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riffmax · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 3102 Location: Florida, USA

I've never applied for a press pass before. There is a local event that may be coming up that I would love to shoot, but not if I have to pay the ticket price. Does the press pass get you "through the gate", or is it merely a way to get credentials to press only areas?

moderator · Moderator Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 444

Hello riffmax:

The Red Carpet program was created to assist serious photographers who want to cover an event in their area and need help acquiring the media credential.

To cover a concert, please completely fill out the form located here http://submit.shutterstock.com/redcarpet.pdf scan and email it to us right away at: presspass@shutterstock.com

Always remember to try and get your requests in to us as soon as possible. Event access may take some time to coordinate so, the sooner you file your requests, the more likely it will be for us to help you secure the access you want.

Regards,

Anthony Correia
Manager, Content Acquisition
Shutterstock

riffmax · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 3102 Location: Florida, USA

Thanks for the reply - as soon as the dates of the event are set, I will submit the request.

Still, this doesn't answer my question - as I am NOT experienced as a press photographer, I have no idea how that affects me at the gate. Does that allow me to get into the event without having to pay the ticket price?

moderator · Moderator Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 444

Hello riffmax:

You would be able to get 'through the gate' once we arrange for clearance via a PR rep, a publicist, etc...

Once clearance is arranged, you would be provided with a contact at the venue to get you 'in,' so no 'ticket purchase' is required as you would be there as a media photographer. Now, the general rule for concert coverage is to allow media photographers access to take images during the first three songs, then you are escorted out. Some venues may allow you to stay as long as you put your gear down, but that is all at the discretion of the venue contact that you meet.

I hope this answers your question.

Sincerely,

Anthony Correia
Manager, Content Acquisition
Shutterstock

riffmax · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 3102 Location: Florida, USA

Thanks, Anthony - yes it does answer my question. Thanks!

vclements · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:00 am

I've got a few more SS Red Carpet events lined up and I can't wait!!

I'm really surprised to see so few posts on SS Red Carpet events. It seems very few have tried this?
I have found it to be great!!

Maybe the name "Red Carpet" is misleading?
I have found out that the Red Carpet covers just about any event - not just "red carpet" Hollywood celeb type things.

I recently shot the Olympic Whitewater Trials, and I have a Rodeo coming up as well as a couple of Nascar events - Rodeo and Nascar is hardly Hollywood!!

All I have done is found an event that suits stock sales.
Studied the event to come up with some target images.
Then found a media contact for the event (this may take a few phone calls).
Asked the media contact the basic questions, "What is required for media access?", "Are there any forms or waivers that I need to sign - if so where can I get them".
Then I have asked them if I can have "my agency" contact them directly.
Don't get into specifics with them of any sort - leave of all of that to SS.

Fill out this form:
http://submit.shutterstock.com/redcarpet.pdf and send to presspass@shutterstock.com
Leave the rest to SS.

Don't panic if SS does not get back to you right away. It takes time to contact the event media coordinators, make arrangements etc etc.

Anthony and all at SS are great to work with.
I *think* Red Carpet submissions are given priority as some images can be time sensitive.

vclements · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:11 am

Shameless pimping of Red Carpet images:

She sells well - she's quite pretty - even more so in person :-)

riffmax · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 3102 Location: Florida, USA

I'm kind of on hold right now - there was a jazz concert locally that was postponed and still hasn't been re-scheduled yet - supposed to include artists like Acoustic Alchemy, David Sanborn, Buddy Guy, Joe Sample - - - I'd LOVE to get to that one!

moderator · Moderator Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 444

Hi Riffmax,

This is a friendly reminder to send in your PDF application (http://submit.shutterstock.com/redcarpet.pdf) and send it via email to presspass@shutterstock.com when an event you are interested in covering is scheduled for your area.

We will work to get you the access that you are looking for - worldwide!

Sincerely,

Anthony Correia
Manager, Content Acquisition
Shutterstock

ionstein · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

I am still working on getting my initial 10 photos together for submission. Am I still eligible to use the red carpet service as it may help me get my initial 10 together faster?

carrydream · Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

OMG!
This is what exactly I'm looking for~~

rnrphoto98 · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 35

So when you get into one of these events, do you need to get a model release from everyone, or is it included in the entry pass? Just wondering how it works to be able to sell them???

Thanks

Rob

vclements · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:03 am

rnrphoto98 · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 35

Gotchya, that's what I was thinking, but was not totally sure.

Thanks