Author Topic: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)  (Read 23817 times)

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Offline georgiapeach

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Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« on: August 28, 2008, 04:12:59 PM »

Michael McKay routinely (and very kindly) answers forum members' questions over on the AXN boards.

I thought it would be fun and informative to share the most interesting of those here as well!



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Offline georgiapeach

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2008, 04:20:11 PM »
I found this quote very interesting in terms of helping us to understand what the race may hold:

Quote
"I wanted the third series to look and feel different to the others. I didn't want it to focus so much on the big travel legs of series 2. I wanted to set a route that tested the stamina and endurance of the teams and their smarts. I was keen to establish it as an extremely tough race right from the outset and one that focuses attention on the teams and their relationships. I really do hope fans of the series will love The Amazing Race Asia 3 as much as we love producing it for them" he adds.

Harder racing? Fewer extended pitstops? Hmmmm...
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2008, 04:24:31 PM »
Michael Mckay (TARA3 Producer) has said:

Quote
Did K&V REALLY apply to be on TARA3?
All will be revealed on Racers Revealed, Sept 4.



Want  to know more? Have a look over here: :lol:

http://forum.realityfanforum.com/index.php/topic,13770.new.html#new
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Offline apskip

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2008, 04:42:02 PM »
I found this quote very interesting in terms of helping us to understand what the race may hold:

Quote
"I wanted the third series to look and feel different to the others. I didn't want it to focus so much on the big travel legs of series 2. I wanted to set a route that tested the stamina and endurance of the teams and their smarts. I was keen to establish it as an extremely tough race right from the outset and one that focuses attention on the teams and their relationships. I really do hope fans of the series will love The Amazing Race Asia 3 as much as we love producing it for them" he adds.

Harder racing? Fewer extended pitstops? Hmmmm...

Peach:
There is a difference between harder racing(which is highly likely given McKay's statements) and extended pitstops, which I think will still be needed particularly because of the need for racers to have down time. I also think that harder racing means fewer NELs, which have not been too difficult in part Amazing Race Asia seasons.

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2008, 04:48:05 PM »
That's what puzzles me. I think harder racing means less racer downtime and hence fewer extended pitstops. But I am all in favor of fewer NEL's, but I think we will have to have some to make the episodes come out right.

(apskip I moved your previous comment on this to spoilers in answer to banzai's question)
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2008, 09:33:54 AM »
 3 hours ago, Michael_McKay says:   
 
 
Quote
Looks like my comments about not taking a TARA4 for granted caused a bit of a stir. TARA is the biggest, boldest reality series in Asia (also the most expensive) and season 2 outrated season 1. The series attracts great sponsor support so there is no doubt it is a major success story for which we are most grateful to our many fans throughout the region.

We're so excited about season 3 but I guess I've been producing TV long enough to never take things for granted.

When it is all said and done it is the viewers who decide these things. I hope we can count on your support but we won't take it for granted - promise!

 
 
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Offline Alan

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2008, 09:53:37 AM »
Michael Mckay (TARA3 Producer) has said:

Quote
Did K&V REALLY apply to be on TARA3?
All will be revealed on Racers Revealed, Sept 4.



Want  to know more? Have a look over here: :lol:

http://forum.realityfanforum.com/index.php/topic,13770.new.html#new


Haha from what I've seen, I think its really them. Their voice sounds right. They were asked to audition to advert the show? I meant who else can make up like them? Haha. :lol:

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2008, 09:59:33 AM »
It was them! :jumpy: Kynt said they had a lot of fun doing it!
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Offline banzai

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2008, 10:04:25 AM »
For real? Hahaha. I gotta to see it.

Offline puddin

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2008, 11:39:39 AM »
I knew it was them  :jumpy:


Offline apskip

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #10 on: September 04, 2008, 12:27:34 PM »
There is a 30 second Racers Revealed promo on YouTube. In second 12 of the visual display of who applied for ARA3, there is a couple that has to be Kynt & Vyxsin. I don't think they were doing it to promote ARA3. They want an Amazing Race victory!

