Page 147 - RPS Awards 2024 Coverage Book

With performers, one trick is to invite them to do a turn in the ceremony – which on the whole they will
accept and seriously commit to (see above for examples). But sometimes, when it’s a clear turn-down
because they have engagements elsewhere, you simply have to tell them they’ve won, swear them to
secrecy and get them to film an acceptance speech in advance, feigning surprise, etc., etc.

When it’s the backroom and admin people (or movers and shakers, as they like to think of
themselves), sometimes they, or their underlings, will say: “I could come, but I’m very, very busy and it
would help to be tipped off, just privately, if being there in person will really be worth it” – in other
words, “Have I won, because I’d love to make a speech in front of my peers and admirers, but
otherwise it’s not worth it?” That’s the tricky one. I must admit to having stooped that low with those
guys, sometimes.