Juggling through production
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by Paul Cochrane
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Salah Moussalli projects an outer sense of calm although his mind is racing with thoughts about his latest MBC show staring famed TV personality Razan. The demo tape seems to have gone missing, and without it, weeks of work on the new program, dubbed Sharazan, will have gone to waste. But Moussalli easily switches on his chipper public relations skills—honed while spending time in front of the camera himself—during a recent interview at an MBC office in Beirut, where the walls are lined with framed magazine covers of the vivacious young celebrity interviewer. “She is a very busy girl, with films, videos and TV appearances,” says the 26-year old producer. “But great to work with.”
In addition to producing for Razan’s previous show, Razmania, Moussalli is also credited with helping introduce BBC chart show The Top of the Pops to the Middle East.
“Once I get the Okay from management, I formulate a team,” he explains. “Then I decide on a script writer, develop the format, create storyboards and coordinate with international acts.” But most of the day, he admits, is spent scheduling celebrity appearances for the show. “I am on the phone and emailing all the time. I’m in constant contact with London and LA with agents to book artists.”
Moussalli began his career in broadcasting at Zen TV as a segment producer and co-host on the youth talk show, Darda Chat, while pursuing a master’s degree in Middle Eastern studies. After almost two years at the now defunct channel, he became an assistant producer for MBC, working on both Razmania and Fantasia, another celebrity interview show, as the well game show Dragon’s Den.
Once a program gets rolling, Moussalli becomes involved in formatting, graphics, editing and creating the overall mood of the show. “The hardest part is meeting the deadlines when you have a busy schedule,” he says. “But I enjoy the creativity and doing something from scratch for TV. When I create a show it is in the magazines,” he says, eyes drifting over to the mounted publication covers.
Moussalli is somewhat apprehensive about the upcoming show, which will air four to five times a month as of January 2006. “It is as if it were my first job,” he says anxiously. “It is not the first time I’ve worked with Razan, but she is becoming internationally famous, so people would be critical if it is bad; especially because the show is designed around her personality.”
Just before the interview concludes, a young assistant tentatively pokes his head through the door clutching a tape. “Found it!” he smiles sheepishly. The hidden tension suddenly disappears from Moussalli’s face; crisis averted.
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