What it’s like to quarantine while filming ‘The Circle’?
When the Netflix reality show “The Circle” was released on the streaming service at the beginning of 2020, seeing people living in isolation and interacting with friends on screens instead of face-to-face was a novel concept.
Now, quarantine has become reality for many people in the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic.
“There’s no better show” to film during this pandemic, Season 1 winner Joey Sasso told The Arizona Republic. “After just a couple of days when you’ve just been sitting there, I’m telling you, it really does get very difficult.”
Contestants on the show live alone in separate units of an apartment building and communicate by messaging on a voice-activated internal social network called “The Circle.” Cameras placed strategically throughout each apartment capture every moment of the contestants’ days, which are filled with exercising, ball tossing and sketching when they are not completing challenges or texting the others.
It’s a popularity contest in which contestants don’t know who exactly is on the other screens and behind other players’ profiles — someone who has either created an alter ego or is being as genuine as one can be on a reality show. Though some contestants questioned his flirtatious, big personality, Sasso maintained that he stayed true to himself from start to finish.
Contestants rank each other from most to least liked based on their interactions, alliances formed and suspicions of who is being a “catfish.” The least popular users are blocked and replaced with new players. At the end, the most popular contestant wins $100,000.
Sasso thinks the audition process for Season 2 will be different from his prepandemic experience. But that doesn’t keep him from offering advice when potential applicants message him seeking guidance.
“I can’t really tell you what to expect because based on my conversations (with applicants), the whole process this year is completely different because of the (coronavirus) situation,” he said. “It’s very simple: Just be yourself.”
Sasso, an actor and writer, says he didn’t go on the show with any illusions
of fame, money or lasting friendships.
“I thought it would hinder my actual career,” he said of appearing on the reality show. “It was one of those things that I was so wrong about.”
One of Sasso’s projects includes writing, producing and starring in an indie feature film, “Young Lion of the West.” Like most things, it probably won’t see the light of day until 2021 due to COVID-19, he said.
“Don’t put anything on; don’t try to be big for the camera. Don’t try to be a star looking for fame,” he advised.
Being in the reality show’s inaugural group, Sasso didn’t know what to expect during filming.
“I really didn’t even understand the concept (of the show) myself. I just understood I’m alone, (and) it’s a reality show,” he said. “I’m going to go have a good time and see what happens.”
Being in an apartment alone for days on end was more difficult than he’d expected.
“If I was watching the show at home, I’d be thinking, ‘Man, that ain’t hard, just sitting there all day. C’mon,’” Sasso said. “The days were just coming and going, and I was just trying to roll with the punches; you’re just trying to stay alive in this game and just keep relationships going.”
Contestants don’t know what day or time it is while filming and do not have access to their cell phones, television or music, Sasso said. They were allowed to bring books with approval from the production team, but “I’m an audiobook guy,” he said. He instead brought a sketchbook to occupy his time.
“What I’ve always done when I’ve got a lot on my mind is I sketch,” Sasso said.
“That’s why throughout the show you see me sitting on the couch and sketching and letting the hours pass. That’s what would really help me get through a day.”
He was effectively quarantined for two weeks; Sasso barely had any human interactions, with the exception of a visit from a producer once a day.
“There’s so much secrecy. You have to be blindfolded and wear these ear muffs to make sure you don’t see anyone potentially if you’re in an area where there are other cast members,” he said. “You’ll get time to go on the roof and get some air. Besides that, you’re really just on your own.”
Though ‘The Circle’ contestants only knew each other from virtual profiles, many seemed to grow close solely through exchanging messages.
“I consider all these people my family. We went through something so beautiful together,” he said. “It’s like
you’ve known these people for years.”
How to apply to be on the reality show
Filming for Season 2 is expected to take place in the United Kingdom sometime in the fall, as production schedules are in flux due to the coronavirus. Applications should be submitted by Aug. 31, according to the casting director.
After registering online, potential contestants might be contacted by a member of the casting team and be asked to audition.
Applicants can register at https://www.thecirclecasting.com.
“I really can’t wait to see who’s going to be on the second season,” Sasso said.
Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com or at 602444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.