Richard Fidler’s interview with Rupert Evertt vs. Julie Rigg’s interview with Roger Michelle.
Both interviews are taken from Radio National Podcasts.
The Conversation Hour with Richard Fidler is based in Sydney. Richard recently had actor and author Rupert Evertt in the studio to discuss his new book “Red Carpets and Other Bananaskins”.
The interview begins with a formal introduction from Fidler, briefly covering the topics that will be discussed during the interview and giving the listeners some background knowledge of the interviewee, Rupert Evertt.
Fidler jumps straight into questioning, making an usual but engaging statement, “I find it interesting that you [Evertt] were ‘corrupted’ by Mary Poppins as a child”. This statement varifys to the audience that Fidler has done his homework and has read the book. All the questions were well researched and followed through. Richard knew what answers he wanted and asked the right questions in order to get them.
As is the trend with interviews these days, this interview was primarily promotional. It was used to inform the public about Rupert Evertt’s new book. Every question was centred around the content of the actors memoirs. Some of the interview was informational, providing listeners with details not mentioned in the book. Yet it is apparent to the listeners that this interview is a promotional tool, especially when Evertt refuses to answer a question and states “if they want to know what happened, they’ll have to read the book”.
Julie Rigg discussed the new film ‘Venus’ with the director Roger Michelle. Roger Michelle has directed numerous movies such as Notting Hill and The Mother (to which Venus is the sister film). Julie also does a formal introduction, nearly long enough to make the listener fall asleep.
The most striking thing about this interview is that despite its length it is done over the phone.
This makes it difficult for the audience to understand Roger Michelle at times due to a poor phone line.
Even though Rigg demonstrates her knowledge of the movie, her questions do not engage the listeners or the interviewee, Roger Michelle. He comes across as bored and in turn, this bores the audience. Clearly this interview is promoting the release of the new movie Venus, although it doesn’t inspire the listeners to immediately go out and see it.
While both presenters work for the same radio station, its pretty obvious why Richard Fidler as more air time than Julie Rigg. Both have worked in radio for years and have had their fair share of interviews yet Fidler is far more engaging and comfortable with who he is interviewing. The friendly banter between Evertt and Fidler gives the impression to listeners that they have been friends for years. In contrast, Julie Rigg struggles to keep the flow of the interview going. This could be attributed in part to the interviewee, Roger Michelle, who is a less appealing subject in comparison to Rupert Evertt.
Overall, both programs and interviews have something to offer. The choice is up to the listeners. Do they want entertainment or a chance to catch up on some shut eye?
