Live: Fanning home after shark attack
Live press conference with Mick Fanning, fresh home from his harrowing shark encounter at Jeffreys Bay.
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Comments
Perfect storm for Red Bull... Both of them holding RB cans during the interview.
I can see the slogan: Red Bull gives you balls!
Doesn't Red Bull cause one to piss like a racehorse, therefore attracting sharks?
Exactly - would have been good if you heard the questions asked of both Mick and Julian. Red Bull was more concerned about getting their publicity across - pity it's all sugar & caffeine.
I too am curious about the product placement. Did Red Bull seriously ask that of them. "Uhh guys, while you do this media interview regarding your brush with death you had just over 24 hours ago, mind holding some of our product cans just in case they don't see the stickers on your boards, cheers jick and mulian. Regards, Red Bull team."
I'm not feeling the love there..
I was impressed by the choice of basement.
They probably both need the caffeine and sugar hit from a Redbull to face it all ... over and over again, and again, and again. They both looked pretty shattered to me, some smiles and laughter in there as "mates" seem to do in the tough times, and then some serious hard swallowing from both of them at times. Emotional roller coaster for both of them - some PTSD type effects being experience by both of them.
Mick seemed to understand the process from here is unknown and commented that it "... might take days, weeks or months" ... smart too, not giving any hopeful timelines.
I wasn't aware Mick had been 'mentoring' Julian during the event.
Good Luck to both of them dealing with the aftermath of all this. As the hype subsides and the mates all go back to their normal lives in a few days, a week, these two will still be processing it all ...
I hope the media leaves them both alone now... hope the media now give them time to come to terms with it all.
PS: I'm starting to notice Mick hasn't mentioned Karissa in any of the interviews. Nothing from the time in Jbay, and now again today, nothing. Only seemed to be talk of a hug from his mum, and getting together with family and friends. Nothing specific about seeing his wife. Strange?
They've split up.
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mick-fanning-shark-attack…
Really Stu? some one telling porkies for the sake of a click?
No.
Not you... I meant courier mail.
Ah, gotcha. Yeah, well the media will be up and down every avenue in this story. And going on the questions asked in the above press conference there's still a way to run.
Bronwyn who?
Was starting to think as much.
... a fight over the beachfront "shack" to help get over a shark attack? Attacked by shark, stormed by the media, frenzy with divorce lawyers. Fuck, who'd want to be a professional surfer?
I have friends in their circles. I'd heard they had split up a few months ago. Maybe they will get back together after this?
Wow
I hope Fanning has a binding financial agreement in place.
.
The smell of redbull reminds me of urine stained carpet in a dark poorly ventilated moldy nightclub..
How's Ronny styling at the end as the reporters cue up to plug his brain.
Call me old fashioned, but a clap for the lads would have been nice. Legends.
I can only get up to the 25 minute mark, buffering problem but I thought both guys were humble, articulate and well spoken. I couldn't hear the questions very clearly but it seems Mick was growing weary with a pretty repetitive line of questioning.
Also, agreed, what's with holding the press conference in the hotel laundry? Couldn't Redbull pony up the cash for a function room with a decent sound system?
Well done to both, yep a round of applause wouldn't be out of order.
I watched the press conference live...the boys got a big round of applause upon wrapping up.
Whoops. Well good to hear. Deservedly so.
At the least the shark took off, cant say the same for the media.
Love Derek Hynd almost as much as George Greenough, privacy settings won't allow a direct link to vimeo vid (Derek surfing J-bay an hour after the episode and talk on sharks)
https://stabmag.com/derek-hynd-first-in-the-water-at-j-bay-after-mick-fa…
Classic.
There's a guy who loves his surfing.
That was great ID. Cheers!!
What a classic bloke, great attitude & his approach to surfing is so pure. Very refreshing.......
We need to work out (or implement) a system that is more effective at keeping sharks away from bathers and surfers. Unfortunately, the last time I looked, the A-Team weren't waiting in the wings with jet skis and rescue boats to come and save me if a noah wanted to dance. What is it and where do we start to implement it? I'd happily advocate a solution for the Cronulla area if anyone has any suggestions.
