Contacting John Williams?

[D_nev 89]

Hello everyone!

 

I am in my undergraduate studies studying composition and I am currently taking a music history class that focuses on the 20th and 21st centuries.

I have been assigned a pretty sizable paper that I am able to choose the topic of and I want to do it on John Williams, specifically attempting to map out his stylistic periods (using the Star Wars films as a constant.) Upon telling my professor my plan, she recommended that I try and reach out to him (or a manager of sorts) for an interview. I am aware that this is a serious shot in the dark (and nothing will probably come of it,) but I wanted to try anyway.

 

Does anyone on here know anything about how one would go about contacting any of these entities for a project like this? Thank you all in advance!

 

 

[gkgyver 1,647]

I don't know how much you make per month, but my guess is, not enough for this.

[D_nev 89]

1 hour ago, gkgyver said:

I don't know how much you make per month, but my guess is, not enough for this.

Noted 

[Falstaft 2,226]

Some film composers are actually surprisingly reachable. Williams is not one of them.

 

Heck, I'm writing a book on JW's music right now, and through a very lucky combination of connections and timing, I actually got my hopes up that I'd get a chance to speak with him earlier this year. Then his illness came up a few months ago, and, well... I don't think he's giving interviews with us randos any more.

[Nick Parker 3,049]

So what @Falstaft is saying, @D_nev, is that you must engineer microorganisms that will allow you to take control of Mike Mattesino's body and have him reach out to John Williams on your behalf. 

[Will 2,380]

I believe the standard thing to try is to contact Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency (JW's agency). However, as others have noted, it is highly unlikely that the message would actually make it to JW himself. But I suppose it can't hurt to try! I don't have the agency mailing address with me right now but maybe someone else can post it here?

[Cerebral Cortex 3,363]

Step 1) Either be 13 or be with a 13-year-old.
Step 2) Harass John Williams outside of his house with mediocre renditions of his music. 
Step 3) Wait for John Williams to come out of house.
Step 4) Profit. 

This is seriously the most direct way to contact him. 

 

 

[Nick Parker 3,049]

EDIT: A post is not a post.

[Arpy 4,218]

Sorry to dash your hopes upon the rocks @D_nev but can't you achieve the same results by referencing other books on Williams and other sources, or perhaps musicians and people who have worked with him before? 

 

I think it would be an interesting read to track Williams' styles throughout the years.

EDIT: @Doug Adams has made a few detailed podcasts on the topic too

[D_nev 89]

1 hour ago, Falstaft said:

Some film composers are actually surprisingly reachable. Williams is not one of them.

 

Heck, I'm writing a book on JW's music right now, and through a very lucky combination of connections and timing, I actually got my hopes up that I'd get a chance to speak with him earlier this year. Then his illness came up a few months ago, and, well... I don't think he's giving interviews with us randos any more.

Oh wow! That is amazing! I’d love to buy a copy when you’re finished with it! 

 

Ive noted all of your comments, rather than try to screw around through agencies and all that Jazz I’ll probably just abandon the idea entirely! 

 

If I was writing something more substantial it might be more of a “must-do” but, I’m afraid what I’m writing really doesn’t warrant a meet anyways! 

 

@Nick Parker IM IN LUCK! I just finished a batch of micro oganisims today, I’ll have to try your idea 😎 

 

Thanks very much for the advice @Will

If I find the address I might just try and shoot them an email just to see what happens, but like I mentioned up there, I will probably just end up not even trying. Besides, @Falstaft has a much greater need to meet him than I do so I really don’t stand a chance ha 

 

 

@Cerebral Cortex

1. I love that video! It just shows how caring he is (unless he just wanted them to shut up ha) 

2. I so wish I lived in LA so I could pull a stunt like this and finally,

3. I’m a percussionist so it might not work too well, I mean I could play the snare part to The Imperial March ha  

 

2 minutes ago, Arpy said:

Sorry to dash your hopes upon the rocks @D_nev but can't you achieve the same results by referencing other books on Williams and other sources, or perhaps musicians and people who have worked with him before? 

 

I think it would be an interesting read to track Williams' styles throughout the years.

EDIT: @Doug Adams has made a few detailed podcasts on the topic too

It’s totally okay! Like I said in the original post, I wasn’t really expecting much, but you never know, maybe I could’ve been pleasantly surprised! 

 

I appreciate you giving me other things to think about as well, I have the book that was just released so I will probably be referencing that a bunch! I will also check that podcast out that you recommended as well! 

 

Again, thanks a lot @Arpy and to everyone else who responded to this thread!  

[Josh500 1,620]

Generally, how reachable a celebrity or a famous artist is, is directly correlated with how popular, successful, and in demand they are. Again, generally.

 

So John Williams will probably not be reachable...

[Jurassic Shark 15,578]

4 hours ago, Falstaft said:

Then his illness came up a few months ago, and, well... I don't think he's giving interviews with us randos any more.

 

If you already had your foot in the door you should not give up yet!

 

7 hours ago, D_nev said:

Does anyone on here know anything about how one would go about contacting any of these entities for a project like this? Thank you all in advance!

 

You'll have better luck with Guitar-Williams.

[bollemanneke 4,139]

Gorfaine doesn't even reply to serious letters/e-mails ABOUT Jw's music. If you think they're going to help you speak with him, forget it.

[crumbs 15,774]

Turn up on his doorstep and start blowing your trumpet. That'll get his attention. 

[Incanus 5,882]

Well as the main page of JWFan says in the Contact section:

Quote

CONTACT JOHN WILLIAMS

Unfortunately John Williams can not be contacted via email. In order to get in touch with the composer you may do it through Mr. Williams’ agency‘s address or phone:

• The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.
  Talent Agency
  4111 W. Alameda Avenue • Suite 509
  Burbank, California • 91505Phone: (+1) 818.260.8500

 

[Jurassic Shark 15,578]

Phoning seems to be the best option, because then they (at least the secretary) are forced to talk to you.

[1977 1,904]

Or disguise yourself as Daisy Ridley. That might get you a foot in the door 

[Jurassic Shark 15,578]

Then he won't be allowed to leave.

[1977 1,904]

Awkward! While he's at it, he could get JW to agree to release Sugarland, The Plainsman, Rare Breed and Storia un a Donna!

[Jurassic Shark 15,578]

That sounds like a job for @Thor!

[The Illustrious Jerry 3,360]

On January 8, 2019 at 3:19 AM, Jurassic Shark said:

You'll have better luck with Guitar-Williams.

Not really actually. I hear that he has crowds amassing at his front doorstep in confusion over his name.

[geom_00 115]

On 1/7/2019 at 11:33 PM, Cerebral Cortex said:

Step 1) Either be 13 or be with a 13-year-old.
Step 2) Harass John Williams outside of his house with mediocre renditions of his music. 
Step 3) Wait for John Williams to come out of house.
Step 4) Profit. 

This is seriously the most direct way to contact him. 

 

 

I've never seen this before.

 

It's 4:40 AM, and I'm cracking up.

 

I'm also impressed it worked!

[Jurassic Shark 15,578]

That guy to the right needs a better posture.

[Alex 2,990]

Would have been more interesting if we’d heard the door open and the sound of JW cocking a gun. 

[karelm 3,236]

You mean if JW did this?  Yeah, that would have been cool.

 

[Jurassic Shark 15,578]

I think the best way to get in touch with JW is through prayers.