How to Walk Down a Red Carpet

Have you been invited to a red carpet event and wondered how to handle it? I understand it can feel overwhelming with a combination of excitement and nervousness.

After managing red carpets in Australia and working on prestigious red carpets in Los Angeles, I have seen and experienced my fair share. The Red Ball gala in Melbourne in 2015 is a fond memory. I've also walked actors and talent down prestigious red carpets like Universal Pictures' The Black Phone Los Angeles Premiere.

It's better to have a PR representative with you. But if you can't, these are the top 5 things you should do.

1. Arrive on time if you are a RISING star

You want to avoid competing with the A-list and B-list stars for media attention. Arrive on time or within the first 15 minutes — the carpets aren't as busy and it's much easier to snag an interview.

2. Name on a card for photo editors

In North America, photographers and photo editors need your name to ensure they caption your photo correctly. The editors are often in a back room sorting thousands of images per event.

3. Bring your passes, wristbands, and tickets

Often security needs them, and there is a process for everyone's safety. I've seen major names have to wait until their car came back around to grab the pass they left in the backseat.

4. Photo pit first

The top of the carpet always has the photographers. Take one side step, pose, another side step, pose, until you reach the interview section.

5. Press interviews

This is the section you ideally want a PR to walk you down. Each press person has their agenda. The top of the carpet is the top-tier outlets, organized by reach. If you are a rising star, you might have the most success from mid to end of the carpet.