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Contacting famous people
Some tips and tricks to convince celebrities from music, sport, TV, film and politics to join you on the radio.
Getting interviews with famous people is often actually not as difficult as you might think - but you've got to go about it in the right way.
Firstly, stop dreaming about interviewing the likes of Elton John, Tom Cruise or Tony Blair. They are extremely unlikely to ever do an interview with you - they'll often only do network stations and then syndicate interviews for smaller stations (that means they answer some questions and you can edit in you asking them).
But people who are much more likely to do regional and local press are those who aren't constantly in the media and those who the record company is "breaking". Don't just look for the really big names; support acts and first-role actors can often make much more interesting interviews than seasoned celebs who treat it as "just another". And remember, Oasis had to start somewhere.
Be flexible when you request interviews and remember that people are much more likely to agree when you go to them than expect them to come to you. A portable minidisc or MP3 recorder and decent mic is the best investment you can make - it'll open a lot more opportunities than wanting to get people in a studio. Or alternatively, you can do the interview on the phone.
Bands and solo artists
Music acts will tend to do promotion only when a new single or album is released. Try and get the release dates of their new single and put your bid in a few weeks before hand.
Try the relevant promoter or plugger; you can normally find this out by contacting the record company and then ask for regional media (or for student radio, sometime they'll have a dedicated student radio rep).
Normally you can interview a band when they play locally to you. Again contact the appropriate plugger. It's especially good to try and get the support acts at that time; interviewing them will normally give your more credibility when you go for bigger names.
Actors
Actors are usually willing to do most interview requests, but again depending on their other commitments and how in-demand they are, they may be not be available. It's best to go in with a specific reason for doing the interview - either they are doing something new or involved in some project or have some local connection.
All actors will have an agent who handles their interview requests. To contact a actor's agent try Spotlight and click on Artists Records. If they are registered with Equity they should be in there along with details of who their agent is. You'll normally be asked to fax or email in your request, so before you phone have your request written down with some idea of what you want to ask (ie is it just a lifestyle piece or is there a specific subject you want to talk about) so you can send it straight away.
There are certain times when you wouldn't contact an agent, such as when they are in either a soap or a major TV programme / film or appearing on stage. The individual TV / film distribution company will organise all the press. Phone the relevant TV channel, who'll tell you the best person to contact.
If the actor is appearing locally, the relevant theatre will usually handle all interview requests. Bear in mind that they are doing this to promote their show, so you need to get in early and sometimes might be asked to do the interview before the show arrives to help publicise it.
TV / Radio Presenters
Contact the relevant TV channel press office who will either have direct contact with the person or be able to pass your request on to their agent. Again, have a hook for the interview and have your request already written so you can quickly email / fax it.
Politicians
Major politicians, such as those in the cabinet or opposition are unlikely to give you interviews, but your local MP and junior ministers may be very willing to talk to you. In the first instance telephone the House of Commons or the local constituency office and ask for their office or agent respectively. Again you'll often be asked to put your request in writing.
Sports people
Depending on how big they are, local football or rugby teams will often be willing to allow you to interview a manager, player or chairman. They'll often hold press briefings for new signings and before matches, make sure you know about these and get the accreditation to attend them. Put your request in to the media officer at the club.
For other sports it's often best to go through the official governing body such as UK Athletics. They'll normally be able to provide details of the agent who works for a particular athlete.