SeatfillersAndMore.com says on their website people are "always overbooked to compensate for no shows and late cancels," which means they could be refused admission upon arrival. According to an interview with a seat filler at The A.V. Partnering with OTL Seat Fillers is a free, private, and easy way to fill seats. I think you can guess to what the importance of seat fillers is: When the person who sits there must go to the toilet or goes away for something a seat filler is there to fill the seat. Top editors give you the stories you want . "There are sometimes people that just don't show up for the show and we are also pulling talent backstage to perform or present an award, leaving these seats empty. Here's what the March 27, 2022 ceremony at the Dolby Theater was like. This one might surprise you. The Academy Awards is probably the hardest award show at which to land a seat-filler gig. However, they have fun seeing what pops up out of the blue each month. Have you ever watched an award show like the Grammys, Oscars, or Emmys and noticed that the audience seems to be so compliant? Heres the best thing about being a seat filler: Pretty much anyone can do it. Everyone 18 and over can participate. "I looked up and there was Ellen, there was Brandi Carlile, there's Chrissy Teigen, there's John Legend, and they were all in the same room, it's just this adrenaline rush of just wow," Stanfield said. See the "GMA" host's reaction. (His wife, Molly McNearney, who is co-head writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live, was really nice to me.). While the 45-year-old said it was made clear seat-fillers could be denied entry and "the expense was high," the potential reward was priceless. John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy, NOW WATCH: The best pastrami in America is in Los Angeles, Visit Insider's homepage for more stories, George told Insider he spent most of his night next to Billie Eilish, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy, Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy. Also, talking to the talent is a big no-no. About 10 minutes before the televised event, George said seat-fillers were rushed to the floor and it was basically everyone for themselves. The hours are long and youll basically be on your feet all day. With Duane Martin, Kelly Rowland, DeRay Davis, Mel B. How you dress could make or break your night. The producers get a fuller, A person who takes up spare seats when the person allocated the seat is elsewhere. They also advised that you dont wear heels because there is a lot of standing and walking. Click to see full answer. Video: What is Seat Filling for Event Promoters? Most people arent devoting computer time to Google searches about seat fillers. As applicants only find out if they've won a place 10 days prior to the event, Stanfield said she had to pay almost three times higher than average on flights. Club, you can only get in if you have a relative working for the Academy or if you work for PWC, the accounting firm that counts the votes. Filling a seat for someone versus simply filling a seat. Kristina Sison, a 25-year-old seat filler from Los Angeles, says the dress code is usually upscale club/casual., You cant wear white, logos or bold patterns and prints, she explains. You simply sign up to Showfilmfirst to become a seat filler; agree to the Terms & Conditions/etiquette, pay a small admin fee, and you get free tickets to film previews, Concerts, Theatre, Gigs and other events. It was serendipity twice-over for the 54-year-old who scored the "golden seat of the night" after winning a coveted seat-filler job. So what makes being a seat-filler so compelling that fans are willing to fork out thousands of dollars despite the risk they could be turned away? Local seat fillers belong to clubs like OTL. If you're unaware, a seat filler is someone who volunteers to go to certain events and fill empty seats so when the cameras sweep the crowd, the audience looks full. Halfway through the show, I sat with the cast of Stranger Things, who are possibly the most stylish and mature middle-schoolers ever. The show doesn't start until 5 p.m. but seat fillers have to be at the venue for check-in by 10:15 a.m. They dont have to have any experience in acting, being an extra or a seat-filler. Stanfield said applicants on SeatfillersAndMore have three options to choose from when it comes to deciding how they want to spend their Grammys experience. I know for a fact that they exist because I have personally tried to engage seat fillers in conversation or befriend them and it is impossible. You cant bring a purse -- only a clutch -- and they didn't want you to have a jacket, coat or hats., Related: Flashing Justin And Sizing Up 50: A Seat Fillers View Of The VMAs. Once staff handed out badges and wristbands that identified them as seat-fillers, the countdown began. Seat-filler Tonya Stanfield provided Insider with a screenshot from her acceptance email with SeatfillersAndMore. