7.12.2010

My (One and Only?) Chance at Food Network Stardom

A little over a month ago, I got an email about a casting call seeking a host for a new TV show about food.  They asked for some simple info and a photo, so I emailed them back.  That evening I got a call asking if I could make a 3-5 minute video in the next 3-5 days, introducing myself and some cheap, good food.  It was supposed to be a real find, so my first of several disclaimers is that I played it up a bit for the cameras.  This is based on a true story...



I know, the video is 8 minutes.  Turns out, it is really, really hard to make a 5 minute video.  We cut out the last 3 minutes unfortunately for the final version.

I could ramble for a bit with all the details, but I'm going to just share a few thoughts and then let it be.

  1. I have a great job.  I enjoy my work, and am passionate about it.  So, its not at all like I was out looking.  A unique opportunity came knocking and I answered the door.  It was a lot of fun.
  2. Thanks to the awesome team of folks who helped out with this!  We had a brainstorming session to get the ideas flowing and start the planning process, and Ryan did the majority of the work - filming and then editing on a very tight timeline.  Thanks everyone, especially you Ryan!!
  3. Thanks to the folks at Melt, Picnic and Pantry, Dojo Gelato, and Blooms and Berries for letting us take some shots on your home turf - I really appreciate it!
  4. I don't know if they contacted other folks in town, or how specific this outreach was (this was the only sign of this I found online - I got the same notice).  There are certainly a number of local food bloggers with far more experience than I, so I didn't do this (nor do I share this) thinking I'm some kind of expert.  They contacted me, I gave it a shot.  That's about it.
  5. There has been no word from the casting folks.  I am putting this out there about a month after I sent the video, and since they told me that I wouldn't hear back unless they were interested, I take it they aren't interested.  Who knows, maybe they aren't done with their process yet, and by posting this I'm killing my chances.  Oh well, I've been wanting to share this for a while, so I'm spilling the beans.
I'm sure I'm forgetting other key details, so if you've got questions, throw them in the comments and I'd be happy to answer.

So there you have it!  It's a little bit embarrassing to put myself out there like this, but it's more fun, so I'll get over it.  Hopefully you'll enjoy...

13 comments:

Michael said...

Nice, Gavin! Will we see more videos like this on the blog now that you're a pro? ;)

Ryan Ostrander said...

I think you did a great job with it in such a short amount of time. I definitely had fun doing my part.

Ryan Ostrander said...

p.s. The video is clipping off the right edge.

Gavin DeVore Leonard said...

Thanks Michael! Not sure how many more we'll be doing, but you never know.

Ryan - it was a good time putting this together. Thanks again. As for the video "clipping," I assume you're talking about the way it is embedded. I messed with that a bit and eventually gave up. Hopefully it's not too distracting...

Stephanie said...

Loved this, awesome job! Yay for embracing the porkopolis.

Gavin DeVore Leonard said...

Thanks Stephanie - glad you enjoyed it! There were many more Cincinnati facts and references that got cut due to time unfortunately :(...

Anonymous said...

If Food Network doesn't come calling, you should pitch the full version to CET for a local show.

Gavin DeVore Leonard said...

Anonymous - I like the CET idea - maybe so!

Sharon Rudd said...

Nicely done, Gavin! Kudos to you and the team who helped you put this together. Your passion for food and supporting the locals comes across clearly here (as it does in print on your blog). Some great tips, too. You could do better than the Food Network - lol!

Courtney said...

fun! that's not an easy thing to take on, you did a great job.

Gavin DeVore Leonard said...

ie and Courtney - thanks!!

holly may said...

awesome :) congrats! i hope they do choose to feature you, your blog is certainly my fave amongst the cincy foodies; so honest, unpretentious, informative, fun and entertaining, and easy to read. good luck!

Gavin DeVore Leonard said...

Thanks holly may! That's great you enjoy it - we have fun sharing!