Do you watch HGTV? On Sunday, March 8, be sure to watch some dedicated bloggers as we make our big jump to national TV. My wife Kristy and I will be appearing on HGTV’s “RV 2009″ show. The show airs in prime time at 8 PM EST, 7 Central.
You’ve seen our videos here on RV.net, and also on TheLongLongHoneymoon.com. Now you can see us in your living room! (A scary thought, no?)
During the filming of “RV 2009,” a TV crew followed us as we toured “America’s Largest RV Show” in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The weather was quite ghastly — torrential rainshowers for most of the day — but we had a lot of fun. It turns out that shooting a TV show is not terribly different than shooting a video blog. With a TV show, there’s just more of everything. I must confess that I really enjoyed having someone else handle the camerawork and editing for a change.
The premise of the show had us shopping for a larger RV. We looked at a little bit of everything, from hard shell pop-up campers, to huge 5th wheels, to Class A motorhomes.
“But you guys are Airstreamers, right?”
Yes, we love Airstreams, but we had no silver twinkies to browse at the Hershey event. (Note to Airstream: if you guys had sent a 30-foot Classic Limited to the show, guess what we would have chosen! :D)
It’s a little surreal to see yourself on national TV, especially when the recording was originally made six months ago. We haven’t yet seen a cut of the show, so we are as curious as anyone to discover how it all turned out.
So, please check out the show, and look for us in the mix.
RV 2009 will air twice on Sunday, March 8th (first at 8 P.M. EST, and again at midnight EST). We’ve been told that a couple million people will see this TV show, so hopefully it will turn out well.
—-
And to catch our latest updates, please check out the humble website where it all got started: TheLongLongHoneymoon.com. | Get hitched.
GMAs
Well how does airstream plan to get others to buy their trailers if they don’t attend the shows… bet someone goofed their.. or else they didn’t get invited… which may be the case…
As to edited out… ya it looks like a lot happen anyway… but, I don’t like it when the host sets up the guest that way… its not fair to them… you don’t have to be the host.. but to throw people into a blind… say what is in your feelings… and yet the director/editor/actors know what they want said… ahhh the min that they started summing your thoughts… better to quit… and let them have fun with some other unsuspecting person…
Like Will Rogers said one time.. when they said I had to wear a suit and tie… to be in the movie.. I quietly walked off the set… (he never wore a tie) it just was not me.. he said….
Secondly.. no airstreams… I would have asked.. where are our trailers… why are they not here.. that is what we are.. AS people… (sort of a fish out of water without one.. kinda thing)
Ahhh good to know your a dedicated WB follower… We like ours… and the reasion why is because they ARE the most fuel effecent useful RV on the lot… but like you.. we too have wandered off and looked at the other rigs… and were impressed with the new toys. Just don’t tell the AS group…or they think we be part of the fallen flock. You would need more than semore to pull one of them 5th wheels… and dang lucky if you get 5-7 mpg doing it… (all that fancy room .. which you don’t really need for camping is costly both in wear and tear.. and mileage)
I really feel like you got a raw deal… on the show… indeed they had you playing a part… without any mention of who you were and what you do… they did the others… what happened to you… the only part I caught was when you all were in the shower… long honeymoon… makes one wonder what that was supposed to mean???? but, hey… next time you will know… I am wondering about that other family… that they spent almost twice as long on… I noticed that the hubbie kinda backed out.. and the wife with the kids did all the talking… but again notice how she must have been prep’ed… the expressions were almost like they had been coached… selectivly.
Not to be one sided.. but, having been at it for years.. behind the camera.. sure seems to me like HG did a number . (they even got down to repeating things that Kristie said.. sort of a second shot reinforment idea in case the audance missed the item the first time) Knowing how you are in your blogs… I can say you were as you normally are… however, if you took a rating on the whole show.. you would say the host did a good job of leading the points and facts… and worked with those others more than you all… (i.e the bathroom is big.. but she leads you into it when she says… ” I want you to know their are three adults standing in this bathroom…” whooo where did that come from.. Kristie just said .. wow this is big… I am sure the script said….that she should say what she did…promo… yet you all I am sure didn’t get to see that coming… See its little things like that which make the host look larger than life.. and you all as tourist… which is what I think they wanted all along… your not however.. your a seasoned RV’r knowing what works and what doesn’t…… but, did they say that.. nooooo…. why… I’ll bet she never has gone camping in one… she is a actor… playing the part… and she got the sale… which is exactly what it was geared to. As we say.. whatever sells…
Besides… when you get down to it.. those 5ths were park models… who takes their full size washer and dryer camping with ’em… thats pretty brass…. oh ya yo need a artifical fire place too… wonder what is wrong with the real deal outside???
