Should Celebrities Give Great Customer Service?

On my flight to Chicago yesterday, I picked up a People magazine to bide my time on the three and a half hour trip.  I am actually on of those crazy people who reads a magazine cover to cover including the MailBag section.  A letter to the editor caught my eye, so here is the letter in full:

"Thank you for your usual fine coverage of the Oscar celebrations.  This year I had the good fortune to         be in the red carpet bleachers, and I must report that absolutely the most generous and kind celebrity in terms of fan interactions was George Clooney.  He was clearly having a great time and was the only star I saw who came over to the velvet ropes to sign autographs and allow fans to take photos.  As an expert in customer service, I applaud George Clooney for great service to his customer at the 84th Annual Academy Awards." 

Donna Cutting Asheville, N.C.

Most people might read a letter like that and pass it off as a fan letter to George Clooney, but what struck me was her comment about customer service to his fans.  After going through two Oscar cycles and interviewing more celebrities as a result, it is important for actors to understand that giving great customer service is a part of their job.  Now, I'm not talking about jumping up to greet fans at every meal or while on vacation, but making an effort to walk over to fans at premieres, red carpets, and public press events goes a long way with the people who are essentially paying the stars' salary with each film that is released.  George is a master at this, but the man who wrote the book on fan customer service is Tom Cruise.  Whether you like him or not, he is one of the kindest celebrities who always says "yes" to his fans.  Why?  He "gets" it.  He knows that these are the people that created his career, that bought tickets to Top Gun and stayed with him through his latest Mission Impossible film, and he knows that one small interaction with him will make a great impression.....and keep that fan buying tickets to his movies.  

When I do radio appearance like here or here, I often get asked who my favorite celebrities are to interview.  My favorites celebrities are usually the ones you don't expect because often times the bigger names have a tendency to disappoint me in interviews.  They hate to do press, they don't want to be in the room, and they don't try to hide it.  I totally understand that the questions can be inane and repetitive, but sitting through eight hours of a press junket at a five star hotel is way better than being a coal miner, right?  I have repeated it over and over, but it's a part of their job.  It may not be their favorite part of the job, but it comes with the territory of fame, money, and celebrity.  So, I would love to see some stars embrace this part of their job and enjoy the process because it is the press and the fans who make sure your next ten million dollar paycheck clears.  Sadly, the George Clooneys and Tom Cruises in the industry are pretty rare, but that quality is also what makes them huge A-List stars.  They just "get" it.  

If you want to read more on press and the entertainment industry, see my other articles here and here.  

To continue the conversation, join me on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Plus.

What Does the Oscars Red Carpet Really Look Like?

The express lane in the center of the red carpet.

This might be one of my favorite videos this year because we decided to give you a full walk through the red carpet.  Did you ever wonder how long that red carpet was?  Well, it's 500 feet filled with media, cameras, and reporters all waiting to interview the celebrities. Did you know there was an express lane on the red carpet due to the crowds and traffic jams?  That express lane leads right to Tim Gunn's spot for the ABC show. So, come join me on the walk from arrivals tent to the grand staircase up to the theatre.  It's a long way in five inch heels. (And I was wearing my super tall Jessica Simpson shoes that day.)  Take a look and let me know what surprised you the most on that red carpet walk:

On The Red Carpet at the 84th Annual Academy Awards: The Interviews

Can you tell I am excited to be there?

I was covering Hollywood's biggest night for Starpulse this year and you can read the article here. I am very excited by the interviews we were able to secure this year thanks to the new online media section on the red carpet.  It was the perfect place for us to be and you will see with our interviews with Tony Bennett, Demian Bechir, Meryl Streep, Berenice Bejo, and more that this red carpet was a hot one.  So, watch our interviews and let me know what you think.  Who was your favorite at the Oscars this year?

Impressions of the 84th Annual Academy Awards

Like the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, I decided to give you my stream of consciousness notes.  My videos from the red carpet should be up in the morning. Make sure to check back for all of my big interviews....and trust me, they were big. 

Tony Bennett called me sweetheart on the red carpet. Swoon. 

Meryl Streep answered my question about the fabric of her sustainable green dress by Lanvin.

Michael Moore directly snubbed me.  Only one to do so.  

Snarkiest answer.  Melissa Leo. It was a little rude. 

Funniest encounter.....Edie McClurg.  She did a Joan and Melissa Rivers red carpet stunt with me.  I think we have a show idea here.

