L.A. Premiere Grows Bigger—And More Chic

The premiere of Columbia Pictures’ Closer was supposed to be an intimate party. But when it turned into a 1,000-guest event at the last minute, studio vice president Alison Bossert turned to Chris Benarroch of Benarroch Productions to close down the street in front of L.A. eatery Spago and set up two large tents. “It was going to be a dinner reception for family and friends, but since most of the talent was available to attend and the early reviews of the film were spectacular, the studio decided to open it up to a bigger crowd,” said Benarroch, who worked with art director Keith Greco to create a sleek, modern lounge with white leather couches, Le Corbusier chairs, day beds, shoji screens, and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. A single 40- by 20-foot canvas stretched tightly 12 feet above the floor and illuminated with amber, gold, and fuchsia patterns made the ceiling appear to glow.

—Alesandra Dubin

Photos courtesy of Benarroch Productions