Bunim-Murray Posits 'M Theory'

Bunim-Murray Posits 'M Theory'

LOS ANGELES, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaining traction with young audiences through such television hits as MTV's "The Real World" and Fox's "The Simple Life," Bunim-Murray Productions today seeks to better reach the Digital Generation, whether in front of the PC or on the go, with the establishment of M Theory Entertainment, a spin-off entity focusing on new media initiatives. The wholly owned subsidiary, to be overseen by Joachim "JB" Blunck in an extension of his current role as senior vice president, digital content, represents a quantum leap for Bunim-Murray as it warps into the tech frontier.

M Theory Entertainment will provide a double-engine thrust: developing fresh content while adapting BMP's existing programming for the Internet and mobile wireless devices. It similarly owes its moniker to two sources: the "M" of Bunim-Murray (chairman Jonathan Murray) and the name given by physicists to the all-encompassing explanation of how the universe works, i.e., the fullest nature of "reality." It's in this subtle play on words that Bunim-Murray, the leader in reality television programming, looks to fulfill the more earthly promise of the Internet, allowing users to create their own reality suited to the fast-moving digital lifestyle: whether consuming content on a video iPod, PDA, cell phone or desktop PC.

"Entertainment has to be able to find people wherever they are, and in forms that can be easily customized and digested," explains Bunim-Murray CEO Joey Carson. "Nobody is better at leading this effort on our behalf than Blunck, an Emmy award-winning producer and visionary whose forward thinking led him to create one of the world's largest Final Cut Pro production environments using Apple's Xsan networking technology. In addition to editing and finishing such programming as 'The Real World,' 'The Real World/Road Rules Challenge' and 'The Simple Life,' the system positions M Theory to seamlessly enter the new media world. We are excited about the future of new programming and glad to have JB at the helm of M Theory."

Projects already in the works include 36 "mobisodes" (similar to podcasts) produced for "The Simple Life," to be available exclusively through Verizon V-Cast. While forging agreements to produce original content for cell phone upstart Amp'd Mobile and mobile content aggregator Proteus, M Theory has also shot 20 segments each of the digital series "T.J.'s Tips and Tricks" (starring BMX rider and "Road Challenge" host T.J. Lavin) and "The Real Mean Girls" (a competition to find a new best friend hosted by "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" bad girls Veronica Portillo and Rachel Robinson). Also in the works are a half-dozen new websites leaning on user-generated content -- such as www.Hams.tv, an online talent competition -- some of which the company predicts may eventually migrate to traditional television, bringing the process full-circle.

For more information, please visit www.mtheoryentertainment.com.

About Bunim-Murray Productions

Founded in 1987, Bunim-Murray Productions is the leading independent producer of innovative entertainment content. The company's co-founder, Murray, is widely credited with creating the reality television genre with its hit series "The Real World" (now gearing up for its 17th season on MTV). Bunim-Murray's other current programming includes "Road Rules" (which recently completed its 13th season on MTV), "Real World Road Rules Challenge" (MTV), "The Simple Life" (three seasons on Fox), "Starting Over" (syndicated), "The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest For The Best" (Fox), and "The Scholar" (ABC). Bunim-Murray Productions is based in Van Nuys, California.

Source: Bunim-Murray Productions

CONTACT: George Cabico, of B|W|R Public Relations, +1-310-248-6177,
gcabico@bwr-la.com, for Bunim-Murray Productions

Web site: http://www.hams.tv/

Web site: http://www.mtheoryentertainment.com/

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