Many people dream of meeting their favorite celebrity. Some people even set up websites and social media accounts specifically dedicated to recounting their encounters with the rich and famous. Meeting celebrities can be a fun experience, but it often requires some smart planning. Here are some tips for getting a quick glance, asking for an autograph, or making small talk with a famous person.
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Method 1 of 5: Watching Celebrities from afar
Step 1. Read tabloid magazines and websites
Magazines and gossip blogs regularly upload photos of celebrities shot by paparazzi. Look at the photo background. If you see the name of the hotel, chances are they were staying there while they were visiting. If you look at a particular coffee shop or shop, it's possible that they go there often.
- Post Google alerts for the names of your favorite celebrities. New articles will be uploaded, as will information about their whereabouts based on the latest paparazzi photos and updates for fans.
- Watching celebrities has become a popular hobby. Many people maintain blogs that they regularly update with interesting information.
Step 2. Follow their Twitter
Many celebrities tweet regularly throughout the day. By following what they write on Twitter, you can get information on where the gym, their favorite restaurant for dinner, or the shop they regularly go to. Visiting these places will increase the chances of meeting them.
Many fans wrote about meeting the celebrity on his Twitter status. Setting an alert for a celebrity's name can flood your Twitter message stream, but it can also let you know if a celebrity is in your area
Step 3. Follow their Instagram
Celebrity photos uploaded can give clues to the names they used to spend time with. Research the background of the photo for street signs, shop names, and other characteristics that could identify their location.
Most celebrities' Facebook accounts are maintained by their publicist, and aren't updated with the daily news of their lives, but you can get information from comments left by fans
Step 4. Perform a search through an online database
Many websites provide information on when and where celebrities will come for film and television shooting, book signings, public appearances, and speech arrangements.
Method 2 of 5: Finding Celebrities Live
Step 1. Visit Jakarta, Bandung, or Bali
Many celebrities live in these cities, and you will increase your chances of meeting famous people by spending time in these cities.
Step 2. Create a network
You can talk candidly about your hobby of photographing famous stars, or casually share your special interests with someone. You never know, who knows he knows someone who knows someone who knows Reza Rahardian.
- Be calm. Just as you might want to protect a friend, colleague, boss, or employee from dangerous people, someone involved in the life of a celebrity won't introduce you to them if you look dangerous, weird, or embarrassing.
- Express your interest in a particular field of art or entertainment instead of being attracted to one particular celebrity. If someone in your social and work networks knows your passion for film, music, or theatre, they are likely to share information, tickets, and news related to various celebrities who work in your area of interest. Your friends might tell you about Raisa's concert if they know you like pop music. But if you're only interested in Agnez Mo, they might not even bother to tell you.
Step 3. Ask the people around you
When you go out for coffee or lunch at a popular place, ask the people who work there which celebrities come to visit often. Some people can be very open, and may be able to tell you what day, or time, a certain celebrity will be shopping or ordering their lunch.
Step 4. Read the Entertainment column in the newspaper
Theatrical performances, gallery openings, book signings and other official appearances will be announced.
Visit the cinema or gallery where the celebrity is scheduled to appear. Ask the people who work there. You never know, maybe there is someone who can provide a little information about the whereabouts of your favorite celebrity
Method 3 of 5: Meeting Celebrities at an Event
Step 1. Purchase tickets to a concert, theater show, or event featuring your favorite celebrity
By paying to attend the official event, you don't have to wait outside anxiously to catch a glimpse of it.
- Choose the best seat you can afford. The closer your seat is to the stage, the more likely they are to see you. Some performers are very interactive with the audience and may ask you to take a photo or chat.
- You can also purchase a VIP ticket which includes a “Fan Meet” session. Although very expensive, VIP tickets usually offer the best seats for a movie, theater performance, or concert, and perhaps a group photo session at the end of the event. Most ticket sales agents will explain exactly what is included in the VIP package.
Step 2. Pay attention to when the book signing will take place
Celebrities often promote themselves at book signings, both their own books and books related to projects they work on. (For example, in 2012 Jennifer Lawrence signed The Hunger Games at New York City's Barnes & Nobles to promote reading and writing skills.) Most of these activities are free. There are websites that can send notifications about the latest activities, when and where.
- Contact the bookstore in advance to find out if the line will be very long, what the rules are for taking photos and getting autographs, and so on. Major bookstores host many signing events each year and know exactly what to expect.
- It can be difficult to get a photo with a celebrity at a book signing event. Bookstores usually want the line to keep going. Don't make a fuss, or you won't be allowed to join the next event.
- Many book signing events don't allow people to ask for autographs, or get in line to meet celebrities, unless they buy a book to be signed.
- Consider buying more than one book. This step gives you the opportunity to talk to the celebrity while he or she autographs.
Step 3. Go to the stage door
If you have tickets to a particular show or event, find out where the door leading to the stage or back door is. After the show is over, head over there and wait for the celebrity to come out. There might be a lot of people waiting, but if you're lucky you might get a photo opportunity or ask for an autograph.
Some performers may be very tired after performing and are unwilling to sign autographs or take pictures. Show courtesy and respect, don't bother anyone
Step 4. Visit the talk show recording process
Events such as “Ini Talkshow”, morning talk shows, and late nights always invite many celebrity guests every day. You can look up recording schedule information online or contact the relevant television station to find out when your favorite celebrity will be a guest star.
