He’s a whiz when it comes to a quiz
Larry Benjamin, a lecturer in international relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, owns Quizwizz Productions, a company that organises quizzes at pubs and restaurants. He tells Margaret Harris his quizzes bring together people of different ages
Tell me about your work with Quizwizz Productions?
The company was established in 2007 and began by hosting a quiz night at the Colony Arms pub in Craighall Park. It has since expanded and we host regular quizzes at a number of restaurants and pubs around Johannesburg. We also run many corporate quizzes for large and small organisations. There are also social quiz events, including fundraisers and birthday parties, as well as an annual schools’ quiz competition.
A typical quiz night lasts between 90 minutes and two hours and includes general knowledge and trivia, speed and picture rounds, a music and mystery voice round as well as several other intriguing and innovative rounds.
Quiz participants usually play in teams of between four and eight people.
What do you think makes your career brilliant?
Quizzes have grown phenomenally and our quizzes are in huge demand. The most gratifying aspect of quiz nights is that they bring together a mix of different people from different backgrounds and with myriad interests.
This means I get to meet interesting and sometimes eccentric characters.
Our quizzes appeal to all ages from 16 upwards. At many of the quizzes, a team with an average age of 60 or above may typically be seated next to, and competing against, a team with an average age of 22. There are few pastimes that allow people of such disparate ages, backgrounds and interests to come together and become immersed in an evening of fun and good, old-fashioned entertainment. There is also always the chance of learning something new. This is what makes compiling and hosting quizzes so interesting.
Compiling the quizzes is challenging and involves striking a balance between fun and sometimes trivial questions and more hardcore general knowledge.
The music round presents a particular challenge, because music tastes widely differ. It is not uncommon to play the latest Rihanna or Pitbull song, followed by a song by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald or Fleetwood Mac.
What makes for a good quiz?
A successful quiz depends upon the quality of questions, a carefully calibrated selection of material and, of course, articulate, vibrant and charismatic quizmasters who must have a sense of humour, a good general knowledge and an ability to work and control a crowd. In particular, in the age of cellphones, you need a quizmaster who can ensure a level playing field.
My own personal interests include travel, books, sport, wildlife and international politics.
Before starting Quizwizz Productions, my life used to revolve primarily around Scrabble.
Many years ago, I was a champion scrabble player — four times national champion. I also finished eighth in the first world Scrabble championships held in London in 1991.
What did you want to do when you were a child?
When I was young, I was keen to be a sports commentator or broadcaster. I was especially interested in cricket and soccer.
What part of your job would you like to outsource?
In terms of outsourcing, we have taken on three additional quizmasters, and I also have other people helping with scoring.
A part-time secretary would be nice. I do almost everything, from promoting and advertising quizzes at different venues to drawing up the questions and acting as quizmaster at most of our quizzes.
How do you balance your work as a lecturer with the demands of the quizzes?
The quizzes are compiled at the weekend and overwhelmingly most quizzes take place in the evenings. This means I can manage both my academic and teaching commitments while managing Quizwizz.
I love both “jobs” and would not want to change either of them.