Video taping?

[callygal1.livejournal.com]

Anyone got any advice about video taping in the Walk of Fame? I'm going to be using my tiny Canon camera. But I'm getting something signed for a friend in Australia and wanted to get the signing taped for her to see .. Is that something you ask the handler about or the celeb themselves?? I don't want to do the wrong thing...

Comments

[theaterman007.livejournal.com]

I video taped in the walk of fame last year and the handlers kept saying " no flash photography and no pictures!" I just walked around with my camera on, scanning the area and I got alot of good shots. No one on security said to stop.

[lapis-lazuli615.livejournal.com]

*handler here*
Generally, the Guests prefer that if you're going to take photos or video, that you ask. That allows them to put their best face on and ensure that the image going out on the intarwebz is the one that the want going out there. Scanning the area is iffy, but okay. You haven't captured their face in that grimace or smirk - it's a moving picture and less likely to make them look bad. (I've said it before here, and I'll say it again - these people make a living off of their image. They have a right to control how that image gets out to the public, when possible.)

Personally, I got in line for the Weasley twins two years ago (and Matthew) to get their autographs for my son. I checked with the handler first, but with their agreement I videotaped them signing the picture, and they even waved and said hi to him when they were done signing. Sometimes the handler hasn't had that question come up before and may have to ask the guest, but they'll need to know again anyway.

Stop by and see me at D*C. I'll be with the large group of guests from BSG! :)

And now I need to make a note to self of common questions guests get asked that handlers will need to know. I get a little more organized with my group every year! :)

[neovenom.livejournal.com]

Oh, you seem pretty friendly! I'll definitely be seeing you often since I have a goal to get an auto from every BSG star in attendance. Can't I get a discount for that? ;-)

No but really, if there's any guidelines we should know aside from obvious things like asking before doing something, using common courtesy, etc., please let us know. I have a feeling something you'll get asked often is:

- Are photos of the guest signing OK? Do you want it without flash? What about a non-posed picture of a fan and a guest interacting, but not looking at the camera?
- And even though all of the people you represent have a contract with Froggy, will you allow pictures with our camera (posed pictures) for ___ dollars? For ___ donation to a charity? For anything?

Thanks!

[lapis-lazuli615.livejournal.com]

Look for the 5'10" gal w/ auburn hair and big blue eyes (see icon). I'll most likely be with Michael Trucco for the weekend. Wish I could give you a discount lol but I got NO control. I do what the guests tell me to do. :)

Thanks for adding to the list... I'll be doing this in between stuff at work tomorrow most likely, and will forget things.

Some of the guests won't mind you taking a picture while they sign - they know you want to have a record of that moment. However, I know of at least one guest (Ron Glass) who will ask you to wait to take the picture until he's done signing because he wants to concentrate on what he's writing (Oh, and he has such *beautiful* handwriting!!), then will pose like he's signing so you can take your picture. The non-posed photo will vary from guest to guest.

Some guests will allow the non-Froggy pictures for an extra cost, some will do it for free, some don't want to take Froggy's business away from him. Again, it all depends on the guest, and they may change their mind over the weekend and go from "no way" to "sure, why not?" Again, just ask the handler. You can usually do that while they're talking to the person in front of you. If the handler doesn't know, they'll ask the guest's policy and you'll know by the time you get up to meet them.

Oh, also, tidbit of etiquitte. If they have a handler with them, give your money to the handler, not the guest. So many times people try to hand it to the guest and they'd really rather just interact with you guys and let us take care of the money side.

See you there!

[tc01.livejournal.com]

I know last year most of the BSG people took posed pictured for a donation to charity. They were very nice about it! I hope they will this year again. I cant afford all those photo ops Michael Trucco and Kate vernon are two I have not met before. I will make sure to look for you and say hi!

[ubiquitous-a.livejournal.com]

I'm a lot more apt to paying for having a picture taken if it's going to charity TBH. It's not that I begrudge the guests from earning a living by any means, but I have a tough time justifying the cost just for a picture or an autograph for that matter. At least if it's for charity, I feel like there was a better reason for me spending the money on something like that. :)

[lapis-lazuli615.livejournal.com]

That's understandable. You feel like you're doing something more than just paying someone to dirty up a piece of paper. LOL

However, keep in mind that even if they're working, members of the actor's guild only get $2M in lifetime health benefits. Someone like me, making less than $50k a year, gets $5M. $2M runs out REALLY fast if you have a major health issue (Can you imagine how much Christopher Reeve's bills ran after he was paralyzed?) so socking away savings is not unknown for actors.

When they're not working, they still have to pay their SAG dues, etc. Even if they are working on a current series, that doesn't necessarily mean the wage is something you can live on. "Scale" is not a comfortable living wage.

Just something to keep in mind if you see a guest who does not specifically state that they are giving all the money to charity.

[ubiquitous-a.livejournal.com]

I actually worked for awhile as an Office PA in Orlando some 15 years ago, and was really interested in persuing a career in Film/TV production. However, similar to actors, most work in the industry is on a contract basis, and unless you have the good fortune to get attached to a long-running series, you're constantly looking for work.

I've often wondered what actors do in between gigs, particularly the ones who seem to drop out of sight for years at a time, and don't happen to be multi-millionaires. Do they go work in an office? Do they tend bar?

In any case, I think my whole lack of inclination to pay for autographs or pictures is more just a priority of spending for me. Back when I was a teenager, I'd be all about autographs and pictures. But as I've gotten older, I find I value far more highly having a few words with a particular celebrity and learning something about them or their work.

And on the occasions I do get autographs, I prefer that it be on something that isn't just going to sit on a shelf and collect dust.....something practical that I can use or wear, like a hat or something. :)

[callygal1.livejournal.com]

thank you for the reply. I think I've changed my mind about taping the signing and decided to see if I can get vid of said guest for my friend saying hi to her. In that case I ask the handler then? The guest? Or both?

of course I would be mindful of how many people were behind me in line.

would love to say hi, I will do so! :) I don't look anything like my icon..if I did, i'd kiss me.....LOL!

[lapis-lazuli615.livejournal.com]

Ask the handler while you're waiting for the person in front of you. They may know the answer, they may not. If they don't, they'll refer the question to the guest to make the call on.

[callygal1.livejournal.com]

will do. Thanks!

Pictures in the Walk of Fame

[wofdir.livejournal.com]

Hi,

According to the rules in the Dragon*Con Program Book there is no picture taking in the Walk of Fame. Now if you ask and the guest says yes, the mean person in charge of the Walk of fame will not say a word. There are items that draw his strong attention. One being the tattle sign of a flash. Second is the person blocking the walking paths. Picture or video it does not matter. Either case he will politely ask you to stop taking a picture and move along. Odds are he will wave his hand and tell you these aren’t the guests you are looking for move along.