the chef...

I have been floating a reality show concept premised on the comings & goings of the pool patrons at LaSolana. Recently, the concept inched forward:

"I bet they're young," is her statement, "That's what you are going to need Rob. They're the ones familiar with the technology."

Miss Kitty & I share a similar thought as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of a production crew from Tempe to the LaSolana pool.

"Don't worry about a thing Rob. They're going to love it."

A few minutes pass & a crew of three arrive. After the pitch it is time to talk execution.

"This is the perfect place to film," says the producer, "Look how nice it is. I'm liking your concept even more now that I've seen the surroundings."

"You're blog is impressive. I could help you tweak the story lines & characters a bit. Help put it in screenplay type," states the screen writer of the bunch.

"This is the kind of thing you can make viral with guidance from the likes of us," adds the account manager, "It makes me think about my grandmother. I get a good vibe off of everything I'm seeing & reading."

We agree to a phone meeting at one o'clock the following day:

"If you had to give yourself a television show to compare your writing to. What would it be," is the first question asked by the account manager.

I share the answer a friend gave to me.

"He says it's a cross between Melrose Place & Soap meeting the Golden Girls."

She doesn't understand the analogy because of her youth.

"You know? Melrose Place, Heather Locklear."

She recognizes Heather Locklear; but not the show.

"She use to be my girlfriend back in the nineties," adding with a laugh, "I'm kidding she was never my girlfriend. I sure wish she was though."

"How about a Seinfeld for senior citizens," is her commentary on the writing.

"That's an interesting concept as well. There's plenty of humor to be had," adding, "The key on making a go of it is focusing intently on the senior citizens at the pool & their uniqueness. If that is accomplished we'll be in good shape."

"I agree," states the writer, "You are close to having something legitimate to work with in our opinion. It's time for you to nail down exactly how you want this project to flow. We can help you with adjustments to the script if need be."

The proposed pilot is slated for twenty three minutes. I ask if they have experience in a project as long.

"We do," adding, "We filmed a women's empowerment conference that gave us nothing but talking points to go by & we got through it fine. You are miles ahead of where they were. We're excited about the concept & interested in helping you bring it to life."

Enthusiasm is an attractive trait. 

"Do you want to here Miss Kitty's analogy of things?"

"Sure," the account manager says.

"You betcha," adds the writer/producer.

"She summarizes it like this," adding, "The blog & all the old people at LaSolana are the ingredients to a fine meal. What's missing is a chef. Now, young people like you guys have to be the chef. You'll be responsible for preparing the meal to everyone's liking."

"Miss Kitty is sweet. I see her being a great character," states the account manager; whom I would guess to be in her early twenties.

"Oh that reminds me; she wanted me to tell you that you resemble her granddaughter."

"Oh, she really is the sweetest," the account manager replies in a pleasant tone. 

"She sure is," quickly adding, "It will be Miss Kitty & others like her who will ultimately decide if this venture is successful."

The conversation turns to legalities:

"You have to get permission from the board in order for us to film. Every one who participates signs a waiver acknowledging they're being filmed & their likeness will be used in the project. All standard stuff," states the writer/producer, "We have all the paperwork."

"What about Covid protocols?"

"Everyone in the crew will be vaccinated & adhere to all the recommended guidelines," adding, "The logistics at this location will provide plenty of room is my initial thought."

We chat a little more about specifics & he says:

"Come to our studio in Tempe. We can show you around & afterwards we'll have a script meeting. It'll be productive."

"I will do that," is my immediate answer, "Look at your schedule for next week & tell me what will work."