Oscar Week Reflections: Razzie Wins, Red Carpets, and Real-World Set Etiquette
It’s awards season again, and as the Academy Awards roll around, it’s hard not to reflect a little.
This year, unfortunately, nothing I worked on picked up any nominations. That said, I did day-play for two days on a film that went on to win five Razzie Awards—including Worst Picture. I suppose a win is a win… right?
Jokes aside, as a professional production sound mixer, I approach every project the same way: with focus, pride, and the intent to deliver my best work—regardless of the final product. The truth is, the best technical skills in the world can’t save a weak script or a misfiring performance. And I can take some comfort in knowing that just a couple of years ago, I was nominated for an Emmy for sound. So no matter how rough that Razzie-winning film may have been, at least no one could fault the audio.
Still, Oscar night always stirs up a few thoughts.
Working Around the Red Carpet
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many A-list celebrities—some of whom I now see walking the red carpet on TV. It always feels a bit surreal.
At social gatherings, when people find out what I do, the first question is almost always: “Who have you met?” Closely followed by: “What are they like?”
I tend to answer those questions diplomatically—and honestly. The reality is, celebrities are just people. Some are warm and friendly, some are reserved, some are having a great day, others… not so much. Fame doesn’t exempt anyone from the randomness of life.
That said, I do enjoy sharing the good stories—the ones that make people smile. If you ever run into me at a party, ask me about my experience with Anthony Hopkins. It was a genuinely special moment. Maybe one day I’ll write a post dedicated to those kinds of experiences.
As for the less pleasant encounters? Those usually stay private. The film industry is a small world, and professionalism includes knowing when to keep things to yourself.
The First Time Meeting “The Greats”
I still remember the nerves of meeting my first major names in the industry. I was working on a documentary about Industrial Light & Magic, which meant interviewing some of the biggest figures in filmmaking—James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas—as well as actors like Samuel L. Jackson and the late Robin Williams.
At that point in my career, it was one of my first real experiences working with major celebrities, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. There’s always that lingering thought in the back of your mind: “Never meet your heroes.” You wonder if the reality will live up to the admiration you’ve built over the years.
But that experience quickly grounded me. It taught me that there’s no mystery or special trick to working with well-known talent—just the fundamentals: respect, awareness, and professionalism.
Set Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
Working with high-profile talent comes with an understanding of boundaries. Most have tightly managed schedules, so efficiency is key. Be friendly, but not overly familiar.
Often, a personal assistant or handler will take the lead in introductions. That person is invaluable—they know preferences, boundaries, and logistics. If the talent prefers to mic themselves, they’ll tell you. If they want to be wired in a specific location, they’ll guide you.
A few rules I always stick to:
•Don’t initiate casual conversation—let them lead.
•Never ask for photos or selfies.
•If they offer a photo, be quick, be grateful, and move on.
•Never post anything publicly without permission.
These guidelines apply whether it’s a feature film, TV show, or a one-day documentary shoot.
Familiarity vs. Professionalism
On longer shoots, it’s easy to fall into a rhythm. When you’re wiring the same actor day after day, there can be a sense of familiarity that develops.
But it’s important not to mistake that for friendship.
Reading the room becomes critical. If an actor engages, of course it’s polite to respond—but that’s not an invitation to overshare. They may have spent hours preparing for a role, and the last thing you want to do is disrupt that focus.
A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t say it to a CEO in a corporate setting, don’t say it to a lead actor at the sound cart. And definitely don’t pitch your screenplay.
It’s All Just People
At the end of the day, whether I’m recording audio for a documentary about a chicken farmer or wiring up a scene with a global movie star, my approach doesn’t change.
Respect the person. Do the job well. Stay professional.
The nerves fade over time. The work becomes second nature. And while friends and family might be excited that I’m “working with the stars,” for me, it’s just another day focused on capturing great sound.
They can live vicariously through the stories.
I’ll just keep doing the work.
Martin Kittappa is an Emmy nominated production sound mixer and certified drone pilot with 20+ years experience working on film and TV productions around the world. A self proclaimed tech nerd. Lover of heavy metal music an avid runner, cyclist and a moderately good skier You can also check out out his YouTube Channel ‘The Full Later life’
