It's week 0 and you have to pick what you think the 14 houseguests will be named! You'll get one point for each correct first name you get, and ditto for last names. YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU DON'T PLAY! Good luck!
[b]Grand Prize:[/b] The Amazing Race - The Seventh Season DVD [b]2nd Place:[/b] Dancing With the Stars - Cardio Dance DVD [b]3rd Place:[/b] Daughtry CD [b]4th Place:[/b] Carnival Ride by Carrie Underwood CD
"According to a report, movie icon Sophia Loren is puzzled by people (like moi) who religiously watch the globally franchised reality show Big Brother.
She is quoted as saying "I can't get my head around people wanting to watch wannabes simply sleeping or having insane conversations or, worse still, sitting up all night on the off-chance two idiots may have sex." (Is she trying to say I need to get a life? She doesn't even know me!)
All kidding aside, even though Sophia doesn't get it, there are plenty of BB junkies out there -- and it's not about wanting to see if "two idiots" will have sex. We watch to see the relationships, the backstabbing, the game play, and all of that other fun stuff.
In related news, CBS announced yesterday that Showtime's Sho2 will once again air three extra hours of live footage from the Big Brother house, seven days a week, when new season premieres next month. We bet Sophia would be rolling her eyes about that!"
"“ 'Big Brother: After Dark' was a big success for us at bringing an audience to very late night time periods on SHO2," Robert Greenblatt, president of Showtime entertainment said in a statement. "This began as an experiment with our friends at Endemol and CBS, and I'm happy that it worked so well for all of us. I'm amazed at how much curiosity there is about what goes on in the Big Brother house after the lights are out, but what better place to present that than on Showtime, where we have a lot of on-air real estate in the wee hours of the morning.” "
Big Brother: After Dark, an exclusive live three hour feed of the first winter edition of the CBS hit reality series BIG BROTHER starting Tuesday, February 12th at 12:00 AM ET/PT on SHO2
LOS ANGELES, CA - (January 8, 2008) - CBS and Showtime will once again partner to bring viewers Big Brother: After Dark, an exclusive, live televised look inside the BIG BROTHER house after the network prime-time cameras have been turned off. Big Brother: After Dark will feature a live television feed from the "Big Brother" house for three hours (12:00-3:00 AM, ET/PT), seven days a week, on the cable network's SHO2 multiplex channel beginning Tuesday, February 12th at 12:00 AM ET/PT. The announcement was made today by Robert Greenblatt, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.
"Big Brother: After Dark was a big success for us at bringing an audience to very late night time periods on SHO2. This began as an experiment with our friends at Endemol and CBS, and I'm happy that it worked so well for all of us," said Greenblatt. "I'm amazed at how much curiosity there is about what goes on in the Big Brother house after the lights are out, but what better place to present that than on SHOWTIME where we have a lot of on-air real estate in the wee hours of the morning."
The first winter edition of BIG BROTHER will premiere on CBS Tuesday, February 12th and air every Tuesday at 9:00 PM ET/PT, Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET/PT and Sunday at 8:00 PM ET/PT. The series follows the relationships and conflicts of players who live together in a house outfitted with dozens of cameras and microphones recording their every move 24 hours a day. One by one, the houseguests will vote each other out of the house. At the end of three months, the last remaining houseguest will receive the grand prize.
"Big Brother (CBS, Feb. 12): Because the writers' strike rages on, the Eye net has prepared a winter edition of this summer reality staple. Rumor has it that this ninth edition may run just six weeks, instead of the usual three months. Casting is currently under way!"
Thanks, once again, to everyone who auditioned for BB9! We had a fantastic turn out and the decisions were tough.
This is to inform you that all BB9 finalists have been contacted already. If you did not receive a call remember.... just because you're not right for the mix this season doesn't mean you won't be right for the next season. Don't give up! Thanks for your support of the show!
ARKANSAS -- Word is Tony Westbrook of Benton will be among the housemates of the next season of CBS's reality show, Big Brother.
