HOTTER IN HOLLYWOOD

The Lonely Island Delivers Some Viral Video Awesomeness This Week

Our favorite digital comedic trio is at it again, celebrating the very American rite of passage that is Spring Break...and same-sex marriage. Just in time for swimsuit season!

Brit Week L.A. 2013: Partying at OPARTFASH in WeHo

by Hiko Mitsuzuka

Here in Los Angeles we are in the midst of Brit Week, that time of year when UK-born artists of all types living in Southern California (and Anglophiles like myself) gather together to mingle and celebrate each other's achievements and overall fabulousness.

I was honored to be invited to attend a Brit Week party in the hills above Sunset Boulevard celebrating opera, fashion, and art (OPARTASH, get it?). Thrown at the private home of Genlux fashion editor Amanda Eliasch (pictured, below), the guest-list-only "soiree" held about 150 guests including actress Lisa Zane from -- yep -- Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (I'll let that sink in for you 90s horror junkies out there). And who knew she could sing? Early in the night, the raven-haired artist slinked up next to a pink piano and performed an Italian number with opera singer Charles Eliasch.

My plus-one for the evening was a filmmaker friend of mine who wished to remain nameless here because of his following description of the house: "It's as if Betsy Johnson and Ed Hardy had sex in 1987 and exploded." Indeed: white walls, onyx tables, pink velvet chaise lounges, baroque sculptures, and neon artwork made for a decor that would've done Andy Warhol proud.

Since we arrived shortly after 6pm, the actual start time, we expected to enjoy some gourmet nibblers as our dinner, but lo and behold, a dining table strewn with cheese plates and hummus wasn't enough to satiate our appetites.

After stuffing my face with brie and grapes, I searched the rest of the party for anything that would quell my stomach. No such luck. Instead, I gulped down two glasses of Veuve Clicquot and a vodka cocktail at the open bar. I then peeked my head into the kitchen where two catering staff members asked if I needed anything. I politely asked them if anything else was being served since I, like some of the guests I knew, didn't prefer to graze on pita chips and berries like farm animals.

That's when we snuck into the dressing room where some half-naked models were getting ready for the pending Pam Hogg fashion show. One smiling waif offered us some pizza that some of the models had eaten for dinner (yes, you read that correctly: models eat pizza before walking the runway).

I scarfed down a slice of barbecue chicken pizza as if I were a vagabond who had just traveled across a post-apocalyptic Earth after weeks without sustenance.

Somewhat satisfied, we made our way outside to the pool deck to grab a good seat for the pending fashion show. A runway had been constructed over the pool and a spotlight had been situated next to the DJ. A hush came over the Euro-centric crowd.

Amanda Eliasch came out and tapped on a microphone, thanking everyone for coming, especially designer Pam Hogg who had flown in from London to showcase her new line of out-of-this-world outfits. Hogg, one of Gaga's fashion femme fatales, isn't known for making public appearances, so tonight's occasion was quite special.

The models strutted and did their thing. I caught Smiling Waif making her way towards our seats. In a moment of recognition I smiled, nodded my head, and on behalf of my stomach, mouthed the words, "Thank you."

Without missing a beat, before she walked off the pool deck, she turned and said, "It was soooo good, right?"

My kind of supermodel.

@TheFirstEcho

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The White Collar stud leisurely walked out of the popular burrito eatery here in L.A. carrying an interesting cookbook (The Amazing Acid-Alkaline Cookbook), and all of Hollywood continues to obsess over how he maintains his ridiculous body.

And what did you have for lunch today?

Happy Thursday.

We're Partying With Perez Hilton and Viva Diva in New York This Summer

HIH is thrilled to be invited to kick off summer with blogger extraordinaire and media dominatrix Perez Hilton in New York this June!

This year, Viva Diva Wines will be having its annual summer launch party poolside at NoMa Social in New Rochelle (Our hometown! What are the odds?), and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. On June 5th, the soiree will be hosted by the world famous blogger, and we can't even begin to imagine the photo opp potential.

General admission tickets are available in addition to limited VIP tickets, which include a photo with Perez. The event starts at 8pm, and we're looking forward to one memorable night.

For ticket information, visit the events page at Viva Brands USA.

And if you're bicoastal like us, come on down and (responsibly) join HIH and Bello Mag editor Hiko Mitsuzuka for a cocktail or two (or four).

@TheFirstEcho

Legendary Bingo Celebrates 15 Years At Hamburger Mary's In WeHo This Week

If you think bingo is for old ladies in church halls with tacky sweatsuits and even tackier nails, then you obviously haven't played the game in West Hollywood.

Hamburger Mary's, the place for a good burger and a killer martini, will be the place to be this week as Legendary Bingo (a.k.a. Drag Queen Bingo) celebrates its 15th Anniversary with a bevy of stars from shows like Suburgatory, Smash, and Golden Boy calling out numbers for a festive crowd of players. The three-night celebration continues tonight, and table reservations will be going as fast as the masacara running down a crying queen.

Founder Jeffrey Bowman (pictured above, center) will be on hand, emceeing the night, interacting with some of L.A.'s most famous drag performers, and making sure everyone is having a grand old time.

Join us, won't you? 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard in the 90046.

