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Reality TV Scandal Uncovered

Written by TVSA Team from the blog News on 21 Sep 2008
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Pieter Toerien: The Unethical Producer

It's no secret that reality TV producers the world over are highly unscrupulous when it comes to vote-rigging, outcomes, contestant-favouring and more, but it all strikes a little closer to home when a high-profile South African show is caught red-handed trying to dictate outcomes.

A sensational, scandalous email which was leaked to Die Burger's Thinus Ferreira last week contains direct proof that a show's producers have tampered with the format in order to achieve their own objectives, once again at the expense of the gullible public.

In the email - sent by M-Net's High School Musical: Spotlight South Africa producer Pieter Toerien to someone called "Victoria" at a well-known media agency - he urged her to assist in getting rid of contestant Lyle Volkwyn (21) by voting for his own favourite, David Schlachter (20).

Toerien claimed that Volkwyn has "a HUGE church following", that he "will KILL the show if he wins" and that he "just has to be voted off tonight!".

The full text of the email (which TVSA has in its possession) is as follows:

From: Pieter Toerien
Sent: 15 September 2008; 10:45am
To: ‘Victoria’
Subject: Victoria; This is a CRISIS!

We just cannot have a show (and ads for you) on a show with such talent. Lyle, shame the poor boy cannot act and will KILL the show if he wins. But he has a HUGE church following who are voting for him. He just has to be voted off tonight!

Currently he is 3,000 votes ahead of David and that is not good news. Please circulate this e-mail with for David to win. David's voting numbers 086 22 77 07 or sms David to 34685 and also vote on M-Xit.

Please guys!
P

The two subjects of the email - Lyle Volkwyn and David Schlacter - are both competing on the show for the leading role of Troy in the upcoming stage musical "HSM: Live on Stage", which is also being produced by Toerien.

The show is a test run for Disney, who are monitoring how the show goes in South Africa before deciding whether to produce it elsewhere on a larger stage.


Lyle Volkwyn: Mustn't Win At Any Cost

The email was sent to Victoria on Monday morning (15 September) - when the Results Show was aired live on M-Net that night, viewers were informed that in a sudden format change all six finalists were being put through to the finale.

There was no explanation for the sudden change in format - and now it's clear why. It is never wise to announce that you're changing the format in order to rig the outcome.

According to Die Burger, the show's production company, EdenRage Media, were informed of Toerien's email during the live show and made a spot decision that Toerien would no longer "save" his favourite contestant as per the regular format, but that all six remaining competitors would be put through to the finale instead.

During the Results Show Toerien explained that he and co-producer Hazel Feldman wanted to leave the choice up to the viewers.

"At the beginning of this series Hazel and I said that the final vote will be made by you, the M-Net viewers," he said. "We’re going to ask you to become producers. You will make the dreams of two of these lovely young people come true. Vote with care and with wisdom," he urged.

What's strange about it all is that it was Toerien himself who put Volkwyn through to the Top 18 in the first place. Why do that if - in the word's of the biggest theatre impresario in the country himself - "the poor boy cannot act"? Surely that's a thought that ought to have occurred to not only Toerien, but to acting director Paul Warwick-Griffin as well?

Through their own poor judgment they created this mess in the first place.


David Schlacter: Toerien's Golden Boy

Of course, the show's producers and M-Net stand to gain much more now that this scandal has broken, as viewers (including Lyle's rabid church following) will be more determined than ever to ensure their favourite wins.

We all know Toerien and his cronies and associates will be spending 12 hours a day on MXit voting for David, and at the end of it all there will be a breathless press release claiming all sorts of voting records.

Toerien's Big Moment will be dampened no matter what, however - if David wins he'll be under a cloud of suspicion as the public already know that he is The Chosen One, while if Lyle wins Toerien will be forced to work with someone he doesn't want - his show will be ruined, in his own words.

We say give Toerien what he deserves for treating faithful fans of the show with such contempt - here's Lyle's voting number (feel free to vote even if you don't watch the show - let's show reality TV producers what we think of their *bleep!* in general):

Text LYLE to 086 227 7713



20 Comments

WhiteSockGirl
21 Sep 2008 14:10

Yoh,...  that is all that I can't say.  I don't follow HSM but I watched two or three episodes with my nephew and niece,...  not my thing at all.

But I am shocked,...  true what they say,...  not all is real in reality tv world

Segololo
21 Sep 2008 14:24

Makes me to start wonder how Heinz won Idols....???

what aka mathata
21 Sep 2008 14:34

mm.this David reminds me  sindane.o yang gale jaana?

Cnglemother
21 Sep 2008 14:34

Heh Sego say that again,wonder how he's doin in america!hectic stuff!eish the reject is coloured so im gona go the racism route lol!what else am i suppose to think,golden boy had 2 b white.

