Jeff's 2/11 CBS Chat Transcript from SNN
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Car54

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 04:20 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Transcript of Jeff Probst's Feb 11, 2003 CBS.COM chat follows. Transcription by adnaps1.
BY SNN
Tuesday, February 11, 2003

Q: Hey Jeff! How's it going?
A: It's going great! I'm in New York City with a Diet Coke and a bag of Red Vines. I'm ready to go!!

Q: Hi Jeff, I love your work. Mr. Burnett said that Survivor Amazon was his favorite of all time, do you agree with him?
A: It's hard for me to have a favorite because each one is such a complete experience. But I will say that I like this group of Survivors and I've noticed a pattern that the even numbered Survivors seem to have more likeable people than the odd numbered. For instance, Australia, fun cast, Marquesas, fun cast and in this one, same thing. A lot of really fun and funny people.

Q: Jeff, who was the most entertaining Amazon cast member, in your opinion?
A: I'll answer it this way: with no indication of whether they last one episode or all thirteen the people that in the first three days really jumped out at me: Rob from Long Island - one of the funniest people we've ever had (and he was a Survivor geek -- he knew every rule). And at the first challenge he made sure that I knew every rule. Roger is perhaps the biggest know-it-all we've ever had. On the ladies' side, we have a deaf contestant, Christy. She had a real struggle in figuring out how to survive in a social game when she can't hear.
A: We also have a swimsuit model who told us in her interviews that swimsuit competitions were similar to Survivor with lots of mind games and psych outs. So she should be interesting to watch as well.

Q: Jeff, what can you tell us about Survivor Amazon that would make us believe that this Survivor is going to be better than others?
A: The biggest difference is we're pitting the men against the women. I had no idea how much fun it would be to watch men and women approach the same problem with such different results. There are certain expectations: the men will be stronger, the women will get along better...but it didn't always play out that way and for me one of the most enjoyable aspects was that the sexual tension was really increased at challenges so when they did see them there was a lot of flirting going on. And for whatever reason, we have more nudity in this season than in any other.

Q: Jeff, I was surprised that you told us that it's was going to be women against men. Why did you not keep that a surprise?
A: For Survivor Thailand we teased that we might do men v. women and we didn't so we decided for this one we should tell people right away and I think it got people's expectations going and as a result was probably a good move on our part because there's something fundamentally interesting about watching men take on women.

Q: Jeff,...what are the different types of challenges you guys have planned for the survivors?
A: In the last couple of season we've tried to get away from challenges that are purely physical and get into challenges that are a bit physical, a bit mental, a bit team work and we continued that in the Amazon because we challenges that will create reality. So, you look for opportunities for someone to be a hero or for someone to be a goat. I can tell you that we found a way to incorporate some of the challenges of the Amazon (for instance, piranha) in the challenges.

Q: What was the weirdest experience you have had while filming Survivor?
A: Hey, thanks for the tribute in your screen name! Weird...hmm...well, I'll tell ya' a few things that have happened to me out there. The first season, in the you-know-what by a jellyfish and let me tell ya', not anything I want to repeat again any time soon. I also managed to figure out how to urinate on a electric fence in Australia, another experience I don't soon wish to repeat. And in Africa, I was bitten on the Achilles heel by a scorpion. And in the Amazon, though nothing happened, we had the worst thunder and lightning storm I've ever experienced. I don't know, wow, that's a lot of rain, I'm talking about thunderclaps that had people out of their rooms wondering if our hotel was still standing.

Q: Jeff, what possessed you to leak on an electric fence?
A: *laughs* I didn't know it was an electric fence! It's a small, yellow strip. And when they told me "Watch out for the electric fence" I figured it'd be a normal fence. So it was the middle of the night, I'm in my tent, I have to go to the bathroom so I walk a few feet and I start going! Believe me, I was as surprised as you are when I did it.

Q: Jeff, do you think that you will ever have more than the 16 tribe members?
A: No, unless we change the game. Because the way the game is built now it works for sixteen people and I don't think you could accommodate many more because it's too many stories to try to tell.