Champs...both of them.
Hope Mick visits the poor bugger who got mauled at Ballina. Does anyone know his condition?
Yeah, I'm not so sure Mick should have any such expectation placed upon him. If he wants to, sure, to have a 'kindred spirit' discussion, but, just because he is a 'public figure' there should be no expectations placed on him or Julian - they have enough to deal with yet.
The full impact of the PTSD type effects won't come out for a little while yet. The good thing for them both is they already have a team of professionals around them who can help with their mental and emotional state - still won't be easy. Media frenzy won't make it any easier.
You gotta think Micks Bro is still looking out for him.
Mick had a good 'connection' with Sean at JBay, well I think it was JBay, where a few years back the dolphins came cruising down the line up, and Mick had stated at the time he thought it was linked with his brother keeping and eye out for him.
The universe works in mysterious ways. Mick will take from it what he wants, needs. I guess though, it's not up to keyboard crusaders like me to predict or assess his 'connection' or otherwise.
Maybe they'll soon hold a presser announcing Red Bull's new flavored product with shark repellent additive that activates when you pee.
Redbull deserve to get their arses kicked for pulling that media show frenzy together. Clearly Mick is not in a good head space and doesn’t need the constant reminder he cheated death. I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls out of the remaining events for the year.
And all that feckwit Ronny Blakey could ramble on about was the fact Mick and Julian are now #2 and 3 on the WCT Ladder……as if Mick would give one fecking ounce of care factor as to where he is on the ladder at the moment. He’s struggle to deal with the enormity of the situation.
totally agree mate.
I'm not sure if it is the direction from the WSL but fucken Blakey has mentioned all this tittle race crap his in all his interviews since the incident, pretty sure that is the last thing in Micks mind. Total lack of consideration to try to keep pushing the advertising.
I don't usually bag the WSL but it just makes them look needy
Well, yes the media scrum is a bit over the top. But both Fanning and Wilson will benefit financially from it - greatly I expect. The champs handled it really well. The drum ain't finished yet.
Well the advertising from Red Bull and the WSL title race are two very different things. Not sure if you're aware but the WSL recently stopped Red Bull from hijacking their events, no more RB web clips of WSL surfers at WSL events, and they also tried to stop surfers wearing RB caps on WSL stages.
Red Bull don't put anything into the organised aspect of the sport, the WSL do, so they want to be the beneficiaries of that investment not an Austrian energy drink employing guerilla marketing.
The shark attack happened at a WSL event but to a rider on a Red Bull endorsement deal. The commercial antagonism is playing out in a delicate way - it's why you're seeing plenty of both sides, Red Bull branding and title race reminders - but hopefully they can both rise above their own interests and maintain a balance.
It's about degrees of interest alright...isn't Blakey Mick's manager...what's good for Mick's bottom line is good for Blakey in more ways than one.
"Rising above their own interests" would mean leaving Mick and Julian alone (with respect to the media frenzy) but also offering them any support (counselling etc) either of them need to get through this life changing experience.
I haven't heard of either organisation offering Mick or Julian any support (outside of the media) at this stage, which for the WSL, they need to be extremely careful about here as essentially, they would be seen as Mick's workplace employer and hence this is essentially a workplace incident. They cannot wipe their hands of their responsibilities here IMO.
In regard to Blakey's rambling about tour placings etc. He was setting up the media scrum to rid them of their ignorance that these two guys are more than just a couple of blokes who surf and took on a shark, he made it very clear that Mick has three world title and both are contenders for a title this year...the scrum barely gave Mick a 60 second sound bite for those three titles in the past...Blakey wanted Mick & Julian to get their due recognition for more than being shark attack "heros".
Well said tripper, from a distance Ronny seems a straight shooter and a welcome and measured voice on the commentary team. Even had the temerity to call Kelly out on not winning a contest through turns since I don't know when, which when I think about it is true. It is usually a left/right hand barrel fest or a hail Mary air.
