Another zombified Wednesday for me; stayed up to watch LOST until 3 a.m. this morning despite swearing I wouldn't. But how could I resist? However I chugged back just enough coffee to put our LOSTBlog interview to Anthony Zuaro of Motivators TV. Scroll to the end for a sample of their fabulous LOST parody work, follow Anthony on Twitter here and read on to discover his answers to our burning 16 questions...
Q: How long have you been watching Lost?
A: Since January 2008. I don't know how it didn't show up on my radar until then, but my best friend from high school (let’s call him my constant) gave me Season 1 for my birthday and I became addicted immediately and caught up as soon as I possibly could.
Q: How did Lost get its polar bear claws into you? What about it got you hooked?
A: The obvious and easy answer is the gripping plot, especially in the way they leave you hanging so that you’re always thirsty for more, but I think the main thing I love about the show is how realistically the characters react to what's going on around them. From the beginning I tried to put myself in the characters’ shoes and I think the writers did an incredible job of keeping it realistic in what is clearly a very unrealistic / fantasy world.
Q:Favorite character?
A: Ahh, the famous question that I can never really answer. Locke was my first love and he is still up there, but Sayid is amazing in almost every way and apparently I am a sucker for Desmond’s charm. That rounds out my top 3, but I would be remis to leave out Jack as I feel I have a few things in common with him. (Except for that Doctor thing)
Q: Least favorite character?
A: Shannon. For all the obvious reasons, but especially because Sayid would never fall for someone like that.
Q: Favorite episode or season?
A: I dont think anything quite tops Season 1, but I had goosebumps when I first saw the ending of the season 3 finale ‘Through the Looking Glass’ – I will continue to call that my favorite episode.
Q: Least favorite episode or season?
A: Razzle Dazzle! I think I enjoy the LOST Recaps in 8 minutes and 15 seconds better than the Nikki and Paulo episode.
Q: Are you Team Jack or Team Locke?
A: Tough one, as odd and borderline insane as it sounds, I think my own personal outlook on life was more like Jack’s before I watched LOST, but now I have adopted a more Locke-like approach to life, therefore I am Team Locke!
Q: If you had to be one of the following, which would it be and why: an 815 survivor, an Other or a member of the Dharma Initiative?
A: An 815 survivor! I hope I never get to experience a plane crash, but surviving one must be one of the most amazing feelings possible.
Q: Which character’s demise were you most upset to see happening?
A: Mr. Eko – I feel like there was so much more in store for his character.
Q: Tell us a bit about your site.
A: I work for a promotional products company named Motivators. I handle the graphic design, product photography and videography for the site. While this is not exactly a ‘LOST’ site, a majority of us are huge fans and thus I have been able to integrate ‘LOST’ into some of our product images, videos and podcasts. (See video at end - a LOST parody in which the hero discovers a strange office in the middle of the jungle - and pic below right.)
Q: What are you favorite online Lost communities, blogs, podcasts, etc.?
A: The LOST Blog and the twitter community that surrounds this blog is my main online activity with other Losties. I am disappointed that I missed out on the WFTB, but aside from that I generally check out Lostpedia for any info I may be seeking.
Q: Tell us something interesting/scary/amusing/downright weird about how your time in the Lost fan-verse has changed your life.
A: As I eluded to earlier, Lost has really helped to cement in the belief that ‘everything happens for a reason’. Ironically, this was something that my mother always told me as I was growing up, and deep down I always lived by that motto, but Lost has helped me to keep that belief in the forefront of my mind. It might sound silly, but when you see examples of it happening in front of you (even if it is fictional), its easier to believe that this can also be the case in real life. (Especially when youre obsessed with said fiction)
Q: You’re in an elevator with someone who has never seen as much as a second of Lost. You got on in the lobby and you’re both headed to the fifteeth floor. How do you convince them to buy and watch all the DVDs before the elevator gets there?
A: I usually start with something like: I am not usually pushy about getting other people to watch TV shows, but trust me, I feel like I am doing you a favor by telling you about it. It could change your life, but even if it doesnt it is riveting and addicting entertainment that doesnt compare to anything else I’ve seen.
Q: Has watching Lost sparked any creative inspiration in your life, i.e. writing, media, art, etc.?
A: Aside from the creation of Motivators TV’s LOST parodies, my friend and I have been working on a story that we hope to one day publish. This has always been a goal of ours, but we have certainly drawn inspiration from Lost’s attention to detail and circular nature, with call backs to old references as well as a clear idea for the beginning and end.
Q: How do you plan on combatting PLDS (Post Lost Distress Syndrome) or do you think we’re all destined to end up continously re-watching our Lost: The Complete Series Ultimate Box Set for the rest of our lives?
A: We will always have our box sets and I know that I will be re-watching time and time again, but once LOST is over I wont need another TV show. I’ll simply never forget it and continue to draw inspiration from it in my future endeavors. Not to mention, I will always continue to attempt to convince those who have not yet been Lost to get started.
Q: What do you think will be Lost’s legacy?
A: I believe that Lost’s legacy will be a story that not only connects with people of all beliefs and backgrounds, but it’s legacy will truly be described as entertainment that transcended the bond between the show and the viewer. The mystery made you think about how great the show was, but the stories and underlying themes made you think about your own life.
www.motivators.tv
www.twitter.com/MotivatorsTV
Thanks Anthony from everyone at the LOSTBlog.com!
