Drop that deep dish, 'Biggest Loser' looks for contestants in Schaumburg

Brandon Nickens admits some reality shows might cast contestants who unfairly manipulate others to amp up the on-screen drama.

But he says his goal as co-casting producer on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" is to promote a healthy lifestyle and find overweight contestants with a passion to shed their fat and transform their lives.

Nickens will be at Woodfield Lexus in Schaumburg from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday looking for contestants for the reality show's seventh season. (And, yes, Nickens explains casting calls do happen occasionally at car dealerships.)

He's also helped cast other NBC shows like "Deal of No Deal" and "The Apprentice." The winner of "The Biggest Loser" not only sheds weight but will win $250,000. The show is looking for pairs to compete, but can also accommodate single applicants.

After this and other open casting calls, Nickens will return to Los Angeles and review videos with his bosses. Potential contestants will be flown to Hollywood before the final cut is made. Filming for this season starts in September.

Contestants should be 18 or older and be prepared to wait in line with snacks and drinks. Only the first 500 in line guaranteed to be seen, though organizers ask people not to start lining up before 7 a.m. at the dealership at 350 E. Golf Road.

More info is at nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser_5/about/casting.shtml.

Before he hopped a flight to Chicago from L.A. Thursday, Nickens answered some questions for us.

Q: You've gone across the country hunting for contestants, what makes the Chicago area unique?

A: Chicago is one those places where you get people with the great look and great personality. And it also had a lot of great restaurants, there's a lot of bad food. It's known for the Chicago hot dog, I believe. We check that out too. We make sure we go to the places that need us.

Q: Do you have any tips for contestants?

A: If you need to lose 30 pounds, this is probably not the right show for you. We're looking for people 60-plus pounds overweight. In the past, the lightest person was 65 pounds overweight and that was in Season 1.

Q: Is there anything a contestant can do that would turn you off during auditions?

A: If someone has nothing to say. A lot of people forget it's still a reality show even though it is about weight loss. We're still looking for personality. We ask the contestants to talk about issues, like discrimination against overweight people at the workplace. If you don't have an opinion about that, that could be a problem.

Being heard is the most important thing. When you get in you should speak your mind. Do not filter yourself, don't worry about offending me. ... I want people to be honest. It just comes off shady if you don't.

Q: We know the show's doctors and the contestants' doctors have to provide medical clearance before making the final cut, but what draws you to an contestant?

A: My whole thing is I want people that want this and are super-passionate about making the change. It's a tough situation, I don't think you realize it (how tough the workouts are).

Q: Do you have anything else you'd like to share with contestants?

A: Don't feel like you can't come because you don't have a partner. If we like you, we'll find you somebody.