In the age of a global pandemic, even the movie industry has to get more creative. Since traditional red carpet premieres aren't exactly the most appropriate course of action right now, a lot of films are launching in new and unique ways. Just take a look at the 2020 comedy film, "On The Rocks." Their world premiere? At a drive-in!
The film premiered at the New York Film Festival last September 2020 in the Queens drive-in, probably the only one left within a ten-mile radius. I was lucky enough to have attended by accompanying my colleague who was a good friend of Sofia Coppola, the director behind the film. The whole cast was there—Bill Murray, Rashida Jones, Marlon Wayans, and more. I'm a huge fan of Murray myself so I was determined to get his autograph no matter what. Luckily, my friend also snatched up some copies of the movie poster. This was my chance of a lifetime!
I've gotten good at speaking through my face-mask so I wasn't nervous at the risk of sounding weird in front of my idol. I also washed my hands with cleansing alcohol to ensure that I'm not risking my favorite celebrity's health as well. It was even a miracle that, after the press conference, they still allowed some fans to approach them. With the help of my colleague, I was part of the very few allowed to interact with the cast.
I first met Rashida Jone as she was the first one on the line. She looked so pretty and nice, far from the Hollywood bimbos I've also met before. I'm also a huge fan of her since I loved "Parks and Recreation" so asking for her autograph too was a huge bonus. She didn't even hesitate to sign my posters. She just sprayed some alcohol on her hands, got my posters, signed them, cleaned her hands again, and off I went on my merry way.
It was meeting Bill Murray that I was so nervous! I couldn't even find the word when I was finally face-to-face with him. And yes, I was a good distance away as health protocols require. As I stood in front of him, I sounded like a bumbling idiot. I think I even attempted to list down all the movies I loved him in yet, I'm sure, I didn't make any sense. He, on the other hand, was gracious enough not to embarrass me. He just kept smiling politely and listening to me sounding like a moron.
Before I knew it, he spotted my posters and asked me if I wanted his autograph. I was flabbergasted. Damn! I nodded gently, then he asked his assistant to get my posters and bring them to him. As I watched him sign each and everyone, I just couldn't help but be amazed. My mouth was even wide open at that time, luckily I had my face mask on so very few noticed. Once the staff returned my posters, I looked at each one with my eyes bulging out of my sockets. I was so shocked that almost forgot to as Marlon Wayans' autograph too. Fortunately, I came to just in time and he, too, was nice enough to sign my posters.
I'll never forget that day! A drive-in premiere, meeting Bill Murray, looking like an idiot in front of a bunch of celebrities. I didn't care if I may have embarrassed myself that night. It was one of my happiest moments amidst the pandemic!
Please note: Our inventory is limited as we may have only received a few posters in total. Most of our items are obtained from film premieres, studios, and from autographed hounds such as the one in the story above.
