“This is the true story of seven strangers, picked to live in a house to find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real.”
Two of those seven strangers visited the Hilltop Tuesday as part of Program Council’s Real World experience with Chicago cast members Kyle and Keri.
SMU students got the “true story” from the one-time reality show residents as the two relived their stories and experiences from their time on “The Real World.”
“Each school has the choice as to who they can choose,” Program Council member Carah Ronin said. “We wanted people from the most recent cast. [Kyle and Keri] were obvious choices based on the show.”
In an exclusive interview, The Daily Campus got up close and personal with Kyle and Keri to discuss all things “Real World,” from their relationship on the show to being MTV’s bitch.
The Daily Campus: How specific is the contract you signed with MTV?
Kyle & Keri: The contract is about 30 pages. It seems that the longer the show runs the more lengthy the contract is. When you sign the contract you surrender and forfeit any right you can think of. You are asked to sign the contract before you are chosen to be on the show. If you aren’t willing to sign the contract, you won’t be in the cast.
DC: Are you single?
Kyle: I don’t answer questions about my dating life anymore. When the show was being filmed I didn’t care if everyone knew.
DC: Who was the most annoying person on the show?
Keri: It’s a toss up between Cara and Tonya. Tonya was a really hard person to live with. She never did anything but sleep and talk on the phone with her boyfriend.
DC: What was it like hooking up in front of the cameras?
Kyle & Keri: It’s a bit weird. When you do something like that, they try to squeeze every last drop out of it. They try to make it look like something bigger than it is.
DC: What is the largest number of people you’ve ever lived with?
Kyle: I lived with five of my teammates from Princeton football. They were all such big guys, I was definitely the runt of the litter.
Keri: Once I lived with seven girls, and we only had one bathroom.
DC: Do you sometimes feel like MTV’s bitch?
Kyle: Because of the contract we signed, legally we are their mascot.
Keri: Basically, we bend over and take it up the ass from them on a regular basis.
DC: Are you happy with your experience on “The Real World”?
Kyle: It was a little less than I expected. It is something I did, but I am not overly eager to meet the alums and join the club.
Keri: It was a rollercoaster ride. What a cool thing to have done with your life.
DC: How much manipulation is done in the editing process?
Kyle & Keri: It’s a 90 percent actual portrayal, I mean nothing you see is false. Through the editing they make our lives look flashy and fast when really it was just average.
DC: What did your parents think about you being on the show and having your most intimate details aired on television?
Kyle: My parents have been totally open and supportive, even though sometimes things got awkward. I think they liked it. What parents really get to see their kids that way?
Keri: My parents didn’t have a problem with it, but it definitely was an eye-opening experience. I am the legal age and can basically do whatever I want … I mean I’m 22 so I can make out with whoever I want.
DC: Did you have direct contact with the camera men?
Keri: It’s weird. You don’t have any direct contact with them but they are living with you for four months.
DC: If given the choice, would you do it again?
Kyle & Keri: There’s no doubt we would definitely do it again.