Go for Donny! with Mark Jacobs - From Newsroom to Reality TV Revolution

Go For Donny!

In this captivating episode of "Go For Donny," host Donny McGuire sits down with the legendary Mark Jacobs, a maestro in television production with a portfolio boasting 55 series pilots. Jacobs shares intriguing stories from his dynamic career journey, from being a news director and chief photojournalist covering global events to becoming an influential figure in reality TV.
Discover how Mark anticipated the rise of new media in 2004, transitioning into reality television with groundbreaking projects like the chaotic yet successful series featuring Danny Bonaduce. Listen as he recounts his pivotal moments on set, including designing the unique therapy room concept and capturing raw, uninterrupted scenes for reality TV, an approach he honed during his news days.
Dive into Mark's creative process and technical skills, from his early days shooting from helicopters for KGTV Channel 10 in San Diego to pioneering the use of drones for unique filming perspectives. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of intense and lighthearted show productions, including "Beauty and the Geek," "Rob & Big," "The Two Coreys," and the innovative "Squad Wars" with the Try Guys.
Mark's anecdotes reveal the evolution of reality TV production, the unpredictable nature of working with celebrities like Paris Hilton, and the importance of building long-term friendships through shared experiences. Don’t miss the thrilling tale of Danny Bonaduce's wild antics on set, including a dramatic car chase scene, and how Marc navigated the challenges of capturing these genuine, compelling moments.
This episode is packed with Mark’s wisdom about visualizing scenes from an aerial perspective, directing under pressure, and the vital role of audio mixers in production. Whether you're a television production enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights into the world of reality TV.
Join Donny and Mark as they explore the fascinating intersections of news, reality TV, and technical innovation. Subscribe to our podcast on Buzzsprout, visit our website, and catch the full episode on YouTube for an immersive experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s best!
00:00 Directing challenges, pressure from execs, Hilton involvement.

03:49 Directors manage stress and clueless executives silently.

07:06 Operating stories with Paris; unique connection through Jesse.

13:03 Fun memories of show and Zio Rentals.

14:25 Built strong friendships through shifting media career.

20:22 Chaotic journey home with cars and skateboard.

21:25 Danny buys vodka and cranberry juice.

24:21 Chaos in control room, unexpected surprise upstairs.

28:44 He freaked out, jumped from limo, chaos ensued.

33:09 Crazy frat house atmosphere, main guy's chair.

36:47 Hilltop talks, contemplation, filming challenges at Zuma.

38:17 Positive: Roles, family support; tragic heart murmur.

42:14 Planning boxing/WWF-themed event with dramatic effects.

44:27 Security chase: Control room to loading dock.

49:49 Complex sequence involving escape and pursuit challenges.

52:26 Using drones for dynamic filming techniques.

53:51 Gifted at visualizing room layouts from memory.

Don’t forget to check out Go for Donny! Switch to Channel 2 where we get to ask our guests some more in depth questions that you the listener want answers too.
“Go for Donny!” & “Switch to Channel 2” can be found on all available podcast platforms.
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