I thought I would post a video from my recent open casting call. 60 seconds is what is allowed so there is no time to waste in making your pitch! I would love feedback from my fellow Survivor fanatics- positive & negative. I think I was able to share who I am and what I bring to the game that will allow me to compete.
Open note to Lynne Spillman
So it is 9:15PM Wednesday, November 4, 2015 and I am tired… I am sleepy and have been all day. Why might you ask? Because I woke up at 4am today. Why did I wake up at 4am? Well Lynne, because I had jelly legs! I had made it past the merge, onto individual immunity and I was racing on the beach. It was near the end of the challenge, my legs went to jelly and I lost my lead before waking with a startle. Yes Lynne, I am a (somewhat) grown professional man, and I had a “bad Survivor dream”! I did the only thing I could under such circumstances – I have no one to comfort me and hold me, and tell me it was just a bad dream. I have never been a “self soother”. Nope, I got my ass out of bed and hit the stair master! The only way to avoid my weak leg concerns is to be as prepared for that chance as possible.
Now, I have had many Survivor dreams before. First day on the island dreams (good dream!), walking into a challenge to find out it I have to cling onto a totem pole (BAD DREAM!), tribal council dreams and snakes and rats (Worst!).
Anyway, I just thought I would share. If you enjoy casting the Super Fan (Shirin, Penner, Eric), look no further. If you enjoy casting the person that will fight for every second that they are on the island, and give the game 110% even on the 5th day of rain in a row, just call me up. Who the Hell is Rob Folz? I am the guy that woke up at 4:15 because of Survivor!
If I had to earn a living with my hands…I would starve!
I can’t claim the title of this post as a quote of mine. This one is from my father a highly successful business executive, and later in life, a business owner. I do feel like I know where to point to when I note my own lack of “blue collar” genes. As an IT sales person and a 15 year small business owner (as a science photo agent), I cannot point to my resume and find any shades of blue. The fact that I can point to a resume definitely rules me out as a “no collar”!
I have long made my living with my mouth and my brain. I have spent the better part of 23 years running a business, or selling in an office environment. Until as recently as 2 years ago, I had never built something(successfully), grown something, moved things, or embraced the manual labor world. No issue with it, it just wasn’t my thing as many of my friends could tell you. If I look back at Season 30: World’s Apart, where contestants were divided into 3 tribes based on their work background or lack thereof… tt is hard to say that I related to any of the white collar folks. I feel like they lacked the personable sales executive (this is what I believe I am). A real people person. Closest to this I would say was Carolyn. She had some personality and had a successful game. In a hyper environment where cast members are identified by collar type, I think it intensifies the stereotypes. Blue people become the loudest form of themselves, and I imagine I would play right into the conflict that creates. No collar people become…well…they are what they are. Don’t understand them so I will not try to sum them up here. I respect blue collar workers…don’t want to switch colors, but I can respect people that work that hard each and everyday.
At the end of the day, I know who I am. I own it and I rather like it (whether other people like it or not is another story). Blue collar folks work hard. It is the working hard AND working smart that I think defines the white collar. I would say that as a white collar I think outside the box, and a blue collar tends to try simply to move the box. Applying this to the game of Survivor, I believe I approach a challenge by observing and listening to the instructions. However I tend to think of other ways to complete the needed tasks or to be successful. Most people tend to follow the “rules” where I look at the needed outcome and try to think of creative and more efficient ways to achieve these goals. Don’t get me wrong, I think I am plenty tough(again, I THINK). I am not afraid to mix it up with anyone, but I will find an advantage…I always do. I hope this doesn’t offend anyone as I truly appreciate all you bring to the world….and I may need your vote!
Mirror, mirror on the wall…who’s your favorite Rob of all???
You can do a lot of research to prepare for Survivor, but many have said, ”you are who you are”. They even say you are an intensified version of yourself. So going in, an advantage is to have some skills, some traits that are already you. You should go in recognizing skills that you already have, and attempt to bring them into your game play. As a sales person, something that has always come naturally to me is: “Mirror & Match”. This is when you behave in a manner that helps listeners feel comfortable, and focus on the subject matter of the message without any distraction. Think of it more like attempting to speak somebody’s native language, or observing local customs when visiting a foreign country. Mirror and matching is extending a courtesy, by acting in a way that the listener wants you to act.
