As a seasoned political observer with years of following elections and campaigns, I must say that this year’s election has been like no other. The tension, the drama, and the sheer uncertainty have kept me on the edge of my seat.
There’s a popular saying circulating in Hollywood about election night preparations: Keep the champagne chilled.
Events of a grand scale and filled with celebrities from earlier than 2016 – essentially history now – have been swapped out for relaxed, more personal, and nerve-wracking get-togethers. The cause? It’s intricate, and one of the industry’s most politically engaged producers offers the clearest explanation.
Jamie Patricof, founder of Hunting Lane Production Company, explains that this year’s election will likely not provide a definite result on election night due to the differences in counting vote-by-mail and in-person votes. This uncertainty has made the traditional idea of celebrating on election night less appealing, as many others may share the same sentiment. Patricof believes that it’s more significant to spend the evening with friends, family, and like-minded individuals who have worked hard for candidates whose policies align with their values. In her opinion, there will be ample opportunities for parties in the future.
In 2016, Patricof was one of the many people at New York’s Javits Center, where there had been high expectations for a joyous, triumphant party for Hillary Clinton. However, as the election results came in, Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States, and the positive energy quickly disappeared, like a vacuum sweeping it away. The wounds from that unexpected turn of events still seem raw.
Another attendee from the industry shares similar feelings, having been deeply affected by the Javits Center experience. They mention that they might opt for a more informal approach and it’s possible others feel the same way. This event left a lasting impression on them – the gradual departure of campaign staff as initial results came in, even with fully stocked bars untouched. They stayed late to watch the coverage on the big screens with the few remaining people because if they left, it felt like reality was setting in. Now, this person plans to stay home, expressing cautious optimism but mentally bracing for potential adversity.
Similar sentiments were shared by entertainment industry professionals interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter before November 5. One prominent political activist in Hollywood admitted to nervously pacing on the set of their latest film as they monitored the election results. A strategic communications expert will be playing poker with friends for a diversion. Many who were asked to share their plans opted for couch surfing and channel-surfing instead, too fearful to tempt fate. As one put it, “People are honestly too afraid to jinx anything.” A seasoned manager has planned on ordering pizza and watching cable news. In contrast, Kelli McNeil-Yellen, a writer, producer, and founder of KLA Media, intends to focus her attention on a different menu by attempting a challenging recipe from Julia Child.
McNeil-Yellen stated, “My husband [Alexander Yellen, who is a director or cinematographer] and I chose a moderately-priced pinot noir bottle for our meal – neither extravagant nor inexpensive – and decided to prepare Julia Child’s classic boeuf bourguignon recipe from the beginning. This decision stems from two reasons: First, it requires numerous hours to cook, which might help distract us from current concerns, and secondly, we crave comfort food, and nothing seems more suitable than a traditional Julia Child dish.
Regarding Patricof, he intends to remain closely associated with all the pundits he’s worked alongside daily and nightly for several years now. He further stated, “This is my equivalent of the Super Bowl. I can hardly wait for the Steve Kornacki cam on NBC. I am envious and admire anyone who can play Monopoly Deal and unwind during Tuesday nights by distracting themselves from the election. I will undoubtedly be making use of watching four screens simultaneously on YouTube TV.
However, for Patricof, the anticipated outcome will only materialize after a grueling day. His other activities on Election Day also reflect a broader pattern. Given the nail-bitingly close contest between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, some industry insiders are not in the mood to relax with a drink. Instead, they are intensely engaged in making phone calls, door-to-door canvassing, organizing political rallies, and last-minute strategies to extract every possible vote.
Patricof is partnering with Congressman Eric Swalwell for what’s being called the biggest all-day phone banking event ever – “Everyone for Kamala.” This event will commence at 10 a.m. ET on Hovercast, an online platform that offers interactive live streaming and encourages viewers to engage actively. During this event, participants will have the opportunity to join grassroots phone banking sessions with politicians and celebrities such as Ben Stiller, Jessica Alba, John Legend, Kelly Rowland, Ken Jeong, Mark Cuban, Kerry Washington, Joel McHale, Mark Ruffalo, Uzo Aduba, Bellamy Young, Bradley Whitford, Tony Goldwyn, Sophia Bush, Carole Radziwill, Quentin James, Mark Feuerstein, Shannon Watts, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ben Winkler, Doc Rivers, Ashlyn Harris, Max Greenfield and more.
Just like last time, Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson are gearing up for another Election Day Vote-A-Thon. This time, they’re teaming up with Broadway Votes and Joy to the Polls for a nonpartisan cause. The fundraiser for the Entertainment Community Fund will showcase some of Broadway’s biggest talents like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Martin Short, Matthew Broderick, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Rachel Bloom, Jonathan Groff, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Rosie Perez, Wayne Brady, Jessie Mueller, Shoshana Bean, J. Harrison Ghee, Andrea Martin, Javier Muñoz, Rachel Bay Jones, Nina West, Lauren Patten, stars from the original Broadway cast of Hairspray, members of the Glee cast, and numerous others during a six-hour livestream. The event will include musical and dance performances, as well as stories from those working on the front lines at the polls.
The Women’s March representative has verified that they are organizing a “workday” focused on contacting Latina voters, which will take place at their Boyle Heights headquarters. This event includes a watch party and phone banking session, running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the day.
For those craving in-real-life activities, there will be options.
The Harris-Walz campaign is organizing a gathering at a private office on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Instead of spending the election night anxiously watching the results on your own, come join us and other individuals who share similar views! This event invite mentions that it’s being hosted by former Obama associates and local community members.
California Democrats will celebrate election results and monitor races at an unspecified venue in Downtown Los Angeles, where political figures, key state leaders, and party influencers are anticipated to gather. The event, starting at 8 p.m., is being supported by Adam Schiff for Senate, the L.A. County Democratic Party, and the L.A. County Federation of Labor.
For local Republicans, numerous watch party choices are available on Tuesday evening. A spokesperson for the L.A. GOP pointed us to their website for a list of these events. The Patriot’s Celebration is happening at Matt Denny’s Ale House in Arcadia, there’s a gathering at Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles in Long Beach, an event taking place at Tower 12 in Hermosa Beach, a get-together at Arnie’s Cafe in Tujunga (the invitation encourages attendees to dress patriotically), and a sizable bash at Coco Beach Bar & Grill in Marina Del Rey, hosted by Denny Schneider with Scott Carter as the master of ceremonies, John DiResta providing comedy, and local officials in attendance.
Gather with us for the long-awaited event that we’ve all been striving, hoping and anticipating for nine years! This will be a night filled with cherished acquaintances, both old and new, reuniting to celebrate Trump’s comeback, and to recognize Shiva Beghari, an unsung L.A. MAGA movement hero who has given so much for the cause. In addition, you can expect some bold, politically incorrect humor.
Although champagne is chilling for tomorrow, other industry figures in Hollywood are treading carefully about the remainder of the week. An invitation received today states, “We’re unsure about what this week may hold for us.” However, we would be delighted if you could join us for an early screening…
There’s still no update on the number of responses we’ve received regarding attendance, as the fate of American politics hangs in the balance at the voting booths. However, the person responsible for production shared her thoughts via email before leaving set: “We all share the hope that democracy will triumph.
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2024-11-05 06:55