Reality TV show may film in town

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

AMY GRANT

Get ready for some reality TV, Warren County. And no, it’s not what you may be thinking. It’s not going to be angry Warren countians duking it out on “The Jerry Springer Show.” In fact, it’s diametrically opposed to that particular show.

The producers of the new NBC show “Three Wishes,” with host Amy Grant, have contacted Lea Chrisawn and Joyce Lawson at the McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce and offered a chance for our community to participate.

Touted as, “the show that makes individual and community wishes come true in small towns all across America,” the show’s producers are looking for compelling and inspirational stories of all kinds. If they find at least two great stories in the area, then Grant and her team may be coming to Warren County.

“If you had one wish, what would it be,” asks the show’s official press release. “NBC and Amy Grant can make it come true. NBC is granting wishes for deserving individuals and entire communities for our new, prime-time television show, ‘Three Wishes.’ Hosted by Grammy-winning recording artist Amy Grant, the show spotlights people who have touching stories and makes their dreams come true.

“There is no limit to what ‘Three Wishes’ can do for your town, and no wish is too big or too small,” the show says. “We are looking for people and neighborhoods in need, heroes who deserve recognition. Cost is not an object.”

Both Chrisawn and Lawson are delighted to hear from the show.

“They just called up out of the blue,” Chrisawn said. The producers told Lawson that they felt they would have more success with smaller communities rather than large metropolitan areas.

The Chamber has been asked to help coordinate the nominations here in Warren County. They will be working to help get the word out through the local media, and to help those interested in making a nomination to prepare their applications. Submissions can also include a video.

Since the Chamber has access to professional writing and video production personnel, Chrisawn said the organization will be glad to help local residents put their applications together. The Chamber encourages everyone to participate, but Chrisawn pointed out not everyone can be chosen for the show.

“We might have 15 people who have needs,” Chrisawn said. “But they may only choose one of those individuals.”

At the same time, Chrisawn says the more nominations, the better chance a Warren County wish will be selected for the show.

And of course, even though they can offer a good bit of help, no one is required to go through the Chamber to make a nomination. According to the show’s producers, to nominate someone for a wish, this is all you have to do:

Go to www.NBC.com and click on the link for “contestants” and then choose the link for “THREE WISHES.” Or go directly to www.nbc.com/nbc/footer/Three_Wishes.shtml.

You can also submit a tape of your wish and download an application through www.NBC.com. Or go directly to www.nbc.com/nbc/footer/Three_Wishes_Home_Tape.shtml.

Make sure your submission includes: 1. Background info on the person(s) being nominated. 2. The “Wish” that should be granted (be creative!) 3. A picture of the nominee and 4. All contact info (name, address, phone number, etc.) Please put name, city and state in the subject line.

Sorry, no home makeovers. There’s already a show that does that well.

“Three Wishes” premieres on NBC Sept. 23.