The Dictator was the biggest red carpet moment of the night.  Bigger than George.  Bigger than Brad.  I kid you not.

Tom Sherak, President of AMPAS, promised a show running at 3 hours.  Did he deliver? (Yes, he did!)

Sandra Bullock continues to be one of my top girl crushes.  She’s genuine, sweet, and just a gal you want to have a cocktail with.

Hardest thing on the red carpet was staying warm.  The sun went down and so did the temperature.  All of the ladies were shivering in their gowns.  Goosebumps were the hottest accessory on the red carpet outside of Stacy Kiebler.

Hugo is dominating way more than anyone thought.....at least in the press room. 

As much as I love Cirque du Soleil, their performances are best enjoyed in the theatre.  A Muppets performance is enjoyable by all.  Yes, I am bitter.......I want The Muppets to sing.

I snuck over to the photo room and watched Octavia pose with her Oscars.  Holy flashbulbs.  No wonder we are still waiting for her here in the press room....she lost her sight.

First F-Bomb of the night by the Documentary guys.  Guess Melissa Leo feels better.  

My first snack of the night.....2 mac and cheese bites, 1 Tuscan chicken tender, 3 shrimp.  The cocktail sauce scares me a bit in my loaned Chagoury Couture dress.  Success!

George Clooney is a star. I don’t know what else to tell you, but this awards season has made me into a super fan.  

Did you know when winners come into the press room to be interviewed, reporters have a choice to ask questions or put on headsets and listen to the show?  It can often be a Sophie’s Choice moment.

Emma Stone is funny.  She’s charming.  She also needed to wear a bra with that dress.  

Everyone loved Chris Rock presenting and you want him to host.  Did you forget he was widely criticized for hosting in 2005?

The Academy provides librarians with Oscar history for reference materials.  I felt like an uber-Oscar geek when I asked a question.  

First question for the Doc Winners:  What about the F-bomb? They said the F-bomb came from the heart even though he apologized to the press for it. Second question:  Wondering if they were trying to top Melissa Leo’s F-Bomb.  They are going to be remembered for the F-bomb.  Classy, guys, classy.  

Thanks for passing out snacks to the Oscars audience. I’m hungry.....heading to the press room snack buffet.  

Second round of food:  2 pretzel bites with beer cheese, 4 cheese tortellinis, and one egg roll that I didn’t get to eat since I dropped it in the tortellini tray.  Shhh.....don’t tell anyone it was me.  

It’s quite an honor to have Christopher Plummer in the room.  Captain von Trapp forever!

It’s an hour later and we are still waiting on Octavia Spencer in the press room.  Just so you know, this is not her decision. It means she was held by production to return to her seat.  She might be needed in the audience if The Help is up for other awards that are coming up.  They do this for every nominee so there are five possibilities for each nominee should they win.

Christopher Plummer is still holding court and entertaining the press.  Big applause when he leaves.

Brett McKenzie is really cute.  So glad that he won after I made him sing on the red carpet.  “Man.....or Muppet!!”

How is it possible that “Rainbow Connection” never won an Oscar?  Blasphemy!

Michel Hazanavicius and Berenice Bejo were adorable on the red carpet.  Favorite new couple. And he thanked Uggie the dog....best thank you of the night. Uggie rules.  

The back of Berenice Bejo's gorgeous gown.

I know you all love Oprah, but I love Dick Smith. Don’t know who he is?  Here you go. 

8PM.....no Octavia Spencer.

Resting my eyes for a 30-second Oscar nap.  Okay, nap over.  Back to work.

Announcement comes over theatre loudspeaker.  They ask audience to NOT applaud during In Memoriam segment.  They don’t want anyone to be the most popular while dead.  

Normally you have to die by January 30th to be included in the In Memoriam segment. I imagine they included Whitney Houston to avoid any post-Oscars backlash.  

Hair call for me was at 6:30AM.  I am starting to feel the effects now despite two Cokes.  

Oooo, just realized that the snarky reporter who sat across from me last year is three seats away from me.  I’ve missed her snark.  She loathed Natalie Portman last year.  She rolls her eyes at the screen as Natalie walks out.  By the way, Natalie's fiancé, Benjamin Millepied, was wearing a wedding band.  Did those two get married on the sly?  Discuss.

Interesting reaction to the Jean DuJardin’s win in the press room.  A mix of groans and shock.  I’m not sure I am shocked since even I predicted his win......I think we were all looking for The Academy to shake things up a bit.  Guess not.

