Maui Fever
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maui Fever | |
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The logo of MTV's Maui Fever |
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Format | Reality TV/Documentary/Drama |
Created by | Morgan J. Freeman |
Starring | Chaunte LeBlanc Cheyne Magnusson Anna Stimson David Corbin Anthony Vicar Sean McClenahan Jesse Beyer |
Country of origin | United States |
No. of episodes | 8 |
Production | |
Running time | 22 minutes (30 min with commercials) |
Broadcast | |
Original channel | MTV |
Original run | January 17, 2007 – March 7, 2007 |
External links | |
Official website | |
IMDb profile | |
TV.com summary |
Maui Fever is a reality series, created by Morgan J. Freeman for Music Television. Filmed on location in Maui over a three month period, the show explored the real lives of several young haole friends living in the Kaanapali area.[1]
Maui Fever premiered on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 10:30 PM on MTV and ran for eight episodes.[2] At the time of the series premiere, there had not been talk of a second season of Maui Fever.[3] As of the spring of 2007, MTV has not announced whether the series will be picked up for another season.
Following the style of MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, The Hills and 8th & Ocean, Maui Fever was shot as a "reality drama" (in the format of a scripted television show).[4] Maui Fever cast members never spoke directly to the camera or gave testimonials, a tactic used in MTV's The Real World and in traditional documentaries.[5] However, a voice-over narrative spoken by Cheyne Magnusson, one of the main characters, was used at the beginning of each episode to set up the scene and tie together story-lines.[5]
The opening credits of Maui Fever featured the song, "Horndog" by Overseer.[6]
Contents |
[edit] Background
Producers casting for Maui Fever sought people who were willing to participate in the show and who were already part of a group of friends on the island.[7] In June of 2006, the producers of Maui Fever shot the pilot episode on location on the Valley Isle (Maui).[8] After viewing the pilot and meeting with Hawaii's film commissioners, MTV executives gave Maui Fever "green light" status in August.[8]
Filming of Maui Fever began on September 1, 2006 and continued for ten weeks.[8] Initially the show was tentatively going to be called Island Fever.[9] It is one of two MTV reality programs filmed on Maui in 2006; the other, Living Lahaina, began filming one week before Maui Fever but did not premiere until more than a month after the Maui Fever finale.[8][10]
Maui Fever was executive produced by Steven Michaels, Jonathan Koch, Morgan J. Freeman, Liz Gateley and Tony DiSanto.[5][11] They intended the show to be an homage to the sand-drenched beach films of the 1960's.[12] From the initial concept, the show's creator (Freeman) and the other producers wanted to incorporate the feel and culture of Hawaii as though it were a "character," rather than merely a backdrop.[1] Freeman described Maui as an ideal setting for a reality show because of its exotic scenery and spicy mix of tourists and locals.[13] DiSanto likened the series to "a reality version of Cocktail."[14] Producers sought to capture the allure of living on a tropical island in a state of "permanent vacation."[13]
When filming of Maui Fever began, everyone involved was excited about the potentially vast and beneficial exposure for Hawaii.[8] According to Hawaii's State Film Commissioner at that time, Donne Dawson, Maui Fever's producers were receptive to community and cultural concerns, and wanted the show to be as authentic as possible.[8] Maui Film Commissions Benita Brazier also expressed strong optimism regarding Maui Fever, saying she was certain it would "put Maui in a good light," even though she knew there would be "some conflict of interest" (due to the usual content of reality television programming).[8] Brazier indicated that she expected the producers to educate themselves about the island and "document the Maui that most visitors will never experience."[8]
[edit] Reception
Some critics expressed skepticism as to whether the "reality" in MTV's Maui Fever was real.[15] In the tradition of Laguna Beach and The Hills, Maui Fever has been called "MTV's latest faux-reality semi-scripted hit TV show."[15] Many find that the aggressive editing tactics, used to mimic the style of a traditional television drama (rather than a reality show), make the scenes feel fabricated.[16] In spite of this criticism, MTV's "reality dramas" have been popular, including Maui Fever. The show's ratings were successful, attracting millions of viewers each week.[7]
