Jennifer
asked
Kendra Bean:
Hi Kendra :) do you have any advice on getting in contact with people that worked with or personally knew a celebrity for interviews etc.? As a young classic film fan without substantial experience hoping to eventually publish a book, I feel like a lot of important people won't take me seriously. Thanks so much!
Kendra Bean
Hi Jennifer,
Boy, can I relate to where you're coming from! I know this can be nerve-wracking, but we all have to start somewhere, and I've learned by doing. With celebrities and authors, it's probably best to send a letter to them via their agent, unless you can find personal email address. When you write or phone people, even if you don't have much experience, you have to make yourself sound like you do. Play up your strengths. Do you have a blog about classic film? Mention it! Had you been doing research about your subject prior to interviewing people? Mention it!
Another good thing to do is reiterate how serious you are about your subject and what sort of narrative you're looking to present. For example, I told people I was working on a photography book about Vivien, however, there would also be text and I wanted to be fair and truthful in my writing. I've found that people really like talking about themselves and sharing stories, and many are happy to have other people (especially younger people) express an interest in their work and their memories. So make sure you do some research about the person you're interviewing. Have they written a book about your subject? Read it. Have they appeared in documentaries before? Watch them. Let them know you're at least somewhat familiar with who they are.
Once you get your first interview under your belt (and interviews are tricky - I'm still learning how to ask the best questions in order to get the best answers), more doors will open for you. Don't forget to ask if they know anyone you may be able to contact! As long as you present yourself as professional and knowledgeable and enthusiastic, people will take you seriously.
Good luck! :)
Boy, can I relate to where you're coming from! I know this can be nerve-wracking, but we all have to start somewhere, and I've learned by doing. With celebrities and authors, it's probably best to send a letter to them via their agent, unless you can find personal email address. When you write or phone people, even if you don't have much experience, you have to make yourself sound like you do. Play up your strengths. Do you have a blog about classic film? Mention it! Had you been doing research about your subject prior to interviewing people? Mention it!
Another good thing to do is reiterate how serious you are about your subject and what sort of narrative you're looking to present. For example, I told people I was working on a photography book about Vivien, however, there would also be text and I wanted to be fair and truthful in my writing. I've found that people really like talking about themselves and sharing stories, and many are happy to have other people (especially younger people) express an interest in their work and their memories. So make sure you do some research about the person you're interviewing. Have they written a book about your subject? Read it. Have they appeared in documentaries before? Watch them. Let them know you're at least somewhat familiar with who they are.
Once you get your first interview under your belt (and interviews are tricky - I'm still learning how to ask the best questions in order to get the best answers), more doors will open for you. Don't forget to ask if they know anyone you may be able to contact! As long as you present yourself as professional and knowledgeable and enthusiastic, people will take you seriously.
Good luck! :)
More Answered Questions
Robin Chippendale Bellamy
asked
Kendra Bean:
This isn't so much a question but since you wrote a book about Vivien Leigh's life I am trying to research her ancestry because my paternal grandmothers maiden name was Hartley and she was born in Yorkshire, England. I would like to find out if I could possibly be related to Vivien Leigh?
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