Friday, February 25, 2011

Oprah gives Zach Anner, Texas filmmaker with CP, (and his competition) shows on her OWN network

Media dis&dat note: Oprah's decision was announced at 10:30 p.m. EST Feb. 25. The story below is from the morning of Feb. 25.

From LA TV Insider Examiner:


It seems like just yesterday Oprah Winfrey was announcing her top ten finalists all vying for their own show on her brand new network, but today we stand here on the verge of the green light decision with only two remaining. Tonight Zach Anner and Kristina Kuzmic go head-to-head for a chance at appearing on OWN in a six-episode guarantee. (Both are pictured)

But of course they won’t have to do it alone. In the season finale of Your Own Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star, old favorites return to help the two vying for the title along the way as they prep their pilot presentation. And the would-be hosts are responsible for everything in their pilot presentation; it is a very “roll up your sleeves and make your own dreams come true” scenario with them writing the script, lending a hand at set decoration, and of course, being the face of their concept.

While there really are no losers in this scenario, as every single one of the finalists gained by appearing on OWN and being mentored by some of the best in the business, one will eventually edge out the other.

Anner is the twenty-six year old comedian with cerebral palsy who became a YouTube sensation, catching the attention of even some celebrity fans like John Mayer when he submitted to be on the show. His proposed pilot is a travel show that would inspire people to live their best possible life and realize that disabilities do not define a person, nor do they have to hinder dreams.

Kuzmic is the thirty-one year old mother, chef, and creator of the website StickyCook.com who hopes to showcase the fun in cooking, rather than the chore of it. She is extremely passionate about what she does and hopes that her honest interest in the topic will inspire others to do what they are passionate about, as well.

Anner's innate humor has made him stand out in the competition, winning over (and at times surprising) everyone from his fellow contestants to the weekly guest mentors and judges. Kuzmic, on the other hand, excelled at keeping her cool under pressure, even when drama arose with another finalist. They both have star quality and look and feel extremely natural on camera and in challenges. They both bring something new and different to the television landscape. They both truly love their topics and therefore have an enthusiasm that radiates off the screen. They both embody Winfrey's message of "inspiring and uplifting." And since neither one of them seem like they'll show any cracks in their armor any time soon, it look to be a really tight race to the finish line.

We wouldn't have expected any less!

So who do you think will walk away with their own show? Or do you think Winfrey will cave and let them both have a shot? After all, she has built her new network on the motto of inspiring, uplifting, and changing lives. And what better way to put her money where her mouth is than to give both worthy contestants a chance to prove there are experts in their chosen fields?