My metal-detecting TV series, “Exploring History’s Treasures“, was produced by me and a professional film crew. It was not a series that was produced by amateurs.
I'm proud of the fact that we were one of the first to produce a metal-detecting video for YouTube as well as for TV.
The TV execs said, "No one will watch a TV show about metal detecting. We want more poker game shows."
I proved them wrong. My TV series was popular in every state and was watched in prime time. Ya, I was the first to produce and host a TV show that the networks said would not work. Since then, there have been many TV shows about metal detecting and treasure hunting. Many of the shows have the participants planting or seeding coins and finds before they film the digging. Scripted parts are a common feature of these shows. My TV series was never scripted nor did we ever plant a find before filming. My show was giving the viewers “Real Reality”.
“Frank, have you watched the new dig it metal detecting tv show? The guys are idiots and the show is terrible. I miss you and John bantering back and forth. PLEASE, PLEASE film some more.
Dave and the M---- family say thanks again."
"Hi Frank, the last time I emailed you was when I bought your DVDs. I told you how GREAT they were. Now I email to tell you they seem even better now that I’ve watched the new metal detecting series. You guys got it right. These new guys are aweful, and the production is nowhere as good as yours. You have to find a way to bring EHT back. I know money was an issue, but hell, recruit guys like me to get investors to help out. You told me you went that route before but raised little money because the interest didn’t seem to be there. Now the interest is there. Use your happy customers to bring in the funds so you can film more. WE WANT MORE!!! Brian L.”
Real Reality
The reason why those shows are filmed with scripts and the planting of coins and relics is because of budget costs. They can’t afford to wait all day for a decent find to be discovered, so they plant them. The shows are produced, not by the guys detecting, like mine was, but by budget-conscious production companies who work for the networks. And those production companies have no idea how to produce a metal-detecting TV series.
I never worried about a budget when we filmed. If we filmed ten hours in one day to get ten minutes of airtime, then that’s what we did. For anyone who has been metal detecting for a while, you know that there are many days you go out and do not find one nice keeper. I knew that, that’s why we filmed until we found something. We never planted a coin or a find to enhance the show, or to meet a budget deadline.
Oh Yes, They Were Planted!
I’ve watched some of those TV shows and videos on YouTube where the detectorists walk onto a five-acre site and begin to find old coins or relics within 2-3 minutes of filming. Give me a break. Think about it. They immediately knew where to detect on those five acres. I’ve sat for hours with my editing people, going through our show. So I have a pretty good eye when it comes to where the cut and pasting were made in video. And, I can tell from the editing that those finds were planted before filming.
Las Vegas Here We Come
The results of our efforts were so overwhelmingly positive, that our 13 episodes were chosen to be viewed, at the NATPE Convention (National Association of Television Professionals and Executives) in Las Vegas Nevada. This was a very prestigious honor for us. To be viewed by TV execs and professionals from all over the world was exciting. I am very proud of the fact that we were the first production company to film an exciting, metal-detecting, reality, series for television. Our videos and TV series were seen and purchased in S. America, parts of Europe, and Canada. In the U.S. our series was placed at prime time slots on cable channels in every State.
Sure, we call our TV series a metal-detecting video, however, our 13 episodes go much deeper than just showing a couple of guys digging coins.
Metal Detecting Show As An Education Tool
High schools have used our series to teach a part of American history. I have traveled to high schools and colleges as a guest speaker.
“Hi Mr. Pandozzi, thank you for sending the links for the downloads of your TV series. Your Ghost Towns of the East series was AWESOME! It was so good that I am now in search of ghost towns. I have been on a 6 day journey across a few states having an adventure. I have camped out in the back of my Nissan Xterra at night where ever I can find a quiet spot. I have a power inverter for my truck, so I watched the first 5 episodes that I had downloaded on my computer while laying in the back of my Xterra. Although I'm not sure of what you and John discovered on the very end of the 5th video...I'm guessing it was a coffin? but i'm not sure. Is there more video to this?... because it ended and I didn't have anymore videos to watch! I was originially researching ghost towns when I came across your web sites, so all your tips were welcomed since I'm brand new to this.
