CELEBRITY INTERVIEWING: Overview

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 25^th), 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!