WCP, LLC Presents 2013 Oscars Red Carpet

We Connected Productions, LLC Presents The 2013 Oscars Red Carpet.

Rhonda W.

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!!

Sherri Shepherd, The View

And the Oscar goes to....
Stephanie F., FGW Productions CEO

Jake S., FGW Production Team &
Actor (Eve's Bayou,  The Middleman)

Kerry Washington, Django Unchained

Rachel Mwanza, War Witch

OMG Insider Kevin Frazier &
his production team hard at work

WCP, LLC presents the 2013 Oscars Red Carpet will premiere on our Youtube Channel by 9PM tonight. 

Oscar Sunday Prep

View of the Dolby Theatre from the Red Carpet

We started the day in morning prayer to get our mind right and focused. We then practiced interview questions. Throwing out lengthy or irrelevant questions, and researching relevant information online related to the pool of interviewees on our "list".  

Our make-up artist, Carmela Argueta, had a little trouble getting to the hotel with traffic and road blocks.  In fact, she was in the vicinity half an hour before our scheduled 8:30am appointment, but there was absolutely no parking near the hotel.  However, Rhonda was able to secure a spot for her with the help of the hotel desk clerk.  We then each took turns in the make-up chair as we listened to old school R&B and hip-hop from Aaliyah, to Alicia Keyes, to Lauren Hill.  We were jammin!!

At approximately 10am, Folake, the style blogger/editor for Style Pantry, came to our hotel room to have her make-up applied.  This woman oozes style and fashion.  Her Nigerian-made green dress was right off the runway, and can't be found in stores at this time.

FGW Production's Stephanie and her executive assistant, Jake, arrived shortly thereafter, and then we hurriedly left the hotel room.  However, we were stopped by a photographer from Chicago who was unable to obtain press credentials for the Oscars Red Carpet.  He used an opportune time to add to his portfolio by taking our pictures outside the lobby.

So talk about traffic!! It was horrendous to say the least.  We might of done better walking. Nevertheless, Jake got us to the Oscars Red Carpet drop off area in record time...I would say more, but I don't want to implicate anyone...to be continued....

Style Pantry blogger/editor, Folake

Sharee and Rhonda all dolled up

Saturday Night Special

On Saturday, Feb. 23, the day before the Oscars, we went through a process called test make-up.  This is when a professional make-up artist comes in and prepares a client's look.  We loved the look that Carmela Argueta prepared for our Oscars Red Carpet, and kept it on all evening.  The best part were the lashes, don't you think??

We later went out with Stephanie to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffle and had, well, chicken and waffles.  It was special #9 or the Obama Special!!

                             

                                Sharee

                   

                 Rhonda

Rhonda & Sharee @ Roscoe's

The next few post throughout the week will be about our day on the Oscar Red Carpet and backstage during the event. We'll also upload a few videos of celebrity interviews.  Stay tuned!!

2nd Annual Gospel Goes To Hollywood Awards Luncheon

The Gospel Goes to Hollywood Awards Luncheon was held on Friday, February 22 at the Taglyan Complex.  It was hosted by Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game), and honored DeVon Franklin (Sony Studio Executive; author of Produced By Faith); Terry and Rebecca Crews (The Family Crews); Marla Gibbs (227; The First Family); and Sheryl Lee Ralph (Moesha; Broadway Musical Dreamgirls).  Musical guests performances included J. Kingdom; Ami Rushes; and Mary Mary.

We interviewed several people on the Red Carpet including Layla Crawford (The First Family);  Rockmond Dunbar (Soul Food; Pastor Brown); DeVon Franklin; Marla Gibbs; Trevin Hunte (The Voice Contestant); and many, many more of your favorite and up and coming talent.  

Terry Crews; Rhonda

Terry Crews; Sharee 

Sharee; Florence LaRue
(MusicalGroup, The 5th Dimension)

Rhonda; Florence LaRue
(Musical Group, The 5th Dimension)  

Pre-Oscar Photos & Videos to Share

Although, I didn't get the opportunity to attend the Essence Red Carpet or Luncheon event I did visit the Red Carpet. Getting my Press Oscar credential was an easy process. Thank you to Stephanie Frederic at FGW Productions for the arrangement.

Rhonda on the Red Carpet at The Oscars

The 85th Oscars

Media Descending at The Oscar

Rhonda after her Loreal makeover.
 Makeover by Rene Lam, www.verveslate.com

Pinks Hotdogs Video

   

                                                                                          Hollywood Half Marathon Video

The Red Carpet at the Uptown Magazine Party was a who's who in the Film and TV industry.  We were able to interview Will Packer (Producer: Stomp The Yard; Takers); Ava DuVernay (Filmmaker: Middle of Nowhere; I Will Follow); Damien Dante Wayans (Actor: Second Generation Wayans); Regina Hall (Actress: Think Like A Man; Scary Movie); Tim Story (Director: Think Like A Man; Barbershop); and a number of additional entertainers.