So far there has been a lesson learned about metal detecting around these old towns.... its really FUN!
Thank you for putting on a great show that is full of knowledge, and I will keep track and check back often. Take care and happy hunting! D. K.”
“Frank, when will you film more episodes? Your detecting series beats everything out there. You and John are real. No phony bs like you see in those shows today. GREAT job guys,
Sammy K, Virginia”
Archaeologists Try to Shut Down Production
Our TV production, "Exploring Historys Treasures" became so successful that Archaeologists tried to close down my production company.
When our TV series "Ghost Towns Of The East” first hit the airwaves, the Archaeological community verbally attacked my show, my co-host John, and me.
They were upset because we were showing the viewing public how to locate and dig relics, even though we were on private property. Many Archaeologists want all of the history that is below the ground for themselves. They believe they are “The Supreme Diggers of Dirt.”
Learn from John and me how we locate Eastern ghost towns. Watch us dig relics that were lost hundreds of years ago.
My TV Series Was Much More Than A Metal Detecting Show
You will learn the best way to metal detect around the old cellar holes, and where those buried, cellar hole caches may be hidden.
We'll take you on a real-life treasure hunt for a doctor-buried cache from the 1800's.
Follow my cohost John (R.I.P my friend) and me as we trace the steps of a French & Indian War battle. It’s a 130-mile adventure as we relive the battle from beginning to end.
We’ll visit old logging camps and metal detect the surroundings.
And much more.
“Frank, I just finished watching your TV series. I bought the downloads yesterday and spent most of last night watching them. I could not go to bed. You and John did a masterful job explaining our history and showing the visuals the way you did. Are you filming any more? Thanks
Ed, Rochester NY”
"I have been teaching local history for 22 years. And when Mr. Pandozzi came to our Junior high class with a video of his TV series about Eastern ghost towns, my classes were speechless. I think they learned more from his series in one viewing than what I tried to teach in an entire semester. Mary B. Teacher”
“Frank: Thank you for sending the Ghost Town DVD from your TV series. I am sorry I did not get back to you sooner. My husband and I watched the DVD before showing it to my classes. Alex, my husband told me to tell you that he is now a loyal fan. He loved it! I feel the same way.
We had no idea there are ghost towns in the east. You really captured the mood of how life was lived in the east, hundred’s of years ago. I showed the DVD to five of my junior high classes.
The response from the students was remarkable. As I mentioned to you when we first met, I was in the process of teaching them the history of what life was like during the 1800’s, your DVD enhanced my teaching. The students have asked questions that I would have never imagined. The DVD gave them a sense of excitement about the pioneers of that period.
I could have never taught them in a more exciting way. Thank You!!
We are looking forward to having you in our classes in two weeks. My students keep asking me what day you are coming. They are excited that they have a chance to meet a real treasure hunter. Respectfully, Susan P----- M-----"
“Frank, my wife and I have really enjoyed viewing your “Exploring Historys Treasures,” metal detecting video, and would like our local cable company (GCI) to carry your TV series. It not only covers metal detecting, which has a good following in Alaska, but the history of our great country.Good luck with the series and we hope to see it here soon, Harold S. Alaska”
“Frank and John. You guys can come to Alabama and detect with me anytime. We have ghost towns here to. GREAT metal detecting video! Thanks for the fun!
John D. Al”
“Dear Frank, I love the outdoors and I love history. Your metal detecting series added an excitement to both of those loves. It was GREAT!
And now, I may end up buying a metal detector.
Thanks, Kate in Wisconsin”
“Frank and John
Just watched the Ghost Towns in the East DVD series.Great Show.You guys show the way metal detecting really is.The tips you give on researching an area are useful to detectorists of all ages.
I wish Dish Network would pick this up,it would be a great addition to the outdoor channel.
Keep up the great work."
Jeff R,Dallas,Ga.”