Masterchef

Ryan

I like turtles
#1
Please support the show I worked very hard on. It starts this Tuesday on FOX!! This is unlike any cooking show you've watched, and I get promoted if it gets picked up for a second season!

 
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Ryan

I like turtles
#4
Thanks! If you have super slow motion on your TV you'll see my name in the credits. In terms of quality shows, this is my favorite i've worked on so far. Not that Bully Beatdown lacks any moral values....
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#5
I already have this flagged on my DVR. Now that I know you had something to do with it, I'll make sure I tell all my friends, too! It looks really good... At some point, I'm going to want to know how Gordon Ramsey is to work with. ;)
 

Ryan

I like turtles
#7
t some point, I'm going to want to know how Gordon Ramsey is to work with. ;)
One of the nicest celebrities I've ever worked with. Knows everyone by name, extremely punctual, all around great guy. With that said, it's amazing to see him transform into another person when he puts on his apron. I'd work with him again in a heart beat.
 
#9
Good premiere ratings. You basically held the Hell's Kitchen lead-in even though you had to beat America's Got Talent and HK's competition was that Tony Robbins disaster. I would think Fox is happy.
 

Ryan

I like turtles
#10
I tried looking for your name, however, the credits ran sooooooo fast. I tried several times without any luck.
Yeah I couldn't find myself either!! Dumb.

I've seen the episode before, but it's a different experience watching it on FOX. I'm very pleased with how it turned out. Thanks for watching!
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#11
I like the show and I've already got a couple of favorites. It's now part of my DVR recording routine to make sure I don't miss it and I know of three other people who have done the same thing. :) I was a little concerned about Gordon and the rest when they tasted the baked potato casserole with about a gallon of butter on it...

I've scrolled the credits at slow, slow speed and cannot find your name, Ryan. I think you need to point that out to them. You have FANS! Tell me who to send an email to! ;)
 

pdxKingsFan

So Ordinary That It's Truly Quite Extraordinary
Staff member
#12
Seems like with TV there is no guarantee the locals will run the full roll at the end. Unfortunately I know first hand the disappointment of not seeing your name when you expect to and it still stings a tiny bit 6 years later.
 

Ryan

I like turtles
#13
I've scrolled the credits at slow, slow speed and cannot find your name, Ryan. I think you need to point that out to them. You have FANS! Tell me who to send an email to! ;)
Yeah I started off day playing so I think that's why I'm not on. I'll for sure be in the credits for Biggest Loser Season 10 and Oprah's new "Your Show"

Who are your favorites?
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#14
Yeah I started off day playing so I think that's why I'm not on. I'll for sure be in the credits for Biggest Loser Season 10 and Oprah's new "Your Show"

Who are your favorites?
The two I remember right off the bat are the guy who cooked the macaroni and cheese (has the cute son and forgot the seasoning in the dish) and the woman who made the crusted catfish but slightly overcooked the pasta. The one guy I'm not really sure about at all so far is the guy who was full of bravado and bluster and was being a total jerk until they got it across to him that being real is what will get him far in the competition.
 

Ryan

I like turtles
#15
The two I remember right off the bat are the guy who cooked the macaroni and cheese (has the cute son and forgot the seasoning in the dish) and the woman who made the crusted catfish but slightly overcooked the pasta. The one guy I'm not really sure about at all so far is the guy who was full of bravado and bluster and was being a total jerk until they got it across to him that being real is what will get him far in the competition.
David Miller is actually a great guy. Depending on the editing, I have a feeling you'll like him. This episode was a little tough seeing Whitney (the one wearing yellow).haha, a little love lost long ago.

We shot this over two days. The judges tasted the eggs cold (a little weird) but they convinced the contestants it was ok. After they finished cooking they went to lunch, then tasted the dishes. The sparks really did fly from the oven. Oh, and it was funny seeing the reaction shots from when the challenge was over. We had to re-shoot that.
 

Capt. Factorial

ceterum censeo delendum esse Argentum
Staff member
#16
The judges tasted the eggs cold (a little weird) but they convinced the contestants it was ok. After they finished cooking they went to lunch, then tasted the dishes.
Let me get this straight. The judges, whose responsibility it is to eat the food, waited until the food was cooked, then went to lunch so that they could come back and eat it when the food was cold and they were full? The world is a strange, strange place.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#17
David Miller is actually a great guy. Depending on the editing, I have a feeling you'll like him. This episode was a little tough seeing Whitney (the one wearing yellow).haha, a little love lost long ago.

We shot this over two days. The judges tasted the eggs cold (a little weird) but they convinced the contestants it was ok. After they finished cooking they went to lunch, then tasted the dishes. The sparks really did fly from the oven. Oh, and it was funny seeing the reaction shots from when the challenge was over. We had to re-shoot that.
They actually tasted COLD poached eggs? I don't believe the font setting allows me to say "EWWWW!" with enough emphasis!!!

Keep in the insider stuff coming. This show has already become one of my top favorites of the summer.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#18
Let me get this straight. The judges, whose responsibility it is to eat the food, waited until the food was cooked, then went to lunch so that they could come back and eat it when the food was cold and they were full? The world is a strange, strange place.
As far as the judges eating before tasting, that's not unusual. I've seen chili contest judges do the same thing. They want to TASTE the food and judge its flavor, etc. and if they're not hungry, they're more likely to take a small bite and savor it. At least that's what I was told by one judge I asked...
 

