Entertainment

Spencer Pratt Thinks Heidi Would ‘Upstage’ the ‘Real Housewives’ Cast on September 16, 2023 at 3:01 am Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

September 16, 2023

Courtesy of Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Spencer Pratt thinks Heidi Pratt’s reality TV background may be too much for the women of the Real Housewives.

“She’d upstage. I know that’s my love for her, but I truly think she’d upstage all these basic ladies,” Spencer, 40, told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published on Friday, September 15, adding that he’s “heard” people claim his wife is “too polarizing.”

Heidi, for her part, agreed when she was asked if she thought Andy Cohen was the reason for not being asked to join the cast. “I think so. He made a statement a while ago that he would never want me on it and that I wasn’t for their franchise, but I think that he’s so wrong,” she claimed, noting that it would “make sense” for her to be part of a show like The Real Housewives of Orange County or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills now that she’s a mom of two.

Referring to her longtime feud with former costar Lauren Conrad, she continued: “I don’t know if [Andy] is just a Lauren fan or what, because I would think that he would appreciate the reality star that I am.”

Following the end of The Hills – which ran on MTV from 2006 to 2010 — both Spencer and Heidi have made a name for themselves in the reality TV landscape. After appearing on shows like Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Wife Swap and Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars 2, the pair returned for The Hills’ short-lived spinoff, The Hills: New Beginnings in 2019.

Now, in addition to parenting their two sons, Gunner, 5, and Ryker, 23 months, the couple have one of their “biggest dream team projects in the works.”

“It’s an idea Heidi and I’ve been saying, I can’t believe no one’s come to us for 10 years to do. And then this big heavy-hitter came with that idea,” Spencer teased to THR. “So the paperwork’s just getting signed and if it goes through it would all come together just like a vision.”

While some reality TV stars are considering joining the ongoing Hollywood strikes, Spencer and Heidi have made it clear they aren’t on board. After Bethenny Frankel urged her fellow reality TV personalities to join her in fighting for fair pay alongside SAG-AFTRA and WGA earlier this summer, Spencer and Heidi clarified via social media that they will go “on any show” and networks can “treat us however you like.”

Spencer clarified his thoughts on Friday, telling THR that he and Heidi “do support the WGA” but were “frustrated” when their name got “mixed up” with Frankel, 52.

“[She] made people think there really was a reality strike,” he explained. “I was clowning when I jokingly said, ‘I’ve been on strike. That’s why you haven’t seen me.’ No, I don’t have a TV show. That’s why you haven’t seen me. But Heidi and I have learned this so many times, the amount of pilots we’ve shot with big production companies and big producers, and how many times those pilots never get to air, once you’ve been in that game and know how hard it is to be a reality TV person on a television show, until you’ve been on the other side, you don’t get what a privilege it is.”

The WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), who kicked off their strikes in May and July, respectively, are seeking similar new contracts with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) in regards to wages, the use of artificial intelligence and streaming residuals. In July, Frankel weighed in on the situation and claimed she hasn’t seen “a single residual check” for reruns of her past reality TV appearances.

“I’m well aware that unscripted talent aka ‘reality stars’ should have a union or simply be treated fairly and valued,” the Real Housewives of New York City alum said via TikTok video at the time. “The mentality that we were nobodies and that these streamers and networks have given us platforms and that we can capitalize on them is also moronic.”

Courtesy of Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images
Spencer Pratt thinks Heidi Pratt’s reality TV background may be too much for the women of the Real Housewives.
“She’d upstage. I know that’s my love for her, but I truly think she’d upstage all these basic ladies,” Spencer, 40, told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published on Friday, September 15, adding that he’s “heard” people claim his wife is “too polarizing.”
Heidi, for her part, agreed when she was asked if she thought Andy Cohen was the reason for not being asked to join the cast. “I think so. He made a statement a while ago that he would never want me on it and that I wasn’t for their franchise, but I think that he’s so wrong,” she claimed, noting that it would “make sense” for her to be part of a show like The Real Housewives of Orange County or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills now that she’s a mom of two.
Referring to her longtime feud with former costar Lauren Conrad, she continued: “I don’t know if [Andy] is just a Lauren fan or what, because I would think that he would appreciate the reality star that I am.”

