Interview: Katrina from “The Block”!!

 

Many of you probably already know Katrina through years of blogging, and her site Media Mad.  If you’ve been following her blog, and if you’re living in Australia and watch Channel 9 every weeknight, chances are you have seen her and her sister Amie, grace your TV on this year’s The Block.

If you don’t live in Australia, The Block is a show with four couples who, this season, each have a run-down {and I don’t use that word lightly} old house and completely renovate it.  Each week they have one room, and some crazy challenges in between, to complete.  They have a budget to keep to, and at the end of 8 weeks {yes, only 8 weeks!} these houses must be complete!  They then will be auctioned off, and from what I understand, the amount above what Channel 9 recoup, each couple keeps, and the couple who gets the highest price for their house then wins the $100,000 prize.

Crazy stuff huh?!

So I have known Katrina from way back in our eBay days where we both sold on there. I bought things from her little shop and she ordered signs from me.  She is a real firecracker in real life, as she is on her blog, and on The Block.  I was lucky enough to meet up with her and her lovely sister Amie when they were down in Melbourne trying out for the show.  We had a fun morning having breakfast and checking out shops in town.

So I’ve got a real treat for you today – Katrina has been kind enough to answer some questions I put to her about her time on The Block.  Her answers are inspiring and amusing, just like she is!

What did you miss most, apart from your family, for the 8 weeks you were away, renovating House #3?

I really missed eating! There were obviously no kitchens and no time to be able to eat properly.  I would probably only eat once a day! Probably not a bad thing seeing as though I lost 10kg, but I am eating like a crazy lady now I am home…ha

 

What has been the best thing that happened to you as a result of being on The Block?

I feel pretty fierce. I guess I know now that no one can tell me I can’t do something.  This feeling is a good thing as I can teach my boys that anything is possible.  It’s my new motto and I say it to them every day.

 

How much of what we see is affected by editing? 

A lot of it is edited.  In total the show produced roughly 1200 hours of footage over 8 weeks. We have 4-5 camera crews shooting on 10 hour shifts every day.  Only 1% of this collected footage will be seen. This means all the good and funny stuff (and all our hard work) won’t get seen!

 

Have any stories been dramatised for TV, that didn't actually happen?

Oh, there will be lots of those! But it’s all good.

 

Are you now friends with the other three couples?

Definitely.  I speak to them every couple of days. We didn’t all go to work this year as in past seasons, so we spent a lot of time together and we have formed some great friendships.

 

Have you been stopped in the streets yet, recognised for being on our TVs 5 nights a week?

Yes, lots!  It’s only been a week, so I am sure I will get lots more of it.  People are being so nice though.

 

We are all entertained by your singing abilities, on The Block and on your blog.  Have you been approached by any recording industry executives about making an album?

Hahahaha… Don’t think so!  I think I should can that career.

 

 

Thank you so much for your time, Katrina!  My money’s on your first room being the winner this week.  I paused the recording to be able to see each room closely, and it’s awesome!

When you get a chance to visit Katrina’s blog, you’ll get a real insight into what went on each day, behind the scenes, and also get to enjoy her humour.

Go girls!

 

Until next time,

Natasha xo