‘The Simple Life’ filming moved from country to city

After getting the cold shoulder in a rural New Jersey town, Paris Hilton and her reality show are headed for the city.

The hotel heiress and her Fox reality show, “The Simple Life,” whose plans to film at a middle school in nearby Buena Vista Township were dashed, will instead shoot scenes Friday at a city fire station.

“Some guys are excited about it,” said fire Capt. William Brooks, who heads an engine company at the Chief John J. Jasper Jr. Memorial Fire Station.

Firefighters have signed waivers and agreed to remain mum about the filming. Brooks wouldn’t give details or say whether the city would be paid by producers. Fire Chief John J. Bereheiko didn’t return phone calls seeking comment Tuesday.
The show’s third season, which premieres Jan. 26, has Hilton and co-star Nicole Richie traveling the country working as interns in a series of jobs.

On Monday, Buena Regional School District officials who had planned to put the pair to work as substitute teachers and cafeteria monitors withdrew the welcome mat following an uproar from parents and others. Opponents called Hilton – whose past includes an X-rated amateur video with a former boyfriend – a bad example for young children.

“Generally, it’s our policy not to comment on shows while in production,” said Todd Beck, a spokesman for Bunin-Murray Productions. “But I can tell you we’ve decided to proceed with other production plans for ‘The Simple Life’ interns. We appreciate the support and interest of local school officials and wish everyone well.”

He wouldn’t comment on the community’s opposition or about plans for the episode to be filmed in Atlantic City.

Posted: January 12th, 2005
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