Whether it's around the corner or around the world, production is all the same. But each location poses its own set of unique challenges. Here is just a taste of travel and lifestyle content I've produced in the past.
TRAVEL
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: IRELAND
From the shimmery waters of the River Shannon to the official Game of Thrones studio tour in Belfast to the rugged splendor of the Cliffs of Moher to the vibrant literary heritage of Dublin, there is no shortage of spectacular scenery and cultural events to take in on your next trip to Ireland. The Emerald Isle teems with a rich history, bespoke experiences, and natural beauty that will take your breath away. Join 1st Look & guest host Lauren Scala for an unforgettable journey to Ireland.
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: MIAMI
Johnny Bananas is taking on the sunshine state in this episode of 1st Look. He starts off by trying his hand at empanada making. Then he makes his way through Miami learning about everything from blocking a puck with Peter Worrell to acting as shark bait. Real Housewife, Alexia Echevarria, takes Johnny on a tour through Little Havana.
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: PCH
Embarking on a Father-Son road trip, Johnny Bananas and his dad Regis drive up the California coast on an adventure they'll never forget.
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: CHICAGO
From its skyline to its food, Johnny learns about all of the amazing things Chicago has to offer. Johnny takes a boat ride on the Chicago River, explores Wrigley Field with Ryan Sweeney, learns how to throw a strike at Guaranteed Rate Field with Ozzie Guillen, tastes the amazing food of south Chicago, and finally, explores the fantastic night life.
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: ALASKA
Alaska is fondly known as "The Final Frontier" and it is Massive! Twice the size of Texas, with more coastline than the entire continental United States combined, the 48th state in the Union derives its name from the indigenous word Alakshak, meaning "Great Land". White water rafting, flightseeing tours of the glaciers, fly fishing for salmon, kayaking with icebergs, and chilling out with the coastal brown bears, this is truly an adventure you won't want to miss.
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: SANTA CATALINA ISLAND
Santa Catalina Island is hidden gem located just off the coast of Southern California and is home to noteworthy relaxation destinations, an extensive history, and land untouched by man. Just a quick 1-hour boat ride away from the mainland, Catalina Island’s tranquil and beautiful landscape is the perfect vacation destination.
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: SOUTH OF FRANCE
Explore the sites, sounds, smells and of course all the flavors that the South of France has to offer. From biodynamic farming with legendary wine maker Gérard Bertrand, to slinging meat in the Narbonne food market, oyster farming on the Mediterranean Sea, harvesting the finest quality salt from pink flats, boat rides through the Canal du Midi, castles, jazz festivals, parties, and of course wine, wine, and more wine!
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: KOREA DMZ
Along the most heavily guarded area in the world, Johnny Bananas and 1st Look explore the South Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and its neighboring provinces. After speaking with a Lieutenant Commander of the United Nation Command at the Joint Security Area and experiencing the quiet tension at the North/South Korean border, Johnny takes to the white water for a rafting trip down the Hantan River, and then experiences the opening night of the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival in the city of Paju. Humbled by the Korean War memorial to The Battle of the White Horse, talks of peace with South Korean radio personality Yerica Park give way to sampling local cuisine and the fermented rice wine spirit of Makgeolli all produced along the border. Johnny takes in the breathtaking views overlooking both North and South Korea from the scenic Goseong Peace Trail which runs along the eastern coastal border before fishing the neighboring waters with the legendary Haenyeo women. Finally, Johnny ventures to a local pottery museum where he ponders the possibilities of a peaceful future while constructing the finest porcelain.
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: SCOTLAND
In this episode of 1st Look, Johnny travels to Scotland to learn about Scottish tailoring, play a round in the birthplace of golf: St. Andrews, taste the world-renowned whisky and gin, indulge in its premium seafood prepared by Michelin star chefs, and understand what makes Scotland so special.
1ST LOOK - DESTINATION: LOS ANGELES
Moving through the City of Angeles, we meet up with friends like Danny Trejo, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz and Nancy Silverton who show us just how special of a town Los Angeles truly is.
LIFESTYLE
1ST LOOK - AWARDS SEASON SPECIAL
During 'Award Season' all that glitters is gold, and every year, I assemble a team to talk about what's hot and who will walk away with those coveted statues.
CELEBRITY SLEEPOVER - SAMMY HAGAR
What do you do when you produce a travel show and get locked down because of a pandemic? You roll up your sleeves, hire a set designer and interview celebrities around the world from your host's living room. Here is a segment we produced with Johnny Bananas interviewing Sammy Hagar who shared his take on making Margaritas to get through Covid.
CELEBRITY SLEEPOVER - MARGARET CHO
Just like Sammy Hagar, Margaret Cho joined us from her living room to chat about Covid life and projects she has on the horizon.
1ST LOOK - BANANAS ON AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR
This is a fun example of when an idea turns into taking over a massive set and crew on a huge tentpole show. When Hosting for 1st Look, we wanted to pin Johnny against a real 'Ninja' to see how he could do on the American Ninja Warrior course. With a little help from our friends at NBC Entertainment, we took over the whole set and production crew to see just how good Johnny could do.