Random 1
Encyclopedia
Random 1 is a documentary-style reality television
series that aired from November 2005 to January 2006 on the A&E
cable network. In each episode, hosts John Chester
and Andre Miller travel from town to town, in Miller's real-life, rickety pickup truck Jackie, searching for total strangers who are looking to have their lives changed. However, unlike other such "do-gooder" shows, Chester and Miller employ an all-shapes-and-sizes approach, with assignments ranging from a new cell phone to a week in rehab to a new prosthetic leg. The show ran for one season, and premiered to favorable reviews.
The crew abides by a set of rules: the person being helped must be a stranger, the mission must be completed in one day, and no money may be spent (as Chester explains in Episode 4, "Out Of The Woods", this is because money distances a philanthropist from the person he or she is trying to help. It is worth noting, however, that all three of these rules were eventually broken in the course of the season). In order to free up John and Andre to get to know the subject of a given episode, they are aided by three producers in an internet-ready mobile RV. Capella Fahoome, Jim Lefter, and Molly Schrek, once a subject has been decided on, go to their laptops and cell phones, searching for local businesses or individuals willing to help. Typically, the "street team" and the "RV team" do not interact except over the phone, although this policy, too, has had its exceptions.
Although Random 1 is no longer on the air, the A&E network granted the team permission to present individual episodes as webcasts, which may be viewed on the show's website. DVD sets of the show have yet to be mass-produced, but devotees may purchase individual episodes directly from A&E.
As of May 24, 2007, there is still no planned DVD release of the show itself, however, a feature film adaptation featuring Mark and Normand is presently touring the festival circuit, having premiered at South By Southwest. It combines footage from episodes 4 and 10, along with behind-the-scenes footage of the show, and new footage of Mark and Normand's post-Random 1 experiences. It is entitled Lost In Woonsocket
.
, John and Andre meet Bruce, a homeless, one-legged former construction worker, who is struggling to keep his life together, begging for change while hobbling around on a very outdated prosthetic limb. The crew attempts to find a prosthetic company willing to donate a $22,000 prosthetic leg. The Bruce story is intertwined with the story of Kim, from Stamford, Connecticut
, a young woman with a comfortable job who wants to do more with her life. The crew searches for a non-profit agency interested in hiring Kim.
, John and Andre meet Amber, a former stripper, and her rodentine boyfriend. Amber wants to become a model, and the crew sets about finding a model agency that will meet with her, although her domineering boyfriend seems visibly opposed to the idea. The episode is intertwined with the story of Jan, a Huntington, West Virginia
native, who plays his mostly-broken keyboard on the street for money. The crew sets about finding him a place that will repair his keyboard. Though the keyboard was beyond repair, the gentlemen who promised to repair it gave him a new keyboard instead.
(After the episode aired, viewers learned on the show's website that Jan's cantankerous, alcoholic roommate Mary sold the keyboard to pay for beer and toilet paper. Viewers responded by making donations towards a new keyboard.)
, John and Andre encounter Mark, a homeless alcoholic living in a tent in the woods. Mark has attempted to go to detox in the past, but a $250 deductible is standing in the way. As darkness falls, the crew is faced with the choice of breaking one of its cardinal rules, by spending its own money, a decision which splits the group in two, and causes the mild-mannered Molly to use an unexpected swear word.
Additionally, the crew meets Mark's tentmate Normand, who seems to be in even worse shape than Mark, and who at the time is completely inebriated. John and Andre worry that Normand may seduce Mark back to the woods. Both John and Andre are concerned about whether Mark will indeed go through with detox, although the ordinarily bubbly Andre is especially pessimistic.
Portions of this episode appear in Random 1s feature film Lost In Woonsocket
, presently being shown at film festivals.
, the team meets Stephen, an out-of-work chef, about to be evicted from his home. He is especially concerned about how this will impact his daughter, Asia, who he dotes on. The RV crew scrambles to line up interviews with restaurants in the area, although it begins to look as though he will have no choice but to leave his apartment.
The team revisited Stephen later that year, the results of which make up the last five minutes of the episode.
couple struggling to open a bar, and Kevin, a young man from Providence, Rhode Island
with a stuttering problem, who wants to go on his first date. Kevin is ready to go, but his parents are not so excited.
, who is struggling to make ends meet and needs to fix her dryer. The episode is intertwined with the story of Mike, who is dangerously overweight and looking to get his life back on track.
native with a fantastic singing voice who was fleeced by a shady producer. We also meet West Virginia
native and spousal abuse survivor Robyn, who is looking to get a criminal law degree, but has so far not made it through the application process. The team attempts to get them moving in the right direction.
, a man named Timothy saw a commercial for Random 1, and recognized a man he had not talked to in thirteen years—Normand, from Episode 4, his estranged father. He contacted the Random 1 team, and with his help they, along with a now-sober Mark, returned to Woonsocket, Rhode Island
to search for Normand.