The new season - the show's first winter one - is to begin Tuesday, Feb. 12.
Westbrook will be one of 14 people who move into the house (on a Hollywood film stage) and attempt to avoid eviction for the next 80 days.
The goal? To make it to the final two, where the winner receives $500,000 and the runner up lands $50,000.
Back home in Arkansas, Westbrook, who is 33 and a Harmony Grove high school graduate (class of '92) works as a paraprofessional at Birchtree Community assisted-living facility.
Look for the prime-time show to air Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
"DANVILLE, December 17: Joy Tashjian Marketing Group (JTMG) has launched a comprehensive new licensing program for the ninth season of the hit CBS reality series Big Brother.
JTMG is the exclusive licensing and merchandising agency for Endemol USA and its Big Brother series. The agency is gearing up for a variety of games, including board games, card games, computer and video games. JTMG will also roll out a ‘best of’ book series, as well as apparel, stationery, paper products and an extensive array of fan-based merchandise.
The ninth season of Big Brother will premiere on February 12, 2008, in its regular 9 p.m. timeslot, with The Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen to reprise her hosting duties. Big Brother follows the relationships and conflicts of players who live together in a house outfitted with dozens of cameras and microphones recording their every move 24 hours a day. One by one, the houseguests vote each other out of the house. At the end of three months, the last remaining houseguest receives the grand prize of $500,000. The series is executive-produced by Oscar- and Emmy- Award winner Arnold Shapiro, Emmy Award-winner Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan, in association with Endemol USA.
“We are delighted to continue our successful collaboration with Joy Tashjian and JTMG as we return Big Brother to CBS for its eagerly-anticipated ninth season,” said Tina Hoover, the director of production for Endemol USA.
Added Tashjian, the president of JTMG: “Big Brother represents big business opportunities for licensees and retailers alike. We are excited to bring the message of this perennially popular reality series to leading licensees across our targeted categories.”
"***Big Brother 9 After Dark is getting axed in favor of a having Sequester house filmed. The sequester house will be filmed by a regular TV crew it will not be a 24Hour live feed. The show will air on ShowTime from midnight to 3 AM on a daily basis.
***In a recent interview with Alison Grodner it was confirmed that there will be no America’s player. “That’s really hard to do twice,” Grodner said. “Anyone coming to be a part of ‘Big Brother’ this year would know about it and we’d hate to have people act differently because they think that the viewers are in control. … That doesn’t mean that it couldn’t return in some other way, but doing exactly what we did again, no.”
***There will be no link between the players.
***Due to last seasons prolific rule breaking Big Brother 9 may institute a 3 Strikes rule, and any contestant who knowingly or unknowingly breaks 3 of the golden rules, is called to the DR and summarily dumped without a word to the other HGs, then replaced by an alternate HG. Strict lights out policy and wake up times. Serious regimentation. Chores. Etc…. Almost to the point where the season would be referred to as Big Brother Boot Camp.
***Go back to the nominees picking someone they want to play them in the POV, as opposed the picking a “blessed by god ping pong ball”. If that person the nominee selected wins the Power of Veto they have to take you off the block.
***Outgoing Head of Household is allowed to play for the following weeks HOH
***Big Brother 10 will start in June and be made up of semi popular movie stars. Rob and Amber Mariano are rumored once again to be casted on Big Brother 10
"CBS already has an answer to the writers strike: more Big Brother. The network is cranking up its perennial summer staple for a winter run to help fill the holes left by writerless dramas and sitcoms."
"The bigwigs behind Big Brother, including executive producer Allison Grodner, are holding open casting calls for the show's next season — which will be starting up in mid-February, a lot sooner than its typical summertime slot, thanks to the writers' strike. There are still a few days of open calls left, so if you've always wanted to bare your soul (not to mention the rest of you) on national television and live 24-hour Internet feeds, check out CBS.com. Grodner told us what will get you noticed, why nothing's too outrageous and how some former faves nearly didn't make it on to the show."
