April 13, 2005
Bill is Back For Season 4
Trump revealed today that Bill Rancic, the original "Apprentice" winner whose one-year contract expires on April 15, would receive a one-year contract extension with The Trump Organization.
In addition to Rancic's existing responsibilities overseeing the construction of Trump Tower in Chicago, his expanded duties will include strategic development of other Trump properties across the country and in Mexico. Trump also confirmed that Rancic would return to the boardroom during season four of "The Apprentice," filling in for George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher when they are on business trips.
"Bill has done an incredible job in the past year working for me," said Trump. "He's so talented that I thought he might want to go out on his own and make millions. We're lucky to have him back for another year and I can rest assured that my Chicago project is in the best of hands."
"I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Trump has afforded me in the past year," said Rancic. "He has truly taken me under his wing and exposed me to his distinct and incredibly successful way of doing business. It will be a privilege to spend another year with him."
Posted by Lex in Season 4 and beyond, Watercooler, Television | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
February 01, 2005
You Thought The Donald Was Tough - The Martha Spinoff
NBC just announced that Martha Stewart will be hosting her own spinoff of The Apprentice when she gets out of prison.
Casting for both “The Apprentice 4” and "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" begins immediately in 27 cities nationwide. Open casting calls run from Jan 29th - Feb 26th.
Candidates encouraged to apply should be creative, entrepreneurial, versatile, media savvy and articulate. They also should have expertise in technology, design, television, publishing or merchandising and possess good business acumen. Application & more details are available at NBC.com
"The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" will retain the general format of the original series including weekly eliminations, however, the style and feel of this new show will be tailored to Stewart’s personality and brand identity. The tasks will be centered around Stewart’s areas of expertise: media, home renovation, entertaining, design, merchandising, technology and style.
"Martha has her own empire, which has a different look and feel," Mark Burnett said and Stewart will bring her own sensibilities and creativity to the elimination process.
The show will be set in New York or Connecticut, the base of the domestic diva's Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. It will have 16 to 18 contestants competing at tasks designed by Stewart to test business acumen, with the reward being a one-year job at a salary of $250,000 U.S.
As for arguably the most well-known aspect of the show – the catchphrase used to disqualify losing contestants – Trump said that Stewart will not utter "You're fired!" at the end of every episode.
"She's probably going to use a different expression," he said.
Called The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, the show will air on NBC. It's not known if Global, the Canadian carrier for the Trump-hosted series, will pick up the Stewart version. But we do know there will be a Martha Apprentice Blog coming.
“NBC is delighted to be working with an iconic, self-made, business woman such as Martha Stewart, a true entrepreneur who transformed a small catering business into a world-renowned empire,” said Zucker, President, NBC Universal Television Group. “The series will be infused with Martha's celebrated grit and savvy as she offers others a chance to aspire to turn their dreams into hard-won reality.”
“I am thrilled to be able to offer my good friend Martha the opportunity to join me in the success of ‘The Apprentice,’” said Trump, Executive Producer, “The Apprentice.” “As an executive producer, I’ll be rooting for amazing ratings but most of all, I hope she has as much fun as I do with this venture.”
“Martha Stewart is an American icon and was the world’s first self-made female billionaire,” said Burnett, creator and Executive Producer, “The Apprentice.” “Donald Trump gives thousands of Americans the opportunity to apply to learn from and work for the most dynamic real estate tycoon in the country, while Martha Stewart offers her wonderful creative vision and expertise in the worlds of television, publishing and merchandising. This diversity of opportunity for both viewers and applicants will take our franchise to new heights.”
“Martha has a unique ability to spot and nurture talent – as evidenced by the incredible team she built at MSO,” said Susan Lyne, President and CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. “We will welcome the winner of “The Apprentice” search to the MSO family in this dynamic period for the company.”
Stewart is scheduled to be released from custody in March, when she completes a five-month sentence for obstructing justice. Last year, she was convicted for lying about her reasons for dumping shares of ImClone Systems stock in 2001, right before the price plunged.
Burnett stressed that the deal for her show was worked out before she entered prison, since Stewart's sentence prevents her from conducting business while in jail.
"Since the last four months, Martha's been incarcerated and has given no input," he said.
If you are applying to be Martha's Apprentice - we'd love to hear about it! Let us know how it goes.
Posted by Lex in Donald Trump, Season 4 and beyond, Watercooler, Television | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
January 25, 2005
Casting Dates for Season 4
NEW YORK -- January 25, 2005 -- As NBC previously announced at last week's press tour, Donald Trump will be back in the boardroom for two more seasons of NBC's "The Apprentice." Casting begins immediately in 28 cities across the country and online at www.nbc.com. "The Apprentice" featuring Donald Trump will continue to air Thursdays at 9:00pm ET with season four airing this fall and season five premiering in the winter of 2006.
Interviews will take place in the following cities:
For all casting calls, wristbands are distributed 8 AM to 11 AM and at 9 AM interviews will begin.
Prospective applicants should: be able to take risks, bounce back after failing, succeed in a cutthroat environment, go against the tide, remain focused, think creatively and be a leader.
Interested candidates should complete the online application form (see below), submit a VHS tape and apply for one of the most coveted jobs on earth. Cassettes become the property of Mark Burnett Productions, and will not be returned.
Prospective contestants for "The Apprentice" can find instructions and complete details by logging onto www.nbc.com.
Contestants must be legally eligible to work in the United States and live in the United States; must be at least 21 years of age; must be in excellent physical and mental health; must not now be a candidate for public office and must agree not to become one until six months after initial broadcast of all programs in which you appear, if selected as a player.
Prospective contestants, if selected to be interviewed, must timely complete, sign and return (prior to the date of your personal interview) a completed interview Agreement Package that includes a Background Questionnaire Form and authorization to obtain background information from third parties, among other agreements.
Posted by Lex in Season 4 and beyond, Watercooler, Television | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
January 21, 2005
Think you could do better?
Tired of watching the candidates flounder on tasks you think are easy? Frustrated by mis-management, poor judgement and sloppy implementation? Wish you could show them how to do it right?
Well they're about to start recruiting for The Apprentice 4, so here's your chance.
In February, the producers are holding open casing calls in 29 US cities over 28 days looking for the next batch of candidates. Apprentice 4 Casting dates & details
They are also audition tapes & applications submitted before Thursday January 27th - Application
Semi-Final Interviews: Feb 2005
Final Selection in LA: March/April 2005
If you decide to apply, either at the open casting call or by tape, we'd love to hear about how it goes.
Good luck.
Posted by Lex in Season 4 and beyond, Watercooler, Television | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack