“His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy
There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti
He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready”
– Eminem (Lose Yourself)
Over the coming months I will be interviewing artists, musicians, directors, writers, cinematographers, actors, set and costume designers, sound mixers and many more. I will be going behind the scenes to discover who and what is really behind the camera and what motivates these creatives to stay at the fray.
Some of the following questions will be asked and developed over time:
How does a performer prepare?
What makes an actor be venerable to an audience of complete strangers?
Are creatives simply addicted to the rush of the applause?
What does fame feel like and how do preserve yourself and be present for your fans?
What advice do you give young creatives?
“I always say – you’ve got to really love what you do. Don’t expect to be famous – do it because you really love doing it and have fun doing it. I’ve always said if I can make a living at it, I’m happy.” – Robert De Niro
When was the moment when you discovered you wanted to do this for the rest of your life?
What do you do to prepare for an audition?
What rituals do you have after an audition?
What is the feeling you have when you come off stage?
“It’s so important to let the preparation go because you can get stuck in this little sort of tunnel of your own.” – Kate Winslet
Is there a sense of power that comes with creativity?
What drives you to be in the spotlight?
What were you like when you were a child?
Was there any point in your life where you couldn’t create and how did this effect you?
What was the turning point in your career?
Do you think how you live your life reflects in your work?
Does meditation help you in your process?
Anthony Hopkins quotes his old mentor. “He [Lawrence Olivier] said: ‘Remember: nerves is [sic] vanity – you’re wondering what people think of you; to hell with them, just jump off the edge’. It was great advice.”
Are looks important in this industry?
How do you feel about your body?
What do you do for exercise?
How has your creative pursuits affected your relationships?
I will then be concluding interviews with the famous Bernard Pivot questionnaire, derived from the French novelist Marcel Proust and their legacy lives on through James Lipton’s, Inside the Actor’s Studio.
1. What is your favorite word?
2. What is your least favorite word?
3. What turns you on?
4. What turns you off?
5. What sound or noise do you love?
6. What sound or noise do you hate?
7. What is your favourite curse word?
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
9. What profession would you not like to do?
10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
May the Behind the Scene’s discovery begin! Till next month : Let the creative love flow.
Eliza xx
Seminar Recap