January 25, 2014 — Calling all lobstermen who want to star in a reality TV show!
A New York-based multimedia firm headed by “Today” show weather anchor Al Roker is seeking to develop a new reality or documentary TV show that would showcase lobster fishermen in Maine.
“We’re seeking tough, active lobstermen: you could be a family who’s been fishing for generations [or] a new, hard-nosed skipper striking out on your own,” an announcement issued this week by the firm stated.
Jason Watt, executive producer and owner of Watt Pictures and a partner with Al Roker Entertainment, said Roker’s company is in the process of developing a “pitch package” for the proposed show to take to potential network partners. Some talks with networks already have been held, he said Friday. The pitch package would identify prospective people and locations to be featured in the show and also include some edited video footage, among other things.
“It’s something we’re passionate about,” said Watt, speaking by phone from Brooklyn, N.Y. Lobster fishing is an “untold part of the American story,” he said. “We’re excited about the opportunity to dig in and start telling it.”
The idea may be pitched to network officials as early as February, he said. Potential network partners include the History Channel, Discovery Channel and A&E.
If the reality TV show comes to fruition, “it would be a boost to tourism and to Maine’s lobster industry,” said Vaughn Stinson, chief executive officer of the Maine Tourism Association.
Read the full story at the Bangor Daily News