Reality TV program films episode at Wind Creek
Published 8:47 am Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Stars of a reality television show recently visited Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, to both enjoy some rest and relaxation and also film an episode of their program.
Jay and Katie Furr are a husband-and-wife team who are also the main stars of the “Gears” television program, which is broadcast on the FOX Network affiliates in Dothan and Panama City, Fla.
The Furrs were in Atmore on Thursday, March 12, to film an episode at the casino. That episode will be broadcast on the FOX affiliates on Sunday, March 29, and will also be made available online at the YouTube channel “Gears Auto Shop TV.”
Jay Furr explained that the reality show is not just about their business, Gears Transmissions in Panama City, an auto repair store. He said it is also about the “unique characters” that are found in the business.
Furr said that a national network had expressed interest in possibly broadcasting the show, but that network also asked for part-ownership of the Gears Transmissions shop. Furr said that demand was too stringent, and ultimately backed out of the contract.
However, he hopes to soon pitch the show to another studio in New York City in the coming months.
“I definitely think it’s a fun and entertaining show,” he said. “There are some very unique characters in the world of auto repair.”
Furr said that the casino provided a great backdrop for the plot of a “Gears” episode. In this episode, Katie Furr is celebrating her birthday and so they bring the family to Wind Creek Casino & Hotel for some rest and relaxation.
One of the show’s characters, Jay Furr’s first cousin Wesley, is the focal point of much of the comedy of the episode. At one point, Katie Furr is about to enjoy a couples’ massage at the Wind Creek spa, but Wesley sneaks in to replace Jay — who they later find at the machines on the gaming floor.
Later in the episode, the family meets at Fire for a birthday dinner, and Wesley shows up with a dessert and a fun night of karaoke at the Sound Lounge.
Jay Furr said that everyone at Wind Creek Casino & Hotel were extremely helpful, and he truly enjoyed his experience there. Although he has visited the casino many times, this was the first time they were allowed to film.
“Everyone has been truly phenomenal and flexible in allowing us to film our show,” he said. “We have had nothing but an amazing experience. This place has a big city casino feel, but they still treat you like friendly country folk.”