What changes have been made since the first rehearsal?
We improve light and production with our partner BBC. We have a big three-meter proscenium rising and we really had to fix everything because we need security behind us. After the first rehearsal, we changed a lot of things: lights, production plans, fixing part of the dress…. There are many details that will make him feel good because the upper system is still moving. It should be perfect for him when he sings so that there are no microphone movements.
Was it for his safety that he abandoned the idea of undoing the seat belt and then putting it back on?
Yes, he was taking a risk to save her… We wanted something very iconic, so it was very important that he protect his reputation.
La Zarra had the initial idea for this scenography. How did you react when he told you about it?
I thought this was great! I admire your creativity. An artist who gives us totally crazy stuff! And we answer that 98% of the time!
Did you have any instructions to be followed by the organization?
We are in a race with rules and some are very strict… We do some things, some cannot. For example, we wanted camera axes or lights that were not possible… It’s not France running the competition. We are dependent on British production and at your service.
Why this scenography with no dancer or decor outside this podium?
We wanted to focus on the artist, which is very interesting. It’s a mix of pop and great French songs. Having an artist as iconic as him made us want to showcase him. The song goes too fast! We don’t realize it, but we can’t film everything in three minutes. If we focus on the dancers or a set, we don’t film it. We bet our everything on La Zarra’s charisma. Sending! A kind of French elegance that stands out from all tables with this big dress and this platform. Culturally, France is there. We wanted to work on lights that address the emotion that also refers to musicals. Starmania (Thomas Jolly version, editor’s note).
The Eurovision website featured La Zarra as a “Paris disco queen”A mix of Edith Piaf and Lady Gaga…
Exactly this! He is timeless: he belongs to the past, the present and also the future because he is so visionary. I see you renew the French song with great modernity. From Piaf to Gaga, this sums it all up very well.
Do these kinds of comments comfort you?
Today, the job of the French delegation and France Télévisions is to win this trophy. In recent years, we have artists that we are extremely proud of, whether it’s Barbara Pravi or Amir. We are proud to bring France back to the game. And we will bring this trophy home!
La Zarra is well positioned among bookies by being in the Top 10…
I’m not a fan of looking at predictions because we don’t know what’s going to happen. Bookmakers can be wrong. Much better if it’s one of the favourites, but we need to focus.
This Friday evening, the jury’s votes were determined during the first public rehearsal of the final (unaired). How does the French delegation approach this important step?
La Zarra and I are very stressed but we don’t tell each other (laughs)! I have little moments to walk, moments to rest. We remain very focused and also try to isolate ourselves. There are a lot of people behind the scenes and in the boxes. He sings… And all the TV channels in the world want to interview him. It’s fascinating to see all this. We feel a frenzy around him.
Which candidates scare you the most?
Finland (Represented by Käärijä, editor’s note) and Sweden are our biggest rivals, especially since Loreen. (Swedish candidate, editor’s note) In 2012 he already won once. He has something extra. He knows and knows how D-Day goes, we really want to compete with them.
The Eurovision 2023 adventure started last September for the French delegation. How do we hold on to the neck?
That’s a good question (laughs)! I have three little girls and I always say that Eurovision reminds me of my births! Pregnancy time. Here we are in the mood: “Contractions, let’s take a pill (laughs)”!
The former entertainment boss of France 2 recently claimed: “there were orders to lose” for financial reasons. What are you answering?
I wasn’t there at the time, so I don’t know what was said at the time. I have a hard time speaking because I don’t know the past. I have a team that will do anything to bring the trophy back. Together with Delphine Ernotte and Stéphane Sitbon-Gomez, we have a very clear mission at France Télévisions. We compete to win, not to lose. We will not invest particularly financially so as not to go as far as possible!
Did two victories at Eurovision Junior change the situation?
Certainly ! Having won and produced these prints makes us feel more confident today. If we win tomorrow, we can produce the 2024 edition and invite all these countries to France. When you know a victory, you want to experience others.
What are your plans for Eurovision Junior 2023, which you organized with Lissandro after the victory in 2022? oh mom ?
It will be in Nice on 26 November. The motto will be “Heroes”. This is a children’s competition and it is important for us to send a very strong and positive message that they will be the heroes of this event whether they win or lose. Children are the heroes of tomorrow for me. They will change our world and make it move!
pH
Source: Programme Television
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
