| EVENT REPORT 09.15.09 9:13 AM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Precious Party |
| BlackBerry and Lionsgate invited 300 guests to a pre-screening reception at the Royal Ontario Museum for a new film backed by Oprah Winfrey—who didn't make it to the event. |
|
FROM TORONTO BlackBerry and Lionsgate hosted a pre-screening reception attended by 300 guests—including Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Robert De Niro—for the film Precious at the Royal Ontario Museum Sunday. Executive producer Oprah Winfrey was scheduled to walk the carpet but failed to show for the event.
"The movie is a very gritty and inspiring drama and it takes place in a poverty-stricken landscape, but it's about the fact that no matter how bad your circumstances are, you can always rise above it," said Chris Benarroch, president of the Los Angeles-based Benarroch Productions, which planned the party. Benarroch said she selected the ROM for the reception because the exposed brick wall in the museum's Hyacinth Gloria Chen Crystal Court "looked like a scene from the movie ... this element seemed perfect." |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Orange lighting and images from the film were projected onto the walls in the museum's Hyacinth Gloria Chen Crystal Court, where 300 guests attended the reception.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
 | L.A.-based firm Benarroch Productions called on Westbury National Show Systems to handle the lighting, which included projections of logos for Lionsgate and footage from the movie.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
 | Small glass vases holding orange gerbera daisies sat atop reserved tables for V.I.P. guests like executive producer Oprah Winfrey, who was expected to attend the reception but hadn't arrived by the time the media cleared the red carpet.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
 | Mariah Carey, who plays a social worker in the film, talked to reporters on the red carpet inside the Royal Ontario Museum.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
 | Gabourey Sidibe, who portrays lead character Precious Jones, spoke with reporters on the red carpet.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash |
|
|
|
|
|
The venue, which has soaring ceilings and angled white walls, also enabled the company to fill the space with light and projections that included images from the film and the names of event sponsors Lionsgate and BlackBerry.
Sequined black cushions topped white furnishings from Contemporary Furniture Rentals, and splashes of orange—the colour featured prominently in the film's promotional materials—could be seen in the flowers (gerbera daisies), and the lighting. C5 Restaurant catered the event, and guests sipped on cocktails including the BlackBerry Martini during the party.
The production company chose to hold a pre-film reception rather than an after-party because the film was slotted a 9:30 p.m. screening at Roy Thomson Hall, the site of all of TIFF's gala presentations. "It was just too late. Also this movie is really heartfelt, and when you walk out of the movie you are so floored you really just want to sit and take it in," Benarroch said.
Organizers installed barricades and red ropes at the museum's Bloor Street entrance and set up a red carpet and step-and-repeat inside the ROM's foyer. The museum closed at 5:30 p.m. and guests, including the film's stars, began arriving at 6:30 p.m. Although Winfrey was scheduled to attend the party she had yet to arrive when the media cleared the red carpet at 8:45 p.m.
According to The Toronto Star, the talk show host "was having a lie down, exhausted after a heavy press day."
—Susan O'Neill
RELATED TOPICS
Toronto International Film Festival, Lionsgate, BlackBerry, Oprah Winfrey, Precious
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
Us Weekly Takes to Voyeur With Scantily Clad Models, Burlesque Feel
MoMA Gets Suitably Whimsical and Macabre for Tim Burton Tribute
New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves
Chrysalis Benefit Cuts Ticket Prices in Half, Draws Same Crowd
Wende Museum Closes Wilshire for Cold War Anniversary Celebration
MORE STORIES ABOUT TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
TIFF Highlights: Live Music, Live Art, Live Goats Spotted at Festival Events
TIFF Opening Night Gala Adopts Adam and Eve Theme for Creation
Fall Preview: New Season Brings Busier Event Schedule, More Last-Minute Business
MORE STORIES ABOUT LIONSGATE
Lionsgate Premieres My Best Friend's Girl With Clubby Hollywood Bash
MORE STORIES ABOUT BLACKBERRY
Santogold Performs Surprise Set at BlackBerry Bold's Interactive L.A. Launch
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Wyndham’s upscale, casual, comfortable environments offer a wide choice of locations and broad array of amenities, services, and ambience. Wyndham is a great fit for varied budgets, tastes, and priorities. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Greenroom
Greenroom is a high-end furniture rental company that caters to the unique needs of the entertainment and special events industries. It specializes in backstage talent areas, event decor, and props.rnrnGreenroom’s vision is to create an inventory with a mix of iconic classic and modern styles, as well as current designs. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Town & Country Event Rentals
Town & Country Event Rentals opened in 2005 under the direction of Classic Party Rentals founder Richard LoGuercio. In four years, it has gained the respect of many of L.A.’s top event producers through dedication to personal service and outstanding quality, as well as a massive inventory of the latest designs. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
