CineVegas Film Festival...a desert joke! Trevor Groth fumbles, Staff insult Press & Filmgoers, Honoree Soiree a sham!

There must be something in the water at the Palms Hotel which makes people stupid.
A case in point.

By the 2nd day of the CineVegas Film Festival, it was quite evident that staff members were not dealing with a full deck.

CineVegas started off with high hopes with a big splashy red carpet extravaganza.

For instance, at the high-energy event, appearances by actor Raines Wilson and legendary Dennis Hopper wowed filmgoers there for the 10th annual celebration of excellence (?) in filmmaking.

Then, at a tony party the first weekend, Britney Spears made an impromptu entrance.

Consequently, the following day, there was a buzz around the planet.

But, by the third day, it was obvious that Trevor Groth fumbled the ball.

And - from the get-go - it was evident that employees at the Press desk didn't know their a**es from a hole in the ground. So much so, that one had to wonder whether they landed their posts in a horizontal position or on their knees. After all, they had no skills to speak of.

For starters, Kelly Frey somehow thought she was a hot shot PR maverick; but, it was evident right off-the-bat she couldn't publicize her way out of a paper bag - a wet one - at that!

Meanwhile, Francesca Torre - who was a designated press liaison (???) - was under the mistaken impression that she was a Beauty Queen.

Her nose was stuck so high up in the air that I surmise she has stretch marks on her vagina.

In fact - her attitude was so thick - I doubt it could have been cracked open with a crowbar.

At the press desk - when photographers and members of the press approached her for information - she was aloof, rude, and insulting.

So much so, that I was forced to reprimand the young lady (I use the term lady very loosely) about her lack of class and bad manners.

Later - on the red carpet - Ms. Torre made nasty faces - and shook her head this way and that - and showed her disdain for me. What happened to the old idea of "respect for one's elders?".

The concept is obviously lost to low-lifes like Ms. Torre.

When I complained to another employee - Taylor Banks - he didn't acknowledge the communication.

Instead, he passed on the hot-potato issue to Ms. Frey.

Imagine that, she actually zipped off an e-mail, asserting that I must have misinterpreted Ms. Torre's behavior.

What a whitewash.

Miss, I wasn't born yesterday.

Witnesses at the red carpet affair agreed wholeheartedly that Torre's immature, bratty, reprehensible (shocking) conduct was difficult to misinterpret for anything else than what it was: a temper tantrum from an irate staff member who was angry with the fact I lodged a complaint against her with her superiors.

Then, something odd occurred.

When I attempted to contact Trevor Groth about her misconduct - and the inappropriate way the press desk staff was treating photographers and other press members - the Troth's helpers refused to provide his e-mail address.

Suddenly, it became a "state secret".

One male member of the production staff was shocked.

"It should have been forthcoming," he lamented.

Well, that behind-the-scenes staffer happened to hail from Toronto, like me.

Us Canadians have a strong sense about what is wrong and right - what is ethical - and what is not.

As I thumbed through the Festival Directory, I stumbled across Trevor's smiley face, heading up a paragraph or two of requisite promotional bullsh** about the Festival.

But, guess what?

No contact information was published.

Obviously, Mr. Groth is not interested in feedback about the festival, or even willing to provide information as to how he may be contacted in the event of a complaint issue, whatever.

Does he care?

Don't you think a Festival Director should provide a contact number?

I think it goes without saying.

In fact, it boggles the intelligence of any normal person to fathom how Mr. Groth could be so blatantly ignorant of the fact.

Of course, I could have approached Mr. Groth at one of the scintillating parties we rubbed elbows at; but, I didn't for a couple of reasons.

One, I didn't want to throw a damper on the festivities by griping about staff problems around other festival-goers.

Two, I thought the issues should be discussed in private.

But, you see, I was properly raised and well-bred.

After observing Mr. Groth at the Festival, a couple of clues surfaced about his own background.

The problem with Mr. Groth is obvious: he was left sitting around in shi**y diapers as a child which resulted in the personality disorders which have manifested in his adult life. (Psychology 1; Personality Profiles)

If you want a true take on Mr. Groth's character, listen to this!

When a press person complained about his staff earlier in the week - in spite of the fact he had ample opportunity to contact the individual by e-mail or telephone - he waited until last night's Honoree shindig to have one of his silly bonehead minions (Ian Jankelowitz) inform the person he didn't like their "tone".

