MTV Productions, Bunim-Murray Productions (creators of "The Real World" and "Road Rules"), and ABC are in production on a new half-hour series tentatively titled "O-town," described in published reports as "The Real World" meets the Backstreet Boys. The reality-based prime-time show will document a male singing group from its inception (auditions and tryouts), to its initial songwriting efforts, to a live performance.

ABC will air the program, set to debut sometime next spring. Trans Continental Records president Lou Pearlman, who represents both the Backstreet Boys and N'Sync, will guide the new band, once it has been selected. The show will be produced out of Orlando.

Open auditions are being held at Hard Rock Cafe locations in the following cities this month: Honolulu, Nov. 3; Los Angeles, Nov. 5-6; Las Vegas, Nov. 9; Dallas, Nov. 11; Nashville, Nov. 13; Chicago, Nov. 15; New York, Nov. 16-17; Orlando, Nov. 19. Perspective performers may also submit applications online at www.abc.com and www.mtv.com (click on "music," then "transcon talent search").

- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

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