In Hawaii, Maui Fever garnered a negative response.[13] Even before the series premiered, rumors circulated that the youth and culture of Maui were misrepresented.[17] Objections stemmed from the show's failure to represent the ethnic makeup of Maui.[3] According to the 2000 census, Maui County is 31 percent Asian, 10 percent Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 22 percent mixed race.[18] Caucasians account for 33 percent of the county population.[18] However, all seven of the Maui Fever core cast members were caucasian. Due to the lack of racial diversity and the fact that very few of the cast members were long-time residents of Maui, at the time of the show's airing there were online petitions against it on websites such as MySpace.[13] Locals were also disturbed by the show's sexual content, lack of cultural diversity and resulting misconceptions about Maui.[3] According to State Film Commissioner Dawson, public reaction to Maui Fever was stronger than the response to any other Hawaii production.[3]
[edit] Cast
The core cast of Maui Fever included seven main characters: Chaunte, Cheyne, Anna, Corbin, Anthony, Sean and Jesse. Additionally, the show featured several supporting characters, including: Kevin, Justin, Rachael, Jesse James, Katie, Bryce and Carrie. Everyone in the cast already lived on Maui prior to filming.[7] When the show was initially announced, MTV indicated that the majority of the characters were born and raised on the island.[1] However, it was later revealed that none of the core cast members were Maui-born.[13]
[edit] Starring characters
Cast Member Information |
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Chaunte LeBlanc (born c.1987 in the continental United States) moved to Maui at the age of four.[7] She graduated from King Kekaulike High School in Pukalani (on the island of Maui).[19] As of the time of filming Maui Fever, Chaunte worked as a restaurant hostess at Leilani's in Kaanapali.[20] According to MTV, she had a "rough childhood," which contributed to her fear of commitment and distaste for being "tied down."[21] Anthony was her on-again/off-again boyfriend throughout Maui Fever.[5] On the show Chaunte often told Anthony she wanted to be "just friends," but also found herself upset by the idea of him dating anyone else.[21] |
Cheyne Magnusson (born c.1983 in Southern California) moved to Hawaii with his family at the age of seven.[7] He graduated from Lahainaluna High School in Lahaina (on the island of Maui).[3] His father is professional skateboarder Tony Magnusson.[22] Cheyne is a professional surfer, with sponsorships from Body Glove, Osiris shoes, Dragon and Borst Surfboards.[23] Cheyne, also an excellent skateboarder, appeared in the film Lords of Dogtown and did his own skating.[24] On Maui Fever Cheyne was at the center of a love triangle between his girlfriend Rachael and his ex-girlfriend Anna.[5] He also was the show's narrator.[5] |
Anna Stimson (born c.1986 in the United States) moved to Maui from Oregon in 2003.[7] On Maui Fever, she was Chaunte's roommate and a fellow restaurant hostess.[19] It was revealed on Maui Fever that Anna's father and Chaunte's father both died prior to the time of the show, which was another common bond between the girls.[25] Anna and Chaunte were "partners-in-crime," usually appearing together in scenes.[5] Throughout the series, Anna struggled with her lingering feelings for ex-boyfriend Cheyne.[5] Anna remained close to Cheyne even after he started dating Rachael, resulting in much drama.[26] Regarding the experience of filming Maui Fever, Anna has admitted that she often forgot the cameras were rolling.[27] According to Anna, some days after shooting she reviewed the events in her mind and thought to herself "What did I just do?"[27] |
David Corbin (born c.1982 in California), goes by his last name on Maui Fever.[7] He has lived in Hawaii since the age of six and grew up on the Big Island.[19][7] Corbin, a struggling musician, expressed hope that Maui Fever would boost his fledgling career.[19] However, he generally doesn't seem to take anyone or anything too seriously.[28] Corbin was referred to as the shiftless clown of the Maui Fever group.[19] He was often shown chasing after women tourists.[5] He graduated high school after 6 years with a 1.2 QPA |
