Those who know the intimacies of the medium know that television is not a game thing: it saves you or sinks you at the same time. It only takes five minutes in front of the camera, perhaps less, to be immensely popular overnight, or become a disowned being.
From communication academies to various international forums, the harmful or virtuous action of television and its ability to change ideas, impose models, beyond informing, educating and entertaining, have been debated and studied.
Hence, the presenters, announcers or conductors bear the main weight of what happens in a studio. The failure or success of the audiovisual product depends to a large extent on them. Every detail: inflection, diction, gestures… determines the quality of the work.
Television in Cuba has had several announcers and entertainers who, due to their charisma, have earned popular admiration: José Antonio Alonso, Xiomara Fernández, Consuelo Vidal, Germán Pinelli, Eva Rodríguez, Hilda Rabilero, Lartiza Ulloa, Niro de la Rúa, Carlos Otero , Raquel Mayedo, Abel Álvarez, Magdiel Pérez…
In this list (incomplete) the name of Marino Luzardo (1969) cannot be missing. Without fear of being wrong, we can affirm that this Telecommunications Engineer is today the most famous driver on the island. His presence on television, galas or shows causes the viewer, above all, confidence.
We believe that “the Marine effect” consists of maintaining an equanimity that allows the proper development of the program. He studies his interviewees, he does not allow himself to issue judgments lightly, he calculates his jokes very well, he sympathizes with his interlocutor without straying from that pattern that he himself has created, although in today’s sun anything would be forgiven.
We agree with the critic Norge Espinosa when affirming that Marino Luzardo “is a guarantee of rigor and elegance in a medium that has not always taken care of that important role of being the intermediary between what happens in the studio and those who recognize that person. as someone who legitimizes the medium from the precise handling of data, references, diction, projection and so many things that this task requires”.
“I don’t like to brag about my position”
I recently saw your complaint about a fake Facebook account, I think it’s not the first time. Would we say that these are the risks of being very famous?
I think it happens to a lot of people without being “famous”. Facebook has become a double-edged sword for everyone. Many times I have wanted to get away, but then I lose that “good” edge that tears and reveals mysteries that I also want to have access to and that sometimes I cannot find in other places. I also try to see the fun part and appreciate the creativity of those who aspire to make it really a social network, with respect.
Are all the problems solved by being so popular? Or the opposite?
Almost everyone thinks so, but I would say no. The fact of being a public figure demands, at least for me, an enormous effort. I don’t like to brag about my position as a television entity and I can’t hide myself as sometimes I would like. But I cannot deny that thanks to my work many doors open for me. The complicated part of the matter is being very clear about the commitment you are making by putting yourself in front of a television camera every day.
“Whoever exposes himself publicly is always walking a tightrope”
In Cuba people follow you daily and some to see what style of shirts you wear. Between the frivolity of many and the criticism of others, in which direction are you going? Can you maintain the balance that is needed to avoid exploding?
The thing about the shirts is something I never proposed. Like every presenter who goes out daily, I sought help from someone like Mario Freixas to change my image on the screen. It is his merit, not even he himself, I think, calculated that people would notice so much about it.
And yes, I am concerned that sometimes some people tell me that they turn on the television just to see what I am wearing, but it is something that escapes my hands, what I have to do then is to show that more than wearing a new or different shirt, I can keep up with my guests the most coherent, interesting and profitable conversation possible. And if a nice shirt can be the hook for them to accompany me in that effort, well welcome.
As for the balance, I try to maintain it. Who exposes himself publicly is always walking a tightrope. And of course he exploded, many times, like everyone else.
We see you in a humorous program, in a soap opera, in shows, galas… Is it that you say “yes” to everything that is lights and cameras? Don’t overexpose yourself too much?
If you only knew how many “no’s” I say quite often! When I accept something it is because I think it can amuse me, as has been the case with “Vivir del cuento”, or contribute professionally. Of course, sometimes you go with an idea and the result is another, but the “yes” was always well thought out. And as for galas and shows, I really enjoy them and it’s something different from what I usually do. But regardless of my answer, I am infinitely grateful for the trust placed in me by those who invite me to be part of their projects. It is a blessing that they take you into account.
There are those who say that announcers and/or presenters in Cuba still maintain an archaic pattern when it comes to addressing the public compared to other international television stations where they are more “relaxed.” What side are you on?
I think that in the camp of those who want to be as natural as possible on screen. I think it’s the key to reaching people. But yes, I think we should relax more, I insist, naturally.
Right now I am taking a directing course for television. Gaining experiences and knowledge. Better understanding the why of each element associated with audiovisual language. I have ideas that I want to materialize on screen as a director as well.
From your interviews it is known that you love Cuban and Spanish music…
I really enjoy music, a lot, and I’m interested in discovering new things through it. I think that, like reading, it is a great way to get closer to other cultures, to other realities, to other times. I like the one that makes me think, the one that makes me dance, the romantic one, in short, almost all music.
And tomorrow back to the same program as always. Have you ever woken up like: “I don’t want to do this anymore”?
Yes, and I feel happy about it. I have been in that space for almost 15 years with no other claim than to have a good time on both sides. It is not always achieved a daily program, but believe me we do our best to make it so. There are mornings when I wake up wanting to do something else, break with everything, maybe one day it will happen. For now, I keep going back to that hour of television to which I owe so much and to those people who, every noon, expect the best of me.
