The 2nd Annual L.A. Sriracha Festival is back, by popular demand, taking place this Sunday, Oct. 19, at Chinatown’s historic Central Plaza from 3- 6 p.m.
There will be multiple stations of different chefs and restaurants that are showcasing there dishes. It will allow guests to enjoy a variety of Sriracha-themed dishes, including desserts, at their own pace. Not all dishes will include Sriracha in it but for the most part you can be sure to experience different dishes showcasing the hot sauce. Guests can also enjoy local craft beer, cocktails, sodas, iced coffee and iced tea while also enjoying music from a live DJ set.
You can expect to find dishes from different chefs including EGGSLUT’s Alvin Cailan & Johnny Lee. Also, MENDOCINO FARMS Judy Han – Peruvian Steak Sandwich with Spicy Aji Amarillo (includes Sriracha), Oaxacan Cheese, Herb Aioli, Red Onions, Tomatoes, and Shredded Romaine on panini grilled Drago Bakery’s Torta Bun
TICKET INFORMATION: General Admission tickets are $59 per person in advance, and $69 per person at the door, if still available. VIP Tickets for the event are $90 in advance, and $100 per person at the door, if available. They include reserved seating and one-hour early admission from 2 pm to 3 pm.
Jan Hooks, the actress and comedian who rose to fame by starring on “Saturday Night Live” passed away on Thursday in New York City. She was made popular by portraying Ivana Trump, Tammy Faye Bakker, Sinead O’Connor and as part of the lounge-singing Sweeney Sisters during skits. She passed away at age 57.
The cause of death has not yet been revealed. But some sources told TMZ that she had been suffering from an illness, no word yet as to whether that’s true.
Hooks was on “SNL” from 1986 to 1991.
“She was totally amazing as a sketch player,” said one of her colleagues, Kevin Nealon, who also was in a previous relationship with her.
“She so immersed herself in her characters and her timing was amazing. She got it from some crazy stratosphere, and I was so attracted to that talent in her, and I don’t think she ever knew how well respected and admired she was for her talent,” said Nealon.
Hooks was also known from starring on “Designing Women” right after SNL. She played Carlene Dobber for two seasons on the show, which was set in Atlanta, right next to her hometown.
She also had a popular role in “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”
ABC announced today that they were picking up drama How to Get Away with Murder and comedy Black-ish for full season orders.
How to Get Away with Murder created and executive produced by Pete Nowalk and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, has been the standout this fall. The series delivered a whopping 14 million viewers and a 3.8 rating among adults 18-49 in its debut. It has been breaking DVR records and, with a monster time-shifting viewing lift, it ranks as the biggest 10 PM drama debut in two years in Adults 18-49.The season will have 15 total episodes. The show stars Viola Davis as a law professor at a prestigious Philadelphia university who, with her students, becomes entwined in a murder plot.
The Anthony Anderson comedy Black-ish, debuted strong with 10.8 million viewers. The comedy centers on an upper-middle-class African-American family. The series was able to hold on to most of the Modern Family viewers. The show held the highest Modern Family viewers for a regular comedy debut in the post-Modern Family slot. The season will include 22 total episodes total.
It has still been undecided about ABC’s other freshman series that have already debuted, Manhattan Love Story and Selfie, whose ratings have been pretty low.
Yesterday, it was announced that Red Bull settled a false advertising lawsuit, and now owes anyone who bought one of its drinks between Jan. 1, 2002, and Oct. 3, 2014, either $10 cash or $15 worth of Red Bull products with no proof of purchase.
The false advertising lawsuit comes from a group of Red Bull customers who took the company’s “It Gives You Wings” slogan a little too literally. The lawsuit stated, “Such deceptive conduct and practices mean that [Red Bull’s] advertising and marketing is not just ‘puffery,’ but is instead deceptive and fraudulent and is therefore actionable.”
They were able to sue the drink maker for false advertising, which in turn led to Red Bull paying back anyone who has bought Red Bull in the past 12 years.
