'Homeless Real World' Seeks TV Pad
This is the true story of six homeless people picked to live on the streets, work together and have their lives taped. This is Homeless Real World.
In 2007, online-video network Mania TV began documenting the lives of six homeless people in Denver. But the idea of a reality show about life on the street was deemed too edgy — even for the Web home of shock comic Tom Green — and the series never ran.
So after Mania closed up shop in March, the four partners who produced Homeless Real World (working title) pooled cash to acquire the rights and have begun to rework the 160 hours of footage in hopes of finding it a home on TV.
It’s been a passion project from the start for Richard Ayoub, Del Bigtree, Darwyn Metzger and Randal Kirk, who own the project equally and serve as executive producers. The idea for the show grew out of an effort to capitalize on MTV’s decision to shoot the 18th season of The Real World in Denver, where Mania was then based. (Neither MTV nor Real World producer Bunim-Murray Prods. are involved in Homeless.)
Ayoub, now chief creative officer for the syndicated CyberGuy tech-news segments, says the show offers a “surprising look at homeless life.” Which, it turns out, is not all that different from life on a typical season of MTV’s Real World.
“You probably never think of homeless people kissing, making love, falling in love,” Ayoub says of the intimacy-and intrigue-captured on camera.
There are also a lot of laughs. “They will actually go on-camera and say, ‘We’re out here having fun,’” he adds.
That said, the defining-moments that led to the cast members’ circumstances are revealed during the course of the show. So too are the special skills needed to survive life on the street, which in Denver during winter sometimes means sleeping in three feet of snow. The footage depicts such rawness that Metzger calls it “actuality” TV.
The approach that the producers took to shooting the series is unlike anything on TV. The producers bonded closely with the subjects, at times breaking the fourth wall in the footage. Interviews are more conversation than Q&A and feature nothing like the typical “confessionals” adopted by so many reality shows.
“The cast and crew became so close that they’re still very much in touch with each other,” Ayoub says. “So we can tell you what everyone is doing today.”
Since filming wrapped, three cast members entered detox programs, one got off the streets entirely and one passed away, Ayoub says. One cast member told him that in sobriety, they tell you to look back on your last drunken stupor as a reminder of where you never want to be again. “My last drunken stupor is on video tape, and I will always be able to look at it,” the cast member said.
The producers acknowledge that the show will be sure to get a reaction. “You will have an opinion,” Kirk says.
“It has the potential to be one of the most outrageous reality shows ever,” says Bigtree, who previously spent a day pretending to be homeless in Las Vegas for an episode of Dr. Phil, where he’s currently on staff. The experience taught him the extent to which homeless people are invisible to the rest of the population. “It was like, ‘I’m not even alive in your world.’”
When he started working on Homeless Real World, Bigtree didn’t set out “to do a show that says ‘Save the homeless,’” he says. “But you realize that there is real humanity here. This is probably one of the most profound experiences of my life.”
Ultimately, the producers insist, it’s that experience and the humanity of the cast members that they sought to put front and center. And at a time when “homelessness and foreclosure aren’t as foreign an idea as they used to be,” Ayoub says, the show has particular relevance.
As for whether some may accuse the show of being exploitative, he says every reality show faces that charge: “The redeeming value of this show is these people are actually likable and in many cases lovable. They will make audiences look at homeless people differently.”
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO Watch the sizzle reel for Homeless Real World (working title). WARNING: This video contains profanity.
Homeless Real World (sizzle reel) from Broadcasting & Cable on Vimeo.
Phone blocker commented:
Interesting article as for me. I'd like to read a bit more concerning that theme. The only thing this blog needs is a photo of some gizmo.
Jimmy commented:
I wish I could see more of this, it would be so sad if all the recorded material was for nothing. Please release a dvd or put it on youtube or make a website and show it there.
