Gameops.com:What are the most important attributes of a good mascot?
The
Famous Chicken: Creativity, energy, originality,
and attentiveness to read an audience…very, very
important. I think those characteristics are the greatest
virtues.
For example,
reading an audience: If they are mad at a bad call or something,
you can’t go out there and think it’s time
to be funny. If the audience at a basketball game watches
their team blow a big lead you can’t go out there
and say let’s go out and do a dance here. If there
audience is down you may read that attitude, then maybe
halfway though the time out maybe realize it’s time
to bring them out of it. There a certain ways to approach
it, but reading an audience is very important.
Gameops.com:How
about improving as a mascot? Any tips you can give to mascots
who are trying to improve (like me [laughs].)?
The
Famous Chicken: I see a lot of guys who
are not in shape, and that is really important since
it adds to the stamina level. One things I found works
for me is to try to have a close connection with the
audience, like a politician: Shake the hands, sign
the autographs, pose with babies. That personal contact
can be overlooked sometimes when you think you have
to go out and do this, or show them that. Sometimes
instead for the homerun, it’s better to go for
the singles that add up. Take a long-term approach.
That
is one of the things that has really worked for me. It’s
one of the reasons I do autographs well past the end of
the game. I don’t turn anyone always. You’ll
see tonight that I am out there for hours for anyone who
wants an autograph. It’s important for me to have
that personal contact. I enjoy it and I enjoy the feedback.
Also
I think it’s important to understand that you can’t
create something big overnight. It took me 3 to 5 years
before I ever went on the court. I actually spent the first
3 and a half years in the stands. But it served me so well,
because I built such a great relationship with the fans.
Eventually when I got invited down to the field, it was
like I was one of them and they shared in the experience
with me. It’s amazing how many guys do this for 30-60
days and think they are ready to go nation-wide, and that’s
just not the case at all.
You can’t
underestimate the bond you make with fans….just like
a politician. Speeches are great, but it’s pressing
the flesh that really makes connections.
Gameops.com:
Indiana Jones once said “It’s not the years, it’s
the mileage.” I think in your case you have both.
What’s the future look like for the Chicken?
The
Famous Chicken: Well the Chicken is here
to stay. I plan to elevate the character into television
and film. If they can do dinosaurs in movies that are
totally life-like, what will it take to put a costume
like this into a form that will live forever?
I am
a firm believer that in the future you will see movies
made again by John Wayne, Peter Sellers and Marilyn Monroe.
Computer graphics will look and sound like they are back
on the screen, so the Chicken is here to stay.
As for
my personal participation and touring, I take it one year
at a time. I have cut back my schedule quite a bit, but
I still enjoy it.
Gameops.com:
The Chicken, The Phanatic, the Gorilla and Morganna are
the last four left on the island on the next Survivor…who
wins?
The
Famous Chicken: The Chicken probably gets
eaten first! Probably Morganna will last until the
end, because she always seems to be the last one standing.
I put my money on Morganna….who wouldn’t?
Gameops.com: What’s
your favorite chicken dish and is it ever creepy eating
McNuggets?
The
Famous Chicken: I’ve done the McNuggets
thing, but I like the wings…the hotter the better.
I’ve always thought it you can’t beat ‘em,
eat ‘em. The way I look at it, it helps eliminate
my competition.
I love
the wings.
Gameops.com: Thank
you for your time, it’s been a real pleasure. Have
a great game.
The
Famous Chicken: Thank you, I enjoyed it.
Read
Part One of the Gameops.com Interview with the Famous
Chicken.