Red Bull settled the lawsuit to avoid the cost and distraction of litigation. However, Red Bull maintains that its marketing and labeling have always been truthful and accurate, and denies any and all wrongdoing or liability.
The problem with the settlement is Red Bull didn’t actually promise to give everyone who applied $10 to $15. Instead, they capped the handouts at $13 million. As Buzzfeed reported, if too many people make claims, the settlement will be diluted so it can be split evenly. Not everyone will get the $10 if more than 1.3 million people requested the $10 cash or $15 worth of Red Bull Products.
Ghostbusters third installment is finally in the works but it is coming back with a twist. Katie Dippold, who wrote Paul Feig’s comedy The Heat, is reteaming with the director for Sony’s new Ghostbusters movie.
It has been an anticipated production for the third installment of the movie, which Dippold is said to co-write with Feig.
After years of development as a sequel with the intent to bring back the original team (Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis), script setbacks eventually led a path to focus on a new generation with younger comic actors.
Feig came on board to take on the project in August after Ramis had died earlier this year and the original director pulled out of the movie. But he came with a new perspective and direction for the movie: the Ghostbusters would now be a female team and it would no longer be connected to the earlier movies but an entirely different series.
Feig is already known for his female comic movies: he directed Bridesmaids (which gave Kristen Wigg and Melissa McCarthy career breakouts), and The Heat, which starred McCarthy and Sandra Bullock.
We can’t wait to see how the new reboot of the movie turns out!
Jennifer Lawrence finally spoke out to Vanity Fair about the hacked nude photo scandal that targeted her, Ariana Grande, Kirsten Dunst, and Kate Upton in what was said to be the biggest celebrity hacking scandal in history.
“Just because I’m a public figure, just because I’m an actress, does not mean that I asked for this,” said Lawrence in the magazine’s November issue cover story. “It does not mean that it comes with the territory. It’s my body, and it should be my choice, and the fact that it is not my choice is absolutely disgusting. I can’t believe that we even live in that kind of world.”
She continued by saying anyone who looked at those photos should be ashamed.
“Anybody who looked at those pictures, you’re perpetuating a sexual offense. You should cower with shame. Even people who I know and love say, ‘Oh, yeah, I looked at the pictures.’ I don’t want to get mad, but at the same time I’m thinking, I didn’t tell you that you could look at my naked body,” the actress says.
And she reveals that it was particularly difficult when she had to break the news to her father.
“When I have to make that phone call to my dad and tell him what’s happened…I don’t care how much money I get for The Hunger Games,” she says. “I promise you, anybody given the choice of that kind of money or having to make a phone call to tell your dad that something like that has happened, it’s not worth it.”
She told Vanity Fair that while she was tempted to write a statement or apology, she just ended up crying or getting angry when she tried.
“I don’t have anything to say I’m sorry for. I was in a loving, healthy, great relationship for four years. It was long distance, and either your boyfriend is going to look at porn or he’s going to look at you,” Lawrence adds.
In Vanity Fair, the actress advocates for a legal solution to the incident.
“It is not a scandal. It is a sex crime,” she says. “It is a sexual violation. It’s disgusting. The law needs to be changed, and we need to change. That’s why these Web sites are responsible. Just the fact that somebody can be sexually exploited and violated, and the first thought that crosses somebody’s mind is to make a profit from it. It’s so beyond me.”
Vanity Fair‘s November issue hits newsstands Thursday.
It is only a few days before “The Walking Dead” kicks off its fifth season on October 12 at 9PM, but that didn’t stop AMC from announcing that the show has been renewed for a sixth season.
The hit zombie apocalypse show, “The Walking Dead,” is the top-rated series among adults ages 18 to 49 and the highest-rated series in cable television history.
