Prospect of New Seaside Heights Reality Show Blindsides Officials, Stirs Anger

Bamboo Bar (File Photo)

A Seaside Heights bar advertised a casting call on social media Wednesday for a new television reality show reminiscent of “old school VH1 and MTV” to be filmed in the town, apparently without notifying officials or seeking a film permit. 

The potential for another reality show being filmed in the borough after a significant push by the town to shake off negative publicity spurred by MTV’s “Jersey Shore” came as a surprise to officials, who were not notified of the announcement, published by Bamboo Bar.

Mayor Anthony Vaz said his administration will oppose any television show that “paints a negative picture of the community.” Vaz last year announced a redevelopment effort aimed at building family-friendly amusements and de-emphasizing the borough’s reputation as a party destination.

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Vaz said the borough’s filming ordinance would require any production company to obtain a permit approved by the mayor and council before they could film in public, or on the beach or boardwalk. The advertisement for the casting call states the show, tentatively called “I Love Summer,” to “follow the roommates of a house who work on the beach during the day and at the Bamboo Bar at night.”

The casting call asks those seeking to be in the show to be single, “of all ethnicities” and be “expressive and outgoing.” It states those who want to audition should come to the Bamboo Bar, owned by John Saddy, 10 p.m. this Saturday.

Attempts to reach Saddy were not successful. The production company proposing the show is listed as “18toLife Productions,” however no website, social media page or tax record exists for the company, according to a search by Shorebeat.

The announcement by the bar stirred anger among some residents and visitors, who said they do not want to the “Jersey Shore” portrayal of the town to re-emerge.

“I hope this is not real,” said Jean Coccaro, a homeowner and local photographer, in a Seaside Heights Boardwalk Facebook group page. “This town is finally heading in the right direction & this will turn the tides!”

Vaz said borough officials are continuing to investigate the situation.