Reporter for Arab TVS
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Rick's
has been
a hit the world over with TV crews, and for a
variety of reasons. First, of course, is the irony
that after more than 60 years it really does exist
- the newsworthiness brings the crews here. Then
once they see it, the dramatic, romantic ambience
that so very much resembles the look and feel
of the film combines with the piano, the costumed
waiters and today's (Madame) Rick to give a perfect
visual backdrop for filming. Lastly, crews that
visit Morocco feel its warmth and hospitality
and amidst all the problems and challenges, the
Rick's story is something very positive that shows
the country's potential.
A Belgian crew visited, unannounced, a few weeks
before we opened. I just happened to be at the
site and they interviewed me - in French, for
which I wasn't rehearsed. They liked my American
accent though, so the interview went well - until
they asked me to sing "As Time Goes By!" I explained
I wanted to attract people to come here not drive
them away!
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But it was CNN's coverage that really put us on
the map. I'll never forget getting the call from
Al Goodman telling me he'd tucked the NYT article
in his Morocco file and brought it when sent here
from Madrid to prepare pieces for the first anniversary
of the May 16 attacks. Al said there should be some
positive stories, and this was certainly one of
them. See related article. |
Reporter
for TV Cataluna |
Since then there's been TV Cataluna and Tele Cinco
from Spain, a station from Slovenia, and a big crew
and coverage from Hong Kong that included their
leading media star. We've had time to get used to
the cameras and telling the story, playing the song...
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...This
was great experience, and when we were contacted
by a German film production crew for a large part
in a documentary they were planning on Casablanca
we were happy to agree. It was a lot of fun, over
the three trips they made, working with them on
scenarios and widening the scope of coverage to
show some of the charming people and places in
Casablanca. I can't wait to see the film. See
related article.
We got very accustomed to the film lighting, and
were amused to see that the clients loved this,
it made them feel like they were in a movie. So
now we're going to get lights mounted and as they're
turned on each evening the curtain will rise on
a new vignette involving our cast and a variety
of supporting actors. |
Reporter
for CNN
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