“We could not be more excited for October 12th as we share new episodes of The Walking Dead with fans around the globe,” said AMC President Charlie Collier in a statement. “In advance of Sunday’s season five premiere, AMC proudly confirms a sixth season order of this extraordinary series. Thank you to Robert Kirkman, Scott Gimple, the terrific executive producers, and the entire team who brings this compelling world and these rich characters to life. There’s plenty more Dead ahead thanks to their impressive, collective effort.”
The network also recently announced a pilot for a potential companion series for “The Walking Dead” based on a new story and new characters from Kirkman.
We can’t to see The Walking Dead season premiere this Sunday to see what drama happens! We heard there will be more dramatic deaths this season. We hope one of them isn’t Daryl!
There was some big news today that sparked many people’s interests and has been trending all day. That is the announcement that Showtime is reviving the cult favorite, Twin Peaks, from David Lynch and Mark Frost. They announced on Monday that it will air as a nine-episode limited series for a 2016 premiere. Lynch and Frost will write all episodes, with Lynch directing. Production is expected to begin in 2015. It has not been stated whether any original cast members will appear.
“What more can I say — Twin Peaks with David Lynch and Mark Frost on Showtime in 2016!” said David Nevins, president of Showtime Networks. “To quote Agent Cooper, ‘I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange.’ ”
Lynch and Frost added in a joint statement: “The mysterious and special world of Twin Peaks is pulling us back. We’re very excited. May the forest be with you.”
Lynch and Frost both teased on Friday the possible revival of the show on Twitter.
Twin Peaks became a phenomenon when it premiered in April 1990, with the two-hour premiere drawing in 34.6 million viewers. It aired on ABC and followed a police investigation of the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer. It was one of the top-rated programs of 1990, earning a renewal before it ended its run on June 10, 1991.
Twin Peaks has continued to maintain a following in popular culture despite its short run. Kyle MacLachlan, Madchen Amick, Michael Ontkean, Dana Ashbrook, Lara Flynn Boyle, Sherilyn Fenn, Richard Beymer, Warren Frost and Peggy Lipton were among the stars in the original series.
Paramount is moving forward with its big-screen adaptation of Baywatch and has casted Dwayne Johnson for the movie. Justin Malen is set to rewrite the script and Sean Anders and John Morris are set to direct.
Johnson has long been rumored to star in a Baywatch movie. He would be the perfect fit for the film considering he has a toned physique he recently made apparent through the Hercules film that was released this summer. The film will take place in the beaches of Santa Monica.
Dwayne Johnson put the rumors to rest earlier this morning by confirming his involvement in the film on Twitter and Instagram. He posted a photo of him on the beach with the caption, “’This is my beach bitch!’ Rumors are true… we’re making #BAYWATCH the movie. Edgy, raunchy and hopefully, funny as all hell. Cue slo mo running on the beach…”
Paramount has been trying to make a Baywatch movie happen for years and not it seems it finally is set in motion. A number of previous writers have attempted to take a shot at the script including Jeremy Garelick and Peter Tolan. The plot of the movie was set to revolve around a series of shark attacks that led the Baywatch team to investigate a drug-smuggling operation. It is unclear now what the plot will focus on, but only time will tell.
If you have ever seen Dawson’s Creek, 90210 (2008) or Veronica Mars. You have Rob Thomas to thank in part for your television viewing pleasure. We caught up with Rob on a busy Monday here in Hollywood- who is finishing up CW’s soon to be hit- iZombie. If you’re a Veronica Mars fan we have some exclusive information for you.
You are known for many literary works including bestselling novels and hit television shows. When did you begin writing fiction and who influenced your style and genre? What do you like most about young adult fiction?
I started writing my first novel when I was 27, finished it when I was 28. I’m sure I was influenced by John Hughes, Chris Crutcher, Paul Zindel. I think there is inherent high-drama in teenagers’ lives. There are so many firsts, everything seems so important, every failure is absolute tragedy, every romance feels like it’s the one.
There is such a big Veronica Mars following. What can fans expect in the future? Will there be another Veronica Mars feature or the possibility of continuing the TV show?
