So may times...
The idea, when you're a journalist about to interview someone, is that you've done the research on them, their work and anything else relevant so you can ask incisive questions and write a fact-filled, interesting article.
And then there are those times when the phone rings and it's some international switchboard operator announcing your interview is now, hold the line please *click* and some nameless voice pops up saying hello and expecting questions.
What follows, I can assure you, is a long process of starting in a very general manner "Thank you for your time... I hope this isn't too inconvenient for you?" No, it's just early evening here now. (Right, that means they're not in this country) "Well thank you anyway, I know you have a pretty busy schedule" Yes, we're just on a break at the moment, we're shooting more this afternoon (Brilliant, they work on a film or TV show) "Really? Can you tell me what you were shooting today?" Well today my character finally discovered... (Ah ha! you are *that* actor on *that* show. And away you go.
Fake it? No problems. After years of this happening because publicists are generally about as useful as a chocolate teapot I'm pretty sure you could drop me in a room full of total strangers and within half an hour I'd have their life stories and every one of them would be convinced I was an old mate.
( difficultchild, Fri 11 Jul 2008, 6:31, Reply)