ABC America has given the green light to new series that will chronicle the creation of a new male pop group similar to ‘N Sync and Backstreet Boys. The network has already ordered 13 episodes of the untitled
Project, which should be very similar to the MTV show The Real World.
Trans Continental Records honcho Lou Pearlman, who guided the careers of Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync,
and LFO, will oversee the group’s creation, while Real World duo MTV Productions and Bunim/Murray Productions will capture the footage. The five-member group will live together in Orlando.
Getting off the ground shouldn’t be a problem. In addition to exposure on the ABC show, the band will be featured on MTV’s Total Request Live; Disney-owned Hollywood Records should secure the rights to the band's first album; and Disney's kid and teen-targeted radio stations have agreed to play their first song.
ABC America hopes the series will air by spring 2000 as part of its TGIF lineup. It follows hot on the heels of Australia's Seven Network's planned Spice Girl Hunt airing next year.