However, they forgot who owns a significant piece of Amazing Race Asia besides Michael McKay. It's our old friend Bertram van Munster, who would not be likely to allow any prior contestants from the U.S. to screw up any ARA. I know that the standards for who is a Thai and who is a Canadian are pretty lax for amazing Race Asia, but trying to pass off known Americans as Asians is a bit tougher(even for the Chos).

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #11 on: September 04, 2008, 12:48:54 PM »
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #12 on: September 05, 2008, 12:10:29 AM »
I have sent an e-mail request to Michael for an interview on my blog. I'll let you know if he accepts.
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #13 on: September 05, 2008, 07:14:51 AM »
Michael has accepted my interview request!! :jumpy: :jumpy:

I'll give you the link when it's up. I'm doing another interview with CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell so I expect Michael's to up sometime late Sunday night (hopefully).
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2008, 10:20:41 AM »
Michael has accepted my interview request!! :jumpy: :jumpy:

I'll give you the link when it's up. I'm doing another interview with CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell so I expect Michael's to up sometime late Sunday night (hopefully).

darren rovell is awesome!!!! he helped me with sports marketing awhile back when i was in school

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #15 on: September 05, 2008, 02:14:38 PM »
Yeah, Darren's the best as far as sports business news reporting is concerned.

Michael was very quick to accept my interview request, but not so quick to answer my request to send me advance copies of the show.  :'( :'(
« Last Edit: September 05, 2008, 11:40:33 PM by TARAsia Fan »
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #16 on: September 05, 2008, 04:12:42 PM »
Yeah, Darren's the best as far as sports business news reporting is concerned.

Michael was very quick to accept my interview accept, but not so quick to answer my request to send me advance copies of the show.  :'( :'(

Cool! Try to ask him the tough/objectives questions and maybe ask him to show us Kynt and Vyxsin audition tapes? :tup:

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #17 on: September 05, 2008, 08:22:37 PM »
Oh KEN!! That is a HUGE compliment to you and all your hard work! :cheer: :congrats: :cheer:

Heee....I have a few questions.  :angel:
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #18 on: September 05, 2008, 11:41:33 PM »
Here is what I've asked thus far. If you would like a question answered, please ask one or two questions here and I'll add them to my follow-ups.

Quote
Let's start off. You've said in press interviews that this is the toughest race of the three you have produced. Without going into specifics, what made the race so tough?

In the Racers Revealed program, Kynt & Vxysin from TAR12 were seen. Was that an actual audition tape? Did they want to be in TARA? And what would have happened if you chose them for TARA?

There are a lot of celebrities in this particular race. Was there a reason for their selection?

Alan Wu has been compared to TAR host Phil Keoghan (unfairly in my view). How do you think he has evolved as a host for TARA?

What led you to produce TARA?

How much have TAR co-executive producers Bertram Van Munster and Elise Doganieri helped you in producing each season?

You've hinted at a TARA4 on the AXN website. How close is that to a reality and what can we expect for that season?

Will TARA eventually make a stop in the US? Last season, the show did go to Europe adding a new dimension to the game. Could we see a trip to the US in the near future?

This is a total self-serving question, but how did you become aware of my recaps for TARA2?

Will TARA eventually air in the US? I've had to find creative ways to watch the show, do you see TARA airing in the US sometime oon?

Of the first two seasons that have aired, what was your favorite location to visit?

How supportive has AXN been to the show?
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #19 on: September 07, 2008, 09:13:50 PM »
 
Quote
Season 3 is almost upon us, just a few days to go. I can share with you the excitement the production team has going into this season.

Of course season one was exciting being the first and season two took us far and wide. Season three, however, has generated a heightened degree of excitement amongst the crew. We could not wait to go racing. It's hard to put a finger on the reason as we always knew it would a tough race (for cast and crew). I'm really proud of our production team from the amazing camera and sound crews to the producers, art department, local crews and the post production team.

The traveling crews come from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, USA, New Zealand, Argentina and even a token Aussie here and there ;)

We represent all different cultures and religions and work together as a single team and have a lot of fun doing it.

We hope you enjoy the series as much as us.

