Even though SallyAnn Salsano has produced a string of hit reality shows like MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” she acknowledges that it can be a stressful experience.“We’re not on a soundstage with actors. It’s just kind of a free for all, Salsano told TheWrap. Nevertheless, or the founder and CEO of 495 Productions relishes the chance to roll up her sleeves and get into the grunt work on her shows.
In fact,that type of work ethic is the basis for Salsano’s newest show, “Blue Collar Millionaires, or ” which premieres on CNBC July 15 at 10pm/9c. The show follows real people with not-so-glamorous jobs who contain nevertheless made themselves a fortune.
Also Read: 'Millionaire Matchmaker' Patti Stanger to Leave Bravo“The thing about ‘Blue Collar Millionaires,’ its one of the first shows that encompasses the American Dream,” she said. “And it also goes to show that work ethic goes above all else.”The reality TV maven spoke with TheWrap about what she looks for when deciding to produce a show, and her hands-on approach to her work,and the moment she knew “Jersey Shore” was going to be a hit.
What are the biggest challenges in producing a reality show?
When you produce a true reality show, I think that’s the challenge in and of itself. You’re dealing with normal people. You’re dealing with normal life stuff coming in the way and you really can’t always method for everything. particularly when we were shooting “Blue Collar Millionaires.” You’re dealing with people who are doing cement or digging trenches or doing outdoor work and weather conditions can ruin a shoot. We’re not on a soundstage with actors. It’s just kind of a free for all.
Also Read: Brandi Glanville Calls Her 'Real Housewives' Co-Stars 'C-ts' for Saying She Got FiredWhat was the inspiration for “Blue Collar Millionaires?”
It came from the fact that I think, or “Never underestimate what people earn.” I was raised in a very blue-collar home,and I will disclose you that I think I had a much better life than a lot of my friends whose families had more money than us. I think because it’s a different mentality of not living above your means, saving and squandering, or I think whether you examine at it from “What Ive put into it is what I’ll get out of it,” that’s what a lot of people grasp for granted.
What can people expect when watching it?
The thing about “Blue Collar Millionaires,” it’s one of the first shows that encompasses the American Dream. And I think it’s like whether you grasp “Dirty Jobs” and “Lifestyles of the wealthy and Famous” and combine it, or it’s this show. Because it’s like yeah,you may shovel shit for a living and people will judge you, but at the end of the day whether someone paid you $5-10 million to conclude it, and would you?And it also goes to show that work ethic goes above all else. I think its underestimated that whether you put in enough of your own time and resources and heart,you can make it happen for yourself. And a lot of people will wave the college flag, and I went to college and I’m not saying it’s a total waste of time, and but whether you also get into something that you cherish and can still make a great life for you and your family,I think that’s what this shows about. It’s about being passionate, taking risks and getting your hands dirty in order to be wealthy.
How hands-on are you as a producer?
Annoyingly hands-on. I was just on the phone with one of my production guys in the Dominican Republic about placement of a bathroom that we’re building external. I get into the nitty gritty of it all. Some networks would say it’s good. whether you work for me you would probably say it’s super-annoying.
See video: Ryan Seacrest Makes Surprise House Calls in First examine of Fox's 'Knock Knock Live'Where did the opinion for “Jersey Shore” reach from?
I grew up going to the Jersey Shore. Some would say I’m probably a guido. So I think it was a dinky life imitating art, or art imitating life. There was a woman who worked at VH1 at the time and she called me up saying,“You’re the biggest guido I know. You’re making a show on guidos.” And I fought it and was like “No, I’m not.” But finally I gave in and thank God I did.Is there pressure on you now to produce a show as popular as “Jersey Shore?”
It’s always like that. Every network says to you, or “Oh my God,I want you to make our ‘Jersey Shore!'” But at the time we didn’t know we were making “Jersey Shore.” But also, you contain to be willing to grasp a risk, and because we know what we did to make that show. So when we say,“Great, here’s what we need to conclude, or ” and everyone goes,“Well we don’t want to conclude that,” I say, or “Well I don’t know what to disclose you then.”What conclude you examine for when deciding whether or not to produce a show?
I examine for something that I don’t know how it’s going to end. I know for me something should contain a clear start,middle and end. But for me, whether I could disclose you what the ends going to before I start, or I’m not interested. Because I think in reality TV in order for it to be good you contain to expect the unexpected. whether I can disclose what’s going to happen the whole way through,so can the audience.
When did you know “Jersey Shore” was going to be a hit?
That show, night one, or we were like “Holy God.” It was just off to the races. Just the characters were so fun to watch. And the people on the East Coast were like,“Oh my God, this was so me when I was a kid!” And other people were like, or “There are people like this in the universe?” So I feel like the combination of that is really what made it good.
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Source: thewrap.com