Take A Leap: On the Oscars Red Carpet

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

On the Oscars Red Carpet

The Oscars Red Carpet security is no joke!! Not only must you go through two levels of security, but you must also be mindful that your badge is not in anyone's video or you stand the chance of getting kicked off the Red Carpet. So that we wouldn't have any of those issues, we wore our badges backward and only showed it face forward when requested.

We spent the first part of the afternoon obtaining B-roll and interviewing people in the fan bleachers. These persons went through a lottery system to be chosen to attend the Oscars Red Carpet. One couple came from as far away as Florida. They shared their picks for the Academy Awards, and gushed over actors and/or performers they wanted to see. It was an exciting time for them, and for many, as we can attest, a lifetime opportunity to see the Oscars Red Carpet up close.

At approximately 2:30 PM we moved into our assigned stations behind barricades. It was a tight fit, but our 8+ person crew made it happen. I took to the floor with my voice recorder, and Rhonda up top to film. It started out slow at first, but then the pace picked up. The frenziness to get an interview was initially hard to adjust too. The other media outlets were like vultures. I missed several opportunities, but then I saw my chance. In the middle of the madness, a lone figure walked alone. I knew him as "Wink" in Beasts of the Southern Wild. I called Dwight Henry over, and quickly interviewed him. I also had a few candid interviews with Jennifer Hudson, Suraj Sharma, Gloria Reuben, Quvenzhane Wallis, and Chris Tucker that we've included in our 4 min video. Sherri Shepherd also gave a great interview; unfortunately our camera angle had obstructed views. Yet, you'll see her throughout the video smiling and hugging everyone. Wonderful spirit!!