 
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #20 on: September 07, 2008, 09:16:57 PM »
Today, Michael_McKay says:   
 
 
Quote
Sorry folks, I have been doing a spot of travelling. Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

christian_padre, thanks for dropping by. Your local team looks to have the goods and I guess all the fans there are hoping third time lucky...we'll have to wait and see but good luck to Geoff and Tisha.

Thank you gaga_interfan, appreciate the support. We love doing TARA so here's hoping season three will be a huge success.

KenshinAsuka, thank you for holding this survey. I was watching it develop on the forum and I'm really pleased Allan is proving popular with the viewers. I knew it would take a while as Phil is a hard act to follow. I'm really pleased with the way Allan has stamped himself on the role and he is obviously having fun. He is also a great guy to work with.

milshe and sprity , glad you enjoyed Racers Revealed, I will pass your comments onto the rest of the production team, and yes it really was K&V!

ronn_franco , thanks for reporting in. Glad you enjoyed it. You too The_Siege but let us get through series 3 before we worry about a season 4 ;)



 
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #21 on: September 07, 2008, 10:53:15 PM »
I'm waiting to hear back from Michael for my interview.
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #22 on: September 08, 2008, 07:30:45 PM »
Just to update you, Michael has answered my questions today. I am sending him a series of follow up questions and I hope to have that interview up soon. I will let you know as soon as its published. :)
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #23 on: September 08, 2008, 10:27:31 PM »
I have not published the interview as of yet, but I will give you a sneak preview that is for your eyes only.  :lol: :lol:

Quote
TARAsia Fan: I'm glad that you agreed to do the interview. Much appreciated.

Michael McKay: My pleasure, I enjoy reading your episode recaps of the series, they’re often very funny (and honest) .

TARAsia Fan: Let's start off. You've said in press interviews that this is the toughest race of the three you have produced. Without going into specifics, what made the race so tough?


Michael McKay: Well, as the Network has already said, it's going to be a tough Race. The toughest Asian Race, sure, but as tough as any US Race too I'd say.

The first few legs in particular are punishing and we've thrown in a few surprises for the viewers. Take nothing for granted ;)


TARAsia Fan: Of the first two seasons that have aired, what was your favorite location to visit?

Michael McKay: Oh gosh, that’s tough. I loved the Monkey Forest in Bali (although the monkeys thought the clues were bananas and kept eating them). I love going to India, it makes for great TV.

That's just a snippet of what he said. He goes on longer about how tough the race is and on his favorite locations. When I'm finished with the interview (and hopefully, that will be soon), I'll be sure to post it here.
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #24 on: September 08, 2008, 11:52:22 PM »
The interview is now up.
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #25 on: September 09, 2008, 12:34:41 AM »
Well done Ken :tup:

Great Interview :jumpy:

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #26 on: September 09, 2008, 06:57:20 AM »
TARAsia Fan,

I attempted to leave a comment on your blog, but was not able to do so. Here is my comment:

I am amused by the incompatibility of McKay's statements that Bertram van Munster in particular is involved. If that were really the case, then how could the "crossover" negative potential be serious?

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #27 on: September 09, 2008, 07:18:46 AM »
You have to be registered to leave to a comment, apskip. Too many anonymous comments, especially from Mutt & Revolting fans.
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #28 on: September 09, 2008, 09:01:48 AM »
Outstanding job, Ken!! Great questions and there is loads of wonderful content and info there!

Thank you for sharing and :thankyou: to Michael McKay for doing it!

And lookee here:

Quote
This time around we’ve gone for a tighter, more punishing route. The way the route is set up for this series I would best describe as "relentless". We wanted the teams to be always on the go, to be always challenged.

Quote
Actually one of my absolute favourite locations comes up towards the very end of this series so more on that another time.


Quote
FB: In the Racers Revealed program, Kynt & Vxysin from TAR12 were seen. Was that an actual audition tape? Did they want to be in TARA? And what would have happened if you chose them for TARA?

MM: Yes, it was Kynt & Vxysin and they really did apply. They were very keen to be involved but we felt it would be unfair to have a team that had already raced (and raced very well I might add) and also we take teams from Asia. But if we do an All Star version down the track you never know.


