R&V Protege 2011 Semi-Finalists Announced

Rhythm and Vines is one step closer to finding its “ultimate R&V ambassador” with the announcement of the top six semi-finalists for R&V Protégé 2011.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural R&V Protégé competition, R&V together with TVNZ U are on the hunt for a “roving reporter” for the next 12 months.

The lucky winner will get to go behind the scenes and cover this year’s festival - for both R&V’s Behind the Vines and U.

They’ll also get to attend and cover other shows like the upcoming R&V Soundcheck in Auckland and international festivals in both Australia and Europe.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the winner will also learn the ropes of TV presenting and get to host their very own weekly segment on U live – all up a pretty awesome prize!

R&V Program Director Hamish Pinkham says organizers were super-impressed with the calibre of entrants and the effort some went to with their entries.

“From all over New Zealand and as far away as Sydney, we’ve seen some really creative video entries and everything from jazzablading to X Fighters, tattoos and tans. A big thanks to all those who entered and went to so much effort with their entries.”

The six semi-finalists will spend two days in Auckland later this week flying courtesy of grabaseat. While in Auckland they’ll be put through a series of challenges including one at R&V Soundcheck at Vector Arena this Thursday.

They will also get a crash course in TV presenting courtesy of U presenter Connor Nestor, get a behind-the-scenes look at the TVNZ newsroom and be put through their paces by journalist Greg Boyed from TV ONE, before being interviewed live on U and ZM.

Connor is looking forward to meeting the finalists, being part of the process and seeing who will crack under the pressure during the challenges.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the finalists. It’s not going to be an easy couple of days. They need to be really comfortable in front of the camera and know their stuff. In this job, getting star struck or freezing up, isn’t an option.”

Following their two days in Auckland, the Final Four will be selected as finalists and will return home where they’ll need to complete a series of challenges. You the public will get to vote for your favourite finalist each week, with the overall winner announced early November.

So without further adieu, here are the R&V Protégé Top Six Semi-Finalists for 2011:

Govind Sandhu, 26, resides Sydney, originally from Queenstown

A Kiwi entrant currently living in Sydney, we love his work at Red Bull and the fact he is passionate about music, festivals and R&V in particular.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgIMZuBHPYI

Selena La Fleur, 21, from Pakuranga, Auckland

Currently studying Communications at AUT, Selena - seen “jazzerblading” in her entry -loves all types of music and is excited about the breadth of opportunity offered by the R&V Protégé role.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48XqSp1Ux6k

Magdalena Schoeman, 21, from St Albans, Christchurch

While studying to become a presenter, Magdalena also finds time to work as a barista amongst other things. Last year was her first time at R&V for NYE and she can’t wait to go back this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dQEvcFlMTc

Conor Beggs, 20, from Whangaparoa, Auckland

The youngest of the contestants, Connor is half Kiwi half Irish, but with no accent to impress the ladies as he stated in his video. He currently works as a duty manager at a restaurant while studying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqEpgg-K4ek

Gil Amir, 27, from Epsom, Auckland

A well-known character around the Auckland University campus, Gill is the current Cultural Affairs Officer at the Auckland University Students Association. Gil's knowledge of music and enthusiastic personality made him a stand out in the interview process.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZDzXPb0G28

Tim Couch, 27, from North East Valley, Dunedin

The drummer in well-known band Knives at Noon, Tim also hosts a show on the Radio One and has worked in local television.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQOcUlxsu3Q

Check out the R&V or U Facebook pages for the entry videos, plus stay tuned to U for more updates and a half hour special that will air Tuesday 18^th October at 8.30pm (repeated Thursday 20^th October at 9.30pm)

Big thanks to Rhythm and Vines’ 2011 media partners U and ZM and proud supporters grabaseat.