On Camera Audiences

Five and a half hours standing in the sun, maybe an hour in the AGT studio to see five acts. I understand I am the least important person in this process, but this was unbelievably inefficient and inconsiderate. Never again.

I just attended a taping of America’s Got Talent on Sunday night, 5÷1÷16, and I enjoyed my whole experience. The OCA staff was excellent, and I was not a priority ticket holder, just a normal line voucher holder, but I think my wait time was just as long as the priority people. Plus I think my seating in the studio was better! I will do this again! Maybe like to be upgraded to priority just to see if there is a difference?! Thank you OCA! Can’t wait to see you again!

Ok Americas Got Talent. Too much waiting 3.5 hours with priority tickets and not enough acts — 6!

I have a background in acting, and I’ve attended many On Camera Audience events over the past several years in the Los Angeles area. They are the best and most prestigious audience management company out there. OCA coordinates the studio audiences for many live and taped shows, including Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and The Price is Right. I’ve had wonderful experiences at dozens of different TV shows and pre-​taped special events. I’ve gotten to interact with celebrities and make television appearances many times. Thank you to OCA for these experiences.
Here are a couple crucial tips. If you don’t adhere to these rules, you are much more likely to have a negative experience, and that is 100% your own fault. If you do follow these tips, you will definitely have a very positive time at your OCA event.
1. Try to get priority tickets. Priority tickets are guaranteed admission, and all priority ticket holders are admitted before any general ticket holders, as long as you arrive before the deadline printed on your ticket. If you do get general tickets, you need to get there early (several hours early for the most popular events).
2. Read your ticket. Like, read every word. Don’t try to sneak your phone in if phones aren’t allowed. And definitely follow the dress code. If it says wear dark colors, do not wear hot pink to stand out. If it says wear bright colors, don’t wear black just because you think it’s more flattering on you (ladies, you know who I’m talking to). Do dress nicely. They want people on camera who follow directions and look nice.
3. Wear comfy shoes. Your feet are rarely on camera, and you’ll be standing around waiting a lot. So wear clean, nice shoes, but leave the stilettos you can barely walk in at home.
4. Be humble and don’t argue. Trust me, the OCA staff know what they’re doing. They are following the requirements of the show’s producers. You might be waiting around a long time. You might not get a front row seat. You might even be standing the whole time. But it’s worth it. Please remember that you did not pay for that seat, and don’t take anything personally. Never argue with OCA staff about anything, ever. Please remember that you are not entitled to anything — you are there to enhance the show. So just be gracious and enjoy your opportunity to be part of a studio audience. You are essentially working for the show in exchange for your ticket. They owe you nothing. So follow directions. You are there to help the show, not the other way around. Audience members are pretty easily replaceable.
5. Don’t be on time. Be early. Anyone in the music/​entertainment industry knows this rule, and unless you’re an A-​lister there are no exceptions. Call time means early. Allow time to sit in LA traffic, park, walk to the checkin location (possibly without the GPS assistance of your phone), stop at Starbucks, and still be in line well before the check in deadline. And if you are late and don’t get in, take responsibility and don’t go complaining on Unilocal about it.
6. Have fun! If a taping is ever canceled, too long, too short, or not what you expected, first of all it’s not OCA’s fault. Stay positive. Whatever the audience does or doesn’t do that day is exactly what the TV producers needed from you. OCA is just there to facilitate the process. And OCA is great about making it up to you with tickets to another event should you have a legitimately subpar experience.
7. Understand how TV works. Live versus pre-​taped shows will be different experiences. You are not at the theatre. The real audience is at home watching you on television. The studio audience is part of the show. So don’t expect to leave early or use the restroom whenever you want. Do expect to wait around while everyone gets ready to make the show as awesome as possible. Do be patient. Do expect to do retakes, outtakes, and have a hard time hearing or seeing at times. Smile, clap, be respectful, be excited (but not crazy and obnoxious) to see celebrities and hosts, and remember that it’s not all about you. That said, your presence IS important, and every single member of the audience provides crucial enthusiasm and energy in helping create the show!

