When you take a look at the episode on my website you see a very organized 20-minute segment that flows along with the narration. The real story behind the scenes is a bit different. The shows involve long days mostly waiting around for cameras to be charged, tapes reloaded, and electrical issues to be resolved. We have to wait to film around extraneous noise such as dogs barking, lawnmowers, trash trucks, and airplanes. We also wait while the directors decide what shots they want.
My first stop around 7 a.m. is at the wardrobe department to make sure the clothes that I'm wearing don't clash with the other hosts’. I've already been instructed that my clothes must look good on TV and that means no busy patterns, no white, and no bold reds. Next I have to go to the makeup area - - yes, even men have to get their TV makeup done!
Finally, the filming starts, and it really does involve lights, cameras, and action. The lights are HOT, especially when filming in the places where I've done shows - Key West, Miami, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and St. Thomas. , The homes do have air conditioning, however, with 10-12 people on the set constantly going in and out, it is rarely effective. The makeup people have to be alert and ready at a moment's notice to remove the "shine" from our faces.
Even though the episodes feature one or two people casually chatting, the room is cramped with 10-12 people and equipment. Typically we do seven or eight scenes and wrap up around sunset. It takes two days to film with the "talent" (that's what they call the homeowners and me!) and another day for the film crew to shoot local points of interest for the introduction and closing scenes.
Somehow the talented producers take this three days of what seems like a hodgepodge of shots and create a well-edited episode! You can watch the Key West episode on HGTV on August 16 at 4 p.m. (EDT). The plans are in the works to film an episode of House Hunters in Key West this fall and that will involve 3 days of filming for the homeowners and myself.
HGTV has a list of upcoming shows that are seeking guests in specific situations. Here's an example from the current list: "looking for fun people buying their first home in Nashville or Pittsburgh." Check it out, maybe you or your clients fit some of the requests.
It is interesting work and of course fun to be on TV, but my "day job" of assisting clients to buy and sell property in Key West is far more gratifying. Give me a call today - - we'll skip the lights and camera and just move to "action" to find the perfect property for you. JimmyLane: 305-766-0585.
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