Off and running (Nikes required)
OoooKay. It's the First Day of the Festival--gotta get an early start to make THIS work! Arrive at SBMS 7-ish to try loading software & data (THAT's where that darn cord is!)...then load the equipment, the trailer, the kids...and off to the Press Office in the lobby of Hotel California. The crew there is great. Head PR-ster Carol Marshall is very generous with her time, welcoming us and giving the kids tips on what to expect in the "press pen" on the Red Carpet line. Zany Kim takes us under her wing and keeps us all laughing. Warm and friendly Linda Schad helped us get press kits, posters and a "screener" movie (available on DVD for previewing). Liz Rodriguez pointed the team to Gail Osherenko, local filmmaker whose "Arctic Expedition" plays on the 27th and 31st. <http://www.filmsfromthenorth.com> (Look for her interview in a couple of days.) We'd been planning to go together to the opening night party at Paseo Nuevo, but it's "strictly enforced 21 & over." Oh well... Hey--George Yachinsin will give us a tour of the site when it's getting set up so we'll have SOME idea. Thanks, George. (pictures)
While some of us are waiting for some posters to arrive, John and the rest of the team head off to the Lobero to set up the trailer workspace. (Check out his blog for the action details!) ...Short break for a word from our sponsor...
OK: Now we're going from concept to actual meet & greet. Charlotte, Eli and I meet for press sign-in at 6:30 and take our place in the "press pen." It's hard getting in there, 'cause they're getting interviewed all over the place. Now we wait, rehearsing questions, reviewing the press tip sheet. Whoa--here they come. Oh, are we blessed--the Press Office folks escort the stars right to the Team, and Eli and Charlotte score interviews with all the big guns: Tim Matthiesen & wife Megan; Sienna Miller and Guy Pierce of this evening's film "The Factory Girl"; Christopher Lloyd; and even Jack Johnson! Wow--this is incredible. The stars appear to enjoy talking with the Teen Team, who are genuinely excited and have good questions. Some of the other news media reps in the area are jealous.
We're late for the beginning of the film cause of chatting with Jack Johnson, but find seats in a packed house. The film is very intense --makes me squirm at times, thinking of Eli & Charlotte watching it -- but they take it in stride. A very fascinating look back at the 60's art scene in Nuevo York, with references to our own SB. If you have any interest in Warhol or Edie, go see it.
The Team can't go, but they want me to visit the Big Party and take some pictures. OK, my arm is twist-able. Wow--These Festival folks know how to throw a party. Paseo is totally transformed--and packed! East-West it's events, North-South it's food & drink. People and color everywhere--but I'm there solo, and tired, so a few pix are enough to complete MY night.
It's over, and we can't believe our good fortune. Check the TOO COOL section tomorrow for some amazing footage!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
