So the entire Richard Armitage fandom was unaware he would be attending the BAFTA Tea Party, but a few Hobbit fans knew? Did some mole let them in on the secret ( they have their Hobbit books) or were they waiting for Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch)?
And what’s the story with the guy in the background wearing the bright blue suit and shades standing guard? He’s rumored to be Richard Armitage’s agent, but he seemed to be glued to RA, as he appears in other pics. Just what sort of “agent” is he? Did he borrow Mr. Armitage’s Tokyo premiere electric blue suit for the event? So maybe our guy made the right choice to wear the biker jeans if the choice was between them and the electric blue suit.
So many questions, so few answers.
thanks to RAnetdotcom and SEbabybaby for this.
Thanks! Did the autograph hunters know he'd be there? (Hobbit pics) RT @sebabybaby RA doing some autographs! bit.ly/1830OYv
—
RichardArmitageNet (@RAnetdotcom) September 25, 2013
Ooooo conspiracy theory. I like those! I think the guy in the blue suit was also spotted at Roswell… 😉
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If it weren’t for the color of the suit, he would really look like Secret Service – a G-man. Hmmm- what can Agzy make of “G-man”?
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Roswell? Huh…was he smoking a Morley, I wonder? Frank Spotnitz might have some more ‘splaining to do…
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Obviously, this guy in the blue Richard’s bodyguard.
Perhaps some fan-girls are too active? 🙂
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Welcome Chocolate-Ise-Cream( you need a nickname) He sure looks like a bodyguard, but maybe that’s in the talent agent’s job description.
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If he’s just accompanying Richard on the red carpet, they’re called red carpet “minders” or handlers. They help the actor navigate through the event – let’s say from one end of the red carpet to the next without any interruption, and keep an eye out for out of control people. It all depends. At least they have to know where the bathrooms are 😉
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I’m biting my proverbial tongue to refrain from some remark about handling Richard Armitage on the carpet.
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LOL he’s had those handlers since the beginning of AUJ premiere. The studio usually hires them to protect their investment and it’s part of the underwriting.
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Don’t bite your tongue! Better eate something delicious 🙂
And what about handling Richard Armitage on the carpet?
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Now you made my mind go “there”, Perry. *THUD*
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Well, you’ll “handle” it well.
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*trembling like a bowl full of jello*
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In regards to The Man in Blue, if the individual was Richard’s own security, I would think they would be closer to his person.
The agents I know of aren’t prone to trailing along with their clients, so that is doubtful. They might, however, attend such an event maybe if there were several other clients there as well and where the agent had a personal invitation themselves and felt the need was urgent enough for them to be present. Agents like their desks, at home or otherwise, where their ears and eyes are permanently attached to their various telephone and communication devices.
My guess it that is a Handler, which are essentially guides to be of assistance as well as to get things “moving along smoothly” on the red carpet, just as you said.
This title is as interesting sounding as the one of “Wrangler”. (Switch gears – this is an actual film or TV job title ) I have always loved that title, which using proceeds that which is being “wrangled”. I get visions of ropes and cowboys every time. (How’s that image, Perry?!)
Here’s an example: On a film called Sid & Nancy, someone had the unique title of “Kitten Wrangler”. I kid you not.
Anyway, back on topic – It really looks to me that someone was in the know and has tipped off some fans. If I recall the logistics of that hotel correctly, for fans to await his arrival there would have been two locations, and thus would have had to hang out in teams – one in front of the SLS main lobby entrance and some at the valet park/livery drop.
The SLS is a hotel that I would imagine would not be kind to perceived “loiterers”. If he was staying there (which I doubt) I suppose a concierge might be tipped to allow hanging out nearer to the event. Again, I doubt that – no one wants to lose a coveted job for a few dollars.
Either way, that was quite a score for dedicated fans, so kudos to them. They look like they were being respectful and appreciative as well. 🙂
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I meant “usually precedes” that which is being wrangled. (I really wish we could preview our own comments, you know?!)
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Like Meecie says, that’s Duncan Millership who’s been RA’s agent in London before moving to L.A. He’s also Hugh Jackman’s agent as well (I think). Here’s an earlier pic of RA with Duncan in 2010:
http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Specials/album/BAFTA2010/album/slides/RA1_JJ.html
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Ah. Yes I just saw the post by Meecie after posted mine and responded. (I’m in a public place and my connection is very slow) 🙂
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No problem at all. I didn’t want to say his name earlier but since Meecie said it first then I’m on the clear 😀
As far as wranglers go, I’m always reminded of Jurassic Park where in the credits they do have a dinosaur wrangler or something like that. And you just want to say, “you had ONE job…!” 😉
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Right! How funny.
