Do Celebrities Prepare for Interviews? What Role Does It Play?

The dynamics of celebrity interviews are often fascinating, especially when it comes to the preparation aspect. Many wonder if stars are forewarned about the questions they will face during interviews. This article will explore the extent of preparation in interviews, its importance, and the considerations that go into it.

Preparation Levels Vary

In many cases, celebrities are not given a detailed list of questions before an interview. Instead, they may receive a general outline or a broad topic that will be discussed. The level of preparation can vary depending on the interviewer, the format of the interview, and the relationship between the celebrity and the media outlet.

For high-profile interviews, publicists often prepare their clients by going over potential questions and the key messages the celebrity wants to convey. This helps the celebrity feel more comfortable and stay on message. However, many interviewers aim to create a natural conversation, so they may ask spontaneous questions as well.

Personal and Professional Influences

The decision to prepare for an interview can be influenced by both personal and professional reasons. Since Peter, a celebrity reporter, interviewed over 1,000 stars, he is well-aware that celebrities often seek preparation. Preparation ensures that the answers given are both honest and spontaneous, which is crucial for maintaining public trust.

Take, for example, the case of Robert Downey Jr. When asked about his drinking days, he was not prepared for the question and chose to walk out of the interview. This incident highlights the importance of being prepared, as being caught off guard can lead to unintended consequences.

For famous celebrities, a publicist or manager can often request questions in advance due to the star's fame and the public's expectation for consistent messaging. Some celebrities may set certain topics as off-limits, especially if they are sensitive or controversial.

When it comes to journalists interviewing celebrities, there is more flexibility. A journalist can choose to proceed with spontaneity or prepare in advance, depending on the situation and the needs of the story.

Examples of Preparation in Practice

Show producers like Graham Norton and James Corden often leave the conversation open-ended, allowing the guests to have a natural discussion. However, these shows typically have a format that guests are familiar with, minimizing the need for extensive preparation.

Other times, a celebrity or their publicist may demand to see questions in advance. Details from Peter reveal that even well-known journalists like him have difficulty denying such requests, as it can affect the authenticity of the answers.

A notable instance is the case of Doris Day, who insisted on knowing the questions before an interview. Peter respected her wishes and did not interview her, as denying such a request could have undermined the interview and compromised the honesty of the answers.

Conclusion

While some level of preparation is common in celebrity interviews, the extent to which questions are disclosed can vary widely. Regardless of whether a celebrity is given the questions in advance, the key considerations are honesty, spontaneity, and maintaining public trust. The dynamics of interviews are nuanced, and the role of preparation is a crucial factor in the outcome.