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Here's what the job entailed. When youre an award show seat filler through seatfillersandmore.com, youve got a non-paying job. The rules from seatfillersandmore.com were pretty straightforward: Dont wear anything to stand out on camera or to outshine the stars youll be seated next to no bright colors, sequins, short dresses no talking/selfies with the the celebrities, and no looking at the camera. I knew it was going to be the experience of a lifetime," Stanfield said. If you live in one of the five Seat Fillers and More locations, you can turn in an application with Seat Fillers and More. Stanfield said the main floor is the "hardest to get.". A seat filler in your life isn't even allowed to interact on a level deeper than standing in the shadows. The best way to describe the job is playing a game of musical chairs with famous people. The job of a local seat filler is to add to the audience just like paying patrons and enjoy the show (the whole show!). Members of these clubs help fill in unsold seats for theatre, music, film, sporting events, dance performances and other live events. "One sweet and thoughtful seat-filler brought a huge bag of granola bars and was passing them out to others," Stanfield said. Here was my day as a seat filler for the AMAs: 8 a.m.: I woke up and made some breakfast. "So I could have bought the tickets, my hotel, my dress, and flown all the way to Los Angeles to find out I wasn't even going to get into the Grammys," Stanfield said. She even said she saw Ariana Grande's mom "constantly" hug her daughter and comfort her by "telling her she's beautiful" as the singer stressed out. Before I left, I wandered into the trophy room and saw Claire Foy pick up her trophy for best lead actress in a drama series. Taiyler Simone Mitchell/Insider. Or, you could simply be waiting in a back room and never get your fill. It all depends on luck. There are several websites that work with shows such as the Emmys, Oscars, Grammys and Tonys and more to find these volunteers. As a seat filler, your job is to occupy empty seats at award shows, sporting events, and other special performances. All Rights Reserved. Living in Indianapolis more than 2,000 miles from the venue, Stanfield said she had to spend more than $4,000 "on a whim" to get herself from the Midwest to Los Angeles for an event she may not have been able to get into. I attended the 94th Academy Awards Ceremony as a seat filler this year and had an amazing experience. As youll soon find out, local seat fillers dont apply for consideration. They keep bouncing around as people get up to get awards or come back from the bathroom. Here's a play-by-play of my experience as a first-time seat filler at the 94th Academy Awards. AMPAS. OTL Seat Fillers introduces Nashville members to all kinds of fun shows, events, and opportunities. Seat-fillers are also advised not to speak to talent unless they speak to you. Just under an hour before the show began, the seat-fillers were allowed inside and unfortunately George said he saw two girls who arrived late being turned away at the door. A TikTok user is going viral after sharing the backstage secrets he learned working as an awards show "seat filler.". . Both George and Stanfield scored the coveted main floor seat-filling job and traveled solo to the Staples Center in Los Angeles as seat-fillers aren't allowed to bring a plus one. Hundreds of seat fillers are cast. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider You never see an empty chair. Denver seat fillers also buy food, beverages, and merchandise . But, you might only be used for a few minutes and wait in the wings again. "When she came back off the stage with her brother, they both grabbed my hand in a celebration moment," George said. Romance and drama occur after a pop superstar falls for an audience member -- a seat filler posing as an attorney -- at a music awards show. club reportedly spoke with someone who has been a seat-filler . You can become a seat filler at The Grammys and most other awards show by using the website Seat Fillers and More. "Justin Bieber, that would be a perfect one if he was there that would be just perfect," George said. Members of these clubs help fill in unsold seats for theatre, music, film, sporting events, dance performances and other live events. So, as you watch the Oscars on Sunday, look out for these not-so-famous faces in the audiences celebrating Hollywoods biggest night. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The British seat-filler mistaken for Billie Eilish's grandad at the Grammys", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seat_filler&oldid=1119762238, A person who subscribes to a seat-filling theatre club. The one difference? Producers want young, svelte people who are camera-ready, but wont pull attention from the celebs. Your responsibilities are to sit in unsold seats, fill the area most likely to be on camera, and otherwise follow any directions provided by staff. Award show seat fillers receive once-in-a-lifetime assignments. Im a huge fan and cant wait to see her at @bankerslifefieldhouse in Indy in March! Most celebrities and attendees are aware of what a seat-filler is, but some thought that I was actually trying to take their seat, or their dates seat. The seat filler . Some theater troupes have their own venues, while others rent spaces at various theaters or makeshift ones. plus get a sneak prev . [1] There are two types of seat fillers: A person who subscribes to a seat-filling theatre club. While Stanfield was disappointed she didn't get the chance to chat to Eilish or take photos with any of the other celebrities, she said, "it truly made me live in the moment.". So, I wanted to devote this blog post to fill you in on the differences between award show and local seat fillers, like members of OTL Seat Fillers. Seat-fillers are traditional jobs at every televised awards show, including the Oscars, where non-famous people are rushed into visible empty seats that may have been temporarily vacated . It features an ensemble cast that includes Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Wilde, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, Nick Kroll, and Chris Pine. #Leeds businessman @TerryGeorge discusses how he was mistaken for @billieeilish's Grandad at The #GRAMMYs , A post shared by Terry George (@terrygeorge) on Feb 3, 2020 at 4:21pm PSTFeb 3, 2020 at 4:21pm PST. These days, seat filling is different, though. Who knew sitting would take so much work? I carefully stepped over Sarah Silvermans fluffy floor-length black dress, as I sat a few seats over from her at the top of the show. Awards Show Seat Fillers work at big-ticket, typically star-studded events like the Emmys, OTL Seat Fillers have free ticket opportunities to a variety of local shows and events. But I thought it would be helpful to get into more detail so you get a better idea of how it all works. . A post shared by Terry George (@terrygeorge) on Jan 27, 2020 at 6:41am PSTJan 27, 2020 at 6:41am PST. I eagerly signed up, not knowing what I was getting myself into. In Chiolis's day as a seat filler, the role began about 60 seconds before the show started. To be a local seat filler, you register a membership, but youre not applying. "This is a night of glamor and it's a night of [artists] being recognized, and cheering on your favorites, and sharing that experience with them," Stanfield said. Plus, family and friends are comp ticket VIPs, too! The process started out with a request for a background check on my part. Thats where a seat filler comes in. Unless youre a local theater buff, the chances are that you might not realize how many incredible actors and actresses are on stage just miles from you. Their job is exactly what it sounds like: To be a warm body in an empty seat. . Even in music capitals like Austin, Texas, seat fillers get invited to more plays and musicals than anything else. The producers of the event give complimentary tickets to the seat-filling organization, who pass them on to their members. But even if fans are lucky enough to score the golden ticket to some of America's biggest awards shows, there's no guarantee they'll be allowed in. But there are some drawbacks, as theyre never guaranteed admittance, and they cant talk to the high-profile audience members surrounding them. Award Show Seat Fillers temporarily fill seats for someone else, OTL Seat Fillers (and other club members) fill seats, period. The website also says: "Sometimes you get lucky and never have to move.". Book your Comp SEAT FILLERS tickets while they last to VIDEO GAMING'S BIGGEST NIGHT- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 // HOSTED BY Geoff Keighley with HUGE PERFORMANCES-. Being a seat filler was a fun experience. In addition to plays and musicals, local seat fillers have attended some expected and unexpected events. The seat-filler websites select between 300-600 people, depending on the show and the venue. . While George got to engage with some famous faces, which also included Lizzo and Lil Nas X, Stanfield said she didn't "want to break the rules.". Some seat-fillers are college students, some are working actors and models, some are there with companies nominated for awards, like Hulu, Netflix and NBC. The seat fillers were lined up behind the scenes and had to race over to any chair that was empty. "Not being able to have my phone out, made me experience it to the fullest and it just wasn't worth getting kicked out in my opinion," Stanfield said. Even in music capitals like Austin, Texas, seat fillers get invited to more plays and musicals than anything else. "We were told if they saw us with our phones out trying to take a selfie or anything, we would be escorted out of the building," Stanfield said. Stay up to date with what you want to