By Katie Gray
Queen of reality TV and seasoned executive producer, SallyAnn Salsano, is known for producing hit reality TV shows like Jersey Shore and Party Down South. She is also the founder and president of 495 Productions. In our celebrity interview, Salsano talks about her new series that premiered on Jan. 8, Ex Isle, which is a groundbreaking series where five on-again, off-again couples endure extensive therapy in order to break free from those toxic relationships and love. The show is centered around the expert relationship advice from therapist, Dr. Ish Major, who counsels the couples through their time on the island.
Reality TV Producer Talks Relationships and Love
While Ex Isle revolves around exes and toxic relationships, the executive producer is actually happily married. In our celebrity interview, Salsano says that she believes that “balance is key.” When you’re a busy EP on a few successful shows, your schedule can get pretty tight. Salsano has to travel a lot for work, but she thinks that it is actually beneficial. “Some space is healthy and can strengthen many relationships,” she says. “I think the key to a good relationship is to be honest about who you are and upfront about your lifestyle.” Her dating advice is to “enjoy the time you spend together and be present.”
Celebrity Interview: Executive Producer Talks Reality TV
Getting over an ex is not easy, which is where the idea of Ex Isle came about. “I think we have all been there or lived it,” Salsano says. “It’s one of the most relatable shows I have been a part of.” Salsano wishes that watching the show will help people realize that they are not alone. “We’ve all stayed in relationships too long for one reason or another. If you are not in one, it’s likely one of your friends are,” the executive producer shares. Viewers who fall into this common category get perspective while watching the show and their relationships can grow from it.
The reality TV guru says, “Imagine trying to get over someone by getting under someone else. Now add in that person you’re trying to get over right there watching it all unfold, AWKWARD.” That is essentially what Ex Isle is all about. The show deals with both sides; people diving into their temptations of old comfortable relationships and the flip side of being curious about new relationships and being pulled in that direction. The show proves to be especially beneficial to couples who are constantly on-again and off-again. “You aren’t in a relationship, but you’re so emotionally closed off that you can’t meet anyone new,” Salsano says. “The sad part is most people don’t realize it and they waste a ton of time.” Ex Isle is sure to open up new doors for people so that they can grow.
Related Link: ‘The Ex and The Why’ Producer SallyAnn Salsano Says Everyone Has Been in “Some Kind of Screwed Up Relationship”
As an executive producer for reality TV, Salsano knows that people are curious how real the show is and wonder, “What if nothing happens?” However, the people on the show are what ultimately determine the success of the series. If the audience likes watching them then it will be a success. “Casting is key and an interesting process that we never rush or take lightly,” Salsano reveals. The reality shows Salsano has worked on often involve many emotions and relationship dynamics. “Just like life, it always manages to get done,” the producer says. “I am filming what they are actually doing and feeling, as it’s happening.” While working in close boundaries, cast and crew members often get emotionally attached as they get to know one another – it is inevitable. As Salsano says, “It’s hard not to develop relationships with people.” This is especially true in the workplace, because you become sort of like family. “I’ve been so lucky to work with so many amazing people and networks I love,” she says.
Related Link: Jersey Shore Creator SallyAnn Salsano Dishes about Love in Italy and Her New Weight Loss Show, “Love Handles”
Salsano’s famous show Party Down South is coming to an end soon. She explains, “If it were up to us I would have kept the party going forever. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to create this show and introduce the world to both casts.” She noted, “It was life changing for us all (but the party will always be going on with this group).” Her exciting future projects include: another season of Blue Collar Millionaires that is coming up on CNBC, producing several True Life episodes on MTV and a new show on Lifetime called The Mother/Daughter Experiment: Celebrity Edition which will premiere March 10.
Be sure to tune in to Ex Isle on We TV on Friday’s at 11/10c. You can keep up with Salsano’s many projects on Twitter @sallyannsalsano!
