A Dose Of Reality

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to audition for a reality TV show? Why would people subject themselves to some possibly very unflattering scrutiny? What do they hope to get out of it? Well, we decided to find out.


A few weeks back when we received an invite for an open casting call from the Food Network we decided to contact the producer. We wanted to tag along for the day and much to our surprise we were invited in with open arms and the declaration: "Blogs are powerful!"


So, this week we begin a series about what the experience is like and hear from several participants. It begins, of course, with paperwork. Page after page will need to be filled out about your background, experience, hopes, dreams and aspirations. Then there are all those release forms promising that you won't sue anyone if you come across as the fool you know you are not. Welcome to reality.


After the paperwork comes the waiting. Anyone who has ever been involved in TV or film production knows that there is endless waiting. You'll wait for lighting, equipment, replacement parts being Fed-Ex'd, meetings, snafus, etc. From early morning until well past midnight you will wait. Guaranteed.


Finally, you'll get called for your interview. This is the moment of truth. Your experience means nothing right now. Your body could be tattooed with all of the Michelin Stars you have earned but if the personality is dull the audition road ends here, kid. Humorous? Charming? Offbeat? Passionate? Unique? It's hard to pinpoint the sparkle they seek. They can't define it but they know it when they see it. This particular competition is for teams of at least two. We've interviewed three teams who seem to have "it." If any of them make it to the next stage they have promised to stay in contact and share their stories. If not ... well, this town is filled with broken dreams.

Here is casting producer Alena Jemas to explain to us the process and what the typical participant can expect. Then, we'll follow the journey.