For that spurious reason, he barred the newsie from the event, last minute.

Obviously, Mr. Groth's intention amounted to a bold-faced effort to embarrass and humiliate the person at the door of the celebration as party-goers and press arrived for the much-anticipated event.

What a nasty piece of work, eh?

Meanwhile, earlier in the week, other press members and a couple of "Flush Pass" Patrons were denied entrance to the Murakami Art Event so that Mr. Greenspun (Festival President) could savor what was being billed as a - "major cultural event for the Las Vegas Art scene" - for himself and his elitist friends.


And - he did so - at the expense of press members with tickets in tow and filmgoers who paid for their admission in advance!

These are the kind of scuzz-balls who are running CineVegas Film Festival.
I don't now what rock they scurried out from under - but as far as I am concerned - the whole scruffy lot can slither back from whence they came.

After all, they are not only a disgrace to the local Art community, but a discredit to the entire legitimate Festival Circuit.

Ironically, the reprehensible conduct of Terry Groth, Robin (and Amy) Greenspun, Kelly Frey, Francesca Torre, Taylor Banks, and Ian Jankelowitz - caught up with them as key members of the press stayed away from screenings this past week, held back press coverage - and quite generally - stewed on the sidelines vowing never to return to CineVegas again.

Yes, CineVegas was hit with a knock-out punch this week.

And, it is doubtful the annual Fest will recover from the lethal blow.

In the final analysis, CineVegas became a desert joke this week.

Worse than Ishtar, if you can possibly imagine it!

Can you hear the laughter, Trevor?

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CineVegas Film Festival..."Memorial Day". Filmgoers walk out in disgust!

When I spoke to director James Fox about his entry (Memorial Day) at the CineVegas Film Festival, he was a bit tight-lipped about the project.

But, when I crossed paths with actress Sarah Nedwek - who stars in the film - I was able to slip the muzzle off a bit for an intriguing reveal. At this juncture, for instance, I learned that the mysterious feature with a macabre twist was somewhat experimental in nature.

More succinctly, the promotional blurb boasted a wild sort-of ride.

"Beginning as a rowdy beach weekend, Memorial Day turns to find the dark hearts of Americans who live to tape their most debauched adventures. The characters are thrust into full exposure, both physically and emotionally, to a place where self-exploitation and the exploitation of others give rise to a shocking new kind of entertainment."

Well, one that the movie-going public may not be ready for!


At the screening a handful of irate filmgoers stormed out of the Theatre in disgust.

"It was well-done," one agitated theatre-goer assured me.

"But, the images were shocking."


Another film buff argued that while the offering was a turn-off in respect to the controversial subject matter, the actors were quite competent and turned in finely-tuned performances worth catching.

Ms. Nedwek informed me that although this was her first film, she flexed her acting muscles in a number of Theatre Stage productions in recent years, which amply prepared her to get a grip on the complexities of the "Memorial Day" role.

"We did a lot of improvisation."

In fact, Fox urged his actors to go beyond the basic framework - take risks, plumb the depths of their psyches, exorcise demons, if necessary - to meet the specific demands of their characterizations.

While the director may have succeeded in accomplishing his vision, it may have been too much for a viewing audience to handle.

From Fox's perspective, the camera created a sphere of provocation wherever it went, ramping up actions, and pushing characters to a place of hyper-real catharsis.

In spite of the lofty reach - "Memorial Day" - left filmgoers at a loss for words, for the most part. In fact, many were inclined to make a quick exit from the troubling images.

Another film - "South of Heaven" - affected audiences the same way.

"Pointless violence," one criticized.

"Shocking footage of females that were degrading and upsetting, " another lamented.


Maybe Festival Director (Trevor Groth) felt that he needed to push the envelope, and go beyond the bounds of good taste and cinematic excellence, in a bold-faced effort to conjure up controversy?

Get the theatre-going public in the door at any cost?

The scheme may have backfired.

A handful of filmgoers were turned off by a number of the films that were unveiled - signaling without doubt - that CineVegas needs to re-access Festival goals.

Ignoring the obvious may result in a slip in CineVegas credibility - which, bottom line - may reflect in poor ticket sales and attendance next year.

Samuel Goldwyn once said:

"A wide screen just makes a bad film twice as bad."