know. SeatfillersAndMore says seat-fillers are required to fill all empty seats for televised award shows, so when cameras pan across the audience, they don't see any empty seats. The movement slows down as the night goes on because the nominees who dont win tend to leave earlier. It seems way more glamorous than it is, Sison admits. "There are sometimes people that just don't show up for the show and we are also pulling talent backstage to perform or present an award, leaving these seats empty. The events can be in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Washington DC, and New York City. "The seat I stayed in the longest was where Billie Eilish was, right next to Billie Eilish, and it was just serendipity really, it was just unbelievable," George said. #badguy #badguybillieeilish #grammys2020 @staplescenterla @recordingacademy @finneas, A post shared by Tonya Stanfield (@stanfiet) on Jan 29, 2020 at 7:32pm PSTJan 29, 2020 at 7:32pm PST. His second seat was next to best-selling female country artist Shania Twain. She became "instant friends" with some of the other seat-fillers and also said some kindly offered snacks around. viewers are given unprecedented access into the days and events leading up to the iconic awards show through the lens of a young twenty-something navigating and trying to define who he is and who he wants to be in an ever-changing world and . What's the Difference Between Award Show Seat Fillers and Local Seat Fillers? You probably get the gist of the benefits of the two types of seat fillers and how they differ. These celebrities must be so engrossed in the show that they never get up to use the restroom. 2022 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. The TikToker called the night a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" where he learned plenty of behind-the . What an incredible night and incredible experience. You might get lucky enough to catch a good part of the show. Marie had gotten her hair done at 6:30 a.m., and was . Its a volunteer opportunity. It takes a certain kind of humble person to be a seat filler. The hours passed very quickly. "Just minutes before the event goes live on TV they sort of scatter you out and say quick get your seats, fill the empty seats, and basically everybody goes and does that," George said. . Seat Fillers and More takes applications from wannabe seat fillers and then dispatches them to award shows and other studio audiences upon request. You dont pay, nor are you paid anything. When you apply, youre on board for a year. SeatfillersAndMore says seat-fillers are required to fill all empty seats for televised award shows, so when cameras pan across the audience, they don't see any empty seats. Ive already touched on the differences in events. The producers find a seat for the fillers at the top of the show, and the people who dont get one go outside or wherever the company is holding the rest of the seat-fillers. Most seat filler services offer their service for free to the shows with an attached promise that their members will not publicly state where they received the tickets from as to not impact future sales, This page was last edited on 3 November 2022, at 08:03. The Complete Guide to Seat Fillers in Boston. Teaming up with OTL Seat Fillers is a free, private, and easy way to fill seats. They get out of the house more and treat their family and friends without the worry of individual ticket prices. If you're lucky, you're able to sit in the same seat for the duration of the event. While hours standing outside may seem tiresome, Stanfield said it actually hyped them up. You can pee, but you have to ask. Your seat-filling duty could go a few different ways. OTL Seat Fillers pay an average of $10 to $15 per month for two or four-ticket memberships in Preferred cities. And of those, just 650 people were fortunate enough to receive an email saying they'd won the golden ticket, making the odds of success just over 2%. Stanfield, however, was moved several times throughout the night, but said it was still, "the best musical chairs I'll ever play in my life.". But seat fillers do more than just fill those seats. There are many reasons to supply complimentary tickets to fill seats and its an essential part of the entertainment industry. They dont move around from place to place. Local seat fillers dont get the glitz and glamour accompanying award shows. By 8:00 a.m. on March 25, 1996, the day of the ceremony, John and Marie were at seat fillers' orientation, dressed in their evening wear. Four hours in, and a lot of handling by various producers later, I was thankful that I listened to them. And in case you need a reminder about what NOT to do as a filler, just watch this "Seinfeld" clip of a fill gone horribly wrong: 2022 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. For them, the risk was worth the reward: "It was so expensive to pull all together but it was so worth it. If its something they