Fuzzy, TV Presenter
Who
is Fuzzy? Describe yourself in three words…
Busy, Thinker, Vivacious
How
did you get started as a presenter?
I did lots of work experience in TV
production, following that I attended an open call audition for a role on Channel
[V]. I didn't get the job but I did guest spots on the channel. One of the first
things was the Big Day Out live on WhatuWant.
What do you think competitions
like the HP Go Live Reporter means to budding presenters?
I think competitions
like this are an incredible opportunity for budding presenters. There would be
so many guys and gals out there itching to have this opportunity. It's a great
stepping stone towards getting to the goal of being a full time presenter.
Do you get nervous before segments?
Yes, I still get that nervous energy
before going live or interviewing an artist I've admired for a long time but it's
good nervous energy!
What do you do prior to an interview to prep yourself
- research, rituals etc
It depends on how much lead time I have and how
busy the week is with other artists to research. I like to research like crazy.
I'm talking magazines, books, youtube, music news, blogs, journalist written biographies,
transcripts from past TV specials and interviews, finding out stories behind songs,
the use of lyrics, instruments, liner notes in CDs. It gets a little obsessive.
I may not use it all in an interview, and I'd like to be surprised with new information
in an interview but this makes me feel comfortable that most of the information
is in the memory bank. Beforehand, I usually go through my list of questions with
the producer and work on the priority of topics we want to cover. I usually have
a key word for each question so that aside from having a conversation, I can at
least know where I want to take the interview next. This is a heavy ritual isn't
it?
Who is your favourite presenter and why?
Oooh there's
a lot, so please include them all! Andrew Denton is an amazing interviewer and
presenter. He says all the right things so succinctly and has a genuine interest
in every guest he has on his show. I love Cat Deely of 'So You Think You Can Dance'
because she has incredible energy. In terms of music presenters, I love Yumi Stynes
and Chit Chat on Max, Adam Hills on Spicks and Specks and overseas I liked watching
interviews by Alex Zane and Alexa Chung from the now defunct Popworld. All these
presenters are so in love with music and extremely witty and good interviewers.
What's
the best & worst thing about being a presenter?
The best thing is
that I'm in a job that I've wanted for many years, it's music television every
single day. There really is no worst thing.
What's the craziest thing
you've done in front of a camera?
Probably when I stuffed my face with
marshmallows playing "Chubby Bunny" with Mika, he spat in my face while
saying Chubby Bunny because his face was so stretched out.
Who has been
the best person to interview and why?
I'll narrow it down to two. Alicia
Keys and Neil Finn. Firstly Alicia Keys is an incredible artist and I admire her
dearly. Even more reason not to screw it up! We only had 10 minutes but we got
talking about so many things, Australian artists, her home in NY and her secret
"Bat Cave", touring in Eastern Europe, NZ & Aussie wine, her role
in The Secret Life of Bees and her latest album. The interview just flowed so
well, we had a great time and she ended the interview by saying "Wow! You
know what I'm going to say, you know what you're going to say next. You're like
BAM! BAM! BAM! You're good. I like you!" I was chuffed! Neil Finn was equally
amazing. I interviewed him at his studio in Auckland before the Homebake festival.
We chatted for a long time about the early days of getting signed in America,
went into detail about some of his many music videos, his feelings about songs
he penned years ago and its relevance now and being a Father. I also strategically
placed one of his very cool Hummingbird Collector's Edition acoustic by his side
and at the end of the interview he picked up his guitar and played us "Fall
At Your Feet". Incredible.
How does a presenter avoid looking awkward
in front of a camera?
Just smile to the camera and chat to the camera
like you're chatting to a mate. With lots of energy! With interviewing be confident
and as relaxed as possible.
Name three things that a person needs to
be able to be a great presenter?
A team player, lots of energy and an
equally great researcher.
What are some of the tactics that you use to
try and get more of a response out of your interviewees?
Depends on
the situation, at a festival like the Big Day Out interviews generally are chilled
out and bands are more responsive than in a hotel room situation. From the research
you'll find what topics they like to talk about most. If they're really into talking
about one particular thing let them keep going so that it becomes a fun conversation.
But always have back up questions to keep the interview going, if you know they
love talking about hobbies or their obsession with a particular instrument then
go for it!
Is there a secret to being a great presenter?
I
think lots of practice makes a great presenter.
How does one handle fame?
Different
people handle it in different ways. I'm a low key person and still just get around
day to day normally.
Out of everyone who's ever lived, who would you
love to interview and why?
That's a difficult question! Perhaps Jeff
Buckley. His music is still so unique to anything you hear today. He really did
leave too soon. I would get stuck into 'Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk',
what was made of it was already a great record, there's a lot of questions to
ask about that alone.
Can you describe your typical day?
Most
days aren't shoot days and are spent in the office at my desk in front of a computer
researching on the phone, emailing and at times going to a meeting or organising
wardrobe options for future shoots. There's some PR either online or phone interviews
or a photoshoot. I think a lot of people are surprised about how much work is
done from a desk, it isn't all glamour! Many days end with going to a gig, which
is always fun!
If you weren't a presenter, what would you be doing?
Either
a TV producer, documentary maker or something completely different, an Aid Worker
and making the most of my Geography major from Uni.
Where do you see
yourself in five years?
Hopefully still working in Media as well as
being more active in environmental and development projects and by then at least
thinking about starting a family.
What are some of your tools of the
trade that you can't live without?
The internet, our video clip database
and my laptop.
How does technology play a part in your role as presenter?
It's
a massive part of my role. I'm always using technology and so does our crew. It's
integral to get us on air.
Fuzzy is a mentor for the HP Go Live Reporter,
keep track of their experience at the Big Day Out 2009 by going to www.hp.com.au/golive
