FEBRUARY 2009 9
ecause the Spirit Awards
are so different from oth-
er awards shows, Film
Independent opted to hold
the ceremony under a tent
instead of a big hotel or auditorium.
But getting a parking lot ready for its
close-up demands a team of workers
who literally lay the ground over, build
the walls and plot out its style months
ahead of time.
Diana Zahn-Storey, executive producer
of the show for the past 15 years, puts
together her production team, the writ-
ers and all creative aspects of the show.
By early January Zahn-Storey and her
Diana Zahn-Storey and director John Waters at rehearsal
e Seat cards for camera rehearsal Along Came Mary catering
hav
may
team have drawn up a color scheme that
“WE DON’T WANT TO BE THE OSCARS OR
cameras
or
e,

will compliment the theme. Last year the
ar
ds
palette was based on the “greening” of
the
bef lot
THE GOLDEN GLOBES. YOU WON’T SEE A
the show, with origami graphics used
it
A
w
throughout to impart the idea of creation
GLITZY LOOK, OURS IS MORE EDGY AND
once
days
king
and re-use. Last year’s color scheme
s
Spir
SLIGHTLY HIPPER.”
only
par
was rich and deep while this year, the
designers plan to work with a palette of
glamour
b
ut
blue, gold, purple and red, layered with menu included grilled lemon-rosemary Each table will be outfitted with an
iv
e,
asphalt
an
a lot of images of the nominees. chicken, baby frisee salad, roasted ice bucket containing a bottle of G.H.
honey-thyme carrots and a blue cheese Mumm’s champagne and a bottle of
Independent’
of
casual
ts
arr
b
ut
“We don’t want to be the Oscars or the tart. Prior to the event, a small group of Jameson Irish Whiskey, this year’s wine
Film
Golden Globes. You won’t see a glitzy executives and board members of Film and spirit hosts.
feel
gues
acific Ocean.
look,” said Zahn-Storey. “Ours is more Independent sample the menu.
the
and
is
nothing
edgy and slightly hipper.” The team must also help prepare the
r
oll
site
w of the P
“Everything they served was grown look for nearly a dozen additional
Meantime, the catering company Along within a 150 mile radius of Los Angeles,” tents that surround the big tent. This
the
Came Mary, is busily plotting out the said Zahn-Storey. “We continue to be a year, Piaget, IFC, and AMC, ELLE, with
with a vie
menu. Last year, the 100% “green” “green event.” Garnier and LACOSTE, Heineken,
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