[James]

This is interesting...

BIG BRO 5 TAKES AUDITION ON ROAD

Jan 31 2004

BIG Brother bosses are to hold open auditions for the first time.

The search for contestants to appear in Big Brother 5 will start in Glasgow next month.

And in another first for the UK series, the auditions will be open to couples.

With partners in the house, it's expected the long-waited first televised Big Brother bonk is inevitable.

A spokeswoman for the show denied the new format was because Big Brother 4, which was won by Scot Cameron Stout, was panned for being dull.

She said: ''Every year we change it.

''We wanted to do something different and try to cast the net wider.''

In the past, hopeful house mates have had to send in audition tapes which were then whittled down to the final contestants.

The spokeswoman said that applicants for previous shows may have been put off by having to fill in forms or make videos.

She added: ''By doing these auditions, more people can apply and a wider slice of the nation can be seen.''

Starting on Valentine's Day at Glasgow's SECC, Big Brother will tour the country.

Auditions will also be held in Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, Birmingham, Belfast and London, finishing on March 14.

Applicants must then make their case for being chosen for the next series.

The spokeswoman claimed there had been no decision as to whether the auditions will be filmed and later screened before Big Brother 5 begins in the summer, most likely between May and July.

An appeal for contestants will be broadcast tonight on Channel 4 before the first audition date in Glasgow.

The open auditions will all start at 9 am.

Further information will be available on the web site channel 4.com/big brother.

Daily Record article


I think this is a good idea, people are probably put off from applying because of the length of the application form.

It could result in a more interesting group.

[Thunderor]

Thanks James. About time that we heard something.

[BigSister]

Yeah i read this on Ceefax this morning
But it is looking like a summer start this year

[Di2001]

....and this is what the Channel 4 Big Brother website has to say :-


Big Brother Auditions: Coming to a City Near You
31-Jan-2004

This year Big Brother wants to see as many potential housemates as possible, so we've made it much easier for you.

There's no need to send in an application form or get your mum to video you, all you need to do is turn up at one of eight open auditions in seven different cities up and down the country and show Big Brother why you should be chosen to take part.

The auditions will be held from February 14 to March 14 in a different UK city each week (see the venue list below), starting at 9am each day. The production team will be scouring the queue to find people that they’d like to see more of, so while we can’t guarantee that you’ll get through the door of the audition rooms, you will be seen by one of the team – even if you’re at the back of the queue.

As usual, anyone over 18 who is available this summer can audition - both couples and indviduals are welcome. You’ll need to take some form of photo ID as proof of your age and identity, and it may be a long day, so make sure you’ve got something to eat and drink and something warm to wear.

For more details on the auditions, read the Big Brother Auditions FAQ.

The auditions start 9am at the dates and locations below:

Sat 14th Feb: Glasgow
SECC
Exhibition Way
Glasgow
G3 8YW

Sat 21st Feb: Manchester
New Century House
Corporation Street
Manchester
M60 4ES

Sat 28th Feb: Newcastle
Racecourse
High Gosford Park
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE3 5HP

Weds 3rd March: Cardiff
Coal Exchange
The Exchange Buildings
Mount Stuart Square
Cardiff
CF10 5EB

Sat 6th March: Birmingham
UCE – Pavillion Suite
Moor Lane Pavillion
Moor Lane
Birmingham
B6 7AA

Weds 10th March: Belfast
Holiday Inn Express
22 Ormeau Avenue
Belfast
BT2 8HS

Sat 13th March: London
Excel
1 Western Gateway
Royal Victoria Dock
London
E16 1XL

Sun 14th March: London
Excel
1 Western Gateway
Royal Victoria Dock
London
E16 1XL

[sweetlittlesara]

Anyone thinking of applying this year?? It would be great to have TIBB contestant!! And it is easier to apply!!...come on you know you want to...

[kaphc]

Not a chance of me auditioning, Sara, but maybe someone else will have a go!

I like the idea of the production team scouring the queue, I can just imagine the stories of people who say they were turned away without even seeing anyone. It must mean that they have some idea of who they are looking for and can tell from physical appearance.

For BB4 I said it was about time they had a red-head, and we got Sissy. (Oh well).

For BB5 I predict someone of Oriental origin to be on.

[James]

This is from the Channel 4 site.

