Making a Promo for Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party
Are you ready for the next episode of my newest show, “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party” on VH1? Be sure to tune-in tonight at 10pm ET, when rapper, 2Chainz, and actress, Naya Rivera, join us for an early Thanksgiving.
Earlier this fall, I spent a day at my Bedford, New York farm, shooting a promo for our series. A lot of work goes into making any television production. This one required a large crew, lots of equipment and props - even a purple colored low rider Monte Carlo. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the production shoot came together. To see the finished commercial that’s airing on YouTube, just click on this highlighted link for “Shaking the Perfect Martini”.
Enjoy these photos and don't forget to watch "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party" tonight on VH1! Tell me what you think of the show in the comments section below.
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- Every detail of the shoot is thoroughly planned, including the license plate on the Monte Carlo low rider.
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- The all-day shoot production takes place in the stable courtyard at my farm. The crew arrives very early in the morning to begin setting-up.
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- Here, the crew is getting the low rider into position for some preliminary shots. A low rider is a customized vehicle fitted with a hydraulic system that allows it to be raised or lowered.
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- Low riders are made to bounce at the touch of a button.
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- The camera crew checks its equipment many times before shooting.
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- This may look like me, but it’s really my stand-in – a person who is my height with similar features that can take my place during preparation and blocking of a specific scene.
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- On one side of the courtyard, several tables are set up with props – and multiples of each, just in case something breaks or doesn’t work properly. Fortunately, we did not need the extras.
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- This is Inge Fonteyn, my wardrobe artist. Inge has been styling my television wardrobe since the production of my show, “Living”.
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- Martini glasses are perfectly lined up on the table.
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- Freshly cut flowers from my gardens are arranged and placed in front of the carriage house.
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- My dear Friesians watch all the action from their paddock. My horses have been in many shoots and photographs – they are very used to all the equipment and people.
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- The crew sets up this giant parabolic umbrella, which helps to diffuse the bright light.
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- It is used alongside what is called a sun scrim, which is also used to modify lighting and prevent any poor glares.
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- Here I am on set with the director going over what I will do in the first scene.
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- Last-minute lighting and camera adjustments are made.
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- These are the storyboards for the shoot – a group of illustrations that summarize all the various shots required.
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- Here I am ready to shoot.
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- The scene requires several takes, so the cameras can capture every possible move from different angles.
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- It’s a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. Inge took this quick snapshot of me in between takes.
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- Here I am with our director of design, Anduin Havens.
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- Here I am waiting for my cue to walk to the car. Cameras will take several wide and medium shots of me getting into the driver’s seat.
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- The cameras are ready.
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- And, “action”.
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- I had so much fun shooting the low rider scene – the car was very bouncy.
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- Shots of my martini shaker sitting next to me are taken at the end.
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- Be sure to watch “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party”, Mondays at 10pm ET on VH1. You don’t want to miss it.
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