Meet The Filmmakers: SJP And Hugh Grant

Tuesday night, I headed down to the Apple Store in SoHo for an evening about "Did You Hear About The Morgans?" featuring co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant and director Marc Lawrence.

Rom Com Dream Team: Director Marc Lawrence, SJP and Hugh Grant

Part of the store's ongoing Meet The Filmmakers series, the Q&A session was moderated by USA Today entertainment reporter Donna Freydkin.

SJP said she’d longed to work with Grant on a romantic comedy after the two appeared together in "Extreme Measures," a little-seen thriller 13 years ago. She raved about his approach to acting.

“He’s incredibly conscientious,” she said. “He takes rehearsal more seriously than most actors I’ve worked with and was always good. Always completed invested [in each take].”

Hugh reciprocated the praise, and had both his co-star and the audience laughing with his razor-sharp observations.

“She’s tiny and yet she eats more than any woman I’ve ever met,” he said of SJP. “I think she’s half woman, half locust.”

SJP and Hugh Grant: the co-stars bantered playfully with each other

Grant, with his acerbic, self-deprecating wit and charm, was the evening’s true star. SJP seemed spent from her earlier appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” while director Lawrence didn’t have that much to say.

When asked about shooting romantic comedies, all three agreed that they’re the hardest kind of movies to make.

“There’s only a handful of truly great ones,” Lawrence said.

“Comedy is harder,” agreed Grant. “It should get the [award] prizes before the deep, dark serious stuff.”

Favorite rom coms? Sounding very much like Carrie Bradshaw, SJP said “The Way We Were” should be viewed at least 2-3 times a year. Grant is now hooked on “Sex And The City,” having watched late-night reruns while filming “Did You Hear..” in New Mexico.

“I would email [Sarah Jessica] and say ‘Like your heels tonight, worried about Big.’ But I don’t like when they talk about stuff boys should be talking about.”

Grant also joked about the movie’s on-set diva – Bart the bear.

“He was the biggest prima donna I’ve ever worked with,” he quipped.

"Did You Hear About The Morgans?" opens nationwide tomorrow. A free podcast of the entire Q&A is available on the iTunes store. For more info about Apple’s Meet The Filmmakers series, click here.

Meeting The Romantic Comedy King

Readers of this blog know I’m a big fan of celebrity encounters. I’m also a big fan of actor Hugh Grant -- especially after having the pleasure of meeting him last night.

What A Charmer: Hugh Grant and me at Soho’s Apple Store

My photo opp with Hugh happened after a Q&A with him and co-star Sarah Jessica Parker, about their new romantic comedy, “Did You Hear About The Morgans?”

I’m happy to report that the British actor is just as charming and witty (and yes, adorable) in person as he is on screen.

Coming up…a full recap of the lively Q&A, including what made Hugh compare SJP to a locust and the dish about who was the movie's biggest on-set diva.

I think my favorite Hugh Grant rom coms are "Love Actually” and “About A Boy.” What's yours?

SATC2 At The Empire Hotel

After several days of shooting in studio, Sex And The City 2 was back on the streets of NYC today.

SATC2 took over the Empire Hotel on 63rd and Broadway. I saw some glammed up extras emerging from the hotel and caught a fleeting glimpse of Kim Cattrall. The ageless Samantha Jones looked fit and fabulous in slim fitting dark jeans, a beige jacket and matching boots.

Meanwhile, Sarah Jessica Parker delighted fans when she emerged from her trailer with smiles and a friendly wave.

SJP wowed the small crowd in front of her trailer

SJP even stopped briefly to wish one onlooker a happy birthday before returning to the set.

And in the best-kept-secret department, it seems there is more than just one sequel in the works. SATC2 extra Cayte Grieve told Blackbook magazine--

“There will be a Sex and the City 3. They are currently filming both SATC 2 and SATC 3, as told to me by a few other extras who overheard it from crew members.”

Looks like we’ll be enjoying the adventures of Carrie Bradshaw & Co. for years to come.

Another Glimpse Of SATC2

Yesterday, I joined the throngs of onlookers in Midtown lined up to watch “Sex and the City 2” in action.

I managed to catch a glimpse of Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis filming a few takes of a breezy stroll in front of NYC’s legendary Plaza Hotel.

SJP and Kristin Davis on the set of SATC2

SJP rocked a semi-sheer white Halston dress that she also wore in scenes shot last week with Chris Noth. Kristin was at her Charlotte chic best in a bright pink Christian Dior skirt suit with a matching satchel and heels.

Primping between takes. Check out Kristin’s two-toned pumps!

After shooting wrapped for the day, Kristin flashed a smile and waved at fans. Despite being completely mobbed, SJP graciously did likewise and even stopped to sign autographs and pose for a few pictures.

SJP was all smiles for her adoring fans

Later, my SATC-themed fun continued when I had the chance to meet author Candace Bushnell at a book signing. More details about that coming up.

SATC2 continues filming today around 58th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue, and 59th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison. For the latest about SATC2, check out Cosmo Guy, the best source for “Sex and The City 2” news.

SATC2 Begins Filming

Break out the cosmos -- Carrie Bradshaw is back! Filming for the "Sex and the City" sequel officially kicked off today. Check out this fabulous photos of Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a semi-sheer white dress and gold Christian Louboutin heels.

