So who is PAUL VIV?
We’ve been watching LATE NIGHT WITH PAUL VIV for the last few weeks and wondering who the hell this guy is and where he came from and how come he gets to do a show all on his own… We asked the man h’self to shoot from the hip…
So the big question is WHO IS PAUL VIV?
I am Paul Vivian Llewellyn, born in South Wales, raised in Africa and currently life is reasonably good.
What is your background – how come you got to get your very own show?
I have worked as a producer and director for the last 5 years. I produced Castle Loud when it began and then a talk show called Nerv hosted by Mark Gilman. I then went to London and after 2 years of doing everything from bartending to working for the BBC I got a call from my previous employers telling me that they had proposed me as the host of a new talk show. We subsequently went through the tendering process and got the show. Simple as that really.
What is late night with PV about?
It’s about getting to know local personalities. It’s light entertainment to ease you into the week.
What have you been doing in the last 5 years?
By day I was in London working as an Associate Producer. Before that I was in Joburg working on a range of shows. By night I have probably been drinking too much.
Are u inspired by any other late nighters?
Yes, Dr Phil. He knows so much. And Conan O’Brien and Jonathan Ross.
What radio station do u listen to?
Yfm 90% of the time, the other 10% is spent with SAfm.
Where do u shop?
At the Spar around the corner from my house. Otherwise, Rosebank because it’s close.
Where do u live?
In Parktown North in JHB.
Where were you born, where did you go to school, where did u study – what did u study?
Born in Abergavenny, South Wales. Went to Llangynidr Primary there. Then moved to JHB, went to Glenhazel Primary and then KES. Studied at Rhodes University for a Bachelor of Journalism majoring in Journ and Politics.
What is your favourite place in SA?
My house when my girlfriend is with me. (Ed: Girlfriend? Is that PAM?)
Where do you hang out in Joburg and why?
Mostly at friends’ houses these days. Otherwise Melville, or I venture into the northern suburbs when a bit of a dance is required. I go to loads of functions these days which kind of makes you sick of going out to party.
How is Pam (Andrews) and fill us in on those rumours…
Pam is great. I have a ton of respect for her. She knows who she is, she is grounded and disciplined. She also knows what she wants and goes after it. Those are very attractive qualities. We get on well and she’s loads of fun. And, there’s no denying that she makes a room prettier. What more can I say? I am constantly surprised that she likes hangin’ out with me. I am hers for as long as she’ll have me.
What did you think of the SAMA’s?
The SAMAs was cool although I completely shat myself having to go on stage. F#$*in’ terrifying.
Do you think that the so-called CELEB world of SA is there yet? Do you think your show contributes to increasing the profile of celebs?
I think that it depends on whose perspective you look at when considering the celeb thing. I think that in our middle class Joburg existence we are kind of numb to it. But, if you go out of town and see how people respond to the faces they see on TV there, it’s a different story. I have seen those YOTV kids mobbed like Michael Jackson in the 80s. I think that our celebs are cooler than most of the big international celebs also. Paris Hilton for example is just an arse with a wallet. But look at Lebo Mathosa, that woman is a superstar. She would command column space if she was a product of the western media. So our guys don’t earn the big benjamins, but their time will come. You see we have visionaries down here. Up there the entertainment industry is over saturated. Celebs play it out in a creative world which has been suffocated by the big budget blockbuster. South Africa is this untouched creative gold mine where you can find shit you ain’t never ever seen, and it’s good. Our time will come and I am happy to do my bit.
Who has been your best guest to date?
Patricia de Lille and Barry Hilton.
Any mess-ups on the show you can tell us about?
Nothing major. If there’s a f*#k up we just shoot it again. The worst is when guests don’t pitch. Then it’s time to call in your people to teach them some manners.
What’s your vision for your show?
It’s difficult because we have a very conservative audience out there so there is often material that we want to explore that we are not allowed to because of that sensitivity. My vision for late night TV in general is for it to become a little more radical. The channels should loosen the reins a little and let a bit of controversy emerge. There’s nothing wrong with people being shaken up a little. There’s nothing wrong with presenting people with a perspective that illustrates something other than their entrenched value system. Unfortunately politics these days is pretty much equal to censorship. But time will beat it.
What’s your vision for the country?
This country has a soul, that’s why I love it. I think that the path we are on is a good one and we should just stick to it. I believe in SA so I just let it keep on keepin’ on.
Name three of your favourite muso’s at the moment
Huge supporter of SA music, but to give you a range, at home it’s Mafikizolo or Bongo Maffin, I have always been an Arno fan also. Internationally Pearl Jam, the Jackson 5 and I dig that new Ray Charles collaboration album. I was raised in Motown but educated in Mzansi.
What’s your favourite drink?
Double Jack on the rocks
What’s your favourite party spot?
Don’t have one. Wherever the drinks are cheap and the music is up my alley.
Thanks Man!
Well now we know all about the bugger!