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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #29 on: September 09, 2008, 07:10:09 PM »
Thanks, Peach and Mrs. shrek. The interview was a lot of fun to do.
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #30 on: September 15, 2008, 09:41:25 PM »
In his latest e-mail to me, Michael says:

Quote
This week's Leg is MUCH tougher for the Racers. A real bruiser.
Hmmmm.
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #31 on: September 15, 2008, 11:37:07 PM »
They need those 90 minutes for something!  :yess:
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #32 on: October 03, 2008, 12:35:54 PM »
<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/k4TYdr5BMkr1d7MZ8W&amp;related=1" target="_blank" class="new_win">http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/k4TYdr5BMkr1d7MZ8W&amp;related=1</a>

Thanks to Alan's video,  :yess: we get to see Mr. McKay in a Sony commercial.  :wohoo:

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #33 on: October 08, 2008, 10:41:06 PM »
2 days ago, Michael_McKay says:   (From the AXN forums)
 
 
 Firstly, let me thank you all for the fantastic support you have given to season 3. Our entire production team is over the moon at the reaction to the series. In markets where we get quick TV ratings results, viewership for TARA3 is up some 12% on the record numbers for TARA2 and it is the fans of the show who drive this success. So once again, thank you.

...

 The remaining teams have done a brilliant job just to stay in this Race. I admit they are tired, if not exhausted, and we're not about to let up the pressure just yet. For this week's leg they will need to race smart and continue to race hard. Fall off the pace, even a little bit at the moment, and it could prove very costly.

 we're still following viewer support but from what I've seen to date I may need to start giving some thought to season 4. the GM at AXN will make the call on it. if you see me starting to ask questions on this site about what fans would like to see in season 4 that will be a pretty good hint ;)

 this series has plenty of surprises left in it yet so you can never be too sure what is going to happen.

Re the stinky tofu, no offence meant to our Taiwanese hosts but a few of us tried it out and yes, it sure does smell (but it tastes pretty good if you can get over the smell). 
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #34 on: October 22, 2008, 01:42:24 PM »
 4 days ago, Michael_McKay says:   
 
 
 Hi Folks, back in Singapore after a whirlwind trip to Cannes for the TV Festival there, then into London for a day. I feel like I'm back on the Race!

The age limit for the Race is 21. You are correct benjbuddy.

We have no plans for a teenage version right now.

Chriswo, thanks for stopping by, we miss you. Good explanation re the food. Also, sometimes we substitute some ingredients to ensure they meet certain criteria.

dhruvthadani, If you go back to the start of the season I said that I was not as interested in a really spread out route like season 2 as I wanted season 3 to me more relentless, more grueling with litle time for teams to rest between Legs. This was more our focus this season. It's up to the viewers to decide if this strategy worked and it has delivered what we set out to achieve.
 
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #35 on: November 25, 2008, 12:59:21 AM »
Michael McKay says: 11/22/08

Thank you to everyone for supporting TARA3. The series has been a huge success and I thank you for watching.

To some folks on the forum: I'm sorry if we could not fulfill all of your expectations :(

I do hope you have enjoyed the three series of TARA and found them entertaining, exciting and informative.

It has been a great adventure for the production team and an exciting addition to the Asian TV landscape.

I hinted at the beginning of the season that we would not be traveling far and wide, focussing instead on short sharp hops that put the Racers under maximum pressure.

I was also interested to see if our viewers preferred to see themselves / their countries on TV. It is funny that people want the show to visit their particular country in Asia but when we do we are criticized for not traveling far enough.

Congrats to the final three teams. Once again Geoff and Tisha proved how important your cab driver can be. They raced well and should be forever proud of their effort.

Ida and Tania were a good flight connection off winning (that was the crucial element for them). Sure they had some luck on the double elimination but, in the end their luck ran out on the flight connection.

Sam and Vince: To come back from that 4 hour penalty on the road block was a superb effort and they deserved their victory.

To all of the other teams, congratulations. You join a small and exclusive club. To be a part of the TARA family is a special gift indeed.

