As many of you know, when I was in Los Angeles earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend my very first red carpet premiere in Hollywood. Up to this point, I had occasionally been invited to smaller venues and film festivals. In fact, I had even attended some of those events. But attending the High Strung Free Dance premiere in Hollywood, California will always mark my very first such red carpet event. To be hailed as a member of the press and to be invited personally to this event are honors I shall always treasure.
Now, how on earth did this particular experience come about? I’m so glad you asked! In order to explain the significance of this event, permit me to take you back about three years ago to the very first interview that appeared on this site…
When I first began interviewing actors and other industry professionals, I was actually partnering with another online publication, Starry Mag (that’s why my earliest interviews are posted on their site). However, as I discovered my voice and continued to interview a wide variety of people in the business, I knew that I longed for more creative control over my content. While I will always be incredibly grateful to Starry Mag for teaching me the nuts and bolts of the business as well as the art of conducting and writing interviews, featuring the subsequent interviews on my website was the right decision for me.
Shortly after making this decision, I happened to be “playing on Twitter.” There are many times that this kind of activity introduces me to a new actor, movie, director, etc. Well, it just so happened that my feed was filled with tweets about a movie called High Strung. I remembered hearing something about this movie on Home & Family on the Hallmark Channel, but it wasn’t until I began to investigate the tweets that I was reminded of the brains and beauty behind this production.
I was never a soap opera addict, and that means I never watched Young & the Restless or any other soaps as I was growing up. Michael Damian was a fan favorite, and many of my Twitter friends had watched him on that show from the beginning. However, my exposure to Michael had been through Hallmark. A Princess For Christmas along with a couple of other movies had become favorites over the years. But now Michael and his wife, Janeen, had produced an amazing music and dance film that had been in theaters and was now available for streaming. I had not seen this movie as of yet, but I somehow knew this would be a movie I would thoroughly enjoy.
Before I did this, however, I was reminded that Michael had followed me some time ago (I don’t even know why!), and because he was still following me, maybe he would be amenable to doing an interview. I wasn’t certain, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I figured he had no idea who I was at this point, and I was only familiar with his Hallmark works, but I went ahead and reached out with an interview request. This was on a late Saturday morning, if I remember correctly.
Well, before the afternoon scarcely arrived, I had my response. Michael was very willing to do an interview, and we set it up for the next morning (Sunday!). I was surprised that he was willing to do one so quickly, but I jumped in and got ready for the next morning’s interview. In fact, in preparation for the interview, I decided to watch his movie High Strung, and needless to say, I was mesmerized!
I remember the next morning quite well because Michael was running late (I think that MAY be something that typically happens with him and with artists in general), but before long, we had our interview. I remember that we connected rather quickly, and the only reason he had to cut the interview short was because Janeen had breakfast ready and they were waiting on him. It was a fun, newsy interview in which he was so gracious and accommodating. And I could hardly wait to post the interview.
Within a few days, I had the interview ready to post, and once I posted it, that was the true beginning of a beautiful friendship that has continued to this day. Michael noticed my overwhelming support. He had several Twitter parties to promote High Strung, and as much as possible, I helped to promote this movie. In fact, I even won an autographed photo because I knew the words to the music of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. (If you have NEVER listened to the soundtrack featuring him as Joseph…let me encourage you to drop everything and listen as soon as possible!!)
As time went on, I became well-acquainted with Michael and his delightful charm and personable nature (not to mention his incredible talent which never ceases to amaze me). Whenever I had a question or a comment, he always got back to me fairly quickly. And when there were issues within the fandom (there were a few crazy things that happened from time to time), he was always appreciative of my support and willingness to be an encourager and supporter no matter what.
In short, Michael became a true champion of mine over the years. He was complimentary of everything I did, whether in music or writing, and he was able to watch how I had grown in the few short years we had known each other. I was beyond thrilled when they began filming the sequel to High Strung, and I could hardly wait to do a follow-up interview with him and support that film with every ounce of my being when it finally opened.
Since High Strung Free Dance is an independent film, it often takes a little bit longer to come to screen than the big studio movies, and that is entirely true with this film. I remember wondering if it would ever make its way to the movie theaters, but no matter what, I continued to support Michael in any way I could. Whether it was a simple task like retweeting his tweets about the High Strung franchise or whether it was just responding to him with admiration, encouragement, and joy. No matter what was needed, I was willing to offer my assistance.
