Regular Gruen Transfer panellists Todd Sampson and Russel Howcroft share their favourite moments from Season Three

As TheGruen Transfer wraps for another year, Campaign Brief ask regular panelists,Todd Sampson and Russel Howcroft to sum up Season Three. 

Gruen delivered someof its best ratings in its third year with the election-themed Gruen Nation, delivering 1.8 million viewers. Joining Sampson and Howcroft to discuss the Federal Election was former leader of the federal Liberal party, John Hewson, advertising consultant Neil Lawrence,who was behind Kevin 07, and ABC political commentator, Annabel Crabb. 

When Gruen Transfer returned, a record 1.5 million viewers tuned in for the week of September 9. The show is a co-production of Andrew Denton’s Zapruder’s Other Films and ABC TV with Jon Casimir as producer/co-creator.

Q&A: Todd Sampson, CEO, Leo Burnett Sydney

How do you feel now that Season Three has wrapped? Whatwas your overall impression of this season compared to the first two?

I feel relieved it’s over but thankful that season threewent OK. From the show’s point-of-view, it’s getting better. For the ratings tostill be climbing in the third season is unheard of and is a testament to theclever minds of Andrew and Jon.  

Name your most memorable moment ofSeason Three?

Russel telling us about his mother’s pubic hair while shewas sitting in the live studio audience.

What were your most embarrassing moments?

It wasn’t really embarrassing but it was certainly awkward.During the Gruen Nation, I was explaining in detail the campaign that basicallyunseated John Hewson. John was sitting two inches to my left. He didn’tknow what I was going to say and I didn’t know how he would react. He justsmiled knowingly and thanked me for the trip down memory lane. For me, John wasone of the highlights of the season.

How are you and Russel getting along these days – haveyour roles on the show changed?

No change really. I respect him more and agree with himless.

The show continued to rate well, especially after theGruen Nation – what do you think the appeal of the show is to the regularaudience?

For some, it’s informative entertainment. For me, it’s Wil.

Q&A: Russel Howcroft, CEO, Y&R Brands

How do you feel now that Season Three has wrapped? Whatwas your overall impression of this season compared to the first two?

Gruen Nation perhaps proved the power of The Gruen idea.  

Name your most memorable moment of Season Three?

The Golden Turds various stage entries. The use of the remote controlcar was only topped by the turd arriving ‘on a horse’. An appropriate homage tothe world’s best ad for 2010. Next year I am hoping for a flying fox.

What were your most embarrassing moments?

I did attempt to sing on a number if occasions. The editor clearlydecided to save me from this embarrassment. Perhaps I should not have suggestedthe Tip Ex bear sodomise the hunter.

How are you and Todd getting along these days – have your roles onthe show changed?

I liked Todd’s most recent t-shirt.  

The show continued to rate well, especially after theGruen Nation – what do you think the appeal of the show is to the regularaudience?

Wil Anderson and the Zapruder team know how to make informative TV withenough laughs to keep the viewer away from the remote control.   

Are you returning as a regular panellist next year?

I hope so.

Click here for a video interview with host Wil Anderson on the third season.