Related: Celebs That Love ‘The Real Housewives’ Franchise

Just like us! Many stars have opened up in the past about ending their day with a nice Real Housewives binge watch. But over the years, some celebrities have managed to take their love for the Bravo hit shows to the next level. Nicki Minaj managed to potentially score herself an invite to host the

Following the end of The Hills – which ran on MTV from 2006 to 2010 — both Spencer and Heidi have made a name for themselves in the reality TV landscape. After appearing on shows like Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Wife Swap and Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars 2, the pair returned for The Hills’ short-lived spinoff, The Hills: New Beginnings in 2019.
Now, in addition to parenting their two sons, Gunner, 5, and Ryker, 23 months, the couple have one of their “biggest dream team projects in the works.”
“It’s an idea Heidi and I’ve been saying, I can’t believe no one’s come to us for 10 years to do. And then this big heavy-hitter came with that idea,” Spencer teased to THR. “So the paperwork’s just getting signed and if it goes through it would all come together just like a vision.”
While some reality TV stars are considering joining the ongoing Hollywood strikes, Spencer and Heidi have made it clear they aren’t on board. After Bethenny Frankel urged her fellow reality TV personalities to join her in fighting for fair pay alongside SAG-AFTRA and WGA earlier this summer, Spencer and Heidi clarified via social media that they will go “on any show” and networks can “treat us however you like.”

Related: ‘The Hills’ Original Cast: Where Are They Now?

When The Hills first debuted in May 2006, it looked a lot different than the revival, The Hills: New Beginnings. No matter what version they’re watching, fans are still hooked on the cast’s unwritten chapters. The MTV reality show, a spinoff of Laguna Beach, followed Lauren Conrad from Laguna to Los Angeles where she moved

Spencer clarified his thoughts on Friday, telling THR that he and Heidi “do support the WGA” but were “frustrated” when their name got “mixed up” with Frankel, 52.
“[She] made people think there really was a reality strike,” he explained. “I was clowning when I jokingly said, ‘I’ve been on strike. That’s why you haven’t seen me.’ No, I don’t have a TV show. That’s why you haven’t seen me. But Heidi and I have learned this so many times, the amount of pilots we’ve shot with big production companies and big producers, and how many times those pilots never get to air, once you’ve been in that game and know how hard it is to be a reality TV person on a television show, until you’ve been on the other side, you don’t get what a privilege it is.”
The WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), who kicked off their strikes in May and July, respectively, are seeking similar new contracts with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) in regards to wages, the use of artificial intelligence and streaming residuals. In July, Frankel weighed in on the situation and claimed she hasn’t seen “a single residual check” for reruns of her past reality TV appearances.

Related: Relive the Biggest Reality TV Feuds

Ever since reality TV began, one of the biggest draws has been the drama — specifically, the fighting that breaks out while the cameras are rolling. Through the years — from Laguna Beach and The Hills to the Real Housewives and beyond, the claws come out when action is called. Although Lauren Conrad butted heads

“I’m well aware that unscripted talent aka ‘reality stars’ should have a union or simply be treated fairly and valued,” the Real Housewives of New York City alum said via TikTok video at the time. “The mentality that we were nobodies and that these streamers and networks have given us platforms and that we can capitalize on them is also moronic.”

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Advice

How to Balance Automation and Authenticity in Brand Messaging

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

The Challenge of Modern Marketing

In today’s digital landscape, brands face a complex challenge: leveraging the power of automation while maintaining authentic connections with their audience. This delicate balance is not just a marketing tactic, but a fundamental business imperative that can make or break customer relationships in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The Promise and Peril of Automation

Automation has revolutionized content creation and distribution, offering unprecedented efficiency and scalability. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data to generate personalized content, schedule posts with pinpoint accuracy, and streamline repetitive tasks that once consumed valuable human resources. This technological leap allows marketers to focus on high-level strategy and creativity, potentially transforming the entire marketing ecosystem. However, the allure of automation comes with a significant risk: the production of generic, impersonal content that fails to resonate with audiences craving genuine interactions.

