EXCLUSIVE: KX News Director Tom Gerhardt Discusses Ron Burgundy’s Visit to Bismarck [AUDIO]
Residents of Bismarck, ND were shocked when they tuned in to KX News Saturday night and saw Will Ferrell, dressed as legendary broadcaster Ron Burgundy, set to deliver the news. Now, we have exclusive details on Burgundy's appearance, from KX News Director Tom Gerhardt.
Gerhardt was very candid in his discussion about Ferrell's time in Bismarck on Saturday.
He addressed the foremost question on peoples' minds: Why Bismarck?:
We were contacted by Paramount Pictures and Ron Burgundy, Will Ferrell's agent, I'd say last May. Apparently, Will has always wanted to do a newscast. So, our management team kind of took it from there and were able to work out the details.
So, it was a big surprise when folks Saturday night watching KX News, following an exciting Auburn/Alabama game, were able to see Amber Schatz sitting right next to Ron Burgundy on KX News at 6.
And, what was it like working with Ferrell on set?:
Well, he came in late Saturday afternoon and was just a lot of fun, from the beginning. He kind of made a quiet entrance. It was really strange when he walked into our studio, to actually see Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy in that outfit that we've all become so accustomed to seeing on 'Anchorman' and soon on 'Anchorman 2.'
Gerhardt discussed more details on Ferrell's visit, including why he did the newscast so straight-laced and other exclusive details, which you can hear in the full interview below: