For the most part, it was a joyous ten days at Outfest 2012 in Los Angeles attending screenings, engaging in meaningful dialogue with filmmakers, and what-have-you.
Unfortunately, a pall fell over last night’s Gala Closing when Guido Gotz and a helper from the publicity department (Cassie Cappuccio) engaged in shocking despicable conduct that reflected negatively on the LGBT community.
For example, when I arrived at the press area I immediately showed my credentials to the check-in staff, who promptly directed me to take a place about mid-way down the red carpet.
Shortly thereafter, I needed a bit of assistance in sorting out an issue with a celebrity guest, so I motioned for Gotz’s handler for help.
Instead of responding politely, she literally glared at me from across the cordoned-off area – and ultimately – ignored me! A few minutes later, the snotty gal strode over to Mr. Gotz – turned her back to me – and proceeded to whisper something in his ear.
At this juncture, Gotz dashed over and began to beret me.
“Julian, did you register for the red carpet,” he quizzed in a snarkey tone of voice (looking and sounding for all-the-world like a hissy-fit Queen).
I was shocked and taken aback by his insulting demeanor, but responded politely, anyway.
“Yes.”
“Well, we can’t have people roaming around here,” he snarled at me.
I wasn’t roaming around.
I immediately checked in at the desk when I arrived, at which point (as aforementioned above) I was assigned a spot on the carpet.
“Did you get your tickets for the movie," he continued with his nasty interrogation.
“Yes.”
“Then, take your seat,” he commanded me.
Huh?
It was approximately 7:15 p.m. and the movie did not start until 8 p.m.
Filmgoers were still lolling about the grounds with lunches in their laps – and sipping on cocktails they hauled along to the Ford Theatre at their own expense (as they are want to do whenever there is a concert or film screened there).
Who the hell was he to demand that I take my seat?
At this point, it was obvious that Gotz had not only overstepped his bounds (and violated my rights in the process) but made a lot of stupid mistakes when you consider the facts.
For instance, during the run of the Festival I not only promoted all their events vigorously, but gave Outfest thousands of dollars of free publicity. On that basis alone, Gotz should have accommodated me as a matter of courtesy and good business etiquette.
The man obviously is incompetent, misguided, and lacking any people skills.
Secondly, he was bound to step in a heap load of “shit” when he neglected to check the facts first before accusing me of “crashing” the red carpet zone. If he had of checked the press pass list, for example, he would have been able to confirm that I was invited – not only to the movie – but to appear for press for coverage for the Tattler, too.
And, most shocking of all?
Well, he was totally out-of-line when he of belittled me in front of about two dozen strangers, who are now under the impression that I was trying to push my way onto the red carpet – without an invite – which was totally false!
If there was a misunderstanding or slip up on part of his staff, he should have taken me aside quietly. Instead, he deliberately elected to embarrass and humiliate me – and damage my name and reputation – in front of volunteers, Outfest staff, and members of the press. The fact that a couple of photographers stood snickering nearby underscored that my worries were true!
At this point, I expect Mr. Gotz to contact each and every individual who was on the red carpet last night and explain to them - that I was invited and had a right to be there - and that it was all a ghastly error on the part of Outfest staff and the publicity department for the festival.
By the way, when I departed and “took my seat” a few moments later, I hardly sat down before the gent behind me tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention.
“Don’t I know you? You look so familiar.”
“Well, “ I thought to myself, “I have readers around the globe and I am one of the most famous bloggers on the Internet.”
At this point, he struck up a conversation.
“How did you enjoy the festival,” he quizzed pleasantly.
I pointed out that it was great until last night when Guido Gotz treated me in such a reprehensible mean-spirited manner.
“That’s tacky,” was his knee-jerk reaction.
“Fuck him,” he added in disgust. “You’re here with us now. And we’re going to enjoy our evening.”
The lady next to me overheard what happened and her eyes began to tear.
Personally, it was difficult for me to focus on the movie after that.I became so overwhelmed by depression, for instance, that my eyes continued to well up every time my thoughts drifted to the disturbing manner in which I was treated.
I suspect there is more to the “story”, too, in view of the facts.
On the weekend, for example, I posted a critical review of one film in particular at the fest.
Curiously, Guido’s mood changed on the heels of that published post.
Did he retaliate against me for being honest and expressing my opinion?
In retrospect, it appears that Guido was trying to deny me - not only my right to access to the red carpet as promised by the Outfest- but my right to freedom of speech, too.
We all gagged in the audience when a Festival Director actually stood up on the stage a short while later and gave a lofty speech about treating people with dignity and respect. After all, just a few steps away, the Outfest staff were engaging in the kind of unjust disturbing behavour that the organization denounces!
Hypocrites!
I am not surprised by the lack of professionalism by Outfest staff, though.
Throughout the festival, there has been unprofessional behaviour on the part of higher-ups, too.
For example, in spite of the fact I have been in the same room with Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer (on many occasions she stood within a few feet of me) she never once made the effort to introduce herself (in spite of the fact I spied her perusing my press pass) or even thank me for attending.
The fact that I gave alot of coverage to Outfest - and thousands of dollars of free publicity - warranted it.
Don't you think?
Throughout the festival, Schaffer gushed at the podium about the sponsors and the filmmakers, but I don’t recall her ever thanking the press either (let alone me!).
Members of the Board of Directors have acted in a pretty selfish manner, too.
When I quizzed one male about the films he’d seen, he bragged that he only attended the parties.
Meanwhile, a crusty old gentleman – who was at a booth promoting an organization working to curb homophobia and gay bashing in the community – expressed his disgust at the Outfest organization, too.
“What’s all this Absolute Vodka shit,” he angrily lamented.
“They don’t know what we went through to get our rights. And, they don’t care about anything but their darn parties and getting laid.”
I tried to console him by pointing out that there was a lot of apathy in the LGBT community which I recognized myself.
A couple of gays I met at the Los Angeles Film Festival also had unkind things to say about Outfest.
“They’re so elitist. Snotty,” one thirty-something male hissed.
“The pink Mafia,” I joked in response.
His eyes rolled and we had a big laugh.
Last night said it all in my estimation:
Outfest is a snobby rink-dink outfit and a disgrace to the LGBT community.
At this point, I don’t intend to support the festival again – or promote any of its activities – in view of the shocking way I was treated last night.
Their mean-spirited actions should not been tolerated in so-called civilized society.
If you agree with me, then kindly boycott Outfest, too.
In the future, I plan to promote and give coverage to decent caring individuals and compassionate organizations (who act in a professional and altruistic giving manner) that deserve a boost (and encouragement) while in pursuit of their artistic (and intellectual endeavours) in the community-at-large.
Amen!
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