The Random 1 team meets Kevin, a shy, young man with special needs. He has a simple request. Help him find his first date. While not in the match-making business, when Christina steps out of her car, they realize they have the opportunity to help Kevin experience what we all want...to feel accepted

Random 1 - How It Began
In 1996 two friends - one black, one white, and polar-opposites beneath the surface as well - embarked on a journey in an old rusted pick-up. Their mission was to meet strangers at random and try to make a difference in their lives. Most of what they did for people worked. Though sometimes, things would go horribly wrong. Regardless, the experiences brought forth in the friends a strong sense of purpose, not to mention the addictive thrill of encountering the unknown.

In 1999, they began documenting their experiences on film. During the spring of 2001, three volunteer producers joined their mission and worked from a dusty basement office to facilitate solutions for the random encounters. During the fall of 2004 an RV manufacturer, Dynamax Corporation, loaned the 3-person support team a high tech RV to call home. And so was born Random 1, an undercover philanthropic organization.

The story about the two men, their pick-up and the grassroots movement began to spread. In April of 2005, the organization teamed up with A&E Television Networks. The network has decided to allow the true story experiences to begin airing as a documentary series on November 1, 2005. Find out what happens as the two men continue their mission across America in search of the perfect random 1.

Above all, random encounters teach the lessons “never-say-never” and “always believe”. The beginnings were undocumented experiences of two friends driving in an old pick-up, meeting and helping complete strangers. But as a documentary filmmaker, John recognized their experiences as unusual and began filming his time with Andre - slowly shaping the footage into something that could one day become television. All the while continuing to help people, one at a time.

Now Random 1, the original television series, premieres on A&E Television Networks November 1, 2005 at 10pm. A&E has not only enabled the Random 1 team to continue to do what they have always done, but the experiences and stories of the people helped by Random 1 are now available to you on television. Also check out the behind the scenes transmissions, at R1 Transmitter, where you can get involved and help us... help strangers.

Director: John Chester

John Chester has been involved in the entertainment industry as a director, producer, and filmmaker for over eleven years. His eye for composition, lighting and direction have earned him a 2002 Emmy nomination, a 2002 Bronze Telly Award, and three 2001 Telly Awards. In addition, John served as a cinematographer for the 2001 Emmy nominated spot entitled Silence of Falling Leaves, voted best PSA by Baltimore Magazine's Best of Baltimore edition.

Contact at Random 1: Thea Maichle