But the fun didn’t stop after the 1½ hour parade traipsed on by. Several of us congregated in an anti-room where we were treated to refreshments: simple sandwiches and lemonade. But, again, I was apparently out of line in being grateful for sustenance post-celebrity meet and greet. Several of my “colleagues” began squawking for “real” food; apparently they were expecting the same as the awards banquet was being served. I didn’t know any better. After all, I was there to pump flesh and snap shots and see if I could get a few questions in, not stuff my face with food. But, lo and behold, after enough complaining was committed toward the Saturn Award and Castaway staff, squab and all the trimmings was made available to us.
As we munched away, the ceremony began and we were able to witness it on a big screen in the room; we were able to watch the proceedings and some of the award presentations. Directly after the winning announcements, however, the recipients would come bounding into our little room, step up on a platform and pose for additional snapshots with their awards and answer questions if we wished. Funny thing was … no one was asking questions. So I chimed in politely and requested information where appropriate.
And that’s when I did something else that was obviously a no-no: I thanked just about every star who stepped off that stage and congratulated them on their wins. Because, unbeknownst to me, common courtesy is a foreign concept to members of the media.
Well, that is … except where the best dressed individual of the group is concerned. *mcwink*
And, in case you’re wondering, here’s a rundown on some of the recipients of the 38th Annual Saturn Awards in the film categories. Three statues each were given to Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Best Science Fiction Film, Best Supporting Actor Andy Serkis, and Best Special Effects) and Super 8 for Best Director J.J. Abrams (Fringe, Lost, Person Of Interest, etc., etc., etc.), Best Music and Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Joel Courtney). Saturn Award statues were also handed out to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 for Best Fantasy Film, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo for Best Horror Film and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol for Best Action / Adventure Film.
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on Aug 04, 2012 @ 16:45 EST5EDT
Very cool! I love your stories, Michael, although this cannot beat Darth-Vader-in-the-elevator. I’m going to L.A. next week, and I’ll be happy to kick that sneering photographer in the shins for you.
By the way – did they really take you to an anti-room (the opposite of a room?) or was it an anteroom? Because if it was an anti-room, I want to see pictures!
*POST AUTHOR*
. . . . .
Point Scored: Ruby.
Glad someone caught that … because, indeed and in fact, it was an “anti-room” … filled with media negativity, snarkiness, questionable manners, whining whiners, complaints enough to fill a bag and bad attitudes.
A complete “anti” to what I expected …
If I ever become “them” someone needs to bring me to my knees with a good old fashioned gut-punch.
THIS.
I love this post, Michael, because it says a lot of things I’ve thought while working red carpets. As you said, there are some pleasant people but there’s also a large quantity of those who are…difficult, to put it nicely. When I first started working, it really surprised me.
And I’m guilty of the wardrobe issues myself too. I used to wear a suit to every press event I went to until I realized everyone around me was in jeans and T-shirts. Now I stick with jeans and a dress shirt, unless it’s special circumstances (the Voice folks encouraged me to wear my Team Adam T-shirt, for example…)