In glancing at the background, it looks like SJP is standing in front of the location that served as Carrie and Big's dream penthouse in the first SATC movie.

The real-life address of their dream pad -- 1010 5th Avenue near 82nd Street. If you're in NYC and in that neck of the woods today, you might want to head over and maybe you'll spot SJP in action. If you do, be sure to let SGITC know!

SATC DVD Launch Party: Part Two

As I mentioned yesterday, Warner Brothers threw a launch party for the “Sex and The City” DVD truly befitting Carrie & Co. From my spot on the media-filled pink carpet, I got the scoop on what’s next for some of the SATC cast.

Willie Garson (Stanford), wearing an $18 vintage suit bought in Pittsburgh with a custom-made shirt from London, shared his excitement about being in the middle of adopting a baby.

“I’m bored to tears with myself and ready to give it to child.”

Willie Garson (Stanford)

Calling the movie a gift, Willie told me he’s hoping a sequel will get Stanford a life partner. “Or,” he quipped, “taken care of by an older woman.”

Mario Cantone (Anthony) wants Brad Pitt to play his boyfriend in the SATC sequel. Mario was on a tear about the Republican presidential ticket, declaring he’ll put himself in quarantine if McCain gets elected.

Mario Cantone (Anthony) and Me

Kim Cattrall (Samantha)

Kim Cattrall, vamping it up in a low-cut Ferragamo ensemble, had a special message for SATC fans--

“Stick with us, there’s more.”

Cynthia Nixon, wearing Calvin Klein, told reporters her vision for an SATC sequel.

“I would love to see [the women] go off on some madcap adventure.”

Cynthia Nixon (Miranda)

Michael Patrick King

Writer and executive producer Michael Patrick King reflected on SATC’s fifth character -- New York City.

“The idea of the series is that when you come to New York, that’s when your life starts,” he said. “That’s when you form a family.”

I asked him what it was like to film the movie surrounded by crowds of fans.

“It was part history pageant, part theater and part movie set--like being at a rave with all of your friends.”

When asked about a sequel, Michael Patrick said he wants to deliver a good story -- a sentiment echoed by Sarah Jessica Parker.

"It has to be worthy of the audience," she said.

The final celeb to make it down the pink carpet, SJP dazzled in an Alexander McQueen dress and shoes and Fred Leighton jewels.

SJP working the media crowd

Look at those shoes!

At last, it was time to party. I joined fellow blogger Giuseppe Santamaria (http://www.cosmoguyonline.com/) inside the New York Public Library. The majestic lobby was all dressed in love for SATC, from cosmo-flavored cupcakes to soaring pink-hued floral arrangements. With cosmos in hand, Giuseppe and I took it all in…

All smiles: Giuseppe and I inside the SATC soiree

The pink-tinged scene


Carrie's Wedding Manolos: There's a waiting list to buy the $885
blue satin style made exclusively for the movie.


Cosmo-flavored cupcakes, courtesy of Crumbs Bakery. Delish!

The models wearing replicas of Carrie's non-wedding dress didn't stop smiling--
even though they were on stilts for four hours!

What a night. The “Sex and The City” DVD comes out on Tuesday. Published reports say the sequel is due out in the summer of 2010. The countdown begins!

SATC Movie Memories

Last year, I had the good fortune of being on the “Sex and the City” movie set a handful of times. Like many other SATC fans, my go-to guide for finding out about filming was a fantastic website called On Location Vacations (OLV), http://www.onlocationvacations.com/.

Thanks to OLV’s tireless efforts and daily updates, I witnessed several key scenes being shot—from Louise meeting Carrie for the first time at a Starbuck’s in the East Village, to Carrie running up the front steps of the main branch of New York’s Public Library. Tidbit: Sarah Jessica Parker was a trooper while filming the latter. Not only did she trip (occupational hazard of high heels, no doubt), but she had to wear a little vest and shorts in bitter cold conditions and smile like it was a spring day. Talk about acting.

I had a nice moment with Chris Noth after the Starbuck’s shoot wrapped. He’s so adorable in person that I couldn’t resist saying so. He smiled and made small talk with the gaggle of us girls surrounding him, rightfully assuming that our hearts belonged more to Mr. Big than Detective Mike Logan on “Law and Order.”

Yes, he's just as handsome in person! Chris Noth (Mr. Big) on the set of SATC, September 2007

Carrie and Big’s non-wedding was quite a production near Bryant Park and afforded the best opportunity for star gazing. I spotted most of the cast there….

Cynthia Nixon (Miranda) and SJP (Carrie) emerging from the New York Public Library, October 2007

On Their Way to the Wedding That Wasn't: Willie Garson (Stanford) and Evan Handler (Harry)

It was on my fifth and final visit to the SATC set (after the filming of Charlotte’s birth) when I finally got that picture you see on the right of me and SJP. SJP is very petite and very gracious in person. When I thanked her for posing with me, she replied, “Thank you.”

My SATC fun couldn’t have happened without On Location Vacations. The site does a great job of reporting on film and TV shoots across the U.S. There’s no better resource for catching a glimpse of Hollywood in action.