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Hard to tell it’s the same guy since the agent’s image is so small–it being in the background. But then, not every ages as well as RA does.
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You’re so right. I watched the EOnline bit with them passing by and he was standing behind the girl being interviewed for some time before he and RA walked past.
And for the life of me I’m the worst when it comes to identifying people. I can barely recognize celebrities in person as it is.
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Not as bad at identifying people as me, morrighan. When i saw the gif i identified the blond in the electric blue jacket as either Sting or Billy Idol.
I could imagine RA hanging out with Sting (after the VoD comic releif sketch) but i didn’t think he and Billy Idol would have much in common!
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At least you saw the man in the blue jacket. My eyes “saw” him but my mind didn’t LOL
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I can’t say I blame you! I watched the gif about 12 times in a row. It was only that RA was clearly following blue jacket that made me take notice.
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Wouldn’t a bodyguard have to stand *much* closer? I’m sure there would be lots of people who would love to do that job! Some would even do it for free! 😉
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He’s bad bodyguard! Richard have to take me for this job… 😛
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Stand in line!! 🙂
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I’m first! 😛
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“Age before beauty” as the old saying goes! 😉
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Also for events such as this, the PR company releases a list of celebrities who are on the guest list for members of the media. Sometimes people on the inside will let the autograph hunters know about it for a fee (tip).
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That guy is Duncan Millership, his US agent. As for “how” the autograph hunters knew he’d be there…. they might not have. These guys are pros (not saying I like what they do, but I know how they do it), and they just go where they’re likely to find celebrities. Some of them will drive around with posters and photographs in their cars, and bring out whatever they’re likely to need at an event.
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That is interesting. I guess the agents I am aware of are either lazy or have too many plates spinning in the air.
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He might be a personal friend, as well as his agent, or he might have had multiple clients there, or he might have been hoping to develop or strengthen professional contacts (networking, you know) or he might have just wanted to go to the party!
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My feeling is that anyone who wears a jacket like that wants to be noticed, so the networking angle rings true. As we have also seen him at other events, he may also be a friend.
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😀 still, that blue jacket didn’t work 😉
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Yep. All of that would good reasons to be there. Agents can be friends too, I’m sure.
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I don’t think it is uncommon. I remember Kate Winslet attending the film Baftas a few years ago with Dallas Smith, who happens to be her agent and RA’s London agent as well. We just don’t notice because the press focuses on the glamorous couples.
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Well the bigger events I might think yes, especially if there were multiple clients there as I mentioned somewhere on here. The Tea Party didn’t seem to me to be that big to might warrant that kind of attention. (Not my personal opinion – I am stated what I think their mindframe’s might be)
I am certainly happy that Richard’s agents are that attentive. Very happy.
But because I live in Los Angeles and have actor friend’s still in the business, I hear the contempt. The more popular an agent is the more difficult it is to give personal attention, I’m sure. Bigger client’s get more support because the percentage of the cut from their paycheck is bigger.
So my actor friends whose paychecks are significantly lower simply never get that kind of personal attention. They will never bite the hand that feeds, however, because most projects/jobs are still fielded to them through the agent. But even a job that they get on their own that pays a percentage goes to there agent. My friends see their cut get whittled away so often that it’s difficult to have appreciation for the people who essentially look like they are just waiting for their cuts to just roll in and do nothing more. (This is in addition to their managers fees, unions dues, etc.) It’s very frustrating for them. Very frustrating to hear about from someone I care about.
And I’m sure Richard went through this period and now is getting appropriate attention. 🙂
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I think this is not so much a case of RA getting special attention but a case of him not being willing or able to bring a date, so he relies on a business associate. Those with official SOs don’t have that problem. He also doesn’t have it if he attends with a bunch of cast mates.
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I never thought about it in terms of the “attending alone” aspect of it. Probably helps with introductions as well. And maybe that is part of the point.
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I always thought that is the whole point. Going completely alone would be awkward and any friend he could take would cause gossip. There are already enough people that have mistaken the agent for his boyfriend and the pretty female publicist for his girlfriend.
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I’ve been to screening after-parties, but not events like these. The schmoozing was similar (and horrible). I never really had any problem going “alone”, but often forced myself to go for political reasons. I knew of others (after the fact) who didn’t go because they hadn’t a “date”. (If I had known, I would have suggested we go together)
But it is difficult to go to any party alone. No one approaches, really. Introducing yourself can seem rude, intrusive or can make you look presumptive.
