Part of what I’m doing for this site is to share whatever valuable insight I learn from the people I interview. On the latest episode of Flick City I turn the mirror on my unattractive self to hopefully provide some tips on how to interview people!
I’ve been interviewing people since 1991, and my first ever chat took place while I was interning at the UCLA Daily Bruin. I talked to Mindwalk director Bernt Capra outside Melnitz Hall for about 10 minutes. All I can remember from that moment was I had a little mini-recorder on my right hand and was nervous as can be. The interview took place right after the screening and he was a more than welcoming interviewee.
My last two years at the UCLA Daily Bruin were spent as a film critic and columnist (I had a weekly piece called “Dream Factory”). Sadly, none of my writings are available online since it was so long ago (ah…the lack of technology!).
Since my college days I’ve interviewed scores of people mainly in the film and television arena (some authors and musicians along the way as well), and although I don’t claim to be a master or expert at anything (indolence does not count), I could share a few tips on interviewing.
Along with the interviewing tips, I also discuss the latest giveaway (5 Digital Codes for Underwater) that are up on my other site Deepest Dream. Plus Samantha Richelle (Almost Paradise) and Ben Feldman (Superstore) talk about their favorite films. Richelle loves The Bone Collector and she also mentions her love for director Wes Anderson’s movies. Feldman’s choices are Dead Poets Society. and A Few Good Men.
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In the audio below, I talk about how putting too much of your voice in your interview (and interrupting the interviewee) can be a hindrance in the long term. I also elaborate on why actually being interested (or at worst, faking it) is imperative in conducting a solid chat. Lastly, I chime in on why putting your own personality into an interview to an excessive degree is simply, unless you’re a well known personality, a waste of everyone’s time.
Any thoughts on The Bone Collector, Dead Poets Society or A Few Good Men? Or maybe you have your own thoughts on how to interview people? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts!
