Master the grilling techniques of the greats, then get feedback on your own attempt in this two-part course
This masterclass is held over two evenings, and is for anyone interested in developing the skills of an expert interviewer.
On the first evening, you'll learn the techniques for carrying out successful interviews from Guardian journalist Simon Hattenstone, who has grilled everyone from Banksy to Desmond Tutu, and interviewed Henry Kissinger at a urinal.
You'll cover how to get your subject to agree to an interview, what the terms should be, etiquette, what to ask and when, dealing with difficult subjects and how to turn your raw transcript into a written feature. You'll then put what you've learned into action by arranging, carrying out and writing up your own interview with a subject of your choice.
On the second evening two weeks later you'll get feedback on your work, as a group, from Simon and a commissioning editor (to be confirmed), receiving expert insight into finessing your interview into a professional-standard piece.
Tutor profiles
Simon Hattenstone is a Guardian features writer and interviewer. He occasionally writes books which are not read by many people. His memoir Out Of It is about a childhood illness that saw him bed-ridden for two years of hallucinatory madness. He has ghost-written books for snooker world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and Duwayne Brooks, the friend of Stephen Lawrence who was attacked with him. He also has published two e-book compilation of interviews with actors and sporting giants. (He was once offered the job of gay columnist by the London Evening Standard, even though he is not gay, and was described by Andy Murray in his memoir as "the weirdest man" he had met).
To book
If you're using a mobile device, click here to book
Details
Dates: Thursday 17 and Thursday 31 October 2013
Times: 6.30pm-9.30pm
Location: The Guardian, 90 York Way, King's Cross, London N1 9GU
Price:£199 (includes VAT and booking fee)
Event capacity: 22
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.