"LIFE BEGINS AT 40"

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Answering the office phone at the end of the day is often interesting. Last week, the Central office received a call from Michael Raptis, casting director of RDF Media Group. As the press release he subsequently sent me reads: "Key US RDF/Pangea shows include: Wife Swap (ABC); Shaq's Big Challenge (ABC); Two Coreys (A&E); Meadowlands (Showtime); Off The Charts (Fox); How to Look Good Naked (Lifetime); Banzai (G4); 3 Kings (MTV); Ice T's Rap School (VH1); Junkyard Wars (TLC); Faking It (TLC); Gene Simmons Rock School (VH1); Ladette to Lady (Sundance)."

Now, the company is engaged in starting a new program:

Have you always wondered how wonderful life could be if you started that business, took that hobby more seriously or changed your career? Is there anything you always said you'd do once your kids got older?

For many people in their 40’s and 50’s, the time has come to restructure their life and do something they’ve always dreamed of...it could be anything from owning a Bed & Breakfast to running a Scuba Diving School in the Caribbean.

Our show, "Life Begins at 40" will give a husband and wife team an opportunity to Road Test their Dreams.

If you are seriously considering making a change then we’d love to talk to you about our show.

So Mr. Raptis was calling the NYS/SBDC looking to find potential participants. I've worked for this organization for nearly 15 years, so I felt comfortable suggesting that a formal relationship between the NYS/SBDC and RFD Media was unlikely.

Yet, I was intrigued by the concept for the show: would-be entrepreneurs "test-driving" a business opportunity. The SBDC program is always measured by what economic impact it generates; I wish there was some measure for the help the SBDC provides in keeping people ill-equipped for business from losing their shirts.

So, I wrote back to Michael Raptis, asked about gay couples, and he replied: "I would more than happy to speak to any couple who you feel would be great for the show."

Bottom line: here's the contact info, to do with, or not, as you see fit:
Michael Raptis, Casting Director
Michael.Raptis@rdfusa.com
646 747-7954

About RDF
RDF Media Group (RDF) is one of the largest and fastest-growing production companies in the world, headquartered in London, with large offices in Los Angeles and New York.
RDF has produced a wide range of outstanding drama, comedy, reality, game and children's programming for all of the broadcast and cable networks in both the US and the UK. RDF has won numerous awards for its programming including a number of BAFTAs, Royal Television Society awards, the Rose d'Or and an International Emmy. RDF group companies won Broadcast's Best Independent Production Company award in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006. RDF is the only producer to win this award more than once.

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