want to attend, they get to go without worrying about how much the tickets cost. I woke up at 6 a.m. local time to prepare for a 7 a.m. makeup session. There are . You can only move during commercial breaks since it's a live event. Seat fillers keep the crowd full as guests go in and out of the audience. An example of this is the, Increased awareness of their show (especially helpful if new), Fuller audience for a better show experience, Private and no cost. So, there you have it, all the tips and tricks to becoming an A+ seat warmer. But the man who travelled all the way from Leeds, England could have missed out on the opportunity altogether. "There's no guarantee you'll get in, you really don't know until you get there," George said. Insider spoke to two seat-fillers Tonya Stanfield from Indianapolis and British man Terry George who paid thousands to go to this year's Grammys in the hopes they'd get to rub shoulders with some of music's elite. The man who sat beside Billie Eilish at the Grammys originally had no idea who she was, but now says he's 'such a fan', A seat-filler at the Grammys says Ariana Grande said 'not right now' when he asked for a selfie after she lost to Billie Eilish, Here's what it's like to be a professional seat filler. Thats because until about ten years ago, award show seat fillers were four words that always went together. It's like a well dressed game of musical chairs. Seat Fillers in Nashville. But if you dont know any industry insiders who can give you the hookup, a simple Google search will bring up a few sites you can use. OTL Seat Fillers - have free ticket opportunities to a variety of local shows and events. Diego Pineda, a 23-year-old living in Los Angeles, worked as a seat filler at the 2019 People's Choice Awards. Getting ready. George was fortunate enough to race his way to the front where he was seated next to Grammy and Oscar-winning musician John Legend. Local seat filling is an effective event partnership marketing tool. Their playful music reflects that and the moment, Rene Rapp Wants Her Music To Be Everything To Everyone, The 'Sex Lives of College Girls' star and MTV Push artist on her cathartic debut EP, Albums Of The Year: Rosala's Every Little Sound Is Music On 'Motomami', The visionary Spanish artist's third release is an artful and cerebral ode to the nonsensical, Albums Of The Year: Bad Bunny Soundtracked The Globe On 'Un Verano Sin Ti', The Puerto Rican superstar embraces the melodies and rhythms of the Caribbean and pushes reggaeton into new directions, SZA's 'S.O.S.' They buy food, beverages, and merchandise, bring guests above and beyond their seat filling privileges, and tend to return to venues they love . We were freezing for six hours in heels. Very bright, fun colors were suggested. Just 650 fans scored the "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to be seat-fillers with the odds of success at just over 2%. "And in my mind, I'm thinking if Jay Z gets up, I get to sit next to Beyonc and if Gwen Stefani gets up I can sit with Blake and I was like, 'That's so cool, that's what I want to do,'" Stanfield said. We captured the experience of one of them. ), The fun is the televised event and star-studded audience, Local seat fillers have fun seeing what pops up out of the blue, and being introduced to new shows and events. The Grammys 2020 a night I will never forget. Oh, and local seat fillers attend with guests and are treated just like every other audience member. My friends and I did the People's Choice Awards and it was 50 degrees outside and we were in dressy tank tops and skirts. 62nd Annual Grammy Awards night. You have to be low-maintenance enough to follow orders, but you also have to be enthusiastic enough to put on a happy face for the cameras, even if youre just sitting awkwardly next to a celebs spouse. "[Eilish] is coming to perform in Indianapolis in March and I was planning to go to the concert but now I kind of feel like, am I ever going to have a better seat than I did that night?". A seat filler is a person who fills in an empty seat during an event. There are benefits to both types of scenarios, but theyre really nothing alike. But youre in exciting events where tickets can be as high as five figures each! "The amount of young people who have been messaging me and saying 'I can't believe you've touched Billie Eilish, you've met her, you've been next to her,' they're absolutely in awe of me," George told Insider. February 19, 2010, 3:30 AM. Mar 29, 2022, 1:09 PM. Her following seats were next to Ariana Grande, country musician Orville Peck, the 12-year-old yodeler Mason Ramsey, and also in Lana Del Rey's very own seat. Community seat fillers, like OTL members, have a simple assignment. All you have to do is make an account for yourself and apply for shows that are listed on the website. Some big events might only use employees or their friends for seat fillers. So, when a commercial break comes it's like a mad scramble to get from the seat to seat. Instead, they pick up tickets and walk in just like everyone else. When I was chosen to be a seat-filler for the 2018 Emmy Awards, I had no clue what to expect. On the way out, I headed to my Uber in stride with Elisabeth Moss who skipped the Governors Ball afterparty that was hosted on-site. Being in line was actually fun too!" When British man Terry George was seated next to a pop star little-known to him at the Grammys, he was not expecting to become an internet sensation. Last but not least, revel in your newfound fame by telling all your friends that you rubbed elbows with the stars. