WANNA-BEn
| WANNA-BEn | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Created by | Yoink Productions Ltd |
| Directed by | Andy Robinson |
| Starring | Ben Boyce |
| Opening theme | Titles: Mukpuddy Animation Theme: The Checks |
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| No. of episodes | 18 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 22 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | TV3 (New Zealand) |
| Original release | 8 October 2010 – 23 March 2012 |
| External links | |
| Website | |
WANNA-BEn was a comedy show, themed each week on a different celebrity and their achievements. The series is hosted by New Zealand entertainer Ben Boyce, former co-host of Pulp Sport. Ben Boyce is looking for a new job. However, rather than looking for a boring, everyday desk job, he looks for one that is cool and exciting, like a rock star, millionaire, or fashion icon.
Each episode of “WANNA BEn” sees Ben interview different international celebrities that are at the top of his new chosen career path, turning the spotlight on the celebrities achievements and the various steps they’ve taken on their road to success. Back home in New Zealand, armed with the sage words of his celebrity mentor, Ben then attempts to emulate their road to success in his own misguided fashion. Ultimately Ben discovers that his road to a new career and attempting to emulate his new idol is full of pain and embarrassment.
Wanna-Ben's animated segments and titles are by Auckland-based animation studio Mukpuddy Animation whose credits include Sparkle Friends for TV2's What Now and Lanky Lampton: A Silly Idea for TV2's Studio 2 LIVE. Mukpuddy Animation is made up of Ryan Cooper, Tim Evans and Alex Leighton.
Wanna-Ben was directed by Andy Robinson, who also worked with Ben on sports comedy television show Pulp Sport.
Each episode features a mix of reality and scripted comedy and features many TV styles - interviews, skits, songs, animation and experiments with the public .
At the start of each episode a scene was played out with Ben sitting at home watching TV and his mother (played by Ginette McDonald) would tell Ben he needs to get off the couch and find a job. Ben would find an ambitious job listing such as a Rock star or Movie star, Ben would then begin his quest to be that person.
The episode would then cut between Ben performing various skits often on the unsuspecting public in a similar fashion to the skits seen on Pulp Sport. Ben would then travel to Hollywood to interview a celebrity relating to Ben's chosen career.
Series 1 of WANNA BEn celebrity interviews included, Action Movie Star - Steven Seagal, Spice Girl - Mel B, Pop sensation - Ke$ha, Rock legends - Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora, Hustler founder - Larry Flynt, Hip Hop stars Flava Flav and Vanilla Ice, The Nanny - Fran Drescher and skateboarding legend - Tony Hawk.
In 2011, two one off specials of WANNA-BEn broadcast on TV3 based around key events in New Zealand - the Rugby World Cup and the General Election.
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