6/23/09 6:32 PMInterview with FiNS Producer Ira Opper

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Ira Opper has won several Emmy's, the latest for Fuel TV's FiNS.

ANOTHER EMMYInterview with FiNS Producer Ira OpperBy Taylor SoppeSurferMag.com Correspondent

When you’re not surfing,talking about surfing, ordreaming about surfing,you’re probably watchingsurfing. So you may haveseen “FiNS,” Fuel TV’sshow that documentsmodern surfing and theculture that goes along withit. The series, produced byOpper Sports Productionswon its second EmmyAward this year from TheNational Academy ofTelevision Arts & SciencesPacific Southwest Chapter.

Ira Opper, the producer ofthe show, has created several sports film and series.Read what he has to say about the award and themaking of the show:

What is it like to win an Emmy after havingreceived so many?

The productions that are the most challenging to createseem to receive the most recognition. I was verystoked.

What were you thinking when “FiNS” received itssecond award?

I was more interested in going surfing the next daybecause there was a south swell.

Does receiving so much recognition change theway you approach your projects or change yourpersonal goals at all?

No. I am more into the process of making television than the end result. The recognition is great, but for me it is all aboutcrafting the story.

How did the idea for “FiNS” come about and what has your experience producing the show been like?

I had just finished producing the all board movie, “FIN” when Fuel TV contracted with my company to produce acontemporary magazine series. Therefore, many “FIN” are “FiNS.” What I do is called plerking, that’s half-work half-play…plerk.

What was your goal for the show?

Create a core surf series, travel the world, hang out with the world’s greatest surfers and make my house payment.

How is “FiNS” different from the other shows and films you’ve done?

“FiNS” is the culmination of all the films (25) and TV shows (150) I have produced.

Any highlights from your experience with the show?

There are so many: hanging with Ozzie and the Goons of Doom in King's Cross to midnight runs to Mavericks with theMalloys to chasing after Slater on the North Side for a two-minute interview.

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6/23/09 6:32 PMInterview with FiNS Producer Ira Opper

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Malloys to chasing after Slater on the North Side for a two-minute interview.

How did your crew react to the Emmy awards?

Everyone on the crew’s day rate went up.

Do you think the recognition “FiNS” has received will bring more surfing content to television or make the publicmore tuned in to coverage of the sport?

No. They would rather watch “American Idol” or “Cops.”

Anything else readers of SurferMag.com should know?

Don’t drop in on me and you can download the show on www.thesurfnetwork.com.

Are You a Gymnastics Fan?Don't miss ABC Family's Make It or Break It. Log on for info & clips!www.ABCFamily.go.com

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