How do I deal with Famous People / Celebrities. Help!!! Post Reply

[Denwand]

Hello

I have recently been contracted to supply specialist services for a major movie production in London. The trouble is this is the first I have done for 'celebrities' and there are some big Hollywood names amongst them as well as dozens of familar faces from British TV, some names make me want to faint from nerves just from meeting them let alone having to spend a whole hour alone with each one.

I know it's a silly worry but I don't want to make a fool of myself or upset them and I have nobody to teach me the ropes.

I know the basics ie DO NOT ask for autographs, DO NOT ask for a selfie, DO not discuss their past work.

Anyone please helP?????

[NannyKimbo]

Just treat them as you would any other client. I worked for someone who was once famous and I had no idea until she made a point of telling me. I didn't change how I was around her. They're just people after all. I'm sure if they have any specific requirements they will let you know.

[juliantenniscoach]

You're absolutely right. It is silly. They are just people like everyone else. Don't fawn, don't dither, do the job you're paid for. Focus on the job. Do it well and everything will be fine and you'll be appreciated.

[Naturopath]

I was married to US "Rock Royalty" and have spent a lot of time with a lot of celebs around the world.
I have witnessed many a celebrity sat alone because everyone around was intimidated/scared to approach him/her, the ones that did approach wanted photos of themselves with that famous person without really communicating with the person themselves.
This is an unnatural barrier that is created by the people around them. Once someone becomes famous - people around them change.
For this reason celebs feel more comfortable with others who either understand this barrier or who are celebs themselves.
Celebrities need to talk & communicate about normal everyday issues as much as you, me or anybody else.
Try to understand how you would feel if you were just being approached because of your fame or a photo opportunity to show your friends, with very little interest in you as a person.
Just show the warmth and interest you would show any stranger who looks interesting and don't objectify them, you will get a good response.
Hope that helps.

[vixen22]

Why on earth would you be nervous? What have they possibly done to deserve such esteem?

Perhaps when in their presence you could have a quiet word to yourself and compare them to NHS nurses or teachers or fire fighters who make this world a better and safer place for little to no recognition. You seem intimidated by people who by nature have to be some of the most egocentric people around. What is there to be impressed by?

[curly]

I work with celebs all the time and they do want to be treated normally. If you get nervous just imagine them naked!!

They are used to people being nervous around them so don't worry. Take a swap breath and you will be fine.

[windmill26]

I agree with Vixen22.

[LP73]

Hi Denwand I work with celebrities all of the time and like much of the advice offered so far, be yourself and treat them like your other clients.

This has got nothing to do with looking at your own self esteem (the comment written about that was spiteful and very negative) it's about wishing to get the job done, as best as you can do and asking for advice is actually a positive, confident thing to do and shows how much you want to get everything right.

You will soon work which of these new clients are easy to work with and which demand more of your time.

Happy to chat directly if you need any further advice. This should be a new chapter which is fun and will hopefully open up more doors for your business.

Best of Luck

[windmill26]

Hi Denwand I work with celebrities all of the time and like much of the advice offered so far, be yourself and treat them like your other clients.

This has got nothing to do with looking at your own self esteem (the comment written about that was spiteful and very negative) it's about wishing to get the job done, as best as you can do and asking for advice is actually a positive, confident thing to do and shows how much you want to get everything right.

You will soon work which of these new clients are easy to work with and which demand more of your time.

Happy to chat directly if you need any further advice. This should be a new chapter which is fun and will hopefully open up more doors for your business.

Best of Luck

I think you didn't read Vixen22 post properly.There was nothing spiteful or negative in the post and she never questioned Denwand self esteem.I think what she wanted to say is that we should give more importance to everyday people instead of celebrities.

[kiwimummy]

A very good friend got a job interviewing celebrities - he's the off camera guy you never see when celebs are giving interviews to promote their films.

It helped he had only a vague idea of who some of them were. But generally, he was polite and treated them like anyone else, and it was totally fine.

[Northcote_Dad]

I would start by maintaining a certain amount discretion. An open discussion on one of South London's most popular chat forums is probably not the best start.

[Denwand]

Thanks all for the helpful advice.

I must admit that treating them like normal people does confuse me.

For instance If I was working with the local fishmonger i would talk about the great range he sells and about how much I enjoyed some monkfish he sold me etc.

But apparently talking about a "stars" previous work bores them to death because every ordinary person or interviewer asks that and they are fed up with it... obviously if they have a catch phrase I would NEVER say it!

[dudette]

Just chat about normal everyday things - like their (or your) journey to wherever it is, or the weather or something. If you were meeting someone at a party you wouldn't start asking about their job (unless you were very boring!). Just make small talk and you'll be fine. I'm sure once you're in the swing of it you'll get used to it very quickly.

[sandramunoz1]

Don't worry.... you will be fine after the first 5 initial minutes.
Some celebrities are actually really down to earth. Just be yourself and it will go fine.

[topbabyguru]

The first main rule of working with H.P or V.I.P clients is don't post on any social media about it.

Good luck.