The Girls of nightVision

For the last few years, I've been telling people who asked when's the best time to reach me that I literally sleep with my phone. It's always in my hand, and I feel naked without it even though I only use it for the basics like texting, talking, and emails. Wireless TV is about to change all that. BlackBook is already on my phone, and now nightVision from Wireless TV (or m.nyclive.net on your phone) is going to bring my nightlife to me. Amanda Sagefka covers "cultural events, clubs, celebrity interviews and openings" for this direct-to-my-phone show. This network is the baby of Eduardo Lipshultz, who I am told was the creative director of Virgin Records and creator of that back-of-the-cab TV technology that I just figured out can be turned off. He also made that MTV moon logo. Eduardo's a sharp guy, but it seems he feels that I shouldn't be left alone no matter where I am.

I caught up with Amanda and her sidekick Michelle Travis at the stunning Jade Building, which was designed by Mick Jagger’s daughter Jade. I felt reasonably threatened as I spoke to my old friends.

Who have you interviewed for nightVision?
Amanda Sagefka:You, Patricia Fields, Silvio Hoda (the Ugly Betty Producer), Jane Seymour, Amanda Setton of Gossip Girl, Natasha Bedingfield, and lots more.

Can you give me an overview of what you do for Wireless TV?
AS: I cover nightlife, entertainment, art, restaurants, and culture. I’m in your pocket when you go out at night. If there’s an event that you want to check to see if it’s worth going to or just can’t get into, you can tune in on your phone and get my report.

I’ve seen you out for years, always with Michelle at your side. Give me a bit of your nightlife background.
AS: I designed special events such as the Remy Martin Cognac event at Smashbox Studios for David La Chapelle, I designed the restaurant Pinnochio at Waverly and Mercer, which is a comfort pizza shop. I’ve also done and still do floral design—and yes, I go out at night, which has paid off by giving me access to a lot of events and openings. For example, I’ve been going to the fashion shows for years without any problems. But it’s a little harder coming with a camera ... not everybody wants a camera.

Are people really addicted to their phones?
AS: Yes, you see people at clubs ignoring what’s going on as they twitter or text or email. A naked girl could walk by and no one would notice.
Michelle Travis: It’s natural that people who have grown accustomed to asking friends at other clubs what’s going on via text can now tune in. I handle the PR for Amanda. I set up the interviews, and it’s amazing that six nights a week, you can tune in and see for yourself live what’s happening at the hottest party on any given night. We’re worldwide, so you can be in a hotel room or on a beach half way around the world and be a part of it.

The program is on every day except Sunday at 1a.m. and can be reached on any cool phone—not the one my mom’s got. It’s free to the subscriber, it’s live and on demand, and its carrier is 3G-agnostic—whatever that means. Not only are we at a point where big brother is watching us, but we’re going to be carrying him around in our hands, too.