The producers of The Simple Life are considering having the partying pair visit a clothing-optional resort in Pasco County.
By JAMES THORNER
Published February 14, 2004
LAND O'LAKES - Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton, the socialite stars of the reality TV show The Simple Life, are used to flaunting themselves in miniskirts and low-cut tops.
But even they would appear overdressed if, as their producers hope, the pair lands at the all-but-naked Paradise Lakes Clothing Optional Resort for the next season of their TV show.
Season 2 of the Fox Network reality series is supposed to whoosh Richie and Hilton on a nationwide road trip in an RV.
Brooksville has already been mentioned as a host town for yet another fish-out-of-water episode, as the millionaire party gals adjust to small-town life.
The show's production company, Bunim/Murray, plans to audition potential host families today at the Hernando County Fairgrounds.
It's only a short trip in the RV south to Pasco County's Paradise Lakes. Producers have inquired about putting Hilton and Richie to work at the nudist resort as part of their Florida sojourn, Paradise owner Joe Lettelleir said.
The Simple Life is also doing a casting call in Kissimmee, within reach of another large nudist resort, Cypress Cove.
"We're chatting," Lettelleir said Friday. "They haven't committed. It's just an inquiry."
Filming would begin as early as the spring. Episodes probably wouldn't air until the fall. Richie is the daughter of singer Lionel Richie. Hilton is a Hilton hotel heir.
Paradise has been getting TV offers galore. With 5,000 members and 75,000 visitors, it's the most popular bare-skinned resort in North America.
For Valentine's Day weekend, a three-person crew is filming a 6- to 8-minute segment scheduled to air in May on the Learning Channel. Two other cable networks, Fox News and VH-1, have already done shows this year about the resort.
Filming in a resort where clothes are scarce is a challenge. Crews must get release forms from nudists, ensuring no one is videotaped naked unsuspected.
"As long as it's on our terms, I don't mind them here," Lettelleir said.