Q: Jeff, what have you learned about humans and how they interact from Survivor?
A: Likeable people can do absolutely nothing and succeed. What I mean by this is, you can get voted out because you're too big of a threat if you're very likeable but aside from that people will keep you around because you're a nice person and fun to be around. I think that's true in school or in an office environment. People like to be around people that are fun. On the flip side, the shape shifter type of person (in other words, a person who can look you in the eye and tell you he's got your back and the minute you turn around can stab you in the back) is certainly going to do well in the game of Survivor simply because their ethics can't be compromised because they don't have any. So, in a long-winded answer there's really no rules for who wins. Sometimes nice guys do finish last and sometimes they win. As you can tell from my answer, I haven't learned a darn thing!

Q: Jeff, were any of the survivors ever close to quitting; just throwing their hands in the air and walking off?
A: Every season at least one and I can always sense who they are and it usually comes the first seven days. It's simply too much for them -- more than they anticipated, more than they think they can handle. And the key is somehow convincing them without showing any favoritism that they're just homesick and that they can get through this and if they can get over this hurdle they'll be fine. And in almost every instance, that has been true. If the person can just get over that initial discomfort, they'll be okay.

Q: Jeff did you ever think when you first signed up for Survivor One that it would turn into a career for you?
A: Absolutely not! I remember telling reporters that Australia would probably be it -- our last one. And I didn't even think people would even watch! And now I think we have a show that stands on its own, a show that doesn't need to be linked to any "reality" genre. It's just good storytelling and that's what we try to focus on. And I couldn't be happier in this job. When I look out at all the other reality shows there isn't one show I wish I was hosting more than Survivor.

Q: Jeff, if you could participate on the show, what would you bring as your luxury item?
A: I think I'd bring a book called "The Alchemist" by Cohello. It's a fable about a sheepherder who questions his destiny and every time I read it I'm reminded that you can do anything you want and achieve any goals you have and I think that would help me when I was feeling down.

Q: Jeff, what special considerations did you have to make for Christy? Did her disability make it harder for her to survive the elements, not just the game?
A: Yes, her disability absolutely made it harder in every sense. From dealing with her tribe mates to being unaware if a snake was sneaking up on her. There's no getting around the fact that being deaf was a gigantic disadvantage. But it is Survivor and she knew what she was signing up for and there were no special considerations given. Absolutely none.

Q: How come Christy didn't want the guys to know she's hearing impaired?
A: I never said she didn't but if I were Christy why would I want the guys to know anything they didn't absolutely have to know. You have to remember that in this game, at least, information is everything. The more information you have the better you can make your decisions. So, if it had been me, no way would I have let the guys know that I was deaf.

Q: Were there any serious injuries to any of the contestants this time around that you can tell us about? The Amazon is a very dangerous place, how did you keep the contestants relatively safe?
A: I can't tell if there were any severe injuries but I can tell you that if you ever doubt the legitimacy try paying attention to how many times you'll see a Survivor with a bandage or a wrap around the ankle or things of that nature. They are constantly getting beaten up in little ways but in the scope of the game, it's nothing. So, we bring out a doctor to look at them all they'll usually do is offer an Ace bandage and tell them to suck it up. In fact in one of the first few episodes of Amazon you'll see one of the contestants with a hand bandaged so it happens pretty frequently.

Q: Hi Jeff. I heard you were really ill on location. Is this true? What was the matter with you?
A: In the beginning I was a little sick -- nothing too much but you are living in conditions where the water is not the cleanest and the food you eat is not stuff you're used to and every so often you have a few days of having trouble keeping things down but it didn't alter my mood. I was able to snuff torches right away.

Q: Are the male and female tribes going to last the whole season or are they going to be switched up right away in the first episode? Geri loves you!
A: Well, say hey to Geri for me. Obviously I can't tell you how long they stay as men and women and if they ever merge. But I can tell you this: we didn't go to all the trouble of splitting them into men and women to split them up in the first episode. And after being out there a couple of days, I'm not sure the women cared if they ever merged.

Q: Were there a lot of personal conflicts this time. Like the ones last time with Ted and Ghandia, Shii Ann, etc?
A: I think it's inevitable that there are always going to be alliances and certain people or groups of people who don't get along well. But overall, I would say the Amazon was much friendlier as a group than the Thailand group.

Q: In some of the episodes, the survivors had to hunt, fish, or find food. Other shows, like the one on Africa Survivor, they were in a protected reserve and did not have to hunt for food. What happens in this season?
A: There are certain protected animals in the Amazon. You certainly can't count the Anaconda, the Cayman Crocodile...but you can fish for piranha or the many other fish in the Rio Negro. And fish will be their biggest source of food this season. The only problem is they have to fish where the piranha are and that can be dangerous.

