Search Posts

When a serious subject like drug addiction is tackled by a TV production crew, it's not just the people on camera who become affected by what unfolds. Below, check out Gone Too Far Producer Sarah Sisson's notes on what it was like to film Gary's story...

I became personally invested in Gary’s story right from the beginning. Our cameras were covering him at his worst, and that called for a lot of trust on both sides. We formed a tight bond pretty quickly, and I became close with his mother as well. When we weren’t shooting, I was on the phone with them. I'm still in very close contact with him and his mom and will be sure to continue our relationship.

It was very difficult to shoot Gary while he was using. He’s such a great kid, with so much potential -- it broke my heart to see him hurting himself in such a devastating way. The thought of him overdosing was always at the front of my mind, but I had to trust him. He was very honest with me about his limits and how much he could handle, and it was my job to document it, so I had to step back and watch. I am very thankful for the level of trust that formed between us.

Gary was pretty comfortable on camera right from the start. He allowed us into his inner world -- one that he kept from most people in his life. He also took to Adam right away. Adam understood what Gary was going through better than any of us, and I think that really put Gary at ease.
Read more...

Tags , ,

Last week, we told you Wes was threatening to take out Cohutta in The Ruins. And while we're not denying he's got the physical advantage (think Muscle Beach vs. Screech), we're wondering whether Wes' bark might actually be worse than his bite. Sure, he's stacked -- but Cohutta's got that scrappy/underdog thing happening. Plus, he's kind of a smart cookie -- which is no small advantage considering the challenges are so different and unpredictable from week to week.

+ But what do you guys think: assuming Wes gets his wish (and it's safe to say he's a shoo-in for the Champs), is it gonna be a walk in the park? Or can the small-but-stealthy Southerner pull off the ultimate upset and slay the giant? Take the poll and tell us which of KellyAnne's men you think would win in a Ruins faceoff.

Tags , , ,

Brody Jenner may have dated Kristin Cavallari when she was just a young girl, but she sure wasn't innocent. Apparently, dude developed a sweet tooth for chicks who like to throw down waaay before hooking up with current Girlfriend Gone Wild Jayde Nicole. Hear the Brodester tell the story of how he pried his hair-pulling, potty-mouthed ex off an unsuspecting female victim on Hollywood Blvd. before declaring love at first sight, and don't forget to tune in to The Hills Tuesday night at 10pm to see if sparks still remain between the two. (Hint: They do.)

Tags , ,

Listen up, boys and ghouls. Halloween's almost here, which means it's time to figure out your last-minute costumes before all the good (read: flimsy, offensive) ones are sold out. And since we can't all afford to shop at Ricky's (plus some of us are already over the whole crotch-length dress thing), we thought we'd show you how to pull off your own DIY costumes, inspired by your friends -- and frenemies -- on The City! Starting with:

WHITNEY PORT
How to do it: Buy a long blonde wig and medium-length stilts. Paint your fingernails turquoise. Nod enthusiastically when others speak, even if it's terrible advice. Bring a date who is Australian, orange or emotionally unavailable. Avoid looking directly into Kelly Cutrone's eyes. Wear florals, little black dresses and always, always three-inch heels.
Props: Sketchpad, lipstick from Whit's personal line.

OLIVIA PALERMO
How to do it: Get thee to a Frederic Fekkai salon, then avoid any/all activities that might threaten to disturb your gorgeous, "Who, me? I just woke up looking like this" waves. Smell expensive. Read Elle. Laugh like Tinkerbell. Remind everyone you're sort of a big deal by using words like "social," "deb," "champy" and "toodles." Say outrageous things (like "f-- this, I'm out of here") then beam angelically til all is forgiven. Smile! You're Olivia. You're dazzling.
Props: Recession-proof bling, dog named after menial laborer.

KELLY CUTRONE
How to do it: Step 1) Throw on your fave all-black ensemble and dye your hair to match. Step 2) Borrow a friend's Ford. Step 3) Perfect the art of tough love! Start off with inappropriately loud critiques (i.e. "I've been doing this 22 years and you've been doing this, like, FIVE minutes!"), then temper them down with impossible-to-resist phrases like "I'm your loyal bitch." Step 4) Stop blinking. (It's a sign of weakness.)
Props: Pale makeup, a cowering/suckup-y assistant, Optional: a hands-free, don't-mess-with-me headset.

+ Got any ideas for pulling off the ultimate Erin Kaplan or Roxy Olin Halloween getup? Tell us in the comments! Plus, let us know if you have any tips (serious or otherwise) for going as Kelly, Whitney or Olivia this year.

Tags , , , , ,

Believe it or not, it wasn't hate at first sight for Audrina Patridge and her Hills rival Kristin Cavallari. In fact, 'Drina had seen K-Cav around town long before Speidi's wedding (a.k.a. the night Kristin made come-and-get-me eyes at a pre-manscaped Justin Bobby). Even weirder? She actually thought they'd be gal pals!

"I met Kristin a few years ago when I was with Justin," Audrina told OK! magazine this week. "She was dating one of his friends, we were all at the same party, and I was like, 'Wow, this girl is really cool.' And then she came on the show, and I thought we were going to be friends." And they almost were! 'Til Audrina's future bestie went after her ex.

