The Ultimate Guide to Film Premieres: Who Walks on the Red Carpet

Film premieres are among the most glamorous events in the entertainment industry.

They are exclusive, invite-only red carpet affairs featuring the cast, filmmakers, and invited press. These events are typically not open to the general public, making them even more exclusive and sought after. The premiere starts with the arrival of the talent in executive cars. As the car doors open, the celebrities step out in their designer footwear onto the red carpet.

Table of Contents

They are then escorted to the first stop, which is the photography pen. This is where the talent is positioned in front of a branded board for a photo opportunity. A pen of press photographers will then commence a frenzy of bulb-flashing to capture a variety of shots.

These photographs will appear on the front pages of newspapers the following morning, so it’s essential to give them ample time. After the photographs are taken, the talent conducts press interviews. This is the main reason for holding a premiere, and the PR team running the event will have lined up a selection of local and international outlets, vying for a coveted sound bite.

The press will be grouped into media types such as broadcast, print, and online, and any pre-arranged live video interviews will be prioritized. The premiere interviews are usually only a few minutes long, and the job of the PR or events team is to go down the press line ahead of the talent to figure out which outlets would like to speak to them and get them ready.

The press line is usually situated behind a gate or rope and posts that separate them from both the carpet and the general public. Staff communicates with each other via walkie-talkies to ensure that time is not wasted, and to notify the press that they should ask their final question.

A large film premiere will often feature multiple celebrity guests, and there is almost never enough time for talent to speak to every single outlet. Therefore, it’s vital that the staff on the ground keep track of who has spoken to which talent to ensure that no one is being unfairly favored or left out entirely. At some point during the press interviews, the house crew should be arranged to conduct a short to-camera piece with the talent.

The house crew can be set up in a separate location to the rest of the filmed media so they are clearly distinguished, and they become a mandatory stop on the tour. It’s integral that the house crew is given time with all attending talent as they will be the people making a sizzle reel of the event or providing the B-roll. On many occasions, it’s common to have a stage set up at the end of the red carpet. The area is often constructed closest to the entrance to the cinema or event venue and is where the event host or MC will be based.

The host‘s responsibility is to keep the waiting crowd engaged and provide a running commentary. After the press line has been completed, talent will join the host on stage where everyone can get a good look at them. This part of the evening is often displayed on a big screen for a better view. Talent will have a brief chat with the host who will talk to them about the film or showcase their outfit. To the side of the stage, it is usual to set up an area for any competition winners or other special guests to meet and greet the talent.

This is usually a separate space to allow a slightly longer exchange. The final stop is for autograph hunters. These are fans who make a profession out of meeting their idols and collecting their signatures. They will have been patiently waiting for hours before the event, clutching memorabilia and camera phones. It’s not unusual to see the same faces turn up at multiple film premieres as there is a community who devotedly attend these types of events. It’s essential not to leave them out and allocate a few minutes for talent to

Graciously sign autographs and take selfies with their fans.

Film premieres are not just about the film itself, but also the experience of the red carpet and the excitement surrounding it. It’s a chance for fans to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities up close and personal. And for the celebrities, it’s an opportunity to showcase their latest project and interact with their fans.

So, if you’re a celebrity fan and want to know more about what happens at film premieres, now you have an insider’s guide. From the arrival of the talent to the autograph hunters at the end, every step of the way is carefully orchestrated to create an unforgettable event. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be lucky enough to walk the red carpet yourself.