By Daily Press Staff Writer
SMC — Former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman will be making an appearance at tonight’s home opener for ABA team Hollywood Fame.
Rodman will be filming an episode of his yet-to-premiere reality show “Geek to Freak” at the game, specifically focusing in on the halftime show, when the subject of the episode is expected to perform with the dance team.
The show is about bringing the inner freak out of a geek, said Mike Casey, vice president of operations at Hollywood Fame. Each episode focuses on a different introverted “geek” and helps the subject to let their “freak” free.
The episode to be filmed today will focus on Eric, a 20-year-old knife salesman and tournament level video game fanatic. Eric has been practicing for the past few weeks with the Hollywood Fame dance team in preparation for tonight’s halftime show, when he will play the role of the team’s “hypeman” and excite the crowd.
“They’re trying to make this kid break out of his shell,” Casey said.
The show’s producers approached the Hollywood Fame during its search for a sporting event in which they could have easy access.
The episode will show Eric warming up and rehearsing prior to the game, as well as his halftime performance.
“Geek to Freak” will air on HDNet, the first television network that broadcasts all of its shows in 1080i high definition format. The network is owned by Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and Philip Garvin of Colorado Studios.
“Dennis Rodman is such a name,” Casey said. “We need to go after every possible angle to get more people in the seats. Whether Dennis is playing in the NBA or not, people still book him for events and he’s still popular.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 15, 2006. Read the original PDF.