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“Real World” Denver cast member Tyrie (center) watches the Mountain Dew Action Sports tour while executive producer Jim Johnston tries to block the shot.
– Intrepid Denver Post reporter Scott Lieber had a run-in with “The Real World” Denver last night while snapping some photos outside the house. The crew was up to its old tricks, asserting they own the sidewalk (seriously), instigating events when all we did was observe, asking for names but not giving out their own.
Check out Scott’s report:
– As if we didn’t know it already, the production team at “The Real World” are sick to ensure The Denver Post doesn’t report on the show. Last night, as I walked to my car after taking some photos, one of the crew members (later identified as executive producer Jim Johnston) accosted me on the sidewalk and — clever devil — started taking photos of me!
– At first I flinched, unsure what was going on. Then I realized who he was and we had a little photo-snapping fight. He kept repeating “So how do you like it? How do you like getting photos taken of you? Is this fun? Is this what you like to do?â€? The photographer had become the photographee! Boy, he sure turned the tables on me.
“The Real World” Denver executive producer Jim Johnston snapping photos of The Denver Post’s Scott Lieber.
– He even started touching my camera with his fingertips to block my shot and also physically touched my friend. Whoa, not allowed, I told him. You can take my photo but you can’t touch me or my property. Then, as he continued shooting, with a huge grin he said, “Oh, you’re such an asshole.â€?
– The night had started innocently enough. I drove with fellow Denver Post reporter Alicia Wittmeyer and Post photographer Daniel Zollinger down to LoDo to check out the house at 1920 Market St. The Mountain Dew Action Sports tour was taking place right outside. Police had blocked off Market between 19th and 20th, as motorcycles revved engines, popped wheelies and flew off a jump midair into another jump. Really cool to watch.
– “Real World” cast member Tyrie stood outside on the sidewalk right in front of the house, conversing with some co-eds (see photo at top). I snapped some photos from about 15-20 feet away. The producer with whom I would later photo-fight kept blocking my shot, then asked for my ID and who I was with. I gave him my business card and he said he was with the motorcycle tour (more lies). “You can get some real good shots of the cyclists over there,â€? he said, pointing far away at the end of the street. “Thanks,â€? I responded. “I’ll keep that in mind.â€?
Inside “The Real World” Denver house — the lounge and hot tub room.
– The two green mini-garage doors on the north side of “The Real World” house were open, giving us a glimpse inside. It seemed like it had green carpeting — like artificial turf, though I had a pretty rough angle — and was a lounging area with a hot tub. Police guarded the front door, and after speaking with the crew member, one came over and told me that MTV owned the whole sidewalk up to the street. I expressed my skepticism and about 10 minutes later, after checking with others, he informed me that MTV had lied, that the show only owned the first few feet of the sidewalk past the house.
– Soon after MTV found out who I was they closed the mini-garage doors. Cast member Brooke stood outside watching the motorcycle events. After a few minutes, my friends and I grew wary of the loud engines and decided to leave. As we turned up 19th Street, where my car was parked, “The Real World” producer started snapping photos.
– We had our snapping-war for about two or three minutes. Finally he grew tired and walked back towards the house. I expressed dismay, told him I was having so much fun. Then I ran back over and tried to find out his name. But he refused to reveal it. “Have a good night,â€? I yelled back as I walked away. “It was nice meeting you.â€?
“Real World” Denver executive producer Jim Johnston accosts The Denver Post’s Daniel Zollinger (left), who seems amused by the attempts.
– What I want to make clear is I was not acting like a paparazzo. I stood no closer than 15-20 feet of any cast member at any time. I didn’t speak to Tyrie or Brooke. I stood on a public sidewalk while shooting Tyrie. Brooke stood inside the gated area, and I stood on the street while shooting her. So the “Real World” producer’s imitation of me was way off.
– Typical bullying tactics of MTV. The guy did give us some funny blog material though, so I’d like to personally thank him for that…
Friends (or members?) of “The Real World” Denver cast enter the house at 1920 Market St. on June 29.
HA HA! That’s great.
Comment by Mark — June 30, 2006 @ 1:14 pm
I think the law is that the city owns the space from the curb to 36″ inward in regards to property lines in Denver.
Comment by Brando — June 30, 2006 @ 1:50 pm
There were other cast members at JRs last night as well. (a dark haired girl and the gay guy). There was some sort of fight, someone threw a beer bottle off the balcony and it hit a cast member or a part of the crew. I was on the balcony and about 3 or so crew members came up and started yelling at everyone asking who did it. Then this big guy was on the sidewalk freaking out. It was quite entertaining I will say!
Comment by D — June 30, 2006 @ 4:20 pm
This incident only makes me hate MTV even more. F*** you, MTV. F*** you and your plastic-wrapped teeny-bopping “celebrities.”
