Thursday, June 23, 2011

Fame at Last!

I know, you've been hearing cricket noises around the Pinon Tree lately.  Sorry about that.  I've been a bit occupied becoming a TV star.

Yeah, okay.  Stardom may be too strong a word, but I've had microphone wires down my back and a bulky, professional video camera in my face for the past week, which sure goes a long way to making one feel like a star.  A film crew from House Hunters International, the popular show that airs on HGTV, was here to follow us around and tape our story.

I watched the show a few times while we were in the States but didn't realize just how popular it is until I posted on Facebook that we'd be participating.  Everyone of my acquaintance wrote to say that they are absolutely fanatical for that show.  That's really cool to hear.  You will be able to get an up-close glimpse of our town and our friends, and of course our little casa.  I think they even managed to get our kitty into one scene.


We clumped around the village and showed the crew the beauties of our area.  They are fantastic guys, and the whole town welcomed them warmly and made them feel like part of the place.  Friends even threw a barbecue one night.  Then it was off to our former home of Ascoli Piceno for some more filming and fun, where they got to taste arrosticini and enjoy a street party after the filming wrapped up.

I have to say it was a really fun experience.  I have no delusions of becoming the next Audrey Hepburn, but I had a great time hamming it up in front of the camera, and the guys were relaxed and fun to hang out with.  The tapes have been sent off for editing and I'll keep you posted about an air date.  Meanwhile, you can enjoy a little taste in my Flip video.  And if you're looking for an actress in southern Italy, have your people call my people.  I'm ready for more fame and filming.

17 comments:

marybeth said...

Complimenti! Enjoy the fanfare! You deserve it!

abbracci,
Marybeth

janie said...

Love it! We can't wait until it airs!

Linda @ Ice Tea For Me said...

Way cool. I don't have cable and my sister just sent me over 40 HHI shows she taped. I'm in heaven, wish they were all of Italy. Can't wait to see your show.

Congrats,
Linda

bill LAGATTUTA said...

being very familiar with the show, i'm curious. usually they follow a couple searching for a home...they look at three..then pick one.
given that you found your home a while ago, did you just fake (re: stage) the search.
as a fan of the program and your blog, i'll watch whatever the case...just wanted to know.

Anonymous said...

I've let my friends in the USA know about this .. I hope they get to see you.

Looks like you took to stardom like a duck to water!

Yvonne

Unknown said...

that looks such fun. Is it only on american tv?

Louise at Abbastanza Buono said...

I am a big fan of the show. Can't wait to see it. You must post when it will air.

Gil said...

Congratulations! I can't wait to see it. My wife and daughter have even got me hooked on that channel.

Valerie said...

Marybeth - Dove sei adesso? Quando vieni a trovarci?

Janie - Thanks!

Linda - They're interesting to watch; fun to see what houses are like in other countries.

Bill - You'll have to tune in and find out! ;)

Yvonne - It was fun and the director said I was a natural (didn't have to do many re-takes)

moltobrava - Yes, it airs on the cable network HGTV, but it will go on YouTube after it runs on the network.

Louise - I'll keep you posted!

Gil - Funny! Do they have you watching Designing on a Dime, too? ;)

marybeth said...

ciao Valerie,
I'm still here in Zagarolo, though it's my last week...then I'll travel north for a few weeks to visit friends before heading back to the States. I like this region and hope to return soon, then I can plan a trip to Basilicata!
It's so good to see you settling into life in Italy, and it's also an inspiration. I can't wait to see what happens next!

LindyLouMac said...

It sounds like you have been busy and having fun while I have been away, sadly will not get to watch the programme as not shown on Sky Italia, although we watch similar shows from British companies.

Valerie said...

Marybeth - hope you'll be back soon. I'm glad you like Zagarolo; it's a special kind of place.

LindyLou - it will be posted on their YouTube page after it airs on HGTV, so you'll still get to see it. :)

Anonymous said...

You go! That is fun.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

auguri!! I cannot wait to see it and learn more about the village you love.

Saretta said...

How fun! I was approached by them a couple of years ago, but didn't qualify since I've been living here for close to 20 years already!

Texas Espresso said...

that is so cool - i love that show!! Italian locations are always my favorite. can't wait to see your episode!

Alexandra said...

I am glad to read that you had a great time. I am being filmed for HHI in 10 days here in Tuscany! If you have any inner scoop tips for me, or gripes, please write me! (info at arttrav.com) thanks!