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Why these Capitol Hill businesses signed MTV’s Real World agreement

That dude asking if they have “espresso” at Kaladi Brothers while a camera crew waits outside? Reality TV star. Same with that woman checking out the produce at Central Co-op. Where the guests of MTV’s Real World come and go around Capitol Hill has a lot to do with which restaurants, bars, apothecaries, shoe stores, and co-ops have and have not signed the production’s contract.

It’s a powerful document when it comes to reality:

Producer shall have the right to refer to the Property by its actual name or any fictitious name, and the right to attribute actual or fictitious events as occurring on the Property, and the right to replicate the Property and use such replication in Producer’s sole discretion.

We’ve already heard from some of the Capitol Hill businesses who said no — sometimes emphatically. Here’s why some have said yes.

“We’re not going to turn business away from anyone,” a Cupcake Royale manager told CHS about the production. The crew has already filmed in Cupcake Royale several times without incident. The manager said they have called ahead every time and “seem nice.”

Eltana owner Stephen Brown told CHS that his decision to turn down MTV was an easy call because the filming contract was so one-sided, but Cupcake Royale disagrees. “It seemed pretty standard,” said the manager.

The contract gives MTV producers full and permanent ownership over any material they shoot and the right to “attribute actual or fictitious events” to the businesses in which they shoot, among other things.

Stout general manager Krista Maes also said she did not feel the contract was unfair. While she said that the show was not her favorite, “I don’t have anything against it.” Maes acknowledged that the publicity from the show could create valuable interest and tourist opportunities for the bar.

Maes said she was proud of her neighborhood and proud of her restaurant and saw nothing wrong with getting both a bit of publicity through the show. Whether filming is allowed or not, Stout joined Eltana and Gnocchi Bar in saying that anyone who behaved themselves poorly will, of course, be asked to leave.

“Those kids are expected to behave themselves like anyone else,” said Maes.

Sam’s Tavern on E Pike also signed because of the opportunity to get publicity, says manager Jessica Abbey. Sam’s was featured on an episode of the Food Network’s Mystery Diners in 2014, and Abbey said that publicity proved great for getting customers in the door.

The Real World crew has visited Sam’s twice so far without incident. “There’s been no drama, nothing like that,” said Abbey. When the cast and crew visit, everyone is presented with a waiver which they can either sign or decline to indicate whether or not they are willing to appear on camera. Abbey says the biggest problem for patrons so far has been that the crew requires the bar’s music to be shut off so their equipment can pick up the cast members, which can be a problem for customers trying to relax and unwind.

The Real Worlders are also apparently regulars at Rhein Haus. We have asked the CHS advertiser about the cast hanging out at the venue but haven’t yet heard back.

In addition to chowing down on cupcakes and visiting bars, Real World participants will also be able to do their shopping on camera at Capitol Hill grocery store Central Co-Op. Central Co-Op’s marketing director Susanna Schultz said the store decided to sign the contract because Central Co-Op is longtime fixture of Capitol Hill that deserves to appear in representations of the neighborhood, and because the co-op felt that MTV would respect shopper’s privacy.

When it comes to getting permission to film patrons, “The Real World has very strict guidelines,” said Schultz. “We felt we could have them in the store without violating people’s privacy.” The Real World crew has shopped at the co-op a few times now without incident.

Schultz also said that while she could see how some other businesses would balk at the contract, for Central Co-Op’s needs it seemed fair. “It struck us as fair in our particular situation — I can see how different businesses might not have thought that,” said Schultz.

Others continue to ponder the opportunity to be part of the well-known show. Rachel’s Ginger Beer was still undecided on whether to sign the filming contract; owner Rachel Marshall said the bar is discussing whether to sign the agreement internally, and Marshall does not know when they will have a decision.

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Mimi
Mimi
7 years ago

I’m glad some businesses are going along for the ride. I just don’t think this a big deal and something to get outraged about.

Eric
Eric
7 years ago

The part where it says “the right to replicate the Property and use such replication in Producer’s sole discretion” seems a bit much.

citycat
citycat
7 years ago

It would be nice if the Central Co-op would post the times and dates the filming will take place. I do a little of my grocery shopping there and don’t want to be in the store while they are filming. I have very little free time and, since there are no grocery stores in my neighborhood, shopping requires a planned car trip. I don’t want to waste my time waiting to access parts of the store while the crew and “stars” are filming. I also have no desire to be included in the footage.

WingsOfIndifference
WingsOfIndifference
7 years ago
Reply to  citycat

I would not worry yourself over filming taking place while you are there. No sections of any businesses are ever “cut off” while filming takes place. And if you do appear in any of the shots they take, they are required to have you sign a waiver before you can appear in anything that’s aired. So I think it’s pretty safe to just go about your grocery shopping as usual.

bb
bb
7 years ago

I saw them filming on the street the other day. Pretty low key production.