A premiere looks glamorous from the street. Behind it is a tight schedule: arrivals, the photo call, interviews and the screening, all with press watching. The staff need to work to the minute and look right on camera.
The roles
- Arrivals hosts: the guest list, wristbands and guiding guests
- Carpet hosts: moving talent and guests along the carpet on time
- Performers: characters from the film, if the brief calls for them
- Make-up and costume: for anyone on camera
Bringing the film to the carpet
For the world premiere of the horror film HERD at FrightFest in Leicester Square, the film’s marketing agency wanted zombies on the red carpet. We cast two zombie actors on video, with an SFX make-up artist.
- 2zombie actors
- 11hours in character
- 1SFX make-up artist
Plan the day around the arrivals
The carpet moment lasts minutes, but the day lasts hours. The HERD zombies started in make-up at 10am, with the filmmakers there to give direction, then worked the red carpet photos and interviews before the screening.
Checklist
- Arrivals timings and the photo call schedule
- Hosts for the guest list and arrivals
- Performers cast on video if the film needs them
- Make-up and costume time built into the day
- A plan for crowds and press outside the venue
Common questions
Can performers work a red carpet?
Yes. At the world premiere of HERD at FrightFest in Leicester Square, two zombie actors and an SFX make-up artist worked the red carpet and stayed in character all day.
What do red carpet hosts do?
They manage arrivals and the guest list, guide talent and guests along the carpet and keep timings on track for photographers.
How early does premiere staffing start?
Often hours before the doors. The HERD zombies started in make-up at 10am.
Tell us the timings for your premiere and what you want guests to remember.
