USDtv goes behind the scenes at Oscars

By Kayley Stumpe

Being able to step onto the red carpet of the Academy Awards for most people is merely a fantasy, but for five USD students it became a reality. On Sunday, Feb. 24, members of the student-run television station USDtv were able to experience firsthand what it’s like on the Oscars red carpet.

USDtv station manager Yasamin Shoriz, co-hosts of USDtv’s entertainment news show “Rumor Has It” Andrew James and Lindsay Butcher, fashion correspondent for “Rumor Has It” Kayley Stumpe and USDtv reporter Caroline Howe made up the USDtv Oscars crew.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles the day before the ceremony, the students picked up their credentials and headed straight for the red carpet. Finishing touches were proceeding, and rehearsals were in full effect for the hosts of the Oscars red carpet pre-shows.

Kristin Chenoweth was the first celebrity spotted. She was rehearsing for her hosting gig on ABC when she noticed one of the USD students wearing his Greek letters. With enthusiasm, she began discussing Greek life with them, and her previous involvement as a Gamma Phi Beta.

As the students continued to scope out their shooting location, up walked the one and only Ryan Seacrest. During his rehearsals for E!’s red carpet interviews, he gave the students a friendly hello. Also on the red carpet was Kelly Rowland from Destiny’s Child, Rico Rodriguez from Modern Family, Tabatha Coffey host of Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Good Morning America anchor Lara Spencer and Terrence Jenkins co-host of E! News.

After film locations on the red carpet were set for USDtv’s “Rumor Has It: Oscar Special,” the students headed to their next location – the home of Hollywood Music Editor, Joe E. Rand. The night before the Oscars, Mr. Rand was gracious enough to welcome the students into his home for an interview. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, and has worked on films including “Jumanji,” the “Matrix” trilogy, and “Titanic.”

Thirty years ago, he got his start in Los Angeles after working a few odd jobs.

“I played piano for recording sessions, I conducted, I orchestrated,” Rand said.

The opportunity to become an assistant to a music editor opened up and he started working on a television show. After the success of “Titanic,” he was invited to become a member of the Academy.

“Most of the music branch is comprised of composers and songwriters, some rock stars and famous composers,” he said. “There are a few people in my job category who also do it. There are maybe two dozen.”
After a jam-packed night of prepping and rehearsing, the USDtv crew was ready for their Oscars debut. Dressed in their best, they headed back to the Dolby Theater for the main event.
When all was said and done, the long day wrapped up while filming stand-ups, commentary, b-roll and interviews.

USDtv’s “Rumor Has It: Oscars Special” is on www.vimeo.com/USDtv.