Drafted Blog

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Part one of the season finale of Gillette Drafted started off as a bit of a clunker for both contestants, as they battled it out in two of the most intense American sports cities.  The challenge this week is easier said than done — each contestant must shoot/edit/produce and host a long form story about…well…whatever they want.

Both Ryan and Jackie had some trouble assuming the role of sportscaster on location in Boston and Chicago, finding it difficult to break into a media scrum, or get the players’ attention.

Neither contestant started the competition with a clear idea of the shape their story would take. Ryan quickly decided that his long-form piece would be related to Bostonian food. Jackie’s angle didn’t take a clear shape right off the bat, but near the end of the episode, it looked as though her story would be about getting into the Chicago Fire/Manchester United game.

Ryan started his trip by filming b-roll footage of himself scarfing down American fast food around Yawkey Way. He then tried to interview some of the Red Sox players during their batting practice and later in the locker room. He didn’t have much luck, but eventually managed to get Youk and Ortiz on the record. Ryan’s schtick involves getting a few players to pick their favourite menu items from Cheers (yes, the Cheers), and then (hopefully) persuading the restaurant to rename those items after the players who chose them.

A bit of research paid off in a big way for Jackie who read that a couple of Manchester United players would be making a promotional appearance at a local pizza place to make traditional Chicago pies. Jackie was the first reporter on the scene, but quickly discovered that there was no opportunity to ask the players any direct questions. Scared she would lose her opportunity to talk to the famous footballers, Jackie chased Patrice Evra as he was leaving the restaurant and asked him a few awkward questions about pizza. Needless to say, the questions fell flat and spoke to her greenness as a sports reporter. She later attended a Man U practice, and took part in another media scrum where this time it was impossible to get a question across.

Near the end of the episode, it looked as though Ryan and Jackie were making a bit of headway — both contestants collected a little useable footage. The finale concludes next week when the winner of Gillette Drafted 3 will be announced! Whoever makes the best video will earn a job at theScore for a whole year, along with a sweet Gillette spokesperson contract. Next Monday, it all comes down, so DON’T MISS IT!