VH1 Classic and Mark Burnett Productions Give Music Fans a Chance of a Lifetime With New Original Series 'Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp'

NEW YORK, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Put away your sleeping bags and flashlights and pack up your guitar and drumsticks, as it's going to be blood, sweat, and tears when VH1 Classic takes you on the adventure of a lifetime with the new original series "Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp." Production is set to begin on the series in February 2010. The four-episode, one-hour series is set to premiere in July 2010.  

VH1 Classic and Mark Burnett Productions have teamed up to give fans the ultimate music experience to fulfill their rock and roll fantasies. In a new, hour-long, weekly docu-series, viewers will get to watch as 15 musicians from a variety of backgrounds and cities will go through the transformative process of becoming "rock stars."

"Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp has allowed musicians around the world to make their dreams a reality," said Mark Burnett, "We are delighted to produce a series about this real-life process and work with the great team at VH1 Classic."

Campers will learn the hard way that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger when rock n' roll star counselors dole out some intense tough love in order to turn these amateur musicians into rock gods. Previous rock and roll counselors have included Roger Daltrey, Steven Tyler, Slash, and Bill Wyman, to name just a few. Over the course of four weeks, the show will follow campers as they form bands, rehearse, get schooled by rock and roll legends, and ultimately, in the finale, perform before a live audience in an iconic rock venue.

"We are very excited to team up with Mark Burnett Productions to bring our viewers an inside look at all of the excitement and intensity of Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp," said Lee Rolontz, EVP of Original Music Production and Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic. "Where else can you experience music fans living their dreams on stage next to legendary classic music artists?"

Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp founder David Fishof says "Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp has changed people's lives and this new alliance with Mark Burnett and VH1 Classic will enable viewers to see this in a very exciting way."

Each week, a surprise rock icon will drop in to train each band on a new aspect of becoming rock stars. We'll see campers evolve from quiet nice guys and gals to loud, sexy front men and women…timid drummers to drum-pounding rock heroes…wannabe Slashes to ax-slinging forces to be reckoned with. With a few hiccups along the way, the journey will be anything but dull…fights will erupt and stage fright will ensue, ensuring that only those with rock n' roll in their blood will make it to the top!

In preparation for the final battle of the bands, each group must claim their true rock identity by choosing a name, a bad-ass wardrobe, and some killer hair and makeup. With the music know-how, looks, and rock star swagger falling into place, viewers will watch them take the stage in front of a live audience. Will they pass the test and be flocked by groupies…or booed off the stage? The stakes are high, as the band voted best by the fans will win the opportunity every rock fan dreams about – a once-in-a-lifetime performance with a major rock star.

Mark Burnett Productions is producing the series. Executive producers for Mark Burnett Productions are Mark Burnett and Lee Metzger. David Fishof is an executive producer.  Executive producers for VH1 Classic are Lee Rolontz, Keshia Williams, and Rick Krim.  

About VH1 Classic

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that presents videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60's, 70's and 80's, including The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, Madonna, and U2. Learn more at VH1Classic.com.

About Mark Burnett

Mark Burnett is a leading executive producer for primetime television, cable and the Internet, and has produced over 1,100 hours of television programming which regularly air in over 70 countries around the world. Burnett has revolutionized television with continuing hits such as "Survivor" (CBS), "The Apprentice" (NBC), the now syndicated "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" (FOX), which is currently being produced in 55 countries, the daytime syndicated hit "Martha," and the hit series "Shark Tank" (ABC); giving Mark different series on each of the four major networks.

Burnett has garnered other current hit cable series in 2009 with "Bully Beatdown" (MTV), "StarMaker" (MTV), and "How'd You Get So Rich" (TV Land).  Burnett started off 2010 with a bang, producing the 36th annual People's Choice Awards (CBS).

In the summers of 2007 through 2009, Burnett entered the world of award shows, when he served as executive producer for the MTV Movie Awards.  He is also attached to produce in 2010.  Since 2001, Burnett shows have garnered a total of 60 Emmy nominations including two wins for best reality series, along with four People's Choice Awards, for favorite reality series. Burnett has been named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME magazine and named TV Guide's most valuable player. He has won BRANDWEEK'S Marketer of the Year Award, The Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award, and the prestigious ROSE D'OR FRAPA Format Award. In 2007, Burnett was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. In July of 2009, Burnett was honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. Later this year, Burnett is to receive the Norman Lear achievement award from the Producers Guild of America.

About Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp

Since 1997, Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp has been giving individuals--regardless of their musical ability--a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live like a rock star and jam with their idols. The sessions begin with an opening night party and include intensive rehearsals with rock star counselors and jams, master classes and Q&A's with rock legends, recording an original song at historic studios and conclude with a sold-out, closing night performance at a legendary club. It's a dream come true for any music fan.  Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp takes place annually in London at Abbey Road Studios and Los Angeles.  Other camp locations have included New York and Las Vegas.  For information, please visit:  www rockcamp.com.

SOURCE VH1