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. As even if seat-fillers are lucky enough to get the gig their dreams could be shattered before it's even begun. In Las Vegas, PlugIn Vegas is the top choice. MTV, EMA and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Everything you ever wanted to know about being an awkward seat warmer for the stars. The venue assigns the seats based on whats available, but each OTL member sits with their guest or guests (not alone). "Everyone was so excited, meeting others and interacting. When Stanfield won the "once-in-a-lifetime" seat-filler opportunity, she said she "invested a lot to potentially be turned away.". Stanfield said she would absolutely do the whole experience again, even with all the risks and setbacks involved. That way there won't be any empty seats visible. GRAMMYs / Feb 14, 2020 . When commercial breaks come up usually between two and four minutes producers/employees of the companies will direct the fillers to stay seated or get up. Next time youre watching an award show on TV -- like the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday -- pay super close attention to the panning shots of the crowd. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The benefits extend beyond a bigger audience. Unlike many other award shows, The Academy is extremely selective and private about who can fill someone's seat. See more. People can apply to spectate on the bleachers at the red carpet but not enter the awards show, be given a guaranteed seat all night on the side during the show, or be on the main floor among all the celebrity action. And Minneapolis, DC-Baltimore, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland are serviced by SeatStir. If nothing else, youll at least get a solid profile pic out of the deal. All three support the local arts and entertainment communities while providing the most entertaining clubs around. seat filler. Whether you attend zero events or five events in a month, all tickets are included and complimentary. Similarly, George said he paid more than 5,500 ($7,100) for his trip from the UK. At the break, I quickly ran to sit in for Jimmy Kimmel, because hes a social guy and often got up at commercial breaks to chat with other late-night personalities like Stephen Colbert and John Oliver after the latters win. The Seat Filler: Directed by Nick Castle. Basically, you have to look hot but not TOO hot. Aside from attending star-studded shows versus local events, theres one significant difference that I have to point out right off the bat. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. A packed house is ideal for the TV cameras, so event producers turn to seat filling agencies, notably seatfillersandmore.com. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Ill get into all of the distinctions between community and award show seat filling. Kristina Sison, a 25-year-old seat filler from Los Angeles, says the dress code is usually "upscale club/casual.". Its fun to see celebs, though, so I guess to some people its worth it! Sure, you probably didnt make a cent -- most seat filling jobs are strictly volunteer-based -- but hopefully you managed to weasel your way into a couple camera shots. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Video: Why is Seat Filling for Comedy Clubs a 100% Effective Marketing Strategy? As a seat-filler, Stanfield said security was tight and told them they weren't allowed to take their phones out. On-call dues are only $3.65 a month and are also 3.65/monthly in London. "He sort of nudged me up to get me to sing at one point," George said. When a celeb gets up to go to the restroom, grab a drink at the bar, schmooze with their peers or discreetly make out in a coat closet, a seat filler is there to pull up and park it. A seat filler is a person who fills in an empty seat during an event. Stanfield said they were told in advance they wouldn't be able to purchase any food or drink at the venue. If youve been selected, youll usually only get notified a couple days before an event. Holding your tongue while Ryan Gosling is sitting right in front of you might be the hardest part of this job, so only the strong-willed need apply. They never pay for tickets! 