The Day Drones Dared: A Memorable Challenge and Prank on Mike Rowe of Famed TV Show “Dirty Jobs”
Introduction:
In the heart of Georgia, amidst the buzz of anticipation and the crisp chill of a below-freezing day in early December of 2016, a remarkable event unfolded at one of the nation's oldest Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) RC Airfields – the Cobb County Radio Controlled (RC) Club Airfield. Here, an audacious blend of challenge and prank was set to surprise an unsuspecting Mike Rowe, beloved for his role in "Dirty Jobs." This was not just any event; it was a moment poised to etch itself into the annals of First Person View (FPV) Drone Racing & Freestyle history.
The Backstory:
Our story begins with a seemingly mundane yet frequently thrilling aspect of my life (Todd Wahl - Founder of the Drone Racing Club): the numerous calls from film and TV producers, each proposing the next big idea to intertwine the burgeoning world of drones or drone racing with the glam of television or film. Despite the allure, experience had taught me a healthy dose of skepticism – the glittering proposals often faded into the ether as quickly as they had appeared. Yet, this time, the narrative took an unexpected turn. With just a few days to the slated filming, the call came through: it was happening. The rush of excitement was palpable, interwoven with a trace of disbelief. This wasn't just another fizzled prospect; this was the real deal.
The Challenge and Prank:
The episode's premise was ingeniously simple yet wildly entertaining: introducing Mike Rowe to the gadget he had famously despised – a drone. Earlier in the year, Rowe had a rather intimate encounter with a drone, courtesy of a nosy paparazzi, which ended with him, a shotgun in hand, stark naked on his back porch. Our challenge was to get Mike behind the controls of one of these flying machines and offer him a chance at redemption. The ultimate twist? Allowing him the satisfaction of shooting down the drone with an Airsoft gun, turning his previous vexation into a victorious vendetta.
领英推荐
Read More About: “Naked Mike Rowe Pulls Shotgun on Drone Filing his Bedroom”
The Assembly of FPV Legends:
Bringing this audacious plan to life took more than just a daring idea; it required the assembly of legends. From the foundational stones of the Drone Racing Club (DRC) in Atlanta to the inventive yet patient mind of Jesse Perkins, known affectionately as Mr. Tiny Whoop, the event was a gathering of the titans of the drone world. Perkins, the brain behind the diminutive yet dynamic Tiny Whoop drones, didn't hesitate to join the fray. Alongside him stood Chris Toombs, the visionary co-founder of FPVLIVE.TV, capturing every aerial maneuver and misstep of Rowe's drone-flying attempts. The airfield buzzed with the energy of DRC's founding members, including Joel Judkins "Stickman", who offered Rowe a vicarious thrill through shared FPV goggles, and the camaraderie of Lionel Voght, John Crawford, Steve Smith, Matt Smith, Nick Holmes, Vern Starr, and other distinguished members whose contributions were instrumental to pulling this off. The event also shone under the starlight of famous YouTubers and Drone Racing League (DRL) celebrities like Jonathon Davis "Skitzo", Kevin Dougherty "StingerSwarm", and Nick Willard "WildWily", each adding their unique flair and advisement to the day.
Watch the full episode: “Mike Rowe Faces His WORST NIGHTMARE | Somebody's Gotta Do It”
It was a cold but exciting day full of laughs! And the answer is YES! Mike Rowe is just as incredible and funny in person as on TV. It was indeed one of the highlights of my life to have had the opportunity to do this with all involved and meet Mike Rowe in the process.
#fpvdrone #fpvfreestyle #fpvracing #fpvlife #fpvpilot #fpv #flimmaking #tvshow
Solutions Manager at Verizon
11 个月Still bummed I had to work that day and didn't make it out.