Directories
Quick Searches
Find a Job
Quick Search
For Employers
Yahoo! HotJobs Local Search
TV reality pilot filmed in downtown Vista
By: STACY BRANDT - Staff Writer | ∞
Michael Johnson, left, executive producer of a pilot for a new reality television series 'The Purple Couch' talks with interview subject Bill Hogan (seated) during filming of the show on Thursday outside the Curbside Cafe in Vista.
JOHN RAIFSNIDER For The North County Times
Order a copy of this photo
Visit our Photo Gallery
VISTA -- A big purple couch sat in the middle of downtown Vista on Thursday as a local couple finished shooting a pilot episode for a reality TV show that they're hoping takes off.
The idea of the show -- dubbed simply "The Purple Couch" -- is to travel the country with the plush sofa, talking to people about what is important to them and recording their unique stories.
The cozy couch is supposed to represent hominess and togetherness as creators Michael and Cheryl Johnson work to present what they call "stories from America's living room."
"Everyone has a story," Michael Johnson said. "People are dying to be heard."
The Johnsons, who live in San Marcos, said they chose downtown Vista to be part of the pilot because of its quaint, folksy appeal.
"It's got a nice vibe to it," Johnson said. "We wanted something that had a little bit of a Middle America feel to it."
They said they chose to shoot in front of the Curbside Cafe, a popular downtown eatery, because they like the food there. The restaurant's owner, John Randall, said the filming near the cafe was a great compliment.
"It's exciting for the people, the customers and the city of Vista," he said.
Some of the people eating at the Curbside Cafe on Thursday got on the couch to share stories, while others just watched. To smooth the filming, the Johnsons' colleague Joel Roney walked up and down Main Street acting as a "wrangler," tracking down between 15 and 20 people to sit on the couch and share their stories.
One of the people Roney convinced to talk was Chris Vazquez, who stumbled onto the production while walking downtown.
Vazquez went before the cameras to share some of his beliefs, wishes and regrets.
"It was a neat experience," the 21-year-old Vista resident said after the shoot. "I just wanted to try something new."
Vazquez said he was impressed with the show's premise, saying he thinks people sharing their personal stories could inspire or help others.
The Johnsons first tried the idea out with friends in their living room, asking them about the defining moments in their lives. They said the responses they got inspired them to create the show.
Michael Johnson said that after they began planning "The Purple Couch," he and Cheryl noticed a Kleenex commercial airing on TV with a similar concept. Though they were initially disappointed by the similarities, Michael Johnson said they have no fear the commercial will steal their thunder.
Before filming in Vista, the Johnsons took the couch to downtown San Diego and to a nearby beach, where they shot additional interviews.
Now, the couple plans to put the footage together into a pilot episode and shop it around to TV stations and investors.
The Johnsons said they hope the show will bring people together through their stories.
"Stories are powerful," Cheryl Johnson said. "Stories have the power to help us understand and to heal. ... Stories help us to realize that we are not alone."
More information on the proposed program and clips from some of the interviews are available online at www.thepurplecouch.com.
-- Contact staff writer Stacy Brandt at (760) 901-4009 or sbrandt@nctimes.com.
More Stories
Advertisement
slappy wrote on Aug 3, 2007 6:45 AM:Looks like they killed Barney.( the big purpel dinosaur) Good luck with your show I hope you have a hit. I'll watch it, I love that show with the guy that goes around california with a mic talking about stuff Hugh Hubbell or something like that.
Steve wrote on Aug 3, 2007 8:30 AM:They must be getting desperate for ideas. Sounds like the lamest one yet. I've never watched a single reality show and I'm proud of it. Guess that proves the point of why the are popular, 80% of the population is stupid.
hey wrote on Aug 3, 2007 12:19 PM:I wouldn't say that sharing stories is " a reality show" but I like the sound of the idea. I would watch. Gee Steve is so lucky to be in the 20% that thinks they are so great...
Slappy wrote on Aug 3, 2007 12:40 PM:At least this guy and his wife are doing somthing with their dreams. I am a firm believer that every single person has at least one good idea that would make them rich but 99 percent of the people are too lazy to follow thru and make it happen. Again Good Luck, nice to see a regular couple given it a shot. Ps I could tell you some stories that you would not believe.
Shadowridge Mark wrote on Aug 3, 2007 1:08 PM:Great now a stupid idea is going to be connected to Vista. I hope this whole concept sees the editing floor quick.
To Steve wrote on Aug 3, 2007 2:06 PM:If you are sooo proud of 'never watching a single reality show' how can you possibly know they are stupid as well as people who watch them? Home makeover for deserving families changes lives for the better. What is 'stupid' about that? And what is wrong with creative folks who 'work hard' to reach a goal? Less than 5% of all TV 'pilots' make it to the small screen, or even last one pilot show. Give people a break - human interest stories are NOT STUPID! Oh, how about YOU going on the big purple couch and telling YOUR story. Nah, probably wouldn't interest the 20% of people you claim are 'not stupid.' Get a life!
Good luck wrote on Aug 3, 2007 3:02 PM:and best wishes on your adventures. I would definitely watch. Forget the 20% who think they are better than the 80%, at least we aren't stuffed shirts!!
Abigail wrote on Aug 3, 2007 3:25 PM:You're talking about the California Gold series on PBS correct? I like the concept of the show but the purple couch doesn't do anything for me. It makes it look silly which is not what they're going for I believe.
slappy wrote on Aug 3, 2007 6:35 PM:Yea thats it california gold. And I too think the purple sofa is kinda distracting but you know it is the personal stories that are interesting
Jamie wrote on Aug 3, 2007 11:12 PM:Good idea maybe we can move the reality show down the street to VUSD. Try the Board meetings these are a whole lot of fun.
- FALLBROOK: Mom arrested after teen party says she did nothing wrong (14022)
- TEMECULA: Hillside fire prompts evacuations (10348)
- CARLSBAD: Boy who died after drinking was San Marcos student (8048)
- ENCINITAS: Hostess of Busby fundraiser pepper-sprayed, arrested (5522)
- OCEANSIDE: Airport could pose barrier for Bolts (4333)
- CARLSBAD: Boy who died after drinking was San Marcos student (161)
- TEMECULA: Hillside fire prompts evacuations (121)
- FALLBROOK: Mom arrested after teen party says she did nothing wrong (61)
- FOOD: Grocers roll out deeper price cuts (33)
- MILITARY: Camp Pendleton special operations battalion gains footing (30)
Advertisement
Videos
Advertisement