If y’all haven’t seen Albert Nobbs.  Add it to your queue.  Touching performances and a wonderfully thoughtful film about relationships and love.  Very topical in today’s political climate.  

Press room bursts into thunderous applause.  Meryl Streep wins.  I mentioned it on my Behind the Red Carpet segments a few weeks ago:  Academy voters are male, white, and over 60.....I said they would swing the vote....and they did.  

I’d like to thank the Academy for the suprise.  We needed one tonight.  Go, Meryl, go.  Grab that golden knight and put it on your shelf.  

The Artist wins......on stage and on the red carpet.  Their PR was in full force and very organized.  Thanks for making my job easy, Weinstein publicity.  It really is appreciated.  

I missed the dessert table.  Good thing my Girl Scout cookies and Devil Dogs shipment from the East Coast arrives tomorrow.  Yes, this was done on purpose.  There is no fat in Oscars.  

Guess who got sunburned at the Oscars?  Oh me.  Red carpet hazards.  

The shouting begins in the room next door.  Guess Meryl, Jean, Octavia, and Christopher have arrived.  Still waiting for Octavia to arrive.......

Guess what, Octavia is here!  She’s asked that The Academy keeps the Q&A short.  Um......it’s part of your job and you just won. I’m not sure how I feel about that request.  

She’s pleasant and she’s here a long time.  Guess it was her publicist's request.  Make sure to have a nice publicist.  It reflects upon your reputation with the press. 

A reporter asks her about the physical makeup of the voting members of The Academy which is primarily white, male, over 62.  She cuts off the question and says, “I don’t want to get on that bus”. Laughter abounds in the pressroom. 

Another reporter asks Meryl if she is gunning for Katherine Hepburn’s record. “Oh, she has more?”  “Four” says the reporter.  ‘Oh”, says Meryl.  Hilarious.

She’s very moved that her makeup artist, J. Roy Helland, won on the same night she did.  

“Never give up” is her advice to women.  I like it.  Simple, but true.  Meryl's words of wisdom. 

“But I’m so thirsty”. She says this before her final question.  Haha.....she wants alcohol.  My kind of gal!  

What did you see when you first saw the margaret Thatcher makeup?  “I first saw my dad.  Maybe my dad looks like Margaret Thatcher”.

Jolie-ing the leg is a new verb.  Adapted Screenplay winner, Jim Rash:  “We have exactly the same legs and I wanted to show everyone.  It was a loving tribute”.  I'm not sure Angie saw it that way, but use it in a sentence at work tomorrow.  

Alexander Payne is talking about his next film.  I really enjoy his films, so I hope I don’t have to wait five more years for another Payne film.


I had 64 bobby pins in my hair tonight.  

84th Annual Academy Awards Bleacher Seats

A lot of people stop by here looking for information on how to get those coveted bleacher seats on the Academy Awards red carpet.  Well, I am here to tell you that today is the day!  You have a week to enter your information into the lottery.  Names will be randomly selected and everyone will be notified around September 22nd, 2011.  Don't hesitate though, the lottery is only open until Sunday, September 18th, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST.  There are a few rules, so read them carefully below and then enter here.  I hope to see you on the red carpet!!

Rules:

IMPORTANT

• One entry per person; duplicate entries will be discarded.
• Group registrations are limited to two people maximum.
• Must be 18 or older to enter; a child 8-17 years old may attend as a guest but only if the winner is his/her legal guardian.
• All registrants will be initially notified of the results of the random drawing via e-mail on or about September 22, 2011; be sure you enter a valid email address and check your SPAM filter.
• All those selected to sit on the bleacher seats will be required to provide a valid social security number (or international equivalent) for the purposes of a security background check , and will need to sign a liability/publicity release form prior to entering the bleachers.
• The invitation to sit in a bleacher seat has no monetary value. Bleacher seats cannot be sold, traded, or otherwise transferred. Government issued photographic ID will be required for entrance to the bleacher seats. All other expenses related to use of the bleacher seats are the users' sole responsibility (including transportation to/from the bleacher seats, accommodations, etc.)
• By entering, you are agreeing to receive further email communication from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences regarding Oscars® Red Carpet Bleacher Seats.

It's Giveaway Time!