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Tom Cullen Will Visit 'Downton Abbey' in Season 4

For those who don't recognize the name of this bloke, we pity you. And for those of you familiar with Cullen's work in the 2011 indie darling Weekend, we're jumping for joy along with you.

Over the weekend, more casting news for Downton Abbey's Matthew-and-Sybil-less fourth season broke, and the British thespian was among the many names tossed into the revolving door of actors who are dropping in and out of everyone's favorite countryside mansion.

He'll play a visiting Lord Gillingham, an old friend of the family's who shows up for -- shocker -- a dinner party.

Let's hope ITV and PBS join forces to air new episodes simultaneously in the US and UK when they become available so us Americans don't have to wait the extra three months for more Dowager goodness.

 

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Stocking Stuffer of the Week: Jonathan Lisecki's 'Gayby' on DVD (GIVEAWAY)

What started as cute short film a few years ago has turned into the indie darling that made a colorful splash at this year's Los Angeles Film Festival.

Gayby, written and directed by Jonathan Lisecki, finally hits the DVD shelves this week. The adorable rom-com stars Jenn Harris and Matthew Wilkas as BFFs who decide to have a baby -- the traditional way -- even though he's gay and she's straight. No love. No marriage. Just the comedic (and dramatic) repercussions that come with a baby carriage. 

Lisecki, a Bronx boy with a flair for sparkling dialogue, definitely proves himself in his feature-film debut, which is one of those cinematic love letters to Manhattan (and the people who live there). 

And that's why we think the film is a perfect topping for our holiday sundae.

For a chance to WIN A COPY of this cuddly dramedy, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@HotterInHwood). Send us a story (in 140 characters or less, of course) about the greatest gift you've received from a close friend. Two lucky winners will be selected and notified by December 11.

Good luck! And Happy Holidays!

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Giveaway Alert: We Want to Take You to 'Funkytown'

HIH is taking you back to the 70s.

Actually, we'd like to treat you some nostalgia, complete with leisure suits, disco balls, and flashing lights. Directed by Daniel Roby, written by Steve Galluccio, and starring Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds), Funkytown is a Montreal-set drama surrounding eight people who'll do anything to be seen at The Starlight, the city's hottest disco. Juggling fame and anonymity, they're forced to make sober choices in a world filled with sex, drugs, and sequins.

And now that the indie film is available on DVD today, we'd like to give you the chance to take home a copy.

In order to be entered into our Funkytown giveaway contest:

• Visit our Facebook page and make sure you’ve LIKED us.
• Follow us on Twitter @HotterInHwood.
• THEN, post the following on both Facebook AND Twitter: “@HotterInHwood, I just entered a contest for a FREE copy of Funkytown on DVD. Find out more info at www.hotterinhollywood.com."

One lucky winner will be chosen by midnight (PST) on Friday, October 5.

Good luck HIHers.

@HotterInHwood

DVDelicious: 'August' and 'Leave it on the Floor'

Two films that made a splash at L.A.'s Outfest last year are finally being released on DVD next week (8/14) for your at-home enjoyment...

First up is August, Eldar Rapaport’s (Steam) feature-length adaptiation of his award-winning short Postmortem. Told from multiple perspectives, the film poignantly explores the complexities of love and intimacy in 21st century L.A. and demonstrates how matters of the heart are never black and white. Guiding Light vet Murray Bartlett, Daniel Dugan (Edison) and Adrian Gonzalez (The Bold and the Beautiful) star as the trio engaged in a heartbreaking love triangle during one sweltering Southland heatwave. 

 

Then there's Sheldon Larry's vivacious musical Leave it on the Floor, inspired by the “vogueing” sensation featured in the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning. With music by Beyonce's music director, Kim Burse, screenplay and lyrics by Glenn Gaylord, and choreography by dance master Frank Gatson Jr., the film is an ode to the wild, funky and heartache-filled life of the underground subculture of the Ballroom scene. The score mixes hip-hop, techno, and house and gives the entire film a heart-pumping pulse that'll stick with you after the closing credits.

Synopsis: Thrown out of his home by his dysfunctional mother, Brad (Ephraim Sykes) steals her car and travels into Los Angeles where he meets the ragtag members of the House of Eminence. Brad ends up engaging with the colorful members of the house led by the indomitable house mother Queef Latina (Barbie-Q), an aging ball-legend and the "fierce protectrice" of her family. Laughter, tears, and much drama ensue, and Brad ends up finding an extraordinary home and loving family in the strangest of places.

Outfest 2012: 'I Do' Poster Debut

The new film from festival favorite Glenn Gaylord (Eating Out: All You Can Eat, Leave It On The Floor) premieres July 18 at the Ford Amphitheatre (where we'll be), and the poster for the stylish family drama has leaked online. 

Starring Jami-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos, Entourage), Alicia Witt (Friday Night Lights), Maurice Compte (Breaking Bad), and David W. Ross (Quinceaneara), who also wrote and produced the film, the movie tackles the timely issue of marriage equality.

Glenn (an HIH friend) is also joined by veteran producer Stephen Israel (Swimming WIth Sharks, Boy Culture).

Stay tuned for more from Outfest as it kicks off TODAY.

- Hiko Mitsuzuka (@TheFirstEcho)