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

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

Take A Leap to the Oscars!!

If you have been following us on our We Connected Productions, LLC blogsite or Facebook and Twitter over the last week, this is no surprise.  For others, it's like....what!!

Without going into the entire story, just know that a cold isn't the only thing we brought back home from China.  On a faithful connecting flight from Los Angeles to Charlotte, NC, we were introduced to Stephanie Frederic, CEO of FGW Productions.  Her production company is a major player in the transmedia industry; especially with behind-the-scene footage and videos of your favorite movies. It was after watching our Take A Leap travel videos and short films that she felt compelled to offer us a blogging experience of the lifetime: The Oscars Red Carpet.

Here's an update!!

We've booked our flight to Los Angeles using airline reward points; yet, still in need of additional United Airlines Mileage Points for return flight. We must book by Feb. 3. If you are willing to donate, you can transfer United Airline miles for as little as $15 for each 1000 increment. Email us at weconnectedprod@gmail.com, and we'll provide you our mileage numbers. We have been offered 2 nights accommodation in the production team hotel room, but need 3 night accommodations elsewhere. We found a rental apt within walking distance to the theatre for $300. We're giving ourselves until Jan. 31 to book accommodations bc rates are on the rise!! Any assistance will be appreciated. Both of our blogsites have a link on the right side bar to donate.

Also, Rhonda has an awesome opportunity to attend the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon honoring Oprah on Thurs Feb. 21 bc of her earlier arrival. I'll arrive to LA Fri. evening bc of work commitments. We both plan to attend a few daytime/early evening parties on the Sat before the Oscars.  I've posted 7 dresses. Vote for your favorite until Feb. 15. The top 3 will be worn between the two of us. Rhonda will wear one for the luncheon; and we both will wear a dress for Sat's functions.

We're still searching for a full-length gown for the Oscars.  Size 0/1 is preferred, but we are willing to pay for alterations and any applicable shipping.  Please fwd pictures to weconnectedprod@gmail.com by Feb. 10.  We'll post pics of the submissions on FB and on our blogs on Feb. 11 for votes, and the top 2 will be chosen on Feb. 15, and will be worn by us at the Oscars on Feb. 24.

And finally, we are asking for everyone to select a celebrity that will be at the Oscars, and submit a question you'll like us to ask.  If your question gets answered, you will get a shout out on FB, our blogs, and in the 3 min. video we'll be producing. You can comment on this post, email us, call us, or tell us in person.

Love, Peace & Blessings,
Sharee