READYING FOR A CLOSE UP: Elle is back in the television game after the cancellation of the short-lived and much-derided “Stylista” on CW and divorcing from “Project Runway” following the show’s fifth season. Now the magazine is set to play a supporting role in the MTV scripted reality drama, “The City.” As the New York Post reported last week, “The City” cast member Olivia Palermo has taken a job at Elle in its publicity department. An Elle spokeswoman could not comment on the hire; neither the producer of “The City” Adam Divello nor an MTV spokesperson responded to a request for comment. But sources close to the reality show say season two has already started filming about town, and that camera crews will infiltrate Elle’s offices next week. “They even repainted the reception area,” said one source, presumably so the offices look as sleek as possible on camera.

Elle has been eager to pursue more brand extensions in television and film — it hired Creative Artists Agency and has made cameos in “Ugly Betty.” Let’s hope it has better luck with “The City” than it did with “Stylista.”

— Stephanie D. Smith