Only NOW can the official confirmation and announcement can be shared. For those of you who are interested, MTV's reality series THE REAL WORLD filmed in Philadelphia, PA these past 4 months and the seven housemates all worked for THE PHILADELPHIA SOUL. Below is the official press release issued by MTV Networks today (August 16, 2004) -- there will be Soul/JBJ footage throughout the season but we've no way of knowing how much or when it might be included throughout the weekly series.
SEASON FIFTEEN OF "THE REAL WORLD PHILADELPHIA" TO PREMIERE ON MTV TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th AT 10:00 PM ET/PT
MTV.com to Feature Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Cast Info
New York, NY – August 16, 2004 -- MTV today announced that the 15th season of the critically-acclaimed reality-based series "The Real World," set in the City of Brotherly Love, will premiere on Tuesday, September 7th at 10:00 PM (ET/PT). MTV is scheduled to preview the smash hit series with "Out of My Way, I’m Moving In: Tips For Getting Into 'The Real World'," a one-hour casting special that airs on August 24th at 10:00 PM (ET/PT).
The last season of "The Real World San Diego" was the highest-rated series on basic cable among 12-34 year olds and the highest-rated season in "Real World" history. The full season reached over 100,000,000 viewers. "The Real World" was created for MTV by Bunim-Murray Productions in 1991. "The Real World" launched the modern reality television genre, and is the longest-running reality series in history.
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's "Old City," "The Real World Philadelphia" cast resides in a 10,000 square foot home built around a stunning marble atrium with an olive tree. The house is also fully equipped with an indoor spa with two hot tubs (hot and cold) and personal training equipment, a pool table and indoor basketball, and a confessional located inside an old bank vault in the basement. The house, built at the turn of the century, was originally the Union National Bank of Philadelphia. More recently, the house served as the headquarters for the Merchant Seamen's Institute and Church and provided a central place for seamen to congregate, get clothing and supplies and pray.
Involved in the community, "The Real World" cast works for the Philadelphia Soul, the Arena Football League (AFL) team co-owned by Jon Bon Jovi. After a brief stint assisting with the last games of the season, the cast works with the team on their community outreach program and is challenged to plan and build a playground for Northern Home, a local care center for troubled youth. The cast members also take time out from work and escape to Fiji where they explore the backpackers' paradise in some remote islands, and enjoy the tranquility and luxury of two beautiful resorts.
In preparation for "The Real World Philadelphia," MTV will be airing marathon programming of "The Real World San Diego" on September 4th and 5th. Viewers will be introduced all weekend to the new seven roomies through cast profiles and season highlights.
This season, MTV.com will continue to be the #1 destination for "Real World" fans with in-depth information on the seven strangers including interviews, footage from their audition tapes and an extensive interactive tour of the Philadelphia house. Each week, the web site will feature never-before-seen outtakes and confessional video clips.
Following is a brief introduction to our cast:
Karamo, 23 – Valley Village, CA
Currently living in Los Angeles, Karamo is an African American from Houston whose parents are from Jamaica. He's the youngest of four and has three older sisters whom he considers the most important people in his life. He lives his life for others and gives much of his time to charities, politics and non-profits. Karamo struggles with his feelings about interracial dating as a result of his upbringing that was filled with strong anti-white prejudices. He works toward keeping an open mind and overcoming these fears and prejudices. Karamo attended Florida A&M University where he majored in Business Administration. Recently, he worked at the Brotherhood Crusade in Los Angeles writing proposals for grants and establishing new programs to help people who live in underprivileged areas.
Landon, 24 – River Falls, WI
When you think sports fanatic, think Landon! In high school, Landon was a state champion in doubles tennis and ranked fifth in the state in wrestling. At The University of Wisconsin, he was on the water skiing and wakeboarding teams. Landon is sensitive about being labeled a "dumb jock" and is afraid to "let go," fearing that others won’t accept him. He recently ended a seven-year relationship with his high school sweetheart and still hasn't gotten over her. He loves female attention, and he craves a real relationship again.
Melanie, 22 – Santa Cruz, CA
Melanie most recently attended the University of California at Santa Cruz and hopes to become a high school English teacher. Her long term companionship with her friend, Andy, has evolved into a steady romance. Melanie claims to have a spontaneous, wild streak, loves to dance and party and believes if you follow your heart, you’ll be happy.
MJ, 23 – Nashville, TN
MJ is a good-looking, blond, hard-bodied southern boy with a warm heart. He is a recent grad from Vanderbilt University where he majored in Human and Organizational Development and played the role of the star football player. He had dreams of playing professional football, but those dreams were recently squashed when he was turned down by the NFL. MJ entered a two-month relationship before moving to Philadelphia, and he struggles to maintain this relationship while living with his new roommates.
Sarah, 22 – Tampa, FL
Born and raised in Florida, Sarah just graduated from Emory University and plans to attend the University of Florida - School of Law in the fall. Sarah isn't afraid to use her sex appeal to get what she wants. She is most attracted to bad boys who are witty, independent, athletic and a challenge. She's highly opinionated and ready to debate at a drop of a hat. Sarah struggles with her weight and has overcome an eating disorder.
Shavonda, 21 – Murieta, CA
Shavonda is a beautiful African American young woman who is the life of the party and loves attention from guys. In high school, Shavonda was a cheerleader and her school's first African American homecoming queen. Shavonda struggles to support herself without any family aid and is putting herself through Grossmont Community College. Shavonda currently has a boyfriend to whom she wants to be faithful, even though he is not the kind of jock that usually pursues her. She likes a jock with a sense of humor and likes to be pursued. As a result of a turbulent childhood, Shavonda generally hopes for the best, but expects the worst.
Willie, 23 – New York, NY
Willie is a gay Puerto Rican American who loves his friends and is passionate about the arts and performing. His religious parents don't accept his lifestyle which caused Willie to leave home when he was only 15. Willie and his straight twin brother are the oldest of six children who all remain close. Willie admits that he possesses the "stubborn" family gene and isn’t afraid to be confrontational. At times, Willie insists that it's "[his] way or the highway!" As a child, Willie worked in commercials and musical theater and was a regular on the children's television show "Ghost Writer" that promoted literacy for children.
"The Real World" was created for MTV by Jon Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim of Bunim-Murray Productions and Jon Murray serves as the executive producer. Tracy Chaplin is the supervising producer of Real World Philadelphia, and Drew Tappon and Jacquelyn French are executives in charge of production.