You likely have seen a post or two here on the site in the last week about a production company that is developing a six episode series of shows about amusement/theme parks across the country. SDC will be featured in a segment of one of the episodes. I mentioned on another thread that I put my name in the hat to be considered as the person to escort the show host around the park, and I suspect a few others that are members here have done the same thing. Anyway, I had a Skype video interview today, and I think it went well. The producers said they will take about two weeks to review their interviews before making a decision. So, is anyone else here trying out? Just curious. I won't say much more about this until I hear back from the producers. This will be a fun experiece for whoever gets this gig! Best wishes to any sdcfan.com members who are interviewing, God bless.
Can't wait to hear if you get it. You would do a great job representing us and our beloved SDC!!!
good luck..!!
Thanks!
Did you happen to mention SDCfans.com?
All the candidates are from SDCFans.
I'm supposed to have my interview today. Just waiting for him to come online... Kinda nervous, to be honest. :-)
Joy, I hope all went well, and that you enjoyed the experience!
It went well. That's the first time I've ever done anything like that.
Good luck to all my fellow fans who are in the running! It's good to know that whomever gets chosen will be someone from here!
I also threw my hat in the ring as a few of you might know. I don't post much lately with all going on in my life, but I was interested in this opportunity. Good luck to all who had their screen tests! Hopefully the best things about the park will be showcased well by the network.Any clue if this show is a 30 min, or 60 min episode?
If I understand it, this is a six episode series, with each episode focused on a different region of the United States. The Silver Dollar City episode will be the "southern" region, and will feature Silver Dollar City, Dollywood, and another park. It would have to be an hour long to do all of that.
Thanks HB. I knew it was a group of 3 parks, and assumed it would be a 60 min episode leaving around 45 minutes after commercials/ credits, so roughly 15 minutes per park. I know it is one dedicated day of taping, but I know that'll be a full day for them as well. That's alot to cram into one TV spot, but I know all other parks have the same issue as well.
Well, for all we know it could be six ninety-minute or two-hour episodes. We shall see.
I expect producers to make a decision within a few days. We shall all find out more then. Again, best of luck to all contenders!
Are y'all at liberty to give us the name of the show?
It was said in my first conversation with the gentleman from the casting agency, but I don't remember the exact title.
This program is a work in progress. As soon as producers make a selection, I'm sure more details will be released. We should hear back from New York very soon now.
I was told that when they sent along the screen tests, they would go to the network, and a decision should be made this week with them notifying the person directly...well... it is Friday, and I was told that if I didn't hear, to know what the outcome was... so I know that since we haven't heard anything yet, that likely means they went another direction/ chose someone else. Not being a pessimist, just letting all know what I have heard!
I am eager to see what the show does turn out like regardless of who the "fan" is. I just like getting to see the City when I can't physically be there!
I was holding out hope, but I always kind of expected them to go a certain direction with this show, assuming it even ultimately becomes reality. Most of these shows are pretty cookie-cutter and they all feature "normal" but personable people who call themselves "enthusiasts", who all make predictable, generic statements that fit the given park's marketing agenda. Honestly these shows are basically just commercials for the parks, and they have no interest on showing off anything but the coasters and how awesome they all supposedly are. I caught an episode of "Extreme Rides" or whatever its called the other night, and they were gushing over White Cyclone at Nagashima Spaland - a ride that real enthusiasts consistently rank near the bottom of all coasters anywhere.
I know the projected film date, and lets just say, there is very little time if they do notify someone this next week. There will always be a "chance" until that day comes, but the chances are becoming even more slim by the day. He did tell me that they did cut it close and had to get a new fan for one park already and they only had 2 days. Though there's more than 2 days, it is unfortunately very doubtful that it will turn into an opportunity for one of us. There's always a chance though!
Can't say I wasn't let down Friday, and that I wasn't looking at my phone at various times to assure I hadn't missed a call, but hey, noting lost nothing gained!
We'll see. He has done a couple of things that were different than what he said. All in all, he is the casting agent, and the producers and network tell him what to do - not the other way around.
shave, I think this will be a GAC offering, so perhaps the focus is a little different. Candidates were asked about food, favorite attractions, the feel of the park, and what about SDC makes them nostalgic. Candidates were asked about their first trips and memories, etc.
Well folks, the waiting is over. :-\
I was contacted by the production company/ casting director yesterday and I was picked to be the SDC fan for the program which will be filming very soon for GAC.
I hope that I will represent you all, and the park well. I know it has been my happy place for 33 years, but I feel more pressure from all of you to uphold, and represent all of the things we hold dear, than I do being on TV.
I am supposed to be contacted shortly regarding what types of locations I am supposed to be showcasing. I assume it will be a cookie cutter type format, the best food, the best quiet spot, the best ride, the best _______, so that all shows have similar formats.
Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!
Quote from: rubedugans on August 06, 2014, 10:29:55 AM
Well folks, the waiting is over. :-\
I was contacted by the production company/ casting director yesterday and I was picked to be the SDC fan for the program which will be filming very soon for GAC.
I hope that I will represent you all, and the park well. I know it has been my happy place for 33 years, but I feel more pressure from all of you to uphold, and represent all of the things we hold dear, than I do being on TV.
I am supposed to be contacted shortly regarding what types of locations I am supposed to be showcasing. I assume it will be a cookie cutter type format, the best food, the best quiet spot, the best ride, the best _______, so that all shows have similar formats.
Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!
Congrats Rube! I know you'll do a great job.
Happy dance~ you'll do fine ;D
Good luck Rube!
Congratulations !
Congratulations and all best wishes...I know you will be an EXCELLENT representative for sdcfans.com and the park! Hope you enjoy yourself. When you know additional details about the shoot and when the show will air, please pass it along. Again, CONGRATULATIONS! :)
Congratulations! I told everyone you would be the one to get this. You just fit the demographic better than the rest of us, and you probably came across better in the video interview. Now we'll all get to critique everything you say and do. I suggest you make fun of the host's hair at every turn.
Maybe we can all help you come up with some great "adlibs" to say throughout the day!
Let me hear what you got HB!
History Buff, Joy, and I were the others in the running for this...it was fun just going though the interview and selection process. Again, best of luck and have fun, Rube!
Congratulations, Rube! This is exciting!!
Thanks guys.
The show's title, unless it changes, is "The United States of Amusement".
The show is a six-episode series, featuring three parks on each episode.
Someone mentioned the show would be on GAC.
For some reason, SDC is featured on the southern parks episode.
The production company is Magilla Entertainment. They make some shows that don't exactly share SDC family and Christian values, but such is the entertainment business. They also make
Long Island Medium,
Moonshiners and its spinoff
Tickle, and others.
The host, J.D. Scott, is one of the
Property Brothers from HGTV, but not one of the two main brothers. He has been on the
Property Brothers show.
(http://www.thescottbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/JD_Bio_sm.jpg)
This is J.D.'s picture from the Scott Brothers website at http://www.thescottbrothers.com/ (http://www.thescottbrothers.com/).
Thanks, HB. Rube, are you allowed to say when the shoot will be, and when it tentavely will be aired on GAC? Joy, have not heard from you, yet? How are you doing. Your reaction?
Yay Rube! Congratulations! You'll do an amazing job. Good luck!
Well, As I had said originally, the film date was set in August, and they had little time to get this thing done. I was contacted Tuesday to notify me of their decision, and I can now say that the filming is done not even 4 days later. I did not feel at liberty to share the production date, and one day this weekend, everything took place.
After a long 11 hour day lasting from 7:30am-6:30pm, all of the filming was completed. The show will be titled "The United States of Amusement" and they will be 30 minute episodes, meaning only a fraction of the show will actually make the final piece...a 7 minute segment.
