by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Esquire Network
“It’s pretty much the same as NOT being on TV,” explains Andres Izquieta regarding the structure of his new show “Weekend Fix“ on Esquire Network. Izquieta, who is a clothing designer by trade and the co-founder of a successful men’s fashion service (Five Four Club), says that the cameras document but don’t change the way he interacts with real life friend and co-star Omar Miller. Many people recognize the soft-spoken but dominant-statured Miller from roles in the film 8 Mile as well as on TV on CSI Miami, but now he wanted to break the scripted wall and explore his love for travel and technology around the globe.
“Weekend Fix” focuses on the travels of the pair as they drop into different cities and use their phones and different apps to explore the latest, greatest and best kept secrets of wherever they are. “I’m sure we’re not the only ones traveling like this” points out Miller as he explains the way the technology is integrated into the broadcast with pop-ups of searches and conversations displayed right on screen.
Andres Izquieta
The show represents a clear shift in the new way that people want to receive information and television by interfacing with multiple screens and a passion for interaction. The fellas are both excited about the people they meet and places they have gone so far, with an eye toward what might come next. Miller points out that social media has “changed the world” and skeptically says he enjoys the way it brings him closer to fans, even if he says “I wish there were times you could just turn it off,” speaking of the way online platforms have amplified what it means to be a public figure.
Omar Miller and Andres Izquieta
Both Andres and Omar mention shared interests and values as a reason the show works and the chemistry is so real. They both thirst for fresh and unique experiences they can share as they work their way across the globe. One of their stops was Washington DC of course, to check out the city’s growing food and drink scene and to soak in the history and international cultures that rumbles through the streets.
While in town, the guys checked out a posh secret supper club, made cocktails at speakeasy Dram & Grain and chowed down on Ethiopian food with TV personality Alex Castellanos and Steve Ross, founder of the Artists and Athletes Alliance (a group that unites Hollywood and DC, on which Omar serves on the board).
Take a listen as Omar and Andres give a behind the scenes look at their show and their trip to DC–and find Weekend Fix every Wednesday night at 10pm on Esquire Network:
