Last year the Discovery series, Pitchmen hit the airwaves and Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan became household names in homes all across America. Then tragedy struck as Mays passed away leaving a huge void in the world of direct. But Discovery saw something special in this show that our own AJ Khubani says, “Brings out the entrepreneur in all of us.”
Last Thursday, the premiere of Pitchmen Season Two made its debut as Sully goes solo, trying to find the inventor with the next great hit product. This year is focused on the inventors, their back stories, and how everyday people can experience the American dream – developing the next big product, with the possibility of millions in dollars as the reward.
Episode one featured inventors from all across the country making their pitches to Sully and special guest, AJ, who are hard to impress and demanding in what they want to see and hear. I know from my own personal experience from sitting in on TeleBrands Inventor’s Days that you’ve got to do your homework and know and understand the kind of stuff that sells well on direct response TV! Out of all the inventions presented, two were chosen for product testing – the Hex Light, an ingenious flash light that attaches to your arm allowing hands free movement, and Cold Fire, a fire extinguisher in a can that has amazing life-saving power!
The Hex Light straps around your forearm as tiny LED lights circle your arm while pointing directly at the intended target. When experimenting with the light, Sully said that he may not need to have a focus group review the product because he actually thinks it’s so good.
Next we were treated to the Cold Fire demonstration where a group of highly skeptical Florida firefighters put out some very tough blazes, and after all was said and done, they were convinced that this product was the real deal. Of course Mr. Sullivan was equally satisfied, which convinced him to do the ultimate pitch for this product – one he said that even the great Billy Mays would not have attempted. Yes, Sully agreed to have himself lit on fire, with the hopes that a can of Cold Fire would douse the flames before he ended up in the local Denny’s as the crispy bacon breakfast special. Talk about making for great television!
Tensions mounted as Sully donned protective gear that would hopefully insulate him from the heat and flames long enough for firemen to extinguish the blaze. He soaked himself in flame retardant gel and applied several layers of garments as his personal team looked as if they were all ready to hurl their lunches in unison. I was squirming in my chair, myself, knowing that certain things can be faked for effect on television, but this definitely was not one of them. Sully was going all the way with this stunt, perhaps one of the bravest and most insane piece of live action ever filmed in the history of the infomercial world.
The moment of truth came as Anthony Sullivan became a human Tiki torch, diving to the ground while looking square into the camera to make his pitch – all while Cold Fire extinguished the flames from his back, head and arms!
Bravo, Sully, bravo… for one of the greatest pitches I have ever witnessed, and an utterly fantastic Season Two opener for this weekly show! Only one question comes to mind, my brother… what the hell do you do for an encore?! Guess we’ll find out in episode two airing Thursday night!
But Wait… There’s More!…
Stay tuned next time for a report on the amazing soiree that had all of Tampa talking – the Season Two Premiere Party sponsored by TeleBrands and Sullivan Productions – a red carpet event celebrating these giants of the direct response industry!
- Tommy Z
TeleBrands The BLOG
Tags: $19.95, AJ Khubani, Ambervision, Anthony Sullivan, As Seen on TV, Billy Mays, Bottle Top, But wait there’s more, Crazy Critters, direct response, Doggy Steps, EZ Combs, George Foreman Grill, Heel Tatsic, Hollywood, Infomercial King, Inventor, Inventors Day, Jupiter Jack, New Jesery, OxiClean, Pamper Toes, Pasta Boat, Ped Egg, Pedi Paws, Perfect Fit Button, Pitchman, Pitchmen, Ron Popeil, Sham Wow, Shoes Under, Stick up bulb, Sullivan Productions, Telebrands, The View, Tommy Zarzecki, Windshield Wonder
Tommy, you hit it on the head! Great season opener and a crazy stunt indeed by Mr. Sullivan! I was thinking the same thing: What does the man do for an encore. Great stuff and I’ll be watching all this season.
I was skeptical about the show without Billy, but as you said, Tommy, it looks like it’ll be a good season. Very entertaining blog, by the way. I laughed hysterically at the Q & A’s from the previous blog posts. You have a new reader for sure!
Tommy, AJ is such a giant on screen with a very commanding presence. Is he like that all the time? And I really enjoyed the season opener.
Yeah man, Sully is the real deal! Very cool show or should I say HOT show hahahaha! I love this kind of stuff. And Tommy Z let me know when you’re back on the west coast. I got some pretty cool inventions myself! I’d love to meet you and AJ. And don’t forget Homegirl Sherrie too!
As you can tell by my screen name, I just love this stuff to death and I drive my husband crazy with it! And as you might expect, I own everything ever made!!!
To Sully: Fantastic premiere, I’m hooked!
To AJ Khubani: I love watching you evaluate products. I’ve watched you a lot on TV.
It’s so much fun to read all of this good stuff!
Thanx Mrs. M! I really appreciate nice feedback. And you’re right, Pitchmen is going to have a good season.
Hey Tot, long time no see! Sometimes these shows make AJ look very tough and aggressive and I can tell you that he is a wonderful, good hearted guy who really appreciates the inventors and their enthusiasm. Oftentimes the way they edit makes him look tough and to the point, but he really treats all these people with tremendous respect and even gives them pointers when they are turned down. When you meet AJ, you have to love the guy.
Richie, no plans for LA but I believe we’re headed to Vegas in September. I’ll keep you posted, my brother!
Hey AS Seen on tv freak… you’re a direct response company’s dream and we love you… No, really we do! And please keep reading all of this good stuff! I truly appreciate it!
Hello Tommy, awesome and very addicting show, looking forward for this season! Watching this show and reading your blog are a real eye opener for all inventors out there! AJ has a sweet and innocent smile, his dimples melt my heart! Great Team (Tommy Z, AJ, Sherrie) Congratulations on all achievements and looking forward in being part of such wonderful industry! When in Vegas say hello to my Mama, Tommy Thank you for your unconditional help and wise tips! Love You!
No…I missed the premiere show! I watched the first season and enjoyed it. I even discovered that a friend of mine was in one of Billy’s infomercials and I didn’t even know it. I’ll go see if I can catch this week’s episode. Thanks Tommy.
Good luck on your proposed new venture. Looking forward to its inception. Hope it gets the approval soon. Anxious to see what new aspect it will bring to TeleBrands magic.
Really nice presentation this week. Great pic of Sully in the
“hot Suit.” Just goes to show what lengths people will go to
get their product endorsed.
What endeavor could possibly follow Sully’s next week. Hum?!
Perhaps something for $19.95 that would impede the oil spill from reaching our pristine New Jersey Shore line?!
How can i audition for pitchman to showcase my invention
Pitchmen rocks! Keep up the good work. This stuff is entertaining I tell ya!
When are you going to show the Shaking Cat fork guy that was a finalist in LA??? Have they built his fork yet?
Halfway through season 2 and I’m saddened that the show doesn’t get more promotion nor a primetime time slot.
What’s forgotten is that the show wasn’t about Billy Mays. And Billy would have been the first one to say that. It’s about the inventors. Their risks, and their willingness to be judged. It’s the pure American spirit.
And I hope we continue to put the word in Discovery’s ear about promoting it and getting a 3rd season going for it!
- ASOTVL
Mays was such a strong personality and people did tune in just to see what he’d do or say next. While I think that Sully has done a great job, the show misses Billy’s larger than life appeal.