Red Carpet Strategies, Interviews as an artist

You've made it! You are walking into your very first premier and you are all glammed up and ready to go. Between you and the door to the movie theater is a big red carpet and about a thousand paparazzi. You feel your hands get clammy because you know what's next. You are going to be faced with the challenge of public speaking and the challenge of THE INTERVIEW.

Even if you don't get to be on the red carpet in your lifetime, you will still have to interview. The principles of a good interview are the same whether you are looking for a job or walking down the red carpet. The clothing is just different. If you have never been interviewed (or even if you have) there are several strategies that you can employ when you are interviewing to get the job. Today's blog will speak about red carpet, but use the strategies for your next school interview, job interview, and red carpet.

Be ready before you get there. If you are on a red carpet, look at questions that they will ask you by checking out red carpet events on Youtube. There is a fairly short list of standard questions that are asked on every red carpet. Who are you wearing? Tell us about the project. What was it like working with......? Was it fun to shoot (Insert scene here) scene? and Do you do your own stunts?

When you are answering questions there are a few very important tips to follow.

1. Always smile and stand confident. Your body language says more about you than what comes out of your mouth. People read your body language 55% more than what you are actually saying. When smiling don't overdo it. Practice your smiles in the mirrror so you know exactly what you are sharing with the world (No Wednesday Addams please, unless that is the role).

2. Never put down or comment negatively. I mean, it's a great way to go viral, but it could make you unhireable. (This is very important for people on job interviews. Do not put down your last employer. You never know who the interviewer knows.)

3. Know what you are there for. If you are there to promote a movie, promote the movie. If you are interivewing for the job - know about the company, what job you would like to acquire, and be sure you have (at minimum) looked at their website.

4. Dress the part. It doesn't matter if you are security officer #14 in the movie. Make sure that you are dressed for the interview in the same manner that everyone else is. This helps you fit in. You look ready to take on your next project. You will be taken more seriously. This holds true for anything that you do.

5. Be yourself. It is OK and applauded when someone can show who they are in an interview. You don't have to be just like....... because you aren't them. When people are interviewing you, they aren't trying to trip you up. They are trying to get a connection with you, to make a decision if they like you or not. Yes, that is overwhelming and can make people nervous. This is why you have to be you and why you have to practice being you.

6. Prepare. Especially when you are starting out, take part in as many interview practices as you can. Have your parents and friends ask you questions for practice. The media lens can make or break a career. The better you are at speaking to the public, the better you will be seen by the public (and the patrons) of your work. Practice to become well spoken.

It is easy to get caught up in the moment of the red carpet. One thing to remember when you are not being interviewed is that people can still see you. When you are under that lens, you need to make sure you are not fidgeting with crawling underwear, picking your nose, or making a weird face that could end up in the background of someone else's photo. Plus, you always have to remember that some media outlets are looking for those photos to be able to start the headlines like "worst dressed" or other public humiliations. If someone catches these unfortunate moments on camera, they can resurface over and over again on social media or become a meme. The best advice would be not to let them get that photo by not doing things in the public eyes that could catch you in a bad light (or photo).

When you step out of the car at a red carpet, also be aware that you will be on from the moment the car door opens. If you are wearing a short skirt, be aware of how you step out of the car to keep an unfortunate photo from happening. Your first interview will generally be for the audience that is there to speak about the project. The next interviews will be by the largest media outlets where they are generally reserved a couple minutes with you. Then you will continue to walk down the aisle where other news media will try to get in a question or two as you focus on the theatre door. Make sure you are always kind and give them the opportunity for the good photo. This is how your fans will find you. Also be aware of timelines for the event and make sure that while being kind, you are not in therapy. Short, to the point, soundbite answers are what people are looking for.

To see a great example of red carpet practice, check out "The Face" on Amazon Prime Season 1, Episode 6. This show, hosted by supermodel legend Naomi Campbell, follows a group of unseasoned British models in a race to become the new face of Max Factor. This episode shows the best "how tos" for red carpet and press interviews.

When interviewing for a "regular job", questions are relatively the same as well. You need to be ready for the questions so you can give confident answers. The employment marketplace is competitive, so you need to have the competitive edge.

Questions will generally include: 1) Tell me about yourself. 2) What makes you qualified for this position? 3) Tell me about your biggest weakness. 4) What made you leave your last employer? 5) What are your lifetime goals? 6) What can you tell me about our company?

People invest a lot of time preparing to act in a movie, sing on an album, and be the star of their own boardroom. As you take on the training and the education that is required to make these things happen, realize that you cannot get to live your dreams if you cannot first get through the interview.

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Petey the Pirate is the author of this blog for Encore Education Corporation. Part of Encore Education Corporation is Encore High School, a free public performing arts regional high school in Southern California grades 7 - 12. Encore's Professional Artist Development program is currently taking applications for the fall 2020 enrollment. www.encorehighschool.com. Where arts and academics grow together. WASC Accredtied. Copyright 2020.