Our family appeared on the popular HGTV show House Hunters International while living here in Mexico. I was contacted in the Summer of 2014 about appearing on the show. They found our family via this blog, my blog, Los Gringos Locos!
We never thought anyone would want to put us on TV. We submitted a video so they could see us on camera. Then, we filled out a least a dozen pages of paperwork and contracts. In January of 2015, we filmed the show. Filming a 20 minute TV show took us almost a week! It was hectic but we survived.
Our show finally aired on August 2nd and 3rd. We were asked not to say much about the show till it aired, thus the secrecy on the blog and social media till now. I can not find a link to our show online, but House Hunters International is sending me a DVD in a few weeks. We have friends in the States who have seen the show before us, and we are supposed to be the stars! Hahaha!
[ngg src=”random_images” display=”pro_imagebrowser” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ maximum_entity_count=”20″]I learned a few things about reality TV and myself while we filmed in January. It was interesting, to say the least!- Reality TV is not reality no matter how much they make you think it is. All these shows you see on TV are directed, even if there is no script. The director tells you what to say and how to word things so that the audience will like or dislike you. We played along with the camera but don’t think that this is how we go house hunting! Some of it is real and some of it is make-believe. The house that we chose, in the end, is the one we were already living in :-)
- I don’t like being directed. “Stand here. Do this. Do That. Say This. Wear that.” Ugh. Forget it. If I was an actress everyone would hate me for breaking the rules, causing trouble, and losing my temper. With House Hunters International I had to do exactly as the director asked. This became dull rather quickly.
- I will never be an actress. I already knew this one but after filming for a week with House Hunters International it really hit home. My acting skills clearing stink. Brad was doing much better at playing along. Part of it was probably my ADHD. There was a lot happening. Acting is tiring mentally and physically. At one of the houses, I fell asleep on the front lawn, face down in the grass. No wonder people in the limelight go nuts, cut off their hair, and end up in rehab.
Despite the above, this was a great experience ;-) How many people can say they have been on House Hunters International? Our director was great at making things fun for the family and she put up with me! Our sound and video guys were super nice and cool with the kids. I did not make a truckload of money from this gig but I am hoping the exposure will help people find Los Gringos Locos. I am open to more opportunities :-) Signing off, enjoy the behind the scenes photos, Tina in Mexico
Originally published August 3, 2015
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A ridiculous amount of coffee was consumed in the process of creating this project. Add some fuel if you'd like to keep me going ;-) Gracias!
Loved seeing you guys on tv! I was impressed with how natural you both seemed actually. Thanks for the behind the scenes look! Love you guys.
This cracks me up. We were talking about an international work transfer with a friend recently (it didn’t happen) and she suggested we be those crazy house hunters on HHI who ask for 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, etc etc ridiculous wish list. ;) I’ll have to keep an eye out for your episode to replay.
I can’t wait to see the episode. Despite the exhaustion, it looks like it was a really cool experience. Especially meeting Esperanza! Thanks for sharing with us.:-)
What an awesome experience!! For you and the kids! Loved Esperanza! I’m so jealous! lol your pictures are beautiful! loved the story of you falling asleep in the grass too! hahaha! Can’t wait to see the show :)
I can’t wait to see the episode I looked for it but couldn’t find it online last night
Wow, how cool is that! I would like to see it, never heard of that program. I am glad to know you’re still keeping Mt 6:33 and don’t want to be an actress! :-)
Petting a tiger?! Tina, that’s so awesome!
So happy you are loving it!kids lived seeing you all having so much fun. Glad we finally found your blog. Would live for the kids to talk. Doing a great job. Love your story. Glad you like your new house. Lol. Doing great with your blog. Would live to be there with this crew for real. How was Belize? I loved it.
Thank you Jennifer. Belize was wonderful although I wouldn’t want to live there. It’s hot! Maybe the kids can Skype. Email me or ask mom and dad for my Skype name. Love Tina
This looks like such a fun adventure. I would have completely loved every ounce of my time there. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing it with us.