Because of that interview I did about three years ago, I became Michael’s unofficial liaison to the Hallmark community. His films were still very popular with that crowd, and in truth, A Princess For Christmas is still one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies. It’s one of those movies that if it pops up on my screen, I just can’t help but sit down and watch it again!
Earlier this year, I begin to pick up on the cues that told me that High Strung Free Dance was about to be released. Maybe 2019 was really going to be the year of its release, and maybe I would have the opportunity to see it and do another interview with Michael. Interestingly enough, I remember tweeting with Michael and somehow mentioning how I hoped that one day we would meet in person. And he sent back a tweet that is burned forever in my mind and definitely paved the way for this amazing experience I just had.
Love you Ruth!! Will have to meet at our #HighStrungFreeDance premiere! Kisses to you!!!
— Michael Damian (@michaeldamian1) April 26, 2019
Now, I tell you what. That was a tweet that I tucked away and thought, “I’m not going to let him forget this one!” Not to be disparaging in any way, but people in the entertainment industry (and in general) are notorious for forgetting what they have said and/or promised, and I have learned that if you want something to happen, you need to be responsible for following up, maybe more than once. Rarely do they forget because they are trying to blow you off or offend you. It’s just that they tend to be so busy that they forget who they promised when and what. I have no problem with being the one to remind them, but I am committed to always doing that in the correct fashion.
When I got back from my summer vacation this year, I noticed that a release date was popping up for High Strung Free Dance, and I took the risk to ask Michael if I really was going to be invited to the premiere. He wrote back and assured me that I would. In fact, there were two premieres–one in New York and one in LA. He wanted to know which one I wished to attend. Well, as exciting as the New York premiere sounded, I knew that the Hollywood premiere would be much more accessible for me. Therefore, we locked in the date, and I made plans to come to LA in October. (Incidentally, I was grateful it worked out for me to go to Vancouver the week before this trip, and I will cover the excitement surrounding that in another post.)
Leading up to this premiere, I learned a few things along the way. I couldn’t begin to conceive of what this night would mean to me, but Michael kindly got me in contact with the person in charge of the press, and I was definitely ready to make this trip a reality. I found a place to stay near the theater. (Interestingly enough, it was the exact same theater I had visited this past summer when I was in LA, so I was quite familiar with the area.) I had my dress, my shoes, and I was ready for this to happen. Oh, and in case you were wondering, he was able to fit in an interview before I headed out to LA.
When I arrived at the theater, I quickly found the person in charge of the event. She was amazing and welcomed me with open arms. I wasn’t certain how everything was going to transpire that night, but I took her suggestion to be more of an observer than an active participant. After all, this was my very first red carpet event, and watching the pageantry was enough to keep me entertained.
The first person I recognized was actually Michael’s mother. He had posted about her over the years, and I decided to go introduce myself to her, and that made me feel a little bit more connected. I met a couple of other people as I was awaiting the festivities. In fact, although I did not meet her, I was mere feet from Jane Seymour at one point (Oh my goodness, she is even more beautiful in person!), but being the professional I am, I knew that was probably about as close as I would ever get to her that evening. There is something to be said for tact and professionalism and knowing when to say something and when not to.
I actually did see Michael and Janeen Damian arrive. Again, I knew they were swamped with the press and the friends and co-workers that they already knew. I decided it was time to head in for the premiere and get a good seat, for I knew there would be time after the film’s premiere.
Well, in Hollywood, nothing begins on time. The High Strung Free Dance premiere was no exception. However, as I awaited the premiere of this film, I found myself chatting affably with several people in the vicinity. Everyone from Jimmy Star–he has an amazing radio show, and it was Michael who had initially connected the two of us–to a couple of others who had unique ties to the High Strung franchise. I even met one of the dancers from the first movie. When I am able to have meaningful chats with others in my arena, I am always in my element and thoroughly at ease.
