A recent trip from the east to west coast inspired me on both a personal and professional level. As such, I wrote about my experiences on my Author website and have included the links below for your reading enjoyment!
A RECAP OF STORY EXPO 2015: http://kellydeeny.com/2015/09/14/a-recap-of-story-expo-2015/
SUNDAY SOULJOURN: ENTERTAINMENT PATH
Sunday SoulJourn: Entertainment Path
I took a leap of faith by traveling to Los Angeles to celebrate the film industry’s beloved award show, and it inspired me in ways different from what I expected.
As I’ve stated before, award shows are to entertainment fans what sport competitions are to devout followers of athletic teams. I might cheer on my local team if they make it to the play-offs, but I’m not very engaged in the world of athletics. I’d much rather spend my time conversing about my favorite television shows, catchy Broadway musicals, or memorable films.
It got to be quite lonely sitting on my couch, eating popcorn, and cheering on nominees with no one who was as excited about the results as I was. My parents and siblings gave me the “Oh, Kelly” looks and went to bed long before the host stated “That’s a wrap!” I wanted desperately to share my excitement with others, so I started having viewing parties at my (aka my parents’) house and invited close friends. I’ll never forget the first viewing party I threw about ten years ago when my friend made cupcakes decorated like clocks in honor of “The Hours”.
Last year, my mom made “Shepherd’s Life of Pi”, and I made “Pretzel Lincoln Logs”, bruschetta with a French baguette, and other themed menu items. I decorated my apartment with streamers, clapboards, gold/silver stars, and created a red carpet for guests. While attendees enjoyed the appetizers, we watched the pre-show activities and played games. It was an evening filled with laughter, good fun, and great company – all that a party should include.
This year I decided to fly out to California and attend a viewing party in Hollywood. The day before the awards, my sister, brother-in-law and nephews took me to the area where the award show would take place. I stood in awe at the gold statues covered to protect them from the rain. I cried tears of joy as I stared at the red carpet and understood the enormity of putting such an event together. I felt at home in a way I can’t quite comprehend or express without further reflection. As impressed as I am with what occurs on-screen, I’m even more intrigued by what goes into the behind-the-scenes preparation. To know that you were part of such an incredible event, that must be a proud moment whether you stapled the red carpet or stood guard in front of the theatre doors.
The day of the big show, my sister and I got all dressed up and headed out to mingle with others who would be as excited to watch the awards show as we were. The main dining area (VIP seating) was decorated rather elegantly with gold chairs, pristine table settings, and beautiful accents. Attendees followed the “black-tie preferred” request, and cocktails were served as we waited for the show to start. Once the show began, we got directed to the “No Seating/General Admission” area and mingled with some very engaging individuals. About halfway through, our feet told us it was time to go. We stopped to grab something to eat on our way home and watched the last 30 minutes of the show from the comfort of a couch.
While it’s an experience I’ll have forever, I realized that I’d prefer to spend the next award show differently – either working the event, sitting in the theatre, and/or celebrating with friends and family.
Block your calendars now for my Broadway party in June!!! Themed menu to be planned upon the nomination announcement.
I have no desire of ever attending a Super Bowl but I do have a goal of going to each major award show at least once in my lifetime. And the Golden Globes are the ones I seek to attend next! There’s one major problem though…tickets are not made available to the public and I do not hold any kind of press credentials for red carpet reporting. 😉
I’ve learned that you can’t assume that others know what you want. You have to ask. I’m asking. Can you send my sister and I to the Golden Globes this year?
In a time when our country’s worried about issues of immediate significance like falling off a fiscal cliff, hurricanes and disease it’s understandable that this request is abnormal. I stand behind the belief that the creative arts can heal. That they offer us the opportunity to reflect upon our own lives and perhaps re-examine our beliefs and/or choices. I celebrate the entertainment industry and all the hard work from those either in front of or behind the camera.
I grew up thinking that my affection for the entertainment industry was an insignificant and frivolous hobby. One that wouldn’t lead to a proper destination for my focus and energy. Yet during times of immense personal struggle it was art that got me through. And I do not doubt that there are other young girls and boys out there who have a deep love for film, television, music or theatre but that they are told to put those interests secondary in their lives.
It would be an incredible honor for me to have the opportunity to say “Thank You” to those who’ve brought these films and TV shows to fruition. To stand on the red carpet and ask Tom Hooper why he selected Les Miserables as the musical he wanted to adapt to the big screen. To congratulate Julian Fellowes on the success of Downton Abbey; a dramatic series that has depth, warmth and regality. To share in the excitement of Smash’s nomination as it’s well-deserved and hopefully the first of many accolades.
When I’ve had the opportunity to meet actors, writers or other entertainment professionals I’ve chosen to use the chance to say “Thank You” and “Your work meant something to me.” To separate the performer from the character because in doing so you pay tribute to the passion of a fellow artist.
If you are able to send my sister and I to the Golden Globes this January, whether as red carpet reporters or sitting in the bleachers, the experience is bound to prompt some interesting blog posts from this fan’s perspective. Thank you for your time and your consideration!
All the best,
Kelly Deeny
*For more information on the Golden Globe Awards and the nominees mentioned above please visit their websites listed below.*
http://www.lesmiserablesfilm.com/
An Entertaining Idea 