Reality Show Fever Hits
Winemakers
Just when you thought they
couldn’t make a reality show out of anything else, a company in
America has already started filming a winemaker’s reality show.
'The Wine Makers' is a new reality television series set to
air in the northern spring of 2007 on PBS across the USA. The show,
which started shooting in October 2006, will follow twelve people as
they compete for a chance to create and launch their own wine label.
The producers of the show have
this to say:
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“The
Wine Makers is an exciting new television series for PBS
that leaves behind the predictable world of food and travel
programs for the unscripted territory of real life wine
makers. Following in the tradition of hit series such as
NBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, PBS’s ‘Frontier House’ and Bravo’s
‘Top Chef’ this premier season of The Wine Makers joins
twelve men and women from all walks of life, as they compete
for a chance to create and launch their very own wine label.
The Wine Makers began principal shooting in October 2006 and
is slated to air nationwide on PBS in Fall 2007.
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In six one-hour
episodes The Wine Makers takes viewers behind the scenes of
the most storied beverages on earth. The stakes are high as
this diverse group of men and women are plunged head first
into one of the world’s most uniquely challenging yet
rewarding professions. The 12 contestants, chosen from an
initial pool of over 600 applicants, will experience every
aspect of the wine industry from viticulture and enology to
sales and marketing — but only one will be chosen to create
and launch their own wine label." |
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The show is set in the winegrowing region of California between
Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. There, the candidates will
experience every aspect of winemaking from viticulture and oenology
to sales and marketing.
There was a ten city casting call in February 2006 that started in
Atlanta. This is a copy of the email sent by the producers to
possible contestants:
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“THE WINE
MAKERS
Unscripted, Unexpected, Unforgettable!
Casting Call for THE WINEMAKERS
Thank you for your interest in our show! We are excited to
meet you all and learn more about you. Currently, you have
registered for a casting call that we haven't finalized the
details on. Don't worry, the casting call you have
registered for will take place, however, the exact date,
time, and location have not been finalized. This e-mail
serves as your confirmation of registration, and as soon as
the details become available, we will send them to you.
Right now, no further action is required of you. Good luck
to you all!!
General Information About the Casting Call
1. Upon your arrival please follow the signs to the casting
registration table. You must check-in before auditioning.
2. The casting calls are taped (think American Idol
auditions) so you will need to sign an appearance release
upon checking in at the registration table.
3. Dress the way you like, but avoid stripes, white tops or
shirts, glitter and sheer material. If you need eyeglasses
to see distances, wear them.
How Does the Casting Call Work?
Candidates will line up outside the room where the casting
call takes place. You will audition in groups of six. Four
to five judges will sit at an eight-foot long table. One of
the judges will act as the MC and ask the first question.
The judges will be prepared with a list of specific
questions and general topics provided by the producers. Each
candidate will audition for 3 to 7 minutes. The casting call
will be fun, and the production staff will be on the set to
give you direction.
Sample questions you might be asked. Be prepared to give
thoughtful responses.
a). Describe how you became interested in wine.
b). Describe your greatest wine moment (past or future).
c). Using whatever resources are available to you (internet,
magazines etc.), describe the wines of Paso Robles,
California.
d). If you were launching your own wine label, what are some
of the sales and marketing strategies you would employ to
promote your wine?
e). What makes you an ideal cast member of THE WINE MAKERS?
f). Why do you think some people are intimidated by wine?
g). Name five of the great wine producing regions of France.
h). Name five of the great wine producing regions of
California.
i). Name the five most popular grape varieties used in wine
making.
j). Why do you feel this is a unique opportunity?
Ashleigh Whelan | Production Assistant
Doc City Productions | 4922 Fairmont Avenue, Suite 300 |
Bethesda, MD 20814
V: 516.356.6249 | F: 240.223.3456 | M: 516.356.6249 |
E:awhelan@doccitytv.com W: www.doccitytv.com
Candidates must be 21 or older and a US citizen or legal
immigrant. Current employees of wineries and wine
distributors are not eligible. The contestants chosen for
the show will not be paid, but their expenses will be
covered.
