Actors…One at a Time, Please

One of the simplest, yet toughest, lessons I’ve learned as a journalist is never interview more than one actor at a time. Publicists will often try to set you up with several actors at once. But that’s exactly what it is – a setup – for disaster.

Allow me to explain. I was covering one of the largest film festivals on the circuit. Running from press conferences to screenings to interviews. When a publicist called to ask if I could interview several actors for a small film. I had already seen this film and loved it. Loved the story. Loved the directing. Loved the performances.

How could I say no?

Well, I should have. I’m not sure what malicious stars align when a journalist interviews three actors at once. But they obviously turn perfectly lovely people into three year olds competing for attention.

The interview began with everyone behaving. Being cordial. But when the star of the film had to share the microphone with the supporting actors, he decided to turn into the disruptive bad kid at the back of the classroom. Distracting the other actors. Making lewd gestures at the waitress. Whispering in a fellow actor’s ear.

Sad, really. All because he wasn’t getting the attention. The worst part is that when an actor behaves like a jerk, he shoots everyone in the foot. I end up with a crap interview and a very bad taste in my mouth. His fellow, up-and-coming actors get no press. And an independent film that desperately needs positive press may not get it.

In the moment, the situation was incredibly insulting. In the end, I came out with a lesson. Never – ever, ever – interview more than one actor at a time. It’s best for everyone.