Well, another FYC event has come and gone. This past one was for the show Narcos, which MSM watches religiously. Actually,  MORE religiously he watched Battlestar Galactaca– if “binge watching” is considered “religious”, but he does very much enjoy Narcos and I wanted to take the opportunity to treat him to something special.

Narcos is about the life (and death, at some point) of Pablo Escobar. The show is in Spanguese with English subtitles. They claimed it was all Spanish, but I can tell there is some Portuguese thrown in. Impressively, actor Wagner Moura (who plays Escobar) immersed himself into a Spanish speaking village for three months in order to learn the language (his first language is Portuguese)  and embrace that which was indigenous to Pablo Escobar, the Cultura and enviroment that potentially made him into the man that he became. I mean that is dedication! The panel for this event was Moura, his supporting actor, Boyd Holbrook (DEA cop), and the two show creators/producers Jose Padhila and Eric Newman. It was fascinating to hear how much prep work went into the show. They planned from the get-go to use real stock footage as a coup to aid the viewers into believing the story, because without it, “Escobar’s story is too hard to believe.” It was also interesting to hear how the director is very supportive of improv-ed lines, how he felt these lines are what make the characters feel more real and not “acted”. I enjoyed watching the screening of Ep 1 (there was no pilot) on the “big screen”. Its safe to say this show is feature quality. Obviously Netflix does not cut corners on production, nor on their events.

The story telling and camera work on Narcos is remarkable  but the real reason the show  will get my Emmy vote is Netflix REALLY knows how to throw a party ;). I say this in jest, because of course it takes more than that to get an Emmy vote, but WOW Netflix! I mean WOW. SO classy. Its not hard to make the venue, Paramount Theater lobby and patio at Paramount Studios, look amazing. Though not ostentatious, it is nothing short of stunning.The fountains, the lighting, the arches, and the architecture is old world and humbling, in a comforting way. It amazes me that this theater has held in its halls some of the most incredible actors and actresses. The Golden Era starlettes who had less entitlement issues and more excitement about the process of film making. This night, the patio and lobby were nicely decorated with tailored small table rounds holding simple floral arrangements. Heat lamps were strategically located to keep us protected from the unseasonably chilly air. Buffet tables, small and various, were displayed about the patio. Suit-clad butlers carried tray passed hor devours. The food, from  Bomba’s through  Bandeja Paisa all the way to the Churros, was exquisite! Though it seems obvious, it was genius to serve all Columbian faire. I had never had Columbian food before. I didn’t even know it existed- other than coffee, of course. It was a nice lesson in the cuisine of a South American country other than Mexico.

The people at this event were as elegant as the venue. Seemingly friendly, cultivated, and polished but with no air of superiority. MSM and I enjoyed conversations with music producers, DJs, and pod cast producers. It was a fantastic arrangement of industry professionals.

What the heck to wear to an event at a theater on a movie lot:

Other than being with MSM, the food and the actual screening, my favorite part of the evening was taking a photo with the DEA dogs on the red carpet!

As we left the studio lot, in vein of Stephen Spielberg, I made a wish on the gates of the lot. As did his, I hope mine come true!

Overall, well done Netflix! I’ve been wanting to work with you on new content since 2008. If you treat your employes with a fraction of the love and attention you give your productions and events, I hope one day I get an opportunity to be on your team!

xoxo

QJ