How can I contact John Cleese for an on-camera interview?

April 11, 2008 8:26 AM

How can I contact John Cleese for an on-camera interview?

In the 1980s, John Cleese starred in a party political broadcast (sort of like a British political infomercial) for the SDP-Liberal Alliance, which promoted the idea of proportional representation. I'm currently working on a documentary on proportional representation in New Zealand (which, coincidentally, is where Mr. Cleese lost his virginity at the age of 24.) I can do the documentary without him - I've interviewed three former prime ministers and leaders of many of the political parties as well as representatives of every party (except the Progressives, but they only have one...). Still, I believe he would be a valued addition to the documentary. Does anyone know how I can get in contact with John Cleese to interview him on camera (or if necessary, via phone) for the documentary? I have tried contacting him through agent Tony Lipp, but I do not believe he is returning my calls. I'm not asking for personal information - nothing that would be rude - but rather hoping that someone might have another avenue other than the agent - maybe a publicist? - that might be a better shot. More generally, how do you go about contacting celebrities for newsworthy purposes - without being a celebrity yourself, and without being a rude stalker-type person?

posted by BrianBoyko to media & arts (5 comments total)

http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/speakers/John-Cleese/647 contact his publicity with a faxed and e-mailed request, in detail seeking time with him and availability.
posted by parmanparman at 8:37 AM on April 11

Typically via their agent. Who Represents should be able to tell you if he has US representation and if so, who to contact. Have your 15 second pitch word perfect before you even think about picking up the phone.

In this particular case, Cleese has a solid website with US contact details. If you can't get any traction via his agent then a short, polite letter setting out what you want to this address might do the trick.
posted by dmt at 8:46 AM on April 11

A formal letter on the letterhead of your production company should do it. Make it clear there is no money in it, but that this is for history.

Make up your production company if you don't have one. But you should have one because people take you more seriously if you do.
posted by Ironmouth at 8:56 AM on April 11

John Cleese is represented in the USA by CAA. Direct link to contact page.

For private speaking engagements, his fee is $100K USD + first class air for two from LA. I don't know whether he would charge anything for an on-camera interview. I would imagine that you would have to pay for his (first-class, if memory serves) air to NZ, or your own travel to LA.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 9:23 AM on April 11

I sent you a mefi mail with a contact who may get you in touch with him. Good luck!
posted by cazoo at 10:14 AM on April 11