The Marc and Mandy Show is a design and lifestyle program airing weekly on Global TV. What makes it special is that it’s filmed in Blumenort, Manitoba. So why would a national show decide to work out of a small town?
“We love the southeast,” says Marc Atiyolil, co-host of The Marc and Mandy Show. “Our sister company, Canadian Home Trends Magazine, is headquartered out of Blumenort, so it made sense to keep it all in one location.”
When you drive by the small, unassuming office building just west of the intersection of Highways 12 and 311, you’d never expect it to house a nationally syndicated television program. But what’s going on inside might shock you even more.
“Our studio has been a labor of love,” said Atiyolil. The tiny space doesn’t feel like a typical big-time Hollywood set, but it’s a fully equipped professional television studio that can seat and accommodate a live studio audience.
The show is run like any other. After the live audience is ushered in, they’re warmed up by the show’s producer, Johnny Conway. He does a fabulous job getting the ball rolling and making the audience feel comfortable.
Then Marc and Mandy come out and record their segments. Segments include home decorating tips, fashion trends, entertainment news, and more.
“Our set is very versatile,” says Atiyolil. “Whether we are hosting a fashion show or cooking in our custom kitchen, we bring the excitement right to you.”
The married couple’s chemistry shines brightest during the opening show banter. The whole show feels as casual as the studio looks, and that’s part of its trademark charm. “We are real, live, down-to-earth people who just want to help you get the most out of life. At the end of the day, we understand busy schedules, family demands, and general life craziness and want to give you ways to make it all a little easier and a lot more fun.”
The audience was spoiled during an episode I saw filmed. They received hundreds of dollars of free prizes and giveaways. Needless to say, everyone left in high spirits.
Anyone is able to be part of the audience. “When you come for a day of filming, we have fun,” said Atiyolil. “We feed you a great lunch, plus everyone gets to take home awesome gifts.”
The biggest advantage of filming in a small town is that word gets around fast. The outpouring of support for this show from the community has been enormous. “You don’t have to move to the big city areas to give that national feel to a show. We believe that the best things start right in your own hometown.”
Despite its humble location, the program is not elementary. These are professional hosts, and it shows. Atiyolil is the editor-in-chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine. He also writes the weekly syndicated newspaper column “From Drab to Fab,” which explores how easy it is for homeowners to create designer accessories using everyday items from around their homes.
Mandy MacLaren, the show’s co-host, is the lifestyle editor of Canadian Home Trends Magazine. She is also the founder of an aromatherapy product line that offers women 100 percent natural bath and body products.
The number one question they get goes something like this: how can you work with your spouse every single day? Atiyolil’s answer? “If you’re going to spend as much time as it takes on set to film a show, why not do it with your best friend?”
