UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - There haven't been many red carpet events due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but in true 2020 fashion, the cast of the movie "Beckman" attended the film's premiere with their specialty masks on.

For lead actor David A.R. White, seeing his movie get a premiere is something he had been eagerly anticipating. "Obviously there hasn't been a lot of premieres. Have you been to a lot of premieres? I think we're the first back," he said.

Hollywood events are slowly returning, but in a COVID-friendly way. The entire "Beckman" premiere event – from the red carpet to the actual screening – took place outdoors. The film was shown on an inflatable screen. Following all of the increased safety measures proved tricky, but the cast and crew were determined to make it happen.

"We're just following the guidelines. If you see, the seats are six feet apart, everyone is wearing masks, the temperature checks," said White.

Holding a premiere is not just good news for the filmmakers, but also for companies who put on these events.

The last red carpet WPS Events owner Jose Beltran put on was in February, and despite having to wear a mask in the September heat, he said it felt good to be back.

"I'm excited. We are reactivated, as you can see. This helps, even with the economy. I've got a crew of five, so everyone gets paid," said Beltran.

The red carpet was constructed and screening chairs were spaced apart outside the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Universal City. Individually wrapped snacks were placed on each chair, and social distancing stickers were put on the carpet and media risers.

As the inflatable movie screen went up, it provided a glimpse into the future of movie premieres. Companies like Beltran’s are happily adapting to new standards. Even though he went months without work because of the pandemic, Beltran is hopeful that more events will come his way.

"I have my family. I have a mortgage. I have bills to pay. You have to remain hopeful. You have to remain positive in order to make it, because if not, all this stress is going to kill you. If COVID doesn't kill you, the stress will,” he said. 

As the premiere got underway, White took his seat to see his film on the big screen. In addition to acting, he is also behind the studio that produced the film, Pureflix. The company is known for faith-based content, something White said speaks to this moment in time.

"You know there's really no absolutes anymore. There's no certainty, and a lot of questions, I think faith plays a part in that,” he said.

An event providing jobs and a 90-minute escape, reinstating a small sense of normalcy.