'Red Bull locked in a massive marketing coup at Mick Fanning's first appearance after the shark attack'
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/red-bull-locked-in-a-massive-marketing-coup-at-mick-fannings-first-appearance-after-the-shark-attack-2015-7
Those boys probably/definitely have a very decent annual pay check from Red Bull. If they say, "hold a can in your interview", then you hold the can. If i was their sponsor and paying em a hefty sum, i'd expect the same thing.
The question is: Could they have perhaps been a bit more subtle/sensitive/intelligent in their product placement? probably.
Agree. The two guys just did what their contracts probably dictate.
But the stickers on the boards and Julian's hat would do the job of "subtle" marketing, the best kind. Plus the millions of views of the video where the RB sticker on the board is perfectly visible.
When you go overboard and throw in a couple awkward cans, it can actually back fire.
Fuck, the media are so obsessive. 3 days straight on the telly. Huge crowd of cunts waiting at the airport for them. Then they hold their press conference, but no not enough. Let's all wait at the gate of his house as well. What the fuck does that achieve, and what knowledge do we gain?
As to drink products pro surfers and their managers,... what is wrong with people making money?
How many of the whingers on this thread work for free?
Roller, I think you've missed the issue. It's not about the money, or making a living. It's how blatant the product placement was... Neither really needed the can in their hand during the interview.
As others have noted, the redbull logo has received plenty of air time. So, did they really need to hold the product as well?
its really ugly marketing.
no taste or consideration wharsover
not only that, a red bull is a little more than a coke, and for mick and co. to be drinking it when coming of a plane is way out. one could argue redbull messes with heads and health as much as alcohol.
wouldn't be accepted to have beers in that situation
and beers would probably be more appropriate
Would of much preffered to see a one bottle for life or similar not a can of Red Speed in there mitts.
Is product placement something new?
On a second note, in reviewing the tape of the final, did Mick lose priority when he swam for that inside one?
Red Bull could have really made an impact if they would have send Andrew Waddel (https://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-waddel/3/a31/8b6) or any of those well payed muppets to the press conference and showed that sponsorship goes further than a money / "you hold my can because I freaking payed you shitloads". Genuine compassion and support would work well for both Mick and red bull.
yeh they could have mr beard, but from your link he's too much of a wanker to be capable of actual compassion
fanning did look rattled
even the commercial machine is criticising the clunkiness of the commercial machine
must have been a step too far
https://m.theage.com.au/business/media-and-marketing/shark-attack-mick-f…-
o&campaign_code=nocode&promote_channel=social_twitter
yeah just read the Age article.....its ironic how a marketing expert does not understand that Julien and Mick , as most athletes very specific contracts in what they wear in public especially .....at press conferences.....imagine the marketing director telling them no don't worry about your contract.......do whatever you want......yeah right!
Money over emotion...greed is good right?
My take...Red Bull are a bunch of coporate whores who will do anything for a dollar, even putting two employees in an uncomfortable position, when still quite obviously stressed and jetlagged. Where is Red Bull's duty of care to ensure the interests of mick & juliens welfare is put above all else.
It's not as if the world at large knows not of the Red Bull branding...so why the need for the can? Pure fucken selfish promotion.
Another thing, why the fuck would anyone want to drink that speed water...I won't touch the stuff, tried it a couple of times, turns out it's a great trigger for my epileptic seizures.
Yeah, not sure that is the issue Brutus. Reading that article from the Age, and, well, my own take on the whole press conference, Mick and Julian wearing their hats, clothes and having their boards behind them wasn't the, isn't the, issue. That part looked "authentic".
It's the blatant product placement by RedBull - cans in the hand, those stupid fridges full of cans, etc.
Totally agree Tripper, but I,ve also got to say why are these althetes promoting the stuff, it's poison and I bet they don't actual drink it, same as Sally Fitz and KFC, you can bet she does eat it. Greed on the athletes apart as well
Just had a look at the Red Bull site, a lot more surfers on there team than I thought...yep betcha most of them don't drink the shit.
But the kids they pander it to guzzle the stuff.
