Crashing Industry Parties in LA
So, did you go to any cool Oscar after-parties on Sunday night? We thought not. For the average non-mogul, getting a legitimate invitation to any celeb-filled private party requires years of casual sucking-up to spouses of studio heads or decades of staying in touch with tedious film school acquaintances. So instead of waiting forever to mingle with the stars, lower your sights and aim for the slightly-less-private Industry parties, which are almost as fun. Especially if you're really high. The following is a general guide to alternate Industry fetes and the non-famous people who can open the party door for you in 2008.
Post-Oscar and Golden Globe parties
Befriend an entertainment lawyer. Normally banned from anything remotely cool, lawyers have a strange ability to get invited to these high profile industry fetes in disproportionately large numbers, probably because they know where all the bodies are buried. They also have a masterful way of staring down security people who imply they "aren't on the list."
Movie Premiere or Award Show after-parties
Make friends with someone in upper management at a studio. Senior VPs usually get at least 4 tickets per premiere and quickly get sick of attending, happily distributing the unwanted coupons to their pals. So, the next time you're introduced to someone on the studio's "corporate side" resist the urge to run---he/she might actually be useful. And don't forget the advertisers, especially if you're angling for a televised event--say the Grammys. Here's where all the ad people call in favors, so attending as their guest is certainly doable.
Entertainment magazine party/fetes at Sundance
These events are organized by PR firms and overrun with magazine editors and their advertisers--suck up to these guys and they'll stealthily get you in the back door. The payoffs are worthwhile: lots of free booze, tons of hot women courtesy of local modeling agencies, accessible B-list celebs (Paris and the gang are usually happy to chat with anyone)--and respectable gift bags. You may also glean some useful hair tips, as every celeb's entourage includes at least five stylists.
Studio or TV channel holiday or "all employee party"
Most any employee can get you in, but unless you've never been to a party before, they're rarely any fun. Go only if you're trying to weasel a job. Befriend some low-caste employee in the Home Entertainment department (you'll know them by their circa-1989 wardrobe) and see if they can bring guests. Also, booze it up before you go as the bar is usually packed a mile deep.
The Wannabe Party
Due to the minimal celeb attendance, this type of party cannot even be assigned a letter grade, but you're guaranteed to hook up. You don't even need to know anyone; just eavesdrop at a bar populated by industry aspirants (Birds on Franklin will do) and find out where the neighborhood party is that night. Usually held on some un-parkable street in Beachwood Canyon, the fete will be packed with good looking and totally uknown "actors," "filmmakers" and "producers," all sponging off their equally unknown host's booze.