CineVegas Film Festival...gossip & scuttlebutt. LA TIMES stinker & screw-ups.

Yesterday, I checked with the staff at the ticket office, and they informed me that Box Office for the CineVegas Film Festival has been boffo this year. A number of features have been either booked fully or sold to near capacity.

"Sales are higher this year than the past couple of years," one CineVegas volunteer proudly announced.

So, the fest is steaming ahead and garnering stature on the Festival circuit.

But, as I trotted around behind-the-scenes and covered red carpet events in recent days, it has become evident to me the Festival is experiencing some growing pains; consequently, there are issues that need to be sorted out if CineVegas is to continue to surge ahead (and gain respect from the Industry).


Mr. Hopper (Chairman of the Festival), Mr. Greenspun (President of CineVegas) and Trevor Groth (Festival Director) have been dotting on the festival-goers - attending screenings, circulating the events - and ably fulfilling their roles as good-will Ambassadors of the event.

But, it appears that staff in the lower levels of management and in the publicity department are either slipping or not experienced enough to professionally handle their tasks.

A case in point.

Last night, I attended a chi-chi function at Dos Caminos (at the Palazzo Hotel & Casino) and proceeded to engage guests in a bit of dialogue to rustle up feedback about their CineVegas experience.

At one point, I alighted next to a lovely couple at the warm outgoing event.

The smartly-attired well-manicured woman was curious as to who I was, and subsequently, lifted up my press pass to get a gander at it to determine my association with the Festival.

At this juncture, we engaged in a spirited discussion, and I learned they were contributors to CineVegas.

Sadly, the woman informed me that her and her hubbie felt a little out-of-sorts that day at the "Get Smart" screening. In spite of the fact they were sponsors of the festival, staff placed them in lousy seats near the rear of the theatre; consequently, they felt neglected.

Another woman I have become friends with at the Festival also ran into the same problem. In spite of the fact she paid $600.00 for a Festival pass, the local art dealer was placed in a spot "outfield". Boy, was she miffed!

She proceeded to request better seating elsewhere in the theatre. And, got it.

The couple in question didn't venture down the same path because they didn't want to cause a fuss or throw a damper on what they surmised would be a satisfying cultural experience that afternoon.

So, there I was smoothing over the waters trying to make things better.

What else could I do?

As the old saying goes, "That's not my job!"

Also, it appears that staff in the publicity department have made some poor judgments calls which reflect negatively on their integrity and ethical standards.

For instance, when members of the press or photographers arrive at the CineVegas Headquarters lounge - Kelly Frey, Francesca Torre, and Taylor Banks - don't even bother to introduce themselves as staff in the Publicity Department or welcome guests to the festival. Imagine that!

Another problem occurred when one local Vegas press person went to pick up his ticket for the feature film - "Your Name Here" - and was informed that last-minute an LA TIMES reporter swooped into the press room requesting a ticket.

Instead of noting that the screening was sold out, they gave the man's ticket to the columnist without batting an eye, nor did they show any remorse for their questionable conduct.

That su**s.

The press are required to submit RSVP's for special events and request tickets with appropriate advance notice. If the Los Angeles daily screwed up, or arrived late, why should the other man suffer?

Last minute - I decided to attend that screening - but was told the theatre was sold out.

That was okay in that circumstance as far as I was concerned; after all, I was just going on spec an hour or so before the curtain fell - so I was forced to accept the consequences for not planning farther ahead.

But, in my case there turned out to be a Feature Film God!

At the event last night, I nonchalantly slipped into a seat at the bar next to the marketing person (Jennifer C. Lai at Everstudios) promoting the film and she proceeded to arrange for a copy of "YOUR NAME HERE" to be delivered to me so that I could screen it privately.

Other press folks didn't get tickets to events they registered for. For example, when a few media types arrived at the PR Office, staff coldly informed them that their paperwork was either lost or had not been processed for some inexplicable reason. They were SOL.

Oops!

Someone is not going to get coverage from a handful of media outlets due to staff error, negligence or incompetence.

And, that hits home.

Two weeks ago, I personally notified the PR Office that I wanted to attend the Murakami Event, scheduled later today.


I covered Murakami's Los Angeles show, so as a matter of continuity, I desired to follow through with an in-depth analysis of his exhibition in Vegas.

No one has followed through or confirmed if my ticket has been processed.