Thank you to the sponsors who make this mega expensive series possible. They are not only sponsors but true supporters.

And a personal thank you to Ricky Ow, Frank Sutera, Jack Lim and the team at AXN. They are marvelous people to work with.

Thank you to ALL the team at activeTV who have worked so hard to make TARA3 a success. Three production members ended up sick in hospital during the making of this race and I had to argue with them to get them to stop work. The dedication of our production team is unbelievable.

The heroes of the series are the camera and sound crews who run with the Teams and share 26 hour bus trips and all the other things we put the Teams through. Well done guys. You are world class.

Thank you to the entire post producton team who don't get to travel to all of the exotic places the rest of the team go to and hardly see daylight for months.

Thank you to Control Risks for keeping an eye on us on the Race. And to ISOS for helping out the walking wounded.

Thank you to the hundreds and hundreds of people we worked with on the ground. All of the hardworking local crews in Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, India and Oman.

And speaking of Oman, that is one cool place. If you get the chance to go there, take it!

And finally, a huge thank you to the families of the production teams. The absence from home for weeks on end is difficult and we appreciate your support.




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Offline georgiapeach

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #36 on: November 25, 2008, 01:06:52 AM »
 2 hours ago, Michael_McKay says:   
 
 
 Thank you to everyone for their feedback. I will discuss TARA merchandise with AXN. Maybe for purchase online.

Re the Sony ads featuring Sam and Vince, the less I say about that the better, suffice to say I was not involved in that decision.

Dragoon, thanks for the suggestions, we would try to do less back to back countries if we do TARA4.

A TARA4 is not confirmed so no call for contestants at this stage, sorry.

We would, of course, be only too happy to produce a 4th series as it is a pleasure to make the series for AXN.
 
 
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #37 on: December 18, 2008, 10:50:03 PM »
2 weeks ago, Michael_McKay says:   
 
 
 I guess they were referring to Sam and Vince being the underdogs by virtue of coming into the race late when another team had to drop out). I would say AD and Fuzzie were the underdogs this season and look how well they did.


2 weeks ago, Michael_McKay says:    
 
 
 Hi Folks, sorry i've been away (no not TARA4).  (**TAR Israel**)

Re merchandise, we will look at what we can do prior to a new series but I hasten to add there is no confirmation of TARA4 at this time.

Christian, yes, non eliminations are worked out well in advance. Except for a team not being able to go on for some medical reason, NEL's are planned well in advance. It has to be this way because of the massive logistics involved. But, I tend to agree with Mik-Mik that an unintended consequence of the double NEL is that, in TARA2 and 3, a team has come in last on both occasions so has twice escaped elimination. I'm not keen on this either and will keep this in mind for any future seasons.

Thank you tara3fan, I am pleased you liked this series. Sam and Vince were a great team and a delight to have on the Race, as were A.D. and Fuzzie.

Folks, we have no plans for a teenage edition - sorry. 
 


20 hours ago, Michael_McKay says:    
 
 
 Just to let you know that TARA2 won the Asian TV Award for the Best Adaptation of an International Format.

All associated with the production are very proud to have won this award.
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #38 on: December 18, 2008, 10:51:18 PM »
In hindsight, that 11/22 post probably means that TAR Israel had wrapped by then...
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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #39 on: February 25, 2009, 09:15:40 PM »
Michael McKay has agreed to do another interview with me. I'll talk with him about TARA3. If you have any questions, I will be glad to ask them (none about TARA4, he cannot talk about that). Please write your questions in this thread and I'll try to get to as many as I can.

Here is my first interview with him that I conducted last year.
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Offline georgiapeach

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #40 on: February 25, 2009, 09:23:19 PM »
I'd love to know his impressions of how TARI worked out, and why they didn't choose to caption the show in English, which would have substantially expanded their audience.

Were they pleased with the "toughest race ever"? I loved the lots of local transport, will they continue that?

Ultimately, how do they think the casting worked for them?

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Re: Michael McKay (TARA Producer)
« Reply #41 on: February 25, 2009, 10:31:10 PM »
I have to rewatch the seasons (which is always a good thing).
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