Fantastic Mr. Fox Press Day
You got to fight for your right to interview!
Recently, I went to a press event for the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox. I sat in on round table interviews with director Wes Anderson, actor Jason Schwartzman, and Roald Dahl's daughter, Lucy Dahl.
I've never done round tables before, and my first experience was a little odd. You sit at a table with other reporters and ask the actors questions. With lots of adult reporters all trying to get their questions answered, it kind of puts you in an awkward situation—as a kid trying to be heard, I mean.
The biggest tip I would give to reporters doing these types of interviews is BE ASSERTIVE. Keep trying to ask your questions as long as they haven't already been answered. That means you have to listen carefully while plotting to ask your own questions.
Other reporters will keep trying to talk over you, but it's likely that you'll eventually be able to get into the conversation. Sometimes another reporter helps you in or you finally are able to speak up loud enough.
It's also important not to get frustrated. With most round tables, you're probably going to be the only kid, which is how it was with me. Even if it gets uncomfortable, you have to acknowledge that you are with fellow reporters who are trying to get the same thing you are: information.
If it becomes way too difficult to get yourself in, keep trying, but also listen to the questions the other reporters ask. Most likely, they'll be asking questions you need the answers to also. You're usually allowed to use anything the person you're interviewing said, even if another reporter asked the question.
The Scholastic Kids Press Corps has been really busy covering Fantastic Mr. Fox, which opens November 25. You can read my review of the movie and Grace McManus' experience at the red carpet premiere, as well as my round table interviews.
• Fantastic Mr. Fox Movie Review
Hope you enjoy the movie and Happy Thanksgiving!
Miranda Rector with a puppet for Fantastic Mr. Fox at the roundtable press day recently in California. (Photo Courtesy Miranda Rector)
Comments