Anthony Vicar (born c.1987 on the Big Island, Hawaii) was raised on the island of Hawaiʻi.[19] He later moved to Maui and became good friends with Cheyne.[29] Like Cheyne, Anthony graduated from Lahainaluna High School on the island of Maui.[19] During the filming of Maui Fever Anthony lived in a loft space in Cheyne's apartment.[29] Anthony, an artist,[30] was portrayed as the somewhat reserved member of the cast.[5] He and Chaunte began dating before the start of filming. One of the featured story-lines on Maui Fever followed Anthony's discomfort with Chaunte's party-girl behavior and demands for "space" from him.[29] With respect to his appearance on the show, Anthony has said "I'm comfortable with who I am. I don't care. They can make me out for who they want."[19] |
Sean McClenahan (born c.1982 in the continental United States) moved to Maui in 2000.[27] As of February, 2007, Sean was working at the Hula Grill Kaanapali restaurant.[7] When the cast of Maui Fever came under criticism for the carefree partying featured on the show, the restaurant's general manager defended Sean's character, saying that he was "a great server, . . . charming and very nice," even though the show did not depict him as a hard worker.[7] Most often, Sean was shown surfing and flirting with tourist chicks.[20] After one of Chaunte's breaks from Anthony during Maui Fever, Sean made a move on her with an invitation to go out for a good "steak and lob."[5] While filming Sean grew tired of the crowds that would gather to watch and said he could see how being famous "could get annoying."[27] |
Jesse Beyer (born c.1985 in the midwest United States) moved to Maui from Chicago in 2004.[7] Prior to shooting Maui Fever, Jesse moved in with his good friend Corbin and become part of the Kaanapali crew.[31] Still, he often felt like the proverbial fish out of water.[32] He was often featured on the show picking up girls with Corbin, but eventually found himself breaking the Maui Fever crew's number one rule: don't fall for a tourist.[31] |
[edit] Supporting characters
Cast Member Information |
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Kevin Sullivan was friends with Corbin, Jesse James and the rest of the cast.[5] He played a supporting role on the cast, encouraging others to hook-up with tourists.[5] Memorably, on episode two of Maui Fever, Kevin threw a party at his large, beautiful house.[5] |
Justin Dutro, Cheyne's friend, helped Cheyne put together an impromptu party for Anthony after one of his splits from Chaunte. |
Rachael appeared on Maui Fever as Cheyne's girlfriend.[22] On the show, she did not like Cheyne and his ex-girlfriend Anna to spend time together.[33] Rachael is employed as a wedding planner.[16] She has a pet cat.[5] |
Jesse James, a friend of Kevin, often was seen surfing on Maui Fever. In episode four, Jesse James walks in on Kevin when he is trying to hook-up with a tourist, ruining Kevin's game.[5] |
Katie Vreedenburgh, a friend of Anna and Chaunte, was seen on several episodes of Maui Fever. She came clubbing with the girls in episode five and helped them get ready for their Mardi Gras party on episode seven.[5] |
Bryce (born c.1989) was a friend of Anthony. On Maui Fever, Chaunte took an interest in Bryce and hooked up with him, even though he was only seventeen years old at the time (and a friend of her sometimes boyfriend).[5] This put a strain on relations between Bryce and Anthony. |
Carrie is referred to as "Jesse's girl" on Maui Fever.[5] She moves to Maui from Seattle on episode three. |
[edit] Episodes
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[edit] References
- ^ a b c Nichols, Katherine. "Reality show Island Fever is set for 2007 MTV debut", The Honolulu Star Bulletin, 2006-11-13. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ MTV (2007). Show Detail: Maui Fever Preview Special (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ a b c d e Cerizo, Kehaulani. "MTV's Maui Fever makes some residents sick", The Maui News, 2007-01-21. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ UPI News Service. "MTV filming new Living Lahaina, Island Fever reality shows in Hawaii", Reality TV World, 2006-08-28. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Chaunte LeBlanc, Cheyne Magnusson, Anna Stimson, Anthony Vicar, David Corbin, Sean McClenahan, Jesse Beyer, et al. Maui Fever [TV-Series]. Maui, Hawaii: MTV.