Time goes by... years pass and nothing happens sadly :(
GW MAJESTIC commented:
HEY GUYS OUT THERE... ITS GW. I DONT GO BY GW ANYMORE BUT I STILL GO BY MAJESTIC. DOING BIG THINGS NOW. FOCUSING ON MY MUSIC IM NOW DOING ALOT THANKS TO MANIATV.COM AND ALL THE PEOPLE MENTIONED/SEEN ABOVE. I THINK IF YOU EVER SEE THE REST OF THE SERIES YOULL SEE THAT IT DEALS WITH MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE MOST OVERLOOK. I REPRESENT THE UNDERGROUND SOCIETY ALWAYS HA?VE AND ALWAYS WILL. SOME CHOOSE TO BE HOMELESS OTHERS NEVER GOT THE CHOICE. WE ALL STRIVE IN THIS LITTLE WORLD OF OURS. ANYWAY IM THE ONLY ONE MANIATV.COM WONT BE ABLE TO FIND UNLESS IM INTERVIEWED BUT TO FIND ME SIMPLY GO TO MYSPACE.COM/THEREALKIDCASSIDY. BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOW IS BIG AND WILL DO BIG THINGS IT JUST NEEDS SUPPORT FROM ALL YOU GOOD PEOPLE OUT THERE. IF YOU HAVENT SEEN IT OR THE SMALL CLIP DOESNT SATISFY YOU REST ASSURED IN THE FACT THAT THIS SERIES POTENTIAL HOLDS NO LIMITS. HEY DEL,RANDAL,AND DUSTIN THE REST OF YOU GUYS AT MANIA. WHEN YALL GONNA GIVE ME A DAMN JOB? I NEED TO SUPPORT MY MUSIC LOL. CHECK OUT MY NEW SIGN: PLEASE HELP STARVING MUSICIAN IN NEED OF SEX,DRUGZ & ROCK-N-ROLL ANYWAY MY STORY CONTINUES IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. HIT ME UP. ID LIKE TO KNOW WHICH ONE OF US DIED, stuff like that you know. ANYWAY I LOVE YOU ALL> IM LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SHOW AND I CANT TELL EVERYONE HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO BE ALIVE TODAY BECAUSE OF IT.
Infinity commented:
Also I would like to see you tackle the issue of people that are homeless without the substance abuse issues. In particular the ones with severe mental health issues as our country has done a piss poor job of handling us!
Infinity commented:
Having been homeless, I will attest that there are some realities here. Unfortunately this focuses on the homeless with substance abuse issues, and doesn't take into account the fact that a lot of homeless folks are there due to the economic uncertainties of the times. AND THAT # IS GROWING! I would love to see this air, with the profanities intact. Thus I'd recommend contacting HBO about airing it. They've been known to tackle these sorts of things in the past!
aquadonia commented:
This needs to be aired pronto. A show like this has been needed for a long time, and I for one hope to see it aired. I'd also love to see it uncensored.
It dismays me to read some of the comments on here from people wondering why they should help 'drunks' and 'whinos'. Where has all the compassion and understanding gone in this world? *sighs* This is precisely why this show needs to be aired. Others need to see what it's like to understand it. Others need to see that people are displaced for many reasons, especially now in these economic times. The people in this footage are just that: People. We all deserve a place to call home and food on our tables as well as happiness, joy and success (amongst so much more). Sometimes we just need a hand to get us there.
Don't judge it until you've lived it.
spanky commented:
I have spent my life walking past the homeless on the street and have never bothered to think about the day to day 'reality' of their world until I saw this video. Now I'm curious as hell. Hope this show gets on TV!!
Pfff commented:
Is this trying to inspire hope within me for drunks? I couldn't care less.
AIN'T I? commented:
I ONLY WISHED THOSE PEOPLE KNEW THAT YOU WERE ONLY CONCERNED FOR THEM BECAUSE YOU KNEW YOU COULD GET A DEAL. IS THIS INFORMATION SUPPOSED TO MAKE US BAIL OUT EVERY WINO OR GAMBLER THAT HAS EVER LOST HIS SHIRT BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THAT NTHEY ARE HAVING FUN?
david scott commented:
I have been homeless at several points in my life. Contrary to popular belief, most homeless did not become so out of choice and not because they are lazy, stupid, or immoral. Many homeless people are victims of abuse in the form of neglect and abandonment by their parents or other caregivers. Some of them are simply victims of life’s tragedies, such as hurricanes, fires, or other catastrophes from which they simply don’t have the resources to recover. I invite you to my blog devoted to raising awareness on homelessness: www.freethegods.com. There you will find an article I wrote on homelessness and pictures I have taken of homeless people. I always give them a dollar or two for the privilege of photographing them. I am often surprised by their cheerfulness and sense of pride. Often, they will show themselves to have some kind of talent. There is a fine line between genius and insanity.
jmorgese commented:
While I was the GM at Rocky Mountain PBS, I wanted to do a real look at homeless life through a consumer generated content program called Real Colorado. I never could find someone who could do the video and gain the trust of homeless people to get an honest look. While I am not there anymore, there is still a need for this on television. PTV will balk at the profanity and the production style, but you really have something here. Don't give up.