And I laughed at the varanda model.. ya I can just see you putting that out… in a campground… you would be setting just inches outside your neighbors window… why he could open his window up and talk to you from inside his… with no room to spare… LOL Camping… ahhhh don’t think so… besides for 1/10 th the price you and I can pull down the awning .. on the AS and watch the same sunset… from the comfort of our camp chairs… around the campfire… not so on the varanda… unless its artifical on the TV… but what a perfict view of the guys RV just inches away…next to you… and ask if he wants that side washed and waxed while your on the varanda… after all its will be within reach… knock knock.. who is their… kinda thing… wait till it gets stuck out and they try driving it down the road that way… what a hoot… I picture it like granny in the bev hills… but, officer would you like to come up on the varanda to write out that ticket… ops thats right no outside access from the ground to the thing… oh well…
As to the slide outs… ahhhh I will see if I can send you a video… of some guy with one of them million dollar park campers… as he is trying to get the thing to go back in… its way to fun to watch…althought I will have to edit the sound… which some can make a sailor blush… something to be said for simplicity of the old awning… not to mention the price tag savings… Ya those things are green… it takes a lot of green to get ’em down the road…
Not to worry though… I still think you and Kristie have more of a commonality with the rest of the RV group… the others were , I feel staged., to promote. You and Kristie were real people… and so acted as such… (I still wonder about her dress though… that was eye catching… not bad… grin) however, I wonder about the others… they seem to come across heavy.. too perfict … and un realistic… from my point of view…
Oh and by the way I understand that monico…the RV she was in… has gone belly up in oregon… one of the other sound producers came by last night and asked if I wanted to buy a MH cheep… then he proceeded to tell me about the closure… ops … they laid all the workers off and closed the doors… after 41 years.. so he said… I think he was going to start to cry… I know I would if I just spent 600,000 bux on one… and next year its worth peanuts…
Ya I think you should see if the others want to set up a common studio… sort of a time share arangement… of equipment… and then bring in your own people to do yours… might want to check it out… or….
RV net , if they are thinking big time, would be wise to throw in and set up a working studio where you all could send in your work and have it edited the way you want according to your style…. I would think then they could expand the numbers of video people… produce some fine quality work.. draw in larger viewers… and promote sales of the different rigs to get the public out into RV ‘n again. But, it can’t happen if they don’t allow the full effect of the camera to work getting the implied message across… 10% filming… 90% editing.. and that takes a studio…
I am sure AS and the rest then would want to help fund this project so as to promote their brands. Having you and Kristie… and the AS .. as much as you have done on the blog… to show how much fun a AS is… really they should send you a bonus… but, your learning about the industry… you can be the best.. and it doesn’t do much good if you can’t get it produced… so the masses can see and relate…
indeed from blogs to full lenght travel adventures… to get the guy out of the office and out enjoying the outdoors… even in this hard time… money wise… if you show ’em what they are missing… and its fun… they will join in…
If you look back at WB.. it wasn’t the trailer that he sold.. no instead it was the adventure that you could be on with others… once you got one… motovative membership with identification deductions sell.. otherwise its just a trailer.. or motorhome. As one said… today AS builds good trailers… but somewhere along the way they forgot why they build ’em. as we have said.. its not the ownership but the adventure one can go on.
Want to get youth into RV’n … you have to show ’em how much fun it is… social, commonality, saving. Only then will you sell the next gen the thril of the adventure. I have yet to see one add from AS showing a young couple.. besides yourself on your honeymoon… enjoying the ownership and savings the trailer can bring. So far I have only seen you and Kristie promote that… and from others I think they see it too… 70 year old people are only going to RV for what 5, 10 more years… 30 year old couples (some with kids who will pick up on the adventure also) will go for 40 or more……
Just my 2 cents worth…
Sean Michael
GMAs, we love our Airstream, and we love pretty much all Airstreams…and if Airstream had put a frickin’ Airstream at the RV show then you better believe we would’ve been all over it! 😉 But alas, there were ZERO Airstreams at “the largest RV show in America”… not a single one. So we had to browse whatever was on hand. HGTV wanted us to browse 5th Wheels, Toy Haulers, etc…. so we complied.
As far as the RV 2009 show goes, we were simply guests… not the hosts. Our job was to walk inside RVs and rattle off whatever thoughts popped into our heads… Kristy and I didn’t have writers or pre-prepared lines to deliver. If you ever watch any other HGTV material, you sort of know what to expect of hosts vis-a-vis guests. If we had started acting like hosts instead of guests, I don’t know what would’ve happened…but it probably would’ve been edited out.
