ADRIAN GRENIER & THE TEENAGE PAPARAZZO EXPERIENCE

Calgary was hit with a celebrity storm last weekend! Adrian Grenier from HBO’s popular TV show Entourage was in town and enjoyed the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth for the very first time. He was here to help promote his documentary Teenage Paparazzo alongside co-producer, Evan Ferrante. Several events, organized by Nico Bacigalupo and Kym Crothers of Madflower Creative Group, in partnership with many other organizations, surrounded his much anticipated visit.

The Glenbow Museum hosted the screening of the film, where afterward, there was a Q&A session with Grenier and Ferrante in person. It allowed the audience to truly understand the purpose of the documentary:

The story takes place in Hollywood. Grenier is out one night and has an encounter with a paparazzo. This individual peaks the actor’s interest as there is something very different about him. Austin Visschedyk is a 13-year-old boy. Grenier takes on an investigative role and tries to look at the world through the eyes of this teenage paparazzo. Many intriguing occurrences unravel throughout the documentary bringing up questions as to why people are so interested in the celebrity world and why there is such a desire to be in the spotlight. Ferrante emphasizes the purpose of the film by stating “we’re trying to tell stories that we can have a continued discussion afterwards with our audience and connect with them”.

Grenier believes there is a shift happening with respect to the power of celebrity coverage: “What the internet is doing and what social media is doing is actually leveling the playing field, so that celebrities and the industry that exploits celebrities…are no longer controlled by a very few number of people. There’s not a monopoly anymore on who or what you see.”

It seems we have become our own brand because of all the social media outlets available giving the masses greater power than ever before. In one respect, every one of us can be considered a celebrity.

Grenier raises awareness on the topic: “If you have that power, now it is up to you to really decide what kind of stories you want to disseminate. What kind of celebrity do you want to be? What do you want to be known for? And then there’s certain terms of personal responsibility that we all have to choose to tell the stories that are inspiring and uplifting and have value to each other not just to your own personal gain.”

Camilla Di Giuseppe of CTV hosted the Red Carpet segment for the VIP Reception of the Teenage Paparazzo Experience held at West Restaurant & Bar. The event was in support of the charitable organization Youville which helps in the sheltering of mothers and their children from harmful environments. Grenier, actress and singer Juliette Lewis, co-host of the MuchMusic Video Awards and musician Najjah Calibur, Dr. Draw along with Destineak made an appearance. A mini fashion show was also held with clothing by Wolford, Sol Swimwear, Supreme Menswear and Chichi Couture.

Sunday’s Beach Party, also at West, marked the wrap up of the entire experience. A few art pieces which coincided with the movie were exhibited. Banksy’s “Whatever” captured the essence of the documentary. It depicted a young boy holding a paint brush with the word “Whatever” above his head similarly to Visschedyk who was just following his passion.

Words by Daniela Codreanu

Main photo courtesy of sincity.com & middle photo by Vincent Law