15.10.2022 Howard Edwards No Comments. She was so much fun but dont have a clue who she is man A post shared by Terry George (@terrygeorge) on Jan 29, 2020 at 2:29pm PSTJan 29, 2020 at 2:29pm PST, Meanwhile, Stanfield's first spot was in Billie Eilish's mom's seat like George, she said the Eilish family was "super sweet.". In the film, a young wife living in a 2250s company town begins . If youve ever watched an awards show, you might not have noticed how many non-famous people there are in the audience. Stanfield said, "It was kinda neat to be there like a fly on the wall.". Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. While entry to the event is free, some seat-fillers like Stanfield and George are spending thousands to get there. Registration is free, but youll need to provide a photo, a resume and a cover letter. Read Lara Spencer's response to Amy Robach and TJ Holmes' affair and their "Good Morning America" cheating scandal. They receive free pairs of tickets to theater, music, comedy, and other shows in exchange for showing up. They look like guests and dates of A-listers, but in reality those unfamiliar faces that appear to be rubbing elbows with Meryl Streep and the like are actually normal people. But there's a little more to the role than that. Near the end of the night, producers sat me right behind Peter Dinklage as he got up to accept his Emmy for Game of Thrones. Essentially, their job is like playing a game of musical chairs: They see an empty seat, they hop to it. Maya Tribbitt is an editorial intern at The Hollywood Reporter. Just follow these simple steps, and youll be warming Brad Pitts chair in no time. Can anyone identify my singing partner from the Grammys 2020. Stop the Presses the BEST Christmas Gift Ideas, How to Be a Seat Filler in the US and London Video, Video: Seat Filling for Theaters * Seat Filling for Theatres. Then, you hurry over to occupy an empty chair temporarily. But anyone can really do it. "You can't wear white, logos or bold patterns and prints," she explains . The 54-year-old said he hopes he can go again next year and finally get the chance to meet one of his favourite musicians. [1] There are two types of seat fillers: This entertainment-related article is a stub. So just in case you missed it this is one of my best moments of 2020 so far. With so many shows on the books, you can see why there wouldnt be night after night of sell-outs, and thats where OTL can help. If youre fortunate to work at an event like the Academy Awards, youll stand by waiting for an assignment. Bop Shop: Songs From SZA, Rini, &Team, And More, Albums Of The Year: Wet Leg Takes On The Ephemeral, Insignificant Present, Everything about the mischievous British duo feels like a euphemism. Awards Show Seat Fillers - work at big-ticket, typically star-studded events like the Emmys. OTL Seat Fillers covers everywhere else with 10 Preferred (the busiest) locations, On-Call options for other markets, and a club in London. Youre not allowed to speak to them -- much less ask for autographs or selfies -- unless they initiate conversation. Anyone on or off Facebook. George and Stanfield said they had to arrive at the Grammys four hours early and spend the time leading up to the event lining up outside. Once entering the arena, seat-fillers had to wait by the concession for another 45 minutes where Stanfield said they got to do some "pretty awesome people watching.". You're there for over four hours and can't eat while you're there. But once you finally make it inside, the fun starts. I was one of those non-famous faces in the crowd at the 2018 Emmy Awards, filling the seats of Jimmy Kimmel and other A-listers. Seat-fillers are volunteers whose purpose is to fill out the venue when the camera pans the audience. And, how is it possible that they accept awards and head backstage for interviews, but the audience is miraculously intact? It's physically exhausting standing in line. The award shows are fun and its one of those things that you suffer through just so you can say you were there, Sison said. Stanfield said over 30,000 people applied on SeatfillersAndMore.com this year for the chance to warm a seat at the world's biggest music awards show. The Recording Academy declined to comment, saying they weren't directly involved with the process of obtaining seat-fillers. One of the most tried and true is seatfiller.com, which has recruited fillers for high-profile shows like the Oscars, the Grammys and the VMAs. My genuine excitement for the amazingly talented @billieeilish when she won Best New Artist. . Just think how interesting it might be to swoop in, dressed to the nines, and sit where . "My next seat was with a lady who I didn't know at the time, who I was dancing with and having such good fun, and she turned out to be Shania Twain," George said. They don't have to have any experience in acting, being an extra or a seat-filler. According to the A.V. This one might surprise you. Seat-fillers are volunteers whose purpose is to fill out the venue when the camera pans the audience. But I thought Id put together a handy comparison list. Chances are, those people are seat fillers. George told Insider he spent most of his night next to Billie Eilish despite not knowing who she was until just a few days before. Seat fillers are frequently chosen to match the intended audience of events. 