I’m just doing this one off the top of my head. If I think of anything else that’s useful I’ll edit this post and add to it.

OK, well this kinda thing would work for almost anyone – rock musicians, actors, celebrities, writers, sports people – anyone in the public eye who would otherwise be difficult to meet normally……except for those who are reclusive of course. Likewise there’s no guarantees when it comes to Popes or Presidents.

1. First and foremost – do your homework!

Find out what kind of hobbies or interests that the person/persons in question have. If you’re not already into the same things then you should learn a bit about them, wherever possible. If anything this will help you when it comes to starting a conversation. Knowing about the celebrities hobbies and interests is also a way to “make contact” in the first place. For instance most guitarists are into guitars. If you can talk knowledgeably on guitars then you definitely have an advantage. NOTE: if you get to a point in the conversation where you don’t know something then say you don’t know – otherwise you may get caught out.

2. Give them something they want – or at least something they might want?

By this I don’t mean sex – though that works well in some instances. The trouble with sex is that there’s often a whole lot of other people offering the same thing, so your chances of being successful are limited (not to mention any moral stances you may or may not have with this approach). No, the answer here is to think smart. Often it can cost you money – sometimes a lot of money – but sometimes it can cost you virtually nothing at all.

For instance I know someone who had some cookies made up with and edible photo of a very famous rock star printed on them – you know, the kind of prints that they put on kids cakes and the like….usually of cartoon characters or scenes from Star Wars and the like. Anyhow, this person was able to give a basket of these cookies to a roadie or a security person (can’t remember now) and they passed it on to the rock star. Next thing you know the rock star demands that the person be found and brought to them so that the rock star can thank them. Afterwards the person who made the cookies became a good friend of the rock star and hangs out at their home, parties etc. They’re still friends years after as far as I know? NOTE: Meeting someone and becoming their friend is two entirely different things altogether.

Actors, musicians and writers can all benefit from a dedicated website. Not everyone has them but they might want one – or put their name officially to one – if there’s a good one available? If you’re good at making websites then you might want to try this approach? I know of several fan sites that started out as unofficial and later became official. The REG Temple is just one example here.

I’ve written here of my own experiences with giving a bass guitar away to Mike Mills of R.E.M. and creating, making and giving a guitar to Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, Big Star, Chariot & R.E.M.) They’re examples of something big or expensive that can be given to celebrities.

Basically I’m saying that it’s good to try and think of something clever or unusual to give to a celebrity. Of course whatever you give depends on the person themselves, and that’s where the research comes into it.

3. Be in the right place at the right time.

This can be really easy or REALLY hard! OK, in the case of rock musicians bands etc. then there’s a couple of things you need to know (if you don’t know them already). a: – They will nearly always do a sound check before a show. Usually a couple of hours or so before the show is due to start. b: – They will usually hang around after a show. Either to clean up, drink a few drinks or sign a few autographs. This is a relatively easy way to meet bands, musicians and rock stars.

Authors will usually do book signings when they release a new book. Once again this can be an easy way to meet them, providing the crowd isn’t too big

Actors will go to film premieres and charity events. Often they’ll have info on their websites (if they have them) or you can find out what charities a particular actor is into and keep your eye on upcoming events.

4. Know the people around the people…

By this I mean fan club presidents, security people, agents, managers etc. It’s all part of doing your homework and knowing who’s who. That way if you ever meet them or have to deal with them you’ll know exactly who they are.

5. Remember who they are.

Celebrities are people, just like you and me. In fact they have exactly the same fears, desires, ideas and feelings as all of us. About the only thing they do differently is have a really cool or unusual job – but then so do many non-celebrities as well. Celebrities might have more money and more fame than us “ordinary people”, but that’s usually where the differences end. Always try to treat people as you would want them to treat you.

Well, that’s basically where it’s at. It’s short and sweet, I know, but the essential ideas are there to try out. Always always try to think creatively and a little differently from what most people will think or do and you should do OK. I should add that you can’t underestimate pure luck! That’s always handy to have!

This entry was posted on Monday, May 2nd, 2005 at 8:50 pm and is filed under Music, TV and Film, Writing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.