Photo Credit: Kelly Lee

Anyone and everyone who lives in LA has heard of Cinespia, the be-all, end-all to outdoor movie screenings. Held every year from May through September and welcoming up to 4,000 moviegoers per night, Cinespia is an experience.  A favorite among film buffs and trendy Angelenos alike, the magic of Hollywood’s most memorable moments are heightened by the roar of the crowd and movies on the big screen. Every screening features world class DJ talent to keep the crowd buzzing before and after the main event, and has hosted many a famous face from the likes of Drew Barrymore for E.T.; Cameron Crowe for Almost Famous; and Patricia Arquette for True Romance as well as attendees like Natalie Portman, Elijah Wood, Chlöe Moretz, Questlove, Justin Timberlake, Josh Hutcherson and Emma Stone. Entrepreneur John Wyatt is the man responsible for this beloved L.A. institution at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which this year will show films like The Wizard Of Oz, Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory and Top Gun on July 4, with fireworks, no less. Here, the man behind the myth and the legend that is Cinespia shares his haute secrets to Hollywood, forever and beyond.

JOHN WYATT’S HAUTE SECRETS

Photo Credit: Kelly Lee

Where were you born: Born and Raised- I’ve lived other cities, but LA is my favorite

Neighborhood: Mt Washington- One of the best (and oldest) neighborhoods in LA

Occupation: Founder of Cinespia

Favorite Restaurant: Crossroads—a gourmet vegetarian restaurant with a full bar

Best Sushi: Sushi Gen, a Little Tokyo gem, always delicious and always fun!

Best Italian: Dan Tana’s/ Osteria Angelini

Best dessert: Scoops

Best place for a romantic date: The Magic Castle

Best Sunday brunch: The Ivy

Best place for a power business meeting: Musso + Franks

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Sunset Tower—an Art Deco temple right on the Sunset Strip

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: American Rag

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Roseark

Best Spa: Beverly Hot Springs

Favorite Charity Event: Michael J Fox Foundation LA Fundraiser

Favorite Cultural Event: 5 Minutes Game at Cinefamily

Favorite Cultural Institution: The Cinefamily

Best Steakhouse: Pacific Dining Car

Best Pizza: Jon and Vinny’s

Best Lunch: Original Farmer’s Market

Best Massage: Marsha Connor; acupuncturist

Best Museum/Exhibit: LACMA

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Griffith Observatory/ Griffith Park

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: The movies!