Finding My Test Reel Filming Stride - Response to TV Show Viewers: Post 26

(Response to TV Show Viewers: Post 25 - March 18, 2026)

The Rehab Addict DVDs, sent to me from the show’s production company in Minnesota, had arrived without any note or instructions. Because of this, I watched and considered them as some sort of general prep preceding the film crew being flown in to meet up with me. I’d set aside two full days for these visitors to capture footage of me walking and talking for what the network director had called a “test reel,” what her assignee called "the sizzle.”

Leading up to this Thursday/Friday filming, arrangements had been made to begin at an architectural salvage operation in North Charleston. These plans had been a collaborative effort between me, the warehouse owner, and young lady introduced as “the showrunner”—a job title I’d never heard before but one I appreciated a lot because it felt like an insider sort of term. To me, this preliminary effort felt like a friendly indicator that I was stepping into something worthwhile.

Buying a house involves a lot of people, often strangers, working together—buyer and seller, realtors, inspectors, closing attorneys and paralegals, and sometimes bank reps. And once into the renovating, there is scheduling and coordinating, weaving of a long collection of vendors, subcontractors, tradespeople, and inspectors with me directing the activities and answering questions as needed beginning to end. So, for this experience to start off with comparable teamwork, with producers in New York, Minnesota, and Los Angeles working with me, it seemed auspicious and eased my nerves.     

At the starting location, I met the four-person film team. Along with the young woman in charge, there was a cameraman, an audio technician, and the crew’s grip—a biggin who looked like a former linebacker doing many nontechnical tasks and the bulk of production equipment schlepping. And the fifth person in the mix, the warehousing boss lady, lingered in the background, on standby to provide any support the crew might need.

Both the showrunner and guy operating the camera had come by way of Los Angeles. And something about their Hollywood good looks caused me to wonder if these heartbreakers had each headed to LA after high school and then snagged roles on the production side as means to pay bills between auditions and acting jobs. The audio tech looked brainier, sporting glasses and a knowing, yet friendly grin, while the heavy lifter turned out to be a fun-loving joker. All four of these producers were super cool, warm, and friendly with me, as if to say, “We just met you, but we’re your new temporary friends sent here to help you shine.”

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The first part of filming the test reel was slow and building. I walked through the warehouse pointing at materials and fixtures as I described them. This wasn’t too tough, only a bit tricky since there was cluttered-up a randomness to the entire space. It was an inspiring setting for sure, but I had to watch myself as I moved about for the crew.

We progressed to what felt like more challenging trials or drills, with the showrunner directing me to walk down a specific aisle or size up a hanging fixture. Then they had me pick up and examine an item on a shelf, through a gap in a way that, if I did it correctly, would allow for the camera to frame me within a shot. I was able to do it as they’d hoped the first time, with reactions of smiles and one unhidden exhale. They’re rising buoyancy helped me settle in, allowing me to feel as if I was delivering for them on camera.

Midday, we traveled to the project house I’d own in a week. The real estate agents had coordinated with the seller, so we’d have access to the property for the remainder of the afternoon. After the crew and I ate our delivered lunches—deli sandwiches, chips, and drinks—I took them on a filmed tour of the house, inside and out, with me explaining what I intended to do and how I would do it. As it grew dark, preparations for my interview were made in the foyer.

It had been a long, full day, but I was feeling great, solid, comfortable. I was doing it, all these new and different things. I felt settled in, yet I was quiet, deep in thought as I took a seat on the provided stool as lights were positioned and then illuminated. Something about my expression, posture, or demeanor must have seemed less than enthusiastic, and the showrunner playfully said something like, “C’mon, Trent. Act like you’re a little excited about getting your own TV show.”

What is she talking about? I thought. My own show? Me?

(Response to TV Show Viewers: Post 26 - Coming Soon)