Ashley Wood and Ellen Gaffney of "DISH" Photo Courtesy of Michelle Towse
As you know, we love to write about hard working New Englanders getting ahead in the tough business of film and television. Well these next two locals haven’t made it yet, but with your support, they just may be stars of the Food Network’s next hit TV show. Raised in Connecticut, Ashley Wood and her aunt, Ellen Gaffney have spent the last two years launching and promoting DISH, a fresh new take on reality cooking television that features everyday people cooking their signature recipes. “Filming DISH for the first time definitely felt like we were sailing in unchartered waters. But then we had so much fun filming and such a great time with everyone that we couldn’t wait to begin work on the next episode. That was almost 2 1/2 years ago and we have enjoyed and appreciated every minute of this process,” Ellen told us.
Ashley, a trained chef, and Ellen, a passionate cook, have already filmed two webisodes, which you can watch on their website, and they are currently filming another. The goal, according to the dynamic duo, is to generate lots of interest so they can prove to TV producers that it will be the next hit show. When they approached the Food Network, they were told to build a fan base to test viewer interest, which they did. They’ve spent months marketing themselves online through Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and their website, www.ellenandashleytv.com. The show now needs to get picked up by a production company in order for the network to consider them.
Get a glimpse of the show “DISH,” and hear them describe how they got started here:
According to Ashley, “This process takes time. You won’t get your goal overnight. It takes teamwork, a clear vision, and persistence. Never stop practicing. It may sound silly, but I have this clear picture in my head of what it will look like for us to do the show professionally. I see the camera men, the house, the person. I think somehow, that must be important!”
Each webisode features Ashley and Ellen driving to the home of their signature dish owner, where he or she prepares the recipe and they all enjoy the meal together. You can write to them describing your favorite “dish” and they may select you to film their next episode of “DISH.” Past signature recipes include Jodi Casciano’s Lil’ Smoky Cheese Ball, Jen Ancona’s Sangria Jello Mold, and Tasha Grillo’s Cheesy Crab Dip. These signature dish recipes along with others can be found on their website.
“DISH” webisodes have had thousands of viewers already on Youtube. This year, they plan to continue dishing out websisodes and broadening their fan base. While they’re still waiting for a production company to pick them up, they’ve certainly had a successful start. So why not show some support for these two brazen careerists by becoming a fan on their Facebook site or follow them on Twitter and wish them luck!
Tags: Ashley Wood, DISH!, Ellen Gaffney, Food Network