Never, Never, Never again! Went to the AGT taping. Stood around outside for over 4 hours. Later to find out the group I was a part of was used for the outside act audience (one act). After cheering and clapping off & on for hours. No restroom around & told to stay in one area. Our group of about 80 people were finally let in the auditorium (after 4 hours of standing in the sun) only to watch ONE 90 second act & be told the taping was over! We were with a school & had many kids. What a joke & a disappointment! I’ll be sure to warn EVERYONE about this joke of a company.

Normally we’ve had great experiences with OCA, but today was an exception.
We just got back from what was suppose to be a taping for AMERICA’S GOT TALENT that never was. We waited about 5 hours, paid 12.00 for valet parking for nothing! I guess taping was supposed to start at 4:00, but didn’t actually start until after 5:30. there was only one act, then Simon Cowell announced that that was the end of the session, at first, we thought it was a joke, but no, it wasn’t. So in the end, we waited all of that time for just maybe 20 minutes of taping, no drawings no, contests, nothing. Just a bunch of really disappointed, angry people. It was horrible!

On Camera Audiences is one of the company that work with the tv show producer to fill their seat with audience. I when to several of the show, the process of getting the ticket is better than 1iota. But it has many of the problem and frustration. They issue out tickets more than their actually has. I have been turn away few time but it because I check in later than it promise unlike 1iota, they quota ticket is little better but still I highly suggest you if the showtime is during weekend afternoon or week knight go check in a hour earlier than it said in the paper to be in the safe side. If is day time in the weekday then you can probably ok come by during the check in time but depend what show and who is the guest.

Here at the Kid’s Choice Awards the crowd control is very unorganized. The majority of the staff is helpful and professional. The crowd is well behaved but line hopping around is an issue and ones that are trying to follow the rules have grown frustrated. A staff member name ‘Britney’ (or at least that’s what I was told her name was) became very unprofessional and rude when questioned about the line hopping. She told me her supervisor ‘Chris’ is too busy for the public and for complainers. It was more like she couldn’t handle talking to an adult who was searching for answers. This company reflects badly on the Nickelodeon corporate company. Yes they are not paid by Nickelodeon but they represent them at this function. Not happy with ON CAMERA AUDIENCE

Like many others here, I too was in a group of people that were turned away in line because we didn’t have «priority» tickets. We were promised guaranteed tickets for any other taping they have in the future, but given the amount of overflow there was for our show — the first taping of a show on GSN, hardly a high-​demand ticket — I’m leery of any sort of guarantee this outfit promises for any taping.
The really obnoxous part of the whole experience was showing up at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM call time and being informed when I arrive that NOBODY who was there were guaranteed seats. This is because instead of doing the rational thing and moving out the audience who had been there for the morning taping and bringing us all in for the next show, they would simply fill the seats that were vacated by the earlier audience as they left individually. In other words, if half the audience for the morning taping decided to stay there the entire day, then those of us waiting outside the studio gate (in broad daylight, mind you, with no shade and no seating, wearing clothing not suitable for 80-​degree weather because we know it’ll be 60 degrees inside the studio) get screwed.
The lucky thing for me is that I live just a few miles down the road, so I’m merely out a few hours of my time and some frustration. My heart breaks for the people who actually traveled from out of town to get into the audience of their favorite show only get this type of runaround.
The dirty little secret that people outside of LA might not know is that for a lot of these shows, a large portion of the audience members are PAID to be there. That’s the reason why tapings go on forever without a break, and that’s why you can show up for a taping an hour before your call time and get turned away even if you went to great personal expense to show up. The business model is completely upside-​down. Out-​of-​towners should get in first, then people who applied for tickets locally, then the seat fillers. OCA has consciously made the decision to give priority to the unemployed actors and others who have nothing better to do than attend TV tapings every day, at the expense of people who may actually be interested in being there to enjoy the experience.

