We agreed that if we got the show, we'd be drunk all day. Fingers crossed!
Part 4: We Are the Champions
The news got even better once the footage was taken back to the production company. Everyone there loved the Beer and Whiskey Brothers. The folks at the production company, women and men, young and old, each said they’d watch our show, and most of them weren’t into beer and whiskey. They just liked the way Don and I acted together, which made us feel pretty good.
They even had a nickname for us over at Discovery, “the Click and Clack of Drink,” a reference to a pair of brothers who host a funny and entertaining show about fixing cars on NPR. They make auto repair interesting, even to people who don’t care about it because of their brotherly banter and authentic sense of humor. We felt like we were in like Flynn and things were looking great.
The casting process had started with about a dozen hosting teams being considered. By the time the footage was edited, Don and I were the clear favorites in the clubhouse. Where the edited talent reels of the other hosts were 2 to 3 minutes longs, ours was 6, because time flew when you watched it. We were entertaining, funny and accidentally informative, which is what we try to do here every day.
We feel we were born to talk about booze, and it turned out others felt the same way.
To be honest, we were a little surprised by all of this, because all we did was go have fun bumbling around a brewery drinking free beer. We had never done TV before and had no real sense if we were cut out for it. Of course we thought we were, but I also thought I was a great dancer until I saw myself on tape. Now I just stay seated at weddings. Anyway, I guess we did the right thing trying to act natural and just having fun.
So at this point the show concept was on a fast track at Discovery, we nailed the audition, and Discovery, women and children all loved the Beer and Whiskey Brothers. Everything was unfolding perfectly.
All that was left was the green light meeting, where Discovery would put their stamp of approval on the show. Don and I felt it was a question of how many episodes they’d order, not if the show was approved. Or so we thought.
This is where everything went sideways.
Tune in tomorrow for Part 5: Enter Sam Man
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
oh my gosh Jim the tension of this is killing me! I am logging on in the am in eager anticipation of the next installment – maybe you should become a thriller writer!?!?!
Thanks, Kathryn. In the case of this thriller, we know how it ends. 😦
Still, it was a lot of fun to live through it and has been a fun story to tell. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
not sure if i can wait until tomorrow – i’ll call you later for the last installment. very exciting story. i think it’s highly adorable that your blog photos were both from your day at the brewery…you both have a serious glazed over look, and now we know why.
keep it up guys
Yes, the pics were taken at the end of a very long day of professional drinking. DO NOT try this at home. Trained professionals on a closed course!
and To say I could have said, “I gave Jim his first shot on my lowly podcast” 🙂
This is a great segment you guys are putting together. I hope something still works out for you on say something like, TLC 😉 You guys deserve some recognition!
Thanks, Peter. And yes, it all began that night we drank a bunch of Belgian Quads in the attic of Liquor Outlet. 🙂
Ah, the night of many Quads!
Happy Birthday, both of you, Jim and Peter!
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Kev. And I’m not sure I’d remember that night if we hadn’t recorded it. 🙂
Great story! Looking forward to tomorrow’s installment. Actually – looking forward to tomorrow in general – been a long week….
I agree about the whole looking forward to Friday thing, Jeff. It’s been a long week around these parts as well.
I see the ending already. I really feel for you guys. It seems like a sure thing will be taken over what I think was a better bet.
Well, if Sam’s show is a hit, there’ll be demand for more alcohol related content. Once again he’s blazing the trail.
Honestly, Jim, Sam should probably stick to brewing beer… I heard a rumor that DFH is having some trouble keeping up with their own demand. Maybe he’s spreading himself a little thin, at the expense of his own cash cow. Time to decide: brewer or rock star…?
At some point in any small business that makes it big, the founder has to find a way to get out of the way. In Sam’s case, it sounds like he’s sticking to R&D on new brews and being the face of the company, and letting other guys and gals do the day-to-day. I think he’s chosen roles that he’s well suited for.
Basically he’s a born mad scientist/rock star and his brewery has prospered because of it. Hopefully he’ll carve out a new TV niche as well!
I think that’s a little gracious on your part. I love his beer but I think he likes attention and being a star. I mean, I would too. It’s just unfortunate that decision have to be made based on current popularity rather than potential. The show is blazing the trail…he (or you) are just the vehicles.
Oops, I didn’t mean to be gracious!
But if Sam leverages his popularity and connects with an audience, then Don and I might get a chance to explore our potential.
What we were (and still are) planning to do is a different show than Sam’s and there’s plenty of room for both shows out there.
Are you looking to pay someone to be on that show when it happens?
Say what now?
I think you guys are still going to land something – its just a matter of time. Just remember all the little people when you do!
I think what Micheal is really asking is if you would pay him to be your groupie. 🙂
Thanks, Scott. We’ll see what the future holds. And we’ll consider adding Mike as a groupie once we see how he looks with teased hair and a Lycra body suit. Growr!