Reality show producers spark backlash with request for unattractive people on sign at filming location

A new reality TV series filming at Bondi Beach has sparked debate after posting a sign requesting unattractive people to stay out of shot.

The sign, displayed at Bondi Pavilion, informed the public filming was underway for FLEX, which is described as a micro-reality series “documenting the lives of eight good-looking Bondi locals”.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Reality show producers spark backlash with ‘gross’ detail on sign

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“If you enter this area, you may be captured on film,” the notice reads.

“If you think you’re fit and/or attractive enough to get featured in the background, please make yourself known to our production team.

“If you feel this isn’t you, please stay out of the shot.”

Producers of a new reality series have requested unattractive people to stay out of the view of their cameras. Credit: Supplied

The show will also explore themes including the relationship between food and body image, and the “fake it till you make it” pressure faced by young people in affluent areas.

Sunrise host Nat Barr discussed the sign with Amanda Rose, founding director of Western Sydney Women, on Tuesday morning.

“A+ for the honesty but what’s interesting is the show, or the mini-show that they’re doing online … is there to tackle body image issues,” Rose said, pointing out the mixed messaging.

“And the ‘fake it ‘till you make it’ pressures. So it’s contradicting what the show is actually about, which is to make people feel comfortable in their own skin and the pressures of the world.

“But obviously they only care about the fit, lean ones and the pressures they go through, not everyone else.”

Rose said the situation reflects the general nature of social media and reality TV “which isn’t real at all.”

Images of the sign circulated online and quickly drew criticism.

“Can’t believe they have the gall to write that on a letter and display it publicly,” a Reddit user said.

“I had the ick as soon as I saw the ad, this just proves my instincts were correct. It’s gross and I hope it crashes and burns after the first episode airs,” someone else commented.

“Fake world we live in,” another simply wrote.

While discussing the sign during the Hot Topics segment of Sunrise, Barr questioned whether the sign was “just a joke”.

But Rose wasn’t convinced.

“They mean it … they don’t want to have an Instagram clip of a normal-sized person in the background,” Rose added. “It will ruin what they are trying to do.”

Production company addresses reaction to controversial sign

In a statement shared with 7NEWS.com.au, Ben Davies, founder of Ronde, the production company behind the show, confirmed the sign was intended as a joke to spark conversation.

“FLEX obviously features fit and attractive people, trying to navigate life, career, love and body image in the Eastern suburbs,” Davies said.

“There is a very strong association of the Eastern Suburbs with vanity and elitism.

“So it was a running joke for the Ronde team to lean into this perception during filming in a way that can drive a bit of conversation around what it is we’re making.

“We wanted the public to ask questions, speak to the producers and spread the word.

“We had a convergence of multiple Bondi run clubs during filming this morning, so there were quite a few people who had a good laugh about the sign and nominated themselves to get featured.”

FLEX is a ‘micro-reality’ series about young people navigating fitness culture, entrepreneurship and relationships in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Credit: Ronde

FLEX is being marketed as Australia’s first “micro-reality” series. Rather than traditional broadcast-length episodes, the show will feature one to two minute instalments released directly to social media platforms.

The series, which launched on March 15, follows eight young “strivers” navigating fitness culture, entrepreneurship and relationships in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Davies said the show will also explore more serious themes, including the relationship between food and body image and the “fake it till you make it” pressure faced by young people in affluent areas.

FLEX is being marketed as Australia’s first “micro-reality” series. Rather than traditional broadcast-length episodes, the show will feature one to two minute instalments released directly to social media platforms.

The series, which launched on March 15, follows eight young “strivers” navigating fitness culture, entrepreneurship and relationships in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.