Portions of this episode appear in Random 1s feature film Lost In Woonsocket
, which is presently being shown at film festivals.
joined fitness trainer Andre Miller to seek out strangers for assistance; starting in 1999, the pair began documenting their experiences on film.
In 2001, three volunteer producers joined the project, initially working out of a basement office. In 2004, the group acquired a customized RV donated by the manufacturer for use as a mobile support center.
A&E
began airing the group's efforts as a 10-episode series in November 2005.
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
series that aired from November 2005 to January 2006 on the A&E
A&E Network
The A&E Network is a United States-based cable and satellite television network with headquarters in New York City and offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, London, Los Angeles and Stamford. A&E also airs in Canada and Latin America. Initially named the Arts & Entertainment Network, A&E launched...
cable network. In each episode, hosts John Chester
John Chester
John Chester is a documentary filmmaker, TV director, and cinematographer. During his high school years he made student films in his hometown, the mainly seasonal resort town of Ocean City, Maryland, USA. but later lived in the Los Angeles area where he worked as a Production assistant on a...
and Andre Miller travel from town to town, in Miller's real-life, rickety pickup truck Jackie, searching for total strangers who are looking to have their lives changed. However, unlike other such "do-gooder" shows, Chester and Miller employ an all-shapes-and-sizes approach, with assignments ranging from a new cell phone to a week in rehab to a new prosthetic leg. The show ran for one season, and premiered to favorable reviews.
The crew abides by a set of rules: the person being helped must be a stranger, the mission must be completed in one day, and no money may be spent (as Chester explains in Episode 4, "Out Of The Woods", this is because money distances a philanthropist from the person he or she is trying to help. It is worth noting, however, that all three of these rules were eventually broken in the course of the season). In order to free up John and Andre to get to know the subject of a given episode, they are aided by three producers in an internet-ready mobile RV. Capella Fahoome, Jim Lefter, and Molly Schrek, once a subject has been decided on, go to their laptops and cell phones, searching for local businesses or individuals willing to help. Typically, the "street team" and the "RV team" do not interact except over the phone, although this policy, too, has had its exceptions.
Although Random 1 is no longer on the air, the A&E network granted the team permission to present individual episodes as webcasts, which may be viewed on the show's website. DVD sets of the show have yet to be mass-produced, but devotees may purchase individual episodes directly from A&E.
As of May 24, 2007, there is still no planned DVD release of the show itself, however, a feature film adaptation featuring Mark and Normand is presently touring the festival circuit, having premiered at South By Southwest. It combines footage from episodes 4 and 10, along with behind-the-scenes footage of the show, and new footage of Mark and Normand's post-Random 1 experiences. It is entitled Lost In Woonsocket
Lost In Woonsocket
Lost In Woonsocket is a documentary feature film directed by John Chester. It stars Chester and Andre Miller, co-creators of the A&E Network documentary series Random 1, from which the film draws much of its content...
.
Cast
- John ChesterJohn ChesterJohn Chester is a documentary filmmaker, TV director, and cinematographer. During his high school years he made student films in his hometown, the mainly seasonal resort town of Ocean City, Maryland, USA. but later lived in the Los Angeles area where he worked as a Production assistant on a...
(scout and co-founder) - Andre Miller (scout and co-founder)
- Jim Lefter (producer)
- Capella Fahoome (producer)
- Molly Schrekengost (producer)
- Jackie (truck)
Episode 1 - Out on a Limb
In BaltimoreBaltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, John and Andre meet Bruce, a homeless, one-legged former construction worker, who is struggling to keep his life together, begging for change while hobbling around on a very outdated prosthetic limb. The crew attempts to find a prosthetic company willing to donate a $22,000 prosthetic leg. The Bruce story is intertwined with the story of Kim, from Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
, a young woman with a comfortable job who wants to do more with her life. The crew searches for a non-profit agency interested in hiring Kim.
Episode 2 - Courage to Quit
Reportedly filmed on a "dress rehearsal" day at the very beginning of production, this episode concerns Cleveland and Gary, an asthmatic builder in need of a new cell phone, and a recovering heroin addict, respectively. Inspired by John and Andre's life philosophy, Cleveland quits his job as the cameras roll, and shortly thereafter has an asthma attack on the side of the road. In the meantime, and very much to John's chagrin, Andre has added heroin addict Gary to the mix, packing the four men into Jackie's cab like sardines. As though all this were not enough, it turns out Cleveland and Gary have more in common than they would have guessed.Episode 3 - The Stripper & the Maestro
In BaltimoreBaltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, John and Andre meet Amber, a former stripper, and her rodentine boyfriend. Amber wants to become a model, and the crew sets about finding a model agency that will meet with her, although her domineering boyfriend seems visibly opposed to the idea. The episode is intertwined with the story of Jan, a Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington is a city in Cabell and Wayne counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia, along the Ohio River. Most of the city is in Cabell County, for which it is the county seat. A small portion of the city, mainly the neighborhood of Westmoreland, is in Wayne County. Its population was 49,138 at...
native, who plays his mostly-broken keyboard on the street for money. The crew sets about finding him a place that will repair his keyboard. Though the keyboard was beyond repair, the gentlemen who promised to repair it gave him a new keyboard instead.