Crazy thought, but "if" the press conference was held 'behind a desk' rather than having MF and JW sitting on those high chairs, the RedBull cans could have been placed on the table in front of them. If there were no fridges etc, and just the open can in front of MF and JW it would have looked a lot more 'authentic'.
I'm also starting to think if it was only just the can in their hands, it wouldn't have been so bad ... the combined impact of the can in hand, fridges, etc pushed it too far.
I'm guessing RedBull and Ripcurl marketing were responsible for it all? Or, as Brutus noted above, the endorsement contracts would prescribe what they have to do at a press conference, in public, etc ... so, maybe, it was up to MF and JW manager(s) to put it all together?
Is it true Ronnie Blakey is now Mick's manager? Is he also managing JW?
Maybe it was a fuck up by the manager(s)?
Crustt, just read your comment on another site re the Red Bull can ........very possible what was in that can was only water and Fanning probably would not drink the shit.....now wouldn't that be a classic
Fanning gave Qantas a good plug to on his insta page.
If Mick instead had a beer sponsor would everyone up in here still be whinging on?
I think the beer is to come, haven't Parko and Mick started a micro brewery...and yeah Red Bull is caffenine on steroids ......each to his own....be interesting to see the stats on alcohol compared to Red Bull poisoning...at least Red Bull put 36% of their turnover into sports .........
Its about taste roller, red bull showed none.
Dunno about good ole USA, but Oz wouldn't allow a beer 'placement' in that situation, for better or worse, that's the public's taste.
Just as many suspect red bull is not to many pro surfers tastes' as they get off a plane. Maybe before going out to nightclub, or mixed with vodka to get fucked up, but not getting off a plane.
which shows the ungenuineness of it all, stop insulting people's intelligence
not to mention the influence on the kiddies,
the kiddies are already drinking it in the streets before school, which is a absolutely ridiculous. the only time people i know drink it is when they're looking for an amphetamine like buzz, because that's what it is. which is why it should be 18 plus just like alcohol.
just like coffee....Red Bull gives a buzz.....and great to hear that by making a law ....18 plus....will stop ahhhh...no-one.....even in the USA 21 before ya can have a drink.....
alcohol vs caffeine......lets just ban them both?
its more than caffeine, its caffeine plus taurine, nasty
Geeez, a bit of a nanny state. Now a bloke can't hold a can in his hand ! You don't have to drink it, you know.
I think its personal....I used to drink redbull....taurine....bulls balls.....but an 28 grams of sugar......ouch......the again .....the time I was pissed.....alcohol and me don't mix....well for others who are around..hehe
each to his own.....not sure on the figures but I think domestic violence ...50% in alcohol driven.......shit I wonder what the red Bull stats are???
Ask the Austrians.!
Ask the the underage teenagers.
Apparently the word on the street is , No Meth all RedBull Shit....
you can put whatever you want in your hand tony, though sometimes i wish you'd take it out of your hand...just for a minute. its about was it appropriate to enforce some contract to its enth degree while fanning was clearly under pressure? occasionally ya just gotta let opportunities go. don't be so desperate. but it appears desperate is the new black in surf marketing, not just red bull.
yeh brutus everyone is different, on balance it seems there's not much good comes from alcohol, but we're well aware of it and its treated as such, red bull and the like being kind of new, seem to fly under the radar.
actually after googling the ingredients it doesnt sound that bad, with similar caffeine content to coffee, its the taurine thats a bit of a mystery, the combination sure feels stronger than a cup of coffee. personally i can drink ten beers and not harm anybody but myself, ten red bulls i wouldn't harm anyone either, but i'd be a jittery mess. having them together equals trouble.
the current anti alcohol debate doesn't consider these combinations enough. since rave culture revolutionised partying people, many many people combine stimulants of all kinds with alcohol. thats whats making society more violent.
im not against red bull, its just not for kids
We should all thank these sponsors....
and the sic stickered up crafts with the DHD surfboards, JS Industries, Red Bull, and Reef logos in the foreground covering up background that made it looked like they were posting up the presser from a prison.