Brian Friedman
TheStarScoop.Com caught up with Brian Friedman to get the scoop on being a Creative Director for the UK's hit X Factor, dancing, judging, and so much more.
The Star Scoop:
Tell us about your musical/dance background.
Brian Friedman:
My background is basically my life. I grew up in the dance world. My mother is a dancer and from the second I can remember I have known dance. I didn't start however until I asked to. I wasn't forced into it at all. I watched her teach and would try things in the back of her classes. I would dance up and down the halls of my house and grocery store and watch musicals. I loved everything about dance and how it made me feel. Once I started I never stopped.
The Star Scoop:
Everybody thinks they can be a judge. Why is it harder than it looks?
Friedman:
You have to have the knowledge of the craft to be able to judge. You also have to know how to get your point across without discouraging. Speaking in a split second live and remembering all that you have to say while being booed is difficult! LOL... As a judge you have to remember that you're not only educating yourself but you are educating the viewers at home about an art form that is foreign to them.
The Star Scoop:
Can you tell our readers what it means to be a creative director for the UK show The X Factor?
Friedman:
Creative Directors are directing all of the departments on a project. It starts out with a production meeting where I tell the depts what my concepts are for all of the performances. Within the concepts are set design, costume, hair, and make-up and lighting ideas. I am also doing all of the choreography for the show.
The Star Scoop:
Dancing With The Stars will certainly get you some great exposure in the US. What can you tell us about your involvement with this show?
Friedman:
I was brought in to Creative direct and choreograph a piece using lights. I wanted to make it a futuristic piece and I wanted it to stand alone. It needed to be something no one had ever seen before. I am confident in saying that I achieved that.
The Star Scoop:
How difficult is it to choreograph an entire dance?
Friedman:
It's difficult to get exactly what you want when choreographing. I believe the true art is being able to edit as you go. Your first vision usually isn't right. At least in my case that's how it goes.
The Star Scoop:
What is the most important thing to remember when it comes to dancing?
Friedman:
Warm up and cool down! You will feel those injuries over time.
The Star Scoop:
What should our readers know about you? (Be as specific, personal or impersonal as you would like.)
Friedman:
I'm not as mean as I appear on TV! LOL... I have a great bond with contestants and it comes across as rude sometimes. They know I love them and people would understand how much I care if they saw behind the scenes.
The Star Scoop:
What other projects do you have in the works?
Friedman:
I just wrapped up a season on MTV's Top Pop Group and a runway/dance show for Macys called Passport. This show will be airing on NBC on October 12th and in theatres on October 23rd in America. It's a benefit for HIV/AIDS awareness. I am currently in London through the winter for X Factor and then back to the US to teach on my workshop The Pulse.