Entertainment

Meet LA’s New Star of Nightlife, Alexander Ghislain, Director of Raspoutine LA

Published

4 years ago

March 19, 2020

Big Time Daily recently had the chance to sit down with star Paris nightlife director Alexander Ghislain to discuss the LA launch of his famous club Raspoutine, how Alexander plans to shake up LA nightlife, and the imminent debut of his very own new vodka line COMETE 1811.

Raspoutine is known for its Parisian charm. How did you transmute this regal ambiance to the LA market?

I tried to find the perfect location for Raspoutine (volume, capacity, history) in the best area of LA, which, in my opinion, is West Hollywood. After securing our location, I duplicated the exact design and décor as the original Raspoutine in Paris to give our West Hollywood location the same charm and warmth.

You have managed several exclusive establishments over the years. What do you believe is the key to maintaining “hot spot” status in major cities like LA?

In LA, like everywhere else, “the door” is the key to success — the art of being able to make the right clientele selection. There is a paradox in the night life industry: to have the best ambiance, you must have different types of people — age, appearance, sex, social class, and so on. But at the same time, it’s important to know who should sit next to whom. You want to create an environment where everyone meshes perfectly together.

You secured an impeccable location for the Los Angeles branch — 8623 Melrose Avenue, a place better known as having received the first liquor license in Los Angeles in 1919, before transforming itself into a speakeasy just a few months later. How did you acquire this location? Was it on your radar for a while?

I visited this location a few years ago and knew it was the right spot. I wasn’t sure about the size of the venue at first, as it was a bit smaller than Raspoutine Paris; however, I wanted the LA location to be really private, so after some time I realized it was perfect, and went for it!

What’s next for Raspoutine? Do you plan on opening more locations?

I’ve been looking for new locations in London and New York, but it’s not easy to find venues that meet all the requirements. If it’s not perfect for Raspoutine, I am not doing it. I’d rather keep looking for a better place. Possibly a location in Vegas too… stay tuned!

What’s next for Alexander Ghislain? Any new projects?

I hope to continue developing the Raspoutine brand — a brand that has been going strong since its birth in 1965 in Paris. Aside from my continuing efforts of developing restaurants, bars, and nightclub concepts, I will be launching my own super premium vodka brand, COMETE 1811 very shortly.

Entertainment

“The Firing Squad”: I Cried Buckets of Tears

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Sitting in the dimly lit theater, I had no idea what to expect as the opening credits of “The Firing Squad” began to roll. Little did I know that I was about to embark on an emotional journey that would leave me reaching for tissues and struggling to catch my breath.

The film follows the true story of three Christians facing execution by firing squad in a third world country. Directed by Timothy A. Chey, it features a stellar cast including James Barrington, Kevin Sorbo, and Cuba Gooding Jr. Each actor brings their character to life with such authenticity and depth that it’s impossible not to be fully immersed in their struggles and triumphs.

As the plot unfolded, I found myself drawn into a world of despair and desperation, but also one of unwavering faith and hope. The characters’ journey from darkness to light, from despair to redemption, resonated with me on a deeply personal level. I couldn’t help but be moved by their courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

But it was the performances that truly stole the show. James Barrington’s portrayal of the protagonist’s internal turmoil was nothing short of mesmerizing, while Kevin Sorbo and Cuba Gooding Jr. delivered powerhouse performances that left me in awe.

And then there was the message of the film—that no matter how bleak the circumstances may seem, there is always hope. That even in our darkest moments, faith has the power to transform lives and bring about redemption. It was a message that hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me with tears streaming down my face and a renewed sense of purpose.

As the credits rolled and the lights came up, I found myself struggling to put into words the impact that “The Firing Squad” had on me. All I could manage was, “I cried buckets of tears.” And I wasn’t alone. As I looked around the theater, I saw others wiping their eyes and exchanging emotional glances.

In the end, “The Firing Squad” wasn’t just a movie—it was an experience. An experience that left me feeling inspired, uplifted, and profoundly grateful for the power of cinema to touch the soul. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

The movie is set to premiere in the theatres worldwide on August 2, 2024. And this is definitely a must watch movie, reminding people of the strength of faith.