Successful and Independent by FOBERINI: Tymur Miroshnychenko

You have aviation education. How did you get to be a Eurovision presenter?
Back in the university I actively participated in KVN and festivals. When I was a sophomore, we performed at a big concert to commemorate the 70th anniversary of my university. Now, looking back, I think it's probably was a fate. The producer of that concert was my first director on television. He approached me after the concert and asked if I would like to work in television. He called me back in a year, but I've been working on the same channel since. He also became my Eurovision's guide.

Remember your first live broadcast.
I remember him very well. It was 2005, on the youth talk show on the First National Channel, it was called Studio 5. It was very popular back then. It was 40 minutes of live broadcast, and it flew for me lightning, I did not even notice how it went and did not worry at all. And here the second air for me was like the second parachute jump. You are scared at the first jump but don't know how it will be. But for the second time, you are already aware of what awaits you. A few years later, I revised my first broadcasts and thought that on the place of my first management I wouldn't take myself on such a serious project (laughs). Therefore, I am very grateful to them for believing in me and for giving me a chance.

You have been working on the same TV channel for 12 years. What is the secret of such loyalty?
First of all, it's Eurovision. This is a unique project that belongs entirely to the First National Channel. Eurovision is like a drug that is addictive. To understand this, one has to go inside this process.

What does a leader feel when he becomes the face of his country at Europe's most prestigious music competition?
First of all, it is a huge responsibility, it was very important for me not to let my country down. It was very difficult, but at the same time, it is very cool and these emotions are can't be conveyed.

What has been most memorable about your Eurovision 2017 preparation?
The whole process. It is very difficult to distinguish something. For the last 4 months, Vova Ostapchuk and Oleksandr Skichko and Ihave been preparing daily. Rehearsals, choreography, English. Last month we literally lived in the IEC. We have worked with top professionals in various areas of the world. For many years, these people have been creating the best shows in the world — Eurovision, Olympics, Nobel Prizes, Champions League, etc. It is a tremendous experience.

At what point does Eurovision see the winner?
Each time is different. All songs of the contest participants must be new. However, there are songs that, even appearing a couple of months before Eurovision, have time to become hits. This was the case with Lorin, when "Eupforia" was just sounding, it became clear that she would win and there was no point in fighting her. This year, it was interesting to see how others used to dance, hang out or do their chores during the performances, but when El Salvador started to sing, everyone stopped and just flew for the three minutes.

Who were you rooting for at Eurovision this year?
This year I didn't even have time to choose favorite one. When you participate directly in the Eurovision process, it seems in another way. In addition, during preparation and rehearsals, we manage to make friends with the participants so much that we almost become relatives. The Sunstroke Project from Moldova, we have been friends since 2010 — from our first introduction to Eurovision. I support them in any case. They also had a very cool soundtrack, which became a dance hit.

Why do you think Ukraine has taken such a low position at Eurovision this year?
Still, Rock is a bit of a stranger to Eurovision. In all my years at Eurovision there were only 2 or 3 rock songs that were in the top of the competition. And in order for a composition in this style to win or take the lead, it must be something ultra-cool or quite contrasting with other contestants, as was the case with Lordi.

Remember your emotions after Jamala's Eurovision victory.
Then a new voting system was launched for the first time, which allowed to intrigued the winner's name until the last second. Ukraine's victory aroused even more incredible emotions. I was immediately approached by the guys and led to Jamal to interview (this is a kind of gift to the commentators of the Eurovision-winner country. They are entitled to the first exclusive interview). Till I walked from the commentary to the stage, it seemed to me an eternity had passed. Everyone around welcomed, there were a lot of thoughts on my mind and, of course, excitement. I didn't even prepare for the interview. I stopped doing ithis after Verka Serdyuchka and Ani Lorak perfoemances, who were as close as possible to winning their time. For the first time we installed a Go-pro camera in commentary and streamed live on YouTube. So you can see my reaction on the video (laughs). I want to relive these emotions again, so there is hope on our artists.

What is the image of our country due to Eurovision 2017?
It was the best advertisement of our country since Euro 2012. In the interval between these events in the world mass media, they mostly spoke only about the revolution and the war in Ukraine. Moreover, before Eurovision 2017 during the year there was a lot of negative about our country. A few months before the Eurovision, the British edition of The Sun released a huge article — the ranking of the most dangerous places on planet Earth. Ukraine and Kiev in particular were in the top. Being a foreigner and having read this article, I would never have come to Kyiv in my life. After the publication of this article, the Eurovision PR department in Ukraine brought the journalists of this edition to our capital and organized a city tour. This tabloid did not refute. But a couple of months later, on the eve of Eurovision, they released a great article showing real Kiev, with sensitive people and thriving streets. Even now, a few months after Eurovision, there are a lot of foreigners on the streets in Kyiv and other cities. Odessa, Lviv are crowded by foreign tourists. Now they will come to us and it we used to get and develop it.

What gives you the most pleasure in your work?
Probably the energy exchange that takes place between you and the viewer. On the other hand, it is the most difficult because you give a lot of energy and emotions. Sometimes after a show or big event, I come home and fall dead.

Which TV show would you like to host?
I would very much like to conduct an educational show. That is, it not only shows a beautiful picture, but also provides interesting cognitive information. Such content is currently lacking on Ukrainian television. Previously, such TV shows as "The Witest", "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire", etc. were on our channel. But now there are mostly talent shows or entertaining content. I want to create a program that captivate people to screens thanks to interesting information.

What advice do you have for those who dreams to become a TV presenter?
Understand for yourself that this is a profession that requires you not even 100, but 200% return. It will require constant work on yourself, constant commitment, effort and sacrifice.

What inspires you?
Life itself. But most of all the sea and the ocean. I'm a Pisces on zodiac sign.  Probably so I'm always drawn to the water. I can just sit and stare at the sea for hours.

Producer: Kateryna Zemlyana

Photo: Olexander Gurman

Style: FOBERINI