The Mighty Ducks may be one of my favorite non animated movies from my childhood. I think I had to have watched it at least 100 times, as it was usually on at least one channel every weekend. That was the first time I was introduced to Emilio Estevez as an actor, or Coach Bombay as he is known in the movie. And then we can’t forget the classic ‘Breakfast Club’ either. 80s or not that movie is timeless and another favorite of mine.
In 2017 a movie, called ‘The Public’, that Emilio wrote, directed, produce and starred in filmed here in Cincinnati. The area has seen a lot of movies being filmed over the last few years but this one wasn’t just filmed here, the story was based in Cincinnati. I had known a few people who had worked on set and I already had heard what a great movie it was going to be. Early last year a trailer emerged as well and I have been waiting for an official release ever since.
So flash forward to last week when I get an email from my boss at the radio station asking if I would like to cover the premiere and red carpet for the movie. I’ve never photographed a red carpet before, but there was no way I was going to pass on this opportunity. So, I went to my trusted friend Google and did a search of how to photograph a red carpet. Seriously, what did we do before Google? But after reading a few articles I felt better going into the event.
Friday came and I got to the Taft Theatre way earlier than I needed to. But you never know how parking is downtown right? The red carpet was a lot different than I expected. This wasn’t the NY and LA carpets you see on TV and in the press, but there was still an excited buzz. Local extras and crew from the film showed up with their families. A pretty big crowd of fans formed too and I started to get a little worried about getting that perfect image. But the rest of the press on the line were awesome. Making sure everyone could get their shot and not blocking each other. I was the last in the press line and was really proud with what I captured.
Besides never photographing a red carpet, I had also never been to a true movie premiere. It was interesting to have the whole room cheer when they saw the first glimpse of the Cincinnati skyline, or the little claps you would hear when someone local in the audience appeared on screen. But the movie was fantastic. ‘The Public’ takes place mainly at the Cincinnati Public Library while a bitter arctic blast is crippling the city. Estevez plays a librarian who has become a friend to many of the homeless patrons of the library. Some of the patrons stage an occupy movement so they can stay warm in the library overnight. The film tackles some tough subjects like mental illness, homelessness, and the way news is reported before all the facts are known. The cast is made up of some well knows stars like Alec Baldwin, Jena Malone, Gabrielle Union, Christian Slater, Che ‘Rhymefest’ Smith and Taylor Schilling. As far was me reviewing the movie it was very serious in parts but hilarious as well. It brought tough social issues to the forefront and you feel very aware that this is not just a movie that this is real life for many people around the country and world. It hits theaters April 5th and I highly recommend going to see it.
All in all I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort of concert photography and jumped on an opportunity that does not come around too often. I also some how lucked out and got into the downtown parking garage before they were charging the event fee, but when I left the gate was up and I didn’t have to pay on the way out! (truly the little things like this bring me joy)
I guess, winging it paid off again.
Winging Life 