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An Interview with Darren Julien 15 May 2004 Darren Julien has been working closely with Barbra and her management for the past three years. A lot of work has gone into 'Putting it together'. Here he talks about what it's been like to work with Barbra, and the preparation that has gone into the 'Her Name Is Barbra' auction.
Q: You must be so proud to be a part of this auction, tell us how it all started off?
A: I am
really excited about this sale for it is not only the first of it’s kind
but it is also a great opportunity to raise money for many causes in
need. After conducting several other high profile auctions I was
contacted by Barbra’s manager about the possibility of hosting a sale to
benefit The Streisand Foundation. We then started to identify and
research the items that were chosen. We have been working the past three
years with Barbra and her staff to prepare for the sale.
A: Barbra
may have not been the first but she is one of the best. She is an
absolute professional and knows exactly what she wants. We have sold many
items in the past and worked with celebrities such as Cher, Madonna, and
Debbie Reynolds to name a few. A: As a kid I was always intrigued with auctions and my grand father would take me to estate auctions on the weekends. When I was in my 20’s I became a licensed auctioneer and started to sell classic cars at auction in various cities in the U.S. Before the car auctions we would start the sales with memorabilia of which was more interesting to me than the cars. It would generate a lot of excitement with the car buyers as well.
Q: I've spoken to you a lot over the past couple of months, and you seem to have such respect for Barbra. People who work with her love her (she's worked with the same people for decades). Tell us more about your conversations with Barbra - and the time spent with her. A: I do have a lot of respect for Barbra for she really cares about others. Loyalty is one of her many strengths! My conversations with Barbra have always been a learning experience for she is a natural teacher and enjoys sharing what she has learned with others. I have also spent time with those around her and they are just as caring and respectful.
A: I was a fan of Barbra the person for what she stands for in her personal life has impacted me the most. I am amazed with what she has been able to create with her career but the work she has done to impact the lives of others in her life has amazed me even more.
A: Barbra has given millions through donations to the Streisand Foundation of the past years and wanted to be creative continuing to support the causes that are important to her. As an observation I believe that Barbra realizes that these items mean a lot to her but the work that can be done through the Streisand Foundation will live on forever.
A: 100% of the net proceeds go to benefit The Streisand Foundation of which the monies will then be distributed to the causes that they support. A list of these causes can be viewed by visiting www.barbrastreisand.com.
Q: Where did Barbra keep all this stuff?! Must have been a bit dusty :-> A: Barbra has stored these items very carefully making sure that nothing ever happened to them. Many of the items are in the same condition as when she originally wore or used them.
A: We have been very concerned about transporting the property to the various exhibitions. We have had the items taken as carry on by our employees prior to the being set up in London and in New York. When the exhibitions come down we will have our employee’s travel and pick them up in the same manner. We feel that we are protecting an important part of history and will go to great lengths to insure a safe return.
Q: The big day is June 5th in Los Angeles, right? What preparation goes into this day? Who will be in attendance? A: The sale will start at 11:00 a.m. on June 5th and will be a very exciting event. The preparation for this day started over 40 years ago when Barbra started down the path of becoming one of the greatest entertainers of all times. On our side of it we are receiving hundreds of phone calls and emails with people requesting information and anticipating the big day. In addition to fans in attendance at the sale we will have important collectors, museums and spectators wanting to be a part of entertainment history.
A: It has been all positive for Barbra’s popularity transcends a multitude of people. We have received hundreds of emails of people thanking us and Barbra for making these items available.
A: We continually have sales in the making and I don’t like to announce or publicize them too early. We will be hosting several Hollywood and Rock “N” Roll sales later this year. We will also be working with Tea Leoni and Sheryl Crow on a fund raiser to benefit Breast Cancer Research in November. There will be some exiting items in these sales as well.
You can visit Julien Entertainment by clicking here.
For current updates on the Auction - click here
*A special thanks to Darren Julien for taking time out to answer these questions |
