The NHL Kings have built up a passionate fan base in L.A. thanks in part to its “under-the-radar Hollywood Advisory Board,” according to Mike Barnes of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. The group was “formed four years ago” by Kings President of Business Operations Luc Robitaille. Members include producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Jason Reitman, CAA Managing Partner David O’Connor, Sony Pictures Entertainment Vice Chair Jeff Blake and “South Park” Supervising Producer Frank Agnone. They meet “for a casual dinner before games two or three times a season” during which Kings execs “present marketing ideas, in-game footage, music and more for feedback.” Robitaille said of the board, “They’ve helped us build something special.” He added that the Kings “would not have changed their uniforms (eliminating purple, going full time with an ‘LA’ logo) for this season without consulting them.” Barnes notes it was Bruckheimer who “suggested bringing a cameraman onto the ice for shootouts,” and Reitman’s idea “to videotape player profiles so fans get to know the ‘guys behind the helmets.’” Agnone is behind scoreboard videos that feature “South Park” character Eric Cartman “mocking the opponent and exhorting fans to yell, ‘Go Kings Go!’” The Comedy Central show has “created about 40 spots since 1999 and receives six season tickets in a barter deal” (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 5/18 issue).
