“Mask Singer”: This is how the production approaches the international celebrities who participate in… – 20 Minutes

To throw glitter on “the biggest television survey in France”, Mask Singer strives each year to find the perfect mix of ingredients to surprise viewers. For three seasons, the production of the show broadcast on TF1 occasionally welcomes international celebrities, well hidden under masks, as the concept wants. And this season 4 is no exception to tradition, for the pleasure of jurors and viewers alike. Actresses Itziar Ituño (La Casa de Papel) and Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives), singer Seal and actor David Hasselhoff (Alerte in Malibu) blended into the skin of a ballerina, a ladybug, a cowboy and a cobra. The cat will join the very closed club of planetary stars who have appeared in the French show since his performance and his identity will be revealed this evening. Always unexpected, the presence of these personalities questions as much as it surprises. How does the production recruit them, how is the design of their costume and their rehearsals organized? 20 Minutes explains. IntergenerationalThe selection process for international stars takes place in parallel with the casting for French-speaking personalities. The teams of the show first try to determine which personalities they would see well in the guise of a wacky animal. The criterion used in the choice of teams and above all to find celebrities known to the greatest number. “We try to find icons who speak to the greatest world because Mask Singer is a family program, the personalities must be recognized as much by the children as by their parents”, explains Anthony Meunier, the producer of the show. he main objective of the first selection is to target iconic personalities who have marked several generations. “We really try to create the most general “wow” effect possible during the unmasking. ” Little refusal It is then a correspondent of the show based in Los Angeles and in contact with many agents of stars who takes over. “When we send the list of stars we want, it’s quite targeted, we generally know who we want in a precise way”, explains Anthony Meunier conceding that there have already been some refusals, mainly when the agenda of the star does not correspond to that of the recording of the show. The canvassing revolves around a central question: are celebrities motivated to do the show hidden under a mask? “They have to want to put on a show and please viewers. “The producer assures that the majority of international stars contacted to participate in the French edition of Mask Singer already know the program, which exists in more than 56 countries. Two to three months of preparation Once the celebrity has reached begins a long working process with the teams of the program broadcast on TF1. The production and the international star collaborate for about two to three months before the shooting. “We organize several video conferences to have the measurements of the star for the making of the costume but also to launch the choice and the work around the song” , explains the producer. The contacts then multiply until the recording to adjust the service as well as possible. Regarding the costume, a lining with the same measurements as the personality is selected in France to ensure that the star can fit into her light suit and remain anonymous in front of the cameras. The selected celebrities then fly away to spend two to three days in Paris for on-set rehearsals and recording of the show. Only Teri Hatcher wanted to stay a week in France to concoct a performance with small onions. As for the French personalities hidden under the masks, everything is organized in order to preserve the mystery of the identity of the participants. Surprising personalities The arrival of these celebrities in the particular context offered by Mask Singer is often conducive to unusual moments, proving the commitment of the stars to the program. “Teri Hatcher was an incredible hard worker. When she was already in Paris and rehearsing in her hotel with the show’s choreographer, she called me one day at 11:30 p.m. at the end of a shoot to ask me if she could come and rehearse on the set when it was not planned”, rewinds Anthony Meunier. Hidden under a black sweatshirt and an opaque visor, the actress known for her role in Desperate Housewives will offer herself a bonus hour of rehearsal so that the ladybug comes to life in the most masterful way. More recently, it is the comedian revealed in K2000 , David Hasselhof, who proved the unpredictability of the international stars who walk the Mask Singer stage. While he was to interpret another title, the producer hears him humming My Way by Frank Sinatra in the car which takes him to the studio. The actor’s voice fits well with the title and Anthony Meunier lets him know. David Hasselhof then decides to change tracks and opts for this classic which is also his wife’s favorite song. “We had to create a new scenography in just two days,” recalls the producer. Proof that each international star is a new adventure for their teams. The production insists in any case to say that “it is always a pleasure for these personalities to come and participate in entertainment in France because they love our country! »