Bebo joins with Endemol for online reality show

by Maria Esposito, Brand Republic 31-Oct-07, 12:10

LONDON - Bebo is to show an online reality TV series it has commissioned from Endemol UK, following the round-the-world adventures of six people selected through video auditions by the Bebo community.

'The Gap Year' will follow six Bebo users on a journey round the world to mirror the site's global reach. Their itinerary is likely to include Rio Carnival, Chinese New Year celebrations, China, Zen Week in Sri Lanka and the full moon party season in Thailand.

Bebo is launching a casting call in December and users can submit a video postcard about their ideal gap year. Winners will be chosen by the Bebo community.

'The Gap Year' will be filmed in 2008 and is scheduled to air exclusively on Bebo.com.

This will be Bebo's third programming effort after serialised drama 'KateModern' and upcoming drama, 'Sofia's Diary'.

MySpace has also made a foray into original serialised content with 'PromQueen', 'Roommates' and 'Quarterlife', a drama written and produced by the creative team behind 'My So-Called Life', 'Thirtysomething' and 'Blood Diamond'.

MySpace users also decided the director and cast for British comedy 'Faintheart' earlier this month.