Hello Readers! In this next session of articles, we are
going to explore Celebrity Interviewing!
101 will feature a video recorded interview between
myself and my former colleague Mara Webster, who will discuss her career
as a moderator of film and TV panels at some of the top film festivals, as well
as her recent enterprise, In Creative Company’s YouTube channel. You can
get a head start watching them here: https://www.youtube.com/c/InCreativeCompany
102 will feature analysis of other panel moderators’
interview styles, from other YouTube video channels, Film Festival and Comic
Con panels, etc. I will compare interviewers’ styles, types of questions,
guests’ answers between various interviews, and audiences.
103 will feature analysis of Daytime and Late Night
show celebrity interviews. As these hosts are mostly performers themselves, it’s
important to analyze how they communicate on a ‘colleagues-like’ level, what ‘entertaining
bits’ are featured, guests’ participation and types of answers.
UPDATED PLAN BELOW as of 6/26/2021:
104 will feature radio host interviewing with some advice from former Z100 DJ Bethany Watson!
105 will feature the Actors-On-Actors interviews. Even
under an publishing’s umbrella, when actors have a chance to connect with their
former cast-mates, those they’ve admired, or acquaintance/degree separation colleagues,
the kinds of questions are more informational but also have a camaraderie
unlike other interviews.
105 will feature the Red-Carpet interviews we see at
Award Shows. With the shortest times to talk, formulaic questions, and yet
keeping the most positive tone possible, what valuable information can be pulled
from these interviews?
And then a Concluding article which will include paying homage to the late James Lipton, and the red carpet blunders.
The goal of this series is to examine an area of the entertainment
industry that is usually overlooked. Celebrity interviews are not only a career
for the interviewers, but also the best way for people involved in projects to
promote their work across mass media to (potential) audiences. Also, I can’t help but note how celebrity
interviews have changed in the Covid-19 Pandemic. Interview videos found on
YouTube will be the main source of watching and studying, whether as the interview’s
initial exhibition or after it’s aired on television. Whatever shows are available
on current streaming platforms will also be reviewed. Not only will I include
references to American examples, but also to foreign examples that will most
likely come from Britain. Other foreign sources will have English subtitles. (This topic may become an additional / its own article.)
Aside
from 101, I hope to include interviews (either via video or written) with other
professionals in mass media.
Although I anticipate to complete this series prior to the Academy
Awards’ 2021 Oscars ceremony (anticipated to be held April 25th),
there will be many celebrity interviews to watch in the coming weeks/months, not just those from years past. This series took much longer to work on that anticipated but it looks like it was well worth it because I'm really proud of what's been written here so far. I've had the opportunity to speak with Jenelle Riley, and also get a few tips from Z100 Morning Show's former host, Bethany Watson!
Please Stay Tuned!
