We caught up with Hollywood Producer Grivas Kopti for a fun round of quickfire questions.
Grivas’ impressive track record makes him one of the indisputable stars of unscripted television. His past work includes global hit shows like The Four, MasterChef: Legends, and American Ninja Warrior Jr. His tenures include time at Fox, Fremantle, Magical Elves, and The Den of Thieves.
As we round up the year,, Kopti looks back on his career highlights in 2021, and gives us his take on the top television trends of 2022.
1. What’s been your biggest achievement of the past year?
I’m particularly proud of all of the productions to tell you the truth, as we continue to make quality television in a pandemic. It was great to see a successful season 3 of American Ninja Warrior Jr happen- as the Ninja community had been so excited about it. And getting to work on Jay Leno’s return to television on hit show ‘You Bet Your Life’ was a treat. He is so loved by the American people, so it was nostalgic and fun.
2. What’s your career highlight so far?
Oooh a tricky one there are so many- but meeting Stevie Nicks has to be one of the biggest highlights. Also- organizing a private jet for a shoot with P Diddy. That was fun!
3. Do you have any kooky things you do before a big shoot like a lot of artists and creatives on set do?
While driving to set ahead of a big shoot day, I blast music in my car – it energizes me. I’m a huge manifestor, so I envision the day ahead going really well, on schedule, and everybody is super happy. Firing up those feel-good neurons! And of course, an enormous cappuccino.
4. What is the best advice you were given while coming up in your career?
Be kind to everybody and learn from everybody. Get experience in as many genres as possible. But most importantly, produce television with heart to make a positive difference. That’s what makes it all worth it- making somebody’s life better by using this huge platform.
5. Favorite movie of the year?
I was gripped by The Lost Daughter. I thought Olivia Colman did an incredible job and she’s one of my all-time favorite actresses, in both comedy and drama.
6. Favorite TV show of the year?
Squid Game. It’s just so smart and harrowing at times. It had a massive impact on the world and rightly so. I love a TV show that makes us look inside and question our own humanity; to question “what would I do?”. That’s really fun as a viewer.
7. What are you watching right now?
I’m obsessed with The Other Two- I think it’s hilarious! Also thought Pen15 was really funny. For an evening drama, I’m currently working through Succession. It’s gripping and the writing is brilliant.
8. What trends in television are you most excited to see dominate in 2022?
I’m happy to see more female actors taking lead roles. As well as actors of all races and ages. It’s exciting to see more diverse talent as the main name of a TV show and not just the sidekick. Especially great to see depth and layers to these characters, and not traditional stereotypes. I think after the success of Squid Game- we should look forward to programming that pushes the boundaries and widens our worldview. Nostalgia! Always. Viewers love a trip down memory lane. The 90s are very popular right now from the new scripts I’m getting sent my way. It’s Millenials like me, but also Gen Z.
9. What stands out to you in a script or concept that makes you choose to produce it?
It’s inspiring to read someone’s story written in a lens that we haven’t seen before, or previously held misconceptions about. I think Euphoria is a brilliant example of that. Seeing life through Ru’s eyes gives us empathy towards here, and that’s all down to the writing.
10. Finally- what can we expect from you in 2022?
I’m excited to be continuing with a buzzing awards season right now- which will conclude with The Oscars in March, then The Grammys in April 2022. I love live event television so much and awards season is always fun. I love the pace and energy of interacting with all the Hollywood A-Listers in one space.
That and more prime time hits under my belt- watch this space!
