There's a common refrain running through Hollywood regarding election night plans: Put the champagne on ice.
The celebratory, star-studded parties of years past — pretty much anything before 2016 — are just that, history, and have been replaced by casual, more intimate, anxiety-filled gatherings. The reason? It's complicated and best explained by one of the most politically active producers in the business.
“The biggest change for me personally is the realization that we will most likely not have a confirmed result by the end of election night. Now we've seen big swings with mail-in votes being counted later than in-person voting, so the idea of throwing a “party” on election night doesn't make sense because of this uncertainty, and others probably think so same way. way,” explains Jamie Patricof, founder of Hunting Lane, an auteur film, television and documentary production company and longtime political activist. “The 2016 election was also traumatizing for many people, and the fact that 2020 stretched into that Saturday changed the course of election night plans. For me, it's more important now to stand with friends, family, and people who have dedicated their hearts, time, and effort to getting candidates elected who are critical to the policies and issues that matter to them and to us. There are many more days and nights to party.
Patricof was among thousands of people inside New York's Javits Center in 2016, the site of what was expected to be a roof-raising, glass-breaking celebration for Hillary Clinton. But as the results came in, Donald Trump emerged as the 45th president of the United States and the good vibes made the opposite of a graceful exit as they were sucked out in a flash, leaving wounds that still feel fresh.
“I'm personally still traumatized by being at the Javits Center, so I'll probably do something less official and wouldn't be surprised if others felt the same way,” reports another industry professional attendee, echoing Patricof's same sentiment. “The experience is etched in my memory. The slow disappearance of campaign staff as the first issues arrived, the abandonment of well-stocked bars. I stayed late watching the coverage on the big screens with the small number of people left because if I had left it would have really happened.” As a result, the insider says they'll remain hunkered down at home: “I will say I'm cautiously optimistic, but I'm mentally preparing for the worst.”
The same can be said for entertainment industry professionals interviewed by The Hollywood journalist in the days preceding November 5th. Another of Hollywood's most politically active producers reports that they will be pacing the set of their new movie as they watch the results roll in. A well-placed communications executive will play poker with friends as a distraction. Couch surfing with remote in hand for more than a handful who were asked to share plans. “People are honestly too scared to jinx anything,” one said. Pizza and cable news are on the menu for a veteran manager. Kelli McNeil-Yellen, writer, producer and founder of KLA Media, will focus on a different menu by tackling an inspiring recipe from Julia Child.
“My husband [director/cinematographer Alexander Yellen] and I got a bottle of mid-priced pinot noir to accompany the meal – nothing in the celebratory price range but also nothing cheap – and I'm tackling Julia Child's original boeuf bourguignon recipe from scratch for two reasons: first, it will take hours to prep and hopefully keep our minds off things, and secondly, we're going to need some comfort food and we can't think of anything that sticks to the ribs better than an OG Julia Child recipe,” McNeil said -Yellen.
As for Patricof, he plans to stick like glue “to all the experts I've spent day and night with over the last few years.” He continued: “This is like my Super Bowl. I can't wait for Steve Kornacki's camera [on NBC]. I totally envy and respect anyone who can play Monopoly and enjoy Tuesday night and take their mind off the election. I will definitely benefit from being able to watch four windows at once on YouTube TV.”
But that will come only after a long day for Patricof, whose other Election Day plans highlight another trend. Because of the exceptionally close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, some insiders are not eager to kick back and open a cold discussion. Instead they are focused on taking action through phone banks, propaganda campaigns, political rallies and last-minute organizing to squeeze out every vote possible.
Patricof is teaming up with Congressman Eric Swalwell for what organizers are calling “the largest all-day phone banking event ever.” It's called Everyone for Kamala and will begin at 10 a.m. ET on Hovercast, a virtual event platform with interactive live streaming features that push viewers to take action. Viewers will be able to participate in basic phone banking alongside politicians and big names 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.
Likewise, Stars at home hosts Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson are reviving a second installment of their Election Day Vote-A-Thon, this one in collaboration with the nonpartisan groups Broadway Votes and Joy to the Polls. To raise money for the Entertainment Community Fund, the event will feature some of Broadway's brightest stars such as 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, are the protagonists of the original cast of Broadway by Hairspraycast members of Cheerfulness and many more during a six-hour live stream. The event features musical and dance performances and anecdotes from the front lines of the polls.
A representative of the Women's March confirmed that the organization is holding a “work day” to call out Latino voters at its Boyle Heights headquarters. The watch party and phone bank runs all day, running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For those who want real-life activities, there will be options.
The Harris-Walz campaign will host an event at a private office on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. “Instead of sitting and biting your nails alone while watching the election results, do it with us and other like-minded people,” reads the official invitation to the event, according to which the watch party is hosted by the former Obama students and members of the local community.
California Democrats will toast the races and watch the results at an undisclosed location in downtown Los Angeles, where elected officials, state leaders and party insiders are expected to be on the scene. Partners for the event, which begins at 8 p.m., include Adam Schiff for the Senate, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.
Local Republicans have plenty of options for watching the holidays. Led by an LA GOP representative THR to its website for a recap of Tuesday night's meetings. There's a Patriot celebration at Matt Denny's Ale House in Arcadia, a watch party at Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles in Long Beach, an event at Tower 12 in Hermosa Beach, a gathering at Arnie's Cafe in Tujunga (“Dress Patriotic ” reads the invitation), and a big party at Coco Beach Bar & Grill in Marina Del Rey hosted by Denny Schneider and master of ceremonies Scott Carter, comedian John DiResta and local elected officials.
“Join us for the night we all fought, prayed and waited for nine years,” reads a flyer promoting this latest event. “It will be a night of familiar faces, old and new friends coming together to celebrate Trump's return and to honor Shiva Beghari, an unsung hero of Los Angeles' MAGA movement who sacrificed much for the cause.” Also on the programme: “An offensive and politically incorrect comedy”.
While the champagne may be on ice for tomorrow, other Hollywood insiders continue to proceed with caution regarding the rest of the week. “We have no idea what this week will bring,” read an invitation that arrived in our inbox today. “We will still be happy to have you with us for a first screening…”
There's no word yet on how many RSVPs will arrive as the future of American politics is decided at the ballot box. But as for the producer who will be on set, she sent some final thoughts via email: “We all feel that democracy will prevail.”