Dinosaurs and Movie Stars Invade LA with Jurassic World 2 Premiere
If you know me at all, you know I'm a big Chris Pratt fan. I almost kind of met him at Paley Fest a few years ago (JUST before the movie star pandemonium), but wasn't able to get a photo or autograph. With the release of Jurassic World 2 comes a premiere. So, one afternoon last June, my friend and I went down to LA to see what we could of the movie's red carpet. We arrived around 1:30, grabbed Subway for lunch, used the restroom, then secured our spot in line, where we would stand for the next five or so hours. We were surrounded by many collectors, who print out oodles and oodles of shots from movies and photo shoots and sell them on eBay. Most are not very nice and once the celebrities come out become even more pushy and rude. They will do whatever it takes to get that autograph, because this is their full-time job and how they make money. One was nice and gave us helpful hints about meeting Chris Pratt and how to be prepared if he came down the line. He also shared other experiences he's had with him and the selfie he took with him last weekend. It was SO hot, but we kept hydrating and trying to preserve our phone battery in case something big happened.
Throughout the afternoon, we kept hearing rumors that we might be going inside for a "fan pit" section on the carpet. But, alas, we did not. Others were selected prior to the event, which I figured. We stayed right where we were, which wasn't exactly a prime location. A few people came over, including "The Lost World" novelist, Michael Crichton; James Cromwell; Michael Giacchino, the composer of the film's score and a couple others. However, people from the back of the line started pushing their way to the front and walking in front of the barricades, even though security was very relaxed and said if celebrities wanted to walk down to our area, they wouldn't stop them. But, people get so impatient and ruin it for others.We saw Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard walk in, but they didn't stop - they just waved to the crowd. I'd heard all day long that Chris Pratt was the nicest guy, and he would be sure to come over. He always stops for the fans and seems to take his time, which is what I saw of him at Paley Fest, so this seemed really rare. But, with so much press and tight schedules, I'm sure they just didn't have time for it. I still think he's the greatest thing ever and hope to meet him officially someday.
We were bummed they didn't come closer. Some people were picked out of the crowd to go inside and watch the movie, but mostly everyone just left after a little longer of waiting. Everyone had gone inside and all hope seemed lost of meeting them. We were about to pack it up and head out, but thought, 'what if?' and so decided to stay a bit longer. But, we walked over to the other side closer to the after party section to wait after the movie ended. Not long after we'd arrived, Steven Spielberg showed up and started signing autographs. People started pushing and he calmly told them to stop, along with his bodyguard. I kept holding my magazine out for him to sign, but wasn't having much luck. Luckily, a kind gentleman next to me asked if I wanted to get it signed - He held it up and shouted "one more!" and Steven signed it. He looked a little confused as to why he was signing Chris Pratt, probably, but what can you do? Ha. It sucks that the fans of the experience and movies get brushed aside, because the collectors take up so much space and are greedy with having them sign. But, WOW...Steven Spielberg... Everyone was in awe. They said he's a hard person to get an autograph from. After that, I was on a high and wanted to stay around longer to see what else happened.
Throughout the evening, we watched a few of the celebrities leave the party, and honestly, it felt like being a fly on the wall. I wondered what they were up to in there, who they were talking to, what they were eating and who they were most excited to meet. Is a night like this everything they dreamed it would be when they were on the other side? Does it ever get old? Do you ever get tired of people screaming your name or having to be 'on' for photos all the time? I've found myself even more curious about the strange lives of celebrities these days. It's a peculiar lifestyle, but one that most of the world is fascinated by.
We also met a few people, including Andy Buckley ("The Office); Nia Vardalos ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") and I would have gotten a picture with Blink 182's Mark Hoppus, but I was a bit slower with that one and he had his family waiting in the car. Frankie Grande also came over and took a few photos, but again, I wasn't quick enough and couldn't make my way up to the front in time. Daniella Paneda from the new film also stopped by for a few autographs and photos, but mostly just for the collectors. Booo! She was gorgeous and seemed very kind to stop, though. The director even walked past us and signed for a few people. I'm guessing he's one of the creatives that doesn't like to watch his own work, because he came back just in time for the after party.
We kept telling ourselves we would get out of there in the next few minutes, but then something else would happen to make us think we should stick around. We talked to a representative from Justice Smith's team, who saw our friend with Chris Pratt's face all over his shirt, and added that he was still inside the party. We saw two SUV's pull up on the other side, so we all hopped over to see who might be leaving. It turns out, it was the film's stars, Pratt and Howard. Chris went straight to the car and drove away. When Bryce's car pulled up, everyone started screaming for her and reminded her that she'd promised to sign after. So, she came over, but said she had to make it quick. She was so sweet to sign, because she easily could've slipped into the car and blown everyone off. The same people kept holding their posters up or putting new ones and the bodyguard was getting annoyed and pointed out that everyone near me had already gotten something signed and basically to back off. Finally I asked, "Bryce, will you please sign this one?" I did not want to be like one of those other pushy people, but was still hoping to get it signed, because she was so close. She locked eyes, signed it and gave it back. I was so happy!
We made a couple new friends around us throughout the day, so that was fun. It helps make the time go by faster, that's for sure! And it helps if you end up seeing each other around at other events in the future. We followed each other on social media and walked out together to say our goodbyes. When we reached the parking lot, we were the only ones left (which Marleen had checked on just a bit before to make sure we were okay to stay).
Being around these events inspire me in my own craft of writing and hopefully producing someday. It reminds me that the magic of creating still exists. That we all still crave more wonder and excitement, and that's why Hollywood is out there. To provide entertainment. To express. It's what made me fall in love with it in the first place. It's nights like these that remind me to keep going and to keep looking for the magic everywhere. By the time we drove home, we were so far past the point of hungry. But, stopped at In-N-Out. I'm not sure I've ever eaten a cheeseburger and fries so fast, and it was delicious. We stopped at the gas station, and after a couple detours from on and off-ramp closures, we were on our way home. While we might not have met Chris Pratt, it was still totally worth it. Friend bonding time, making new friends and of course, getting to meet and experience what we did. Can't wait for the next adventure! That's all for now, Shelby