Rob Sellers - Inside Hollywood

A trail blazer behind-the-scenes of many of Hollywood’s top shows, Rob Sellers has risen to become one of the elite stage-managers in Hollywood in less than a decade.

From being the first to congratulate Jamie Foxx backstage on his Oscar win to running the stages for Americas top rated shows, there isn’t an A-list Hollywood actor, producer or director Rob Sellers hasn’t worked with. Through hard work, charisma and the ability to think on his feet, Rob has secured his position on the “go-to” list when production companies and producers want their shows on time, on budget and on air.

“In live television, perfection is expected. You have to be perfect, knowing the world is watching. It’s easy to be calm when everything is going well, but it's how you handle mishaps, like when Marie Osmond fainted on Dancing with the Stars during a live show. Those are the moments when you earn your stripes.”

Success didn’t come without an early focus and passion for production. Rob honed his craft, working in production at a local cable station in Alexandria, Virginia. Developing skills in set building, lighting, editing, writing, producing and directing, Rob was nicknamed by he peers: “Mr. One Man Show.” This hunger to succeed led Rob to Black Entertainment Television in 1991 where he was hired as a production assistant in the News and Public Affairs department. It didn’t take long for Rob to be promoted to associate producer. In three short years Rob worked on over 400 live shows. From live satellite feeds at The White House to all night edit sessions, Rob was the go to man for anything needed in the News and Public Affairs Department.

With eyes firmly on Hollywood, Rob moved to California and landed the job of production assistant on the hit Fox sitcom, “Livin’ Single” starring Queen Latifah. After only six months in Hollywood Rob was able to join the Director Guild of America and began stage managing sitcoms, some of which include “The Parenthood," “Between Brothers," “The Jamie Foxx Show," “Martin," “Malcolm and Eddie” and “Sparks, Sparks, & Sparks” with Terrance Howard. After working on his first live show as a stage manager, The American Music Awards, Rob found his calling wasn’t in sitcoms but in the high stakes arena of live Awards shows and Specials.

Sixteen years later and 500 + shows to his credit, Rob’s resume is one for the record books. The Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, Country Music Awards, Super Bowl Half Time Shows even Will & Grace Live. Rob’s accomplishments finally hit home when the general manager from the Virginia Cable Station where it all started asked him for a letter of recommendation. At that moment, he realized how far he’d come… and how much he looks forward to the challenges ahead.

With insider knowledge that can only come from experience, Rob wants to give back by reaching out to students and aspiring artists to share his experience and expertise in this notoriously elusive field.

In an age when millions are being spent on live television, companies and producers don’t gamble with their product. They turn to the stage managers like Rob Sellers who can keep their show’s on time and the talent’s egos in check. It isn't just about a black man making it in Hollywood, it’s about the hunger, desire and passion one must possess to become a top gun in one of the most exciting, competitive industries in the world.