Throughout all the Amazing Race seasons, we’ve seen different kinds of contestants. Some people call them “interesting”, others call them “problematic”. We’ve seen teams comprised of heterosexual and homosexual romantic partners, parent-child, siblings, a couple on the verge of divorce and so on and so forth.
So… how do they even choose the contestants?
Amongst the American version, I noted something about them – they’re all Bad Personalities, or what the producers in US think is interesting to the viewers. Fortunately, the Asian version of the Amazing Race is much different – not so much focus on the problematic teams. Looking at the list of contestants, I can second guess why they were selected. Each were selected for a various reasons (appeal to the audience, etc), and here, I list out some:
- Jeena and Ernie: Media connection, physical ability.
- Aubrey and Jacqueline: Stunt casting, media connection
- Sahil and Prashant: Stunt casting, media connection
- Sharon and Melody: Stunt casting???, all-girls team, media connection???
- Howard and Sahran: Different race, Underdog, “normalcy”
- Andy and Laura: Overachiever’s attitude, media connection???
- Mardy and Marsio: Underdog, “normalcy”
- Andrew and Syeon: Different race, overachiever’s attitude, “normalcy”
- Sandy and Francesca: Stunt casting???
- Joe Jer and Zabrina: Underdog, different race, all-girls team, “normalcy”
While I think the “Underdog” thing is painted by the producers, I think the opposite of the underdogs, the overachievers are personality traits the producers are looking for, to balance the underdogs. Also, there is a certain amount of stunt casting in Season 1, where previously established celebrities or attractive people like Aubrey and Jacqueline and Sahil and Prashant are chosen. I’m not too sure if Sharon and Melody are a product of stunt casting or is it because of their underdog personalities.
Personally, I believe the media connection and stunt casting are required for each season of the race. Partly, because you cannot market well without such teams. One online forum polled that about 10% of the forum/readers will stop watching the Amazing Race Asia if Sandy and Francesca were eliminated. So, I suppose it’s vital that the producers weigh in a few attractive people.
Since the Amazing Race Asia Season 2 application window is open, and I promised Cely a series of tips, here goes some tips for your application (courtesy of various contestants I met):
- Be yourself in the audition video you send in
If you speak English with a significantly Malaysian accent, don’t try to mask it. - Be physically and mentally fit.
You’re gonna go through a number of tests… don’t worry, they’re quite easy (not for me though). And you don’t have to be athletically fit. - Be truthful
Don’t try to brag your way in. The producers have a number of tests to find out. - Stick to your strengths
If you are not good at running, then stick to your intellect instead. Make a passing mention that you’d rather read a map than run… stuff like that - No Grandmother Stories
You have 3 minutes in your audition video. Script it out well. Need a scriptwriter? Email me. (LOL) - Don’t hog the camera
The producers want to know about your partner from his/her own mouth too. - Be positive
Nobody wants to see a negative racer (except Flo) - Don’t worry, be happy
Look at Zabrina and Joe Jer… all the way happy go lucky to the top.
Okay… if AXN calls you up because they are impressed with your audition videos, then here are the things you can expect:
- Interviews!!!
Almost every crew member and production team member will get to inteview you. Yes…. that’d mean about 30 interviews a day spread over 2 – 3 days (sometimes the interviews can go up to 14 days) or so. - Psychological tests
They want to make sure you don’t crack on screen and take an axe to murder your partner. While it’s not explicit, I suppose lots of stress tests will be involved - Blood test
They will need your fitness report. I think contestants go through a blood test immediately after they pass the interviews and psychological tests.
Well, at least for Amazing Race Asia Season 2, AXN will pay for your hotel fees for the interview. If I am not mistaken, in ARA1, prospective contestants had to pay for the hotel fees themselves.
Now, don’t be discouraged with what I posted, especially in the top part. Those are mere personal observations. I do not work in AXN, so I do not know the exact criteria. But I just levelled the playing field a little for you, iron out some information assymetry. Go ahead and do join the Amazing Race Asia!
Hurry!! Application window closes on the 30th March 2007! Apply Now!
Coming up next: Now you’ve been selected to race. What’s the best available Strategy? (it sure isn’t being bitchy, but starts with a co-o……..)
Edit: I just saw Zabrina and Joe Jer in their Amazing Race Asia 2 ad on AXN.. 
Disclaimers: The Amazing Race Asia, The Amazing Race, it’s logos, and name, likeness and et cetera are properties of CBS Inc, Earthview Inc, and/or AXN-Asia. The author is not an employee of either production companies and all listed criteria are inferred from the author’s own experience, views and observations. The author is in no way connected to the above mentioned companies, and information cannot be guaranteed to be correct or accurate. Please peruse the above information with utmost care.
Interesting. Thanks.
But how do u know all about these?
Oh, I think we should join the second one!!! Is there an age limit?
Cely: I have my sources lah
Princess: Yea.. I think we should join this one. Except… do you think if I am eligible, I would share these info? You know me
Thank you for the info.
I thought Joe Jer & Zab are stunt casting also.
Joe Jer and Zabrina, stunt casted? I hardly think so… I mean… Joe Jer herself calls herself tofu faced (in reality, she doesn’t look tofu faced at all)…
Stunt casting means the producers choose the attractive looking people, and previously established celebrities of sorts.
Interesting. I am thinking of joining. But I think I’m too chicken shit to join. heh.
A good way for me to miss my college. *Grins*
Sharina: Just join. You never know if you can get it
Aoshi: Normally, I wouldn’t agree with you… but today I do
[...] Speaking about Amazing Race Asia Season 2, anyone who’s planning to apply for the season 2 race should read Chewxy write up about Amazing Race Asia 2 Selection Criteria. Interesting post. Read also about his meet up with some of the TARA1 winners/contestants – Zabrina, Joe Jer, Andrew, Syeon, Sandy, Fran, etc. [...]
Interesting stuffs. Lets see if there’s anyone applying your tips and really get picked for TARA2… that will be cool :p
Good reporter n observation….
I knew where the source come from….
well, mingled wit the team is really really nice n good…
Cab : Yes. We both know where the source came from. But let’s not name names, k? In case AXN decides they don’t like this site and its contents.. at least we won’t trouble them
I want to find out about the making of the vdo. Should the vdo be edited or should it be 3 minutes continuous without editing – so they can clearly see the connection between 2 people?
It’s best if you have editing, I suppose
yea.. im sure im using all the above strategies n applying for the race.. i am from india.. and are pretty strong contenders from wat i see in my country.. all girls team.. who are dancers basically.. but look great also
and chewxy if u can seriously post ur email id here wld be gr8 
My friend and I are contemplating on joining. We’re from Cebu, Philippines and we both have strong personalities and determination to win. How do we join?
farah… u was here too….
great strategies!!u r a pro. man!!i am from india….and i think we make a great team …me and my hubby!!you see although we like doing the same things ,we r complete opposites temperamentally…this usually creates such funny situations which is quite entertaining for others!!
Ack! What a terrible Psy test!!!
Jenkyd: How did it go?
Sophie Diaries Ep 1: Beyond the Amazing Race Asia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLHMaRlyzXA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y29TsE4XDlg
hahaha very funny
Hope I can join the next amazing race.
there is an ongoing audition for Amazing Race Asia 3. I don’t have the url but you can google it. I want to join but I’m underage. Two years to go.
THE SINGAPORE TEAM WON!! WHEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love watching amazing race asia. I like team Philippines Tisha and Geoff.You can do it just be patient Geoff sometime you are Hot headed. Just relax
can anyone give me an emel or YM of ZABRINA from the amazing race season 1?
my email gmsatria@yahoo.com