There will be at least one more novel that will come out in early 2015. We also have episodes of Play It Again, Dick, the Veronica Mars spinoff webseries, coming out for the next six weeks. We all hope there will be another Veronica Mars movie but there’s nothing in the works yet on that front.
We dug up a fun fact about you… You played in a few bands back in Texas. What instrument did you play and who were your biggest influences in your music?
I played bass guitar because it had the fewest number of strings. And I had never played an instrument before joining the band. It seemed like the quickest path. I wanted to play like Tommy Stinson of The Replacements because it wasn’t very complicated. It felt like you could have a six pack before the show and you could still deliver.
How has your love for the Texas music scene play out in your writing and have you gone to SXSW yet?
My band played the first few years of SXSW back when you could be a mediocre local band and make it into the festival. Most of my friends back in Austin played in bands in the 80s and 90s and I still use a lot of music from that time and from those musicians in the shows I write.
What are some songs that are currently in heavy rotation in your car or mp3 player?
The new Spoon album. The new Tom Petty album. The last Okkervil River album. And the last Mark Lanegan album.
iZombie is gaining a lot of momentum on the social media front. What are you most excited about with this project? And when will iZombie air?
Because we’re midseason, we’re unsure when we’re going to air. But I’m starting to see cuts of the first episodes and I’m really proud of how they’re turning out. This one has a good feel to it.
What advice do you have for some of our readers in regard to focusing and honing in on a writing style.
Blood on the page. Don’t be too easily satisfied. It’s easy to write a scene that sounds like it could be on television. It’s usually an arduous journey to actually get something down that will be special or memorable.
The “Catfe” is coming to Los Angeles in October. Carlos Wong announced half a year ago his Kickstarter to fund California’s first cat café.
From Oct. 2-5, Wong will partner with Chinatown BID and Best Friends L.A., a no-kill shelter, for four days of pure cat fun. There will be cats at the cafes to pet and also to adopt. (You will need to be 18 years or older to adopt.) According to LA Weekly, there will be costumed maids and there will be butlers. DJs and entertainment will also be present.
The location is in the center of Chinatown, at the Far East Plaza, and guests are encouraged to bring rice bowls from Chego, ice cream from Scoops and boba milk tea from Ten Ren.
On Oct. 5, which is the last day of the pop up, LACatfe will operate during CicLAvia. So cyclists can swing by if they want in on the cat action. The bike route passes the Catfe pop up shop.
The event will serve as the kickoff party to the second round of fundraising for the actual Catfe.
The hours of the upcoming Catfe pop-up will be from 4-9 p.m., all four days.
Catfe Pop-Up: Far East Plaza, 727 N. Broadway, Chinatown.
Read more at: laweekly.com
LA has something to rejoice about. We are in the middle of the 6th annual L.A. Beer Week. The event started on Sept. 20 and will be filled with nine days of appreciation for Los Angeles’ craft beer scene. The event is being organized by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild this year. But that didn’t stop other local places to host their own appreciation events.
Many breweries, restaurants, bars and even music venues across LA are having non-Guild-organized events. Each establishment has added their own twist, highlight or special tapping.
Here are two events that might just be worth your time. For a full schedule, visit labeerweek.com/events or check your local craft beer bar as they probably have something scheduled too. Happy L.A. Beer Week!
WHAT: Beer and Whiskey Brunch
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 21; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ($70, buy tickets here)
WHY: It’s never too early for whiskey, we say, so why not start here, at Boneyard Bistro’s annual pairing of beer, whiskey and brunch food. This year they’ve teamed up with Firestone Walker, Deschutes and Golden Road for the occasion, featuring six courses paired with six beers and three different whiskeys.
WHERE: Boneyard Bistro, 13539 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks.
WHAT: Musical Beer Crawl
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 23; 5 p.m.
