Ambitious reality series for YTV scheduled to shoot across North America

Apartment 11 Productions has begun production on its new tween reality series, In the Real World, scheduled to debut on YTV in early 2009. In the Real World (13 x 60 min.) will take 18 contestants ages 12-14 years across North America and will present them with a series of real-life challenges which will include riding a bull in Kansas, catching an alligator in Florida, and riding along with a NASCAR driver.

« Whether it’s operating a hook and ladder fire truck, or following in the footsteps of astronauts to conduct experiments in a zero-gravity chamber, these kids will be exposed to some incredible situations and experiences, and they’ll have a blast doing them… in the real world, » says Jonathan Finkelstein, Executive Producer, Apartment 11 Productions.

« We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Apartment 11 on this very exciting project, » said Jocelyn Hamilton, VP Content, Corus Kids Television. « In the Real World will not only teach real life lessons of courage, determination and strength – challenges that people are faced with in real life – but, it will expose them to so many interesting careers in a fun and entertaining way. »

In the Real World is hosted by renegade comic Sabrina Jalees (MuchMusic’s Video on Trial and Stars Gone Wild), who at the age of 16 was the youngest stand-up to be added to Yuk Yuk’s roster and who also broke Mike Meyer’s record for being the youngest artist hired by the renowned Second City comedy troupe. Jalees, now 23 years old, will lead the contestants through their challenges and will ultimately oversee the elimination of challengers throughout the competition.

In the Real World is produced by Apartment 11 Productions in association with YTV. The series is produced with the participation of the Canadian Television Fund: Equity Investment and License Fee Programs created by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Cable Industry, Quebec Tax Credit Program administered by SODEC and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.

ABOUT APARTMENT 11 PRODUCTIONS

Founded in 2000 by acclaimed producer Jonathan Finkelstein, Apartment 11 Productions is a leading independent production company committed to creating the world’s best children’s programming, both fiction and fact-based. Our goal is to reach large audiences by offering exciting content with a kid’s-eye view of the world. Apartment 11 Productions is based in Montreal, Canada. Our library of live-action programming currently includes Mystery Hunters, Prank Patrol and Surprise! It’s Edible! Incredible! www.apartment11.tv

ABOUT YTV

YTV, now in its 20th year, is a leading entertainment brand for kids in Canada. The network is seen in over eight million homes. As a major force in kids’ entertainment, YTV has triggered over $1 billion in Canadian independent production; has a highly interactive website that averages over 90 million monthly page views; publishes a successful kids’ magazine, Whoa!; and conducts a highly respected annual survey, The YTV Tween Report. YTV is owned by Corus Entertainment, a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, advertising and digital audio services, television broadcasting, children’s book publishing and children’s animation. The company’s multimedia entertainment brands include YTV, Treehouse, W Network, Movie Central, Nelvana, Kids Can Press and radio stations including CKNW, CKOI and Q107. Corus creates engaging branded entertainment experiences for its audiences across multiple platforms. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) exchanges. Experience Corus on the web at www.corusent.com.