Louie, Take a Look at This, Part II
Showcase interviews Huell Howser cameraman Luis Fuerte
Part I of this interview appears in our July 2018 edition, where we spoke with five-time Emmy winner Fuerte. His book entitled – to the delight of TV legend Huell Howser aficionados — Louie, Take a Look at This! relives memories of the their wildly popular travel program with stories of exploring California and Howser’s infectious love for the Golden State.
Showcase: Did you have any unusual experiences while shooting the series?
Fuerte: We had some great adventures and they are in the book. One that comes to mind is when we had just finished shooting a show about the Buffalo Soldiers. Huell asked me, “Louie, what do we do about a final shot to roll credits over?” I replied, “Well, you have beautiful sunset, nice valley. Why don’t we get you riding off on one of the horses?” Huell jumped on the idea and climbed onto the horse. I gave “Action!” and they started riding off. It looked great. Just like I had in mind, except that half way into the shot, Huell fell off the horse. That shot never aired.
Showcase: What about dangerous assignments?
Fuerte: Sure. I’d be the one who went up or down or into first, because I had to get the shot of Huell entering. I encountered some pretty good surprises that way. We tried some risky moves – deep into caves and such – but when you’re shooting, you don’t have time to be scared. You’re too busy worrying about sound, lighting, and not losing the camera. But now that I’ve retired, I have some scary flashbacks.
Showcase: What motivated you to write your book?
Fuerte: Chapman University approached me and said, “You need write about your adventures, about you and Huell, because it was just the two of you and only you know the stories.”
Showcase: Did you keep a journal?
Fuerte: At first I kept notes on equipment and things I would need, but after a few shows, I stopped. It became very routine. But no, it wasn’t like a diary.
Showcase: Do you see more writing in your future?
Fuerte: No more writing. I plan on going back to the university. I volunteer in the arts, and I lecture at colleges and universities, and I want enjoy what time I have with my precious wife.
Showcase: Anything we left out?
Fuerte: You mean other than what’s in the book? We had so many years together, so much fun. I hope the book has captured that joy. Viewers know Huell had a word that he used all the time. It fits everything about working with him, and it fits him. “Amazing!”
Find Huell Howser’s video archives on
Chapman University’s blogs.chapman.edu/huell-howser-archives,
sponsored by the Automobile Club of Southern California.