Capturing a celebrity’s essence in an interview involves preparation, spontaneity, and, most importantly, authenticity.
Viewers want a mix of revelation and confirmation. They want to see the stars they love in a new light, but they also crave the familiarity that drew them to these personalities in the first place.
“Celebrity interviews are a dance between the known and the unknown,” says highly respected TV producer Claire Mooney, who has over 15 years of experience.
A BAFTA-nominated production journalist, she adds the key is to make celebrity interviews not just informative but genuinely engaging: “Preparation is key, but so is flexibility. Research is not just about the celebrity’s latest project but also their past interviews, interests, and even social media activity. This background knowledge allows for more in-depth and personalized questions that go beyond the surface.”
Mooney has had an eminent career in news and entertainment in the UK and the US.
Based in Los Angeles, her expertise encompasses various media production aspects, including field/story producing, directing, and post-production.
Key career milestones include her role as US Supervising Producer at British TV shows Lorraine and Good Morning Britain since 2017.
In this role, she covers breaking news, conducts exclusive interviews, and produces entertainment content.
In 2022, Mooney was a producer for ‘Meet Marry Murder’, where she worked as a booker and field producer for the series adaptation on Lifetime US and Netflix Europe. Her role involved producing and directing contributors with sensitive stories.
She is also a film and television voting member of BAFTA, and a member of the Telly Awards Judging Council.
Claire has recently worked on the ITV production of ‘The Oscars Live on ITV’ hosted by the iconic TV host Jonathan Ross.
As a Producer and Show Booker at Dr.Phil, Mooney was instrumental in sourcing guests with unique stories and maintaining factual accuracy under tight deadlines.
Given her experience, Mooney warns against over-reliance on prepared questions: “It’s about having a conversation, not conducting an interrogation,” she explains.
“Sometimes the most revealing moments come from unplanned detours in the conversation.”
The setting of the interview also plays a crucial role. Mooney highlights the trend of more casual, intimate settings that put guests at ease: “When celebrities feel comfortable, they open up. Our job is to create an environment that fosters that comfort.”
This comfort also extends to the interview style. Mooney mentions the effectiveness of conversational approaches over formal questioning. “It’s about making them forget the cameras are there,” she says.
Empathy is also a crucial tool in a TV producer’s arsenal, according to Mooney. Understanding and respecting a celebrity’s boundaries can lead to a more genuine connection: “There’s a fine line between asking tough questions and being respectful. It’s important to navigate that with empathy.”
She adds in the digital age, integrating technology and social media into interviews has become a norm.
Mooney points out how these tools can bring a fresh perspective to the conversation: “We’re not just limited to the studio anymore. Incorporating live social media interactions, for instance, can add an exciting, unpredictable element to the interview.”
Above all, Mooney stresses the importance of authenticity: “Viewers can tell when something is scripted or forced. The magic happens when the conversation feels real when there’s a genuine exchange between the host and the guest.”
Despite the challenges, like dealing with publicists or navigating sensitive topics, Mooney finds the process rewarding: “There’s nothing quite like the moment when a celebrity reveals something unexpected, and you know the audience at home is feeling that surprise and connection too.”
US ITV Correspondent Ross King (MBE) has worked with Mooney on multiple occasions.
He says there are many things you have to manage when speaking to a celebrity that set them apart from a typical interview: “if you’re doing an interview to do an interview with a big name, whether it’s a film or TV star, often they have an entourage.
“You’re not only dealing with the actual celebrity and the shoot itself, you are dealing with lots of other people.
“You are dealing with the entourage, with publicists, with agents, and also trying to make sure that the shot looks good and your camera remains okay.”
King adds: “Sometimes it’s a little bit like a jigsaw puzzle and you just have to make sure you get all the pieces right and get them in the right order.
“Claire is very good at that, and she doesn’t, doesn’t crack under pressure. She is very calm and collected. You need that in a producer, and she is incredibly skilled and keeps everything calm and running smoothly. This is why she is one of the best in the field.”
King goes on to highlight the highly pressurized environment in which they often work: “In our situation, we are also dealing with a studio in London, and they are throwing things at you, as well as what is happening on the ground. Claire is great at dealing with all the logistics that are often involved.”
Nick Rylance, Head of Film at ITV says it is in these circumstances that great producers shine: In the dynamic world of show business, versatility and understanding of various roles stand out, which is the case with Claire.
“She effortlessly connects with producers, Hollywood personalities, and representatives, displaying a rare aptitude for grasping complex situations.”
He adds: “When you work the kind of long hours involved in morning television, you get put into these very stressful situations, which can either be very late at night or early morning.
“In these circumstances, she has often had to look after someone as a guest for something being broadcast live in the UK, which is late at night in LA. “Examples include the work she did with Joan Collins and Anthony Hopkins, as well as some cool, younger actors. It’s moments like that when she has the ability to be friendly when other people fail miserably.
Rylance reveals it is in these circumstances a great producer’s ability comes to the forefront: ‘Claire has an appreciation for people of all ages is a refreshing change in an industry often fixated on youth. This trait, coupled with her strong advocacy for equality, makes her an invaluable asset.”
He adds: “Her ability to navigate cultural differences, particularly between British and American contexts, is exemplary, and her British charm often serves as a bridge, defusing potential conflicts and helping everyone focus on the bigger picture.”
Mooney has also worked with producers at the esteemed NBC Network.
One longtime colleague from NBC News says: “Claire excels as a producer in so many ways. She’s a good writer and researcher and understands the elements needed to produce interesting and creative stories. She’s also intuitive, realistic, and practical.
“Another major skill of Claire’s is booking celebrity and guest interviews. She finds the right balance between being persistent and patient and publicists respond to her. Claire is too modest to brag about all the big-name celebrities she has arranged interviews with, but there are many!”
Celebrity interviews are more than just a staple of TV production; they are a window into the lives of those who captivate us. As Mooney’s insights reveal, it’s a blend of preparation, empathy, and authenticity that transforms these interviews from routine Q&As into compelling, must-watch television.
Claire Mooney’s strategies serve as a testament to the evolving landscape of TV production, where the art of the celebrity interview continues to captivate audiences worldwide.