Ryan

I like turtles
#19
Sorry I meant to type up some notes but my life has been a little crazy with my sister getting married next month.

Ok, last weeks challenge….
The Camp Pendleton day was insane. The editing didn’t do justice – it was much more intense seeing those tanks coming out of the water than it was watching on TV. I’m still shocked we were able to get so many marines to help out.



Two true facts: the contestants had no idea Ramsay and Co were going to walk out of that tank. Their reactions were real. Also, remember David Miller’s tuxedo shirt? He was truly embarrassed.

Inside info: I’m sure some of you guess it, the contestants did not in fact run from the beach to the kitchen. We shot them running away from the beach, then we cut, picked them up, and drove to the kitchen.

I’m glad Sharone is getting more air time. He’s a great guy and an amazing cook. I’m actually going to see him along with Mike, Lee and Faruq tonight for a viewing party.

A lot of people ask me if I get to try the food. It’s not about what they make, it’s about what they DON’T USE. During a pressure test like last weeks, we load up on three choices of food. Whitney chose the oranges, thus we have an excessive amount of Mushrooms and Dusks that we don’t need. Most is donated to charity, but for those of us working late, we get to take them home…..


Thank you, Whitney, for not making duck.

Now, about those who went home.

AVIS: I’m really sad to see her leave. She had such a warm presence and she NEVER complained. That’s huge. These guys are working 12-hour days with very strict rules. Sometimes they are forced go hours on end without speaking to each other, and Avis had a positive attitude the entire time.

SHEENA: Sheena’s biggest problem was her attitude. Sometimes I felt like she was more interested in being on camera than actually cooking. Eh…I’m not a fan.

JENNA: Pretty quiet so I don’t have many feelings for her. You can be a great cook, but if you’re not charismatic, you’re not getting air time ::cough::LEE::cough:: Sometimes you have to remind them this is a TV show that happens to be about
cooking, not a cooking competition that happens to be a TV show.



The set is absolutely beautiful. Major props to the art department for making this possible.

Tonight’s episode….



We get down to the basics - cooking burgers! We shot at a set called "Aces" way out in the middle of nowhere. Remember the 2003 thriller "Identity" with John Cusack? If you do, you'll recognize this motel.

Enjoy!
I’ll post more secrets next week!
 
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VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#21
Thanks for identifying the locale. I knew I'd seen it before but for the life of me couldn't place it. I like Sharone. I was very impressed with how the red team adapted on the fly, after that disastrous start. I don't know if part of it is the editing, but he seems to just have the best natural instincts for a successful chef. I really like how the show has evolved - kind of a Top Chef meets Chopped meets Hells Kitchen vibe.

Keep the insights coming. It's fun to know someone on the inside. ;)
 

Ryan

I like turtles
#22
Did anyone watch last night's episode? I'm watching it right now. Writing my comments, I'll post tomorrow. Highlights include Joe getting drunk at the wedding.....and how long did it REALLY take to get those salads out....
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#23
Did anyone watch last night's episode? I'm watching it right now. Writing my comments, I'll post tomorrow. Highlights include Joe getting drunk at the wedding.....and how long did it REALLY take to get those salads out....
I watched. :)

I was a little bothered by the crab incident. I mean, it's part of her religion to respect all living things, she's never killed anything and now she has to toss a living crab into a boiling pot of water? (I know that's how it's done but I was a little conflicted over making someone intentionally go against their religion...)

I was really surprised to see Joe out-Gordon Gordon when he tossed Slim's "dish" into the trash. I would have been tempted to do the same thing, mind you, but I was surprised to see Joe do it. I was a little sad to see Jake go home, but I don't think he was going to win so I think his time had about come.

A little concerned about Whitney. She seems to have good natural instincts but just doesn't seem to be improving and growing...

As far as Sharone goes, he's still my favorite.

Looking forward to your comments. How are the ratings going? If I need to write a fan letter or 17, just let me know!!!
 
#24
Yes, I watched the show the other night.

How is Joe (the judge) to work with. He seems like a jerk.

I am starting to like Lee (I think that is his name). He was on the blue team. He was with Tracy, Mike and Jake. Although it seems like Tracy was a nice person, she was annoying me.

I agree with VF21 regarding Whitney. She doesn't seem at all improving.

It seems like Sharone and Lee have this dislike competition and I really like it.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#27
Okay, the last episode was interesting...

I think Sharone shot himself in the foot with the stupid fish liver thing. Although I still really like him, I think his over-confidence was his worst enemy. I am most amazed by Sheetal, who seems to be stepping it up with every dish she prepares. Regardless of the outcome - which I think the teaser might have "spoiled" - I think she's really going to go far with her talents.

Now, for the important stuff:

CONGRATULATIONS to the crew and everyone who worked on this series. And especially to Ryan Etcheson! It's great to see you doing so well, kid. I'm truly very, very proud of you - and take great joy in being able to say I have an original Ryan Etcheson production piece in my collection! ;)

Good on ya!
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#28
Great finale, Ryan! And I was very glad to see Whitney win. I've got a question - was the clock really that close to expiring or was it edited for dramatic effect? Not that it matters...I'm just curious. I really enjoyed the show and am already looking forward to next season.

One more question? Was David really that self-confident or was it nerves or perhaps a false sense of what might make "good TV"? Choosing one of Gordon's signature dishes was not a wise move.