It was interesting to get a glimpse of the chaotic behind-the-scenes world of a TV show. Before the taping started, we were connected to the show via Skype and could hear lots of behind-the-scenes conversations of the crew. Sometimes they were talking to us and it was a little hard to follow with all of the other conversations going on at the same time. It took some time for us to get the "shot" set-up correctly - we were set-up directly facing our kitchen and it seemed like it was approved by somebody. But then a little bit later, someone else must've come in the room and didn't like how the microwave was right in-between us. So we had to shift our chairs so that it wasn't in-between us anymore. ;) They also did audio and video checks with us. Although we could see/hear them fine in real-time, there seemed to be a little delay in them getting our Skype feed.
We had a few conversations with the producer prior to Tuesday morning and she could not stress enough the importance of us being very animated. She said that with Skype interviews, it's sometimes hard for the emotions to come across - so she asked us to be "bigger" than we normally would be. On Sunday, she mentioned that the show had some gifts for the babies and that it was important to have a big reaction! As many of you know, I learned at my bridal shower back in 2005 that I get very nervous (some may even say awkward) opening gifts in-front of my friends/family. I think it's just everyone staring at me and me feeling like I have to give a good reaction. Anyway, I definitely had a little more practice at all of the baby showers this summer - but still feel a little stressed about opening gifts in front of people. So now, I have a producer telling me that they're going to give us something and asking me for a good reaction.... talk about stress! ;)
Although we won't be the first segment in the show - they sometimes tape out of order and they said that they were going to do us first. So we heard the theme music starting and then could see Bethenny standing in the aisle of her studio audience waiting to get the green light to get started. She gave a nice intro about infertility struggles and then they showed the little video package that they put together from the interviews they did with us back on October 4th. We were able to see the video package via Skype and I was pleased with what they put together. Then it went back to Bethenny and she said that Chrissy and I were joining them via Skype and it was go-time! The actual interview with Bethenny was kind of a blur - I'm anxious to see the segment when it airs. She asked us a bunch of questions and we did our best to respond with big/emotional responses. At the end, she did present us with some most generous gifts for the babies. It helped that I was truly surprised with how generous the gifts were - so I can only hope that my reaction was big enough for the producers of the show. We haven't told anyone about the gifts because we think it will be more fun for family/friends to see it on the show. The show is going to air on Friday (Oct 18th) - so check your local listings to see when it airs in your city.
After our segment was done, we had to shoot some B-roll with the cameraman. I think the purpose of this footage is just in case the editors at Bethenny want to use any of it in the little video package that has us telling our story up to a certain point. They don't need us to be talking in any of these shots - it's more for the video of us in various scenarios at home. Since the cameraman was instructed to not shoot our pregnant bellies and to have us be serious (or deep in though) - we figured that this footage would be used as we are telling our before-the-great-baby-news part of the story. Just to give you an idea, he had a couple shots of Joby and I sitting at the dining room table - sipping on coffee/water, looking out the window, looking at each other, reaching out to hold hands, etc.... Then he did some of us on the couch, Chrissy in the kitchen at our island (thinking about being our gestational carrier perhaps), Chrissy and I on the patio table, and then Joby walking down the street. So awkward and unnatural - but I guess that's what they needed! It will be interesting to see if they use any of those shots on Friday.
Overall, I think it was a good experience for us - though we had to do some juggling with our schedules to make things work. We are glad to be sharing our story on the national-level and grateful for the gifts they gave our babies. And I'm hoping they can give us a DVD of the show - so that we can share it with the kiddos when they are older. We did have to sign an exclusivity agreement with them, which is good for 3 months from the date the show airs. I really doubt the offers are going to start pouring in - but somehow, I have a feeling we are going to be quite busy for the next 3 months anyway! ;)
In closing I'd like to shout-out a "Happy 5th Birthday" to Wendel Kun Doggy Dog! I'm glad the babies stayed in - so that you don't have to share your birthday, though I know you would've been okay with it. Let's just hope they stay in through the weekend - so we can all be at your birthday party on Saturday. I'd also like to ask for prayers for those going through tough times - God knows what they need.