Putting It Together: Photos, Promos, Publicity
August 24, 2007 10:41 AM
I don’t think the producers at Sony were quite ready for me. First they told me that the NATPE convention in Las Vegas would be the toughest two days of my life—boy, were they wrong! Then they wanted to coach me on how to “work a room.” Huh? Don’t they remember that I ran for public office in Miami several times? I hit that convention running, Sony executives in my wake, as they watched me cover the floor like nobody’s business.
Then they said that getting ready for launch would be grueling. Again, I said, “Huh?” This isn’t work for me, it’s fun. Sony set up a photo shoot. All I kept thinking was, is this is how Marky Mark got his start? Incidentally, we’ve got the same abs, but you’ll have to take my word for it. I was a little shocked when I saw a huge green screen. Green has never been such a flattering color, but I was assured the green itself would never show—I breathed easier.
The shoot was fun. I loved playing up to the camera. A nice Jewish boy hamming it up. Per usual, I had a lot of energy that day, and the photographers encouraged me to play around. But the real fun came when they asked me to do station IDs. In between takes, I would joke around and do adaptations of different songs for various markets. For example, “Nothing could be finer than to be on TV in North Caroliner,” or changing the words to “New York, New York” to include My9 and my show. I don’t know if they will ever really see airtime, but it was lots of fun while I was doing it.
Next came publicity, when I found myself thrust into the world of real news to be a legal commentator on a Fox cable news program. There’s a first time for everything, so I headed into the studio to give it a whirl—fair, balanced or otherwise. In the makeup room I met a true sports legend, Billie Jean King. Can you imagine the two of us in the green room together at Fox?
When I got on set, it felt so right, so natural. Neil Cavuto, the host of the show, was warm and welcoming. We spoke on air about Paris Hilton, and it was fun to give my opinions about paying for interviews.
Then Neil asked me about my upcoming show. He wanted to know if the cases were real (they are), and he asked me if I ever cried in my courtroom “like that other Florida judge.” I told him my courtroom was known, not for crying, but for hugs—I’ve been doing it for years. I frequently make litigants hug each other after I resolve their disputes. It releases tension and sometimes helps heal the emotions lurking underneath a legal problem.
“So,” I asked Neil, looking a little coy, “would you like a hug?” He was silent for a second and looked a little shocked. I heard the camera and lighting people in the studio start to laugh. I guess no one ever asked the host that question before. To his credit, Neil then responded, “Well, we are on cable, but not that kind of cable.” He wrote me a wonderful thank-you note the next day and invited me back on the show. Nice man.
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Comments (15)
Good luck with your show from one David Young to another! I am not jokeing! That is my name! For what its worth, my psych prof. was named David Young as well!
Posted by David Young | September 12, 2007 9:57 PM
Judge Young,
I've watched daytime courtroom shows for many years. There is one thing I really appreciate: the interaction between Judge and Bailiff. When the Judge acknowledges the presence of the Bailiff and thanks the Bailiff for his or her performance in the courtroom, I feel the connection, the teamwork. Have your staff or the producer check the other courtroom shows and you will find out what I mean.
Thank you for bringing more diversity to the daytime Bench!
Sincerely,
Alison Rosa Clark
Posted by Alison Rosa Clark | September 18, 2007 9:05 AM
Judge Young,
My partner and I love your show. He works nights so he gets to watch it live, but he tapes it for me. As an openly gay attorney in Louisville KY, I greatly appreciate the strides you are making to get positive gay roles on mainstream television. Keep up the great work. Also, I am on a committee for a gay arts organization that has an upcoming charity event and silent auction. Any great Judge David Young stuff you can contribute???
Thanks so much,
Travis Myles
Louisville, KY
Posted by Travis Myles | September 21, 2007 12:44 PM
I cannot believe a man like this represents his community! One, he is so strange it's hard to believe he has an educational background that allows him to be a judge! Two, he is so cruel, I think he is trying to be a "Judge Judy" with a little twist - he's not as rude but he's just as cold! "Three Legged Dog" - he told the defendant he felt sorry for her because she had a child and could not even control a dog! Even animal lovers are a, at LEAST, a little more cautious when it comes to children; there is no comparison - other than most people get a dog to replace children who have grown up and left the nest!