"And CBS announced it will run "Big Brother" three nights a week starting in February. Yes, that's right, the Mensas-in-a-house competition series originally developed as mind-numbing summer fare has been upgraded to ratings-sweeps programming in the teeth of the writers' strike."
People met with producers today for semi-finals, but seeing open casting calls are still happening there will be more semi-final meetings in the future.
"The winter edition, "Big Brother 9," will likely have some season-specific twists. "I think it would be in the show's best interests to make sure a midseason event is different from a summer event," Grodner says. "But the things people like will continue to be a part of it -- the social and psychological dynamic, the soap opera feel of it all." "
"I just got an email about an open call for "Big Brother" tomorrow in Houston. Anyone want to picket? If so, do you have any suggestions on how to make signs?"
"Among the rumors was the assertion that the AMPTP had a groundbreaking proposal that would make this negotiation a "done deal." In fact, for the first three days of this week, the companies presented in essence their November 4 package with not an iota of movement on any of the issues that matter to writers."
"Joey Buttafuoco was one of about 70 houseguest hopefuls who participated in an open casting call this weekend in Los Angeles for CBS' Big Brother. While waiting in line before his audition, Buttafuoco chatted with BB8 winner Dick Donato (yep, he was there, too). "I support the writers strike because they're entitled to get what they work for," said the 52-year-old, who's appeared in such films as Finding Forrester and Mafia Movie Madness. "I don't believe in crossing the picket line or anything like that because this program isn't going to be happening for quite some time. Am I right?"
Not really. It's CBS' hope to get BB9 up and running by February, if the strike persists through the holidays (things could be looking up, however: both sides agreed to return to the negotiating table on Nov. 26). Buttafuoco says he'd be "an asset" to BB, though he admits his celebrity could work against him in the house. "It has hurt in the past," admits Buttafuoco. "Even just going on a regular audition! Sometimes I get them and sometimes I don't, because my Q rating is too high. But I'm not that character that the media made me out to be. I'm not that guy." "
Phone Calls will be made by Friday November 30, 2007 to those who have been chosen as our semi finalists. If you do not receive a phone call, or were not able to make the home video and application deadline, please come visit us at one of our open casting calls for your last chance to be cast on this season of Big Brother! Be sure to download our BIG BROTHER application at www.CBS.com and bring with you, filled out, to the open call.
*PLEASE no phone calls or emails. We look forward to seeing you in your city!!!!"
If this IS true, it's likely just a first round of semis - they are STILL doing open casting calls, so you still have a chance to make it.
"Just for fun I was checking out the Big Brother 9 application form. While I love watching reality TV and Big Brother in particular there is no way you could get me on one of those shows. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to expose their lives like that on national TV. I still found the application itself fascinating. The full application contains over 70 questions. It starts out like any job or college application. You know, name, address, phone number, employer, bra size. Yes, ladies, you need to tell them your bra size. As the application states, “And remember, above all else, you must BE HONEST!” Both men and women have to include their underwear size. Lets see McDonalds or U. of Michigan get away with putting that on their application forms! Now I’m sure their are legitimate reasons for this since at various points during the competition the producers provide the house guests with cloths but you can’t help but wonder if they don’t use this info in other unofficial ways to select house guests.
Here are a few of my other favorite questions from the application form:"
"Will the strike negotiators be home for Christmas? A "very reliable source" tells Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily blog that there appears to be a deal in place between both sides. "It's already done, basically," says the insider, crediting weeks' worth of back channel note-sharing conducted by Hollywood agents. "I was told not to expect an agreement this week," says Finke, "but my source thought it was possible that the strike could be settled before Christmas."
In other words, maybe, just maybe, TV viewers won't be handed a big lump of coal as this holiday season — at which time the fresh scripted offerings will really start to dry up — rolls around. "I don't want to raise false hope," Finke adds. "But this source has been very accurate in the past.""
