The Logical Lizard

Geoffrey Notkin mixes art with science for a delectable blend of life in the desert

by Logical Lizard on Sep.10, 2009, under Meteorite Men TV Diary, Technology

Meteorite Men TV Show Diary: Pre-Production, It’s Quite A Production

Sometime last year, my co-host Steve Arnold and I had a most interesting conversation with LMNO Productions owner, and our Executive Producer, Eric Schotz. He told us that if he was developing a show about, for example, an emergency room, or armed forces veterans returning from overseas, there would be a number of options; a number of different people to interview and work with. “But I can’t go out and get two other guys who do what you do. The show is about you.” So, no pressure.

But really, I am joking. It is an honor and a privilege to find yourself in a situation where major companies have put a great deal of money, time and effort into making a rather unique adventure series about you and your buddy. Steve had me laughing the other day when he said: “I want our show to be the best meteorite hunting program on television!” It is a most unusual topic for a series, but I do know one thing: wherever I go and whatever kind of people I meet there seems to be a universal fascination with our rather odd profession: “Really? You look for meteorites. You mean, like shooting stars?”

The Logical Lizard (left) and professional meteorite hunter Steve Arnold scouting locations for the "Meteorite Men" TV show. Photograph by Margaret Haddad.

The Logical Lizard (left) and professional meteorite hunter Steve Arnold scouting locations for the new "Meteorite Men" TV series. Photograph by Margaret Haddad.

The fact that our work is so unusual and specialized means we are actively involved in nearly every aspect of pre-production: locations, equipment, wardrobe, logistics, scheduling. We even have the pleasure of inviting some favorite academics to appear on the show with us. We are airing on the Science Channel, so Meteorite Men has to be a lot more than just an adventure series. It’s a good mix: Steve and I go out to the wild places, test new gear, develop hunting techniques, do our research, hike, dig, meet weird and colorful characters along the way, and when each adventure draws to a close we head to a lab or university to meet with one of our colleagues in academia. Will any of our finds help shed light on the mysteries of the universe? Well, maybe not every episode, but each fragment of new knowledge is a piece in the puzzle, and it doesn’t hurt to dream.

And anyway, Steve feels people are tuning in to be entertained, not to have the spotlight of universal understanding turned upon them. We’ll figure it out.

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6 Comments for this entry

  • PABlo
    September 10th, 2009 on 10:42 pm

    Geoff: Kudos on the success of your show. Your co-host Steve and you have a really great thing going, and without a doubt are the best meteorite hunting program on television. If I may say so, your ideas of combining art and science are also a note-worthy achievement. I really enjoy your blog here too. Best wishes to both of you Meteorite Men. I’m looking forward to hearing more about all the good stuff, & talking to you sometime soon.
    ~PABlo

    Reply
  • 7dog5cat
    September 11th, 2009 on 5:28 am

    Can’t wait for it to air.  When will that be?

    Reply
  • Bjay
    September 11th, 2009 on 11:30 am

    Can’t wait!  Where are you in the picture?  Is that around Patagonia/Lochiel/Washington Camp?  Asking because the mountain behind youlooks like one that’s around a favorite camping spot.

    Reply
  • electronic cigarette
    November 11th, 2009 on 2:21 pm

    Just did some research. Is this out yet? Dont see it.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Logical Lizard
      November 11th, 2009 on 4:51 pm

      Dear EC: Thanks for posting. My co-host and I have been hard at work on the new season. The first episode will premiere on January 20 at 9 pm on the Science Channel. Here the latest Meteorite Men press release. In the coming weeks I’ll be writing a number of new articles for The Logical Lizard about the making of the show. I really appreciate your interest! Cheers — LL

      Reply

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