With so much to watch on TV, it can be difficult sorting the good from bad. But what if someone was there to help you along the way? And what if it was you?! In a first for streaming service, Prime Video, the hunt is on the find the ultimate content creator over Summer.
The “Prime Video Buff” will be on hand to deliver the best TV recommendations, talk to the stars and attend red carpet events. But that’s not all! The successful entrant will be paid a cool $40K for the job.
To help with the search, TV WEEK spoke to TV personality (The Bachelor and The Masked Singer) and podcast host Osher Gunsberg on how he’ll help pick the right candidate and precisely what it takes to get the job.
Prime Video is on the lookout for the next ‘Prime Video Buff’. You’ve been in the industry for a long time. What does it take to succeed in the business – is there a secret?
OSHER: I show up to work just trying to make sure everyone else’s day is as easy as possible. I try to do that by being the most professional I can possibly be, and every day try to be just a tiny bit better at it. That’s it. Ultimately, it comes down to loving what you do and the passion. Audiences are drawn to authenticity and someone whose passion and energy is infectious.
You are one of the judges in the campaign. What are you looking for exactly?
OSHER: I’ll work closely with the amazing team at Prime Video to review all applicants and award the most-fitting (i.e. obsessed) person for the role.
The criteria will be based on credentials that fit the job description – like any other role. We’re looking for someone with an unwavering passion for and broad knowledge of entertainment. We’re looking for someone with an unwavering passion for and broad knowledge of entertainment. Whether you love action blockbusters, reality TV, or world-class dramas – even if cult classics or arthouse flicks are more your jam – we want to hear from you!
Whoever it is, they must relish the thrill of exploring new genres and be an expert at all things pop-culture with an encyclopedic TV and film knowledge – and be ready to watch and recommend a lot of content. To make it worth their while, Prime Video will pay them $40K for three months over summer, plus they’ll score a bunch of perks.
They need to feel comfortable talking about entertainment and being on camera as they’ll be filming video content for the Prime Video social platforms. In short, we’re seeking someone who is entertainment obsessed (and it clearly shows).
When it comes to personal attributes, our Prime Video Buff will likely be confident, charismatic and charming. Someone who enjoys being in front of the camera, but also equally enjoys being behind the camera and screen, spending significant time-consuming entertainment.
Working in entertainment and as a TV presenter is an incredibly different ballgame now with social media. Do you enjoy how multifaceted it is now, or do you find it slightly challenging?
Osher: Since I first live-tweeted from the TV WEEK Logie Awards in 2009, being in real-time contact with an online audience is always exciting. Take talking about the Prime Video Buff, for example. People on social media can tag the person in their life who they think would be perfect for the gig, and I get to jump into the conversation and offer some encouragement. I really like it!
Social media has made us think differently about how we communicate to our audience – personally I always make sure there is a revealing moment. Take my hair, for example, or growing and shaving my moustache, you need to make sure you capture these moments as the audience wants to be a part of your day-to-day life.
Who did you idolise on TV growing up? Or is there someone you’d like to meet?
OSHER: As a kid I always thought George Negus was an absolute boss. Jacket over the shoulder, the long walk through a bustling foreign marketplace, the perfect piece to camera, and that moustache? Perfection!
I’d adore getting the chance to get Adam McKay on my podcast. He’s the man behind the years of SNL as well as Anchorman, The Big Short, Don’t Look Up and so many more. I also think he’d be the perfect applicant for this role, so Adam if you’re reading this, it’s time to apply – entries close 28 November.
You’ve got the remote in hand. What are you watching right now?
OSHER: It’s no secret that I am a massive fan of Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls. It’s probably the most uplifting “competition” reality I’ve ever seen. I also love The Bridge on Paramount+, and Audrey and I are working our way to completing The Boys – it’s a lot but it’s brilliant.
For more information and to apply to be the Prime Video Buff, applicants can visit amazon.com.au/primevideobuff. Applications close on November 28. The Prime Video Buff will be announced on 5 December, 2022. The successful applicant will be employed by the third-party agency engaged by Prime Video on a three-month maximum term contract. All payments referenced above will be less applicable amounts and other deductions required by law. Terms and conditions apply.