If you haven’t heard by now, Paramount Pictures is launching full speed into a Best Picture campaign for the animated hit “How to Train Your Dragon,” and why not? When you’re talking about Pixar-level acclaim and a highly respectable box office take, it’s worth it to test those waters.
A lovely soiree last night toasting the forthcoming Blu-ray and DVD release of the film was an early stop on that journey. Last year you’ll recall the studio put together a similar event for the “Star Trek” home video release.
The party was held at the new Red O restaurant on Melrose and among those in attendance were DreamWorks honcho Jeffrey Katzenberg and voice talents Craig Ferguson and America Ferrera. Ferrera was a delight to chat with, eager to dive into the recently announced sequel. I also had a nice talk with her fiancee, Ryan Piers Williams, a film buff and himself a filmmaker (Edinburgh hit “The Dry Land”). The film’s directors, Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, were also in the crowd, as well as, randomly, actor Robert Forster. Mostly though it was a room full of BFCA, LAFCA and HFPA members, so the aim was clear.