I had no idea how good my seats were until Michael and Janeen and the entire cast and crew arrived. I was only one row behind those special people, and I could hardly wait to witness what I expected to be an extraordinary movie. Michael and Janeen gave a speech (that was incredibly entertaining) before the movie started, and I tell you that watching this movie with that crowd is an experience I shall never forget. When people’s names popped up on the screen, various cheers went throughout that audience. And I loved the fact that we got to applaud at the end of so many of the dance numbers. Those kinds of things just don’t happen with the typical movie-going crowd. I felt as though I were at a live event experiencing this piece of cinematic perfection with a spirited, energetic, supportive crowd, and it definitely enhanced the overall experience for me.
At the conclusion of the movie, I decided it was high time to meet this friend of mine whom I had only known online and over the phone, and in spite of any lines nor how long I had to wait, I was determined to meet Michael Damian once and for all. I mean, he was the reason I was here. And what better place to meet him?
As I awaited my opportunity, I continued to observe the area all around me and the way in which he and his wife greeted so many of their good friends and supporters. I was kind of the “new kid” who was still figuring everything out, but I never once felt out of place.
I remember standing in line, and the moment Michael saw me, he greeted me with a smile and his signature enthusiasm. He drew me in for a warm embrace and kissed my cheek. (You know, I don’t ever get tired of that kind of treatment…a bit of the “old world” chivalry that is a rare sight in today’s society.) He was just as pleased to meet me as I was to meet him. Of course, I raved about his film and told him it was phenomenal and that I was glad we finally had the opportunity to meet. Since I knew that his time was valuable, I moved on rather quickly, but it was just lovely to be welcomed so affectionately and to be treated as a friend and a colleague.
Then I went over to his wife, Janeen, and I introduced myself. She was sure we’d met at some point, but I told her that it was just the fact that we’d been Facebook friends for so long. I find it amazing that when social media is used in the correct way, it can lead to authentic friendships and connections that wouldn’t have been possible in years past.
Now, my evening wasn’t done. I had been invited to the after-party at a nearby club. Yet another new experience for me, but off I went to this exclusive party. I had no idea what to expect. I walked over there with a few other journalists, and before long, I had arrived. Indeed, this place was fantastic, and it was filled with such a wide variety of people involved with the movie, fellow journalists, and so much more. Again, I really knew no one, so I decided I would be fine to remain as more of an observer than anything else. I enjoyed all the food…I’m not going to deny they served some of the best food on earth! I never turned any of it down. I watched the buzz of activity, and although I wasn’t an active participant in many discussions, I was never bored. I think I’m a people-watcher by nature (an inherited trait from my grandfather), and I find that I learn so much more sometimes from just watching, especially when it is a new environment. And after all, this was my very first red carpet and after-party event.
Before long, midnight was fast approaching. I had hoped to have a photo with Michael to commemorate the evening, but I began to wonder if that was a reasonable expectation in light of the busyness of the night and the lateness of the hour. I sat down and began to contemplate my options. And that’s when another interesting thing happened.
A man came up to me and introduced himself as the producer, and he thanked me for all the support I had shown over the years. I was quite flattered that others connected with the movie franchise even knew who I was. He knew me as a super-fan of Michael Damian, and he proceeded to introduce me to the cinematographer who was also there. (Incidentally, the cinematographer for High Strung Free Dance is a favorite Hallmark Channel cinematographer as well for such celebrated films as A Princess For Christmas, Royal Matchmaker, and even the upcoming Christmas In Rome.) I always feel that if those behind-the-scenes recognize you and your work, then you’ve really “arrived.” We didn’t have a long conversation, but it was nice to realize that my support over the years had made an impression with more than just Michael and Janeen Damian.
Shortly thereafter, I decided it was time to consider leaving. Not everything can be captured in photos, after all, and at least I had met Michael Damian, a memory that could not be erased from my mind.
As I began to make my way out, however, I guess God had other ideas for the end of the night. Because who do you think walked in? I mean, just like a scene from a movie, Michael Damian had arrived! I decided it wasn’t quite time for me to leave as of yet. Maybe I’d get that picture after all. So I stood off to the side, not attempting to draw undue attention to myself.