Comment by Liz — June 30, 2006 @ 5:45 pm
I have had a drink next to that guy in the pictures. the one you had problem with. he is not a pa; he is the executive producer. his name is jim something. i will have to watch tuesday’s show to see his last name. can you say lawsuit. he put his hands on you and you have proof aka a picture of him pulling on you.
Comment by marissa — July 1, 2006 @ 1:54 am
It is funny that they call it the real world when in reality they shut themselves out of and push anything truly real about the Denver community out.
Comment by Lee Johnson — July 1, 2006 @ 8:56 am
I had real interest in your site when I heard about it. It sounded like a true journalism venture. However, your investigative tactics are not getting you anything but a lot of drama to write about. I hear nothing but one-sided he pushed me stories. Try staying in a shadow, maybe you will get more than an angry production crew to report about. Good luck, I do hope you are able to achieve your goal and are able to come up with something to spoil the show. At this point I am going to have to watch it just to see the cool motorcycle tricks. Take a look at where your journalism is going, if you do not want to be called paparazzi, start taking a more proffessional approach. You have a great idea,you just need a better execution.
Good luck
Comment by Tracy Llyd — July 1, 2006 @ 12:28 pm
So basically this website is anti-RealWorld?
Comment by CuriousGeorge — July 1, 2006 @ 2:02 pm
We’re not anti-Real World, we just want to know what goes on behind the scenes when a huge TV show like this descends upon a city. What are the legal and cultural implications of the people they do business with, or the places they visit? What does this say about how “real” the show is?
And yes, to answer Lindsay’s comment, sometimes it is more effective to stay in the shadows to get information. We’re not trying to instigate events or create cheap drama with the crew. We just want to get at the heart of what they’re doing here in Denver. This isn’t straight-up journalism, it’s a reader-supported, rumor-filled blog…
Comment by John Wenzel — July 1, 2006 @ 2:18 pm
” ‘Get Real Denver’ will bring you the latest news and gossip about the seven-member cast, plus the behind-the-scenes stuff you don’t get to see on TV…..” Is this your mantra? I only see the crew getting picked apart by you. That’s great and all.. but is that what you really set out to do? When I read news about celebs and such, the reporters generally aren’t bragging about (and showing us pictures of) how resistant the celebs are being. They usually just deliver us the goods and call it a day. Are you upset RW is in our town? I feel like this site is more of a ‘let’s follow RW, so we can feel like we’re part of the excitement, but boo-hoo they don’t want us to take pictures of them, so let’s tell everybody what assholes they are instead’. Oh, I guess I’ve learned the names of the cast members, so this is a pretty good website afterall. whoopie.
Comment by CuriousGeorge — July 1, 2006 @ 2:51 pm
I love this site but what drives me friggin nuts is every single time you upload a picture or edit an entry you show up as a new post on my bloglines, then when I click its the same post from two days ago. Grrr!
Comment by Supporter — July 1, 2006 @ 2:55 pm
CuriousGeorge,
Actually, I wasn’t the one that was at the motorcycle thing. That was reporter Scott Lieber. I just posted his report.
But more to the point: we’re not bragging about our experiences with these crew members, we’re just reporting them. We’ve never instigated a single thing with them. All the run-ins we’ve had occurred after we took a picture, then a crew member came over and started something with us. We’d be fine with not having these run-ins, but they occur so we write about them. This site is all about what happens when “The Real World” comes to town, and the way they treat people and deal with the locals. If our experiences become part of it, so be it.
Believe me, we don’t have an agenda to screw MTV or any of these cast members. That would be too tiring. But based on the way we’ve been treated so far, can you blame us for being wary of MTV’s tactics, and the way they’ve dealt with us and a lot of other people? Threats, lies and intimidation, my friend. Many viewers of “The Real World” don’t know what it takes to get the show on the air, the protests and scuffles they edit out, the deals they cut, and the things they do to cover their butts.
Maybe this site has seemed a bit more gossipy than usual, but this isn’t a straight-up journalism venture, it’s a blog, and a lot of it revolves around our readers and their submissions. If someone (i.e. someone that didn’t write for this site) wrote in with a similar story of getting hassled we’d still post it.
Comment by John Wenzel — July 1, 2006 @ 3:35 pm
Tracy and CG,
If what we wanted to do was screw with the show, as CuriousGeorge suggested, then we’ve completely failed. I can think of hundreds of things that actually would interfere with the show — constantly jumping in front of the camera, verbally taunting cast members, etc. — that we haven’t done, because that’s not our mission.
When you tell us to stay in a shadow, Tracy, we’ve done everything but LITERALLY stay in a shadow. We haven’t spoken to a cast member. We’ve stayed out of their way. We’ve reported from a distance. I was LEAVING and walking toward my car Thursday when the old guy jumped at me! There wouldn’t have even been a run-in if it wasn’t for his juvenile behavior, which prompted my equally juvenile — albeit, far more hilarious — response.
