MACY'S AND NBC PRE TAPING FLO RIDA 4TH OF JULY ?

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WILL MACY'S FORTH OF JULY BE FAKE?

Story By: James Edstrom

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Flo Rida Macy's Dress Rehearsal For Forth Of July

Being at ground zero for the Macy's Forth Of July in Long Island City on the East River, tonight I watched Flo Rida bring filmed on the East River. Not only did it appear that Rida was lip Syncing, it also looked like Macy's and NBC were staging a pre taped show to air on the Forth Of July. Even the Empire State Building was in on it when they lit up the building in Forth Of July Colors, only to turn them off when the taping was done.

I have been in this business for many years and was the photographer for many television shows, so I can spot when something is being faked. The crowds started forming in front of the set up stage and they were being handed lights with flags on them. Directors on stage would tell them to yell or scream and the cameras were rolling as they filmed the audience. They played Rida's song time after time to get footage, most of the time Rida was not even on stage. When he was on stage, it was the exact same thing as the pre-recorded version that played so many times. It clearly was being lip synced.

It would seem a big disappointment if Macy's and NBC along with Rida can not even do a live stage show for the Forth Of July. It looks like at least part of the famed show is being staged and filmed way before the holiday. Ed Sheeran was there the other night performing. Since I did not pay attention that night, I wonder if his show is being staged too.

FROM NBC'S WEBSITE

About the Show

NBC's annual "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular" celebrates the nation's birthday with all-star performances from multi platinum singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The six-time Grammy nominated singer joins Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Flo Rida and Meghan Trainor. "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular" airs Saturday, July 4 (8:00 -10:00 p.m. ET/PT) with an hour-long encore presentation at 10:00 p.m.

NO ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR RESIDENTS

For weeks now we have had Homeland Security casing our block and installing cameras. They have been going up and down Hunters Point South Park with maps and marking security points with spray paint which I am sure they will not remove after this event. I am being told our street will be closed off starting today. Residents are a little upset that no arrangements were made for them. I asked our building if passes were requested for the tenants from Macy's and I was told yes and they were told no. It is a shame that our park and block is taken over and no arrangements made for the people who live here. I am also being told by a source, that only friends, relatives and Macy's VIP's are allowed in the park to see the show. Since I am press, I can pretty much go anywhere, I used to do this event for years with Macy's. But I am remorseful that the people in my building are not even thought of. They are going into lock down and will be prisoners till this event is over.

Macy's needs to address this issue and think of the residents that live here. But I am sure they won't!