Chapter 2

chapter

two

Caroline

Transcript from the intake interview, contestant Caroline Mathis

Bake It! production MEMO

From: Amelia Jane, production assistant

To: Rochelle Roberts, show runner

Please find attached the unedited footage of Caroline Mathis's intake video (season 4, episode 6). As per your request, I've attached a transcript. You'll find my observations in italics.

My initial thoughts are:

· Your idea to include a curvy baker was genius, especially after last season's debacle with the anorexic sous chef

· Caroline Mathis has good screen potential. Appears somewhat plain in this initial video. I suggest we send hair and makeup, particularly to play up her doe-eyed, Snow White quality.

· She will pair well with LeBlanc. Be sure to watch from 1.39 on

As always, show host is off-screen.

On screen is Caroline Mathis -- mid-twenties, wavey dark hair, minimal make-up, practical clothing. She sits stiff-backed, in front of the Bake It logo.

Host: Tell us a little about yourself, Caroline. Where you're from and how you got into baking.

Caroline: offers a demure smile I'm from a small town in Texas. I suppose, not too different from Midnight Texas, though I haven't explored very much. It's called Saddle Creek, and I've lived there pretty much my entire life. I went to the Culinary Arts Institute in San Antonio and got my associate degree in baking and pastry.

Caroline: smiles more broadly I currently co-own a bakery with my two best friends. It's called Sugar Bakers, and we have a lot of fun together. I guess, that's about it.

Host: What kind of working style would you say you have?

Caroline: I'm organized and tidy. It saves so much time to clean up as you go when baking or cooking. I'd also say that, though I am sometimes creative with flavor combinations, I am precise with any measurements. After all, baking is chemistry. There are some things you just don't mess around with.

Host: So would you say you're a very "Type A" kind of person?

Caroline: tips head to the side, considering, before nodding seriously I suppose so.

Host: Viewers are dying to know what you thought when you found out you were being paired up with The Bad Boy of Baking.

Caroline: blinks, frowns, sits forward slightly I'm sorry, who is that?

Host: Damien LeBlanc. He's known on the internet as The Bad Boy of Baking. He's an influencer, an online personality, if you will.

Caroline: Oh, I, I guess I'm unfamiliar. gives a self-deprecating laugh I assumed he was French.

Host: Laughs In a manner of speaking, he is. French Cajun. Here, let us show you a clip of what Damien does, and we'll get your reaction.

Host: I have to tell you, this is a delicious surprise that you're unaware of Damien and what he does.

Cues up video from off screen. Caroline alone remains on screen as she watches.

Caroline: gasps Why does he need to take off his shirt?

Caroline: Oh. sits back, hand to her chest Oh, that's very unsanitary.

Caroline: Gaze jerks to the host He's not even wearing gloves!

Caroline: Oh my! He cannot expect for anyone to eat any of that after he's had his hands and mouth all over it.

Caroline: leans forward, clearly aghast, blushing What is he going to do with that whipped cream?

Host: I think anyone watching can clearly see that you were previously unfamiliar with Damien Leblanc. Judging by your reaction, you seem rather appalled at the antics of The Bad Boy of Baking.

Caroline: Clearly he relies on shock value to build his brand. I can't imagine that any baker worth their sugar would play with food they intend to serve to another person.

Host: Do you think that you'll be able to get along with The Bad Boy of Baking?

Caroline: stiffly I'm a professional. I can work under any circumstances.

Bake It! production MEMO

From: Rochelle Roberts, show runner

To: Amelia Jane, production assistant

Re: last season's debacle, my mama always said "never trust a skinny chef"

She would approve of Caroline Mathis's curves.

I'm not sure I buy her doe-eyed act, but viewers will eat it up.

Have you watched LeBlanc's intake video?

The two of them together are going to be pure gold. I trust you to make the most of this.