So, Mr. Murakami loses coverage because of staff oversight?

Then, there have been some problems with staff getting in the way of the photographers at red carpet events.

A handful of paparazzi complained to me that as they are lining up to shoot the stars at the premieres, staff stand in the way and screw up the shot.

One photographer noted that when he complained, the staffer shrugged casually and remarked in an off-handed way, "Just photoshop it."

As a professional photog pointed out, when shots are submitted to editors at magazines and newspapers, they are inclined to pick the stills that are ready to publish. So, the photographer may lose out on a sale because the publicity shot has a hand, shoulder, or back of "someone" in it.

And, the star may not get coverage as a result, either.

It appears that staff in the PR office are not familiar with the Hollywood publicity machine or how it works.

Another filmgoer expressed her dismay that a film she took in was quite ragged and that the production values were poor.

"A festival of this stature should not have such low quality films," she argued.

Personally, from a critic's point of view, I will sometimes overlook the fact that a first-timer's project is a little rough around the edges - if the message is strong, the material is highly original - and it impacts on a deeper level than that of the purely visual.

But, the woman did have a point.

Another film - "South of Heaven" - was rife with images of women being beaten or tortured. As the tale unfolded, I cringed. Ironically, as the thought crossed my mind that the project might offend women, a few ladies got up and walked out.

It is one thing to make a statement about a relevant social and/or political issue, but when a film exploits torture and violence and has no redeeming value, one has to wonder...what is the point?

Orson Welles once said,

"A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet."

CineVegas Film Festival...Rainn Wilson & Dennis Hopper wow filmgoers at Fox's premiere for "The Rocker". A Hit!

Hollywood should sit up and take a cue from CineVegas - when it comes to premieres - at least!

Last night's red carpet event for Fox's - "The Rocker" - was a splashy high-energy bash - the likes of which - I have not seen in recent days in Tinsel town.

Without doubt, there were two stand-outs on the catwalk.

Top Dog honor goes to Rainn Wilson (The Office) who alighted amid a lot of frenzied fanfare from what was being billed as the most ubiquitous limo on the planet with motley crew in tow.

Runner up for the grand entrance hands-down went to local Vegas celebrity - Johnny Brenden - with clear title to the Brenden Theatre at the Palms Casino Resort where the hilarious new Fox comedy was being unveiled.

"Mr. Muscles," one of the paparazzi quipped.

Rainn strutted down the red carpet in character attired head-to-toe in rock-inspired garb.

Was I having a sixties-style LSD flashback?

"Axel Rose inspired the bandanna," he noted dead-pan.

When I spied a promo for the rock music band - "Steel Panther" - in the morning Review-Journal (Page 26 of Neon) it all amounted to synchronicity for me.

From the publicity still in the daily, it was quite evident that Rainn got it right.

When I asked Rainn where he wanted to be in two years, he was quick on the uptake.

Bigger than Bono!

The talented actor was in top form, capable of spitting out rapid-fire repartee at whim, much to the delight of the fans outside the theatre in Sin City.

The shutterbugs were in a feeding frenzy - truly in their element - as they snapped away non-stop without skipping a beat.

Wilson was flanked by a skanky bunch of hangers-on which included scintillating showgirls, a card-playing magician, tuxedoed midget, and a Centurion (Hail Caesar!).

"I picked 'em up at a local bar," Rainn joked amid hoots from the press who ate it all up!

For the press it was finally show time.

For about two hours they chomped at the bit.

In spite of the fact they were wilting somewhat under the intense mid-day sun, they were inclined to camp out patiently on the edges of the roped-off runway where the celebrities were destined to touch down.

I spied a handful of 'em surreptitiously checking out the rank and status of their rivals in the line-up, taking note of the pecking order, that sort of thing.

On occasion, a photog would kindly oblige the competition by standing in on the carpet for a test shot to establish framing, intensity of light, and potential glitches.

At times, they shared the fruits of their labor.

"Not a bad shot, eh?" one asked a fellow photog as he displayed the screen for all to take a gander at.

"I cut him off at the knees though. I guess I should have included the feet."

A Celebrity Vibe rep was pretty low-key and stayed out of the fray for the most part.

For him, the industry was mostly a positive experience.

Who was a toughie to deal with?

