."
The concept of "reality TV" is so ironic. It's got so little to do with reality. Its usually contrived and unrealistic.
7-Up was more documentary, but it had a "fly on the wall" view of how people behave, interact and develop.
I'm sure it will be fine.
[giggle]
Of course I'll still watch for awhile (until I'm too disgusted or until Tim runs away in shame). BUT. We need more of the designing process and less of the manufactured drama. Not MORE made-up bitchslappin' catfights.
God hep us. If Kim Kardashian or one of the Gossip Girls or the like show up, it is all over.
"anon said: 7-Up was more documentary, but it had a "fly on the wall" view of how people behave, interact and develop."
Any good documentary has a 'fly on the wall' view, but the 7Up series is not anything like a reality show. For starters, it is real, factual, and not a contrived situation the way a reality show is.
--GothamTomato
Gotham said..
"Any good documentary has a 'fly on the wall' view, but the 7Up series is not anything like a reality show. For starters, it is real, factual, and not a contrived situation the way a reality show is."
LOL.... That's the point of my posts...
Reality show's aren't 'real'. They're presented as 'real', but they're contrived, heavily manipulated in casting and editing, full of artificial plot lines and people presenting caricatures rather than themselves. (rant over)
Come to think of it, I think I'd rather watch a fashion documentary than some 'real world' mockery :( I'm despondent about the predicted decline of PR.
If you would like to see a fashion doc, then you should try to find the documentary on Marc Jacobs that was done last year I believe. It followed him doing his spring Marc Jacobs show in NY and fall LV show in Paris last year. I caught the tail end of is on IFC about a month back.
And of course Jays.
Dan~
And 21 seasons of The Real World is something to be proud of...
Aiya-- now what are we going to do?
TLo--
What does Tim say about this?
I'm not the slightest bit optomistic. I was a Big Real World fan from day 1, fell in love with the New York cast and my heart broke in San Francisco when Pedro Zamora passed. What started out as an interested compellling show has been totally run amuck by it's own creators. Of course, Mary Ellen is no longer with us but Bunim Murray jumped the shark long before she left this earth. There is no way in hell that Project Runway stands a chance if Real World is any indication of how they treat their shows. I will sadly tune in to watch the train wreck on lifetime but it will be with a heavy heart and a buttle of tums (maybe I should make that vodka instead!)
sigh I will be totally despondent if Tim goes down with this sinking ship. That's actually the only thing I care about at this point.
Hmmm..
Epi One - All Designers show up and promptly get drunk and hop into the hot tub nekkie -- bicuriosity abounds.
Epi Two - Tim passes out when he is told to take the Designers to Forever 21 to score fabric instead of Mood
Epi Three - Heidi plays spin the bottle with the remaining contestants. The first one to kiss her is immune from elimination.
Epi Four - Seal opens up a can o' whoop ass on the designers who were macking on Heidi in the previous Epi. Homeland Security deports Heidi and Seal to parts unknown.
Epi Five - The challenge is to give each designer full access to the Duchess' wide selection of...black Tee's. Duchess shows up shirtless wearing a poorly fitted blazer. Nina pokes her eyeballs out with her pen at the slightest hint of Duchess' Nips.
Epi Six - A blank screen with this scroll...............the Gays have launched an attack on the Project Runway set and are holding all hostage until the Magical Elves Return.
Epi Seven - As a compromise, we have a "Best of the Rest Season Two vs. Season Three" Bryant Park show featuring Laura, Michael, Santino (for drama), and Uncle Nick.
It comes down to Laura and Uncle Nick. In unprecedent Project Runway style, Laura and Nick are BOTH announced winners. Laura takes her fave Project Rungay bloggers on a fabulous Bahamas vacay.
Uncle Nick buys more hair product and vests.
Yuck.
I loved that it was in New York. I loved that the show took the same beat as the city.
