See what happens, when Mom Bloggers hit Hollywood (HARD) and yes, perhaps you should be afraid, be very, very afraid!
Suave invited me to attend the 2008 Glamour Reel Moments film festival, last week (I do NOT know how that happened, either) hosted by Glamour Magazine. You see, the magazine holds a contest (three years, now) where readers submit their stories and then famous actresses pick their favorite idea and make it into a short film.
Day 1 was fun - seriously, I love meeting new blogging buddies - but, it was Day 2 that really brought us together, some for the first time, as bloggers hit the red carpet!
This year?
Courteney Cox, Kiwi Smith (who has written the screen plays to Ella Enchanted, Ten Things I Hate about You, She’s the Man, House Bunny and Legally Blond) and Demi Moore are all making their directorial debuts and I am very honored to be working with Suave, the sponsor of this year's Glamour Reel Moments, to cover the event and share my thoughts with you.
It was last Tuesday morning (already?) when we got the chance to sit down and brunch with Bill Wackerman, Senior Vice President of Publishing at Glamour Magazine and Leslie Russo, Associate Publisher, who worked together to make Glamour Reel Moments happen, along with Francesca Silvestri of Freestyle Productions (the production company in charge of the three films being shown) Kiwi Smith (whose debut film The Spleenectomy was premiering that night at the Director’s Guild of America) as well as Andrea Buchanan, the moderator for the Q&A panel to follow.
My first thought?
Suave went to great lengths to take REAL good care of us during our visit to Hollywood - I especially appreciated not having to be, well, anywhere before 10:00 a.m. - and, along with Glamour Magazine, gave each of us a chance to get an up close and personal glimpse into the film making industry.
My second thought, where are all the skirts?
Rita Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Courteney Cox, Kirsten Dunst are now all Glamour Reel Moments Alumnus directors.
Brunch speakers Andrea Buchanan, Leslie Russo, Kiwi Smith and Francesca Silvestri.
According to Leslie Russo (who was heavy with child and still managed to look heavenly, dammit!) only 7% of the Directors Guild of America are women, so programs like Glamour Reel Moments are all about changing the face of Hollywood:
"The stories that come into Glamour Reel Moments are from women of all walks of life, some are really funny, some really deep, some are really light-hearted but these women have really put themselves out there and have been brave to share their stories . . . "
I guess that's why bloggers (like me) can relate - especially, if you're a mom, or have something nice to say about your kids - yes?
Michelle posts a wonderful recap of the interview on her blog (because, she's Scribbit and, you know, very, very smart) but, I'd like to focus more on the fact that this trip has made me (known only to my friends and family, really) realize just how lucky I really am.
Not so much about the going to Hollywood thing - although, I have to admit, it was nice to be "the coolest mom" in the neighborhood, for a change - but, I totally appreciate big companies (like, Suave and Glamour) that really understand how important it is to know just who their customers are and STILL be more than willing to work with, you know, "real women!"
Though, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that they asked me (a tired, frazzled and wigged-out mom of 4, with leftover tan lines and did I mention I'm from Jersey?) but, being a big fan of Suave (I've been using their products, consistently, for more than a month, now) I was more than happy to tag along for the ride, as The Ambassador of Dorks, everywhere!
I mean, look at Amy (MomAdvice.com) she is positively gleaming, the camera absolutely LOVES her!
Oh, and I finally got to meet my friend Beth (RoleMommy.com) was born to walk (and knows how to totally work) the red carpet! Aaaand, she's got video tape to prove it - make sure you go over and check out our Flip-worthy moments!
My friend, Dawn (Because, I Said So) well, she's beautiful, has this totally funny book coming out (based on her blog) and has a big, bright future ahead of her, I'm sure!
Then there's my friend Michelle (yes, Scribbit's in the house!) well, what can I say - besides, DAYUM! - the woman is amazing and, well, just look at her, dammit and I got to stalk sit next to her at the movies, as well!
Aaaand, they were amazing!
My favorite?
Having a kid only 4 short years away from college, Demi Moore's "Streak" really hit home and Kiwi Smith's "Spleenectomy" and the many new and inovative uses for the word "speculum," were very funny.
[giggle]
However, it was Courteney Cox's "The First Monday Before Thanksgiving" had me holding my breath, laughing and then hoping I wouldn't puke on Scribbit's new shoes, for nearly 20 minutes, it was that moving.
Besides, I love Laura Dern (she starred in Courteney's film) and also happen to believe she looks an awful lot like my friend, Michelle, don'cha think?
[shrugs shoulders]
Well, a lot of people did and I kept having to tell them that she wasn't her...even though, she really did look like...I dunno...somebody...but , you know, she's a lot cooler, though, right?
Riiiiight!
The after party was held at the Chateau Marmont and we had a BLAST hanging out with Hollywood listers, like sitting next to Kirsten Dunst (those are her cigarettes Michelle stole borrowed found and gave to me, as a memento) and watching David Spade, as he hovered near the bar (next to us) and was making his way through the crowd, while Ashton Kutcher hovered near Demi (gosh, but he really IS cute) and then making my way through the crowd and bumping into (or, stepping on) people like Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew
Perry (3 times) Laura Dern and, well, just ask Cindy (a.k.a. Hello Dollface) she got to meet a lot of them in the bathroom, ALL NIGHT!
Me?
Well, my "OMG!" moment came much later, back at the hotel, when I bumped into my oldest daughter's boyfriend.
"OMG...it's the Jonas Brothers!"
Actually, it was Joe Jonas and my 14-year-old still hasn't forgiven me for missing yet another photo op, just because I was being all, you know, dorky.
Not to mention, calling Joe Jonas her boyfriend...out loud...on the Internets and everything.
[shrugs shoulders]
Back row: Jolie Nadine, Scribbit, The Makeup Girl, This Full House, Hello Dollface! Front row: Because, I Said So, Mom Advice and Role Mommy at the premier of Glamour Reel Moments!
We looked good, though and (surprisingly) I felt great. Seriously, it was a chance in a lifetime. I mean, to get all dressed up and NOT have to pretend to be anything other than, you know, me?
[big-toothy grin]
Well, that was easy.
Thank you, Suave - most especially, Janna, Jillian, Heather and Sara who had made sure that everything about our trip was, you know, picture perfect and for giving this "real mom" her one (and probably only) Cinderella moment!
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