Now that MTV has proved the formula to its popular real-life phenomenon, “Real World,” can hold up for eight seasons, other mediums are finally taking notice.

A prime example is the spin-off “Survivor,” a new CBS game show that originated in Sweden. Associated Press writer Lynn Elber described “Survivor” as a “cross between MTV’s ‘Real World’ and ‘Lord of the Flies.'”

The show tapes everything that happens to 16 Americans when they are stranded on an uninhabited island off the South China Sea during a seven-week period.

Every three days, secret ballots are taken among the stars to expel a fellow contestant. When only two people are left on the island, the stars who recently left the island choose the winner. The winner receives $1 million.

The stars of the show are chosen from applications that are sent into CBS’s Web site, a selection process similar to the that of the “Real World.”

The show’s producer, Mark Burnett, said it was fair to draw comparisons between “Survivor” and MTV’s “Real World,” which puts young people’s unguarded lives on camera.

Spin-offs for this show have gone beyond television, though. Former Iowa State student Chad Calek, co-wrote “The Private Public,” a movie based on how the media reveals people’s private lives.

“I had written a script with a director I knew who graduated from Iowa State,” Calek said.

In keeping with the “Real World” theme, the show stars three former “Real World” stars, David Burns (Seattle), Glenn Naessens (Los Angeles) and Jason Cornwell (Boston).

Calek met Burns while in Chicago, and after a long conversation, Calek realized Burns would be perfect for the male lead in “The Private Public.”

Calek met Naessens online,and was introduced to Cornwell, who had a small cameo in “Reality Bites,” by him.

“What’s so interesting is these people gained fame from being themselves,” Calek said. “I love ‘The Real World.’ I think it’s a fascinating study of people.

“The reason why I think they’re going to be incredible actors is because their roles are very similar to who they are. They’ve had their lives taped for six months under a camera so they won’t be camera shy. They’re extremely energetic people and people want to see if they’re good actors.”

Another medium that is catching a piece of the action is the Internet.

T. Williger, a fan of the “Real World,” created a site that features all eight seasons with the names and homepages of “Real World” stars.

When visitors click on Eric Nies’ homepage from “Season One” in New York, they will find his photo gallery, bio, his own store and the “Abaratus,” a workout invented by Nies.