Behind the scenes: What's tipped to go down at this year's TV WEEK Logie Awards?
IT'S Aussie TV's night of nights - This year's Logie Awards is sure to be a glitzy affair but it is behind the scenes where the real action happens...
With offers to dress up as a Logie statue in exchange for an invite, early morning hotel lobby runs, 1560 cases of wine consumed and the odd wardrobe malfunction being the norm, Australian TV's night of nights should be a reality show itself.
Not so much an awards event to take incredibly seriously - more a chance to see who rocks the red carpet - Sunday night's Logie Awards are a great excuse to booze, schmooze and attempt to cruise familiar TV faces.
With the lenses and smart phone screens of social media aficionados bound to light up Twitter and Instagram during next Sunday night's extravaganza, it is behind the scenes where the best blows will be delivered.
The unflappable Niki White from marketing company Nikstar looks after the event's publicity and organises the red carpet at the industry-only love-in.
So how does Ms White plan to make things run smoothly on Logies night? I thought I'd ask her...
What are some of the more outrageous reasons people have concocted in an attempt to be invited?
The TV WEEK Logie Awards are the biggest television awards which take place each year, and every year there are more requests for invites. People are constantly trying their luck, offering to perform, come dressed as the Logie statuette, or even dressed in TV WEEK covers in return for a ticket.
The after parties are the scene of the real action, so what are plans for this year?
This year, the TV WEEK after-party is returning in partnership with FOXTEL. All guests attending the awards will be invited to celebrate our winners and nominees, with entertainment provided by FOXTEL DJ's Didier Cohen (DJ and judge on Australia’s Next Top Model) and Danny Clayton (DJ and Channel V presenter).
In addition to the official after-party, the networks host their own after parties in different venues at Crown Entertainment Complex.
Daylight is usually seen by many (working brekkie show hosts aside) so any good seen-arriving-at-hotel-in-early-morning-lobby stories?
The next morning is always interesting. The TV WEEK Logie Awards can be the only time that stars from all networks get together to celebrate. Quite a few stars who choose to party on tend to forget that morning shows are broadcast from the hotel foyers, and get caught on camera returning from a great night out.
How many guests are expected in the Logies room at Crown this year?
There are around 1000 guests that need to be seated for Australian Television's Night of Nights...
Any stats on the number of bottles of wine/champagne/beers consumed on the night?
Approximately 80 cases of Nicolas Feuillatte French champagne, 160 cases of Asahi Super Dry, 120 cases of Somersby Cider, 1,560 cases of Jacob's Creek wine from their Reserve and Cool Harvest range, and 145 litres of Cointreau will be served on the night
Is there a red carpet pecking order so if a big star arrives is a 'lesser' one nicely moved on?
This is our third year of managing the red carpet arrivals and every year we spend time on putting together a schedule which has times of when the performers, nominees and presenters are to arrive. Of course this never goes to plan, people run late, some don't want to arrive too early, others are mingling and lose track of the time.
Last year we had One Direction and we didn't want them to arrive at the same time we had the Gold nominees on the carpet but the boys were ready earlier which was great because it created the most amazing buzz. The fans were screaming so loud which made it slightly difficult for media to conduct all their other interviews. We try and spread the talent arrivals the best we can to ensure that all media get time with them and that talent have a nice experience.
Who are the big names expected to rock the red carpet?
All the TV WEEK Logie Award nominees including our fabulous Gold Nominees - Adam Hills, Andy Lee, Asher Keddie, Carrie Bickmore, Hamish Blake, Steve Peacocke. And of course our international music acts including Birdie, Olly Murs, Bruno Mars, Michael Buble.
What mega entertainment is planned for Logies night?
Some amazing performers including teenage music superstar Birdie, British singing sensation Olly Murs, Grammy Award winning Bruno Mars, the very delightful Michael Buble will all be performing on stage.
We have a great line up of presenters including Hamish Blake, Andy Lee and Adam Hills, comedian Dave Hughes, Julia Morris, Shane Bourne, Lisa Wilkinson, Rebecca Gibney, Eddie Perfect, Scott Cam, Kat Stewart, Jessica Mauboy, Shane Jacobson, Sonia Kruger, Jennifer Byrne and Mandy McElhinney.
Have there been any memorable hissy fits/dramas either on the red carpet, backstage or in the media room?
Oh, there have been many, but not many that we can share in the public arena. Former ex's cross paths on the red carpet or in the media room, that is always awkward. Wardrobe malfunctions is a big thing, we have survival kits on hand which include staplers and Hollywood tape. Guests arriving with no entrée card is quite common but has certainly improved over the years.
Do the networks request or have special requirements as to where their tables should be in the room?
We have around 1000 people to seat. Once the floor plan is established the placement of the tables commences. TV WEEK, HotHouse Media who are our ticketing gurus, and Crown all work with the networks in the first instance. They send through their seating preferences, and we work back from there.
Follow Melissa Hoyer on Twitter and Instagram @melissahoyer