From the Hollywood Reporter, a news item they claim is exclu. (their ridiculous made up half word, not mine.)
According to a source involved with casting, the network approached Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg to join the dance card for the show’s 11th cycle but was unable to secure him. The network also lobbied unsuccessfully for Sylvester Stallone, political commentator Ann Coulter, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the real Erin Brockovich, billionaire Richard Branson, comic actor Tim Allen and former TV darling Suzanne Somers.
Bristol Palin, daughter of former GOP vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin, already has been dubbed this season’s Kate Gosselin, who was famously difficult at times last season.
“Bristol was really annoyed by all the questions about whether her mom would be in the audience to support her,” the source said. “She kept complaining about the amount of press she had to do. She is acting like this is all a big pain.”
I don’t believe that about Bristol. Kate wasn’t at all difficult last season – everything we saw showed she was hesitant, maybe reluctant, and she didn’t work very hard, but she wasn’t the problem – Tony was the prima donna, refusing to listen to her, not letting her finish talking, and totally assy acting. I wouldn’t trust anything Tony says now. He’s the teacher, not the star.
Anyway, this just sounds like a disgruntled Lib. Lots of them on Hollywood sets.
But the best part of the article is the MONEY!
According to the casting source, all contestants earn equal compensation for the show, subject to their ability to avoid elimination.
With a $345,000 pot up for grabs during the 10 weeks of airtime, the source said each star makes an initial $125,000 for signing, three weeks of rehearsal before the premiere and competing in the first two episodes, even if the cast member is cut after the first dance.
The breakdown for the remaining weeks is $10,000 an episode for Weeks 3 and 4, $20,000 an episode for Weeks 5 and 6, $30,000 an episode for Weeks 7 and 8, and $50,000 an episode for the final two weeks.
The production source said contestants forfeit a portion of their salary if they fail to meet the ultra-strict rehearsal schedule.
“Initially, they rehearse six hours a day, every day,” the source said. “Then it moves to eight hours a day. If they don’t comply with the entire schedule, the network will deduct it from their paycheck.”
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