It's been awhile since I have done a giveaway here at Red Carpet Closet. I think we should liven up the dog days of summer and do a gift bag giveaway.  It's no secret that I attend a lot of red carpets and gifting suites.  I receive a lot of incredible items, but I cannot use them all.  So, I gathered some great items and put them in a gift bag just for you.  Here is what I am giving away:

1 Fresh & Easy Canvas Bottle Bag
1 NWPP Reusable Shopping Bag
1 Glimmer Body Art Glitter Tattoo Kit
1 Bottle of One A Day Multivitamin with Healthy Skin Support (80 Tablets)
2 SweatyBands.com Fitness Headbands
1 DVD of Fitness Personality Jennifer Galardi's Sweating Sexy
1 Sampler CD from the Broadway show, Million Dollar Quartet
1 Sampler CD from musician Mike Burke
1 Sampler CD from rapper Z.A.N.E
1 Set of Silly Bandz from the Broadway show, The Addams Family
1 Button from the Broadway show, The Scottsboro Boys
1 Button from the Broadway show, The Book of Mormon
1 Carmex Sheer Pink Tint Lip Balm
2 Lip Balms from Waialua and DidHeLikeIt.com
1 Guitar Keychain/Bottle Opener from 100.3FM
1 10% off coupon from Lyn Lux Jewelry

Enter your information in the form below. Enter by Sunday, July 31st 11:59PM PT.  18 or over to enter. US residents only.  Good luck!
Check out more fun blog giveaways at Blog Giveaway Directory. Disclosure: All items were given to me complimentary at various gifting suites and red carpet events in 2011. No one asked for promotional consideration. This giveaway is done on my own accord. Thanks!

Photos from the 2nd Annual Thirst Project Gala

Seth Maxwell, founder of the Thirst Project, addressing the crowd.

Approximately 3 years ago, my fellow Kodak Theatre co-worker, Seth Maxwell talked about a charity he wanted to start to create solutions for the world water crisis.  I kept thinking back to that moment in our break room and just nodding my head.  The plans sounded grand and ambitious.  Now, fast forward to June 28, 2011 as I sit in the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton.  The charity has raised over a million dollars and has created a clean water solution for over 50,000 people.  It makes me so proud to call Seth a friend.

My incredible red carpet producer, Leilani Gushiken

He inspired me to donate money to help build a well in Niger where children regularly drink dirty and contaminated water by their school.  It's hard to imagine, especially since I have a cat who drinks filtered water.  Does that seem fair?  Clean water is a right and if you are moved to donate, feel free to visit the Thirst Project page.

You will find the footage from the red carpet below.  It truly was an honor to host the live stream of the red carpet.

The Pioneering Spirit honoree, Michael Welch from the Twilight Saga.  He gave an incredibly moving speech.

 A few of my Glee pals presenting an award.  Josh Sussman is my favorite.  Shhhh, don't tell anyone.

My hot date, Byron Bryson.  Okay, we both came alone, but he kindly agreed to be my date after we were seated next to each other.  Isn't he cute?

Saturn Awards: Send Me Your Questions!

The Saturn Awards are coming up next Thursday, June 23rd and I know many of the fans are excited.  The reactions I received from last year's coverage were fantastic, so I am looking forward to hearing from you about this year's show.  I was contacted by Fringe Toast on Twitter asking if the fans could tweet me questions for Anna Torv.  I am happy to oblige!  She attended the show last year along with her Fringe cast member, Lance Reddick, and she is tentatively slated to appear again in 2011.  I want to keep all of the questions centralized in one location, so please put all of your questions in the comments section below.  If you want to see who else is appearing, you can read the press release here and here. I will take questions for any celebrity of your choice.

Thanks for your interest, it is going to be a fun red carpet!

The Tony Awards Interviews

The boys show off the Priscilla Queen of the Desert costumes.

I spent an entire plane ride back to LA and the rest of the day editing all of my Tony Award coverage.  I made sure to include a blooper or two plus my insider red carpet secrets, so be sure to stick around until the end of the video.  It isn't easy to talk all night long and then be sharp for that final wrap-up.  You certainly can't take yourself too seriously in this biz.  So, head on over to Starpulse and let me know what you think.

Starpulse:  Tony Awards Interviews.

If you interested in hearing more scoop about the Tony Awards red carpet, I'll be a guest on My Sentiments Exactlee dishing all the dirt on what I saw on Broadway's biggest night.  I hope to share who was the biggest surprise on the red carpet, the grumpiest, and the best/worst dressed on Sunday.  Join me here starting at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

Hanging with Anne Mureau (my awesome camerawoman!), Rachel Potter (Wednesday, The Addams Family), and Adam Riegler (Pugsley, The Addams Family) at the BroadwaySpace.com Tony Viewing Party.  

