"Wind it up..."

Oh, Gwen Stefani...you rocked it again...

Last night, four weeks of blood, sweat, and tears resulted in an incredibly successful American Music Awards show. For those not aware, I had been working as a Talent Coordinator on the AMAs, spending the first few weeks booking travel for the performers on the show, and then making sure all performers/presenters were happy during their time at the show.

This role was a new one for me. While I have done a good number of award shows and my role has been as diverse as each show, I've never been a Talent Coordinator. Basically, the Talent Producer books the performers and presenters (based on the desires of the producers/directors), then the Talent Supervisor gathers all the talent's information (including song choice, pics, lyrics, etc.). and the Talent Coordinators do whatever necessary to get the talent to the show, and make sure the show runs smoothly and that everyone is happy.

While the office work stuff was not my style, I was ready to rock and roll when we hit the Shrine Auditorium. Rehearsals began on Saturday and each rehearsal was as fun to watch as the next. All the talent were super nice, but some of my favorites to work with were Rascal Flatts, Tenacious D, Gwen Stefani (who had an awesome performance), Snow Patrol, Fall Out Boy, Lionell Richie, High School Musical, Sean Paul, and the "K-Fed Look-alike".

Show-day was a whirlwind but a really good time. I found it awesome to watch the conception of a show, see the visions become realized, and witness how such a huge production came together. From working on presenters' scripts to thanking performers for being there, the whole experience was fantastic. Of course there was drama to be had backstage...but it was amongst the staff, not the talent. Yes sir, some members of the staff put on a better performance than some of the folks onstage. Good times indeed.

The best analogy I can provide for my role at the show is that of a Restaurant Manager. At restaurants, you have folks working furiously in the kitchen, a wait staff running around serving people, hosts at the door seating folks, guys cleaning dishes in the back...and the manager. The manager usually walks around greeting guests, shaking hands, making sure all is well. When someone is unhappy or a cook needs some extra help, the manager steps in. All in all, the manager makes the restuarant flow and the guests want to come back again for another good meal...even if takes a free meal to do so!

I was like a restuarant manager and it was a very fun role. The performers and presenters were thrilled to be there, all were happy, and it was one of the most successful AMAs in the show's history. Rock on.

Next, I work the Family Television Awards on Wednesday, the Producer Guild Awards and Golden Globes in January, and perhaps the Oscars again in February. In the meantime, I will tell Aladdin's story and hang out with a trash can at Disneyland.

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving,

Palmer