Get ready for the biggest, baddest season yet! We're gearing up a new look and a new format that's going to make this site easier to read than ever. Tack on that these brand new opportunities for you to win swag on the forum:
Makman's Pick'em game (1 grand prize, 4 runners up) BB9 Fantasy League (1 grand prize, 4 runners up) Cafe Press Item Design Competition (1 grand prize, 4 runners up) Poster of the Week (11 weekly prizes, 1 grand prize) LFU of the Week (11 weekly prizes, 1 grand prize) Donator Raffle (11 weekly prizes, 1 grand prize) Lzrman's Caption game (11 weekly prizes, 1 grand prize) Daily BB Trivia with KaysarRocks (11 weekly prizes, 1 grand prize)
And there is NO reason for you to go anywhere else! Start gearing up now for February Big Brother 9 - make sure you've registered for an account and get your post count up now by posting about shows like The Amazing Race 12 and Survivor.
"The closest casting call to Nashville is noon-3 p.m. Saturday in Atlanta at America's Mart, 240 Peachtree St., 1st Floor, Room A. Online applications can be found at www.cbs.com/primetime/big brother8/application. shtml."
"Do you want to be on TV? CBS, with local broadcasting station KOIN-TV (6), will be holding an open casting call for the reality television show "Big Brother" from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Streets of Tanasbourne shopping center.
Producers are looking for "outgoing, intriguing, competitive" people "ready to live inside the Big Brother house with a group of strangers," with multiple cameras recording everything. Contestants on the show, which will be "Big Brother 9," compete against other houseguests to win half a million dollars.
Casting calls are being held nationwide this fall.
Streets of Tanasbourne is at 19350 N.W. Emma Way, Hillsboro."
"People from all over came to the News19 studio Saturday morning to show off their personalities and audition for the reality CBS t.v. show, "Big Brother."
The line began forming outside before 8:30 a.m. The first person in line was Victoria Pratt, of Columbia. Pratt said it's been her dream to be on "Big Brother" since the very first season. Pratt says, "I'm gonna be on 'Big Brother.' I'm gonna walk in that house and shake it up."
People from a wide variety of backgrounds auditioned for the 9th season of the show. Some of the people were teachers, college students, funeral directions and even a former Miss Gay American."
"The writers' strike has CBS ramping up for a new season of "Big Brother."
Indeed, the network will be casting for new players here Sunday in anticipation of getting a winter edition of the summer show rolling early next year, should the strike continue. "
"However, she says viewers should expect something different. “We really want it to stand out. We want it to be special, because we’ve never done something like this before. I promise you it will be different from any other ‘Big Brother’ you’ve ever seen.” Hey, maybe you could not manipulate the outcome to fit your narrative?"
"While not confirming those pesky rumors that a new season of "Big Brother" could start as soon as February, CBS has opened up casting for the reality favorite.
CBS announced Thursday (Nov. 15) that "Big Brother 9" will have organized casting calls in 17 cities (some very close to each other) between Saturday, Nov. 17 (in Los Angeles and Columbia, South Carolina) and Saturday, Dec. 8."
"The writers' strike has CBS ramping up for a new season of "Big Brother."
Indeed, the network will be casting for new players here Sunday in anticipation of getting a winter edition of the summer show rolling early next year, should the strike continue.
"We have been told by CBS to get ready for anything, so there's nothing that is certain at this point," "Big Brother" executive producer Allison Grodner told the Daily News yesterday. "It is a wait-and-see. We are preparing for anything." "
Emmy Award Winner Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan Return as Executive Producers
CBS has announced that nationwide casting for BIG BROTHER 9 will take place at locations around the country between Saturday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Dec. 8 (see below for locations). In addition, applications are now being accepted online at CBS.com for the ninth installment of the reality series which will be broadcast in 2008 on dates to be announced. Julie Chen will return as host for Big Brother 9 and the series will once again be executive produced by Emmy Award winner Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan, in association with Endemol U.S.A.
BIG BROTHER 9 will follow a group of strangers living together in a house outfitted with dozens of cameras and microphones recording their every move 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One by one, the houseguests will vote each other out of the house until at the end of three months, the last remaining houseguest will win the grand prize.
