Making woodworking entertaining: what Hollywood could do.

This is part two of my article about the dearth of woodworking shows on T.V. Please read part one: Where are the T.V. woodworking shows?

Television money guys need to understand that woodworking is quite popular and that they could actually make money producing a woodworking show. But first, we need to scrap every preconceived notion we have about woodworking shows. Start from scratch and look at them as entertainment first, education a distant second. Take a cue from what’s actually happening on T.V. today. People who watch American Chopper are unlikely to build a motorcycle but we watch because of the highly charged, confrontational personalities of Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. As an upshot, we learn a little about metal fabrication, which would normally be a very dry subject for T.V. I’ll bet American Chopper has inspired more than a few people to get off their duffs and do something with their hands or even decide to learn a trade.

A caveat to fellow woodworkers

Now, I don't mean to upset woodworkers with my suggestions, but none of my ideas for shows will teach you how to make anything step-by-step. Again, I don't think television is the proper medium for detailed instruction. Thirty minutes is not enough time to teach anything properly. These shows would exist purely for entertainment. But they may have the capability to inspire — something that is possible in thirty minutes.

My pitches to Hollywood

So Hollywood, here are a few woodworking show ideas to consider. Any of these would appeal to the general viewing public without alienating woodworkers. Let’s face it, there is nothing duller than watching someone glue up boards or drill a hole, so each of these shows focus on the personalities involved.

"I Got Axed". Twenty people from all walks of life who know nothing about woodworking are selected based on their enthusiasm and outgoing personalities to work alongside professional mentors. Each week they face various challenges to build simple projects. Maybe one week they each have to design and build a birdhouse or a cutting board. Along the way, viewers are exposed to the woodworking techniques and machines the contestants use. Each week, a panel of judges evaluates the finished pieces and eliminates one contestant from the show.

"The Wood Life". Conduct a nationwide search for quirky and charismatic professional woodworkers. Find one shop, bring in the cameras, and chronicle its activities in an ongoing fashion. Like American Chopper, the key is to highlight dynamic interpersonal relationships. But we also get to learn a thing or two about professional furniture making.

"Extreme Wood". Each week, a knowledgeable host travels the world to visit its most highly skilled wood craftsmen and artists: especially those who are employing unique and unusual techniques. Maybe a guy who built his car out of wood, or someone who makes classical Greek sculptures out of wood scraps. Essentially, this would be a travelogue. The host would get a chance work alongside the craftsman, trying out his or her techniques.

"I Made That!" This is the closest I come to a traditional “how-to” show. It would work best on the DIY Network perhaps, and be geared toward people who are already doing a little woodworking, or those who are considering it. The point is to be inspirational. It would feature a dynamic host woodworker who creates a simple project each episode suggested by viewers. Keep it fast-paced with quick editing and lively music. Heavily connect it to a web site on which viewers can collaborate and come up with projects they want to see the host try on the show. Maybe include contests for ideas whereby the winners get to appear on the show and make their projects with the host each week.

"Master Woodworker". Professional woodworkers and cabinetmakers audition to be on the show. They are each given one hour and a limited amount of tools and wood to create something. Each week, we follow each of them around their shops as they create projects for the weekly challenge. Challenges could be as simple as making something cool with a 2x4, then build up to an heirloom piece of furniture. Professionals will dish out sassy judgment each week and eliminate one contestant until the final week when one will be crowned “America’s Master Woodworker”.

"Celebrity Wood". Celebrities team up with mentors who teach them basic woodworking techniques. Each week they construct imaginative, artistic pieces. Imagine the hijinks when Ozzy Osbourne tries his hand at making a guitar stand. How funny would it be to see Paris Hilton whining about sawdust while constructing a makeup kit? Let’s get William Shatner to hand carve a phaser. Now that’s entertainment!


Well there you have it. Woodworking will never be viable on television until it steps into the 21st century and embraces the medium. Many young people are taking up woodworking and yet  the average American still views woodworking as something only for boring old bearded men. As soon as producers discover the entertainment potential of woodworking, I suspect many advertisers will jump at the opportunity. Tool companies could shed their stodgy reputations and appeal to a new generation. It would also be a boon to the woodworking community. Shop classes may reappear in high schools. Kids would get interested in the craft and possibly get inspired to continue its tradition — but with a fresh and new found sense of fun and possibility.