Road to the Tonys, Day 1

Okay, a quick peek at my accessories for Sunday night.  I won't let you look at the dress just yet, but help me pick out my clutch:  Should it be my BCBG/Max Azria clutch or my KC Malhan clutch?  The Malhan is my favorite one, but I think the BCBG clutch is going to work the best because it is simple.  My dress has some texturing to it that could make my whole outfit rather busy.

Enjoy my super short, less than a minute and a half video (It's worth watching for a second or two to see my Oompa Loompa tan.) and don't forget to leave any Tony red carpet questions in the comment section below:




Image is courtesy of The Tony Awards.

Oscar Wrap-Up

As I wake up from my Oscar haze, I realize there is so much to do:  photos to share, articles to read, and videos to upload.  This will be a week of Oscar wrap-ups, thoughts, and more behind the scenes scoop.  Next week, we get back to our regularly scheduled program. I hope I remember what that is!

First up, my article on Starpulse, "Secrets From The Red Carpet" is up.  You can also see more of my exclusive personal photos from the day.  I will also have another article coming in the next few days from the Makeup and Hair Symposium featuring all three nominated movies in this category.  It was one of my favorite events of the week, so stay tuned.

Here is my final personal Oscar video where I take you from the hair to makeup to the show:



I will leave you with a few photos from yesterday:

Interviewing Best Supporting Actor nominee, John Hawkes.

Javier, Javier, look at me!

What is that behind me?

Wally Pfister, the winner of Best Cinematography for Inception.

All photos are property of Mingle Media TV.

The Dress Challenge: What to Wear?

With the announcement of my recent news, I have to find a dress.  Now, this is where it gets a little tricky:

1.  It's not a red carpet event. So, simple, classic, and understated is the way to go.  Think more along the lines of a DVF wrap dress or a Jackie O sheath dress.

A good example of the type of dress needed for the event, but finished off nicer with accessories.  I want to look polished, professional, yet feminine. From the George Lopez Golf Charity event, May 2009.

2.  I will be working at 5AM PT that day.(Nominations are announced LIVE in time for the  So, that means prep time begins way before 5AM, so I want it to be an easy and comfortable dress in the wee hours. (Meaning I don't want to fashion cranky if the dress is fussy.)

3.  I think I want sleeves.  Whether it is a shift dress with a cute sweater or a long sleeved dress, I just don't want to be cold that morning.  While LA has a very mild winter, I have become a weather wimp who thinks that anything below 70 degrees is cold.

4.  Finally, I like color.  It has to be camera friendly colors too:  No white, black, or red.  No crazy prints or patterns.  I love blue, purple, green, or even bright pink for on-camera. 

This is a great color for the camera--bright, simple, and clean. From the ITVFest Gala, July 2009

The Challenge:  Can you help me find a dress?  I know so many of you are fashionistas out there with amazing style and you are great online shoppers.  Add the links in the comments section and I will post some of the best ones to vote on.  I think this will be a fun challenge. I look forward to seeing your picks for me and the winner of the challenge will win a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice.  US residents only, entries must be in by Wednesday, January 12th at midnight ET. On your mark, get set, SHOP!

**UPDATE**  Thanks to Rebecca who pointed this glaring omission out:  Budget.  Let's keep the dress under $200.  You are also welcome to post links on my Twitter or Facebook page if you don't want to comment here.

For those who have not met me in person, here are a couple of facts.  I'm short-5'3", I love shoes, and I like to show leg more than cleavage.  

It's All About the Sound Bite

As we turn the corner to a new year, LA turns the corner to the frenzy of Awards Season.  From the Academy Awards to the Golden Globes, SAG, DGA, PGA, DGA, and every acronym in between, there will be a red carpet every night of the week until the spring.  Now whether you are an actor or someone behind the scenes, it is always a good idea to brush up on your red carpet interview skills.  I came across a great article by Jocelyn Broder on Journalistics about "The Importance of Sound Bites".  I have harped on this topic over and over on panels and in several articles I have done this year here at Red Carpet Closet:  Publicity and Web Series, Red Carpet Interviews....Some DOs and DON'Ts, and Dos and Don'ts on the Red Carpet, The Sequel.  Check out the Journalistics article and discover how to create and deliver a sound bite.  It also gives some great examples from film and political speeches.  Do your career a favor in 2011, make yourself a sought after interview on the red carpet.

