December 9, 2009
Television Pilot Shot at Gulfport Build Site

This week Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast hosted camera crews as Eyevox Entertainment, Mississippi’s largest film and video production company, filmed the pilot to their show Cheat Day at Connor’s Garden, the affiliate’s subdivision in Gulfport, MS. The show centers around the weight loss efforts of Opie Cooper, who has dealt with the battle of the bulge his entire life.

Over the course of a year, Cooper will follow a diet and fitness program to get him on the path to weight loss for five days a week. The two remaining days will allow him one “cheat day,” granting him the right to eat any type of food he wants, with the final requiring him to burn off whatever calories he consumed the day before. However, there is one catch – the activity can not take place in a gym.

Each week Cooper will partake in a unique and physically demanding activity that will often burn off more energy than the target goal. His first stop is a Habitat for Humanity build site, where he will take part in framing, roofing, sawing, siding and other tasks in the homebuilding process.

Though the show has elements of travel, food and cultural programming, it is first and foremost a lifestyle program, documenting a year in the life of a man determined to reach his ideal health and weight without losing focus or becoming jaded. Rather than looking back at 365 days of treadmills and dieting, the show’s wide range of foods and activities will make his efforts exciting and entertaining.

Though Cheat Day takes a very serious, respectful, sometimes heartfelt look at weight loss and fitness, it is at its core a comedic series, always striving to be fun. Its goal is to inspire and educate others like Opie Cooper who struggle with obesity to commit to and enjoy a healthier lifestyle while realizing they don’t have to give up the things they love about food or fear the things they resent about exercise.

More News from 2009 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
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