BIG BROTHER 9 CASTING CALL - Dates/Cities/Locations and Local Times:
Nov. 17 Los Angeles - Exclusive Casting Studios, 7700 Sunset Blvd. (12 Noon-3 PM)
Dec. 1 Atlanta -America's Mart, 240 Peachtree Street 1st Fl. Rm. A (12 PM-3 PM)
Dec. 1 Brooklyn, NY - Duff's Brooklyn, N. 3rd Street & Kent Avenue (7 PM-10 PM)
Dec. 1 Charlotte, N.C. - Cans, 500 West 5th Street (12 PM-3 PM)
Dec. 1 Chicago - Ontourage, 157 W. Ontario Street (10 PM-12:00 AM)
Dec. 1 Hillsboro, Ore. - The Streets of Tanasbourne 19350 NW Emma Way, (12 PM-3 PM)
Dec. 1 Kansas City, MO -Screenlands Crossroads Theater, 1656 Washington St. (1 PM-4 PM)
Dec. 7 Columbus, Ohio - Spice Bar, 491 N. Park Street (10 PM-12:00 AM)
Dec. 7 Scottsdale, Ariz. - Suede Lounge, 7333 E. Indian Plaza (12 PM-3 PM)
Dec. 8 Boston - Felt, 533 Washington Street 3rd & 4th Floor (12:00 Noon -3 PM)
Dec. 8 Broomfield, Colo. - FlatIron Crossing, 1 West FlatIron Crossing Drive In the Dillard's Court (10 AM-1 PM)
Dec. 8 Columbus, Ohio - Park Street Patio, 533 Park Street (2 PM - 5 PM)
Dec. 8 Tampa, Fla. - The Dubliner Irish Pub, 2307 W. Azeele Street (12 PM- 3PM)
The BIG BROTHER 9 application and instructions can be found exclusively on the CBS website, http://www.cbs.com/primetime/bigbrother8/application.shtml.
"With Big Brother 9 set to debut in the early part of 2009, CBS is launching a series of 15 open casting calls for cast members.
The casting notices specifically mention the ninth season, and thus the possiblity that the show could feature celebrities seems to be less likely now—unless the house will be stocked with both real people and whatever D-list celebrities would subject themselves to the expereince."
At this point there is no absolute application deadline. However, Producers reserve the right to stop accepting applications without notice so Producers highly encourage applicants to submit applications as soon as possible. Semi-finalist interviews will be determined by Producers at their sole discretion."
With this statement, an early Big Brother is very likely to begin in February.
In a Time Magazine article this month, CEO Les Moonves stated in response to the writers strike, "We are fully prepared to offer alternative-programming options"
"As for other scheduling that may be affected or necessitated by a prolonged strike, CBS could spruce up its lineup by airing a special in-season "Big Brother," perhaps Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 10."
Are you an outgoing, intriguing, competitive person who would make the perfect BIG BROTHER HouseGuest? Are you up for anything and everything? Are you ready to live inside the BIG BROTHER House with a group of strangers while multiple cameras record your every move and sound 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Are you willing to compete for half a million dollars against other participants as aggressive and ambitious as you are? If you can answer yes to these questions, you just might qualify as a contestant on BIG BROTHER.
OPEN CASTING CALL Saturday 11/17/07 12noon – 3pm
Exclusive Castingstudions 7700 Sunset Blvd Ste. 200 Los Angeles, CA 90046
To apply, go to cbs.com. Access to the Big Brother application can be found on the lower left side of the CBS home page.
From http://cbs2.com/entertainment/local_story_311215438.html
PORTLAND - CBS's show Big Brother is gearing up for another season of fun.
Are you an outgoing, intriguing, competitive person who would make the perfect Big Brother houseguest?
Are you up for anything and everything?
Are you ready to live inside the Big Brother house with a group of strangers while multiple cameras record your every move and sound 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
Are you willing to compete for a half million dollars against other participants as aggressive and ambitious as you are?
If you can answer yes to these questions, you just might qualify as a contestant on Big Brother.
