There were two great trips in March to Michoacan, Mexico. The first trip was unlike any other — I was part of a 21-person team visiting the butterflies in order to film a pilot for a reality show. Eight actors and actresses, sound teams, lights, cameras, multiple vans to move us and some very long days produced five minutes of material. I really thought someone should have produced a reality show about making a reality show!
I don’t know about you, but reality shows, in spite of the human intrigue (which interestingly enough has more people watching than there are people who admit watching) don’t really do much for me. I admit it, they are not set up to be National Geographic programs or something along the line of Nature (which everyone says they watch and no one does); but still, I am left wondering, “where is the beef?”
ECOLIFE FOUNDATION was asked to consider participating in a program called Race 4 Humanity...here was their pitch:
“Isn’t it about time that we took the power of reality TV, and harnessed it to challenge us as human beings? To make a difference worldwide, first one person, then one village, then one city, at a time. Race 4 Humanity will take ordinary people and pit them against extraordinary tasks around the world. We will challenge ourselves and our audience to no longer turn a blind eye, or feel it’s impossible to achieve anything in the overwhelming task of leveling the playing field worldwide, to share just a little from others who have so much, because it’s the right thing to do. The time is now.”
My first thought was, wow — sounds a little like what we do. And it is. Let's face it, at the very core of what we do is the belief that each one of us — simply by doing the correct little things — can change the world. What we really need is a way to share that message and the tools to do it, as widely as possible. Maybe this would be one of our tools.
"Race 4 Humanity is reality TV with a purpose, a worldwide charity on steroids.”The teams will compete against each other, the elements, people, and places with one common goal, to not only complete the challenge in the allotted time, but to become international ambassadors of good and not only help, but teach at the same time. Failure will not be an option, as even though this is a TV show, these will be real challenges, with real people who desperately need our help.
“Our audience will experience the excitement of a Survivor, with locations like Globe Trekkers, and the heart of Extreme Makeover, all in one never before seen format, that will not only entertain, but help a world in need, because it’s the right thing to do.”
Visit Race 4 Humanity for a sneak peek...
So, the question was — is the right tool for ECOLIFE FOUNDATION? We were not sure we had the answer, but the test was available at no cost to us. Paired with a reputable team, an agreement on use of materials...and off we went. Only the networks, cable stations and you will be able to fully determine the kind of opportunity this might be, but we would love your opinion.
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