Saturday, June 24, 2006
EVENT REVIEW: SAMSUNG MOBILE PARTY AT THE MUSEUM OF TV AND RADIO
by Don Rose
(June 23: Beverly Hills, CA - The LA Report) Movies on cellphones? Get used to it, my luddite friend. It is here. Come on, get with it. A few minutes on YouTube and you too can see that short films for non-TVs are the hottest thing right now. And one of the best of these brave new media films was celebrated tonight at, where else, the fabulous home of the history of TV and radio, MTR. This museum (one of The LA Report's favorite weekend things-to-do in Bev Hills) has thousands of TV and radio shows, from today's hits all the way back to the inception of both media, which anyone can view/hear in their library - so perhaps it was fitting that the future of media was shown off here.
This bash had all the elements I like - a great theme and central event (the film made for the "very small screen", called "ACROSS THE HALL" from First Look Studios), an ongoing party for four full hours that guests could go back and forth to from the screening room (note to party planners: the roof of MTR is a great place for a party with nice breezes on a hot summer night), great food (passed treats like spring rolls, mac-n-cheese bites, pizzas, miniburgers and fries, and creme brulee), open bar, and even models passing around phones to handle (or fondle, that's how attractive these babies are). Speaking of attractive, the crowd definitely was, a young friendly and stylish Hollywood vibe, dancing to tunes from one of the best DJs I have experienced in recent memory (I like when the groove isnt monotonically stuck in one decade - and this DJ mashed Elvis Costello next to 60s gems as well as recent hits, a potent fun mix).
As for the film, one viewer said "Across the Hall" reminded him of Hitchkock, and there is truth in that comparison. The DP on the film told me they shot it without consciously thinking of visual plugs for the phone, and to Samsung's credit the filmmakers were not pressured to push the phone in our faces in an obtrusive way, letting it fit in the plot naturally (which was not overly difficult, since there were many tight spaces shot in rooms, and many phonecalls as part of the action). In short, this short is a well done film, and sufficiently subtle in its product phone-placement.
Speaking of placement (as in into the hands of celebs), several VIPs in attendance (including the star of this "phonefilm", Adrian Griener - and Kato Kaelin, star of a new upcoming show called "Oh No It's Kato") got to take home hot new Samsung cellphones (for either Cingular, Verizon or TMobile) -- and all guests were gifted with a beautiful wine-picnic carry set complete with glasses, opener and a Wine.com gift certificate inside. Yes, this indeed was a party that had something for everyone.
If your curiosity is now peaked, you can sneak a peek at Samsung's films online, at www.anyfilms.net . Special thanks to Nicole and R.J. at Rousso/Fisher Public Relations, who once again proved they truly know how to throw a boffo bash. The LA Report rates it two (full) wineglasses up.
(June 23: Beverly Hills, CA - The LA Report) Movies on cellphones? Get used to it, my luddite friend. It is here. Come on, get with it. A few minutes on YouTube and you too can see that short films for non-TVs are the hottest thing right now. And one of the best of these brave new media films was celebrated tonight at, where else, the fabulous home of the history of TV and radio, MTR. This museum (one of The LA Report's favorite weekend things-to-do in Bev Hills) has thousands of TV and radio shows, from today's hits all the way back to the inception of both media, which anyone can view/hear in their library - so perhaps it was fitting that the future of media was shown off here.
This bash had all the elements I like - a great theme and central event (the film made for the "very small screen", called "ACROSS THE HALL" from First Look Studios), an ongoing party for four full hours that guests could go back and forth to from the screening room (note to party planners: the roof of MTR is a great place for a party with nice breezes on a hot summer night), great food (passed treats like spring rolls, mac-n-cheese bites, pizzas, miniburgers and fries, and creme brulee), open bar, and even models passing around phones to handle (or fondle, that's how attractive these babies are). Speaking of attractive, the crowd definitely was, a young friendly and stylish Hollywood vibe, dancing to tunes from one of the best DJs I have experienced in recent memory (I like when the groove isnt monotonically stuck in one decade - and this DJ mashed Elvis Costello next to 60s gems as well as recent hits, a potent fun mix).
As for the film, one viewer said "Across the Hall" reminded him of Hitchkock, and there is truth in that comparison. The DP on the film told me they shot it without consciously thinking of visual plugs for the phone, and to Samsung's credit the filmmakers were not pressured to push the phone in our faces in an obtrusive way, letting it fit in the plot naturally (which was not overly difficult, since there were many tight spaces shot in rooms, and many phonecalls as part of the action). In short, this short is a well done film, and sufficiently subtle in its product phone-placement.
Speaking of placement (as in into the hands of celebs), several VIPs in attendance (including the star of this "phonefilm", Adrian Griener - and Kato Kaelin, star of a new upcoming show called "Oh No It's Kato") got to take home hot new Samsung cellphones (for either Cingular, Verizon or TMobile) -- and all guests were gifted with a beautiful wine-picnic carry set complete with glasses, opener and a Wine.com gift certificate inside. Yes, this indeed was a party that had something for everyone.
If your curiosity is now peaked, you can sneak a peek at Samsung's films online, at www.anyfilms.net . Special thanks to Nicole and R.J. at Rousso/Fisher Public Relations, who once again proved they truly know how to throw a boffo bash. The LA Report rates it two (full) wineglasses up.
