NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - A banker and a man who imitates apes were among the hundreds of people who lined up in Times Square Thursday looking for their bit of reality TV renown.
"I'm only in New York City until Saturday, and I'm going on David Letterman tonight to show my stupid human trick," said Hank Fortener, a 22-year-old from Dayton, Ohio, who was on line outside the Virgin Megastore to audition for "The Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best," the British entrepreneur's upcoming reality show.
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| Lined up in front of posters of stars at the Virgin Megastore, hoping for a shot at fame |
"I do an imitation of an ape."
Fortener was one of more than 400 people seeking their television season of fame who answered the open casting call for TV's latest reality offering from Virgin CEO and billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson.
With show details still sketchy and no prize or goal specified -- unlike, say, "The Bachelor" on ABC or CBS's hit "Survivor" -- many of those waiting to audition weren't even sure what they would have to do if chosen for the show.
But no one seemed to mind.
"I'm an aspiring actor, a personal trainer, entrepreneur and comedian," said Phill Harper, 25, a Maryland native who has lived in New York for more than a year.
"I see this as an entry into the business. Not just as an actor, but as a way to explore all aspects of the entertainment industry," he said, adding that people compete to be on reality TV shows for the fame as much as the chance to win a contest.
The lines outside and inside the store were full of aspiring actors and models, corporate types in suits, tourists passing through and lots of average Joes hoping to fill one of 16 spots.
"I have nothing to lose," said Sarah Hund, 26, a St. Louis native who moved to New York to be an actress.
And what did they think it would take to be chosen?
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| Banker Cyprus Williams made the first cut. |
"Be yourself," was the overwhelming answer.
"Richard (Branson) himself is a very intuitive person, and he isn't looking for a single type of person," said Carrie MacFadden, a production coordinator at Bunim-Murray, the company producing "The Billionaire".
"But I can tell you that if there's a secret to getting on, it's imagination," she added.
If Branson's entrance was any clue -- he swooped down among the crowd wearing a jetpack -- the contestants could have their work cut out for them.
Cypress Williams, 32, said he made it past the first cut and will be called back for a second interview.
The commercial banker from New Jersey said his girlfriend had asked him to try out for the "Apprentice 2," but that the show was too competitive.
"The Billionaire," which plans to bring contestants along with Branson to retrace some of his high-flying adventures and navigate corporate challenges, was much more appealing.
Not all reality television stars are better off at the end of the season, often exposing unsavory characteristics and weaknesses to a national audience. Williams said he was well aware of that risk but didn't think an appearance on the show would hurt his chances for respect in the business world.
"The national exposure would be positive, and there would be a trickle down effect of opportunity," he said.
Production assistants with the project said they hope to cast the show in the next month and begin shooting by mid-July.
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