Monday was my first proper press screening, and boy was it exciting. Timon had to work so I was on my own. I found my way to East 55th and the Sony Building. I crossed a fancy looking foyer and jumped in an elevator up to the 7th Floor SkyLobby. I checked in at the front desk and waited (I was super early) on a plush leather couch, watching the comings and goings of lucky Sony staff. Around 2.30pm a guy came out with a list of names and crossed each of us off, handing us little yellow tickets so we could pass security. We went up again and came out into a luxuriously carpeted area, lined with black and white photos of old movie stars, brand new film posters and comfy leather couches. The security guard directed us to the private screening room, which had over-sized green seats, some with extender-legs for uber relaxing. I selected my seat, halfway up to the left, and waited while maybe 15 other people wandered in. It's fair to say that film reviewers are a big bunch of geeks, and on this day predominantly middle-aged white guys. The film started without an ad or trailer to be found and 90-odd minutes later we had seen Gus Van Sant's new film - 'Restless'. You can read my review at www.digitalhippos.com.
On Tuesday Timon and I went to see 'Gun Hill Road' downtown. I found out, to my pleasant surprise, that the cinema is one of the few in town that offers a student discount. Thank god for Melbourne Uni student cards that expire in 2012! We had been meaning to see this film for ages because one of Timon's regular customers is related to the director. The theatre was near-empty and the film was grim, but enjoyable. It starred Richie Valens' brother from 'La Bamba' and Carla from 'Scrubs'. It was set in the Bronx and it was cool to see recognisable scenery.
On Wednesday I was on my own again. I had received an email confirmation of my press credentials for the New York Film Festival and went in to collect my ID. It's all fancy with a colour photo and lanyard. It gets me in to all press screenings before and during the festival, along with subsequent press conferences. To say I'm excited is an understatement. Timon signed up when he heard how cool it was going to be - and he collected his ID today. I had some time to kill so spent an hour in Chipotle eating corn chips and guacamole. I had cased out the next location - the Magno screening rooms on 7th Ave. This screening ('Weekend') was much busier. I find it a little bit intimidating watching a film with a room full of reviewers. Every time one of them makes a note I wonder what they're writing, what they've seen and OH MY GOD should I be writing too? I also wonder who they are and who they write for. I should introduce myself I suppose...
Tonight (Thursday) Timon and I are headed to a midnight screening of the new Family Guy season premiere. It's a previews ahead of the release in late September. We supposedly get commemorative t-shirts and the opportunity to win prizes. I'm 100% relying on T for trivia answers.
So far Friday is un-booked by film screenings. It's not a night in though - we have plans to teach Sophie C how to act drunk. By getting drunk. Hopefully I can retain a little dignity this time.
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