I was asked a few days before the opening of the Palm Springs International Short Fest to put together the Filmmaker Lounge.
With just 48 hours and not much more cash, we pulled together a space where the credentialed filmmakers and their entourages could meet, greet and relax between screenings of their films. 
We worked with what we had; a riotously patterned carpet, regulation conference chairs, a black granite bar and walls of highly textured semi-gloss paint.
What we added was personality. We unfurled film poster after film poster. Supplied by our filmmakers, they featured the assortment of what was on offer at the film fest. Then we set up a groovy cocktail lounge with serpentine seating. Black tablecloths draped the tables.
To define the cocktail lounge we ringed it with potted palms for texture and privacy. Splashes of color on the tabletops were supplied by pierced metal candle lanterns. In lieu of candles, succulents added an unexpected note, and received a smile from the fire marshal!
All of this was done for pennies. With double-stick tape (for the posters) and chewing gum (when the tape didn’t work!) and some generous donations (thank you notNeutral for the pillows & lanterns and Jensen’s for the plants), the Filmmaker’s Lounge was pulled together in the nick of time. 
What was the outcome? How was it received? The following is an email I received from the hospitality chair.
Just wanted to let you know the lounge is a huge hit…actually one filmmaker said that she liked it better than the one at Cannes this year! Kudos!!
Who says you can’t have fun without funds?
Are you selling a home and it needs some help to look its best but fear you may not have the budget for it? Give me a call. I’m sure I can help you get that big look without a big check book.
