The Media Effect and Upcoming Seasons

[Maggie Kahman]

I'm referring more to the new unaccompanied chaser.

I can see it now.

It's First Target Live on _______.

Episode 1: Learning the Ropes

Join ____ and _____ as they study the power of historic violent tornadoes and learn the tricks of the trade with veteran chasers ____ and ____. Join us next episode as they take to the road for the first time.

Episode 2: The First Chase

____ and ____ chase for the first time. Will they forecast successfully? Will it be a dance in the sunset or will they encounter the worst storm on the planet the supercell? Join us next week on First Target. Watch a beginner become a seasoned chaser before your very eyes.

Episode 3,4,5,6,7 - Continuing Adventures

Sounds interesting to me!

Jeff....Sounds like a good deal to me....But make'm use the internet at the public library.

Oh, man!! I would love to see that. Would be very interesting, thats for dang sure

 

[Scott McPartland]

Hi all!

I think (as mentioned in this thread many times already) that the gas prices alone will keep many non serious chasers off the road...lol. Here in New York City we're up to about 3.30 a gallon. But overall, out of all the media attention will come a steady influx of new chasers, and as also mentioned before, over time many will give up while a few will ultimately decide that "yea, I really like this and want to continue to learn, and to chase".

In essence, that was me 20+ years ago. It started with a combination severe weather event here in my neighborhood in Queens, NY (The exact date was August 29th, 1985) and you guessed it.....the NOVA special. That was it, I was hooked! I spent the next 14 years filming thunderstorms in NYC but didn't actually chase out on the plains until 1999. I feel for many of the newbies that get accused of the "oh, you're only into it because of this or that or someother bull&*&t. I've been accused of the same. To me, it really doesn't matter what initally gets you interested in chasing. Whether it's the Twister Sisters show, or "Storm Chasers" on Discovery, who cares......as long as you want to learn, care about safety, and are respectful...I'd love to have a beer with you

Anyway, I also agree that many of the more "decked out" vehicles will get more of the hanger ons, so low key probably is best. All though, with the hail guards that Dave Lewison designed for my Nissan Xterra, lol......it's a little hard for us to remail low key. But, I'm willing to deal with that for a little extra glass protection. Then again, my appearance alone might keep some of them away. Anyone who knows me understands what I'm talking about, lol...Like Shane, my full blown beard might have folks wondering (especially if I'm not driving at the time), is he a chaser? or some drug dealer that got busted and that's why he's in some kind of bullet proof vechile! This will be even more of a likelyhood if I decide to keep my 2 month beard growth going another few months

One thing I do know is that no matter what, the majority of us here, myself included, will continue to chase no matter how many people end up out there. However, I will haul off on anyone that does something completely stupid that puts me, or Dave in jepordy. With that said, lol.....see you all out on the plains!!

 

[George Kourounis]

As far as I'm concerned, all of the new TV shows are pilots or one off shows. Until I read in the media trade mags that they have been picked up for a second season, there just a one off thing. Unless the shows bring in lots of viewers to sell ad space, it's not going to see a second season.

Well actually, my TV show (Angry Planet) has been picked up for a second season of 13 episodes. That makes 26 in total. Right now it airs in Canada (in both english and french), United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden and Finland. Season one Episodes started airing back in March 2007.

As far as I know, this is the first ever storm chaser based, full 13 episode TV show. We're about halfway through filming season two right now and recently returned from storm chasing in Australia.

Currently, the show is not airing in the U.S. but I hope to see that change in the near future. We'll see what happens. Once all the season one shows have aired, then we might do a box set for sale.

As for influencing viewers. A lot of the stuff I do on the show wouldn't be practical for most people to try and imitate but if there ends up being a few more cars out there on the plains next season... Well they have as much right to be out there as any of us do. Just please be safe.

George Kourounis
www.stormchaser.ca
www.angryplanet.tv