There’s a reason why some talent is in front of the camera while others remain behind it; performing is a skill. And whether you’re speaking to a camera or a live audience, performing skills are definitely necessary to keep you cool when things go wrong. While Michael Bay definitely has experience speaking in public and to the camera for the multitude of junkets and pressers he’s had to endure, it’s unlikely that he’s spent much time endorsing consumer electronics. So if an entertainment journalist asks him a question from out of left field, Bay could probably deliver a cogent response with aplomb, but put him on stage at CES to talk about a new TV that he probably doesn’t have much experience with and it’s understandable that slightest mishap could knock him on his heels.
It’s just surprising that he didn’t handle it with a little more grace.
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Bay commented on the spectacle on his site afterward:
Wow! I just embarrassed myself at CES – I was about to speak for Samsung for this awesome Curved 105-inch UHD TV. I rarely lend my name to any products, but this one is just stellar. I got so excited to talk, that I skipped over the Exec VP’s intro line and then the teleprompter got lost. Then the prompter went up and down – then I walked off. I guess live shows aren’t my thing.
But I’m doing a special curved screen experience with Samsung and Transformers 4 footage that will be traveling around the world.
Michael
Everyone has their days, but as far as Hollywood meltdowns go, Bay’s was relatively tame.