Q: Jeff, you are looking hotter than ever--I have seen you on a few shows lately. On one interview you said the girls you said the girls of this tribe have more going for them. Can you elaborate on their strengths that you & and the team decided that you could have a powerful 'all girl' team?
A: Thanks for the nice comment! I guess what I meant by that was not that the women in the past couldn't have done it on their own but that this group of women just seemed to have the right elements to want to do this, the right spirit perhaps. And I think you'll see after the first few episodes that even though it's not a smooth ride, that the women really enjoy the opportunity to show America how strong they can be.

Q: Jeff - can you give an idea of how many people applied for the Amazon Survivor?
A: Each season we tend to have about the same number: 40 to 50 thousand. From that we narrow it to about a thousand of whom are interviewed around the country. From that, down to 75 who are flown to LA to meet with us in person. And the amazing this is out of all of those people it's still hard to find sixteen good contestants for Survivor.

Q: If you were stranded, who would you most want to be stranded with?
A: Well, in general terms my girlfriend. Although it would be hard to not pick someone from my family or a good friend. But if I had to choose -- my girlfriend. In terms of a Survivor, oh boy! Let me think. I'd probably have to say Colby simply because we've become very good friends.

Q: Jeff, did you get to see the elusive pink dolphin?
A: Yes! They were everywhere! They were beautiful and it was a real treat. If you haven't seen them yourself, I hope you get to one day.

Q: Jeff, Do you feel the Amazon had more resources for food than the previous locations?
A: Not really. The resources for food in the Amazon is mainly fish and there is certainly plenty of fish. But as you've seen in past Survivors, it's never as easy to catch them as you think. But they were also given a ration of manioc root which is a grain that you can make little patties out of to cook. It doesn't have much taste but it does have nutritional value.

Q: If you had to pick any 3 celebrities to join a survivor cast...who would they be?
A: Wow, that's a good question! George Clooney, Val Kilmer (because I'd love to see him get voted off) and you need a woman...hmm...who would be the best choice. You need someone who could go both ways either very friendly or a great villain...Angelina Jolie 'cuz if nothing else at least we have one gorgeous woman on the island.

Q: Does David Letterman absolutely hate the survivors?
A: It's hard to say because part of his show is hating everything. I can only tell you that when I was on his show after I finished my interview he took three or four minutes to give me some career advice. He was very nice to me.

Q: Jeff, you seemed grouch last season. Are you in a better mood this season?
A: Hell no!! Just kidding. You know, I wasn't in a bad mood last season, it's just sometimes my job is to instigate and if people are going to be snippy or get physical or get lippy, I'll get lippy right back at 'em. That's why it's the best job on TV.

Q: Jeff, what's your favorite part about hosting?
A: Tribal council. I love the challenge of getting people who don't want to talk too much. And sometimes not letting the person who's dying to say something, say anything at all. And then go back to my tent and have a diet Coke and a hamburger and be glad I'm not a Survivor.

Q: Jeff, if you played the game, would you slink under the radar or would you play Richard Hatch to the max?
A: It's hard to say until you're out there. There's no one strategy. The key to being successful in Survivor in my opinion is adaptability. And I think that holds true in all aspects of life. If you're not able to go with the flow, if you're not able to compromise at times...it's going to be difficult. If you look across the board, most people who have been on how show have been adaptable...Richard Hatch excluded.

Q: Jeff, what was the smartest luxury item that was brought this season?
A: That's a good question but hard to answer because it's subjective. So, I'll tell you what my favorite luxury item was. Rob brought a Magic 8 ball and the guys tribe had more fun asking the Magic 8 ball if they were going to get lucky with any of the female Survivors than anything I've ever seen! I think you'll get a kick out of it.

Q: Jeff, what about having an all girl or all boy survivor?
A: Not a bad idea. I'd prefer the all girl. I think the all guy Survivor would get a little monotonous. But you might be onto something...We'll have to see how this season does.

Q: What were the weather conditions like in the Amazon?
A: Very hot and humid during the day and lots of rain at night. I'll tell you this: you need to build your shelter as soon as possible or you are most definitely going to get wet.

Q: Jeff, do you ever feel bad when someone you like gets kicked off?
A: Sometimes I feel bad if I think somebody who is likeable, hard working and knows how to play the game gets voted out early simply because of those qualities. But I always remind myself it is a game and if they're really good, they wouldn't have been so obvious.

