The 2006 World Series of Poker’s Main Event is underway this week in Las
Vegas, and ABA Entertainment, LLC is capturing the behind-the-scenes footage
for an upcoming documentary, “House of Cards” – revealing the
roller-coaster-real-life-grind of the professional poker player. Marc
Goodwin, the face of USAPoker, is one of seven widely recognized players
being followed in this new documentary. For six weeks, camera crews will be
following them between the tournament tables, bathroom breaks all the way to
their residence, the “Parisian Palace;” a $13 million home rumored to have
been previously owned by Whoopi Goldberg. “It’s a house full of
competitors,” says Goodwin. “When we first arrived, we ended up playing
cards to decide who would get which room.” In a place where there’s plenty
of action to go around, Vegas is brimming with excitement surrounding the
tournament. But, in this new documentary, the real action will center on the
emotional jabs, psychological torture and international glory that can be
uncovered at the world’s largest poker tournament (first place winner earned
$7.5 million last year and the pot promises to be yet larger this time
around). Goodwin, (a.k.a. Mr. Cool), will reveal the intimate details of the
twists and turns, the highs and lows, the wins and losses and the true day
to day series of events in the real life of a poker pro.
“I’m truly excited to be chosen as one of the members of the show,” says
Goodwin. “It will really give the viewers an insight as to what goes on
behind-the-scenes at this massive annual tournament.”
TV cameras have been on-the-scene in the past, but now, in celebration of
this country’s unabashed obsession with Reality TV and Texas Hold ‘Em, a
refreshingly unexpected new perspective is being revealed. Sometimes shaken,
oftentimes stirred, House of Cards serves up the perfect cocktail for all to
enjoy, with a twist.
Poker Ratings Show Strong Hand
While US Poker TV ratings have been settling since 2004, the major networks
have done well to maintain strong numbers. In an October article published
by Television Week, CEO of the World Poker Tour (WPT) points out that WPT
ratings are comparable to regular season NBA games and PGA Tour national
telecasts. Tournament poker programming remains the second highest-rated
hourly episode series ever produced by ESPN Original Entertainment while Fox
Sports Net claims their coverage is “perhaps the most durable piece of
programming we have.”
“House of Cards” will continue to follow Marc Goodwin, and his house-mates,
in their common quest to claim a highly coveted Bracelet at this year’s
World Series of Poker. As a member of the first reality show to ever
document with a focus on the life of professional poker players, Goodwin is
in position to go All-In and “House of Cards” will be there to capture the
moment, the glory or the gut-bust.
