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Reel News Tim Ryan |
Dose of reality
hits isle shoresReality shows have become Hawaii's production staple since June. Lifetime Television has finished filming three episodes of "Merge" on Oahu. Hosted by Lisa Rinna ("Days of Our Lives"), "Merge" is an hourlong show that helps newly married couples combine their individual belongings into one household. Rinna and a design crew invade the homes of newlyweds who are away on their honeymoons. The "Merge" crew is then charged with deciding which personal possessions from each spouse's single life get to stay and which get trashed.
The couples first tour their homes with Rinna and a designer and try to sell them on why their furniture and other belongings should be saved. Some new furniture and decorative touches are purchased, some original furnishings are kept and the rest of the old stuff goes into "the shredder."
When the honeymooners return, they must watch a video of their belongings being pulverized by said "shredder." ...
The WB's "Second Chance" also recently filmed on Oahu. The series reunites single people with the first loves they've lost contact with. Together they explore how life could have been. ...
"Makeover" from The Learning Channel is planning a five-episode shoot on Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island later this month. Banyan Productions out of Philadelphia is bringing in two crews. Two of the make-overs are of Army lieutenants based here. ...
While in Honolulu with the Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal did a rare one-on-one interview with "CJ," known as "Celebrity Justice." Seems O'Neal is being sued by a woman who claims she was burned by a tiki torch at a party at his home. ...
Former Kauai Film commissioner, now state exec, Judy Drosd finally has an official title with the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. It's chief officer of arts, film and entertainment. ...
As we've reported, IATSE business manager Scott Wong has been temporarily suspended since Thursday. The union's next general meeting is Oct. 26, after which Wong's status with the production crew will be determined. There's been major strife and competition between IATSE and IBEW crew unions since Wong wanted virtually all Hawaii filming for his members.
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Contact Tim Ryan at tryan@starbulletin.com.