KOIN News 6 and CBS are conducting an open casting call Saturday, December 1, 12 noon - 3 p.m.
The Streets of Tanasbourne 19350 NW Emma Way Hillsboro, OR 97124
Come down and take your shot at "Big Brother" stardom!
From http://www.koin.com/Global/story.asp?S=7338838
The BIG BROTHER Show Casting Call is coming to Ontourage! Interview for the show and meet James from Season 6!
NOW CASTING IN CHICAGO! CBS’s Big Brother show is gearing up for another season of fun!
CBS LogoDAY: Saturday, December 1st TIME: 10:00PM - Midnight VENUE: Ontourage Nightclub ADDRESS: 157 W Ontario in Chicago
Are you an outgoing, intriguing, competitive person who would make the perfect BIG BROTHER HouseGuest? Are you up for anything and everything? Are you ready to live inside the BIG BROTHER House with a group of strangers while multiple cameras record your every move and sound 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Are you willing to compete for half a million dollars against other participants as aggressive and ambitious as you are? If you can answer yes to these questions, you just might qualify as a contestant on BIG BROTHER.
MIXMASTER THROWDOWN, Chicago’s Most Successful Nightlife Promotions Group, will be sponsoring an Open Casting Call for the new season of Big Brother at Ontourage!
This event will be HUGE, so arrive early! CBS is sending their show casting staff out to Ontourage on Saturday, December 1st to find the next participants on the next season of Big Brother… and you are invited! This open casting call puts you in front of the staff to convince them why you should be on the show as the nation watches you compete for the huge cash prize.
MEET JAMES FROM BIG BROTHER SEASON 6 & ALL STARS… This previous cast member will be on-site for a meet and greet, and to watch the casting call interviews. If you’ve ever wanted to meet a Big Brother star, here’s your chance!
Casting interviews will begin at 10pm, and will continue until midnight…. but be sure to get there early! Ontourage is located at 157 W Ontario in Chicago. You must be 21 to enter, and proper club attire is required.
If you have any questions about the venue, please contact Erik White with Mixmaster Throwdown at erik@mmtd.com. Otherwise, if you have questions about the casting call or the process, please email Sandra at BigBrother@SandraDeeCasting.com.
From http://www.mixmasterthrowdown.com/big-brother-casting-call
"In a conversation today with Robyn Kass of Kassting Inc the primary casting agency for Big Brother, it was confirmed that Big Brother will commence in February.
They are very busy at casting the show as I write this and Robyn asked me to pass on the word to get your applications in or contact her at her website, http://kasstinginc.com/ .
I asked Robyn during our conversation if the Big Brother rumors were speculation or was there a basis in fact? Robyn replied "We are casting with the thought in mind that the house guests would move into the house during the first week of February.
I can not quote on the following, but my feelings are it will be a normal Big Brother, not a Celebrity Big Brother and it is a strong possiblility that the summer Big Brother will also take place" - Reality TV Grapevine
"My summer guilty pleasure could be back as soon as this January. Variety reports that CBS is quietly putting together a new season of "Big Brother" due to the writer's strike. Nobody knows how long the strike could go on for. It could go on months and networks are looking to reality shows to fill the gap."
"Are Julie Chen and her band of summer shut-ins ready for primetime in the regular TV season?
According to Variety and Entertainment Weekly, CBS has already begun casting on the sly for a new season of "Big Brother," which could be rushed to the air as soon as February."
"CBS announced it could bring back its reality staple, Big Brother for it’s ninth series as early as January or February, however; reports are unclear if this is going to be a celebrity verison or if it will feature ‘ordinary’ citizens like it has every season. Entertainment Weekly is reporting that a CBS insider is quoted as saying that the production team over at the Big Brother lot in Studio City is quietly staffing for it’s next installment.
Earlier this year Paris Hilton was reported as expressing interest in appearing on the popular British version of Celebrity Big Brother which has featured such American’s as Jermaine Jackson and Tracy Bingham. However; when Channel 4 axed the popular series from their winter line up due to backlash from last seasons show, Paris was left by the wayside after she reportedly said she’d due the series if they “could afford” her.
