Exclusive: Brandon Johnson Talks New TNT Survival Series 72 Hours!

Brandon Johnson may be best known as the quirky host Gary Wilde on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, but the Minnesota-born actor is about to step into a brand new role… as himself! Johnson is the host of a new TNT Reality Competition Series called 72 Hours that drops contestants into exotic locations with 3 days to find $100,000. Johnson was kind enough to sit down for an interview with Buzznet! Take it away Brandon!

Buzznet: Some of our members might recognize you from Shake It Up! Your new show is definitely a change. What new challenges did you face?

Brandon Johnson: We shoot “Shake It Up” on a soundstage in LA, but on 72 Hours our entire show is outside in the wild so that was an adjustment. Luckily growing up in Minnesota I was used to doing anything & everything outside no matter what the conditions were like. We shot this show for 80 days straight going from the Southern Rockies to Hawaii, Fiji, Tasmania, New Zealand. Adjusting to the intense travel & time zone changes began to grind on us all toward the end. The overall nature of this show is all built upon the unknown so every single day was an adventure in itself. As this was the inaugural voyage of the series it came with a big learning curve. Most people thought this show couldn’t be done, but we showed them it could.

BZT: How was working with Bella Thorne and the other talented teens on Shake It Up? Any funny on set moments that stand out?

B.J.: The entire cast of “Shake It Up” is unbelievably talented. However Bella Thorne and Zendaya Coleman shot every single episode as well as learning dance choreography, going to school, doing events, etc…Those kids worked HARD and still are. I’m so proud of all of their success because they’ve earned it and made a lot of sacrifices along the way…One of the things I look forward to at the end of each Season is the “gag reel.” It really sums up not only how much fun we’re having, but captures all those funny moments that don’t air. Perhaps I could sneak a DVD to you!

BZT: Hosting 72 Hours looks tough! How did you prepare mentally and physically for the job?

B.J.: The truth is I really had no idea what I was getting into. From a physical aspect I worked out 6 days a week (2 of those days with trainer Tyler Gates) before I left LA. I knew our days were going to be very long so the idea of going to the gym was not an option once out in the wild. I will say I did get quite a workout running up and down mountains, sprinting through lagoons & jungles-all this with a 30 lb. backpack on…From a mental standpoint all I could do was just keep going. As the face of the show I didn’t want to show any weakness. However that came with a price. Once can only stuff their emotions for so long. There were times when I just went into denial. Being away from my loved ones was the hardest part.

BZT: Do you have a favorite artist/band to listen to before filming or during a work out?

B.J.: I don’t listen to tunes before we shoot, but at the gym I have a mix that I blast. Some of the bands I listen to are: Jane’s Addiction, Tool, the Jesus Lizard, Aeges, 7 Seconds, The Descendents, Jawbreaker, Minor Threat, Gojira…anything that really get my blood pumpin’!

BZT: Part of our site theme this month is “Best Of The Year So Far.” What are your top picks this year as far as personal highlights and in music/entertainment?

B.J.: My personal highlight was marrying my best friend Ariel on May 4th & our Honeymoon at The Viceroy in Riviera Maya was incredible! Entertainment wise I’m obviously excited about “72 Hours” coming out; plus I just saw “Star Trek: Into Darkness” last week & absolutely loved it.

BZT: If you had to be dropped anywhere in the world for 72 hours where would you want to go and why?

B.J.: I’d like to be dropped into the French Riviera or Paris. They’re both on my bucket list & I know the inspiration experienced in those destination would be profound.

Where would you want to be dropped for 72 Hours?