There were rides, old friends, places I have never been, food, stories, and a lot of laughter and fun on a very hot/ humid full day. The crew of 10 people was a great group of people to work with (especially for me as a novice) and the park was more than accommodating.
Lisa and Courtney from PR as well as a few corporate HFEC reps, and the whole of the staff/ workers at SDC made us feel more than comfortable, and rolled out the red carpet for the crew (of which I was just riding their coattails)-we had to have a park rep with us during any filming-. I am not at too much liberty to share all of the filming locations etc, but there were little-no shops, no kiddie rides to stay with theme, no classic rides due to lighting and logistics, no shows...which I know takes much away from the parks theme. The network and production company used the elements they felt would appeal to the audience, as well as parts of SDC that were different from others (crafters/ making goods etc.) to juxtapose the parks with each other.
My role was to briefly explain the elements of the rides, height, mph, big parts/ corkscrews, rolls/ loops etc. as well as tell my story about why I go to the park. I don't know what will be included, but I feel I did all that I could to show the park and bring in the history etc as I could. I am sure you all will be the judges, and let me know when that takes place what I did /didn't do right. Most facts were fed to me despite any pre existing knowledge, and the director did a good job at using the data from SDC to aid in my responses.
Let me know any questions and I'll be happy to answer them for ya'all if I can! More details to come!
Excellent report...glad to hear this from you. Excited to hear about an air date, but my cable system does not get GAC. Gonna have to figure out a way to see this show! Congratulations and glad it went well.
Sounds like you did awesome rube, I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished product. Did they give you any indication on when they hope to have the series air?
I hope they keep at least some of your commentary about the park instead of making it try to fit a mold with a tiny bit of crafts and old time theming sprinkled in. Then again, the PTB might like that... Oh well, I'm sure it will be great for the park.
No date was specified.
The running joke all day would be trying to come up with new comebacks if the guests at the park would ask what we were filming (and they did this 3-5 times at each scene we shot). They would always tell the truth, but as soon as they'd walk away, they'd joke about something other than what we were doing. The host JD was very witty, and had many good remarks everything from the newest "Jurassic Park" to "The Godfather 5" etc.
There will be some recognizable faces for anyone who has been to the park in the last few years. (Terry was off that day to kill that rumor!).
I was just thinking, you still have about 10 minutes remaining of your 15 minutes of fame to cash in.
Congrats, Rube!
Haven't been on in a couple of weeks so I'm just now seeing this. Very Exciting! Congrats, Rube!
It's so exciting that a member of this forum is going to be on a show talking about the city! Congratulations!
I am very sad that each park segment will be so short. I watch 19 Kids and Counting and one of the episodes that excites me the most is the one where they all visit the city. I am looking forward to watching!
Thanks all! It might be short, but I fit as much as I could into my segments ! I was prompted at many times, and I am nervous about the segments after editing. I have only control over what was said. I know already a large segment will be devoted to a portion i was not in only due to timing. It just didn't work out due to the crafters timing. The host will have a big portion of screen time and I will be a small segment ( if we are looking at film time). Am I teasing g you all enough yet?!?!
They better not have to bleep your language, rube!
Are you back in school yet? If so, did you tell your students?
Wow, this is so cool!! I can't wait to see the show, I'll have to find a way to watch it. I'm so glad you had this opportunity Rube, I'm sure you represent SDC well. Congrats!
Hi everyone. Sorry I've been so quiet. I still don't have internet at home, so I don't often have a chance to log in here. I'm at IHOP right now. :-)
I am so happy that Rube got chosen! I mean, he could build an entire museum out of his SDC collection. :-) It stinks that the show will be so short; SDC needs more screentime on TV. It deserves its own one-hour special like Dollywood has gotten in the past on Travel Channel.
Nevertheless, I will definitely be watching when your episode airs!
Good to hear from you Joy!
Thanks Joy! Hadn't heard from you, and glad to know you are looking forward to the program...all 7 minutes. Once again I am pretty sure I can peg what will be on there, and I'll be in about 1/3! the rest will be the host, the food, the rides(2) and the citizens.
Rube, have you found out when the show airs yet?
I was told more than likely late Sept. but no knowledge other than that...
I saw today that the show is starting Oct 2 on GAC, Although that is not the episode that they filmed that Silver dollar city. Here is a link to the website
http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_gcaba
(http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_gcaba)
The title of the show was all American amusement parks hosted by JD Scott
my DVR is set.
In my move I missed the show last night, but I have word that the episode will be airing
October 16, 2014 8:00 PM ET
October 17, 2014 12:00 AM ET
October 22, 2014 11:00 PM ET
October 23, 2014 3:00 AM ET
October 23, 2014 8:30 PM ET
Themed Parks
We are going heading out to find three parks with very different themes. We will experience terror in the wild Halloween themed park Wild Adventures, have an 1800's Ozark adventure at Silver Dollar City and get to experience Christmas, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July on the same day at Holiday World!
http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_gcaba/episode/0,3565,GAC_46285_94827,00.html
(http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_gcaba/episode/0,3565,GAC_46285_94827,00.html)
Quote from: rubedugans on October 03, 2014, 08:20:34 AM
In my move I missed the show last night, but I have word that the episode will be airing
October 16, 2014 8:00 PM ET
October 17, 2014 12:00 AM ET
October 22, 2014 11:00 PM ET
October 23, 2014 3:00 AM ET
October 23, 2014 8:30 PM ET
Themed Parks
We are going heading out to find three parks with very different themes. We will experience terror in the wild Halloween themed park Wild Adventures, have an 1800's Ozark adventure at Silver Dollar City and get to experience Christmas, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July on the same day at Holiday World!
http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_gcaba/episode/0,3565,GAC_46285_94827,00.html
(http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_gcaba/episode/0,3565,GAC_46285_94827,00.html)
Wait Herschend does Halloween? A missed CC opportuniity moment.
FYI -Change in air date...More than likely to accommodate the theming of the Halloween park in the episode to coincide with 10/31.
October 30, 2014 8:00 PM ET
October 31, 2014 12:00 AM ET
November 01, 2014 4:30 PM ET
November 05, 2014 11:00 PM ET
November 06, 2014 3:00 AM ET
For a minute there I thought it had been cut altogether!
yea, I have recorded the Midwestern theme park titled episode twice and got Dollywood both times. want to see the City, not the step-sister.
How does the piece look, and Rube are you happy with the final results?
Junior I haven't gotten my copy Yet so your first viewing will be my first viewing!
Congrats Rube!
I went to add this to my DVR but the channel isn't a part of my DirecTV package..... is it online anywhere?
It's not part of my package either. I was really surprised about that.
I completely forgot that this was going to air the first time around. I'm looking forward to finally seeing it.
Rube, anyone recognize you from TV yet?
It hasn't aired yet Shave. It'll be on for the first time on 10/30... So no worries, you missed nothing so far!
Tomorrow is the day!!! 10/30 on GAC! nervous and excited, and worried how ya'all will react to the show! I will field any questions that come up. and give more insight into what they filmed that didn't make the cut.
Rube, what time is it on GAC tonight?
As I had feared, cox wants to charge me an extra arm and a leg for this channel even though I already pay a ridiculous amount for supposedly 220 channels. Too bad 75% of those are music channels. I'm so done with cable...
Anyhow, how was it?
I was very happy with the results, it was the last of the 3 segments, wild adventures, holiday world , then SDC. I was very happy to see the use of the coasters, park, and a few spots around the park. The editing was great with action shots, intros transitions etc. it showed the coasters most of all, but when filming they had a lot of SDC specific shots to use as well that went to the cutting room floor.
