Standing next to Terry Kinney as his film begins before a sold-out crowd in the legendary Ziegfeld Theatre... hanging out in the VIP greenroom with Matthew Broderick & friends... escorting Julianna Margulies to her seat in the theatre... primping for the party next to Lauretta Vaughn... sipping syrah with Federico Castelluccio... shaking hands with Alan Alda... talking Broadway with Bobby Cannavale... making sure Ramona Singer had her after-party ticket in hand... not a bad start to my first Gen Art Film Fest.
When I was told my Opening Night role would be escorting talent from the red carpet to the theatre, I hardly complained. A tad bit intimidated by the prospect of sweeping celebs from the press to the premiere, all while fielding commands from my security earpiece, my nerves quickly subsided when I realized that all the VIPs were as excited to be there as I was.
The theatre filled to capacity - 1200 Gen Art supporters, members, Festival filmmakers, actors, and more. Gen Art CEO Ian Gerard and Film VP Jeff Abramson welcomed the audience, then the award-winning short Ctrl-Z launched the Fest, followed by Diminished Capacity. You can't beat starting a party-filled Fest with two great comedies.
After a Q&A with Terry Kinney, Matthew Broderick, Alan Alda, Louis CK, Bobby Cannavale, and Jim Tru-Frost, over a thousand moviegoers rushed downtown to The Park, the entire venue reserved for the Gala Opening Night Celebration. Johnnie Walker flowed at all points, including the sultry upstairs JW Black Lounge and JW Gold bar downstairs... which I may have visited a few times. Or more.
Delicious Kinton Syrah hosted a lovely wine and artisan cheese table in the garden, and those who know perfection has its price (except of course when the bar is open) sipped Stella. Across the garden, the more animated guests rocked out in an Acura / Paste Magazine photo shoot - after getting made over by professional stylists, a photographer shot guests in the new ultra-sleek Acura TSX - and photos appeared instantly on a Paste cover, projected upstairs across the terrace wall.
And if you've ever been to a Gen Art affair, I hardly have to describe the crowd - fashionistas, socialites, celebs, hipsters, actors, models, and more - I witnessed more than a few "don't I know you?" glances and was delivered drinks by dashing young men while laughing and gossiping with some of my favorite party girls.
And best of all - we're only on night #1.
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