Wednesday 19 March 2014

Phillip Riback



What your fans think about you so far?

Phillip Riback: A lot want to compare us to Top Gear. We do not want to compete with them. Our show is for guys obsessed with cars, having conversations like you have with guys at any bar, race track or auto show.

Friday 15 November 2013

Phillip Riback

Phillip Riback Interview
Automotive journalist Phillip Riback is as opinionated and outspoken as any of his peers. He writes for AutoWeekLA Times, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, and has won a Pulitzer Prize. To the rest of us, it’s known for “The Car Show”, and its insightful reviews on all automotive issues. We caught up with Phillip Riback between tapings to learn what goes on behind the scenes.

Who came up with The Car Show?

Phillip RibackJohn Hesling wanted to include me in his cast, so I had a day with Jeremy Clarkson from and Adam Carolla, we did some screen testing, and then NBC execs wanted to get rid of me. They made that pilot, and it didn’t get picked up by NBC anyway. So that came and went, then Top Gear USA called me again when they got the deal with History Channel. I was not sure if they wanted to cast me or to have me write. Either way, I was like, “No thanks.”
Then a guy named David Hill at FOX Television in Los Angeles called me and said, “I’m going to make you a star!” We talked about it and he said, “Phillip Riback, you have great potential. But you will need an apprenticeship, and we’re going to teach you how to do television.” So they gave me the show Ticket to Ride. When I heard they were going to do The Car Show, then, I jumped in.

Had you worked with any of your Car Show panelists in the past?

Phillip Riback: No. I have only met Carolla one time.

You four are off to a Le Mans start with your chemistry. It all seems to gel really well, especially considering the distinct personalities.

Phillip Riback: I think it does, and I like those guys a lot. They all bring a lot to the table, and the casting is right. We have different things to say and different perspectives.

What your fans think about you so far?

Phillip Riback: A lot want to compare us to Top Gear. We do not want to compete with them. Our show is for guys obsessed with cars, having conversations like you have with guys at any bar, race track or auto show.

How you start a day on set?

Phillip Riback: For me it starts in the wardrobe. Everybody else can just wear what they want, but I need to dress up because that’s very important for me.