Big Brother Auditions FAQ
31-Jan-2004

Why have you decided to change the audition process and hold open auditions?
Big Brother changes every year and this year we wanted to do something different with the auditions. We also wanted to be able to see as many people as possible. In the past, potential housemates have been invited to send in application forms and videos but we have only been able to see a limited number of people. Not everyone has access to a video camera, so holding open auditions gives everyone an equal chance of applying. It also means the production team will be able to see a wider cross section of the public. We’ll be visiting major cities around the U.K. to give everyone the opportunity to come along and audition. We also wanted to make it easier for you, so we’re coming to a city near you!

Are you looking for a specific type of housemate? What criteria are you looking for?
No, there is no stereotypical ideal housemate. We’re just looking for people who stand out from the crowd and who are interesting and fun. We are not looking for clones of past Big Brother housemates we’ve already seen, just unique people who can be themselves.

Will everyone be seen at the auditions?
The process will start as soon as you arrive but not everyone will make it inside the audition rooms. We will only be selecting those we’re interested in and who we want to see more of. This is your chance to shine so you’ll need to make sure that you stand out from the crowd and make an impact in order to be chosen from the queue and invited to attend the auditions.
However, we are holding 8 audition days in 7 different cities, so if you don’t have any luck, you are welcome to try again at another audition.

Will I need to fill out a form to get into the audition?
No, you won’t need to fill out a form in advance. Just turn up at your chosen venue and join the queue, where the audition process will begin. However, if you are successful and invited inside the auditions, you will be required to complete an application form.

If I’m at the back of the queue will I still get to audition?
Everyone who turns up will be seen by a member of the production team, as the process begins the minute you arrive. We won’t be operating on a first-come first-serve basis so you could be at the back of the queue and still be asked to come in and audition. But wherever you are in the queue, you’ll need to get yourself noticed in order to get to the next stage.

What happens, once I get past the queue and into the auditions?
Once inside the auditions, you’ll be given your chance to sell yourself and tell us why you think you should go into the Big Brother house.

You have said that couples as well as individuals are welcome. Why are you inviting couples to audition?
This year we are casting the net as wide as possible and we didn’t want rule out anyone, even if they’re in a couple. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there will be any couples in the final Big Brother housemate line-up.

What do I need to bring to the auditions?
It might be a long day, so we’d recommend that you bring some refreshments, warm clothes and comfortable footwear.

Can I apply if I’ve applied and been rejected in previous years?
Yes, you are welcome to apply again for this year’s Big Brother.

If I miss an audition, have I missed out?
No, open auditions will be running every week in a different UK city from 14 February to 14 March to give everyone enough opportunities to find a suitable audition. If you miss the one nearest to your hometown, you’ll be able to find another audition to go to the next week.

If I miss out on the final London audition on 14 March, can I still apply?
No, this is the final audition and the last chance to apply for this summer’s Big Brother.

What happens after I’ve auditioned?
Only successful applicants will be contacted after the auditions.

Are there auditions in the Republic of Ireland? Can people from the Republic Of Ireland still audition?
Applicants from the Republic of Ireland are welcome to attend any of the audition dates.

Will each venue have disabled access?
Yes, we welcome all applicants including any with disabilities.

How old will I have to be to audition?
Anyone can audition if they are 18 years old or older. There is no upper age limit.

What will be different about Big Brother this year?
Every Big Brother is different from the previous year, so yes you can expect some changes and surprises!

http://www.channel4.com/entertainmen...tions_faq.html

I wonder if they will show Pop Idol style audition shows on TV.

[BusyBee]

The cynic in me tells me that they are holding open auditions so that they can film them and show them pre-start of BB5 . This has worked for Pop Idol hasnt it.

I'm not sure of the scouring the queue - all that will mean is that people will dress up to get noticed. How on earth do they know who they want. I dont think some of our favourite past housemates would maybe have got past this stage if they are going on looks alone.

I think its just a way of building up interest. Could be interesting with couples though - will they have to sleep separately?

[Amy]

This sounds like a good idea to me, I like their thinking natural people shine in person where as people on film may not be who they say they are! for instance I'm funny, like to tell jokes and go out all the time drinking where as in reality they try to tell jokes but get no laughs and very rarely go out drinking at all I know this does not apply to all but may be they also realised the videos would take forever to watch and time is ticking. It's worth a try and at least they are trying to improve the show every year even if the past two weren't what we hoped for!