Kristen Bates
Covers:
Entertainment, movies, television, video games. Science fiction, fantasy and action. Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Marvel.
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Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Covering New York Comic Con in 2018. What a fun experience! I was the only one from my publication that got press access.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have! And I messed up horribly!
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Jay Singletary from the TNT miniseries "I Am The Night." He's a journalist who gets a second chance at trying to bring down Dr. George Hodel.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Always tell the truth. We are storytellers but we also adhere to an ethical ideal of finding truth in every story. We also have to listen.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
If it's Star Wars anything - I'll do it. But I love pitches that are fun and upbeat while also cutting to the chase.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
It varies from job to job but I use Wordpress, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Audition and Lightroom. JVC 200s and DSLRs.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter!
Who do you wish followed you?
On social media, I'd love for Mark Hamill to follow me.
Why did you become a journalist?
I enjoy telling other people's stories. Whether that's through writing or broadcasting. You get to go to the story as it is happening.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school did not have a newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I covered the 2019 Oscars in LA and I was very proud of my interview with Jeff Whitty who was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep going. Find people who are willing to talk with you and connect to other journalists. We are all in this together!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime. My email is always open. Let's talk!
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee! Sometimes a simple latte or a nice Red Eye.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
More than likely outside or in front of a TV. I love video games and catching up on movies when I'm not working. I also enjoy reading!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The New York Times, Polygon, IGN, LA Times, Entertainment Weekly
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Entertainment journalism is easy. Or it's not as important as breaking news. Doing stories about things people find important is hard work.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.