...Cakes Films Casting Video for Food Network's Cupcake Wars

Deana Martin, who owns  with her husband Keith, had just 48 hours to find a videographer, prepare a concept, bring together some children and film a casting video for the Food Network series Cupcake Wars.

With the help of Milton Access Television’s Mike Lynch and a dedicated group of family, friends and customers, Martin and her pastry chef Lori Davidson are one step closer to appearing on season three of the series.

The Martins also own Biga Breads in Charlestown and a second Cakes location in Arlington and Deana saw a Food Network appearance as an unmatched way to boost publicity for the budding Cakes brand.

Martin toyed around with auditioning for the show for a while, and after noticing a casting call last Sunday, decided to send an email to the Food Network.

On Monday, she had a quick casting phone call and then was asked to fill out an application and send in a demo video by Wednesday. Using some connections at MATV, Martin hired Lynch to film the video. By 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Martins had a bakery full of kids and their parents ready to participate.

“It was intense,” said Martin, who is used to doing on-camera interviews, but has never produced a spot like the four-minute casting video.

Martin was given some sample videos and some questions to guide the spot. The …Cakes casting video was ultimately inspired by their key clientele, kids.

“Cakes’ focus has always been on kids and families,” said Martin.

While the debate over whether or not cupcakes are just a fad for adults, Martin is confident that the tasty confection will never go out of style for children. After all, “They’re little cakes for little people,” said Martin.

She also inserted a more unconventional savory cupcake to show the shop could keep up with the outlandish ingredients used on the show.

The video is now in the hands of a casting director. If selected, Cakes will be featured on the show, which films in California. Martin wasn’t given a timeline, but she figures if she doesn’t hear from the show in a few weeks, she was not selected.