Q: How do you choose the names for the tribes?
A: We usually meet with locals and we get lists from them of names of things indigenous to the area, such as fish, birds, names of areas or tribes. Then to be honest with you, we go down the list and start eliminating names that are silly or are spelled funny. This season's names mean "bird" for the women tribe and "fish" for the male tribe.

Q: Jeff, is it difficult for you to see 16 survivors hungry and fatigued while you are not?
A: No. I always remind myself that they signed up for this. There is some reason they want this adventure. Sometimes it's simply money and many times it's something much deeper inside them. Maybe it's something they have to prove to themselves. Who knows? But I never feel bad for them because I always know that there's a light at the end of tunnel and that they can make it. And often, the people who are having the most difficult time are the people who learn the most about themselves.

Q: Jeff, what would be the wildest Application video you have ever got?
A: We've had quite a few. I can tell you about one we got for the Amazon. He didn't make the show but one guy went down to the train track and he was about two feet away and waited for the train to come by him and he turned on his camera. It was the craziest thing I've ever seen! The wind was blowing his hair, the train was so loud you couldn't hear him and if he'd put his arm out to the side, the train would've taken it off! That's a nutty guy.

Q: If u HAD to pick a show to watch, would it be American Idol, The Mole, Joe Millionaire, or Big Brother?
A: American Idol. I'm a Simon fan. In fact, I've challenged Simon and Ryan to a game of poker against me and some of my Survivor buddies for world-wide reality bragging rights!!

Q: I have heard that you actually eat the food that the tribe members are challenged to eat. What was the grossest thing you have tried. And have you ever refused to eat anything?
A: I usually try everything we give them so that I have an idea of what they're going through. The grossest thing was the cow's blood in Africa because is was so fresh, warm, salty and we had just taken it out of the cow. To be quite honest, it was a little freaky.

Q: Jeff, out of all the survivors to date (not including Amazon, of course)...who is the one person you felt really should have won...that didn't?
A: You know, I don't think there's anybody that should have won. I think there's one person that could've won and that's Colby. Had Colby decided to pick Keith instead of Tina there is no question he would have won. But because he's a competitor, he wanted to beat the best and instead the best beat him.

Q: Jeff, what about a Survivor where the viewers get to choose who gets voted off?
A: Here's my concern about that: the audience will often vote out your best characters simply because they think they're mean or like what they say. Think about it? Would Richard Hatch have ever made it to the end if the audience voted? How long would Boston Rob have stayed around? Or Sean, or Jerry from Australia? Some of our most memorable characters are the villains and if you lose them you lose a big part of the show.

Q: Jeff, give us some good stuff to ponder.
A: I think one thing to keep on eye on this season is the people who are doing a good job of adapting. And I'll leave it at that.

Q: Unfortunately, our time with Jeff is up. Jeff, thanks so much for being here today to chat with us. Do you have any final comments for the Survivor fans?
A: Thanks for the great questions!! This was really fun for me. Thanks for watching the show. I want you guys to know that when we were on location every decision we make is based on how we think you will react to it. So just know that your input is important and that we do make the show for you. And not for CBS and not because we think it'll get ratings but because we know what the Survivor audience expects and demands. And we hope we're still doing a good job!!

Alaginger

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 05:04 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks Car..........that was very interesting!

Texannie

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 05:42 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Bringing up an old rumor, but remembered it when he mentioned his girlfriend....did he really leave his wife for Jeri?

Squaredsc

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 06:47 am EditMoveDeleteIP
thanks car, that was great.

Car54

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 09:58 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Texannie, they did date but only briefly I think.
I think he was already separated when they dated but I am not sure.

Texannie

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 10:31 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks Car.

Hermione69

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 03:22 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Jeri who? Please tell me he did not date Jeri Manthey!

P.S. Thanks for posting this Car, it was a good read.

Dogdoc

Monday, February 17, 2003 - 04:40 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks for the article, but what the heck are Red Vines?

Lancecrossfire

Monday, February 17, 2003 - 04:44 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Dogdoc--they are red licorice

Herm--the rumors about Jerri are reported by Jeff to be false--he said that after the show was over and he was asked about dating Jerri.

Moondance

Monday, February 17, 2003 - 04:45 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Red Vines... yummmmmm

Dogdoc

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 06:04 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Ok, I have seen red licorice. I never called them vines. Thanks.