Bashir Asmar relishes the challenge of following famous father

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-02-08

[NOHAD TOPALIAN] Bashir Asmar at work on the set of Studio El-Fan.

Young director Bashir Asmar often giggles when he is told, "The apple never falls far from the tree," referring to the fact that he took over "Studio El-Fan" (Arts Studio), which was launched more than 40 years ago by his father, director Simon Asmar.

Bashir says that he continues to adhere to the core of the renowned show, but he directs it in a manner consistent with the spirit of his generation. He sat down with Al-Shorfa to talk about his show and future projects.

Al-Shorfa: From the father, Simon Asmar, to the son, Bashir Asmar, you present a new edition of "Studio El-Fan". What did you add to the show?

Bashir: This is not a new edition of the show. It is the same old edition but with a new touch. The content is the same, and the show will maintain its quality in a number of aspects, such as the selection of contestants before they appear on the show, in terms of certain qualities they need to have to be able to take that huge step, which, admittedly, does require an artistic presence on stage. The traditional spirit of the show is present in all the details. What I added is the new setting, which takes into account the newest developments in the world of television.

Al-Shorfa: How so?

Bashir: After eight years of interruption of the show, TV witnessed many changes in terms of its concept and programming. Reality TV and similar shows came to be characterized by "large-scale dancing and singing shows". This was a digression from the main goal of the shows that target amateurs. We've had enough of those amateur targeting reality TV shows that flaunt big dances and impressive settings, but barely have any good talents to offer. We long for good vocals and artists with true characters that shine on stage.

Personally and professionally speaking, I am one of those people who stress the value of artistic talent and what it can offer. In this show, and leaning on its core value, we underline the true notion of art. This is what led us to the show's new look, to keep abreast of what is new and what is old in art, such as Arabic rap music, which Lebanese artists abroad perform. They will be hosted on the show, which introduced a new category for this genre of singing.

Al-Shorfa: There is no doubt that you are shouldering a huge responsibility in this show which has long carried the signature of its creator, Simon Asmar. Do you feel the weight of this responsibility?

Bashir: It is no secret that I was a bit intimidated at first. However, when I discovered the show closely, away from my father, I realized that it my also my game, that I was playing on our turf.

Al-Shorfa: In everything new that you present, what do you owe to your father?

Bashir: My father was my mentor. He was delighted to attend my shows as though they were his. He did have a couple of remarks on the first two shows, which I took into consideration, and that improved the show considerably. There is no denying that Simon Asmar has a way of handling the camera, where he is more known for taking the smallest details into account.

Al-Shorfa: If you were not Simon Asmar's son, would you be directing the show now?

Bashir: I often thought about that and could not come up with an answer. The truth is if I were a doctor, my patients would have suffered extensively. If I were an engineer, buildings I erected would have tumbled down miserably. I can only be a director, especially because I have what it takes, and I have been exposed to the details of directing and the life of television.

Al-Shorfa: But there is some challenge involved. Are you defying Simon Asmar or yourself?

Bashir: I am defying myself. I don't deny that I am living in the shadow of Simon Asmar, and his importance in arts and the media, given the astounding success he realized and the growth his character and ideas continue to experience. It is true that he launched the show back in the seventies and managed to maintain its success up to the present day, but he still improved it in a way that ensures the show was always in harmony with the era it was aired in.

Al-Shorfa: What are your ambitions?

Bashir: I aspire to develop talents and work with artists and talents who really want to realize their dreams, people who have true character in them. That gives me a real sense of pleasure.

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