Comment by Scott Lieber — July 1, 2006 @ 4:10 pm
so you’re not instigating anything, but insist on hanging out around the crew/cast taking pictures and messing with anyone who messes with you? . . . right . . . then you don’t allow anyone on the blog site to disagree with you without a full blown editorial response . . . c’mon guys, admit you are looking to mess with Real World, cuz we can all see that you are — truth speaks louder than some kind of bs you know. Nothing wrong with messing with Real World — afterall, there’s precious “real” about it, as its just a series about a group of self-absorbed barely beyond their teen years kids getting drunk and obnoxious every night. We just love to watch that kind of self-destructive behavior . . . and now you are getting in on the act too!
Comment by Big Bare — July 3, 2006 @ 12:20 pm
Big Bare,
We’ve never insisted on hanging out with the cast and crew. We’ve gone out of our way to avoid conflict. We take pictures then try to be on our way. “The Real World” crew then follows and accosts us, demanding the pics be deleted. If we don’t, they usually send a uniformed, off-duty cop over to repeat that request. Several times the crew has lied about what is and isn’t legal. They threaten us with harassment charges or arrest. They cuss at at. And for what? Taking photos, usually on public property. We don’t say a word, we don’t get close, and we don’t threaten. If they didn’t pursue us, it’d be a clean and easy thing.
If you’ll read other comments on this site you’ll find that I’ve approved a lot that disagree with me. That’s the point of this blog: to have an honest and open discussion about what this TV show means for the city. I’m not denying any sort of agenda here, I’m just saying, the point of this blog is not to malign MTV, it’s to expose the truth behind “The Real World.” That may look like simply “messing with them” to some people, but we’re seeing a bigger-picture here…
Thanks for reading,
John
Comment by John Wenzel — July 3, 2006 @ 2:50 pm
I have to say that I read your blog expecting a less objective perspective. Maybe it’s because I like the show, but I find your efforts to “infiltrate” it rather annoying. Of course it’s not real- anyone who has seen a few shows can surmise that without your help. And if you really were looking to expose what goes on behind the scenes, you could contact MTV to do an expose. Yeah, they’d want to slant it, but you could put your spin on things.
Maybe you should take your investigative journalism and expose some big name athletes who are caught with pot in their backpacks and mysteriously let go. I’d rather know about the inner workings of the police department and politics and how someone gets off because he is famous. And how, inexplicably, he remains a role model to our youth.
Or even better, how our mayor was attached to a cop-killer and somehow slipped under the radar.
Just a thought. Why not let these Real World kids enjoy themselves as much as possible? They’re the lucky ones to get on the show, and I’m sure they’re harassed enough by jealous idiots who will do anything to elicit a reaction and possibly be shown on TV (albeit with their faces blurred out).
Comment by Lalaena — July 3, 2006 @ 11:27 pm
By the way, why is TRW in Denver anyway? I mean, I love it here, but it doesn’t seem like a lot of excitement is happening.
Comment by Lalaena — July 3, 2006 @ 11:29 pm
Yea - I met that guy in the pic too, his name is Jim and he’s the producer, not an assistant. I do agree that this site seems to be anti-Real World, although I like reading this site to find out what is going on. It just seems like most of the posts are making MTV into this evil force that’s invaded our city…I actually think that it could do a lot of good for Denver and LoDo especially. I’ve run into the Real World cast and crew at Monarck and they were very nice. The crew were quite nice but refused to talk to me…
Comment by Chris — July 4, 2006 @ 9:36 pm
Okay, In reality the people that are responding in a negative fashion about your journalism tatics are ridiculous. The Denver Post, and frankly any and all Denver citizens, have a right to be curious about what goes on behind the scenes of a show that has come to our city. MTV does not OWN Denver. Not to mention, this is a blog. People (including journalists) have a right to post their opinions about the cast and crew.
Comment by Kristen — July 5, 2006 @ 1:53 pm
Kristen,
Right on!
-jw
Comment by John Wenzel — July 5, 2006 @ 3:29 pm
I’ve been following your reports and find them interesting though it does seem that you look for ways to slam the producers of the show for just trying to do their job. They need to protect the production process and it can be tough if there’s an entire website devoted to ‘exposing’ what goes on behind the scenes. For example, I think it’s a little over the top to describe the producer as ‘physically accosting’ the Denver Post guy when to me it looks like he’s just taking his picture. And your guy doesn’t look particularly bothered. Do you guys represent the Post journalistically? I know you describe this as a blog where opinion is welcome, but it sure feels like someone’s got an ax to grind. I wonder if there’s a way to observe and gossip about what’s going on without such a negative spin.