I had two tickets for Hannibal buress’s new show. I had priority tickets and got them as soon as they were available. The ticket said «guaranteed admission» as long as you we were there by the stated time of 5:45. My girlfriend and I drove 6 hours from our hometown and booked a hotel for the night. However, when we got to the show and waited in line, we were not let in. We were then told its on a «first come first serve basis» and that the show was full. To our frustration and surprise we talked to a couple employees but they were of no help. So now after many hours of traveling as well as expenses, this company has falsely marketed the tickets. The ticket says, GUARANTEED ADMISSION as long as the rules are followed. They were unwilling to help or accommodate us in anyway. Guaranteed admission is guaranteed admission, no ifs and or buts. We felt lied to and disrespected.

I have been to several tapings of American Idol, and I have had a great experience every time. Always nice people –helpful and informative, thank you On Camera Audience!!!

We got tickets to see DWTS. We arrived by 230pm then were told by 3pm that they were full so we gave our tickets to some guy and said we would get priority for a next taping. We were notified within 2 days and were given some dates. So we confirmed a day. We got there by 230pm again and were taken into the studio to wait. We had to turn in our phones as we werent allowed to take them in. They escorted us to the balcony and there we saw people at the second and first level all with their cell phones taking pics etc… also wear comfy shoes no need for heels. Staff eas a mixed bag some very friendly and answered questions others rude like they had no time for your questions. You are constantly clapping so be prepared to have numb hands when u leave. Also hard to hear judges comments over the clapping so make sure to record it. When its over they rush u out. So be prepared to be rushed out like cattle to find the area to pick up your cell phone. Also there are 2 lines one for general public and one for VIP which I don’t understand why cause they all were allowed to have their cell phones. Other than that it was okay experience. Oh and be prepared to pay a 24.00 parking fee for parking at the Grove.

My friend got tickets for SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (SYTYCD) and OCA was very polite, and professional in handling the audience members.
Our day began at 7:30 am, and after our break, we had to come back by 2:00. Unless you are VIP or Priority, you have to always assume they give out more tickets than they need. There’s a lot of waiting, and a lot of wasted time. It sucks, but its also part of the «Biz» where the audience (while important to a show) is still just little people to them.
OCA did everything they could to get people into the taping. We were # 106, 107, 108 and we were literally the last 3 people to get into the audience studio. Those who didn’t get in got priority tickets for a future show.
I’ve been to a lot of tapings, and patience is key. Sometimes being disappointed is part of the package.

Thanks OCA for all the audience tickets. I’ve been to a few show tapings — DWTS, SYTYCD, Jimmy Kimmel, etc.
OCA is hired by the show’s producers to ensure seats are all filled and that it gives the appearance of the show’s popularity. They do give out too many tickets to ensure that there’s enough seat fillers — VIPs, people who have been turned away, get first priority because they know the correct people OR they’ve done this before — waited and couldn’t get in the show.
Yes, the OCA associates can be nicer and send people, who have no chance of getting into the show’s taping, home sooner instead of making them wait.
Yes, you wait a while outside before they let people in.
Yes, parking is on your own.
Yes, sometimes it is better watching it at home than live.
With that said, it’s your choice to attend these events.
There is a disclaimer on the ticket regarding people who are elderly, may need assistance and all — «We are committed to making every taping equally accessible to persons with disabilities. We provide accessible seating (including companion seating) and other accommodations at all tapings to persons with disabilities. If you or anyone in your party has special needs and required assistance to attend the show, you must call us at least 48 hours before the taping date.»

Just the facts!
I attempted to attend The Arsenio Hall Show on September 09, 2013.
The line wasn’t all that long to get into the show, but OCA wasn’t quick to let us know that about 100ish VIP seats were being held open till the very last minute prior to the taping (the VIP’s enter through another entrance on the opposite side of the building). On top of that, OCA had released an additional 75+ invitations (after they had already received more than enough RSVP“s to insure a full house). After hours in the line, OCA finally decided to let us know that they could not let anyone else into the show. My wife and I would have been the next two audience members admitted. One elderly woman could barely stand any longer in the heat. Finally, folks grabbed a chair for her and let her sit in the shade. I thought for sure she was going to pass out.
I witnessed an individual not associated with the show and dressed as security, walk an attractive woman into the gate even though she had a prohibited cell phone in her possession and lacked a ticket (for real!). My wife and I were both passed over for consideration to enter the show as a single audience member in favor of a women further back in the line. Although she was an African American, I do not believe that she was given preference do to race, but sheer ineptness.
All of us that were closed out of the show were guaranteed a ticket for admission to another show. We are all still waiting for receipt of those e-​mails. Sadly, since many individuals are here on vacation or just a short visit, they will have to leave town before they receive their tickets. Hmm?
I might add, OCA does not value your time! They make it clear that the ticket is «free.» In the future, I would rather purchase a ticket because my time is much too valuable for me to stand around listening to false promises and misinformation for two hours.
I had quite the opposite experience attending a non-​OCA show, the Jay Leno show, two days later.
#ArsenioHall