GoBig commented:
How unpleasant. There's nothing original or entertaining about exploiting hard-core alcoholics and the poor. Jerry Springer does it every week. This is just more of the same.
VT commented:
I would definately watch thi! reality TV if it wants to stick around needs oh, i dont know a sense of reality?
this is great!
Chris commented:
I want to see this show in its entirety. Looks like a real eye opener.
meteveryday.com commented:
I would watch this show, it's absolutely intriguing and it seems pretty authentic. Well done!
mag commented:
At last, reality TV that actually makes a point and is relevant. About time. BRAVO, where are you?
KatwomanLA commented:
This is more engrossing than much of the "reality tv" that is currently on the air . Thank you for filming real people with real issues.
tommy commented:
I hope this makes it onto TV- I definitely want to see more
2hot4u commented:
Sounds boring... I'd rather nap. If it does make it to TV, they'd have to redo the footage. If it's blurry on the computer, it would look terrible on my plasma.
sugarcookie commented:
I think every person in America needs to see this. I have been close myself to being homeless before and I know what it is like to look down that dark tunnel and see no way out. Even if it is my last dollar I try to help out a homeless person. Maybe this will compel some people to have some compassion.
This shouldn't be happening commented:
Anywhere!!! I have served Aids/HIV less fortunate people including families - We need to reach our hand out and help. Can't leave it up to the Gov't or us to be us! Reach out and help you struggling brother you just never know how they got there! Peace and Love to all.
Brigitte commented:
I had an idea of doing a reality show at our homeless shelter several years ago but could not find anyone interesting in capturing the heartfelt case management stories, client/staff interactions, administrative dilemmas and a host of drama of a 30-bed adult shelter.
Do you know of anyone who might want to take on this task?
the Mrs. commented:
I really hope this makes it on TV! I would love to watch it! It would really open the eyes of America to see how these people live.
angecliffo commented:
i was crying a bit when i watched that. That Needs To Be On T.V.
TODAY
Hollz commented:
Wow intense!
This needs to be on the air!
Lilly commented:
This is wonderfull! I will definitly watch this! I am very excited,...I hope this comes on TV soon!
B commented:
I really hope this does go on TV, I am curious as to which one passes away and why, and which ones got clean, cant wait, I hope it gets picked up soon!
yes commented:
This show needs to hit the air asap. Perfect timing in this economic crisis.
everyday normal guy commented:
easy answer, i would watch it.
im sure lots of people would watch it.
Lovely commented:
This is toooooo beautiful. Finally the moment has arrived when a show of superior quality to resolve the problem of homelessness has arrived. The great resolution of bringing people from the streets to the mansions of superior life, the "Real World". I am sure their arrival to reality will be as redemptive as those who came up the idea. The Real Homelessness is in the souls of those who brought these people to the streets in the first place. It must be fasinating for those who have never had contact with another human being from their social class to meet them face to face. How sad it is that we cannot understand people who are so below us, we must live amongst them to understand them. Genius. I applaud you from the deepest part of my judging heart.
Jan commented:
Thought provoking if anything
CKay commented:
I would love to watch a show like this! If it's real and not scripted, it has great potential.
VP commented:
Looks amazing. I truly hope it makes it on television.
cosmohollydo commented:
It's more real than all the reality shows you see and you can't help but empathize with the people who have no place to live and they cannot go to a shelter if they have any sign of alcohol or drug problems.I wish i had the money and I would set up a shelter with classes in rehab and life skills.
Gypsywoman commented:
It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me mad. I saw things I never expected. I can see why you'd have sympathy for these homeless people. I'd like to see a series so I could learn more about this unknown world.
Chickie commented:
Melissa ... wow! Excellent reporting, honey! Keep up the good work! I'm proud to know you!