Five days with the cast and crew of Carts! But alas, no Bradford...

Sadly, there will be no Bradford to speak of in this recounting of my week with the cast and crew of Carts, but because Bradford is in the film, I thought you might all enjoy my near "brush" with meeting him FINALLY.

Well, the night finally arrived!! Opening night at the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival where CARTS would be premiering! I had worked on the staff of the festival since May, so this was FINALLY my pay-off! (Even though I still worked everyday of the festival except Sunday - my dogs are STILL barking!!)

At this point, I had met and talked to director/writer Chris Cashman and his lovely wife, Lisa, at the festival Media Preview Night in August, so I was looking forward to seeing them again on the opening night of the festival on Wednesday. This is where the filmmakers get to ride in the vintage car parade, walk the red carpet and watch the opening night film. Then afterwards, there's a huge party with food, drinks - lots of fun! WHERE'S BRADFORD ON WEDNESDAY? Unfortunately, according to Chris, he he talked to Bradford that day, and GH shooting was running late, so he wouldn't be able to make the drive to Temecula, BUT, at that point, there was still the possibility he'd be there for the premiere screening on Thursday.

Here's a pic of us on opening night (top left: me, my husband, Anthony, Angelina Spicer, who plays "Angie" in carts, Brendan Brandt, who plays "Brad" - and who is great friends with Bradford - and seated is Chris Cashman and his wife Lisa)

So while we're sitting there enjoying the festivities (and the free-flowing Tommy Bahama rum drinks - yummy! LOL!), Brendan's cell phone rings - AND IT'S BRADFORD! He wants to know how it is, is everyone having fun, blah, blah. I wanted to yell out 'HI BRADFORD' but decided against it. :) SO when he hangs up, the word is he feels pretty confident he will be at the world premiere the next day, Thursday, PROVIDED GH doesn't shoot late again. He was feeling good they'd be finished in time.

So Thursday comes, and I'm SO EXCITED we might finally get to meet Bradford. Chris and I enlist my daughter and her friend, Nick, to decorate a shopping cart with "Carts" stuff, including head shots that Chris provided (yes, one of Bradford) and push it around to pass out postcards and promote the film screening that night. He even gave them the carts vests to wear from the film AND gave my daughter Bradford's tag from the movie! (it says "Ed" of course!) BUT, she wore another one that said "Cindy" while she worked. LOL! Here's a pic:

So 6:00 gets closer, and NO BRADFORD. Finally, Chris gets a text message that, alas, GH filming is STILL going on at 4:00, and he'd NEVER get there in time. BOOOOOOO!!!!! I was so bummed, you have NO idea. That's because this was the last shot - last chance. Even though the film was showing again on Friday night at the Valley Film Festival in L.A. and AGAIN on Saturday night in Temecula, Bradford was flying out Friday to Boston for his fan event. WAHHHHHHHH!!! Sigh and double sigh.

BUT the screening went REALLY well, lots of people and laughs. Along with Angelina Spicer that night, Albert Stroth also came, who plays womanizer "Steve." REALLY nice guy. Angelina is a lovely person and so pretty!! You'll be seeing lots of her in the near future. And Brendan Brandt. Well, what can I say? SUCH a cutie pie and so sweet!! If I couldn't meet Bradford, Brendan was a great second choice.

So SUNDAY, we were all supposed to sit together at the big black tie award's gala at Pechanga Resort and Casino. REALLY fancy dinner, champagne, wine and awards going to Smokey Robinson, Michael Madsen and Robert Rosen (head of UCLA film school) which was given by JOHN LANDIS! So needless to say, we were all excited. But I get a call at 4:00 p.m. Sunday that

CARTS WON BEST FEATURE FILM AT THE VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL! YAY CARTS!

So of COURSE, Chris and Lisa want to go BACK up to L.A. to accept their award. BUT Brendan and his friends stayed, so we sat with them at the gala, which was fun.

My daughter, Kathryn, and Brendan (YOU MUST ADD HIM ON MY SPACE! HE IS GOING TO BE FAMOUS WITHIN SIX MONTHS!! SO NICE AND TALENTED!)

Me and Brendan.
ME AND MICHAEL MADSEN!!
Okay, okay, I know, NOT Carts or Bradford related but come on..
IT'S ME AND MICHAEL MADSEN!! LOVE HIM!

So the night ended with a great time had by all. I told Brendan that he MUST tell Bradford hello and tell him that I am not a creepy stalker person. LOL! I told him myself, my hubby and daughter all think he is EXTREMELY talented and wish the best for him. Let's hope now that I know a few of Bradford's friends, even though I have never met him, that perhaps one day I will!

Rene'
On Cloud Nine after a Night of Hollywood Glamor!