I know that my happiness is not the primary goal of this company — their goal is getting the seats filled and keeping them that way. But I think they should make it a little clearer to anyone who signs up to go see the taping of a show that THAT is their primary goal and that we are «not watching television — we’re MAKING television». :)
That being said, we had a blast at the taping of America’s Got Talent on ⁸⁄₁₃ at Radio City Music Hall. We had vouchers for 1:30PM and got to Radio City Music Hall about 11:00AM to get in line. This was the only time I felt like they had no idea what was going on and that they weren’t communicating with Radio City Music Hall. The RCMH employees were telling us not to line up that early, but the OCA employees told us to get in line early if we wanted good seats. Well, which is it? Line up early or not?
We ended up standing out in the rain and they finally let us under the overhang around 11:30 — 11:45ish. Then OCA started handing out tickets WAY before the 1:30PM start time. We ended up getting great seats (behind Howie’s left shoulder about 15 rows back) and had a great time. But people need to understand before going in that once they start taping, there are no bathroom/​snack/​stretching breaks (unless you count the standing ovations) and leaving early will cause problems for the audience coordinators. It’s not a Broadway show… it’s a TV taping and that is an entirely different animal. I’d never been to one before, but I’d go back in a second and I think OCA did a pretty good job organizing the ticket distribution. Their Facebook page is very informative as well as far as what tapings are occurring.

I went to the taping of the X Factor Audience Show on Friday, July 12^th, and it was great. I had a printed ticket for 5:45. I got there around 4:00, and I had to receive a another ticket from a OCA member. They don’t really check you off or anything – they just need to make sure that you have your entire party with you when you get your «real» tickets.
After getting my ticket, my friend and i were instructed to wait by the building. We were then told by a OCA member that our tickets had our seat numbers so we could come back at 5:45. I wish they had told us before we got into this long line of barricades so we didn’t have to go all the way out the way we came. At least, the member kept us informed and let us know. They were selling $ 4 water bottles, and I thought «damn, that’s a rip off.» My friend and I wasted time until around 5:45. We saw that they were letting people in, but the line was still long. Security had people open up their bags and throw away their water bottles. For most people, they made them throw away theri filled bottles or drink all the water. Imagine if you were one of the suckers who bought a $ 4 water bottle outside and you had to throw it out!
When we got seated, we didn’t start the filming until 6:45. Holy crap, that ‘s a long time. We had a long period of time wehre we didn’t know what was going on and why we weren’t starting. Then a crew member started getting the crowd riled up and asking people how they were feeling, asking audience members to sing, and we also watched three music videos from past X Factor contestants.
The filming overall went smoothly. It was sad to see that half the judges weren’t there – Demi was sick and a judge I don’t remember wasn’t there. Kelly and Simon were present, but Kelly had to leave a little bit early.
–
Side note about dress code:
There were people wearing jeans, shorts, and flip flops which they ask that you don’t wear so if you think you’re dressing down you’re not alone.

