Award within an Award

This week’s topic is perhaps less dramatic and controversial than the last, but incredibly interesting none the less! Rewards for volunteers can be very creatively designed to give them something truly unique (Baum, 2009), especially within the performing arts sector; but what if the volunteering is the reward? Volunteers have been employed as “seat fillers” on major award shows to ensure that cameras never see an empty seat. How does this work you ask? Volunteers are employed to fill the empty seats that occur when someone has to leave their seats for a significant amount of time, for example, when they have to present an award. The volunteer then swoops in, and stays seated in their place till they come back to ensure that there is always a ‘full house’ when the camera rolls over the audience (Lankester, 2013).

This type of volunteering will hardly give experience that builds a career but puts the volunteer in front of (or next to!) industry greats, whether they are actors, producers, artists etc., which can be rewarding enough for some (Auerbach, 2012). As our upcoming volunteer experience post from Chickenshed will prove, it can be both beneficial for meeting idols as well as adding glamour and stardom to everyday life, getting the best of both worlds! 

However, becoming a ‘seat filler’ requires dedication and vigilance, as it is (unsurprisingly) a very sought after experience. American ceremonies tend to use agencies whilst UK shows recruit through their event organiser. Keep an eye on award show websites to see when they might start hiring. Here are some helpful links on how to get in the door:

For all kinds of American show seatfillers (including award shows): 

http://www.tvtickets.com/seatfillers.htm

Tips and tricks of how to get in:
http://www.seeing-stars.com/showbiz/seatfillers.shtml

References:

Auerbach, D. (2012) 7 behind-the-scenes jobs at the Academy Awards. [Online] Available at: 
http://www.theworkbuzz.com/news/7-behind-the-scenes-jobs-at-the-academy-awards/ Accessed: 16/04/13

Baum, T. (2009) People and work in Events and Conventions: A research perspective. Cabi: Wallingford

Lankester, M. (2013) Confessions of a BAFTA seatfiller, Movie Editor’s Blog, February 7 [Online] Available at: http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-editors/confessions-awards-show-seat-filler-134757730.html Accessed: 16/04/13