Things left out that were filmed:
The intro outside the park with street troupe crew
Walking talking with Shorty on the square
Full candy demo with Aunt June
Porch talk with Frisco Jack
Black smithing demo
Long discussion while eating about the park
Again I was happy with how they used all of my facts/ stats and we were able to look as if we worked well together.
Wish we could see it. GAC isn't part of our package either.
One thing I didn't know that was mentioned on the program was the fact that SDC sees over 8 million visitors per year. That's an incredible number for a seasonal theme park. I was completely amazed by that fact mentioned in the show, I had to rewind and watch again and again just to make sure I heard that right.
If you check out this site of attendance for parks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_amusement_park_rankings
That would put SDC right among Disney California Adventure and Universal Islands of Adventure and in the top 15 parks in the world.
So, I'm guessing that fact might have been a little inflated??
Jay
Branson sees 8 million visitors a year... SDC only sees a forth of that.
Quote from: Hollywood on October 31, 2014, 02:28:48 PM
Branson sees 8 million visitors a year... SDC only sees a forth of that.
I figured there had to be a miscommunication in there somewhere. The program says "the park receives over 8 million visitors annually" which I thought wasn't correct. But even if they received 1/4 of that.....2 million is still pretty good (Considering SFMM, SFGAdv, and Busch Gardens are in the 2 to 3 million visitor range).
Jay
Glad it turned out good. My daughter was to record it for me so I will go to her house to see it. So glad you were pleased with results, Rube.
I saw it, i thought it was good. Kinda hard to describe a entire park in 10-15 minutes.
Rube, was that you in the green shirt?
Yep how do I was in green
Quote from: cowboy on October 31, 2014, 03:37:40 PM
Quote from: Hollywood on October 31, 2014, 02:28:48 PM
Branson sees 8 million visitors a year... SDC only sees a forth of that.
I figured there had to be a miscommunication in there somewhere. The program says "the park receives over 8 million visitors annually" which I thought wasn't correct. But even if they received 1/4 of that.....2 million is still pretty good (Considering SFMM, SFGAdv, and Busch Gardens are in the 2 to 3 million visitor range).
Jay
I bet you'll be stunned at how many attend OTC this year. It grows and grows. Problem is that we never really know cause it's a privately held company and no demanding shareholders. I wouldn't be shocked if they do 500,000
A recent story about OTC in the Tri Lakes News said SDC traditionally gets around 200,000 visitors in November and another 100,000 in December.
watched the show tonight,
I also DVR's the rest of the shows today.... there were 4 or 5 of them...
DW was also on one of the other shows... they showed the flying Eagle and the Mystery Mine
Watch them if you can, good video..
Wow and I was nervous you all would rip me a new one for my facts! it was their typo not mine...I did my homework! Thanks for not bashing me!
Rube, you did a great job. Having never met you before. I must admit, I didnt picture you as being a young looking clean cut fella. But regardless, you looked great in your green shirt. I just wish GAC would give "you" a copy of the complete taping (without the cuts). I think it would be that keepsake to give to your generations that follow. (well and of course share it with your SDCfans too ;D)
Congrats Rube. Again, you did a fantastic job. WELL DONE!!!
I would've been fun to have a "guess what rube looks like" competition prior to screening huh?
I am 33 , soon to be 34, and a teacher/ coach/ artist... and yes I do appear quite young! Thank you for the nice comments. It is nice to hear that members are happy with the results, albeit a short segment...we could all fill hours of footage of the park!
Is there anyway to watch it? I wasn't able to see it when it aired.
yep, Rube I had you pictured as a grey headed old fart like myself... LOL.. you did good.
if ya have DIRECTV, its on again this Thurs. at 4:30pm & 6:30pm on GAC 326.
at least here in KC area..
Same here!
Well the grey is in there...but yes I get carded wherever I go... 13 yrs after turning 21. No complaints there though! I guess I fit their demographic!