Five examples are listed below:
1: Physiology – Match their posture and physical mannerisms
2: Speech Rate – Speak at a similar speed and tempo
3: Volume – Speak as loudly, or as softly as them
4: Tonality & Pitch – Make your voice sound like their voice
5: Phrase backtracking – Restate their favorite words back to them
Now the above can be done by studying this concept before you hit the island, but it could come off as fake, or robotic. But as a natural skill that I possess, I don’t think about it…it just happens. The fun part is to imagine how I would do this with a slow talking Southerner, or someone from NYC. I would not try to pull off all 5 with say… Fabio the surfer dude (winner of Survivor Nicaragua), but bits and pieces could go a long way.
It is a way to develop relationships by allowing the other person to have some source of comfort with you. On an island without your typical sources of comfort, people will take whatever little bit they can get. So employing this technique makes yourself someone that is easy to talk to, and most importantly… relatable.
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
The title of the post comes from J.K. Rowling, or should I say from Albus Dumbledore…This season, and recent seasons of Survivor, they continue to highlight choices. Do I try to get an Immunity Idol during a challenge in front of everyone or do I choose the puzzle with less pieces, but higher degree of difficulty. The choices make for interesting events and variety in the game. It highlights the differences in contestants and often creates tension and conflict. It was tremendous television waiting to see if Kelley would make the choice and go for the idol at the immunity challenge. Just imagine Kelley got caught going for the idol!
So why do I dedicate a post to choices? I think there are a myriad of choices made throughout the game and I think this is where the game can be won or lost..and I think I make good choices! It is not that I think I always choose right and others choose wrong. It is that I approach problems differently and don’t limit myself to the choices offered. If offered A or B, I often identify C as a viable alternative. Call it thinking outside the box, not caring if there is a box, or as I’ve been told – I simply don’t think the rules apply to me. I tend to think of “rules” as “guidelines”. I tend to step over the line in pursuit of options that meet my needs.
The title quote is known to millions of Harry Potter fans around the world. Maybe after I play Survivor, the world will know my quote just as well…”You don’t know where the line is until you step over it and take a tiny step back.”
How I can sell my way to the million dollars; winning traits of a salesman
Why do I think I can win the game of Survivor??? This is the first question casting may ask. A question friends and family frequently ask. Most that know me, feel I would be entertaining on the show, but can I win? Let’s look at the attributes of a good salesman. The following list contains descriptions of an outstanding salesperson (like myself):
Assertive
Self-Aware (there’s that word again)
Empathetic
Problem Solver
Optimistic
Highly Motivated
Charismatic
Tenacious
Confident (with a touch of arrogance)
Opportunistic
I see a tremendous overlap between a successful salesperson with these traits, and someone that could have sustained success on Survivor. With that said, some of these could also be my downfall. One that is highly motivated, often struggles relating to those that are lazy. Assertive people have a tendency of getting a bit bossy and voted out early. When is a mature gentleman empathetic with females? And when is he creepy? (Vytas!) As Christy would say…”he’s creepy…creepy”
With that said, there is only one Vytas (I hope). So, how does a salesperson play the game? The same way they do their job. We relish and embrace contact, and communication (get to know everyone on the island whether they are in your immediate alliance or not). We keep our mouths shut and our ears open (listening skills lead to opportunities and information). We know that hurdles are meant to be overcome. To quote Mike Tyson, “Everyone has a plan until they get hit.” Much of my game plan will develop when the game starts and not before. We sell by asking questions, not dictating answers (Questions uncover details you did not know). It is much better for solutions to be their idea, and not try to dictate what they do. When needed, maybe an elevator pitch. 5 or 6 questions, each intended to solicit a “yes”. Start simple….and try for 6 successive “yes” answers as you build to the goal. We set and hit our short term (day one and pre-merge) and long term (post-merge and end game) goals. If I can control my paranoia, and recognize who is a bit sensitive (so as to not let my sarcastic humor bite me in the ass), I am the winner. End of story. To quote Jonathan Penner, “This is Survivor. Somebody is gonna win a million dollars and they are gonna have to cut the throat of the guy next to them at some point”
Who the hell am I??? – Casting call day at the Big E!
What a great day! I attended my 7th open casting call in my quest to get on Survivor. Over the past five years, the lines are a little shorter (I was #96), but the idea is the same. Hopeful people of all ages, shape and sizes trying to catch the attention of the good casting folks (shameless suck up acknowledged). A few are veterans who have done this before. Many are open casting call virgins, trying for the first time to get on the show. Most make mistakes in their approach and do not have a good prepared approach. Many botch their prepared statements. A few put forth a good effort. I had a blast meeting the CBS people running the event and many of the folk in line. It is a shame if you attend a casting call and do not take the time to embrace the other Survivor geeks who are there. Treat it as you would when you hit the beach the first day. Approach people, early and often. Don’t look for someone cute in line and fixate. Mix it up and say hello to the kids, the old people, the guys, the girls, the quiet and the loud (i fall into three of those categories!).
