Local 98 wins and MTV will film in Philadelphia after trying to work with scabs

"Real World" Returns to Philly

Tue Mar 23, 4:00 PM ET

By Lia Haberman

The City of Brotherly Love is once again feeling the love from MTV.

Producers of The Real World and Philadelphia union leaders have
negotiated a truce to bring the reality series back to the city--a week
after extended bickering with Teamsters pushed Bunim-Murray Productions
to pull out

The city's mayor, John F. Street, is credited with brokering a truce
between the feuding parties over the weekend. Plans to resume production
in Philadelphia were announced Tuesday-- though details about the
agreement were not revealed.

"I am pleased that season 15 of The Real World will be produced here in
Philadelphia, as originally planned," Joey Carson, Bunim-Murray's chief
operating officer, said in a statement, adding, "On a personal note, I
would like to acknowledge the support of the many young Philadelphians
who played a major role in keeping the show in town."

In the wake of Bunim-Murray's departure, a local activist group of
twenty- and thirtysomethings organized a "We Want Our MTV" rally last
week that included signs reading "Show Philly to the Real World."

A majority of locals polled on Philly.com last week felt the production
company's exit would be a blow to the city's image, while only 5 percent
supported the unions.

Indeed, Philly union workers gave the show's producers a reception that
was neither brotherly nor loving after Bunim-Murray hired non-union
workers to renovate a former bank into a lavish loft meant to house the
pampered roomies.

For two weeks, Teamsters, painters, carpenters and electricians picketed
in front of the future Real World digs with signs and a giant inflatable
rat. While union officials claim they tried to negotiate with producers,
Bunim-Murray ultimately packed up after only three weeks in Philly.

The current agreement "is going to shine a spotlight on Philadelphia,
one of the best kept secrets in America," said John J. Dougherty of the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Shooting is expected to go through June with The Real World:
Philadelphia airing on MTV in September.

This isn't the first conflict to affect the upcoming installment before
it even makes it to air. Last month, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported
that the first cast of camera-hungry hopefuls had been dissed and
dismissed with Bunim-Murray choosing to recast.

Could casting agents have spotted some hot young things ready to throw
down among the warring union ranks?