The Importance of Authenticity

Authenticity remains the cornerstone of effective brand messaging, a truth that has only intensified in the digital age. Consumers have developed a keen sense for detecting scripted or disconnected content, and they actively seek out brands that offer genuine, value-driven interactions. This desire for authenticity goes beyond mere preference; it’s a fundamental expectation that drives long-term loyalty and advocacy. Brands that successfully maintain an authentic voice build trust and emotional connections with their customers, creating a resilient foundation for sustainable growth.

Defining Brand Identity

The key to striking the right balance lies in a strategic approach that begins with a clear definition of brand voice, values, and messaging strategy. This foundational work serves as a guiding light for the implementation of automation tools, ensuring that all generated content aligns seamlessly with the brand’s authentic identity. Human oversight becomes crucial in this process; marketers must review and refine automated content, injecting nuance, emotional resonance, and contextual relevance that AI alone cannot provide.

Personalization Without Invasion

Personalization emerges as a critical factor in maintaining authenticity within automated messaging systems. By leveraging data insights to tailor content to individual preferences and behaviors, brands can create experiences that feel uniquely relevant to each customer. However, this personalization must be executed with care, avoiding the pitfalls of invasive or misleading practices that can erode trust. The most successful brands find ways to combine automated processes with genuine human interactions, especially for complex customer inquiries or sensitive issues that require empathy and nuanced understanding.

The Need for Continuous Evaluation

Ultimately, successful brand messaging in the age of automation demands a dynamic, ever-evolving approach. Marketers must continuously evaluate and adjust their strategies, conducting rigorous A/B testing and staying attuned to audience feedback. This iterative process allows brands to refine their automation tools and techniques while preserving the human touch that gives their messaging authenticity and impact.

Creating Synergy Between Automation and Authenticity

By thoughtfully integrating automation while steadfastly preserving authentic human elements, brands can create a powerful synergy. This balanced approach enables the creation of efficient, scalable, and genuinely engaging content that resonates deeply with target audiences. In doing so, brands not only meet the expectations of today’s discerning consumers but also position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly automated world.

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Advice

How to Win Gen Z Hearts with Purpose-Driven Content

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

The Purpose Revolution: Why Gen Z Demands More Than Just Products

Gen Z isn’t just a demographic; they represent a purpose-powered generation that views consumption as a form of activism. Unlike previous generations, they don’t merely buy products; they invest in movements, ideologies, and brands that authentically reflect their worldview. Research indicates that 75% of Gen Z will actively boycott or support brands based on their social and environmental stances, making purpose not just a marketing strategy but a fundamental business imperative. This generation seeks to align their purchasing decisions with their values, demanding transparency and accountability from the brands they choose to support.

Decoding Gen Z’s Value Ecosystem: Beyond Surface-Level Activism

To effectively engage with Gen Z, brands must delve deep into the intricacies of their value system. This generation has grown up with unprecedented access to global information, witnessing climate crises, social movements, and systemic inequalities in real-time. Their values encompass environmental sustainability, social justice and equity, mental health awareness, digital privacy, ethical technology, and economic transparency. Brands that attempt to superficially check diversity boxes or create performative content will quickly be exposed and rejected by this discerning audience. Authenticity isn’t just preferred; it’s expected. For Gen Z, actions speak louder than words, and they can easily discern when a brand is being disingenuous.

The Content Architecture: Crafting Meaningful Digital Narratives

Creating compelling content for Gen Z requires a multi-dimensional approach that emphasizes visual storytelling and emotional intelligence. Effective narratives often take the form of 90-second video stories that engage viewers with relatable characters and authentic experiences. Behind-the-scenes glimpses into a brand’s operations can foster transparency and trust. Furthermore, integrating user-generated content allows for a more participatory media landscape where consumers feel like active contributors rather than passive viewers. Emotional intelligence in brand communication is equally crucial; acknowledging systemic challenges while showcasing genuine commitment to change resonates deeply with this audience. Highlighting real human stories—those of individuals impacted by social issues—can create powerful connections that transcend traditional marketing.