HGTV knows what it’s doing… it’s a very successful network. So we did the best we could do in our roles, and hopefully it all worked!
I’m thinking that this spring we may do our own RV video show pilot the way we’d like to do it. But first we need sponsors to kick in some $$$ to make a little magic happen. As the old saying goes, “fast, good, & cheap — pick any two.” 🙂
GMAs
Hmmm guess HGTV was reading the mail… as I just got a transfer of the production… through the studio… so I sat down with a viewer and reviewd the takes on the RV’s.
You all were against a real person who has had some acting school. Indeed if you look at the way Chi-Lan Lieus’ mannor, body language and grace… she has had lots of practice from what I see. (right down to the outfit… who picked Kristies one… ??) She also has command of the verbage. ( go back and watch the trailers you will see she uses both body language and physical expression…. verbage that is a cut above the normal person. auummm , wow, ya and some of the other repeated words like that…. do define the manor and grace and effective lang… as protrayed.. She comes off as simple.. yet delicate with knowledge of what she speaks… programed expressions…etc…hands, expression, position and lighting just right… again it appears she has been well trained… and schooled at grace, expression and body language… .from what I see…
Probably also has a lot of support writers to help her get it right…
As to AS.. I didnt’ see any… ahhhhh they are not going to like you talking 5th wheel… and the AS people are VERY protective of the metal monsters. You may find that your not as well like among them anymore… when they see this… grin…
Heck you didn’t even walk into a airstream.. then again.. when your in the high priced town car or cad…elete home away from home… going to a VW is not …. aaaaa going to work.. poooo… People like the high end.. but that is why the word lookielou was made up… most have a beer budget and a champain taste…
However, one thing that can be said for the AS is that its about the lightest trailer out their.. so mileage is a given…
Toy haulers are making a big inroads on the RV’s .. being a dual purpose vehicle we are seeing a lot of them on the back lot showing up… however, most family’s are looking for something to haul the mail.. as well as camping in… so it fits the needs of the people… something to be said about that.. however, they are heavy and you won’t be making the gas mileage you would in a AS…
A most interesting series… good camera work… impressed
Sean Michael
GMAs… I must tell you a story about one of the better decisions I made in my life. When I was 22 I went over to Czechoslovakia to teach English. It was my first time to Europe. I had NO money. I worked all summer to afford the plane fare, and then once in CZ earned about $120 a month as a teacher. I loved it! It was one of the best times of my life…the daily experiences (even the mundane) were fantastic. I agree with you that life is about the experiences….
Someday Kristy and I may experience parenthood, and I’m sure it will be an incredible adventure in itself. (I think we are planning to start with a pet, and then we’ll consider the kids. If we have kids we’ll need to rethink our RV – LOL)
My hope is that even as parents, we will be able to maintain our traveling ambitions, and turn these couple experiences into family experiences. I realize there are always challenges, but I hope we can inspire people to get out of those offices for a bit to enjoy similar adventures. Even weekend trips can be very rewarding and memorable.
Thanks for your advice… At this point, our venture is mainly fueled by positive feedback and lofty dreams! This is the year we really try to build this thing…
GMAs
Sean…
I know what you mean. I look at old works and think… wow was I young.. or did I really do that…
As the years move along… and your sitting in the rest home… you will look back on the memories of all your accomplishment and can say with pride as we see you sitting on the porch with the blankie on your lab.. warm glass of milk and oreo cookies… others around you… in rocking chars also…
Suddenly one turns to you and says..
Well Sean what did you do with your life…
You sit back and smile.. as the thoughts race through your head… You trun to them in a feable voice and say
.. well how much time do you have … its been a LONG LONG LONG HONEYMOON…
It is the others that work in the office that read these blogs… which don’t get to go anywhere,… only watch movies so as to let it take ’em away for a hours or so… to escape the reality of their life… thoset are the ones who really won’t have much to say when asked that same question in the rest home. their pride in responding is …
Ya I worked for the same company for 38 years .. look see they gave me this gold watch… and then go silent..
….because that was the net sum of their life.
Sean you have it right… get out and put the sails up.. see where the wind blows you … (well till at least you start having kids… That will be 20 years of your life you really are going to find interesting… especally when you ask… where’s my truck.. semore…. will suddenly take on slicks, headers and induction system..and stick shift… giving the letters PU a whole new meaning when the kids get done with it… semore… will need a blinder so as not to change from white to blush… but you will always find a can of beer in their somewhere… if not you will need a kegger after the kids get through) LOLLL Ya you would need that 5th…. wheel…
Life is a adventure.. and not a tread mill. You have found a great escape.. never let it go.. ride the wave for all its worth…
I know I have.. and never looked back… so when someone says..
if you could do it over again what would you change… I sit their and say… hmmm.. NOTH’n… its been a blast .. oh ya some downs along the way.. but so far the ride has been great… and why retire.. what is retirement anyway… when you can have so much fun.