On 02/​13/​2013, I went to a taping of Fox’s Short Com’s Comedy Hour at the CBS Studios (
). Kevin Smith, among the other actors/​comedians that were performing that night, posted the show’s ticket link on their various social networks to draw in an audience. I figured I could take off from work in the middle of the week, so why not go and see what Kevin is up to these days for free?
The slick ad content on the ticket first stated that I had a «Priority» seating if I arrive by 3PM. When I received an email reminder, it switched from priority to «Guaranteed» seating, again, if I arrive by 3PM. After going to lunch at The Grove, we walked to the studio, which was right next door and lined up 30 minutes early. While in line, our «tickets» which were printed emails with dress code and parking instructions and that also said to leave all cameras and cell phones at home, were written on by On Camera staff noting our number in line. I was number 8 in line.
Right before entering the studio fence, the ticket is handed in and after going through an ID check, a metal detector and a security check, (you also check in any cell phone you brought at the security desk) you are graded by your looks/​apparel by an audience caster and told to sit on a certain bench. It was cold that day, so I wore Levi’s, a gray long sleeved v-​neck sweater and brown leather booties and was told to sit on bench two, so I guess I wasn’t dressed stylish enough for bench one. Then again, it’s the ’ hurry up and wait’ routine. We had access to restrooms and a water fountain at all times while waiting to enter the Bob Barker studio. Once inside, On Camera staff help seat you, but everyone on bench one was seated front and center. Bench two was seated next so since I was number 8 in line, I sat in the 6^th row.
All in all, staff were professional and the information they provided to obtain parking and a seat at the taping was correct. Parking at The Grove was $ 15 without validation.

I worked on the Chelsea Lately show on January 7^th, 2013. It was a RUSH call because they were short on Audience members for the show. I was Booked thru Casting Associates (which might be one of their sub companies, not sure). I was told that I would be paid $ 40 Cash at the end of taping, which at the time was great. I really needed the money. Needless to say, at the end of taping, I was handed a form to fill out so they could «MAIL» a $ 40 check. That «Switch and Bait» at its best… I was disappointed!
Long Story Short… It is February 11^th, 2013, and I have yet to receive a check. I have called several times, and gotten the run around. I was told to speak to «Amy», which is never available. «The owner» or Receptionist, even had the nerve to get an attitude with me, Like I owed her Money. Completely Unprofessional. I don’t have an obligation to be Nice and Customer Service oriented when I’m inquiring about some Money that is owed to me that I have been promised for weeks already. Excuse me Honey, You guys owe me Money. And yea, $ 40 id not alot of money, but its alot of money when you are broke and really counting on it.
I will never work for this company again!!! If I can’t get my $ 40, I would hate to see what would happen if they owed me $ 100 or more.
Completely Ridiculous! I guess that how they do things in «Hollywood»!

When writing a review about being in the live audience of America’s Got Talent, while not actually even making it into the audience at the time of the first review, I still gave the review four stars for how well I felt the ticketing process and the entry line was managed.
The ticketing and crowd control review and rating should have been given to On Camera Audiences. Just browsing their website, it appears they are a SoCal company contracted by studios to handle ticketing arrangements for various shows with live studio audiences all over the country.
For the AGT tapings in Newark, New Jersey, they were great. The staff conducted constant head counts in the line and informed the line early on that there may not be enough seats. This information was repeated quite frequently, so there were no surprises in the end.
Long story short, I didn’t get in that day. I’m not going to repeat all the details again, but the SAME day I posted that AGT review (
) and said that I had yet to hear back from them, they contacted me, as promised! An email was sent to me with a list of dates to choose from. As long as I arrived on time, I could take this new reservation straight to the box office at NJPAC to exchange for actual tickets.
I’ll be going TODAY (7÷18÷12), rain or shine (most likely thunder storms)!!!
I see the negative reviews about the line, the wait and the no guarantee of seats. Having been to a few other live tapings by now, I feel like that’s the case everywhere! «First come, first serve» is clearly stated on the confirmation email and if it’s a big show, expect a longer line. The way I see it, lines for concert venues or to purchase your latest must-​have capitalist toy operate the same way. You get in line early to make sure you can get in or get a decent seat or get the item you want to buy. You don’t expect the vendors to provide food and toilets in those situations. It would be nice, but they’re not obligated to cover those needs. We are there by choice. We can leave by choice. I don’t know if we can blame OCA for the annoyances and inconveniences of waiting in long lines. As far as forcing audiences to make a «donation» to an advertised free show, well, that I can’t comment on, but I would be pissed too.