WHY: An L.A. Beer Week favorite is back again with another year of stumbling up and down Sunset Blvd. for all the beer, music, dancing and discounts Echo Park has to offer. The Bruery is pouring special kegs of its “sessionable” version of the infamous Black Tuesday at beer establishments along the strip and everywhere from Two Boots Pizza to Origami Vinyl are offering deals to crawlers who stop by. End the night at Short Stop where the dance party goes until closing time.
WHERE: Various locations down Sunset Blvd., starting at Sunset Beer Co.
Read the full story and check out more events here: laweekly.com
Gotham, based on the DC Comics of Batman, premieres tonight! The show mainly features the characters of Detective James Gordon and Bruce Wayne. Ben McKenzie plays a young Detective James Gordon with the series serving as a straightforward story of Gordon’s early days on the Gotham City police force. The idea evolved not only to include the Bruce Wayne character, but will also tell the origin stories of several Batman villains, including Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman, Joker, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Hugo Strange, Harvey Dent and Mr. Freeze. We can’t wait to see how all the stories unfold for each of the characters!
Bruce Wayne is only eight years old in the beginning of the show. This has been one of the most highlighted pilots of this fall season, so we can’t wait to see how it does. The show has been heavily advertised and seems very promising. Everyone tends to love the movies and television shows that are based of popular comic books. The pilot is said to start off with a flashback with young Bruce Wayne.
Bruce’s parents are gunned down in the street as he watches as they are on their way home from the theater. In the show “Gotham,” the murders are also witnessed by a rooftop prowler, who will turn out to be Selina Kyle, the future Catwoman. Sounds like it is going to be good, we will definitely be tuning in.
For those that missed the Ramen festival in August, you can catch them again next month at the Pomona Fairplex. The Los Angeles festival will be one two-day weekend, on October 18-19.
Also, Keizo Shimamoto is coming with a new creation, his Burger Ramen, which is different than his popular Ramen Burger.
Instead this is his take on abura soba, or soupless ramen. The dish is composed of a thick tare, or the concentrated seasoning at the bottom of a ramen bowl, with warm noodles placed on top. In this case, there’s also some greens and an actual cheeseburger.
The wildly popular Little Tokyo establishment, Daikokuya, will be there. They will present a mild Tonkotsu.
Don’t be surprised that this ramen festival will be a massive event as all the other events have been. You can expect long lines so make sure you aren’t starving when you attend the event. The hours will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Admission will run $5, and all bowls of ramen will be $8, although kids 12 and under are free.
Get your appetites ready to chow down on some ramen! Hopefully it will not be as hot as it is right now in Los Angeles!
The season finale of Masterchef aired last night and it was a close tie between the two finalists! The two finalists were 25 year-old Courtney Lapresi, an “aerial dancer” from Philadelphia and 31 year-old advertising executive from New York, Eizabeth Cauval.
The two battled head-to-head last night after beating out the rest of the competition to land a spot in the finale. They each had to prepare an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for each of the three judges.
For appetizers, Elizabeth prepared grilled octopus while Courtney made pig’s ears. We’re not sure if either one sounds as appetizing to us as they did to the judges! For their appetizers Courtney prepared duck breast and Elizabeth prepared a spiced rack of lamb. Unfortunately, the rack of lamb that was served to Joe was rare!
Lastly, the girls prepared dessert. Elizabeth went for a grape fruit and olive oil cake with a plum trio while Courtney made a cherry meringue. Courtney decided to sample one of her meringues to see if it tasted okay but ended up realizing that she didn’t make extra, which was a huge problem as now her plate would not be balanced.
It definitely was a close race between the two chefs who did amazing all season. As the judges were about to announce a winner, Elizabeth’s husband suddenly passes out. He was a little too anxious to see who won! After making sure he was okay they announce the winner.
In the end, Courtney ended up winning season 5 Masterchef.
In case you missed it, The Simpsons were at the Hollywood Bowl this past weekend. The show was appropriately titled, “The Simpsons Take the Bowl.”
Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith were all in attendance as part of the core cast of the show. These actors voice the characters of Moe Szyslak, Lisa Simpson, and Bart Simpson, respectively. Unfortunately, those not in attendance included Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer and Julie Kavner, the voice of Marge.
The show was a celebration filled with gratitude for the long running animated series. Many different clips were shown from the series and it was more of a hybrid show that featured the animated series as well as live action from performers.
Those in attendance were also treated to a mini-Simpsons carnival. There was a mini-Duff air blimp, and a battery of T-shirt cannons blazing away. Ushers from the venue wore red cornstalk-style wigs like Sideshow Bob, while many female orchestra members donned a mountain of blue hair just like Marge Simpson.
The show is premiering this month on September 28 on Fox for its 26th season with the episode titled, “Clown in the Dumps.”
The new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were unveiled last week during Apple’s Live Event. The iPhone 6 has a 4.7-inch screen and the iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina HD display. Both phones are thinner than the previous versions of the iPhone.
Apple broke records after the new unveiling of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. They are the next best thing for Apple, who had a great amount of sales for their latest model of the phone. Over 4 million people ordered the newest iPhones in the first 24 hours, which was more than their inventory according to Apple.
The latest version of the iPhone went on sale at Apple.com and through carrier partners at 3 a.m. Eastern Friday. This was the best sale ever for Apple; their launch of the iPhone 5 drew in over 2 million orders for the phone, which the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus doubled.
The iPhone 6 features iOS 8, the latest device operating system with a string of enhancements. The smartphones also mark the debut of Apple Pay, a new mobile-payments system that supports credit and debit cards from American Express, MasterCard and Visa issued by major banks.
Married with Children might be coming back to television according to E! in the form of a spinoff. The spinoff is in the works at Sony Pictures Television. The iconic family of four had a reunion earlier this week when Katey Sagal, who played Peggy Bundy, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame.
“We’ve talked about it every year, but then there are so many pieces that have to be in alignment that for some reason it never happens,” she spilled. “But we love each other. Well, we’re all working now, so it’s hard to find the time!”
The spinoff is set to focus on David Faustino’s character, Bud. Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, and Ed O’Neill do not plan to reprise their roles as they are focused on their other projects going on. It would be interesting to see if they would guest star on the new spin off.
Married … With Children was one of the first original series on Fox. The show ran for 11 seasons from 1987 to 1997 and was created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt. It was the longest-lasting live-action sitcom to air on Fox.
This weekend marks the final 626 night market in Arcadia that ends their 2014 summer series. It starts this Friday night, September 12 at 4pm- 1am and runs through Sunday, September 14. If you have no other plans this weekend head on over to the 626 night market and enjoy 200+ food vendors to choose from along with crafts, music, and games.
You can expect to find interesting, tasty food including a Ramen Burger, potted plant ice cream, scallion pancakes, and much more. Performances will also be held all weekend long including a special cosplay costume contest on Sunday from 8 to 9pm. (Some vendors will be giving discounted rates for those dressed up in cosplay costumes on Sunday). YouTube sensations The Fung Bros with special guest A.J. Rafael and Jason Chen will be performing over the weekend.
The 626 night market is the largest Asian-themed market in the United States. It drew in over 50,000 people during their July weekend event. The event takes place at Santa Anita Park at 285 W. Huntington Drive Arcadia, CA 91007. Admission is $3, but children under 6 years old get in free. Parking is also free.
New York Fashion Week is already underway with many designers showcasing their Spring/Summer 2015 collections. Serena Williams made her “Serena Williams Signature Statement” debut at New York Fashion Week this year. Her debut took place just two days after winning her sixth U.S Open title.
Many celebrities were in attendance, including Anna Wintour and her U.S. Open finals opponent Caroline Wozniacki who was there to support her.
She designed the looks for the shopping network HSN. She described the line, which featured “easy fitting, yet bold, edgy and contemporary silhouettes,” as toned-down Dior. She made sure that her clothes were stylish, yet affordable so that they can appeal to everyone.
