Chef Show - Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a chef show?
We are looking for experienced and charismatic personalities in all of our resort and tourist destinations that can interact comfortably on-camera with our host and audience, while preparing dishes that are representative of you or your restaurant and interesting to our viewers. If you have television experience, please note this on your entry form. If you have a demo reel or footage of previous television appearances, please also submit these with your entry form for consideration.

What dates are available for shooting?
The sooner you submit the sign-up form, the quicker we can evaluate and approve you for filming. We will then contact you to arrange filming date and time. The sooner you we get the form, the more choices you will have for the date and location of your travel. We cannot confirm your date for filming, flight, or accommodations without all information needed on this form. We encourage you to get the form in as quickly as possible.

What information is required on the online entry form?
We need complete recipes (including specific measurements and ingredients) for both shows you will be filming with us. We need bio information on you that goes beyond the standard resume information. Tell us what inspires you, what you enjoy most about being a chef in the area you live in, your family, hobbies, etc. We want to tell your story so provide us with as much information as possible. We also need pictures of you. These pictures are used during the bio portion of your show. They can be candid photos with family, friends, famous people you have cooked with, or your restaurant, for example. Photos from when you first began as a chef to present date are great additions to help us tell your story. These photos need to be high-res and are also required before the filming of your show. After your entry form is received and reviewed, you will be contacted if your chosen to be one of our featured chefs. We will then send you travel confirmation information, additional prep instructions and release forms that must be signed and faxed back before the filming of your show.

When will my show air?
We schedule shows to premier during peak season in your market. Depending on when this peak season is in your area and when you film your show, it could be 6-12 months (in some cases) after we film the show that it actually airs. In some cases, it may air as soon as a few weeks after you film depending on season. The show will air at least two days a week for a two-week period during that time. However, we do reserve the right to rerun shows at our discretion or in other markets if we see fit. The owner of the restaurant your represent (if that is not you) will be required to sign a release form stating you understand and agree to these terms.

How many shows will we be shooting?
You will be doing TWO shows during your stay, so you need to plan for two separate shows. Keep in mind that each of your two separate shows will be shot TWICE so you must bring enough ingredients to film each of your shows 2x (click here to see samples of the shows - this will give you an idea of what to expect and give you a wide view of what is possible!).

How many dishes per show should I prepare?
We recommend cooking at least three different dishes per show. This can be anything from appetizer, entrée and dessert to three different preparations of pasta dishes. There are no strict guidelines as to what you prepare as long as it’s something you are comfortable with and can tell are viewers about while you are preparing the dish. The dishes you choose are left to your discretion. Again, keep in mind your filming two shows and each of the shows will be shot twice, so be sure you have enough ingredients for this.

What kind of equipment will I be cooking on?
If you are cooking outdoors on-location, take a look at your the grill you will be using, DCS Liberty Grill is the ultimate outdoor grill and opens a world of possibilities! If you are cooking indoors in one of ourcustom-built DCS / Fisher & Paykel kitchen in Panama City Beach, you will have essentially everything you need (cooktop & wall ovens). If you have questions about the equipment you will be cooking with, please email andrea.moak@tripsmarter.com

How much time will I be on camera?
You will have a total of 18 minutes on camera per show, but if you are considering a dish that takes a long time to prepare (for example, a veal shank that must roast for 4 hours - or a process that takes several days), it is still possible to pull it off. You will just need to bring a 'finished' dish, and we will show the audience the most exciting and interesting parts of the process. (Remember each show is shot twice and you are shooting TWO different shows!)

How to Prepare Before the Show:

You should familiarize yourself with the style and varying approaches to our shows by watching a few of our archived shows online at: www.tripsmarter.com/chefshows

What to bring with you on the day of the shoot:

1. No matter what the size of the recipe bring the ingredients to make only one or two portions, TWICE . (Two complete sets of the same amount, pre-measured, pre-portioned ingredients so that we can run through the same show twice.)

2. Bring any special pans, tools or implements that you may need. We will stock basic tools of cooking, but we will not have many specialty items.

3. Bring any chargers or plates/dishes/bowls you want to showcase your dishes.

4. Bring a shirt for prep and set up... and one, or ideally two, pressed jackets for the shoot.

If you are considering a dish that takes a long time to prepare (for example, a veal shank that must roast for 4 hours - or a process that takes several days), it is still possible to pull it off. You will just need to bring a 'finished' dish, and we will show the audience the most exciting and interesting parts of the process.

Most importantly, be well rested and decked out in your favorite chef’s garb!

Basic Floor Directions
To give you an idea of how much time you actually have on-camera

Segment 1
Host and Guest Chef on camera

On-camera time 2:00 minutes

Says hello
Talks about dish
Talks about ingredients
Throws to Break (we’ll be right back)

Segment 2
Host and Guest Chef back on camera.

On-camera time 5:00 minutes
Welcome back
Start cooking
Throws to break (we’ll be right back)

Segment 3
Host and Guest Chef back on camera

On-camera time 5:00 minutes
Welcome back
Cooking continues
Throws to break (we’ll be right back)

Segment 4
Host and Guest Chef back on camera.

On-camera time 4:00 minutes
Welcome back
Completes meal
Throws to break (we’ll be right back)

Segment 5
Host and Guest Chef back on Camera

On-camera time 2:00 minutes
Welcome back
Tastes the food, closes the show.

That’s 18 total minutes of actual time in front of the camera!

Click Here to download a printable version of show preparations.

Contact Information

Your Producers:
Toni Davis
Toni@TripSmarter.Com
850.276.1017 Cell

Andrea Moak
Andrea.Moak@TripSmarter.Com
850.685.8440 Cell

Your Hosts:
Tim Creehan
timcreehan@aol.com
850.259.8044 Cell

Margit Bisztray
Margit.Bisztray@TripSmarter.Com
305.522.1281 Cell