I was able to talk to Lauren Randolph about shooting the 2015 Oscars through out the experience. She had such unique stories of the glitterati showing up to a good old fashioned rehearsal the week before - no make up, gowns, or suits - just performers going to work. The tech rehearsals for live camera and edits and the actors that came in to challenge them and rehearse potential reactions of celebrities. She had an interesting knowledge base of having previously seen photographer Art Streiber present his own curatorial take of the story of "The Oscar" at a Slideluck show in LA - where he only shared the story of the statue itself, none of the backstage or performance (though his website includes his behind the scenes work too). Lauren was excited about an Academy Award show produced by broadway producers and hosted by such a theatrical actor - Neil Patrick Harris - indicating an abundance of musical performances and pizzaz. She was even caught on TV several times on the red carpet that night.
Overall - a red carpet experience, a gown to wear to work, and some wildly familiar faces seen in person for the first time - makes for one interesting job. Here are some of her photos and direct words from Lauren about shooting the 2015 Academy Awards.
When you were first approached to shoot at the Oscars did you expect to have as much access?
I wasn't sure what to expect when I had my first initial creative call with the people from The Academy - although, they approached me by asking me what I'd want to shoot. I told them I wanted to tell the story of the Oscars that not everyone knows - the behind the scenes, and small intimate moments that maybe aren't always captured. I wanted to give people a glimpse into the full production, and not just show the final glossy product.
It was a rainy day. While they did their best - some press still got a little wet in the clean up of water logged tents.
You made a strong choice to share most of the images in black and white. When did you decide this? Why?
My decision to share my story in black and white came after my first day of shooting with the producer, Neil Meron. I was following him around, and getting a look into what a day in his position looked like - backstage, in the greenroom, in the control room, talking with the director and the host, Neil Patrick Harris. Actually, I was shooting him in his office, explaining to him the story I was looking to capture - these behind the scenes moments, and a look into what he does that people maybe aren't used to seeing - and he asked me "Are these going to be in color or black and white?" I paused, and confessed, "I'm not sure yet, but they could end up either." That night as I was going through the images I realized that such an event, such a classic Hollywood award show, actually looked better told in black and white. It felt "old hollywood" to me. There was something about the images that felt timeless, and I wanted to keep the full story that way.
Neil Meron - Producer Hamish Hamilton - Director
Producer's Craig Zadan and Neil Meron shaking hands backstage with everyone at The Oscars
What was the best part about the job?
For me, the best part, was actually seeing the production side. Everyone knows the glitz and glam of Hollywood. We've seen the red carpet photos, and celebrity presenters and award winners - but there's producers, directors, camera men, sound guys, digital techs, PAs - there's so many more people involved in the Academy Awards than you think about while watching the show. I know how much goes into producing a single photoshoot, it really is mind blowing to think about the production behind a stage show like these awards. It has everything from song, dance, performance, and all on live television. It was really fascinating to get to see the rehearsals and how much practice and thought goes into every detail and minute of the 3 hour show everyone is so used to watching on television.
Performance rehearsals
Oscar winning artist - Common
John Legend
Would you want to shoot next year?
I would absolutely want to shoot the Academy Awards again next year. The thing is, with a show like this, every year can be so much different than the last. The host is different, the presenters are different, the performers are different - getting access to shoot behind the scenes would never be the same. I had long days during this shoot, but there was never a dull moment. I was always so fascinated with what was going on, and felt so lucky to get a chance to see these things that not everyone gets to see.
Backstage - Rehearsal week at the Oscars
Backstage at the Oscars - the presenter chairs are filled.
Batman & Questlove
Reese Witherspoon
HEAR THAT, ACADEMY? Lauren Randolph is in next year.
Lauren (LaurenLemon) shared her images (more than seen here) over several social networks - Instagram and both her's and the Academy's tumblr. Her skill as a portrait artist and her experience capturing candid slices of life really shined through in telling the story of the 2015 Academy Awards.
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