Cnglemother
21 Sep 2008 14:36

Heh Sego say that again,wonder how he's doin in america!hectic stuff!eish the reject is coloured so im gona go the racism route lol!what else am i suppose to think,golden boy had 2 b white.

Shadow
21 Sep 2008 14:46

Shocking indeed! That is soo unfair. Poor Lyle.

Brown Shuga
21 Sep 2008 16:02

<<<eish the reject is coloured so im gona go the racism route lol!what else am i suppose to think,golden boy had 2 b white.>>>> LOL the first thing I did after reading the email was to scroll down to see the pictures of these two contestants!!

<<<Makes me to start wonder how Heinz won Idols....???>>> Am wondering too...

What I don't understand though, is why Toerien said Victoria should circulate the email? 
I can't help but suspect that this is a publicity stunt because let's be honest, this show hasn't been getting much attention and what better way to get that than to create a scandal?

Toodecent
21 Sep 2008 23:08

Makes me think of Big-E.

funkymunky
22 Sep 2008 01:11

ALL THIS HAS NOW DONE IS HYPE UP MORE BUZZ ABOUT THIS SAD SAD SHOW... REASON ITS ON DISNEY CHANNEL IS BECAUSE ITS AIMED AT KIDS AND TEENS... NOT ADULTS...

 

IF U ASK ME, JUST A PUBLICITY STINT TO GET MORE PPL TO WATCH.... TYPICAL MONOPOLY DSTV/MNET/MULTICHOICE STYLE....

PULL THE PLUG AND SAVE US ALL THE AGONY!

NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS. TRY NOT BOTHER WASTING ANY OF YOUR WELL EARNED MONEY BY VOTING EITHER, ECONOMY IS BAD ENOUGH TO STILL HAVE TO MAKE MULTICHOICE'S FAT CATS ANY FATTER!!!

BRING ON THE COMPETITION!!!!  

Dimago
22 Sep 2008 01:22

OMG Pieter Toerien, never would have thought of him as a unethical! Sho!!!

Bug
22 Sep 2008 07:40

I expect NOTHING less from Pieter!!!!!

thebandit
22 Sep 2008 13:16

#

To be honest, this does not surprise. This is only the tip of the iceberg that is the cold hearted shameful extortionist that is Mr Toerien. For years this man has shamefully paid actors a pittince whilst raking in the spoils from his shows. He has apparently been quoted in the past as saying that actors in his opinion are dogs. This from a man who has acquired his substantial fortune off of the backs of these “dogs”!

Apparently, in a recent e-mail to various agents, he is quoted as saying, (when asked if he would adjust his payment scheme for actors), “let them starve”. (e-mail available from most agents)

Unfortunately, agents have not responded due to the fact that he is spiteful enough to simply exclude those performers who are represented by these said agents.

Some years ago in fact, it was Mr Toerien who started the half pay rehearsal fee that has now (despicably enough) become common practice.

Being an actor myself, I am placed in a situation. As much as I would love to put my name to this mail, Mr Toerien, being a shareholder in rights to many top broadway productions still holds dominion over this lowly “dog”. It is rumored that he intends to bring Les Mis and other shows to our shores, and wanting to be included in such shows (despite the fact that no doubt we will be working for minimum wage)it will not be in my best interests to put name to this mail.

No doubt the man has made huge contributions to the arts in this country, but off of whose backs?

I do hope that he will see the error of his ways, and strive (in future) to do what is not only right, but fair.



# The Masked RevealerNo Gravatar

Here’s another one for Toerien:

Turn on the geyers in the Montecasino Theatre, you cheap bastard, the actors need hot water!

I mean, how shameful.

I could go on, and on and on, but won’t… for now…

p.s. maybe I will make this a game: “Reveal A Dirty Torien Secret A Day! Sounds fun, don’t you think?

What do you say, Pieter?

Or you could come clean about the way you have always treated, and continue to treat (perhaps that should be mistreat?) anyone that ever works for you.


# The Masked RevealerNo Gravatar

Does anyone have a copy of the “let them starve” e-mail?

Would be nice to see it posted here, and it can be done anonymously…

Isn’t this fun?


# ElsieNo Gravatar

That’s a shame, he should be fired



# Super TrouperNo Gravatar

Let’s start by giving credit where credit is due. Toerien has been very brave in bringing many wonderful but risky productions to our shores, right from the time when he started out with Marlene Dietrich up until his recent, excellent production of “Chess”.

But he remains a businessman to the core, and actors have never figured high on his list of priorities. Nor has the comfort of audiences. I can remember sweltering on a hot summer’s evening at his Camp’s Bay theatre, due to his niggardly use of the air conditioning facility.

