Dallas International Film Festival red carpet playground continues:
Friday, April 1 at Victory Park
The very first thing that struck folks for the red carpet walk in Victory Park was — “Where’s the theater?” There was none, but television sponsor WFAA-ABC called in some chips and suggested it would be quite grand if the walk took place in front of its studio and timed between the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. Voila! It was a done deal.
Unlike the Thursday night arrangements, the sponsors backdrop was much more substantial this time with piped framing. Only problem was its positioning. As the sun was setting in the west as usual, the shadows cascading on the red carpet and its walkers were apparent. But no problem. Stars shine all the time.
Before check-in took place, the white sheets of paper were tightly and nicely in place. Despite being suited and tied, wrangler John Wildman was energized, as were all the DIFF elves. An official clipboard appeared with notes. Hanging tags were being compared with the approved list of media. Full-body-cavity searches might soon be undertaken.
At 4:42 p.m. the sun’s shadow was proving a bit of a challenge. It wasn’t a big bother, though, because Ann-Margret was not on the red carpet. But it did challenge the photographers in shooting “Boy Wonder” director Michael Morrissey and star Caleb Steinmeyer, “Five Time champion” director Berndt Mader and “Rainbows End” director Eric Hueber wearing a Nacogdoches T-shirt. Mader admitted that getting your film into a festival was important for trying to get your foot in the door of the business.
At 4:50 p.m. the “Lucky” crew appeared being led by co-star Ari Graynor. All eyes turned toward her. Not because of her position within the group, but because of her ultra-blonde page boy haircut, milky-white skin, red-and-black silk tank top and black suspenders. Guess it was the suspenders that drew all the attention.
At 4:52 p.m. the red-haired
Ann-Margret in black with a lime green jacket and a cross necklace, appeared, greeted by director Gil Cates Jr. Arm-in-arm they approached the rest of the “Lucky” cast. Trying to see through her transparent sunglasses, it was obvious that A-M was holding up extremely well for her nearly 70 years and accidents.
Immediately A-M and Ari embraced each other like old war veterans. After comparing notes, A-M was pulled aside to do her “thang” on the red carpet. With guys who obviously had major crushes on her when she was a kitten with a whip and filming “State Fair” in Dallas, she is advised by Wrangler John on the POA. She is so teeny standing against the backdrop and facing the photographers. Mugging just a bit and striking some flirty poses, she is a photographer’s dream. She knows exactly how to hit the right cues and what will fulfill every lens’s wishes. Then she was joined by the rest of the cast, but everyone honestly knew where the cameras were aimed.
As she headed to the television and print interviews, she stayed neatly in the right arm of Cates, of whom she said, “This person here is very, very strange.” Behind the media mob, there stood a man in a suit and tie. Appearing quite stretched, he seemed unable to smile even when approached by a member of the media. Evidently he was A-M’s manager Alan Margolis, and he was taking care of business.
As A-M continued her visit with the media, others were gathering in the waiting area including Ellen and Don Winspear, who seemed a bit gussied up for a red carpet. Not to worry. They were headed to an after-red-carpet meet-and-greet with A-M, and then on to the opera. Over to the side, Gary Coghill, in jacket with his shirt pulled out and no tie, was taking everything in as an experienced war veteran.
By the time A-M had held her last red carpet interview, she was arm-in-arm with Gates. As she made her way to the private meet-and-greet, she said, “I need direction!” With a smile she patiently signed photos and memorabilia for people who had been waiting in the sun for over an hour while Alan looked impatient.
Saturday, April 2 at NorthPark lower level
The media was relieved that instead of the sun shining brightly and warmly, the red carpet tonight was indoors. The drill was getting to be a routine — red carpet, sponsor backdrop, white sheets and Wrangler John. The big draw of the night was to be Dennis Quaid, in town to promote “Soul Surfer.” But there were surprises in-store.
“Norman Mailer” director Joseph Mantegna looked more like a member of the board in his suit and tie. He was excited about introducing Mailer to a whole new generation of young people, Mantegna said. In his mind, Mailer did “reality TV” with films he made and let his life unravel in front of the camera.
Greg Ingram in black tank top, long hair, tattoos and dude shades couldn’t keep in character too long and let a smile break out.
Another eye catcher was director Geoff McGee, who carried a swimming pool cleaner/vacuum with him. The Polaris device was the star of “NEAL,” a movie about a couple’s anniversary being made very interesting by NEAL. The vacuous star was most agreeable to every request and never blinked.
Over to the side, DIFF President/CEO Tanya Foster was on her cell phone.
Morgan Spurlock really was a photographer’s dream in his label-covered jacket and horse-shoe mustache. He knew just how far to ham it up with the poster for “Greatest Movie Ever Sold” before moving on to the interviews.
Once again the media was jammed together. The still photographers came to an agreement — those on the front row like Pegasus News’ John Meyers would duck down after they had gotten their shots allowing those in the back to get theirs. Amazingly it worked beautifully.
Unlike the Friday crowd of largely older guys, Saturday’s group was made up of younger gals. Taking a break from the demands of the red carpet, the media noticed people hanging over the railing of the second floor of NorthPark. They also noticed a high degree of security.
These distractions perhaps explained Quaid’s nonchalantly walking up to the red carpet check-in. The holding pen erupted. Tanya got off the phone and John gave the marching order to Dennis. As DIFF artistic director James Faust pointed out the red carpet to Quaid, the Texas actor took his place like a seasoned pro. Smiling with mouth closed. Smiling with a full set of teeth. Smiling with a flirty look. Smiling while laughing. He was a natural.
Then he was joined by Faust, Tanya and “Soul Surfer” executive producer/Dallasite David Tice for a foursome. Everybody smiled as the flashes came from all directions. Quaid then made the lonely stroll from interview to interview.
He was pulled back for one more shot with DIFF Chairman of the Board Michael Cain, who had suddenly appeared.
By the time Quaid hit the final homerun interview, there was a passel of security ready to escort him to the upper level theater. It was a wise move. Word had spread throughout the shopping center that Dennis Quaid was there, and the Saturday night shoppers had become eager fans.
Alas, some of the security could not shake off their duties even after Quaid had passed out of sight. For some reason one of them continued to sternly “advise” folks to keep their distance. Customers looked a little confused — distance from what?
Geoff McGee says
Thank you Jeanne Prejean for mentioning NEAL in your article. Please check out a clip of the film & “Like” the Facebook page.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIuWM5K6RK8
http://www.facebook.com/nealmovie
Best Regards,
Geoff McGee
SpiderCircle Films
Director/Editor-NEAL