One question we get asked about comic cons is how to get the most out of a celebrity interaction. At comics cons, you will meet celebrity guests either at their table or during a photo op. Both have their draws. Autographs are exceptional collector’s items. A personalized signature is an excellent way of having a personal memento, while a non-personalized one will retain value and allows for it to pass down to others (or sold if needed.) Photo-ops actually prove that you met the celebrity guests.
We have been to a lot of cons together and we have done both photo-ops and table signings. In this blog, we will tell you how to get the most out of a celebrity interaction at a comic con.
How To Get The Most Out Of A Celebrity Interaction at a Convention
Photo-Op
While photo-ops often (but not all the time) allow you to get really close to a celebrity, they also don’t have much in the way of interaction. Photo companies have gotten it down to modern science. You are in, and you are out.
Sometimes, you may get the actor to pose a certain way. Make sure you know what you want beforehand. Handshakes are usually ok, but fistbumps are preferred for sanitary reasons. If the handlers say no touching, please respect that. Don’t drive a celebrity guest away from doing conventions.
Sometimes, you may get lucky as we did with Charlie Hunnam. He needed a sip of water, so while waiting, we got to tell him it was our anniversary. He is an actor, a very good (and beautiful) one, but his good wishes did seem genuine.
Table Signings
Meeting the actors at their table tends to allow for a more significant interaction. They have to sign, and that takes time. And most know they are getting good money for a 30-60 second communication and are good sports about it.
The first rule: remember they are not their character. The guest may not even be fans of the show they are on. Quite a few hate to watch their own work. Most don’t obsess over it the way we do (Sam Witwer is a very notable exception…he will know more than you).
So what do you talk about with them? Talk about acting. That’s their job. We all want to be told we did our jobs well, whether its by our boss or someone who just happened to observe us working. Actors work hard at their craft, so acknowledging it is always a great way to go.
Know a little about them, but don’t make it creepy. A former co-worker of mine was Anthony Mackie’s drama teacher in New Orleans. So when we met him, I brought up our mutual connection. We started talking about a specific approach to breaking down movies that our friend used. The Mrs. said it was like watching two long lost friends have a conversation. I wish!
When we met Patrick Stewart, he had previously canceled at another con that we had attended that had a large portion of the TNG cast. We did ask him why he wasn’t in New Orleans. That’s actually very rude. We instead said we wished we would have got to meet him in New Orleans but that we understood. That slight change in words changes the tone, and he talked to us about New Orleans for a little bit.
Speaking of New Orleans, use your home city as a talking point. Asking guests how they like New Orleans can bring about some interesting conversations. Julie Benz and I talked about alligators, which lead to her showing me a phone picture of her dog. When we are an out of town convention, we love to mention Louisiana and/or New Orleans, because, hey, who doesn’t like New Orleans.
If you get star struck, it is ok. They can sense it. In fact, they can smell it. No, just kidding. But a lot of times they might be used to it. And the great ones are actually in awe of your awe. Those are the ones that will be patient with you.
Randomly at the Con or in Public
You rarely will get this with a bigger guest as they will have security around them. At smaller cons, you may be able to strike up a conversation. Do not ask for an autograph or a selfie if you do. They are working and are on a break. Don’t ask them to work on their break. And respect personal space. If they are on their phone, let them be on their phone. Tell them high by all means, but just be nice.
Now, outside of a con is a whole other animal. In-person autographs take a lot off effort and charm. It’s not something we have tried to do, so maybe we will get a guest blogger one day to discuss the topic.
Meanwhile at a con, be yourself, and you will be surprised at how many guests will be that way in return.
Liked this write-up? Then check out our ComicCon-ing 101 where we try to guide you through a comic con experience!
What do you think of our tips? Do you have any of your own? What subjects do you talk about with celebrity guests when you meet them? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
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