Home / Arts and Entertainment / Seat Fillers: The Unseen Stars of Live TV Events
Seat Fillers: The Unseen Stars of Live TV Events
9 Feb
Summary
- Seat filling is a difficult gig with low acceptance rates from thousands of applicants.
- Fillers are unpaid and must cover their own expenses for events like the Grammys.
- Various live shows and award ceremonies, including SNL50, utilize seat fillers.
Seat fillers are a common sight at major live events, though their role is often misunderstood. Influencers have recently shed light on the demanding nature of this position, highlighting the rigorous selection process. For example, one influencer shared that only about 300 individuals were chosen from a pool of 35,000 applicants for a recent event, underscoring the difficulty of securing such a role.
Despite the allure of being close to the action and celebrities, seat filling is an unpaid position. Those who secure a spot must bear all their own costs, including travel and attire, and strictly follow event guidelines regarding dress code and timing. This can involve arriving hours before an event and adhering to specific eating schedules.
The need for seat fillers extends beyond typical awards ceremonies like the Oscars and Grammys. Shows such as Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and even the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony utilize seat fillers to ensure a full audience. This practice was notably employed during SNL50, where celebrity attendees sometimes had unexpected neighbors.
