I Want to be a Producer...

My second interviewee was an obvious choice. He's been my boss for a few months, now.

From the moment I first caught a glimpse of "Chris and John to the Rescue," I was captivated. Chris and John brought a sense of connection to me that is quite undescribable. I had long awaited for a show where homosexuals seek out other homosexuals in need of "rescuing" (and no, I don't mean converting them to heterosexuality) to refresh them with dates, makeovers, and solutions to their problems. The show is often compared to Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, with the clear exception that these two are in it to help out their own kind.

Living with his boyfriend, Justin, in Toronto, Ontario, John is an infamous party boy and animal activist. He is well known throughout the gay community across Canada, and even to a few strays outside Canada, including one here at Celebrities Defined.

His time is very hard to obtain if you're not running your life on an equally as fast of a pace as he, but I managed to keep up for about an hour or so. I felt privileged and honoured (that "u" is for you, John) that he had slowed down for a while to talk with me about his life.

With no further ado, I present the one-on-one exclusive interview with the most adorable guy I've had the fortune of working for; the founder of John Simpson Productions: John Simpson.


Celebrities Defined: What made you decide to pursue a career in telelvision broadcasting?

John Simpson: Back when I was a kid, I did a lot of acting and some such, and so I used to make home videos with my friends for us to act in. But as we got older, we realized that we could do a lot more with the camera than just point it at ourselves and act in front of it. From then on, I got really involved in the behind-the-scenes aspect. I've always been a HUGE television fan, so I was able to join the two together and get into television production.

Celebrities Defined: How did you and Chris meet?

John Simpson: Chris actually lived just down the road from me, and we ended up going to the same Dance/Drama studio.

Celebrities Defined: What's it like, seeing yourself on television?

John Simpson: (laughs) Well, because I also produce, direct, and edit the series, I don't have a lot of time to really think about that kind of stuff. I'm too busy critiquing everything else about the show to even think about the fact that it's actually ME on there.

Celebrities Defined: How old were you when you came out?

John Simpson: The first time I told someone I was gay, I was 19.

Celebrities Defined: How did your family react when they found out?

John Simpson: "Well of course we knew! It's about time you told us!"

Celebrities Defined: How did you meet Justin?

John Simpson: We met online, which is pretty embarassing to say, but it's true. I had never done online dating before.

... so there IS hope for me.

Celebrities Defined: Do the two of you have a special song?

John Simpson: (laughs) We don't, actually. It's something we actively work on. There's a lot of songs we both enjoy, but nothing yet has ever become "our" song.

Celebrities Defined: What has been your best production endeavor?

John Simpson: Definitely the Christmas episode that we did this past season on "Chris & John to the Rescue". It's really special to me. I worked my ass off on it, and I thought it really showed.

Believe me, it did.

Celebrities Defined: And the worst?

John Simpson: Well, Chris and I made dozens of short films back in the day. I think any of those could qualify for this answer.

Celebrities Defined: Are you more of a book person or a movie person?

John Simpson: Television person! I rarely read books; it's too exhausting! They've created movies and television - why be told a story through such a primative means? (laughs)

Celebrities Defined: So then, what's your favorite movie?

John Simpson: Love, Actually. I could watch that movie indefinitely!

Celebrities Defined: How about your least favorite movie?

John Simpson: John Carpenter's The Thing, The Lord of the Rings, Operation Dumbo Drop, The Return... the list could go on!

Celebrities Defined: If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?

John Simpson: Anyone involved with the Stonewall Riots.

Well said.

Celebrities Defined: What is your highest aspiration as a producer?

John Simpson: My highest aspiration is to be doing what I'm doing now with "Chris and John to the Rescue", but at a higher level - perhaps bring something like what we're doing to a more mainstream audience. I'd also like to eventually get involved with television networks, in terms of programming development, scheduling, etc.

Celebrities Defined: What advice would you give to those who are aspiring to make it in the production business?

John Simpson: Intern for free! It's the only way to get anywhere, and start making your own stuff, and just practice. Keep doing what you love to do, even if you have to work other crappy jobs to do it.

Celebrities Defined: What’s on the agenda for the next season of Chris and John to the Rescue?

John Simpson: Well, one of the twists for the new season is that we're shooting it entirely on location in the gorgeous Provincetown, Mass, which is very exciting for us!

Celebrities Defined: That sounds excellent! What kind of rescue missions do you have lined up for the show this season?

John Simpson: Well, I can't give too much away at this time... but let's just say that I'm sure we're definitely going to be interacting with some really fun characters! Although I'm not sure if anyone will ever live up to the level of Brian Doyle.

Celebrities Defined: Word on the street is that you've recruited local talent from here in MA to assist you with the show. Does this rumor hold water?

There's nothing like a shameless plug for yourself.

John Simpson: (laughs) It's true! We have a top-secret producer working for us in MA. He's been a huge help, as we're stuck here planning the season from Toronto.

I don't think he's so "top-secret" anymore...

Celebrities Defined: If you could interview any famous person, who would it be and why?

John Simpson: Rosie O'Donnell. She's my idol in life, and I feel like I could talk with her for days and days.

Celebrities Defined: John, thank you so much for granting me some of your time. I cannot wait to see the next season of Chris and John to the Rescue! I'm sure it will be of the utmost caliber!

John Simpson: Well, I'm glad you have high hopes! We definitely do as well. We just thank everyone for watching the show and giving us their support, it really means a lot.


You can take a glimpse into the work of John Simpson Productions' "Chris and John to the Rescue" at www.chrisandjohnonline.com