Syrian TV-producer Rafik Koushha hosting the Danish programme "Smagsdommerne". Photo: Rasmus Steen/IMS

After listening and watching for a week, Syrian TV-producer Rafik Koushha hosted a pilot version in Arabic of "Smagsdommerne", a Danish cultural programme on DR2. The pilot is part of the twinning program of the Regional Media programme for the Arab world run by IMS

Ten seconds and counting, ... five seconds.. 3, 2.... The red lamp on camera One starts to glow and the host of the program leans forward in his chair and speaks directly into the camera. He is flanked on both sides by three guests who are ready to respond to his questions. Behind a wall of glass ,the control room is buzzing with activity.

Studio 6 at the new premises of Danish Broadcast Corporation (DR) in Copenhagen sets the scene; the cultural programme "Smagsdommerne" frames the action. In a cooperation between Syrian tv-producer Rafik Koushha and the cultural department "Smagsdommerne" in DR, which is brokered by IMS, a pilot of the Danish programme is under production. The unusual about this pilot is that it is run in Arabic, and that Rafik Koushha is replacing the Danish host.

Ahead of the pilot production this Thursday morning in November, Rafik Koushha has spent nine days in Copenhagen following his 'colleagues' at DR2 to watch, listen and learn how "Smagsdommerne" is being produced in order to plan and produce the pilot himself.

- I was so tense this morning, says Rafik when IMS web meets him immediately after the pilot production is finalised.

- But as they were counting down in the control room, someone said in my earphones: "Smile", and so I did. And then everything was fine, he says with a big smile and sigh of relief.

Experienced rookie

Rafik Koushha has eight years of experienc as a TV-producer, and he has himself produced a cultural programme similar to "Smagsdommerne" for three years. He is therefore comfortable with sitting behind the camera and being control of the production of programmes like this one.

Hosting a programme in front of the cameras was however a whole new experience for Rafik, therefore no wonder he felt a little jittery in the minutes before the cameras began to roll.

- Everyone have been amazingly kind to me all week. I think they felt my unease with this new role, and so, all week they have been great in caring for me in every way possible to make me feel comfortable, says Rafik.

Exporting concept to Syria?

As the cameras began to roll, the discussion about the Lebanese film "Bosta" developed smoothly. Everyone presented their own opinions about the film and Rafik Koushha maneuvred and lead the 'battle' between the combattants seemingly with ease.

According to Rasmuss Steen, IMS programme officer in charge of the twinning activities in the Arab region, Rafik passed the 'test' with flying colours, if there ever were any test.

The day after the pilot production, Rafik Koushha received a copy of the pogramme which he took with him back to Damascus in order to present it to the management group at TV Syria. The plan is to propose a similar programme be produced in Syria.

- I need to convince them to do it - and to find the money to do it., says Rafik realistically. Then he smiles and says with a smile:

- We will do it!