The honorees incuded Director Salim Akil (The Game; Jumping the Broom) who in his absence was  represented by Producer and wife, Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends; Sparkle); Will Packer & Rob Hardy (absentia) of Rainforest Films; and Ava DuVernay.  Here are few additional picks from the night.

Ava D.; Mara; Will P.

Sharee; Mara; Rhonda

Check out Mara's shoes!! Fierce!!

Rhonda; Vanessa Williams; Sharee

Thank You To The Prayer Warriors Out There

Sharee and I received our Oscar world wind itinerary early this morning from FGW Productions CEO, Stephanie Frederic. We will be attending many Pre-Oscar events (Uptown Magazine, Gospel Goes to Hollywood, etc) and overall preparation for the main event, The Oscars.

As I am to depart this evening at 5:30pm, and my sister tomorrow afternoon, we want to thank everyone who have prayed for us and with us in person or by phone. Others have simply said, "Have Fun", 'This is Your Season", "Enjoy the Moment". Anything is possible with God. Also, remember:

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!” ― Audrey Hepburn

Thank you to the staff at Midlands Technical College; Church family at Francis Burns United Methodist Church; friends; community people we don't even know; and of course our family. They have been supportive, even though at times they don't understand every detail of our coming and going.  They just know it is making a difference in the lives of others. That your dreams will come to fruition when preparation meets opportunity and it equates success. Be Blessed and Dream a little Bigger!!

Rhonda W & Sharee W.

Take A Leap China Part 1 & 2!!

These two videos highlight our travel to China over 10 days during the Holidays.  It also features friends we were able to interview.   Take A Leap to China!!

PART 1: Intro; First Trip Abroad; Why China?

PART 2: Living Expenses; Interesting Experiences

Additional videos from China will be posted in late Spring.  Yes, there's more!! Pandas, The Great Wall, dancing, etc.

Blessings to Others

I'm writing this blog post a day after attending my aunt's homegoing service.  As the matriarch of the family after my grandmother's death 10 years ago, she was "momma, granny, sister, auntie, cousin, friend".  She was a blessing in my life, and will be thoroughly missed in our family and in the Alvin, SC community.  As I reflect on the last few visits I had with her during her illness (the doctor gave her a few weeks, but she outlasted more than 9 months), she was most impressed with our love of traveling.  She enjoyed hearing about our past international trips and our upcoming trip to Los Angeles. She has never been on a plane, and I fondly recall her laughing so hard when I told her that flying above the clouds was like being in heaven. I'm sure she'll be looking down on us at the Oscar's Red Carpet, beaming with pride and laughter. She's finally made it above the clouds.

I'm also writing this blog after posting a video on our YouTube Channel of one of my students. She's currently fundraising for a 19-day European trip this upcoming July.  My goal is to personally help her raise $1000. My sister and I have paid for her Passport fees, and she is still in need of funds to pay for her tuition and travel spending money. Please view the video, and if you are interested in donating or have fundraising ideas, please contact us via weconnectedprod@gmail.com so that we can forward a personal letter from Tamia, and to whom and where you can send donations.

So as I end this post, a few days before Rhonda and I head to Los Angeles, I'm constantly reminded of being a blessings to others. Whether it's a loved one or a stranger, find the time to help someone in need.  It doesn't take much time at all. It can be a phone call to let someone know you are thinking of them, offering a few words of encouragement, or giving a few dollars to help make a dream come true.  As you seek out opportunities to Take A Leap, also find the time to be a blessing to others. 

Elegant Dress #5

Dress #5

Hello everyone,

My Great Aunt Bec got this dress from a church member at Francis Burns UMC. Continue to vote on Twitter, FB, phone calls, and emails. To look at the other Oscar dress choices click here. Voting will be ending in two days (Feb. 7).

Follow us on Twitter at @weconnectedprod #wcpattheoscars

Rhonda W.

Which Elegant Dress To Wear to the 2013 Oscars?

Elegant Dress 1

Although I'm modeling all four dresses, these are 4 of several choices of Elegant dresses Sharee and I are looking at wearing on the Red Carpet at the 85th Oscars on Sunday, February 24 in Los Angeles.

I will post more pictures in a couple days. Our church members will provide us additional choices to choose from on this Sunday (Feb. 3). Thank you Francis Burns UMC Family.

Elegant Dress 2

Elegant Dress 3

Elegant Dress 4

Which dress should Rhonda wear?

Which dress should Sharee wear?

Rhonda W.