My first LIVE UK TV Interview: LONDON LIVE TV UK
Well today was my first ever live UK TV interview and it was for the new online TV network called London Live TV that launched at the end of March this year. Today I was on their breakfast show to talk about Auzzie-inspired cafes and restaurants in London and what makes our food and coffee so different. It also featured a great piece on Lantana Cafe - where I am head barista and manager. I got to sit with Alex, the presenter before my interview and watch my boss do a fantastic chat to camera, and one of my favourite chefs in the kitchen talk us through how to make our halloumi, chilli jam and courgette bread dish - and I of course critiqued my own making of a flatwhite!
Live TV is really nerve racking actually. Its very different to any other interview I've done before. I think it’s the time restraints and the numerous things happening simultaneously not only in front of the cameras but behind those closed doors. Its the fear that you can't change anything once it's said and done which makes it both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
When I first got to the studios I was shown to their green room, which had a TV in it and some basic tea and coffee facilities. Jade, the show's producer came in to talk to me about the schedule and how the interview was likely to unfold.
Noreen, who was filling in today (as she normally has her own other show to produce) was the one to come get me, mic me up and push me into that guest chair - they had been there since around 3am!
I did two interviews for them today. One at 7.40am and one at 8.40am. I had to get up about 5.30am to get there - so I hadn't had coffee. There was a bit of an awkward moment where they offered me a coffee from their building cafe - Costa…. I'll let you guess that outcome.
Alex the presenter was really friendly and I got to watch her use the telly prompter - which is always fascinating. It must be harder than it looks because it always looks too speedy.
The first interview was quite fast and I didn't feel like I got out everything I wanted to say and had that “got sprung” feeling. Basically, I recommended three other Auzzie-inspired restaurants and then because I’m a Kiwi, I could name one other place that was typically kiwi. You'll have to watch below to see whom I recommended….
The second interview I felt a bit more comfortable and hence thought it was much clearer. However, the first interview is up on their site.
All in all it was a pretty exciting first experience and the team at London Live TV UK made it really enjoyable.
London is gaining a range of great café and restaurants. If the topic extended beyond antipodean, I would have been happy to stay for hours to talk food and coffee.
Downunder Lantana:
London Live TV Interview Broadcast