ABC rocks with pop series

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Oct 06, 2099 Source: Reuters/Variety Submitted By: Sam Penney Wednesday October 6 3:59 AM ET ABC rocks with pop series By Josef Adalian HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Attempting to cash in on the current teen pop craze, ABC has ordered 13 segments of a half-hour reality series that will mix elements of ``The Monkees'' and MTV's ``The Real World.'' The untitled series will document the creation of a multiethnic, all-male pop group, from the first open audition to the band's debut public performance. Guiding the effort will be Trans Continental Records topper Lou Pearlman, the Svengali behind teen pop groups Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and LFO. The cameras will continuously follow the five members of the group, who will live together in a house in Orlando. ABC is hoping to have the series on the air by spring 2000 and will likely air it on Friday nights as part of its slumping TGIF lineup. It will be produced by ``Real World'' duo MTV Prods. and Bunim/Murray Prods. Corporate synergy will play a big role in the promotion of the series: MTV will use its ``Total Request Live'' show to lure potential band members and hype the show; Disney-owned Hollywood Records is negotiating the rights to the made-up band's first album; and Disney's kid and teen-targeted radio stations -- which played a key role in the success of 'N Sync and Britney Spears -- will help boost the band. Reuters/Variety Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: William Submitted by: David Submitted by: Monika Submitted by: Ann Submitted by: Greg Guepy Comment on this item. Next Item: Back street bleep . . . Prev Item: Didn't you used to be ...?