But here? Oh, let me see. Can we look forward to Kim Kardashian and her entire family as judges? Will Lindsay Lohan's mother give out advice to the fledgling models on "how to take care of yourselves?"
And pray tell, will we learn that Heidi is in L.A. because she's "working on a script?" Will Tim become an old fart who sits at The Grill each day?
Darlings, let us not forget that Bunim-Murray also produced the craptacular 'Simple Life'.
Designers, for your next challenge, you are going to create an outfit for a lifestyle icon. (Cue scene with designers creating a pole dancing outfit for Paris Hilton).
Kill me now! :(
Can you please put a disclaimer on the column, like Warning, contents might make the reader puke, or do not read until you have had two cocktails.
Blech.
The main problem I see, is that the Real World goes for drama over substance EVERY TIME. Can you imagine an entire Project Runway full of people like Vincent? A bunch of no talents that create drama. Ugh
Does anyone remember Starting Over? Bunim-Murray produced that and it really sucked after they moved the show from Chicago to LA. LA is great, I live here, but not for Project Runway. I do still live in hope. FIT anyone?
Sighhhhh.
Would anyone like to borrow some of my Prozac?
Any valium, too?
This is going to be bad...and I mean BAD.
Cannot find the words to make any comments. I'll watch, but I think we need to start a petition to send somewhere protesting this absurdity of nature.
-burnsie
Ok, the more I think about this, the less afraid I am. See the Weinstein Co. is in this to make money right? They were making plenty for seasons 1-5, but then the contracts are up and NBC/Bravo wants a bigger cut of this successful enterprise and Weinstein Co. moves it to lifetime, which is probably willing to cut them a good deal. PR is lifetime's ticket to respectability, right?
So then there's the talent. I was worried abou the talent. In these situations, the contracts come up for the producers and everyone and they want more money too. After all, they've created this wonderful show that's made the the company a lot of money. And a company that wants money, that doesn't see that you have to invest in this money-making show, a company like that will let the talent go and replace them with people who are cheaper and squeeze every drop of profit from the show while running into the ground.
That is not what is happening. Weinstein Co. has hired a guy who's been in the industry for a while, a well known guy, an expensive guy. Now this guy is well known for things that are rather tasteless and is expensive because he's made a lot of money appealing to the lowest common denominator. But I read all this as a sign that Weinstein is still willing to invest money in making the show successful. I'm not sure they've demonstrated that they have a clue how to do this, and that is concerning. But I'm much more confident now that if season six is terrible, they will actually regroup and fix it.
you know what, this is everybody's fault. all these people on here who were saying this season of PR was boring, there was no drama, no.. nothing. THIS is what you get. I hope you're happy bitches!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
I read these comments for the chuckles and cleverness. Uncle Vanya, you RULE. Mourning while laughing with others ain't a bad thing....
Tim Gunn doesn't sound happy
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/tim-gunn-feeling-panicky-about-project-runway-los-angeles-move-7334.php
Probably no one is even reading this comment page anymore, but I just have to say somewhere that I don't understand how people can spend most of the last two seasons yelling about how the producers suck and then complain about a change. I'm not saying I have an opinion about whether it will be a change for the better, I'm just saying it all seems a bit hypocritical.
I for one didn't think the last 2 seasons sucked. None of the seasons were perfect, but the show has largely retained the same great formula that made it a success.
We bitch because we love.
After seeing their "credits"--normally I wouldn't watch... but there's this "it's gonna be a trainwreck" that's pulling me slowly toward the TV.
I'm gonna have to be a little schnockered to really enjoy it, though.
They need to leave it alone! "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I will note that I was a loyal Real World, Road Ruler up until Ms. Mary Ellis-Bunim's unfortunate passing. After she died, they obliterated her vision for her series eliminating all estrogen and heightening the testosterone. Ugh! I hope that Jon Murray does not destroy PR!!!! I also hope they honor our demographic instead of pandering to the young, horny teenager that doesn't watch Lifetime (but watches MTV).
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