Strategic Collaboration: Amplifying Impact Through Authentic Partnerships

In today’s landscape, Gen Z values collective action over individualistic approaches. Brands must evolve beyond transactional influencer marketing to forge meaningful collaborations that result in tangible social impact. This involves partnering with grassroots organizations and supporting emerging social entrepreneurs whose missions align with the brand’s values. By creating platforms for marginalized voices and developing transparent impact metrics, brands can amplify their efforts and demonstrate genuine commitment to social change. Such collaborations not only enhance brand credibility but also foster community engagement and loyalty among Gen Z consumers.

Measurement and Accountability: The New Marketing Paradigm

Engaging with Gen Z through purpose-driven content is not merely about creating impactful narratives; it also requires demonstrating measurable change. This generation expects brands to publish comprehensive sustainability reports that outline their environmental impact and share concrete diversity and inclusion metrics that highlight progress in these areas. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital; brands must be willing to evolve based on feedback from their audience. Establishing transparent feedback mechanisms allows consumers to voice their opinions while holding brands accountable for their commitments.

The Transformation Imperative

Ultimately, connecting with Gen Z is not just a marketing tactic; it represents a fundamental transformation within businesses themselves. Brands must reimagine their identities as purpose-driven entities that contribute meaningfully to societal progress rather than simply selling products. The companies poised for success are those that create movements, empower communities, and redefine what business can represent in the 21st century. By embracing purpose-driven content that aligns with Gen Z’s values, brands can forge lasting connections with this influential generation, fostering loyalty and engagement in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Entertainment

MrBeast’s Epic $5M Amazon Prime Show

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

On December 19, 2024, the highly anticipated reality competition series “Beast Games” premiered on Amazon Prime Video, marking a significant milestone in the career of YouTube sensation Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson. This new show is a culmination of Donaldson’s signature style of extreme challenges and generous prizes, now brought to a broader audience through Amazon’s streaming platform.

The Concept and Prize

“Beast Games” features an unprecedented 1,000 contestants competing over 10 episodes for the largest cash prize in television history – a staggering $5 million. The show is designed to push participants to their limits through a series of physical and mental challenges, many of which are reminiscent of the extreme stunts and giveaways that have made MrBeast a household name on YouTube.

Production and Controversy

The production of “Beast Games” has been marred by controversy. Several contestants filed a class-action lawsuit in September, alleging workplace abuses including unpaid wages and sexual harassment during filming. These allegations have cast a shadow over the show’s launch, despite Donaldson’s efforts to address the concerns and ensure a safe and fair environment for all participants.

Promotional Tour and Hype

In the lead-up to the premiere, MrBeast embarked on a multiplatform promotional tour, appearing on popular podcasts, collaborating with esports teams like FaZe Clan, and even hosting live streams on Twitch. One notable event included bringing $5 million to Times Square to visually illustrate the grand prize, generating significant buzz and excitement among fans.

Episode Release Schedule

The first two episodes of “Beast Games” were released on December 19, 2024, with subsequent episodes set to be released weekly. Here is a brief overview of the initial episodes:

Episode 1: “1,000 People Fight for $5,000,000” – Contestants enter an arena and face their first challenges.
Episode 2: “500 People Trapped In My City” – The number of contestants is halved, and the remaining participants navigate a new city built by MrBeast’s team.

Unique Elements and Collaborations

“Beast Games” is not just a competition; it’s an immersive experience. The show features elaborate sets, including a city built from scratch, and challenges that range from monster trucks to helicopter jumps. Additionally, MrBeast has collaborated with other brands and platforms, such as Roblox, where fans can participate in challenges mirroring those on the show.

Viewing and Engagement

Fans can watch “Beast Games” exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, available with a basic subscription. The show is also promoted through various Amazon services, including Amazon Fresh, which is distributing “Beast Games”-branded bags in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Conclusion

“Beast Games” represents a new frontier for MrBeast, transitioning his unique brand of entertainment from YouTube to a major streaming platform. Despite the controversies surrounding its production, the show promises to deliver high-energy challenges, massive prizes, and an engaging viewing experience. As the series unfolds, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this ambitious project and whether it will cement MrBeast’s status as a television personality as well as a YouTube sensation.