'Jersey Shore' creator, LI native SallyAnn Salsano, launches new shows
From the producers of “Jersey Shore” comes the most outrageous "Party Down South" yet. This all-new series follows eight young, brazen adults for one wild summer of extreme fun. Their summer vacation spot, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, may never be the same after these fast friends work, party and bond with one another over their common love of the South. Premieres 10 p.m. EST Jan. 16 on CMT. Credit: CMT
Farmingdale native and "Jersey Shore" creator SallyAnn Salsano is about to strike again, with two new shows launching Thursday night -- "Jerks With Cameras" (MTV, 10:30 p.m.), and "Party Down South" (CMT, 10 p.m.). Of the latter, think this: "Shore" set in Murrells Inlet, S.C.
And also this: Boozing, brawling and sex, with a southern accent, among cast members who didn't previously know each other.
I spoke with Salsano earlier this week about the new shows. An edited version of our chat:
I would say it's different -- "Buckwild" took place in a small town, [and] this is more like strangers who did not know what to expect, and we put them in a vacation place .
I went to the [Jersey] shore with my friends, and that's where I partied, and Myrtle Beach is where I went with my family. So everywhere I go on vacation, that's where I say my next show will be set.
I do watch a lot of CMT, and this is right in their wheelhouse -- "My Big Redneck Wedding," "Dog, the Bounty Hunter." Big crazy characters and they have to be embedded in reality. That's the most important thing -- they have to be authentic, and if nothing else are authentic.
If you're comparing this to "Jersey Shore," then I wear it like a badge of honor. When I was a kid and watched John Hughes movies, I related to those people, [but] because of the generation gap, people are now less likely to learn from a movie and like to watch people who are just like them.
He may roll in his grave, but I believe these are modern-day John Hughes films [with] the same life lessons, about making up, breaking up, making new friends . . . It's raw? That's how kids are talking today. It's not like we're going out of our way to sensationalize.
I'm not concerned. I'm a Catholic girl. I'm sitting at my desk right now, and I'm cleaning my cross [necklace]. I feel like people get mad and outraged when stuff is true. . . . I found a group of kids who are great kids. They party like rock stars, come from great families and go to church on Sunday. This is who they are.
I do think "Jerks" should go to Long Island . . . Farmingdale -- I'm a Daler -- and Massapequa. I would not shy away from Lindenhurst. Deer Park would be good.
I choose to think it's not over, but that's just me. I always think we're going to be back. I always think the show is just taking a nap. But a reunion? [Yes], at some point. We just can't keep America guessing."
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