Also, I would love your feedback on any of these articles.  Do you have questions? What topics do you want to learn more about on the red carpet?  I will make sure to bring them to you in 2011 during Awards Season!

Dos and Don'ts on the Red Carpet, The Sequel

I have received such a strong response to several of my posts on media training, particularly Red Carpet Dos and Don'ts and Publicity and Web Series. To continue with the series, I am going to give you a few more insider tips on red carpet behavior.  I have been hitting the premieres hard lately and there are a few behaviors that keep showing up over and over.  Oddly enough, they are actually self-sabotaging habits in media.  I don't know why anyone would want to self-sabotage on the red carpet, but it is more common than you think.  Here are a few things to avoid:


1.  Self Deprecating Behavior:  Okay, here's a weird one, the act of self deprecation is the "belittling or undervaluing oneself", according to Dictionary.com  I get that you may want to appear modest and not boastful of your accomplishments on the big screen, but when it gets to the point of saying "My acting sucks" into the microphone, I start to question why you are even an actor.  Chances are, that clip will make it into the interview because it is so unusual to hear, but I doubt that is the press that you, your agent, or your publicist want for your career.  Sure, be grateful for the art you were allowed to create, talk about challenges of shooting, but darn, don't tell people you weren't good in the role.  They will start to believe it and you are here to build your career, not destroy it.  There are very few people that can get away with self deprecating behavior.  They are usually comedians like Gilbert Gottfried, but hey, that's his schtick, not his real self.  See the difference?  Now, go out there and be positive, you earned your moment in the spotlight!


2.  Sounding. Like. A. Robot.:  In my time on the red carpet, I find the Disney premieres the most challenging.  Why?  Because the Disney Channel kids have all been prepped with one cute sound bite that they repeat and over and over down the press line.  They have been so coached, it comes across as robotic.  After ET or E! has used that clip, it becomes less valuable to the smaller media outlets who may be trying to sell the footage to overseas clients.  There is nothing new or fresh about that interview.  So, if you have to go down the press line and talk to ten, fifteen or even twenty-five reporters, try as hard as you can to be slightly original.  Yes, some things will be repeated, but the worst thing you can say to a reporter is, "I was just asked that before" or "I keep getting that question".  It's hard to be the 25th reporter in line and often times the A-List stars won't stop for press after the Big Three (E!, ET, Access Hollywood).  Just know that the reporters understand you are getting asked the same questions, they have to get certain things answered for their jobs, so pretend you are talking to Reporter #2.  You will be loved forever for it.  Love=favorable media coverage.  It's a game, play it! 


Here's a great example of a bad red carpet interview, courtesy of Mr. Billy Dee Williams.  Yep, he behaved like this all the way down the press line:



3.  Crossing In Front Of Camera:  Okay, time to call out this behavior.  Stop doing it.  It happened at the Streamy Awards, it happened at The Resolve premiere, and it happened at the Egyptian Theatre's Summer Festival of Short Films.  It's just rude.  I don't know how else to say it.  Can you imagine you are being interviewed live by a reporter and a fellow actor crosses in front of the camera blocking your shot?  Yep, it's been happening a lot lately.  Well, on a live broadcast like the Streamys, there is nothing you can do.  With taped footage, we can at least cut it out in post.  If you are on the red carpet, I completely understand that it is exciting and overwhelming.  It is a busy place, but think of like you are crossing the street.  Look both ways, see if someone is shooting.  If they look like they are in the middle of an interview, walk quietly behind them.  It's that simple.  You don't want someone ruining your big interview, so extend that courtesy to your fellow artist.  Publicists and reporters have long memories, trust me.  You want to be that person that people love to cover, it will extend your career by miles even during the lulls.  A little consideration on the red carpet goes a long way in my book.


And the worst kind of blocking on the red carpet?  Spock Blocking!  Watch the whole mess unfold....a big no-no.  Here are a few more details on the event if you want the juicy scoop.



I hope some of these tips are helpful for you the next time you stroll down the press line on the red carpet.  Let me know what other areas of media you would like me to cover here on Red Carpet Closet.  I am going to leave you with one of my favorite recent interviews, Anna Torv of Fringe:  gracious, lovely, and fun.  Enjoy!