For information on registering for a casting call, email
casting@doccitytv.com”
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One entrant into the casting call
competition was Frank Walburg of San Francisco. This is
what he wrote:
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Subject: Re: Casting For THE WINE MAKERS
Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2006 09:34:53 -0700
From: Frank Walburg <@webicommerce.com>
To: @doccitytv
Hello,
I am deeply interested in the casting call.
I have some very unusual marketing ideas I've been preparing
for the wine industry, at the "small winery art level".
It would be great to get a chance to try them out.
My name is Frank Walburg
I'd like to register for the San Francisco casting call on
May 2nd
I can be reached at 707-526-2949
frank
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Luckily for Frank, his brief email seemed to
hit the spot with the producers. This is what they wrote
back:
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casting@doccitytv.com wrote:
THE WINE MAKERS
10 City Casting Call
Thank you for responding. The response to the casting call
for THE WINE MAKERS has been overwhelming. We know the
questionnaire link is down on the www.wine.com site but
don't worry, we no longer require candidates to fill out a
questionnaire.
If you are contacting us regarding crew positions or
business opportunities, please email us at info@doccitytv.com
Here’s all you need to do to register for a casting call:
1. Send an email (again, sorry) to thewinemakers@doccitytv.com
and tell us which casting call you wish to attend (see list
below).
2. Make sure to include your full name, telephone number,
and the email address you would like us to use.
3. Space is limited so you MUST register for a casting call
in advance. Walk-ins run the risk of being turned away.
4. We will send a registration confirmation within 24 hours.
Where and when are the casting calls?
Atlanta* 2/01/06
Dallas* 3/06/06
Austin* 3/08/06
New York* 4/25/06
San Francisco* 5/02/06
Paso Robles May
Boston TBA
Washington TBA
Chicago TBA
Seattle TBA
Miami, FL TBA
Los Angeles TBA
(*) These casting calls will take place during the Paso
Robles Grand Tasting Tour. Tickets to this event can be
purchased at www.pasowine.com NO PURCHASE is required to
attend a casting call.
About the casting calls
The casting calls are taped (think American Idol auditions)
so you MUST sign an appearance release when you check in.
Casting calls are great fun, but we will also test your
basic knowledge about wine (there are no wrong answers) and
uncover what other talents you might have (yep, singing and
dancing included!). Dress the way you like, be yourself and
bring your family and friends. It will be a fun evening.
About the television series
THE WINE MAKERS is an exciting new television series that
takes viewers inside one of the most unique professions in
the world. This six-part series follows a diverse group of
men and women as they discover what it takes to make it in
the fiercely competitive wine industry. Set in the wine
country of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, six candidates
will experience every aspect of wine making from viticulture
and enology to sales and marketing. But in the end, only one
will be chosen to create and launch their very own wine.
About the Paso Robles Grand Tasting Tour
The first five casting calls will take place during the Paso
Robles 2006 Grand Tasting Tour. Twenty-five wineries will
showcase wines from the Paso Robles American Viticulture
Area (AVA) with events scheduled throughout the day for the
wine trade, media and consumers to taste the distinct
differences of wines from Paso Robles, located along
California's Central Coast. For more information and ticket
sales please visit www.pasowine.com
When and where will the series air?
THE WINE MAKERS will air nationwide on PBS in Spring 2007.
When will shooting begin?
Principal shooting for THE WINE MAKERS will take place
during September 2006. The duration of principal shooting is
approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Cast members will be required to
be on location for the entire time.
Where will principal shooting take place?
Shooting will take place in the wine country of San Luis
Obispo & Paso Robles on California’s central coast.
Additional shooting will take place in San Francisco, Los
Angeles and other U.S. and international cities.
Do we pay cast members?
No, this is an exceptional opportunity for the right person.
Are expenses covered?
Yes, all living expenses are covered for the duration of
principal shooting including transportation to and from
location, meals, accommodations and local transportation.
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Who is eligible to become
a cast member?
1. You must be 21 years old or older.
2. You must be a U.S. citizen or registered alien.
3. Current employees of wineries and wine distributors are
NOT eligible.
4. You must attend a casting call to be considered.
ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.” |
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We look forward to seeing “The Winemakers” on Foxtel
or SBS sometime soon!
Ben Killerby
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