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You know his name. The guy has single-handedly changed television. From Survivor to The Apprentice to Rock Star: INXS, his impact is apparent in the development of a new genre of made-for-television productions known as reality tv. Yes. You’re right. His name is Mark Burnett.
But, as we all know, you can’t transform anything, whether it be television or political agendas, without the support of a stellar team.
One member of Burnett’s tribe is Lisa Hennessy. You probably recognize Lisa’s name. Why? At the beginning of each Rock Star: INXS show, you will see ‘LISA HENNESSY’ flash in the opening credits underneath the ‘EXECUTIVE PRODUCTER’ title.
Rock Star Go Home wanted to learn more about Lisa and her ‘behind-the-scenes’ role on Rock Star: INXS. Therefore, we asked. Lucky us! She made herself available for a fun, fifteen minute interview.
REX: Alright Lisa. Here’s the deal. Some of these questions are about you the person... And, some of these questions are about you the executive producer of Rock Star: INXS. You cool with that?
Lisa: Sure. Fire away.
REX: Right on. So, I like to start my interviews with the really tough questions.
Lisa: Oh yeah.
REX: Yeah. Sooooo. Here it is.... Brace yourself.... It’s a Thursday night. Do you go out for Thai food or sushi?
Lisa: Sushi. [She says with no hesitation.] In fact, I went out last night for sushi.
REX: And your favorite sushi is...
Lisa: Albacore.
REX: Right on! I’m a spicy tuna guy myself.
REX: Anyways, back to the interview.
Lisa: Okay.
REX: Let’s say I’m an absolute idiot... How would you explain to me what you do on Rock Star: INXS?
Lisa: Got it. So my job is to manage both the creative and financial elements of the show. I share the position with David Goffin. Essentially, we oversee all the core functions of the show.
REX: Hmmmmm. So you’re like a general manager of a business?
Lisa: Exactly. We do our best to make sure that everything is running smoothly. That can range from marketing to approving budgets to managing the press.
REX: I imagine that requires a whole lot of people and a whooole lot of money?
Lisa: Yah. On Rock Star: INXS, David and I are working with about 350 people. And, as for the money, I can’t give you the specifics but Rock Star: INXS could be the most expensive project we have taken on since I’ve been with Mark.
REX: How long have you been with Burnett?
Lisa: I’ve been with Mark for about 10 years.
REX: I hear he can be pretty tough to work for... Is that true?
Lisa: Honestly, I think I’m more demanding than Mark. [She laughs.] He’s the visionary here. And, he treats us all fantastically. Mark is one of my best friends.
However, when it comes down to it, we all expect a great product. And, we all work together to obtain that objective.
REX: Hmmm. He sounds like an empowering leader?
Lisa: A great sign of leadership is turnover. We have very little of it here. I’ve seen many people come on board over the years. Most of them are still here.
REX: Hey Lisa?
Lisa: Yes.
REX: Did you ever ditch school when you were growing up?
Lisa: Nope. I was a good girl.
REX: Do you like Sprite or 7-Up better?
Lisa: Sprite!
REX: Do you prefer chocolate or peanut M&Ms?
Lisa: Peanut!
REX: So did you always know that production was for you?
Lisa: No. No. Noooh. Nooooh. I was in public relations to start. Then, one day I heard Mark speak. Once I heard his ideas, I knew that I wanted to be a part of what he was doing. So, I bugged him until he hired me.
REX: How did you bug him?
Lisa: Well, I didn’t bug him. I bugged a lady that used to work for him. It’s a long story. Anyways, he finally hired me. I had to take a pay cut when I signed on.
But, what a great move that was. I love what I’m doing. It never really feels like I have a job. It’s really a lifestyle more than a job.
REX: Very cool story. And now, you’re the executive producer of Rock Star: INXS?
Lisa: Yep.
REX: Hey... Are you a rocker?
Lisa: [A little hesitation.] I wouldn’t say I’m a rocker. Although, I am huge INXS fan. I’d say I have an appreciation for music and respect for new talent. Specifically, the transformation of talent.
REX: So, what has been the most memorable moment for you during the show?
Lisa: When Marty did ‘Wish You Were Here’.
REX: Nice. Now, what was your most miserable moment during the show?
Lisa: Hmmm. I wouldn’t say there has been any miserable moments. However, we are doing something that is unprecedented in television - in that we’re putting out three episodes a week. That can take it’s toll on you and the team. We’re all working seven days a week. Reality tv shows usually have about ten weeks of post-production. Rock Star: INXS has about three days. You can imagine, there’s no time for rest on this show.
REX: Do you have any vacations planned after the finale?
Lisa: Yep. I’m heading off to Croatia for a week to recharge my batteries.
REX: Very cool.
Lisa: I’m excited.
REX: Last two questions.
Lisa: Go for it.
REX: What’s next for Rock Star: INXS?
Lisa: All I can say is that you can expect to hear some form of announcement next Tuesday when the finale airs.
REX: You’re such a tease.
Lisa: What’s your last question, I have to go soon.
REX: What’s next for you?
Lisa: The Contender start shooting in January. I’ll be on that.
REX: Great! Thanks for your time and have a great vacation!!!
Lisa: Thank you! Take care! 
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