Oh and by the way, if this judge is gay, who cares, that's the least of his issues from what I can see!!!
Posted by Brohdaw | September 26, 2007 8:30 AM
Thanks Travis. Check out my myspace page and we can talk about me doing something (which I would love). My myspace is (not too original--Judge David Young). Hugs, David
Posted by David Young | October 1, 2007 4:46 PM
I just love Judge David Young. He is refreshing, adorable, and I just want to put him in a glass case to protect from the world. While he does not need protection I just find him to be a personality that is so real and honest that you don't want him to ever feel unhappy again. Plus...he certainly obviously loves his little 4 legged child as much as I love mine.
Posted by Debbie Donovan | December 27, 2007 12:08 PM
Judge Young, Sir....I do not know what I was thinking and now realize I am talking directly to you. I am old and computers are sooooo interesting to me.
Best on your show and thank you for just being who I believe you are on and off the set.
BTW..My best buddy Darren/Chelsea is a hoot to go shopping for Chelsea's clothes. And I thought I was picky. Damn....she can dress and looks fabulous.
Hugs, Sir.
Posted by Debbie Donovan | December 27, 2007 12:12 PM
Debbie, thanks for the kind words! I hope you have a wonderfuly healthy and happy 2008! Big hugs, David
Posted by David Young | December 29, 2007 4:26 PM
Judge Young, It was a pleasure working with you in Houston on your promotional tour. Your had the entire Fox station eating out of your hand with your warmth and humor. Take care. Victoria
Posted by Victoria Callaway | February 28, 2008 6:02 PM
Good job!although 1 time(of all time's) i agreed with your judgement,on a show aired in milwaukee Mar,4 08
were a friend gave a friend grandma's diamond,once given no matter what without stipulation,need not be returned.but yes morally,if the defendant wanted to ok.the dis-agreement come's at the end.it is no longer grandma's or the plaintiff's.and though the marrage failed,it still was a ring of beauty and memories of a good time in the defandant's life.anywho Love your show and your personal honesty,and your caring damenor.we all know you are enjoying life as it should be (exactly).Al,c
Wisconsin.
Posted by Allen Ceplina | March 4, 2008 1:24 PM
Victoria, I loved being in Houston. The staff at the station and the sponsors were awesome. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. Allen, thank you for those kind words. I am glad you like the show. You can contact me (hope you will) on myspace if you have an account. Go to JudgeDavidYoung and we can be myspace friends (I answer all emails personally).
Posted by David Young | March 4, 2008 5:34 PM
Judge Young, Want you to know that i love your court. I feel we could use more judges like you. You seem to be so understanding. Thank you. Dorothy Burcher
Posted by dorothyburcher | March 25, 2008 8:48 PM
Dorthy, you are awesome! Thank you soooooo very much for those lovely words. Big hugs, David
Posted by David Young | March 29, 2008 5:20 AM
Hi I have watched you since the beginning and I have to tell you that out of all the judges on tv today, you are by far the most entertaining and also my favorite. You are so compassionate and down to earth that I totally enjoy watching. God bless and keep you Judge Young and keep up the good work.
Posted by Rosanne | April 18, 2008 10:30 AM
Hello Judge Young --
First Judge, I don't think you should be mentioning being gay at all. What for? If gay people want to be treated equally, stop pushing the gayness in people's faces. I don't care what anybody does in bed with anybody else. It's not my business. As far as being gay -- I only care about your integrity and nothing else.
I do love legal court programs. I find your deductions to be faulty. A recent show was about a woman trying to collect unpaid bills for a photo shoot. She said she had been smacked on the bottom by someone on the set (not the defendant)and you called him a sexist pig when you really should have asked her why she did not report it at the time. I wanted you to let him speak but not you -- damn the torpedos full speed ahead, I could not have come to a reasonable conclusion in that situation. There simply wasn't enough information. I would sentence you to watch ten shows in a row of Judge Meliani (I'm not sure of the spelling) sorry.
Continued success with your show,
Elizabeth
Posted by Elizabeth Kerrigan | May 18, 2008 1:14 AM