SDCC – A virgin’s view

One of the best parts of Comic-Con (to me) was literally sitting at the same table in a relaxed atmosphere (although the air is electric with energy) with the actors, writers and producers of the television shows you love the most. I mean, it’s every fan’s dream is it not?

Take the photo above that I shot with my camera phone. There’s Lea Michele from Glee to my left in the press room.

Press rooms work like this: obviously they are for journalists only.

First your affiliate (CliqueClack) gets an invitation. The boss (Keith) responds. Then you get the okay and your interview is on! (Usually you get this information a few weeks before the convention so there’s ample time to sweat and fantasize about what the experience will be like and whether or not you’ll choke.)

Once in San Diego and the appointed hour comes, you run (because there’s always a place that you’re coming from that is usually way across the Comic-con compound) to the assigned room and show your badge and settle in with your trusty notebook.

Speaking of  “the press badge?” You never want to misplace or lose it! It’s on a lanyard around your neck and becomes a part of you (whether it matches your outfit or not.) Then it’s simply a matter of waiting.

Oh look! Elijah Wood is at your table to talk about his FX show Wilfred! I actually didn’t know I’d be in this press room. I kinda snuck in with fellow compatriot Michael Noble. That doesn’t always work if the moderators are sticklers about how many press are in the room, but this time I was lucky.

So, I had no questions prepared, but I opened my mouth anyway and asked Elijah which lesson that Wilfred has taught Ryan that he thinks is the most important. He liked the question! He thought for a moment and said “the lesson of letting go.” Elijah thinks that his character holds on to the hurts of his past too much, and it’s important to forgive.

Awesome! Inside! Information!

I made sure I went to the open panel discussion of the new show on The Hub network called Dan Vs. just to see one of my comedy idols, Dave Foley. This panel was a highly entertaining one, and a surprise press room was announced at the end. Could I attend, the show runner asked me? Um … yeah!

And an hour later? I got this picture taken. Normally? You don’t want to ask a personality to take a picture with you at a press room. It’s not good form. After all, we’re all professionals. But after the round table I went up to Dave and we jawed about the Kids in the Hall and I “squished his head” and we laughed. We discussed how difficult improv comedy is, and I told him my bad story about Steve Carrell telling me I wasn’t funny back in the day at Chicago’s Second City. And thus, I have boycotted his stuff ever since. We thought that was funny …

When we parted? He told me that next time he saw his buddy Steve? He’d tell him that a woman in Detroit is really angry with him. (Note I’m wearing my Tigers T-shirt proudly.)

And for you people out there who loved the Kids in the Hall? He told me they talk of a movie or series reunion constantly.

Awesome! Inside! Information!

Lastly? If you have read everything I talk about here on CliqueClack, you know I love music. So the opportunity to see and interview this man was a highlight …

Chris Daughtry did his interview in an art gallery. I’m writing a post on it with more details and quotes as to why he was there and including a talent of his that I didn’t know he possessed. Watch for that soon.

And yes, ladies. I was all a quiver when Keith took this picture.

Can’t you tell?

Press rooms and celebrity interviews. Asking the good questions that they haven’t been asked before. Being up close and personal and getting comfortable with the fact that a celebrity is just like you and me.

Except they’re doing the thing they love the best. And maybe it’s getting filmed or recorded.

But we’re all just the same.

And? It’s energized me to pursue the things I love best. Let’s all do that … shall we?

Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on Jul 18, 2012 @ 11:00 EST5EDT