Last Thusday's busy lineup of events included something New York doesn't often see these days: a full-scale television series premiere and after-party. Held at Clearview's Chelsea Cinema and Tribeca Rooftop, the launch of HBO's hipster detective series Bored to Death brought out 350 guests, including stars Ted Danson, Jason Schwartzman, and Zach Galifianakis, for dinner and games.
A collaboration between two HBO staffers, director of special events Cindy Tenner and vice president of events and media relations Angela Lomascolo, Bored to Death seemed like an appropriate premiere to give a New York treatment. "We frequently do premieres in Los Angeles—so much of our industry is out of here—but Bored to Death is based here and shot on location all over Brooklyn," Tenner said. "Keeping it in the city and having the party off of a cobblestone street in Tribeca really fit the show."
But Tribeca is not in Brooklyn—and large after-parties can be difficult to negotiate on the other side of the East River—so to pay homage to the show, Tenner tapped event designer and producer Cara Kleinhaut of Caravents to bring the other borough's aesthetic to the venue.
Taking cues from the series itself, which was created by Brooklyn-based novelist Jonathan Ames, the literary-bohemian atmosphere included stacks of books, globes, magnifying glasses, and other tchotchkes at each of the dinner tables. Lounge seating throughout the room included oversize couches and reading chairs you might find in a library, and telescopes were stationed near the windows.
The blank canvas of Tribeca Rooftop demanded significant attention to lighting, so Kleinhaut worked with designers at L&M Sound & Light Design to play up the detective noir vibe of the series. Gobos cut out like venetian blinds cast shadows on the floors and walls, and multicolored lamps and fixtures hung from the ceiling. For entertainment, pool, foosball, and ping pong were set up in two areas, and tables featured smaller games like backgammon, checkers, and dominoes.
Based in Los Angeles, Caravents produces events across the country, and opened a permanent New York outpost in 2008, where Kleinhaut herself works at least one week every month. Bored to Death marked HBO's first partnership with Kleinhaut, and Cindy Tenner was pleased with the job they did together. "From the get go she really got what the feel would be," Tenner said. "The party brought a hip, literary, Brooklyn vibe to the venue."
