GETTING MY TV HOST ON

In the last year or so, I have had a growing interest in hosting-type spots on TV and have been working to find a way into them. But, how to do this has been a new adventure for me. Those who know me seem to think it is a place I fit. So, I figured that if I could work myself into hosting, have some fun, and ultimately help people, well, I would be one über happy lady, or, shall I say, even happier than I am on a daily basis.

So, when I was given the opportunity to be a part of a new, interior design show and was offered a job as none other than the host of it - I excitedly took it! It all happened rather quickly, right as the 4th of July holiday weekend was upon us. The next thing you know I made the transition I ultimately hoped for, but much sooner than anticipated.

As if getting to sink my teeth into a hosting position wasn’t enough, I came to find that it was a design show for kids! My ideal entertainment job would be one where I could also work with children, plus I have a personal love for interior design, so this all seemed a little too good to be true.

While talking to the producer and designer of the show and going over the design layout for the pilot episode, a room for a little boy named Ethan, I was beyond excited to find that it was not only a baseball theme, but a Yankee baseball theme! For those of you who don’t know, I love, yes love, baseball and am a HUGE Yankee fan!

I realize I live in LA and am, therefore, supposed to be a Dodgers or Angels fan by default, but I am sticking true to my Yankee devotion! In doing so, and since moving to LA from NYC, I have heard a number of anti-Yankee comments and even have had a not so nice, shall we say, message left on my car, which happens to displays the New York Yankee logo around its license plate! Not to worry, though, because I can handle it!

Also, for the little girl Ruby’s room, on that same pilot episode, the design pallet includes chocolate brown, vanilla and light pink. Well, these colors happen to match my current bedroom, so, again, it seemed all too fitting, and I was beyond ready to get the show on the road! Speaking of on the road, we are filming on location in Tarzana, CA and started the shoot on Monday, July 7th. Everyone is so nice, fun, and down to earth with amazing artistic talent, which keeps my creativity flowing!

I am learning a lot so quickly because I am used to keeping things smaller and subtler for TV and Film. But with hosting, especially for a children’s design show, being over the top is what it’s all about and I am trying to make the transitions needed with the producers’ guidance and encouragement.

Just as with any show you do as an actor, you never know what, if anything, is going to happen. Therefore, it is very important to take the opportunity for what it is, have fun, and walk away with the experience itself. In the end, of course, we all hope the networks love it, pick it up for a complete season, and get to redesign a number of worthy kids’ rooms in various locations, all while keeping the current crew and design team on board.

However, the reality is, that if the show were to move forward, changes would most likely be made, starting with the host, aka myself, who could, understandably, get replaced with a more seasoned host. This is a reality I am fully aware of and completely understand…it is showbiz after all! Therefore, while I have it, I am going to enjoy it and do the best possible job I can, not only for myself, but for the show, while getting my TV host on!

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” – Helen Keller