Date: Thu, 26 Oct 1995 17:48:37 -0400
From: GLAADNATL@aol.com

Contact:  Libby Pace 213/965-8836


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Producers of MTV's "The Real World" Seek to Include Coming Out Story for
Upcoming NBC Primetime Documentary Movie.

Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP), producer of MTV's "The Real World" and "Road
Rules," is currently conducting a nationwide search for  real-life, high
school reunion stories that will become the subject of an NBC primetime,
two-hour movie of the week.  The movie will tell the story of a dramatic 1996
reunion in an original documentary style.  This two-hour NBC documentary will
be shot using the real people talking about their actual experiences and the
producers are especially interested in including a coming out story as part
of the program.  The participants will be compensated.

This primetime documentary movie will focus on a group of friends from high
school who have lost touch since that time, and are now approaching their
ten-year reunion.  The movie will re-examine their friendships, visit the
paths they have since traveled and, finally, document their long-awaited
reunion.

"Our nationwide search for the ideal candidates to serve as the focal point
of the movie is now in high gear," according to Executive Producer Mary-Ellis
Bunim.  Specifically, BMP is hunting for people, now in their late twenties,
who shared an emotional event or experience around their senior year of high
school or who have taken life paths that might surprise their former
classmates.   When asked about possible storylines, Bunim's partner, Jon
Murray, said "We'd love to include the story of a lesbian or gay person who
either came out to their friends during high school or who has since come
out, but has not reconnected with their high school friends to tell them.
 Revealing ones sexual orientation can be a powerful and educational
experience whenever it occurs. "

Bunim-Murray Productions is creating this two-hour, documentary
television movie for NBC.  Bunim-Murray has won numerous awards for positive
portrayals of gay characters on television, including the story of AIDS
activist Pedro Zamora on "The Real World."  BMP currently produces two series
on MTV:  "The Real World," which was just renewed for a fifth season, and
"Road Rules," which premiered in July.

Story ideas can be communicated by telephone (213/965-8796), fax
(213/965-0932), or e-mail (reunion@primenet.com).  In addition, the show has
a home page you can visit on the World Wide Web:
 http://www.primenet.com/~reunion
                                             ####

If you apply to be part of this program, please let your friends at GLAAD
know.  We'd love to know how it went!  E-mail GLAADNATL@aol.com or call our
National Field Office at (503) 224-5285.