Life is also about experiances… the go do… kind…
Happy trails.. the adventure contenues till you get to 99… last I checked my 58 years is still working on 29… I think when I get to 90.. I’ll claim show time and turn 99. Till then.. life is fun. Every day something happens… as we say.. the adventure contenues…
Well working late tonight to get finished up… deadline to meet now…
Sean Michael
Carson, we still have our original 25′ Airstream. But we really liked the 5th wheels… If we were gonna switch from Airstream, I think that’s what we would choose. The Carriage Cameo was very nice!
Carson Ricard
We watched and we are curious did you really buy the 5th wheel? We loved the one you were in with the fire place. I sure hope you did as I know you would love it…
Sean
Thanks Glen, yes it’s Sunday at 7PM Central….8PM EST.
GMAs, I definitely sometimes think about how we got started, and where it all has taken us. We started out just posting a simple uncut video on YouTube! As the saying goes, what a long strange trip it’s been…
GMAs
Ok… AK here we come… and what deals they have too Sean… its their 50th you know.. what a photo op… both in front and behind the camera
oh did I mention I was driving the rig.. hmmm though I said that..
Nooo Nooo Nooo… I’m the driver.. see the one with the keys.. drives the vehicle… I’m driving… you pax… you pay both ways.. too bad… grin…
Shortly their after I checked into the medics for multi bruses.. seems the other half didn’t find that amusing…
what a deal they have
Summer Specials
Round Trip Driver Goes Free!
Valid for travel from May 1, 2009 – September 30, 2009
The licensed driver of a passenger vehicle will be allowed to travel FREE when accompanying a drivable vehicle on a “mirror image” round trip itinerary on the Alaska Marine Highway System. The Driver goes Free discount cannot be combined with any other passenger discount or promotional fare. All travel must commence between May 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009. Tickets may be purchased through our online reservations system, by calling 800-642-0066 or visit your local ferry terminal.
Other conditions may apply, for full details see the offer rules.
it would be great if the group on the RV net might put togeather a travel adventure that could be filmed for any upcoming shows… with hooks on your blog posted to show ’em what they missed.. who knows… might even see Old Al up their on a hunting trip.. arranged by the Gov… driven by Ken, and directed by Chaney… (smile) You know how them hunting trips went with Dick C down on the texas ranch.. I think the last guy is recovering just fine… LOL
Seriously though… If one could be put togeather… just think of the photo ops… it would be like WB did all over again… with new video historical documentation…
But, be careful.. you don’t want it too big… but, I would imagine that it would make the news.. and bring out all the management to meet the group as it moved around… what fun… big time..
Happy trails.. the adventure contenues.. still working today… 16 hrs.
GlenO
I checked the schedule and found it is on Sunday at 7PM CST. Looking forward to watching.
GMAs
Ahhh sorry I will miss it.. but hope to see it on the web… off on a adventure right now and so won’t be able to view it currently…
I know Sean and Kristie will do great… its the start of their new adventure in RV’n. Next up the Silver Screen.. and you will have to pay for them to come give a talk at your club rally… (smile)
I am sure by now that they have a manager… don’t they… well next up to join the actors union group.. Airstream is going to be loving this… no doubt…
Behind the camera things have happen …. and now that your “discovered…” smile… we expect to see great things from the both of you… but, life will change.. so be careful what you wish for… you can never go back… the demand is high and the time short… (while it appears fun to others.. you know how much work it is .. the director said that you appeard to be having fun on the site set… now that you have had a tast of it… hmmm… what you think… on to bigger things?? next up a part in a movie??? acting tutor… makeup… ) from behind the camer to in front of it… ahhh sweet… can you imagine how it all started and got to where you are now… go figure…
hey what are friends for…
My only advise… these two sayings…
remeber always … Actors at first enjoy the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. The actors rides in a triumphal chariot, the enthused public walking before them. …And a director.. stood behind the actor holding a golden oscar high… and whispering in the actors ear a warning: …that all glory is fleeting”
tempist fugit ((“Irretrievable time is flying”)… points out that time passes rapidly and relentlessly.
Sean Kristie.. break a leg… ( good luck saying in the industry)
Happy trails… the adventurer contenues… I got to get back to work… C U
73’s and 88’s to Kristie
G.M>
Pingback: RV Weekly Round-Up (Feb. 28-March 6, 2009)