"Jennifer Anniston. She gets naked and stands out in front of her house. Then, she has someone tip off a photographer . When he shows up and takes pictures, she sues them."

Why, I asked incredulously.

"'Cause she's crazy," he stated matter-of-fact.

You heard it here first, folks.

How did Brad make do for all those years? Must have the patience of Job, I expect.

Johnny Brenden was quite the poser himself. In fact, his appearance was literally dazzling.

A stud in his ear sparkled when it caught the sunlight and showered little rainbows all about.

And then, there was that ten-thousand-watt smile.

"The teeth were always his," one woman assured me.


Another speculated about where his money came from.

"He's related to the owners of the Mann's Chinese," another chimed in.

Mr. Brenden was the film buff nostalgic who pushed for a Hollywood-style walk of fame with stars imbedded underfoot in Las Vegas terra firma.

When I asked if he had help with his fashion choices for the evening, he was quite emphatic, "No".

"Versace", he announced, as he did a little bow in his black designer suit that fit just so.

How can you go wrong when you start with the perfect male silhouette?

At one point, when the flash bulbs popped and the golden sunlight streamed across his distinctive features, the effect was awesome, surreal, and downright freakish in nature.

It was sort-of a Marilyn Monroe moment with a male twist.

The phrase - "famous for being famous" - popped into my mind.

One of the lead actresses -  Jane Lynch -  was cool as a cucumber, though.

She handled herself with ease despite the frenzied pace of the event.

When I asked if tall thin actress could offer up any advice for actors struggling and pining to succeed in the business, she was quick to offer up suggestions.

"Do Do Do. Get into a play or a showcase. Get out there and make it happen."

Dennis Hopper was the epitome of style and class, too.

He sauntered down the carpet in an understated tasteful suit, with a starched pristine-white dress shirt, open at the collar.

In spite of the carnival-like-aura of the event, the legendary actor managed to remain centered, measured in his responses, and definitely in control.

The sign of a true pro.

What was the man - who has been crowned the Ambassador of good will for CineVegas - thinking behind those ultra-cool designer shades?



When I asked the celebrated Hopper if he had any reflections about his remarkable fortune to work with legendary actors - Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson (Giant) - he was inclined to note that he just came off a project with a fine actor, Ben Kingsley.


It was evident to me at that juncture that Mr. Hopper is not caught up in the trappings of Hollywood, influenced by fluctuating personas, or the superficiality of the industry. Indeed, his response indicated - quite frankly - that it was all about the quality of the work and the players.

When the producer - Tom McNulty - stopped by for a chat impeccably dressed in a handsome suit - my initial reaction was to joke,

"Oh, you're one of the suits we hear so much about in the industry."

He was taken aback a little.

Yeah, my humor can be a little offbeat on occasion, if not downright cynical at times.

Mr. McNultry is a sort-of boy wonder, with pretty luminous eyes, who came up through the ranks.

True to form, the affable exec started at the bottom, then navigated his way to the top, "by being focused, clean, willing to pitch in, and doing the grunt work".

He noted that the "Rocker" property had been stewing for a couple of years before it got the green light. At one point he and Rainn became fast friends, so it was logical that he would be offered the role.

After director Peter Cattaneo (Full Monty) agreed to come on board, within six weeks, the award-winning auteur was jetting off to Toronto (my home town) to start shooting with little more fuss or ado.

In view of the mood of the business in recent days, the comedy appeared to be a good bet for the marketplace, noted McNultry.

In respect to upcoming projects, he noted that he worried a little about a potential strike, but expressed a sincere hope that the actors get their due and proper pay.

Gosh, twist the arms of those other suits, please!

When I corralled Trevor Groth - Artistic Director for CineVegas - it was evident he was on a bit of a high.

The Festival was kicking off to a great start, after all.

What is the highlight of the Festival, I asked.

"Tonight."

Ah, quite the diplomat, what with the "Rocker" people gazing on from the sidelines.

But, he urged filmgoers and festival enthusiasts to get out for the big Charity Event coinciding with "Get Smart" on Sunday June 15th at the Planet Hollywood Casino Resort.

Proceeds will go to help Project Knapsack which was founded by GET SMART star, Dwayne Johnson.

Also, the Murakami Red Carpet event (Monday June 16th) may prove to be a historic artistic happening in Las Vegas.

Congratulations Rocker!

Looks like 'ya got a hit on your hands.

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