Young actors, in particular,are exploited. Who can survive, on tour, on R1 500 per week, with R100 per day subsistence and transport? That is the kind of salary being offered to those on the lower rungs of the theatrical ladder, but even older, more experienced actors cannot affort to work for him, and his shows are often compromised by making do with second best, to save a few shekels. It has happened on “Beauty And The Beast”, where a key role was apparently declined by one of the country’s leading musical comedy performers after the individual concerned was offered an insulting weekly wage. The show can only be the poorer withou

sweetie my baby
23 Sep 2008 10:05

iyo! the bandit - wow, quite revealing - i can believe it, the industry's so corrupt, and actors who do it for the love of the craft just get screwed! espesh theatre actors! he needs debra patta to ask him a few tough questions, selfish brat! booooo pieter torien! boooooooo!!

sweetie my baby
23 Sep 2008 10:05

and what's with his horrific haircut, DAMN!!

Bug
24 Sep 2008 03:06

Firstly, Pieter has never moved on from his late-70's look, so just forgive his hair, like we forgive Donald Trump.Secondly, I agree.Someone give Debra Patta a call.Lets see how he handles her!!!!!

thebandit
24 Sep 2008 17:22

I have managed to track down another scandalous mail that was sent by Mr T recently. It too concerns artists involved in HSM.

This mail (attached below) was sent to Mr T concerning the fees and S&T that he is willing to pay his cast of HSM. The artists are struggling to come out on what he is offering as they will be rehearsing in Cape Town on half salary. The mail was sent by  PMA on behalf of all artists agencies. (See mail posted below)

 
Sent: 12 August 2008 05:31 PM
To: pieter@theatreonthebay.co.za
Subject: High School Musical

Dear Mr Toerien

On behalf of the PMA we would like to voice our concern over the following
issue. The fees being offered for High School Musical are considerably
lower than other recent productions and not only this, Johannesburg
artists are expected to find accommodation in Cape Town over peak season
with only R250 per day for S&T. During the rehearsal period they will have
to use their half pay to subsidize their living expenses in Cape Town and
most will not have enough left to pay their rent/bonds and ongoing
expenses in
Johannesburg. We understand that mounting a huge musical in today's
uncertain economic climate is a risk but escalating costs are also
affecting our artists.

Would it be at all possible to come to some sort of agreement to either
structure salaries to provide for more S&T so that the artists clear more
due to less taxation or to arrange for accommodation with the appropriate
adjustment to the S&T allowance. As with all things buying in bulk is
cheaper and a larger corporate booking would most certainly result in
cheaper accommodation rates not available to individuals.

We do feel that that this matter deserves some contemplation. Please do
not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

Thank you for your consideration


A polite yet to the point mail, spelling out a valid concern don't you think?
Take a look at Mr T's response.

From: Pieter Toerien [mailto:pieter@theatreonthebay.co.za]
Sent: 12 August 2008 05:45 PM
Subject: RE: High School Musical

Tell them to *bleep!* off and that's that. We have a VERY tight budget .They
either do it or stay out of work. And STARVE which is what should happen
to agents.


Now now Pieter! A little decorum please! Didn't mommy and daddy teach you to treat people in the fashion as to which you would like to be treated yourself?I mean it's not as if they were being unreasonable with their request is it? Not as if they are asking you to part with your millions, or even (heaven forbid) if they could bunk with you over at your Clifton mansion! Just a simple request really, to be treated with a little respect and offered what is FAIR!!
Is that really too much to ask?

Luke
24 Sep 2008 17:47

Very interesting posts, thebandit. That last email is probably exactly what you'd expect from Toerien, considering the other revelations.

I too was an actor - went to UCT drama school and acted for six years professionally before throwing in the towel, largely due to what I saw as ruination of the industry by people like Toerien.

This was back in the nineties - everyone in the industry knew Toerien paid as little as he could legally get away with, despite his reported fortune. He screwed actors every which way and treated them with the same contempt you see in that last email.

My agent was forbidden by me to accept any castings for Toerien productions - I had no desire to work my ass off for pittance on the same re-hashed, Rex Garnered trash he always stages at his theatres.

I had no idea it was he who was responsible for the introduction of half pay rehearsal fees - what a scumbag. You work far harder during rehearsals than you do during a run of a show - to not be paid properly for all that time and work should actually be criminal.

HSM is indicative of the man's spirit - there isn't any. It's a washed-out, meek, mincing little show and if I were Disney I'd seriously consider never working with Toerien again.

Glda the truth about him is out there - it's what happens, Toerien, when you try to screw over not only the paying public, but the artists themselves as well.

Bug
25 Sep 2008 03:42

If anyone remembers, way back when Theatre on The Bay started???? All plays and shows had only white cast on the stage,and this continued for many years, until a black face was cast here and there to cover up the obvious raciscism.I am happy to see Pieter being outed in this manner.Bring on more stories of his unethical and crass behaviour!!!

Caprio
03 Nov 2008 11:14

CROOK!!!! Dont go to the Theatre on the BAY!!!!!!!!!

Caprio
03 Nov 2008 11:14

CROOK!!!! Dont go to the Theatre on the BAY!!!!!!!!!


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