Want to know the real secret of TV and movie magic? Start with the amazing people working behind the scenes to bring them to life.

On Thursday, CreativeFuture traveled to Washington, D.C. for the annual “Beyond the Red Carpet: Movie & TV Magic Day.” At the event, which was hosted by Representatives Judy Chu and Doug Collins, co-chairs of the House Creative Rights Caucus, lawmakers and their staff got a behind-the-scenes look at the real “movie magic”­– entertainment professionals who bring movies and television shows to life.

Event highlights included a live demonstration of cinematography in action by IATSE Local 600, a display to model original costumes from Paramount Pictures’ 2001 release of Zoolander, and an opportunity to see a make-up effects artist transform an actor into a monster from NBC’s Grimm. The event also featured a live violin performance of famous movie overtures and a guest appearance by Darth Vader and a pair of Storm Troopers.

Attendees learned firsthand that the livelihood of actors, technicians, camera crews, costumers, make-up artists, set designers, and others all depend on the protection of intellectual property rights, particularly as the industry continues to evolve in the digital age.

Below are some of the pictures that capture the event.