- ^ Pujols, J. (2007). Maui Fever Music (html). Maui-Fever.com. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Cerizo, Kehaulani. "MTV shocked by response to show", The Maui News, 2007-02-04. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Nichols, Katherine. "2 new MTV reality shows will use Valley Isle as a backdrop", Star Bulletin, 2006-08-25. Retrieved on 2007-04-01.
- ^ Martin, Denise. "MTV sez Aloha to series", Daily Variety, 2006-08-25. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
- ^ MTV (2007). Living Lahaina (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-04-16.
- ^ Maui Fever Information
- ^ Kaplan, Don. "MTV Catches Maui Fever", New York Post, 2007-01-06. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
- ^ a b c d e Associated Press. "Locals object to MTV's new Maui Fever", USA Today, 2007-01-22. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ Tabloid Baby (2007-01-07). Maui Fever promises a sex-spiked cocktail (html). NewsGasm. Retrieved on 2007-04-17
- ^ a b Hancock, Noelle. "Maui Fever Giving Residents a Headache", US Magazine, 2007-01-25. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ a b Lyons, Andrew. "Maui Fever, trash rutting in the sand: MTV series reaches new lows in fake reality", Media Life Magazine, 2007-02-21. Retrieved on 2007-04-16.
- ^ Tabloid Baby (2007-01-05). Maui is the new Laguna Beach (html). NewsGasm. Retrieved on 2007-04-17
- ^ a b U.S. Census Bureau (2000). Fact Sheet: Maui County, Hawaii - Census 2000 Demographic Profile Highlights (html). 2000 U.S. Census. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Wilson, Christie. "MTV Does Maui", The Honolulu Advertiser, 2007-01-17. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ a b MTV (2006). Biography: Sean (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-03-30.
- ^ a b MTV (2006). Often throughout the season, you see her not allowing her ex-boyfriend Anthoney to date other girls.Biography: Chaunte (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ a b MTV (2006). Biography: Cheyne (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ Press Release. "Body Glove Signs Cheyne Magnusson", Transworld Surf, 2006-01-18. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ John Robinson, Emile Hirsch, Rebecca De Mornay, William Mapother, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Victor Rasuk, Nikki Reed, Heath Ledger, et al. Lords of Dogtown [DVD]. Santa Monica, California: Sony Pictures.
- ^ Anna Stimson and Chaunte LeBlanc. The Dish with Anna and Chuante (Episode 4) [web streaming-video]. Maui, Hawaii: MTV.
- ^ MTV (2006). Biography: Anna (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ a b c d Nichols, Katherine. "Beyond the beach: Here's what happens when a group of Maui friends turn their lives over to MTV for a new series", Honolulu Star Bulletin, 2007-01-16. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ MTV (2006). Biography: Corbin (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ a b c MTV (2006). Biography: Anthony (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ Dehnart, Andy. "MTV’s Maui Fever debuts tonight", Reality Blurred, 2007-01-17. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
- ^ a b Starpulse. "MTV's New Reality Drama Maui Fever Premieres Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 10:30pm", Starpulse, 2007-01-15. Retrieved on 2007-03-30.
- ^ MTV (2006). Biography: Jesse (flash). MTV. Retrieved on 2007-03-30.
- ^ "Cheyne Magnusson And MTV", Sponsorhouse, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-04-01.