Big Brother 16 Casting Call

“Expect the unexpected.” If you’re a “Big Brother” fan, you know the hit CBS show always delivers on its famous catch phrase. For Arkansans, that phrase is truly fulfilling its meaning this season. One of America’s most popular reality shows is looking for its next big star in Saline County. From explosive blunders to game twists, the annual summer tradition never seems to disappoint.

Benton Mayor David Mattingly recently announced at a city council meeting that the Advertising and Promotion Commission reached a deal with THV11 to host the event. The casting call is expected to draw 6,000 people the weekend of March 29-30 at the Benton Event Center in Tinsel Town Shopping Center.

“Big Brother” has been ratings gold for the CBS network for 15 seasons. The journey started in 1999 in Holland when nine volunteers were filmed for 24 hours a day for 100 days. Instantly it was a hit with viewers. About 15 million people watched the final show on New Year’s Eve.

Other countries then quickly signed up, including the United States, UK, Argentina, France, Poland, and Australia. “Big Brother” has shows airing in more than 35 countries. It’s one of the longest running and highest rated show on television. There have been 315 winners since the reality show first aired. The most recent was in Portugal.

Hosted by Julie Chen, the show features a group of houseguests who live in a secluded Studio City, California residence isolated from the outside world. The contestants are typically not aware of current events.

For three months, the group is monitored by 52 cameras and 95 microphones recording their every move 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The houseguests compete for food, sleeping arrangements, and their chance to stay in the house. They must survive weekly evictions. One by one, the houseguests vote each other out. The last remaining houseguest wins a grand prize of $500,000 cash. The runner up receives $50,000.

Drama unfolds when “showmances” blossom and erupt, schemes bubble and alliances are formed and broken.

The Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission voted to pay $10,000 to THV11 for advertising the “Big Brother” casting call on Sunday, March 30 from 1- 6 p.m.

Contestants will have two minutes on camera to make their presentation, speak about themselves and explain why they would be a good choice to be a “Big Brother” contestant. THV11 will be at the casting event to film the interviews. The pre-recorded messages will then be forwarded to the CBS network for final decisions.

Commission members believe this is an opportunity to highlight both the Benton Event Center and the city as a whole. In addition to THV11 hosting the event, the Benton Event Center will be highlighted on the station’s Weather Nation. The auditions will also be announced and presented on THV11.com as well as their Twitter and Facebook social networking sites.

According to the agreement, THV11 plans to produce two 30 second commercials for the A&P Commission to use for other purposes. They will also provide equipment, security and the cost of the event center’s rental fee. If a contestant from the Benton auditions is selected for the show, the Benton Event Center will continue to be highlighted as long as that contestant stays on the show.

If you are interested in applying for “Big Brother”, visit www.THV11.com and check the “Features” section for official rules and how to apply.

According to a THV11 press release, contestants for the casting call are responsible for reading the “contestant application instructions” before filling out an application. Contestants must also present a driver’s license or state issued photo ID and a passport or social security card. Contestants are also asked to bring two personal photos.

In recent years, there have been several “Big Brother” contestants from Arkansas including; Frank Eudy from Marion, Britney Haynes from Huntington, Kathy Hillis from Texarkana, and Spencer Clawson from Conway.

“Big Brother” is executive produced by Emmy-Award winning producer Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan. The new season will premiere this summer. An official date has not been announced. According to CBS, Season 15 averaged 7.29 million viewers and a 2.6 demo rating. That is up 11 percent in total viewers over the 2012 season.