Marvelous sat along the wall of a cold darkened soundstage, the floor icy cement and the walls gray, puffy, and buttoned like a dingy mattress. Soundstage chic. The air conditioners were working overtime as always, offsetting the heat under the lights on set so the talent and crew would be comfortable. Like all soundstages, the dark froze. Over on the set, the only one lit right now, the last of Friday rehearsals were wrapping, the talent and the crew ready to break and get their phone messages.
“Under the Red Carpet of Babylon” by David M. Agrela takes readers behind the glamour of Hollywood, where celebrities enjoy the spotlight while an entire team of people works behind the scenes to keep the show running. Proudly published by Citi of Books, the book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
David M. Agrela draws inspiration from his extensive experience working in television and Hollywood. He spent a decade in the television industry, first working as a network page and talent wrangler. His assignments brought him into close contact with television, music, and movie personalities, including performers involved in major awards shows such as the American Music Awards, the Emmys, and the Oscars.
Agrela later spent two years working as a page while serving as the de facto programming manager for a network’s local television station in Los Angeles. He also gained experience producing television movies before moving into a second career as an advertising executive. His background in television production helped shape his understanding of the industry and informed his work in creating commercials for major brands. His firsthand experiences as a page and wrangler provide the foundation for the behind-the-scenes world portrayed in Under the Red Carpet of Babylon. He has lived in Orange County, California, for more than three decades.
Set in the world of television production during the late 1980s, the novel follows network pages and talent wranglers whose responsibilities include guiding performers, managing schedules, handling unexpected situations, and making sure everything goes according to plan. But working around famous personalities is not always as glamorous as it appears. Behind the formal clothes, bright lights, and red-carpet appearances are demanding personalities, personal conflicts, workplace politics, and moments that test the patience and character of those who remain out of the public eye.
Through a lively cast of characters and the hectic preparations for the Louies Awards, Agrela presents an entertaining look at the entertainment industry from a perspective audiences rarely get to see. The story balances workplace drama, romance, humor, and personal struggles while exploring what it means to work in an environment where fame can influence how people treat others.
Instead of focusing entirely on celebrities and their achievements, the novel gives attention to the people who make television productions possible. The pages and wranglers may not receive applause or recognition, but they are often the ones responsible for preventing small problems from becoming major disasters. Through their experiences, readers get a closer look at the pressures, responsibilities, and sometimes amusing situations that happen away from the cameras.
For readers who enjoy character-driven stories with Hollywood settings, workplace drama, romance, and a touch of humor, David M. Agrela’s Under the Red Carpet of Babylon offers an entertaining journey into a world that audiences rarely get to experience firsthand.
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