From time to time -we will see exactly from time to time- we find that this or that character of cinema or music, among others, has “received” a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Carrie Fisher, who was Princess Leia in the saga of Star Warsthis week was the last.
Many believe it is a matter of honor – and it is – and of gratitude towards the emblematic figures. But what is not, is that the city of Los Angeles allows them to place, neither for free, nor to anyone.
So, maybe they’ll drop an idol, but let’s count how much it costs to get a star The walk of fame. The prices, the requirements, who decides whether to deserve it or not, the steps to get one, how many a year are granted… And the management of the film and record companies behind the stars on the Hollywood paths.
Because, coincidentally, an artist usually has his right Star, but just in the week in which a film or album is about to be released, now in digital format. So the Star is an investment to promote someone, but also something.
But it is also true that nothing lasts forever, and in Hollywood stars are removed, let’s say old ones so as not to fall into the word old, or whose names mean nothing to many young tourists. They don’t remember anyone.
Once a year
Every year, in June, the Walk of Fame Selection Committee, which depends on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, meets. In a month, therefore, the members will meet, examine and vote on the lucky ones. Per year, those selected are between 20 and 25, which is the number of stars that will be inaugurated. How many questions do you get per year? Almost one a day: about 300.
But there are several requirements to access a star.
First of all, those who request it must have distinguished themselves, or at least have been part of one of the six categories below: Cinema, Television, Radio, Disco, Theater or Entertainment, Sport and Entertainment.
It doesn’t end there, but applicants have to submit some documents, such as a photo (wasn’t that supposed to stand out to have its own star?), a short biography of no more than 2 pages, something called Nominee Qualifications, which we understand It will not be high school grades, a list of contributions to community and civic participation, and an assent letter from the candidate, or whoever nominates him/her.
On the Walk of Fame selection committee, each category is represented by someone with experience in that field. All are coordinated by a President of the Jury.
As we said, you can be nominated by a third party, who can also be a fan, but yes: the celebrity must agree. If the actor, musician or director does not send a letter with his consent, the Commission will not accept the application.
What are the selection criteria? They are varied and different, but in summary they pass through professional goals, you need to be over 5 years old (?), their contribution to the community and the certainty that the chosen one will participate in the star revealing ceremony.
The deceased artists, as in the case of Carrie Fisher, they may even have one. What do you have to wait for five years after his death to be nominated. Obvious: they don’t need to be present when the Star is unveiled in their honor.
And just May 4th was Carrie’s ceremony, a date that is considered Star Wars Day.
But one last piece of information is missing. To finalize the process, once the Yes is obtained, the person or the record or film company that nominated the celebrity must pay…. $50,000. The cost includes the preparation, construction and maintenance of the tile. A date is set for the ceremony and if the person does not choose a day within the next two years of selection, she feels like she is in the game of goose, loses her seat and has to be nominated again.
So you know. You must not only have merits but also money to have your star.
Source: Clarin
