I just received an interesting email from Organic Pastures Dairy Co., the Fresno, CA, raw milk producer I wrote about in September and October after it was closed for two-and-a-half weeks by California agriculture authorities on suspicion of selling contaminated raw milk (never proven). The dairy was contacted by a producer with ABC Television, which is seeking "families who are passionate about truly living and eating healthy" for a show in which two moms switch households for a week and learn about different lifestyles. The show has the catchy name, "Wife Swap", which the producer immediately apologizes for. ("Don’t be confused by the title–Wife Swap is a family show…")
Organic Pastures sent the email around because it sees this request as an opportunity to educate the public about the benefits of raw milk and lifestyles incorporating unprocessed foods. I thought it was especially interesting given my previous post about the media’s problems reporting on raw milk. The gaps in knowledge and trust are so wide, per comments of Catherine Czapp and LDF, who explain how foreign the concepts of locally grown unprocessed food have become in our society, media included (since the media are really representative of the community at large). There’s also the risk to authority of having people question the conventional wisdom, per Miguel’s point. (And we’ve seen authority strike back in California, Michigan, and Ohio.)
These comments, along with my own cynicism about television network entertainment, make me wary of promoting the show’s efforts to find participants. But I also know that Hollywood is often a leading vehicle for educating large numbers of people about new trends and lifestyles outside the mainstream. And most parents want what is best for their children. Then there is a small matter of $20,000 paid to any featured families.So I thought I’d just go ahead and reprint the producer’s letter, and let anyone who may be interested follow up on their own.
A few provisos/suggestions to anyone who chooses to follow up, based on some experience I’ve had with television: The odds of being selected for something like this are quite long. I’m sure the producer sent this request to a fair number of companies and organizations involved in promoting healthy eating. Second, to have any chance of being selected, you have to be extroverted, even bubbly, and comfortable speaking in front of many people. And third, you have to be prepared to shed a great deal of your privacy, since these reality shows thrive on people revealing intimate details of themselves and their lives. (I say this without having seen the show, so it’s possible it’s the one exception to the rule.) All that being said, here’s the letter:
To Whom It May Concern: I’m a Casting Producer with ABC Television and we’re looking to feature fabulous families who follow the raw foods diet – or a similar philosophy – on our upcoming show. I’d love to talk with families who are passionate about truly living and eating healthy. Has this diet enhanced your quality of life – orinfluenced your lifestyle and parenting style in other positive ways? Could another family learn a thing or two by experiencing your lifestyle? We want to hear from you!
We’re currently casting for ABC’s hit family show, Wife Swap! Please don’t be confused by the title – Wife Swap is a family show on ABC primetime. The premise is simple: two moms from two very different families get the opportunity to swap lives (but not bedrooms – everyone has their own!) for a week to experience what it’s like to live a different lifestyle – and to see what they can teach each other about their own! The goal is for both families to take away something positive from the experience while also teaching each other why their beliefs and philosophies are so important and beneficial. Again, I think the raw foods movement is a fascinating philosophy that many families may never have heard of – and could possibly benefit from! I found your information online and thought you would be a great resource – I would greatly appreciate you forwarding my information on to any families who might be interested in sharing their lives with us for a week!
All featured families will receive a $20,000 financial honorarium for their time – and $1000 goes to anyone who refers a family that makes it on the show! We are looking for two-parent families with children (between the ages of 5 and 18) who are ready for adventure! I appreciate your assistance in reaching out to these great families and look forward to hearing from you soon!
CONTACT: Heather Teta | Casting Producer | ABC Television – Wife Swap-RDF USA| 440 9th Avenue| 11th Floor| New York| NY 10001 tel. + 1 212 404 1428| fax. + 1 212 404 1456 Heather.Teta@rdfusa.com | www.rdfusa.com
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