Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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If you didn't hear or read the story I did Monday, here's the address: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3657268 My whole interview with Nick Lachey is there, too.
On Monday I spent some time at an all decked-out Murray High School, once famous for being David Archuleta's school. Now it's the set of "High School Musical: Get in the Picture," a reality show where teens compete to have a spot in the end credits of the feature film in theaters this fall (and filming at East High). Nick Lachey is the host. I interviewed him and the Executive Producer, Jay Blumenfield. Both really nice guys.
The line producer took me to a hallway now covered in posters written up by crew members ("Join the Equestrian Club -- ask your homeroom teacher for details"). Then they brought in Nick, and later Jay. I spent about 5-10 minutes with each, asking them about the show and how they like Utah. They were really nice. Nick even said he's had some great food here, and says people have been warm and friendly.
Then I watched some of the filming with the top four finalists (they wrap up filming this week). It's amazing how a reality show seems to be more "show" and less "reality." There were around 10 cameras set up in the cafeteria, and dozens of camera people, sound people, producers, etc. A lot of them are from Utah by the way. I waited for about an hour, then heard the magic words "OK we're rolling! Enter contestants." The contestants came down the hallway with Nick, sat at a table and he gave them the instructions for their next challenge. Then they stopped filming, and set up to do it again.
They say the finalists are really talented -- they did casting calls in Florida and LA and even sent crews to towns across the country. Jay wouldn't say if any Utahns are on the show, and I'm not allowed to say who the finalists are, because that would give away the surprise. The show begins July 20th on ABC.
