by Gina Scarpa

Reality fans know Mark Long from his days of reality competitions on MTV, such as Road Rules and the Real World/Road Rules challenges.  Over the years, though, Mark has made a name for himself as a television host, not only on MTV, but Fox Reality as well.  This week, Mark came to RealityWanted with an exciting announcement.  He has just been named the host of a daily morning show on E!  Mark spoke to us in an exclusive interview, giving RealityWanted the details on his new show, and offering up advice for reality stars looking to make it big once their show has ended.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: We heard that you're going to be the host of a new morning show on E!  Tell us about it and how you ended up landing this gig.
A. Mark: The show is called That Morning Show and will start airing on E! September 14th.  It will air Monday through Friday from 6am to 9am nationally.  It's a fun, loose format that covers everything from cooking segments, celebrity interviews, fashion, travel, money, and anything else you can think of.  We have a great segment called Our News, which are real stories that we found to be funny, yet informative, that you won't get on the other cable news shows.  I have two FANTASTIC female co-hosts, Karla Cavalli and Chelsea Cannell, and together, we make a great team.  Jeff Rifkin is our Director/EP/Creator and Gary Gray is our EP/Creator.  The show is produced by IBC.tv (Intertainment Broadcasting Corporation) and will be shot in a brand new stage in Irvine.  When I heard about the show being cast, I begged my manager to get me in there to be seen.  I love this format of loosely scripted yet open for ad lib, which I thrive on.  The moons aligned and the stars came together and somehow, they liked Karla’s, Chelsea's, and my chemistry and I got the gig. 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What has the transition been like for you over the years from reality star to hosting?
A. Mark: Although a competitor basically since birth, it's a nice change to be seen as an on camera personality, rather than a reality guy that sits on blocks of ice in a speedo for cash and prizes.  Although, don't be surprised when we have Mark's Uncomfortable Moment Of Speedo live during "That Morning Show"… and yes, I am serious.  I will still stay with my MTV roots and continue to host "The Aftershow" throughout the year as well.  I do have a sweet spot in my heart for MTV, but I also feel like it’s time to spread my wings and leave the nest.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Many reality contestants or cast members talk about their dream of hosting.  What does someone need to do in order to make that jump from being known as just another contestant to making a name for themselves as a host of a news or entertainment show.

A. Mark: For me, its always been about showing up on time to auditions, being responsible, and swinging for the fences once you get in the door.  A lot of my reality friends have said to me, “I am coming out to Los Angeles and giving it six months to book a gig.”  Well, to be honest, it could easily take six years and, if doing stuff in the entertainment field is your dream (like mine was), there is no time frame or restrictions.  Stick to your guns, and be persistent... Remember, be proactive, not reactive.  The phones don't ring off the hook with people looking for you.  You must seek out what you want and do your best to make an impact when your called to up to bat!  (Sorry for all the baseball references, I am watching a Dodgers game at the moment.  Haha!)

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Reality stars get frustrated when they can't seem to break into the business, whether it be hosting, television, movies, music, etc.  Why do you think it can be so difficult for reality people to make it big once their season or show is over?
A. Mark: I feel like, with reality stars, it’s difficult to try and go the "acting route" because so many viewers know them as themselves.  I mean, let's be honest.  Ryan Seacrest isn't going to be stealing any roles from Brad Pitt in the near future and vice versa.  My best advice for reality stars coming off their shows is, if they want to host, find a niche, something you’re really knowledgeable about (sports/celebrity etc,) and focus on that.  Stay persistent and be ON TIME to meetings!
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: We saw you on the most recent Real World/Road Rules challenge.  What made you want to return to reality television vs. reporting on it?
A. Mark: I have always been very competitive growing up with sports/board games, etc.  When Bunim/Murray Productions called with the opportunity to go back again, it was perfect timing for me and I thought, "Hey, why not?”  I had a great time in New Zealand and even shocked myself by making it to the finals and winning some dough.  It was nice to be considered "the veteran" or, as I like to call it, the oldest guy there.  But hey, I proved to myself that I still got it.  Will I ever compete again?  You never know!
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You showed up on TMZ this week, commenting on the deaths of Jasmine Fiore and VH1 reality contestant Ryan Jenkins.  Is there something about the screening process for reality shows that might need to change?
A. Mark: I am not positive how the screening process worked in VH1's case, but I do feel like most reality shows do their own background checks or hire an outside agency to research the contestants.  Either way, what happened in this particular case is awful and I feel bad for everyone involved.  Being a former reality star, I respect and appreciate everyone in this genre and hope, in this case, that it was an isolated incident.  Reality television is supposed to be fun, dramatic, and most of all, entertaining.  I am positive it will continue to be just that.
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Are you often followed by the paparazzi or is life in California fairly normal for you?
A. Mark: I love, love, love the paparazzi.  TMZ is one of my favorite shows and I love when they sneak up on me and ask me random questions.  I feel like if you treat them with respect, they will treat you with respect.  I am a big fan of Harvey Levin and everyone working hard in the bullpen on the show.  Keep up the good work!
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You have achieved many of the goals you've set for yourself in the entertainment industry.  Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
A. Mark: I would love for That Morning Show to be a big hit and still be hosting for them.  I love when projects seem like a family and in this case it really does.  My co-hosts are great, the director and EP are great, and I feel blessed to have this in my life at the moment.  Who knows?  In 10 years, maybe they will create a late night format for me a la Conan O'Brian.  And yes, you  can expect Mark's Uncomfortable Moment Of Speedo on that too!
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the best piece of advice you can give to someone who is looking to go from being on a reality show to something bigger?
A. Mark: Treat every opportunity the same.  The small jobs can turn into the big jobs and the big jobs can turn into your dream!!!  Be professional, be on time, and make the moments count when you get up to bat. (Sorry, Manny just hit a home run!)
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you ever see yourself showing up on another reality show again?
A. Mark: I never say never, but I love my new gig and hope its years before I even have to make that decision...

That Morning Show premieres Monday, September 14th, at 6am ET on E!

(Image courtesy of IBC)