My girlfriend joined me and got to not only see the experience for the first time, but she took a shot at it as well! 
Funny story – She doesn’t care for Survivor (that part is not funny), but loves Amazing Race. She had intended to do her 1 minute speech about her life experiences and what she brings to the game, and at the end say something like “so put me on Amazing Race and I will do great!”. Unfortunately, she forgot that last portion…so guess she will only be considered for Survivor!
For my part, I hit things as well as I had hoped. I delivered a well prepared speech. I did not fumble any words or forget to include any details. I felt comfortable as my speech pretty much writes itself. It is very true to who I am. Title of the speech was “Who the hell is Rob Folz???” I detailed clearly how I am a successful salesman, a former family business owner, and a student of the game. I explained how my life experience is applicable to the game of Survivor and how I think that would make me successful on the island. Thanks to my patient & supportive girlfriend. Also to my partner in this quest, my oldest daughter who lives and breathes this game as I do.
I caught up with my casting call friend Lauren that I have seen at 4 of my 7 casting call attempts.
I met every single person in line, even if only briefly. I met some good young guys that show that the next generation is now applying for this show as I think my kid will in a couple more years when old enough. So now I wait for that magic call. I am prepared as I believe the phone call is the 2nd stage of the process. I will take the call and be prepared with my excitement and enthusiasm which is easy for me when talking Survivor. I will continue the blogging efforts as I prepare for My Time.
I will end with a few shoutouts – In addition to my girlfriend, daughter and casting friend, to the people I met in line…@pickmeforsurvivor, @dylanaustinturner, @atmosephere, @pennilaneclifton, the good people I met at WGGB.
Liar, Liar, no more fire! – Tips and tricks to tell if someone is lying
Put 20 people from various backgrounds on an island competing for 1 million dollars almost guarantees 18 of them will be lying contently. So aside from making fire from bamboo, I believe one of the next most important skills revolves around lying.
(SurvivorSuperFan Rob as Pinocchio and his girlfriend as Jasmine – Halloween 2014)
Tips for detecting a lie are as follows:
1. Behavioral pause or delay – If you ask a question and notice a delay before they reply, they may be trying to lie to you.
2. Verbal/non-verbal disconnect – A verbal “no” while nodding up and down shows their answer is false.
3. Hiding the mouth or eyes – This is the one I see most often when watching Survivor. A hand over the liars mouth, or covering their eyes…they are “hiding” the truth.
4. Throat-clearing or swallowing – If done before answering, this indicates they are likely fibbing bigtime! Though if done after the statement, it may not mean anything.
5. Hand-to-face activity – Biting of the lip, tugging on their lips, fiddling with their ears, tucking hair behind their ears…..Lies!
6. Grooming gestures – Fiddling with their buff, clothes, jewelry, hair….don’t believe what they are telling you to keep your game going.
So, to be a successful liar, learn to control the above, but a few more tips are listed here:
1. Keep it short, plausible and to the point.
2. Be Calm and confident
3. Include half-truths in your lie when possible.
4. Maintain physical closeness throughout – hand on the shoulder.
5. If accused, admit to something else to throw off the interrogator
6. Practice envisioning the “reality” of your lie. I call this the Costanza Rule….”It’s not a lie if your truly believe it!”
Over the top things I have done to catch the attention of Lynne Spillman, Jeff Probst and Mark Burnett
This one is better with less said, and more shown:] but to answer a few questions that will probably pop into your head:
-Yes I really am this obsessed.
-Yes I really did do all these things as ridiculous as some of them are.
-And yes if I got a call from a casting director, I would do even crazier things in preparation.
Thanks for watching, and as always if you like us spread the word or give us a shoutout.
The Title of Sole Survivor!!! or 1 Million Dollars!!! What are my reasons for playing???
This a valid question. Over the years, my answer has varied. Going all the way back to my first attempt to be cast on The show, I was in it for the title of Sole Survivor. I was very well off financially and did not need the money. I boasted about how all I was interested in was the title of Sole Survivor. My most recent audition video was last year, and I said I’m playing for the challenge, I’m playing for the adventure, and I’m playing for the money… A lot has changed in the last five years, and after a divorce and bout with Lyme Disease, money is a bit scarce. With that said, I feel like as a true Survivor Superfan, I am driven by a love for the game. I want the experience, and I will also play to win. The money would be a nice addition, but I am also in a place in my life where it is not my driving force. I simply want to play the game, enjoy every second of it, and play the game with everything I have.
SURVIVOR Super Fan 