Many of the items in her line included animal print, which should not come as a surprise since Serena has been seen wearing animal print dresses during the Open. The pieces were also sleek and sporty, which represents Serena and her personality.
The clothes will be sold on HSN this coming spring at affordable prices. Leggings can be purchased for $14.95, sweaters for $49.90 and sateen blazers for less than $30. Prices range from $29.90 to $79.90.
On top of unveiling the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple also announced today the new release of U2’s thirteenth studio album. Not only is it the first U2 album in five years, but it is also free to all iTunes users. The greatest part is that the album is already in your iTunes, under Albums or Purchased.
At Apple’s live event, the band debuted and performed a new song, “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone) from their new album Songs of Innocence. The album is only available on iTunes, iTunes Radio, and Beats Music for now. The physical album will be available for purchase on October 13.
Frontman Bono described the album as deeply personal and called the release “instant gratification”. The day before the Apple event, Bono told Rolling Stone. “We wanted to make a very personal album,” Bono explained. “Let’s try to figure out why we wanted to be in a band, the relationships around the band, our friendships, our lovers, our family. The whole album is first journeys — first journeys geographically, spiritually, sexually. And that’s hard. But we went there.”
This isn’t the first time that an artist or band has released an album without announcing it prior to the release date. Beyonce dropped her self-titled visual album in December without any prior announcement to fans.
Hollywood Production Center visited Cinespia for the ‘Jaws’ screening earlier this summer.
Summer is coming to an end, so it’s time to go into speed-mode in checking off those things from your summer bucket list that you promised yourself you’d finish. One thing that should be on your bucket list is Cinespia. Ever wondered what it’s like to watch a movie in a cemetery? Well obviously Hollywood thought about it, and then there was Cinespia. Cinespia is a series of movie screenings that are held outdoors on Fairbanks Lawn, a grassy field inside Hollywood Forever Cemetery during the summer months. During these screenings, large crowds of people come out with their blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy a classic movie under the stars.
Are you sold? Check out the calendar for the remaining 2014 screenings:
Saturday, September 6 Purple Rain
Saturday, September 13 The Matrix
Saturday, September 20 Rosemary’s Baby
Find more information about tickets and movie times at cinespia.org.
We chatted with Courtney Solomon of After Dark Films at HPC in Hollywood.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Courtney Solomon of After Dark Films and Cinelou Films from our Hollywood Production Center location…
Hi Courtney, tell us about yourself.
I am a producer, writer and director.
What does After Dark Films and Cinelou Films do, and how did it get established?
I started my first production company in 1995 called Sweetpea Entertainment. In 2000 Sweetpea released DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, which I produced and directed. Then in 2005 myself and Allan Zeman founded the production company, After Dark Films. I wrote and directed our first release, AN AMERICAN HAUNTING, starring Sissy Spacek and Donald Sutherland.
My other company and new business venture is called Cinelou Films, which my partner, Mark Canton and I started this year. We completed our first film, CAKE, earlier this year starring Jennifer Aniston and we are excited to announce that it will have its world premiere in Toronto at the Toronto Film Festival next month.
Please describe the industry you’re in.
The industry I am in is very interesting and fast paced. We take scripts that we get from reputable agencies and package them from the ground up. Sometimes they may come to us with a director or A-list star already attached and then we start casting other roles, we start looking at the budget, where we can shoot it, when we can start, etc.
How did you get to where you are now?
I work really hard and succeeding is a promise I made to myself. I’m extremely passionate about what I do and I love filmmaking. I love directing, it will always be a love of mine. And when I’m producing, I’m still a filmmaker. I’m always on set and hand-ons with the director and crew, as well as the cast.
How did you get involved with the entertainment industry?
My mom, Fran Solomon, was in the business in Toronto. I grew up on movie sets and truly loved the world of filmmaking.
What other films have you worked on in the past?
