Community Corner

What Our Readers Think: Hamptons Reality Show

A round-up of reader comments on a reality show currently being cast and expected to film in July and August.

Last week, Patch posted an article about a Manhattan production company, Elephant Eye Films, seeking 21- to 30-year-olds for a Montauk-based reality show that will be filmed in July and August. The show is being billed as "classier, smarter" than MTV's "Jersey Shore."

Patch readers had a lot to say about the show, negative and positive. The following is a round-up of what our readers had to say. Feel free to add to the conversation by posting a comment below.

Comments ranged from sarcastic:

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said, "Are you a desperate kook who is insecure and wants to be exploited by a lame production company that has no original ideas? If so, join this lame operation and check your soul at the door."

said, "Marvelous."

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To hyperbolic:

, "the horror....the horror..."

Some had low expectations:

wrote, "The ad seeks 20-somethings for a "Jersey Shore" type show - specifically seeking DRAMA. Keep that J-U-N-K in Jersey where it belongs. Those poor folks in Jersey would surely LOVE to get those jerky boys and girls out of their state. The producers only want "Trust Fund" babies with Deep Issues who will act a fool on camera." He added, "East Hampton should consider legislation limiting the number of days allowed for "filming" things like this. A day or two, no problem. However, when the casting call describes the show as looking for kids with "boyfriend/girlfriend problems" and/or income from "Daddy's money" - Houston, we have a problem. I pity the poor folks who live near the party house."

Others were more optimistic:

said, "Actually, there is no need to limit the amount or type of filming. As a member of East Hampton's Media Advisory Committee, I can tell you that several productions have come thru the Hamptons — even during peak season — and no one even knew they were here. Plus, the productions only bring revenue to hotels, houses and restaurants. There really is no downside."

offered, "There are even celebrities who come here to get away from it all. The question isn't what they can do. The question is how is everyone going to live with it. Every summer there are shoots and films but how much do we need? Royal Pains did a shoot at the stand last year. They were in an out and it wasn't too bad. Have you watched the Big Redneck Vacation on Saturday nights on CMT at 9:30. They were here for the month of August last summer. Didn't cause chaos. Then you look at Montauk and wonder."

Some were disheartened by the news:

, "Sad exploitation appearing classless and will tarnish the Hamptons 'magic.' Breaks my heart."

wrote, "Please, no. I left Manhattan after 30 years to get away from these brats. Make it stop!"

said, "Remember the awful ABC TV two-night special of 2002 called "The Hamptons"? They made us look like fools and they used sleazy share-houses. Beware of this documentary, don't be fooled by promises."


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