Mark Panasuk, Gatekeeper Skybar

Mark Panasuk, who mans the rope outside the Mondrian hotel’s SkyBar five nights a week, would like everyone to know that he wields no power. It is the rule of law, not personal caprice or any kind of geek filtration agenda, that determines who will enter what is still a Sunset Strip bar of the moment.

“It’s very, very structured,” he says. “Because it’s a hotel, they are very strict about their policy. And reservations are required.’

That means that, besides hotel guests (who are always admitted), anyone who has secured a reservation will be on the list and allowed to enter, and anyone who hasn’t, won’t.

No deviations whatsoever?

“No,” he says. “Reservations only.”

And if you’re, say, Nicole Kidman?

“Well, we do work with the Industry.”

Since coming to Los Angeles from Montreal four years ago to pursue acting, Panasuk, 36, has landed roles in “a few short films.” Yet, after three years working on the Strip, where a man’s worth is measured in picture deals, he appears awash in friends. Guys approach him with the enthusiastic familiarity of car salesmen. And the girls, yes. Kisses, “call me’s,” full contact hugs.

What about sexual favors? “It’s been offered,” he admits. “But,” he chastely insists, “it’s the list” that he follows. Ditto with bribes. “It’s not worth the risk,” he says. “I like my work.”

Could all the “in” people scattered around the bar’s pool deck on a recent Friday night be on the list? Two plain Janes say they were, but gripe that they’ve seen hotties getting in with just a wink. Sure enough, it turns out that the young blond in tight Sergio Valentes and her dark-haired friend in equally snug leather didn’t call ahead, either. How could that happen?

“Typical L.A. BS,” the blond snorts. “If you’re an attractive girl, you can schmooze your way in. If you’re a guy, you wait outside.”