This week we speak to freelance journalist Brett Tudor, whose current body of work includes commissions on finance and investment as well as art and film reviews. While Tudor’s commissions are varied, he sources ideas through online news channels and creative suggestions from PRs.

About your journalism:

What do you write about?
Almost anything I can get away with. In terms of commissions to date, I have written on finance and investment, internet crime, art, film reviews etc.

Where are we likely to see your work?
On my website at www.bretttudor.co.uk and a Google search of my name should reveal various examples.

What’s the most memorable work you’ve done?
An interview with the artist Peter Blake on his life and work.

What interview or feature would you love the chance to do?
An interview with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown exploring where it all went wrong with New Labour. In terms of features I would like an opportunity to drive the Bugatti Veyron across Europe and write about my experiences, however I would probably need to join the queue for a place on Top Gear for that one!

About you and PRs:

Where do you source ideas for articles?
Latest news channels online or occasionally suggestions from PRs.

How can PRs be useful to you?
Providing ideas for articles and other useful information as long as it shows some thought and creativity.

How and when do you like them to get in touch?
When they have something genuinely interesting to say (see above) it’s a love hate relationship depending on which one.

Do you find press conferences, trips, parties and other events useful or an interruption?
Useful. A welcome break from being slouched over my keyboard.

If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?
Be sympathetic, don’t send me lazy press releases.

About you:

How would you pay the bills if you weren’t a journalist?
Looking back at some of the jobs I’ve had in the past, I can’t imagine paying the bills doing anything other than journalism and writing!

If we gave you £1000, how would you spend it?
I wouldn’t! Times are hard, but if I had to, I’d put it towards a well earned holiday in Sicily.

What books are on your bedside table, magazines in your bag, or blogs on your screen?
Magazines: The Economist
Book: The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Investors and Managers.

[img|jpg|Brett Tudor]