Courtney, Frank
What are the odds that a kid growing up near Route 66 — “The Mother Road” — would fall in love with the automobile? I’d put money on that. But what about the chances of a guy from Albuquerque becoming a television network newsman? … Still within the realm of possibility. Now, how about the chances of the same guy scoring a major hit with a reality TV show?
Lattig
In the case of Fort Worth’s Derik Lattig, a 24-year veteran of TV news, his career soon may include an even brighter TV future. The New Mexico native has produced his first TV pilot with a proven formula for success.
“I got to thinking one day, when I was driving down the road, ‘I like cars, and of course I like women’ … a lot of guys like cars and women, so why not combine the best of both worlds?,” Lattig told PingWi-Fi.com.
In an instant, the “Garage Girlz” concept was born. Lattig’s brainchild features a local mechanical guru, with a penchant for custom autos and pin-striping — Frank Palmer. In the show, Palmer will teach several women — pretty much novices to the greasy, oily world of hotrods — the art of auto customization as they rebuild a classic ’48 Chevy … a “roller” from a junkyard.
While Lattig continues his day job as a regional producer for CBS News, he has found a way to combine his profession and his passion — vintage automobiles. (Lattig owns a ’54 Chevy, a ’56 Thunderbird and a ’67 Camaro.)
The journalist/producer thinks “Garage Girlz” will draw in male viewers for obvious reasons, but also females who want to learn more about cars.
Lattig secured a Sinclair service station, immaculately restored by owner Paul Lemon, on Fort Worth’s near south side to house the project. He recruited several auto mechanic understudies in a Fort Worth café. With a variety of personalities and a tight deadline — to complete their ride within one week –who knows, it could be a volatile mixture of horsepower and … well … cat fights.
Because every sweet ride needs rock ‘n’ roll, Lattig also signed up two Texas music legends to collaborate. Nuevo Wavo pioneer Joe King Carrasco, and also Bubba Hernandez of the Grammy-winning Brave Combo will provide music for the project.
Next steps? Lattig hopes to shop “Garage Girlz” around at various networks, and hopefully will score the fastrack to a television near you. Meanwhile, Lattig wears all hats for the project, from microphone operator on-location to social media director on-line.
To follow on Facebook
To see the “Garage Girlz” Trailer
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Interesting detour: In addition to classic automobiles, Lattig collects all types of Americana and once compiled and sold a complete set of vintage Route 66 road signs.
Know what I sayin?