(After the episode aired, viewers learned on the show's website that Jan's cantankerous, alcoholic roommate Mary sold the keyboard to pay for beer and toilet paper. Viewers responded by making donations towards a new keyboard.)
Episode 4 - Out of the Woods
In Woonsocket, Rhode IslandRhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
, John and Andre encounter Mark, a homeless alcoholic living in a tent in the woods. Mark has attempted to go to detox in the past, but a $250 deductible is standing in the way. As darkness falls, the crew is faced with the choice of breaking one of its cardinal rules, by spending its own money, a decision which splits the group in two, and causes the mild-mannered Molly to use an unexpected swear word.
Additionally, the crew meets Mark's tentmate Normand, who seems to be in even worse shape than Mark, and who at the time is completely inebriated. John and Andre worry that Normand may seduce Mark back to the woods. Both John and Andre are concerned about whether Mark will indeed go through with detox, although the ordinarily bubbly Andre is especially pessimistic.
Portions of this episode appear in Random 1s feature film Lost In Woonsocket
Lost In Woonsocket
Lost In Woonsocket is a documentary feature film directed by John Chester. It stars Chester and Andre Miller, co-creators of the A&E Network documentary series Random 1, from which the film draws much of its content...
, presently being shown at film festivals.
Episode 5 - Hope for the Holidays
While traveling through New Rochelle, New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, the team meets Stephen, an out-of-work chef, about to be evicted from his home. He is especially concerned about how this will impact his daughter, Asia, who he dotes on. The RV crew scrambles to line up interviews with restaurants in the area, although it begins to look as though he will have no choice but to leave his apartment.
The team revisited Stephen later that year, the results of which make up the last five minutes of the episode.
Episode 6 - Johnny Oxygen & the Butterfly
Easily the strangest episode of the season, John and Andre meet John, a conniving old man with breathing problems (who, despite this, continues to smoke constantly), who needs a stronger air conditioner. Along the way, they meet Erin, who, like Amber, wants to be a model. The RV team is flabbergasted at the difficulty of keeping New Yorkers on the phone long enough to make their pitch, and Erin appears as though she might flake out and not show up at all the next morning. The episode is particularly noteworthy for its inclusion of eccentric modeling guru Candy Ford.Episode 7 - Permission to Grow
This episode concerns Tom and Mary, a BaltimoreBaltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
couple struggling to open a bar, and Kevin, a young man from Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
with a stuttering problem, who wants to go on his first date. Kevin is ready to go, but his parents are not so excited.
Episode 8 - Taking the Weight Off
John and Andre meet Kim, a single mother in Louisville, KentuckyLouisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, who is struggling to make ends meet and needs to fix her dryer. The episode is intertwined with the story of Mike, who is dangerously overweight and looking to get his life back on track.
Episode 9 - Tough Breaks
This episode involves Terrence, an Akron, OhioAkron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
native with a fantastic singing voice who was fleeced by a shady producer. We also meet West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
native and spousal abuse survivor Robyn, who is looking to get a criminal law degree, but has so far not made it through the application process. The team attempts to get them moving in the right direction.
Episode 10 - Beyond the Norm
While watching an episode of Dog The Bounty HunterDog the Bounty Hunter
Dog the Bounty Hunter is a reality television show on A&E which chronicles Duane "Dog" Chapman's adventures as a fugitive recovery agent, or bounty hunter...
, a man named Timothy saw a commercial for Random 1, and recognized a man he had not talked to in thirteen years—Normand, from Episode 4, his estranged father. He contacted the Random 1 team, and with his help they, along with a now-sober Mark, returned to Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
to search for Normand.
Portions of this episode appear in Random 1s feature film Lost In Woonsocket
Lost In Woonsocket
Lost In Woonsocket is a documentary feature film directed by John Chester. It stars Chester and Andre Miller, co-creators of the A&E Network documentary series Random 1, from which the film draws much of its content...
, which is presently being shown at film festivals.
Origins
The project began in 1996 when documentary filmmaker John ChesterJohn Chester
John Chester is a documentary filmmaker, TV director, and cinematographer. During his high school years he made student films in his hometown, the mainly seasonal resort town of Ocean City, Maryland, USA. but later lived in the Los Angeles area where he worked as a Production assistant on a...
joined fitness trainer Andre Miller to seek out strangers for assistance; starting in 1999, the pair began documenting their experiences on film.
In 2001, three volunteer producers joined the project, initially working out of a basement office. In 2004, the group acquired a customized RV donated by the manufacturer for use as a mobile support center.
A&E
A&E Network
The A&E Network is a United States-based cable and satellite television network with headquarters in New York City and offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, London, Los Angeles and Stamford. A&E also airs in Canada and Latin America. Initially named the Arts & Entertainment Network, A&E launched...
began airing the group's efforts as a 10-episode series in November 2005.