If you didn't follow us online during our trip, here is your chance to get a behind the scenes look at the making of our webseries. We live streamed 4 times a day on the road, and today we have two exclusive streams for your viewing pleasure.
Q: Hi Mike, first question, How did you come up with the idea for “From Orange to Orange”?
I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans, it’s been a dream of mine for some time and one day I randomly mentioned it to Matt. He suggested we go down there for spring break and as we Google mapped the time it would take we noticed it was only an extra 9 hours to Florida. We said, “What the heck, lets just drive there too.” Then we told our friend Warren who came up with the name “From Orange to Orange.” As soon as I heard the name it was as if a bottle rocket went off in my head. One thing led to another and here I am. It might sound cheesy but its like the show kinda found us, you know?
Q: So, what are you most looking forward to on your trip?
Probably getting to know what America really feels like. I was born and raised in Guatemala for 18 years. I mean I only came to California 2 years ago for college. I’ve never really been to a lot of the states we want to go to and I’ve heard people are way different in middle America. Funny story, when I say I’m from Central America people always ask me “so like from around Texas?” I don’t blame them I’m pretty Americanized thanks to television, and most people don’t even know where Guatemala is.
Q: How was it growing up in Guatemala?
It was great actually. I love my life in the old Guat, but to be honest I always felt like a little fish in a big pond. Wait a sec- well… you know what I mean. [laughs] It wasn’t until I got here that I realize what a freaking huge pond America was. I’m glad I grew up in Guatemala, it gave me a perspective of the world that most people here don’t have. And you know that thing they say about girls liking guys with accents? Well….yeah…I don’t think its true actually…
Q: Speaking of girls, I hear you went on a crazy quest to meet somebody?
Yes, Olivia Munn. She hosts my favorite show on TV, “Attack of the Show”. I never really expected to meet her, or never actually tried you know. I’m part of this college talk show and everyone liked the idea of me trying to meet her in a series of bits for the show. So I made a few webisodes and then she actually came down for the season finale and I got to meet her. She was so sweet, outrageous, and funny. Really everything I thought she would be. With Olivia I feel like she doesn’t hold back and she is exactly who she is on TV. She’s not afraid to be herself and it’s something I admire a lot. I hate when people think I went on a quest to date her. I’m not an idiot; I know Olivia could do way better, and I don’t need a restraining order on my record. But she will forever be the person that sparked my interest in a career in television. She rocks.
[Video of Mike meeting Olivia Munn]
Q: Final question, are you living the American Dream?
I’m sure as hell trying to. Until you see me on TV alongside Olivia Munn hosting a show from New Orleans I don’t think I will be. But Orange to Orange is close enough. [smiles]
“From Orange to Orange” is a new interactive 10-part webisode series that documents an inspirational 3000-mile road trip from Orange County CA to Orange County FL, told from the perspective of us, Mike Alfaro and Matt Sullivan. This revealing webisode series will expose different points of views from everyday Americans, while delivering real drama, hilarity, and an extremely personal view into the life of two best friends traveling the country and discovering what it truly means to live the American Dream.
Each 10-minute webisode will document our journey, as well as interviews, outrageous stunts, and everything in between our personal lives. But we will not be alone, “From Orange to Orange” is an interactive adventure, utilizing social media that allows YOU to connect with us and experience the trip through the use of this blog, twitter, live video feeds, and chats.
The journey begins filming on April 6th 2009 and stretches over an 11-day period during which internet users will help guide us across the country directing us to interesting destinations, arranging real life meet ups, and providing real time feedback as to what they want to see. After the journey is completed, post-production will begin by compiling the footage into the 10-part webisode series which will reveal what really went on during our quest to live the American Dream.
“From Orange to Orange” will follow the old US-80 highway throughout this 3,000-mile journey from Orange California to Orange Florida. From the blue beaches of California to the golden sands of the Southwest desert to the humid bayous of Louisiana, we will attempt to squeeze the diversity of American culture to the last drop. But before we release the webisodes we invite you to partake in this adventure with us!
Send us your suggestions and contact us along the way. We would love to meet you and have you be a part of our trip!
From Orange to Orange, 