Jumping out of airplanes with a mouthful of worms while trying to impress a bachelor/bachelorette to win a million dollars isn't enough to excite viewers anymore, so it isn't any wonder that reality TV is pushing the envelope in new directions. To help maximize ratings, producers need the right location, especially the right house.

One California broker is cashing in by marketing his firm to location scouts to find homes for reality TV shows.

Anthony Marguleas, broker/owner of A.M. Realty has been working closely with Bunim-Murray Productions (BMP), to find suitable houses for filming two of its shows, "Starting Over," and "The Simple Life 2: Road Trip," starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.

A.M. Realty was initially contacted in March by a location scout for the daytime, nationally syndicated daily reality show, "Starting Over." The show needed a house to film the new series for several months that could accommodate women of all ages and from all backgrounds as they come together to "reinvent themselves, all under one roof."

Jodi Dirk for A.M. Realty had limited lead time to come up with some suitable properties in Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Malibu to show the scout, but she was able to find 20 or more homes for the show's team to consider. Following viewings with one producer, the list was reduced to three, with five producers and BMP boss Jonathan Murray visiting the final choice – a comfortable and luxurious hilltop home.

"Critical to their selection was finding a home with more of a feminine feel, a lovely pool, and a games and exercise room," explains Dirk. The house they chose also has five bedrooms, each with a balcony and tremendous views of Los Angeles. The six-women 'cast' share three bedrooms, and up to 10 production staff are on site at any one time. There is also space in the guest house for the crew.

Marguleas oversaw negotiations between the property's owner and the production company.

Patrick Murphy, Vice President and Executive in Charge of Production for BMP, says, "A.M. Realty really stepped up to the plate for us when we were under pressure to secure a suitable location. Not only did they go the extra mile trying to find us the right property on very tight deadlines, they were there for us throughout the negotiation process, ensuring we came away satisfied with everything."

The company took over the mansion in early June, prepared the house throughout the summer, and the show is currently in production. "Starting Over" premiered its second season on September 13th (check local listings for time and channel information)

As this deal was nearing completion, BMP contacted A.M. Realty again, this time to help find a house for a one-day shoot for "The Simple Life 2: Road Trip," which premiered on Fox-TV on June 16th. With only a week's notice before filming was to begin, Dirk located a home in Beverly Hills with an appropriate backyard and pool in just two days, and the deal was signed two days later.

Marguleas says BMP isn't the first television client the firm has worked for on a tight schedule.

"We have worked with TV before on lifestyle and home shows," says Marguleas. "We were delighted to help BMP. We have excellent knowledge of Los Angeles properties that are available for short and long term leases for TV and film production, which makes us a great asset for location scouting."

Published: September 28, 2004

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