Comment by katy — July 5, 2006 @ 5:45 pm
Katy,
The producers may just be doing their jobs, but so are we. When a TV show like this generates intense public interest we have a right to look into what they’re doing. We’re not trying to spoil the show or create negative spin, just accurately blog about what kind of impact it’s having on our city and its citizens.
And yeah, our intern doesn’t look too upset for the executive producer to be touching him. The point is that it crossed a line. Coupled with the fact that the producer called him “asshole,” I think it speaks to the tactics of the show’s crew. We’ve never maligned or otherwise tried to instigate anything with them.
Best,
John
Comment by John Wenzel — July 6, 2006 @ 9:34 am
Slam the producers for doing their job? Since when does not allowing people to take photgraphs in a public area consist of “their” job? Actually touching someone is “their” job? Snapping photos back in your interns face is “their” job? So if my little sister wants to take a picture of the real world walking down the street cause its cool to her, i have to worry about some producer grabbing her, threatening her or telling her she can’t take pictures? This producer curses at people in public. (quoted as saying “you’re such an asshole”) Real nice coming from an mtv executive.
That guy should be on your picture list. Get pictures of him and win tickets to tour the local jail, that way maybe you will see him twice.
And you are right, I don’t think accosting is the right word. In legal terms it would be considered assault. Yes, look up the law. Touching, spitting, grabbing are all assaults and you can be arrested for it.
Why would any producer care this much about a local website that garners mostly fans. Doesn’t this producer have anything better to do, like his job.
Comment by mDav — July 6, 2006 @ 12:36 pm
Since I ride the RTD into Market St. Station every weekday and I have an interesting history with Real World I decided to swing by the house this morning. First, I’ll give you my history…
In 1995 a good friend of mine had Jason from Real World Boston as a roommate in Boulder. In 1997? while I was living in Boca Raton and visitng Miami I ran into the production of the Miami season in South Beach. In 2002, while living in Las Vegas, my next door neighbor Kristina ended up going to Paris as a cast member. A while after she got back she had made friends with someone from the Las Vegas season and I would see them not only in my neighborhood but also around on the Strip. Now we have Real World Denver and I work downtown, so I’m expecting to see these guys any day now. Kind funny, huh?
Anyway, I walked by the house this morning out of curiosity. I’m not terribly familiar with the neighborhood, so I was kind of shocked to see soooo many bars and clubs nearby… but of course after considering how these things are done it makes perfect sense. These kids must be altered in form or another 24/7!
There was a cop parked in an unmarked car directly across from the house but didn’t mind me snapping a few pictures, but then again he seemed engrossed in a paperback.
I stopped watching the show after the Hawaii season, but caught a good deal of the Paris season… haven’t watched since, but am still amazed at how it keeps chugging along and seems to be following me around.
Comment by Erik — July 7, 2006 @ 11:08 am
There’s no such thing as bad publicity.
Comment by Kevin Bjorke — July 13, 2006 @ 12:23 am
Ha! It i sfunny you mention that about owning the sidewalk. I was there awhile back mindlessly walking past when I saw two sat memebers having an argument out in the front. I paused to just take a glimpse, afterall, everyone stops for drama. Whne D.P.D. starts getting all fussy. there were no big crowds or anything of that sort. Being the person that I am that likes to make people work for their money, I ask the officer what the big deal of standing on a sidewalk that we pay to maintain with our taxes is all about. He proceeds to tell me that (and this is a very civil conversation between the officer and I) The MTV had dropped an enormous amount of money to “Rent” the whole block. NowI have no problem with the cast, or the crew filming the show. But damn it man let me stand on that block in peace. Sheesh! I hope the cast digs the city. I hope MTV packs up soon so we ca have our street back. CHEERS!
Comment by Bri Guy — July 13, 2006 @ 8:36 am
Wow. John, it sounds like you guys are trying to document RW like you’re supposed to, and probably having a lot of fun in the process…when not being harrassed anyway. I was therefore confused about all the naysaying going on here, but then it hit me. People really do actually LOVE The Real World! And when something you love is exposed as an unprofessionally conducted quasi-sham, well then of course you retaliate with an emotional diatribe! Now it makes perfect sense.
Comment by Justin — July 22, 2006 @ 1:35 am
I was looking through this website and found these pictures. I’ve seen this guy Jim Johnston. He’s been around town in a bunch of bars and allways with some young girl. He’s some old guy who thinks he’s hot because he works for mtv. How does mtv find people like this producer? Mdav’s got it right. He ought to be in jail for accosting innocent people trying to see what’s going on. So mtv, your executives can get away with cursing at the public who are LIVING in the ReaL World??
Comment by dan — October 22, 2006 @ 7:04 pm