My only concern is that an American celebrity version of the show would end up being more like The Surreal Life than Big Brother. If they do choose to do a celebrity version they better stick to the rules and treat the celebrities no more or less differently than they would any one else."
"CBS is gearing up for its first in-season cycle of Big Brother, which would start in February or March, three times a week. The network also ordered a 13th cycle of The Amazing Race, which had planned only one contest this season."
"As if the report that CBS is planning to counter the writers strike by bringing "Big Brother" back early weren't depressing enough, now Variety suggests the ant farm might be populated by celebrities this time around.
Says the trade paper: "A long strike might work in favor of such a plan, since some celebs normally busy working on sitcoms and dramas might have some time on their hands."
"CBS has reportedly begun casting for the upcoming season of Big Brother, which usually airs during the summer months, but may be back on the air as soon as February, Variety reports.
Other reality staples such as Survivor, The Amazing Race and American Idol should also be unaffected by the walkouts. "
""Big Brother" is usually a summer show, but Variety reports it has started staffing up for an in-season run that could be on the air as soon as February, people familiar with the situation said.
In anticipation of a strike, CBS quietly began casting for the next edition of the show a few weeks ago."
"CBS has found a way to soldier on as the WGA hits the streets during the writers strike. It seems that the Eye Network realized that one of their bigger shows during the dog days of summer is a thrice-weekly reality show that requires no writers and they already have the set built. Don’t look now, but Big Brother is coming back sooner than planned!
According to Variety, the network has been already casting for the peeping-Tom show for a few weeks now. If the strike lingers into the new year, the accelerated Big Brother could be ready to hit the air as soon as February. And since the show is launching in the middle of February sweeps, the producers are preparing a twist to their fighting-strangers formula. "
"CBS may rely on its "Big Brother" as a strike contingency.
Skein, usually a summer staple, has started staffing up for an in-season run that could be on the air as soon as February, people familiar with the situation said.
Indeed, in anticipation of a strike, Eye quietly began casting for the next edition of the show a few weeks ago.
Exec producer Allison Grodner is also said to be working on a new creative twist for the Julie Chen-hosted skein, in which a group of strangers live together in a house for three months.
There's been buzz that the next edition of "Big Brother" might actually use celebrities, as opposed to ordinary people. A long strike might work in favor of such a plan, since some celebs normally busy working on sitcoms and dramas might have some time on their hands.
Possibility of an early "Big Brother" popped up on Tuesday's edition of the Eye's "Early Show." Anchor Hanna Storm joked that the show might be back sooner than the summer, prompting a roll of the eyes from Chen. Chen then expressed her hope that the strike is settled soon.
"Big Brother" would be a perfect strike weapon for CBS because it airs three times a week, filling three key hours of primetime."
"Big Brother fans, prepare to celebrate the Writers Guild strike. A reliable source says CBS is quietly ramping up production on a ninth cycle of the reality show to begin airing in late January or early February if the strike persists well into the holidays. It's easy for CBS to fire up production on BB because it owns the house (which is located on the network's Studio City, CA lot) and it casts for the show year-round. We hear executive producer Allison Grodner is already hiring production staff and, of course, Julie "Chenbot" Chen would return as host. A CBS spokesperson declined comment.
Like seasons past, the network would probably air the show thrice-weekly, although there's always the possibility of adding more nights since action occurs around-the-clock in the BB house. Last summer, fans demonstrated their desire to watch even more of the house happenings by tuning into to Big Brother: After Dark on Showtime. It's unclear whether the nightly feeds will resume with this new cycle, though it seems likely. If the midseason BB does go forward, it is unlikely to affect the regular summer run of the show."
"Variety reports today that CBS has begun staffing for an early launch of a new season of "Big Brother" due to the writers strike. The show, which normally airs over the summer, could now start again as early as February.
