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Arts & Entertainment

<em>The Real World</em> in Downtown Brooklyn?


By

Jen Carlson

Published May 20, 2008

Modified May 20, 2008


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By

Jen Carlson

Published May 20, 2008

Modified May 20, 2008


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belltel0805.jpgWhat part of Brooklyn will MTV's newest seven strangers inhabit when their show "The Real World” moves in this summer? The Brooklyn Paper reports that they may move into the BellTel Lofts (pictured) located Downtown...and decidedly "unhip." Allegedly MTV has scouted the penthouse units at the Bridge Street building, which is still under construction.

Executive Producer Jim Johnston confirmed that he has looked at the building, though he would not say if a lease has been signed.

“We [do] want to be close to Manhattan,” he said, but rattled off other areas he has explored, including Greenpoint, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, Red Hook, and Coney Island (so much for “close to Manhattan”).

When asked why the network chose Brooklyn for the latest season, he noted the borough's "cachet and vibrancy," adding that its most attractive feature is its popularity, saying, "it seems like everybody is talking about Brooklyn right now." Quick, everyone talk about Hoboken.

Filming for the series will likely start in July, not giving MTV (who usually take two months to get the house ready) much time to find the perfect pad.

Photo of BellTel via 110 Livingston.

Tagged

BellTel Lofts

brooklyn

downtown

mtv

reality tv

television

the real world

tv

Willoughby Street


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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