The psychology of that aside, I could see how this would be arranged for Richard, or any actor. However I initially actually imagined that Richard would go alone by choice and because he has no issue with it. However, he has mentioned his own shyness at these things, so he is probably forcing himself and a convenient companion.
And I really do get that for all the above reasons I have mentioned. So yeah. Being accompanied by a neutral party that would introduce you around – perfect date.
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Well until a fan pops up to say they were there, my guess is professional autograph hunters taking a gamble on who might be attending.
But back to the important business…nice hair shot!
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That is Duncan Millership. He’s been Armitage’s agent since even before Millership went to United Agents. Long, long history there; you can see him in pix from at least one London BAFTA appearance as well.
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Yes, Duncan was also with Richard at the premieres of Captain America in LA and The Hobbit in Wellington.
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As RA never takes anyone from his personal life to an event, he usually attends with Mr. Millership. He did so at the Baftas in London a few years ago and also at the CA premier in LA. At the Baftas he was in the audience with RA and the Spooks cast and their guests. I have no idea if they are friends as well. He used to work for United Agents in London but moved to LA and is with an American agency now, apparently he took RA with him as a client and is now his American agent.
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1) It occurs to me that fanboyz–or professional autograph seekers–can stand around hotels waiting for something to happen and not be accused of loitering, or something “worse”. Yet, if a “pretty woman” hangs around, she is thought sure to be singing a Prince tune in your spa bathtub in a heart beat. Ha! Double standards. *shakes head*
2) But I’m short, ro[t]und, and scrappy. So think of me as your secret weapon for plowing your way to the front of a red carpet rope line. Ha! As if I would ever be “not shy” enough to show up at a public appearance. So not happening. I once joked that I would be the one standing way in the back of the crowd–probably one state away–with a periscope so I could see over the tops of people’s heads. Ha!
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Need a periscope too! Don’t know how “short” you are, but I’m exactly Thorin’s height. I always feel like Shreck’s donkey jumping and screaming “Me! Me! I’m here, me!” and nobody see me the same 😛
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We should’ve applied for hobbit extras. 😀
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Indeed! If only NZ was not at the antipodes for me 😦 I would have been perfect 😉
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We could swim.
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So true! Or at least a Dwarf woman in my case. I could have just stopped plucking out stray chin hairs and the makeup people could do a beard weave. Ha!
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Ha! I’m 5ft 2.5 inches. So, I’m probably eye level with Thorin when he’s wearing his heavy boots. Ha!
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you are a giant… I’m 4’10,5″ poor me, really microscopical micra… 😉
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Ooh! you are definitely in Thorin kissing range. Ha!
But seriously, some of the “biggest” people I know–with huge hearts, tremendous focus, and heartfelt dedication–are “concisely vertical”. So rock on, Sister!
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😀
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It sounds like we both need a trampoline to see above peoples shoulders. Ha!
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ah yes, my big problem at concert 😦
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I can be the tenacious type for many things. But I try to use those energies rather conservatively. Although I would sincerely wish to see Richard closer, (where I would probably spontaneously combust), I am not one to directly seek out autographs, etc., and much too shy for any form of direct communication. I have pretty much always been this way, as far as seeking autographs.
However, I somehow find the courage when it is in behalf of someone else.
There have been occasional random meetings with a few celebrities where I went ahead and asked for autographs in behalf of friends who were/are dear to me, as well as mutual fans: Bruce Springsteen and Patt Scialfa – I was very young and nearly fired for that – and David Lynch and Isabella Rossallini (The latter being very shy and did not want to distract from her husband, who was speaking at the time).
But my favorite was Lois Maxwell (James Band’s Miss Moneypenny). I was working at Farmer’s Market and she passed by the shop. As I was a 17 year old girl I think she was in shock that I should recognize her. (She made most of the Bond films before I was born) She not only gave me her autograph, but came back the next week with her granddaughter to introduce us. I cannot begin to tell you how truly lovely she was and how honored I felt.
And THAT autograph is mine! 🙂
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Lovely memories. Thanks for sharing!
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Just in case you’re wondering, I’ve been reading along with your conversations. Nothing much to add – continue to have fun.
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It isn’t a party without you. 🙂
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Giggles, Perry!
So you were “lurking” on your own post comment fields? Ha!
Cheers! Grati ;->
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Hey, if you can’t comfortably lurk in your own ‘hood, then where? I believe that was a dutiful hostess checking in on her guests. And that’s the thing about being a good party host – everyone might be having an oblivious good time at the party, but we still know that we are in Perry’s “house”. 😉
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