The producers are also toying with the idea to lock up celebrities this time instead of civilians. An idea that grows more and more possible due to the fact that lots of stars are available if the strike continues, and their shows, especially the sitcoms, are kept on hold."
Where: NY Castings - 243 W. 30th St., 3rd Fl. (between 7th and 8th Ave.) in NYC When: 12-8pm, November 18th Notes: Bring a filled out application from CBS along with a photocopy of photo ID
"Agency casting for CBS's Big Brother Television & Music videos : Agency casting for CBS's Big Brother Listing no. 52560 - Colorado, USA Are you an outgoing, intriguing, competitive person who would make the perfect HouseGuest
Big Brother Wants You. Are you an outgoing, intriguing, competitive person who would make the perfect BIG BROTHER HouseGuest? Are you up for anything and everything? Are you ready to live inside the BIG BROTHER House with a group of strangers while multiple cameras record your every move and sound 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Are you willing to compete for half a million dollars against other participants as aggressive and ambitious as you are? If you can answer yes to these questions, you just might qualify to be a contestant on CBS's BIG BROTHER.
Please apply now to take part or for more information.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Created: 5 November 2007 Applications accepted until: 30 November 2007 Application criteria: Males & Females aged 21 to 99 from USA"
"Robyn, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today about Big Brother providing hopefuls with application tips. Let’s start discussing the application basics.
A. Robyn Kass, Casting Director Big Brother: My first tip for applicants is simple, you need to apply. I run into so many people who want to be on the show, but many don’t take the time to apply and send in an audition video. The majority of tapes are repeat applicants. Many people assume we won’t see their tape, however, we watch them all."
"Ever wonder how Big Brother ends up with quasi-psychotic criminals on the show? The series’ casting director says that most things that might come up during the background check are dealbreakers.
“There is not much in the background check process that will take you out of running,” Robyn Kass tells Reality Wanted. “In short tell us everything up front. If we find you did something that you did not disclose prior there may be a problem. Don’t lie. Surprises are the worst. If something does come up, we may assume there are additional things you are hiding from us. If we know everything prior, we are not blindsided and we can properly deal with those issues,” she said."
"The series “could easily return as soon as March,” Variety reports. Every other season of the show has aired in the summer, debuting in July and concluding about three months later.
Even more surprisingly, Big Brother 9 may be “a long-rumored celebrity edition.” Almost two years ago, TMZ incorrectly reported that CBS was announcing a celebrity edition of the show."
"NBC has been getting ready with an unscripted show called "Baby Borrowers." CBS has ordered a legal show with former prosecutor Marcia Clark and is casting for a new edition of "Big Brother," which typically runs in the summer.Fox is working on "Smile You're Under Arrest.""
"CBS’s Big Brother is gearing up for another summer of fun! Are you an outgoing, intriguing, competitive person who would make the perfect BIG BROTHER HouseGuest? Are you up for anything and everything? Are you ready to live inside the BIG BROTHER House with a group of strangers while multiple cameras record your every move and sound 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Are you willing to compete for half a million dollars against other participants as aggressive and ambitious as you are? If you can answer yes to these questions, you just might qualify as a contestant on BIG BROTHER. To apply, complete the application I have attached to this email and follow the application instructions. To have questions answered feel free to contact me: Christopher Catalano Casting Producer christopher@kasstinginc.com"
CBS's Big Brother is gearing up for another season of fun! Are you an outgoing, intriguing, competitive person who would make the perfect BIG BROTHER HouseGuest? Are you up for anything and everything? Are you ready to live inside the BIG BROTHER House with a group of strangers while multiple cameras record your every move and sound 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Are you willing to compete for half a million dollars against other participants as aggressive and ambitious as you are? If you can answer yes to these questions, you just might qualify as a contestant on BIG BROTHER.
Your name Age Occupation Marital / Relationship Status / # of Children Best contact # What city you live in A few CURRENT pics of yourself And a little about yourself – any special skills, hobbies, what sets you apart from others, WHY YOU WOULD WIN BIG BROTHER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO WIN, and WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH HALF OF A MILLION DOLLARS?
