Who is Stephen Briggs?
A slightly overweight, follicly-challenged, elusive bugger I have spent the majority of my life trying to corner and understand.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Always remember to wear pants… And I wish I had given up booze at 27 not 37.
Who inspires you and why?
My wonderful boys; Sachin 6 and Darshan 4. I love sitting back watching them joining life’s dots. They constantly challenge me to be creative, resilient and open.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Implore people to use the courtesy wave in traffic. If someone lets you in, take a moment of your time to give them a little wave. It says, “I know we’re both stuck in these big austere shiny machines but I’m a human just like you. We’re members of the same species and I acknowledge your kindness.”
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Bangalore India. Every second is an assault on your senses and sensibilities.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to and why?
Mt Martha South Beach. It’s utterly sublime!
What are you currently reading?
TINTIN Red Rackham’s Treasure by Herge (My boys love TINTIN), Mr Wong Goes West by Nury Vittachi and VAULT – New Art and Culture Magazine.
What are you currently listing to?
Bastille, Grace Jones Island Life and Nick Cave. I’m always listening to Nick Cave – he is surely the finest lyricist Australia has ever produced.
Happiness is…
Accepting that you won’t always be happy.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope to live long enough to bang out a few more books and meet my grandchildren. In the shorter term, I hope to travel to India later this year to direct a 20 minute film I’ve written titled The Typist.
Stephen Briggs is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Film School, WAPPA and Curtin University where his mentor was Elizabeth Jolley. He has written, produced and directed numerous short films including On the Nose, The Proposal, Whatever It Takes, Courting Disaster starring Damian Walshe-Howling and his most recent film, thirtyfive candles which won an Audience Award at the Filmstock International Film Festival.
As one of Australia’s most sought-after voice-over actors, Stephen has voiced countless TV and radio campaigns for some of the biggest corporate and entertainment companies in the world including Telstra, Lexus, Cirque du Soleil, American Express, Live Nation, Sony Music and many more.
Stephen wrote and presented Dribble, a comedy talk-back show on Perth’s 92.9, and was the voice of MTV Australia for eight years. He has written columns for New Woman magazine and can be heard as the voice of Foxtel’s Bio channel. Stephen lives in Melbourne with his wife and two young sons.
Stephen emerges from behind the microphone to put pen to paper with the release of his debut memoir, The boy who could tickle clouds, which is available from Readings stores: www.readings.com.au , or as an e-book via iTunes and Amazon.
For more information about Stephen, visit: www.stephenbriggs.net for details.
Image: Stephen Briggs