"I was in love with Justin and Kristin knew that," 'Drina pointed out. "For her to go after that one guy…" Well, as Liz Lemon would say on 30 Rock, "that's a dealbreaker, ladies!"

Read more...

Tags , , , , , , , , ,

Although we like to think of Whitney Port as a damsel in distress (it's those innocent brown eyes, they get us every time!), she's actually a strong, confident woman. And she's got the head-turning wardrobe to match. Over the weekend, the soft-spoken City gal morphed from consummate good girl to 60s-era vixen with a little help from this sexy, spandexy turtleneck dress. Check out the pix and remember: Whit's tougher than she looks. In fact, we think she'd make an amazing Bond girl!

Tags ,

Is it just us, or has The Hills' Lo Bosworth been looking super chic these days? Both on and off-screen, the reality cutie's been stepping up her style profile, turning heads in everything from casual print dresses to tailored pencil skirts, and completing the ready-to-go ensembles with peep toe heels and aviator shades. And since we heart Lo's leggy, daytime looks (nothing over-the-top, just fun, flirty and understated), we thought we'd show our appreciation with a mini fashion shoutout.

Check out a few of our favorite styles (we're especially partial to the studded belt!), plus peep the below pix of Lo strolling around West Hollywood this weekend with fellow fashionista -- and Hills costar! -- Audrina Patridge.

Tags , ,

Watching the Real World/Road Rules Challenges is like eating potato chips — once you start, you can’t stop. And since Wednesdays (at 10pm) always seem so far away, we’ll be sifting through the Challenge Dailies every weekday afternoon to give you your daily dose of The Ruins. You’re welcome.

Being an overworked/underappreciated challenge overlord isn't easy. And after a long, hard day of bromancing Kenny conspiring with his cohorts, Evan likes to cool down with an energetic display of modern dance. Find out what happens when traditional Latin ballroom meets the clubtastic bump n' grind, plus get a load of Evan's sexy, half-naked partner. Guess old habits die hard ...

Tags , , ,

We've got a winner, folks! Liz, the sweet country gal with the powerful pipes, was crowned a star on tonight's finale, and she just couldn't be more delighted. Check out Liz's update below to find out her thoughts on the entire Starmaker experience!

What a ride it has been. Out of 14 singers in the pack, Diddy picked me -- the COUNTRY artist -- to represent BadBoy. I’m the happiest girl in the world!

I knew when I entered this competition that it was going to be tough, but being myself and staying true to who I am were key ingredients to the top spot. I have taken all the criticism from the Starmaker judges and turned it into positive advice to help further my career. And I feel blessed to have had the chance to work alongside so many great individuals, each with their own unique talents.

The Starmaker stage was nothing short of AWESOME. The moment I walked out with adrenaline pumping through my veins, the crowd cheering my name, I knew this was only the beginning of my journey!!

I want to thank Diddy and Mark Burnett for making such an amazing program! Also, the house band who rocked it out every week; vocal coach Romeo Johnson, who had the best techniques; Laurie Ann Gibson because she is such a motivator!; Tamara Conniff, who offered the best advice; and last but definitely not least, Rodney Jerkins, producer extraordinaire.

To all the people who have goals and dreams: Shoot for the **STARS** because you only live ONCE ... and DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

Now, as I sign with BadBoy I have just three words to say: Let’s make history!

Yeehaw!!
Liz

P.S. You can keep in contact with me through my Twitter and Myspace.

Tags , , , , ,

At the end of the Starmaker journey, it came down to two very talented singers ... and as with most competitions, only one person could win. Of course, Todd was disappointed when he wasn't picked, but that hasn't made him any less grateful for the experience of being on the show. Check out his update below...

Well … I had a good run. I wanted to win, and didn't -- but staying to the end allowed me to gain a great deal of knowledge and experience.

When I first met the cast, I knew the competition would be tough. The level of talent was exceptional, so making the Starmaker finale was a win in itself. I wish Liz the best. She is a talented performer and deserving of her success.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow cast members. Despite the negatives that competition can bring out, I know we shared a lot of laughs and a camaraderie that will live on.

Thank you Rodney Jerkins and Tamara Conniff for the positive comments that helped build my confidence week after week. Thank you Pete Wentz, Nicole Scherzinger, Lady Gaga, and Kelly Rowland for taking time out of your busy schedules to give us valuable advice. Thank you Romeo Johnson and Johnny Wright for being coaches, and also for your support and counsel. Thank you Laurie Ann Gibson for bringing out a side in me that I wasn’t sure existed.

I would also like to thank MTV, Mark Burnett and Diddy for giving me an opportunity to showcase what I do.

Know that the journey does not end here. I’m very grateful for being a part of Starmaker and am excited about what comes next. The van is gassed up and ready to hit the road. Stay tuned …

Please visit toddsarvies.com, myspace.com/toddsarvies or twitter.com/toddsarvies to see what happens next.

Tags , , , , , , , , , , ,

SPONSORS
AD:
©2012 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. MTV and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.