Handling the Media - Actors

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Fences, directed by Denzel Washington

The media decides on the story angle before they interview you. It might be that you are a deleted celebrity, too old or when will you have kids (the women only question). Be prepared.

Question: Your previous movie Another Time, bombed at the box office. Why?

Answer: I just show up. That is how Whoopi Goldberg answered that question. She meant she shows up for her scenes, acts and goes home. What happens after that is not her problem.

Question: How do you prepare for your roles?

Answer: Directors. They guide me. They have the vision.

Question: Who is your favourite director?

Answer: All of them.

Question: Do you refuse to play certain roles?

Answer:  I’m an actor. I act.

Question: You’ve been nominated for best actress five times but never won. How do you feel?

Answer: It means my contribution is noticed.

Question: But not good enough for an Oscar?

Answer: It’s the recognition that matters.

Question: You played Jim’s love interest in Another Time. You are his mother in this movie Maybe Not. Do you feel you’re getting roles for older characters now?

Answer: Great job by Hair and Makeup, a section of this business that is under valued. Lover in one movie, mother in another. Makeup makes it happen.

Question: Do you think African American actors do not get roles they deserve?

Answer: All answers to that question have been given.

Question: Meaning?

Answer: African Americans were asked the same question before I was born.

This is another ‘written podcast’ by Nonqaba waka Msimang. 

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