Gregory Bonann, a lifeguard of more than 30 years, is the executive producer, director and creator of the television show “Baywatch.” He will be speaking about “Baywatch: American Pop Culture Abroad” from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Washington Library Center, Auditorium.
Q–What is your answer to the criticism or arguments against “Baywatch”?
A–It solicits a great deal of emotion. If you separate men and women and ask women alone, you are going to get a different answer than if they were in a group with men. They watch “Baywatch” differently when they are watching it with a group of girls. I say girls because girls under the age of 18 are a monstrous, phenomenal audience.
The perceptions of “Baywatch” exceed the experience. A lot of people think they know “Baywatch,” but haven’t watched “Baywatch.”
Q–What impact has “Baywatch” had on culture and gender?
A–If you are watching the show in Great Britain, you are looking at America and what you think America is like. If you are watching the show in Idaho, then you are watching California. If you are watching it in greater downtown Los Angeles, then you are watching the beach. It depends on the frame of reference.
[The show] mirrors society’s nature to look for role models. There are not a lot of African-American swimmers, but we have tried to expose our audiences to role models who are of different minorities. The fact that there are different minorities on the show is something we are trying to do because in the past the show has been considered white bread.Q–How did you develop the show idea?
A–I pitched it around for 10 years. . . . One huge factor [in it taking 10 years] was me. I wouldn’t let anyone else do it. . . . Another thing was that a lot of people didn’t understand what lifeguarding was all about.
Q–Why did you think there needed to be a show about being a lifeguard?
A–A lot of people get money and personal satisfaction out of their work. But the personal satisfaction [in being a lifeguard] is so tangible. It is unlike any other job. On any given day as you are driving to work, you could say to yourself, “I can save a life of someone who might otherwise die.” . . . It is an opportunity to really make a difference in someone’s life.
Q–What do you hope people learn from you at the Humanities Festival?
A–My job as a television producer has never been to teach, but to entertain. . . . Hopefully I will entertain and have something very fun and entertaining.
