I've been doing an exhaustive amount of reading and at this point I think I'm ready to make some introductions.
I have long admired the current hosts of The Grand Tour, formally the hosts of Top Gear UK. Every time I watch them, I think they're really living the life. At one point I thought, I might be able to pull that off too. I don't dream often, but when I do, I dream big.
Using what they had filmed as a bit of a springboard, I'm working on a series of my own: Just a bunch of Knobs, or JBOK for short. Adventure mixed with light humor and an automotive background, I'm just about ready to start filming my pilot episode, which I have every intention of getting in front of a Netflix producer. I myself being one, I have 2 other presenters with good positive chemistry, a skeleton camera and sound crew, a bunch of video/audio equipment, 2 film trucks, and most importantly, 3 beat up old pickup's that we sourced on the internet for not more than $1500. During the show we'll be putting those 3 pickup's through the ringer to see just how much pickup you can get for $1500.
Our adventure will take us across scenic Pennsylvania, including the Amish country, across the Appalachian mountains, and the now defunct Pittsburgh steel mills in a 2 day journey totaling more than 300 miles. There will be a series of both planned and unplanned events, but the journey will be recorded largely unscripted playing on the natural language and chemistry of the 3 presenters.
I have plans for an 8 episode season with various challenges that will follow the presenters all over the US and if I really hit the jackpot, JBOK Season 2: International Knobs. Hell, I wouldn't mind doing this for the rest of my life.
I've gotten my research fairly fleshed out, but there's one thing eluding me at this point: a producer. While I can wear many hats, there's one thing that I have had the most trouble with, and that's getting in contact with someone who will be able to get me in front of Netflix or similar. Although my dream is Netflix, I understand that may be a bit ambitious, but I haven't had any success in even talking to someone who might be able to shed some light on the distribution process.
I realize that I'm a complete unknown with no experience, and that's the reason I am setting out to film the pilot on my own. If I were Netflix or similar, I wouldn't give me a second look when I'm asking for money. As a scientist by day and engineer by night, this is a pretty big leap from what I'm used to. However I'm fairly thorough in what I do normally, I'm driven, and I know the subject matter well, and for that reason I think I just might be able to pull it off.
That's my story in a nutshell, I'd welcome all feedback/criticisms. The pilot is happening, and I can't wait to see what's going to come of it.
Justin
JboK.tv
