The Amazing Race Canada Season 2 NOW CASTING

Well, it's not like we didn't see it coming, but CTV recently announced open casting calls for Season 2 of The Amazing Race Canada.

For Eligibility Requirements, Online Agreement & Release, Video Tips, FAQs and Application, go to www.theamazingracecanadacasting.com

Please read everything very carefully! The deadline to complete the application is December 26, 2013 at 11:59 P.M.

Here are some interesting points:

• Each team may only apply once. Although you may apply multiple times with different partners, they advise you not to, as they are looking for the strongest relationships between team members.
• If you applied for Season 1, and you would like to try again, you must re-apply. They will not review Season 1 applications. They also strongly advise you to make a new video.
• Both team members must possess a valid Canadian Driver's license by March 1, 2014, valid for 6 months from that date.
• Both team members must be 19 years old by April 1st, 2014.
• Both team members must possess a valid Canadian passport by March 1, 2014, valid for 6 months from that date.
• Casting will create a pool of 20 teams. (Translation: they will review thousands of applications, then whittle them down to 20 teams going into the final days before the start of filming. You may even get called to Toronto or to the site of the start line. BUT they probably won't decide until the last possible minute on the finalized cast)

What does this mean? Well, first and foremost, it appears they will be traveling internationally this season - at least partially. In addition to the above points, the requirements also state you must be able to travel within Canada, as well as internationally. I hope they hit at least a couple of provinces they snubbed in Season 1: Manitoba; Prince Edward Island; and New Brunswick. The requirements mention "you, along with approximately 12 other teams". Will they have 13 teams competing? I doubt it. Even the original U.S. series has only 11. But it does give more credence to the show going international...they would need more than 9 teams to have a viable show.

It looks like the earliest date they will begin filming is April 1, 2014. Season 1 began filming May 3, 2013. I don't think they will stray much from that date. One major reason is that Jon Montgomery is competing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. GO MONTY!!! He will definitely need a rest. The games end February 28th, so all that info above referring to March 1st, to me is just ridiculous. They will film over a period of 30 days (Season 1 was filmed in 22 days from the start in Niagara Falls to the finish line in Toronto). It's just too much to ask of Monty, especially if they want him to perform the challenges like he did last year - both for the show and as part of the online extras.

If you are applying for Season 2...

Please remember, you aren't just applying...you are being cast to be on a television show. You must stand out and capture the casting agents attention. (read my outline of Jet and Dave's tips below). Also keep in mind that because of the popularity of the first season, and the fact that they are going international in Season 2, you can expect the number of applications to increase significantly. Just a word of warning, the agreement you sign warns you that production is free to portray you in any way they want. We saw a bit of this editing last year: Vanessa and Celina were seen as inexperienced and naive. Brett and Holly were constantly referring to their experiences as doctors helping them in the challenges. Who can forget all the Hol, Hol, Hol? Oh, and if I were you, I wouldn't try to imitate the characterizations we saw in the first season. I think we've seen enough of the Brett and Holly types - if there is such a thing. Besides, there can only ever be one team like Jet and Dave.

Speaking of which, last Friday, Jet and Dave made several appearances on the CTV network. They gave a few tips and also wanted everyone to know that instead of sending them a PS4 for Christmas, they would appreciate a donation to World Vision Canada. Here is a recap of some of their tips on applying:

• There is no winning formula for your application video. Make a smart video - be yourself...the casting agents know fake when they see it. 
• Be "quasi-animated".  You must be a character that people will want to watch each week.
• Hit them with a "boom" in the first 10 seconds. Remember they must go through thousands upon thousands of casting videos, and you must have something to grab their attention quickly.
• Have a "twist ending". Like a movie by M. Knight Shyamalan. I don't know if Jet was just kidding, but I think what he was trying to say is don't let the video peter out at the end in some sort sleep inducing boredom.
• Your video doesn't have to have high production value. It doesn't have to be filmed on first rate equipment - your cell phone will do. You don't have to have a sound track or special effects.

I don't know if they are still on Youtube, but practically all of last year's teams' casting videos were posted there. They may even be on CTV.ca. Look at them for ideas.

If you are fortunate enought o be cast on the show, here are my favourite two tips:

1. Read those clues carefully. Then read them again!
2. Notice all the little things. make notes during your travel and rest periods, and reread them to in effect, memorize them. Do you remenber Season 1 winner Tim Hague Sr. taking his wife's advice about this? Specifically she told him to take note at all the pit-stops. It's the reason the Tim's won. The producers (in all probability) won't be doing the flag/flower thing again in Season 2. You can research final challenges from The Amazing Race U.S. on Wikipedia.

Good luck!!! BUT read the requirements very carefully!!!