Have you ever been to a TV screening before? I hadn't, so some of my review may just be a reflection of unreasonable expectations.
The wait:
Why in the world are the emails so specific about arriving at or before 8am? We arrived and parked twenty minutes early (just to be sure) but the show didn't own any of the doors till almost 8:30 (which made for a lot of standing in the freezing cold).
When the doors opened, security took twenty minutes of coaxing everyone's cell phones away before permitting audience members to pass the first gate. Did I mention how COLD it was? Waiting. With no time estimates. In The cold, needing to pee.
So we passed the first gate, to be asked again to give up our cell phones.
Eventually the crowd trickled through some stanchions to be asked again for cell phones, then bag check and security screening (for cell phones).
All that plus some paperwork till you wait in an outdoor courtyard with no heat. (It's still really cold!)
This waiting area isn't the most inviting. As you look around. There are metal grates, hard black top, an inability to see direct sunlight or clouds, and an overwhelming desire to draw analogies to a slaughter house pen.
There is no way to escape.
No way to see the sun.
No way to get warm.
No decisions to make on your own.
No posted notice regarding what kind of time line to expect.
There was some coffee provided (thank you), and toilets available, then we waited some more.
More and more people arrive (well past the targeted cut off time of 8-8:05 am entrance window) before anyone is allowed to enter the inside waiting room.
Then, in ya go.
Hallelujah for chairs! And very strong air conditioning. It got colder still. A gentleman (not sure as to his role or title) spieled for a bit whilst everyone is invited to take a last chance potty break. He also asked, no less than 3 times, if anyone had a cell phone.
We waited some more, then audience members were invited to chairs on the filming stage.
Next up, get the audience enthusiastic! Let's be serious, those of us who aren't die hard Dr. Phil fans are feeling a tad mutinous at this point, so turning that frown upside down can't be easy. They did a great job getting everyone to move a bit, cheer, and get ready for doctor Phil. I give them a lot of credit for this chapter.
By the time actual show stuff is ready to roll, I was happy again to be there. It was kinda fun to watch the recording process.
This is one of those experiences everyone needs to try at least once.
Words of advice to the audience:
Wear warm clothes. Seriously. Long johns under your cute stuff is a good plan.
Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of standing time.
Check in your cell phone or leave it in the car.
Take snacks or sandwiches in your purse, you'll be hungry.
Don't arrive on time, it's not worth it.
Advice to Dr. Phil's staff:
1. Please post or email more details regarding pre filming process, times (as best you can), and a warning regarding food availability.
2. It'd be a real boon to have some kind of photo opportunity. Maybe a digital photo booth in the slaughter house pit, or a nice sign outside. A photo from the experience helps people remember the event significantly more.
3. Hot tea please. Thank you for the coffee, would it be too much to ask for a pot of hot water and bucket of tea bags?
4. Please smile. read more