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Next, you sit around and wait for your big shot at (adjacent) stardom. "Last minute, it was so expensive to pull all together but it was so worth it, like I knew it was going to be the experience of a lifetime," Stanfield said. Ever wonder what it would take to be a seat filler at the Oscars? Stanfield ended up right back where she started, near Eilish who George was seated next to and got to bask in her astonishing five-Grammy award wins. There are . This meant it was going to be an early morning. Seat fillers are volunteers who attend awards shows to make it look like there's a full house. Once inside the Emmy venue, the seat-fillers were lined up along the sides of the Microsoft Theater, and the first 400 or so of us were placed strategically in seats within the first 10 rows. Over the years, theyve received complimentary tickets to comedy shows, film festivals, concerts, sporting events, classes, conferences, book signings, burlesque, opera, ballet, escape rooms, the list goes on. Once that was complete, I had to find a dress. But first, youll want to know what local (or community) seat filling is all about, as its nothing like what Seat Fillers and More provides. "They [overbook] because people cancel, people get sick, people get stuck in traffic, they're late so they overbook to make sure they've got plenty," seat-filler Tonya Stanfield told Insider. Membership dues are all you pay, as theyre all-inclusive. "In my opinion, it's the best concert you could see in your entire life," Stanfield said. Professional cred: @jclinton11801 #grammys2020 @recordingacademy @staplescenterla @katiemaycollection #madisondress @anthropologie, A post shared by Tonya Stanfield (@stanfiet) on Jan 29, 2020 at 7:51pm PSTJan 29, 2020 at 7:51pm PST, As for George, who's been a seat-filler at the Grammys on several occasions he's also met Paul McCartney, Madonna, Beyonc, and Adele he said: "You've really got to be in it to win it.". Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Most likely, though, youll be waiting in the wings and shuffling around from seat to seat all night long, to fill whatever vacancies pop up. A once in a lifetime amazing experience! At these kinds of events, important people are moving around all the time to perform, present awards, deal with emergencies, take phone calls, and so forth. Used at award shows and other big-ticket, once-a-year events, Attend various local events including plays, musicals, comedy, sports, and more, No application required; just club registration, Bring guests - parties are seated together, Admission isn't always guaranteed (some seat fillers show up and don't get in), Comp tickets are reserved in advance in the member area and seat fillers with tickets are guaranteed admission, Fill seats for someone else (and move around), Are invited to fill empty seats for the entire show (treated like every other audience member), Application is good for one year of opportunities (no money exchanged), OTL Seat Fillers memberships auto-renew monthly (cancel anytime) and dues range from $3.65 to $15 (2-4 tickets per event), Can sometimes catch the show (or part of it), Always enjoy the entertainment (start to finish), Have fun; talk to other audience members (just don't tell them about the free tickets you received! To Feature Phoebe Bridgers, Ol' Dirty Bastard, And More, The R&B singers forthcoming sophomore album is dotted with major collabs. Answer (1 of 2): Hi, thanks for being asked! They don't have to have any experience in acting, being an extra or a seat-filler. The A.V. They get to attend all kinds of live shows and events by private invitation of local venues and event promoters. Local seat filling is an effective event partnership marketing tool for event promoters, managers, marketers, and box office managers in the Denver area. She observed famous musicians like John Legend and Smokey Robinson "excited to meet one another" for the first time. You may be asked to man a seat until a guest arrives, if they do arrive at all (in which case, you get to stay there the whole night -- sweet deal!). SeatFillers.com (10 points for a super creative name) will ask you to register with their company: you'll need to provide info about yourself, your "look," and award shows you'd like to apply to . See, since most award shows are televised, producers dont want random, empty seats on display for everyone at home to see -- thatd just look sad. Seat-fillers are volunteers whose purpose is to fill out the venue when the camera pans the audience. 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