I received this letter from a TV casting producer yesterday, and after laffing myself sick, I began to file it under "Things I Wouldn't Do for a Million Dollars."
If you haven't seen the show in question, here's five words: Total Humiliation at Your Expense.
[I know a homeschooling family in Santa Cruz who (idealistically) went for it, and they were crucified as a bunch of demented hippie freakazoids. The other "family" was characterized, shall we say, as "know-nothing jive-ass black crackers." The home viewer gets to feel vastly superior to both families, as they both look despicable. That's American Entertainment, folks! I didn't make it through one episode, so I don't even know how bad things got.]
I decided this fella's pitch, though, is too good not to share. Plus, we could have our own fun with it:
Write me a brief letter showing how YOU would answer this. Anything goes! Whichever one tickles my evil prank fancy will win a copy of the yet-to-be-released Best American Erotica 2007, secret preview copy!
Also, since this show specializes in matching opposites, whose family do you think they'd stick me with? Gosh, maybe if I could choose, it would be worth it!
Greetings Susie,
My name is A— R— and I am the [casting producer] for the hit show Wife Swap on ABC Television.
Perhaps you have see it? We are currently looking for amazing families with huge personalities and great dynamics for the 3rd season. I have been researching Romance Specialists, and somehow, serendipitously, stumbled upon your page.
After reading a few blogs and checking out your books, I feel compelled to invite you to apply for the show. (If you're interested) Ideally, I would love to find a family, with a smart, strong and savvy mom, that could bring on a whole storm of radical positive change into another home. And I think you could do just that.
In case you are unfamiliar with the show, the premise of Wife Swap is that one parent from each household swaps places for seven days to experience how another family runs their lives.
It is an incredible family experience and opportunity to both learn and teach different family values. The show is a fascinating story of what happens when two married couples see themselves and their spouses in a whole new light. The New York Post says, "It should be called ‘Life Swap’ because it's not just the wives who learn something here. It's the families."
Also, not that money is an incentive but the family that is selected receives $20,000 and there is a $1,000 finders fee if you refer us an amazing family that makes the show.
So, that’s my pitch to you Susie. Think it over, and if you’re interested, please feel free to contact me to find out more.
Best regards,
A— R—
Thanks to Flickr member Lloydi for photo!
