Michael Lohan appears in a new reality show for celebrity do-gooders.
February 16th, 2011
Michael Lohan has taped the pilot for a new reality TV show that is a "emotional and physical bootcamp" for celebs interested in rehabing their trashy images and becoming do-gooders.
Challenges will focus on making the reality stars "live up to higher moral standards"–a tall order for people whose reputation is more focused on partying and self-promotion than doing charity work at soup kitchens.RumorFix.com reported that other stars involved in the show included Angelina Pivarnick from Jersey Shore, Kim G of Real Housewives of New Jersey, and Justin "Rated R" Rego from The Bachelorette.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW
WITH JOSHUA B AND LORI
Star 105.7’s Joshua B and Lori had an exclusive interview with the hosts and producers of the new show early Wednesday morning. "They get some bad press", says dance singer/show host Adam Barta of the celebs featured in the pilot. "Not to say that they’re not amazing people. Some of them are absolutely phenomenal." But the show tries to improve them nonetheless. "We’re breaking them down bit by bit and building them back up to be better people… if it’s possible." Co-host/producer Kerry Schwartz of VH1’s Frank the Entertainer jumps in: "That’s not possible for EVERYBODY."
Co-host Adam Barta
It’s not by chance that Schwartz and Barta ended up at the center of the new show. Both say volunteerism is a big part of their lives–and calling attention to volunteer organizations is one of their goals. In an era when many critics have attacked reality shows for showcasing only the most negative behaviors, their show–the name of which they weren’t allowed to reveal yet–might be the antidote.
"It’s not that [people like] Michael Lohan are incapable of doing these things. He’s absolutely capable of doing them. These reality stars are so concentrated on less important things in the media. We really thought it would be better to see them working together as a team for people who really need it."
Co-host Kerry Schwartz
So how exactly will the hosts "improve" their celebrity proteges? "The team-building exercises are kind of interesting spins on the days when you were at Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and you were teaching people how to listen and communicate."
But is it possible the reality stars might just be doing the good deeds for the positive PR alone? "It was one of the things we were concerned about the most, actually," responds Schwartz. "When the camera stops running," adds Barta, "are these people gonna keep doing what they do? There’s a choice they’re going to have to make."
The pilot is currently in post-production and the hosts report there are a few different networks interested in picking up the show for a full run. In the meantime, host Adam Barta continues to focus on his music career; his next release will be a collaboration with Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge.