Well, Michael saw me, and again he reached out and embraced me and high-fived me. He stopped and chatted with me briefly, again treating me like a colleague. And he really hoped that the movie would do well that weekend (which I sincerely hope it did). And as we chatted, he jumped right into some of the ideas we discussed about promoting the movie when we did our interview. And then he saw his producer nearby and introduced him to me and began to rave about me. He wanted to make sure his producer knew who I was and how supportive I had been. (I didn’t mind hearing all of that, and being introduced as a journalist is something that always makes me smile.) And his producer assured me that he and I had met. Moreover, his producer responded, “Oh, we met. And I was very complimentary of her and very nice.” Then he turned to me and said, “You’ll back me up, right?” About that time, the photographers had to drag Michael away. I think he would have stood there and chatted with me for some time, but duty called. And I was fine with letting him take care of business.
Of course, I’d waited this long, so it was no big deal to have to wait longer for a photo. In fact, I was determined to stay, no matter how long it took. So I waited through the time of photos the cast and crew took. I actually found it quite entertaining and intriguing to see how these photos were accomplished. Whenever I see posts from the after-party with these photos, I can smile and say, “I was there!”
After the photos were done, I waited for a time when Michael was not too busy (which is almost never). I was standing in his vicinity, and he was busy chatting with so many people. But I was a bit unprepared for what happened next.
He was chatting with a young man (whom I didn’t recognize right off), and suddenly Michael turned to me and said, “Wasn’t he just amazing in the movie tonight?”
Okay, true confession. I had NO idea who the guy was. I didn’t even know he was in the movie. But I went into “journalistic mode” and said, “Well, yes, of course, he was amazing.”
This young man was very appreciative of what we both had said, and Michael proceeded to introduce me to this cast member. The instant I heard the dance number he did, immediately I recognized him! Manuel Pacific! (He was the featured singer and dancer in the tap number!) So, yes, he was definitely amazing!
Then Michael proceeded to rave about the spin he did in the movie and how incredible it was. And then, Michael asked him to do it right there. I was thinking, “Really? In this crowded place, this dancer is going to spin?”
Well, what was Manuel going to do? I mean, your director asks you to dance on command…and indeed he did–three spins, if I recall. And he didn’t bump into anyone! I think we all applauded or cheered or something like that. It all kind of runs together.
Now was my chance to jump in before Michael got involved with another conversation. I simply asked if we could get a photo before I left. And, of course, Michael was quite willing. And to make things even better, Manuel is a photographer too, and he agreed to take the photo of us. I simply adored the photos we got that evening. And when I left shortly thereafter, it was with a smile on my face and a glint in my eye. I had gone to my first premiere and after-party, and not every journalist could say that.
One of the most fascinating things for me that evening was that people I only chatted with briefly made a point to tell me how nice it was to meet me and how glad they were I was there. While I was the new kid in town, I believe that the next time I go to one of these events–even if I know no one–I will have a better idea of what to do and what is expected. Before I had left that evening, my prayer was that my light would shine that evening and draw attention to the God I serve, and I believe God answered that prayer in spite of the fact that my interactions were minimal. And it was an experience I shall always treasure within my heart.
Michael definitely is exactly as you might expect and more. He is humble, kind, compassionate, and knows how to make each person he comes in contact with feel very special. He is encouraging and compassionate, and I believe that he makes an ideal director for that reason alone. He knows the nuts and bolts of filmmaking, and he is never above asking for help if needed. He is an effective leader because he has a servant’s heart. He doesn’t lead by barking orders and terrifying those under his command. He leads with grace, sensitivity, joy, and love. I believe that those in the cast and crew feel compelled to please him and give the absolute best of themselves because of who he is and the way in which he treats every individual. He recognizes the importance of every contribution, and I am honored to have finally made his acquaintance in person after all this time.
I shall forever think back with fondness on this first red carpet event, and I will invariably see Michael as a zealous benefactor of mine. He has the distinct honor of being the first interview featured on my site here, and I am so honored to call him friend. While I hope that one day I get to spend just a little more time with him than I did that night, even if that is our only meeting ever, I am content to know that he is as honorable and as sweet as I would have hoped. Those who may attempt to malign this man and speak disparaging words against him…I seriously don’t understand. Even as I complete this post, I just got a message from him thanking me for the incredible review I wrote of High Strung Free Dance. Again, I am immeasurably honored to know that he continues to be the man we all believe him to be, and I look forward to continuing to savor and support his works for many years to come.
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