Just like theatre, talk shows also have stage doors. Often times the comings and goings of celebrities become part of the show, complete with paparazzi and fans, but you may be able to get a chance to meet up briefly, depending on the celebrity and their schedule
Method 4 of 5: Meeting a Celebrity Somewhere
Step 1. Go to places that celebrities usually go
You may not be able to shop at Prada or Louis Vuitton, but you can still visit other places that celebrities usually go. In Jakarta, places like Cilandak Town Square and Senayan City are often visited by celebrities looking to shop or relax.
Stores usually have strict rules for people just wandering around without intending to buy anything. Buying something from a store, even if it's small or inexpensive, will help ensure your presence isn't wanted
Step 2. Wait outside the hotel where they are staying
Press conferences and film premieres are often late in the afternoon. So if you come in the morning, maybe you can see a celebrity leaving the hotel for work.
- Wandering around the hotel lobby might get you in trouble. So consider having a drink at the hotel bar. Choose a seat that allows you to see people entering and leaving the hotel.
- Don't be disappointed if you don't see the celebrity you've been waiting for in or out of the hotel. Many of the major celebrity hotels have back doors to protect their privacy.
Step 3. Wait near the van reserved for musicians
If you're at a concert, ask where the van for musicians is parked, and try to approach the area. Many bands pack up gear quickly after the show, but a few people might hang around there and be able to introduce you.
Step 4. Find work where celebrities spend most of their time
Be a waitress at their favorite restaurant, a bartender at a bar they frequent, or a personal trainer at their gym. Working 8 hours a day will increase your chances of being there when they come to visit.
- Be sure to get a job that allows you to interact with visitors. Jobs like valet parking and luggage storage, while less challenging, may give you the opportunity to interact with celebrities who are going to dinner or staying at a hotel.
- Show a professional attitude. Most employees who work in places frequented by celebrities will take strict action against people who have the potential to annoy their famous clients. It's fine if you try to chat or even ask for a group photo in the right circumstances, but if you find yourself distracting, you'll likely lose your job.
Method 5 of 5: Applying Correct Etiquette When Meeting Celebrities
Step 1. Arrive early at the event you are attending
Some people are even willing to spend the night in tents, depending on the event being held. Bring a book or music to keep you entertained while you wait.
Consider bringing a friend, especially if you'll be arriving a few hours early, or waiting all night. You can replace each other in the queue, take turns going to the bathroom, and bring food and drinks while you wait
Step 2. Decide what you want?
Signature? Photo? You might be able to get both, but if the celebrity arrives late, being rushed by his publicist past you, think about what you should ask for.
- Ask for a signature specially tailored for you. This step reduces the chances of you selling the signed item, and increases the likelihood that he will sign it, or perhaps have a conversation with you.
- Make preparations. Bring a pen or marker, and an object the celebrity will sign such as a photo or show poster. If they have been generous and willing to sign, give them as much convenience as possible.
Step 3. Prepare what you are going to say
Celebrities may not have much time. So, prepare a brief introduction. Tell them your name and say a sentence or two to express your admiration for their work. Say clearly and politely what your request is, and always say it as a question ("Can we take a picture together?") rather than a statement ("I want to take a picture with you.")
If you have a lot to say to him, consider writing a letter and handing it to him when you meet him. He would probably read it when he had some spare time later on
Step 4. Try to be calm
The music may have changed your life. Or, you may think that the two of you are undiscovered soulmates because he has never met you. Try to be friendly and polite, avoid uncontrollable and excessive behavior. Flattering, screaming, or admiring them excessively can make them uncomfortable.
Step 5. Smile and show kindness
Celebrities are very busy people and hold press and publicity events every month. Don't be too demanding or aggressive. Sincere hospitality and appreciation are likely to be reciprocated with generosity.
Always ask permission first before taking photos. You'll be considered annoying or rude if you take out your phone right away and start shooting without your permission
Step 6. Get out of the way
If you are attending an event or waiting at the stage doors, chances are many other people are also waiting. Once you get the photo, handshake, or autograph you want, give the other person a chance to meet the celebrity. They are just as excited as you are.
Don't be disappointed if you can't shake hands, or the meeting lasts only a short time. There's always another chance
Tips
- Celebrities are humans too. When you meet him it may be that he isn't fit, or he just broke up, or is regretting his decision not to go to veterinary school. If ordinary people can have a bad day and make a negative first impression, famous people can too. If you meet a celebrity who isn't as friendly as you'd like him to be, you have to accept that. You may meet them at an inopportune time.
- Respect the celebrity's privacy and use common sense. If you see your favorite celeb going out to eat ice cream with their kids, consider whether it's polite to intrude on their family time. Remember, they are human too.
- Never assume a celebrity will give you a photo or autograph. They may not have time, depending on their schedule of activities. If they refuse, smile and let them go about their business.
- Strolling around the airport near where you live can also help meet celebrities. Most celebrities take private jets at public airports, and once they land there, there's a good chance he or she will be there.
- Remember that celebrities are normal people. They just have a different lifestyle.
- Some people don't want to understand that celebrities are human too. People regard celebrities as if they are the center of their lives. Celebrities are human and should be treated as such. Don't get too excited when you meet them because they are just like you.
Warning
- Roaming in public places such as hotels and shops is sometimes prohibited and is often frowned upon by the management of the premises. If you choose to wait at a hotel or shop, be a good visitor and at least buy something every now and then or you may be barred from entering the premises.
- Stalking can be considered a crime. Never try to break into a celebrity's house, hotel room, or private space. All correspondence must be sent to an official fan address or phone number, never to a private address.