Directed DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, GETAWAY, wrote and directed AN AMERICAN HAUNTING.
You have accomplished so much in your career, what makes you so driven to succeed?
I just think it’s either within somebody or not within somebody, that’s a personal choice.
If there is one person to thank for your success who would it be and why?
My mother, Fran Solomon.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Filmmaking / directing. I also love seeing the final product after putting so much time and energy into it. It’s a great feeling.
What’s in the future for After Dark Films and Cinelou Films?
Cinelou Films is my main focus now. After our first film, CAKE, premieres in Toronto, we will get ready to move forward and start production on our next film, an Iraq war drama called YELLOW BIRDS starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Tye Sheridan and Will Poulter. We are in talks on a few other wonderful projects that I am very excited about and will be able to share soon
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to interview with us, Courtney!
We chatted with Chip Mosher of comiXology at HPC in Glendale.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Chip Mosher of comiXology from our Hollywood Production Center location…
Chip Mosher is the VP of Communications and Market at comiXology. ComiXology is a revolutionary digital comics platform that lets customers around the world buy and read comics, graphic novels and manga in their Guided View reading technology. They feature over 50,000 titles available from more than 75 publishers.
Hi Chip, tell us about yourself.
I’m an ex-patriot Texan living in exile in California.
Describe the industry you’re in.
I work in the comic book industry.
How did you first get your start in this industry?
Comic books have been a life long passion and have been working in the industry off and on since I was a teenager.
How long have you been with comiXology and what is your title?
At comiXology I am the VP of Communications and Market. I’ve been with the company for three years – two of which have been as part of the HPC Broadway family.
What does comiXology do, and how did it get established?
ComiXology is a revolutionary digital comics platform that let’s customers around the world buy and read comics, graphic novels and manga in our Guided View reading technology. We have over 50,000 titles available from more than 75 publishers.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Making people happy by selling them comics they love!
What do you see in the future for comic books?
The comic market in the U.S. has been artificially constrained because of distribution problems. There was never a Tower Records for print comics. So the industry has grown both print and digital as digital has raised the visibility of the medium. Comics is a 870 million dollar industry in the U.S. but it can be way bigger than that now that the distribution issue is solved.
What’s your favorite comic book?
The Walking Dead.. .of course!
When did comiXology move to Hollywood Production Center?
Twenty-five months ago Gina gave me a tour of HPC. She and Tina have lived to regret that day ever since. Seriously, I love it over here at HPC and am very happy with my office. It’s a joy to come to work everyday.
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to interview with us, Chip!
We chatted with Chris Montgomery of Prodigy Talent at HPC in Glendale.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Christopher Montgomery of Prodigy Talent from our Hollywood Production Center location…
Chris Montgomery is the Managing Member at Prodigy Talent. Prodigy Talent is a full service talent agency representing actors in television, film and commercials. They additionally represent producers and financers for independent feature films. Chris has been extremely proud of his clients’ work this year, with them appearing in several Super Bowl commercials, HBO’s True Blood and more.
Tell us about yourself.
I was raised in the metro area of Denver, Colorado. I graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and then did my graduate work there, as well getting my JD (law degree) from there as well.
How did you get started in the entertainment industry?
After having several years in the political arena serving in the US House, the US Senate, a Governor and in the White House I was given a great chance to work with my best friend open a production company in Las Vegas, Nevada. Soon, I found myself missing campaigning. And, talent representation is the campaign that never ends. Where they say “DC is Hollywood for Ugly People” (my previous career) I figured working in real Hollywood would be more for me. Plus, this is the campaign that never ends!
What is Prodigy Talent?
We are a full service talent agency representing actors in television, film and commercials. Additionally we represent producers and financers for independent feature films.
When did Prodigy Talent come about?
After owning Prodigy Pictures for a while in Las Vegas, I found myself missing the campaign trail. But, I knew returning to politics was just not for me. Working with great and talented people in the field of representation allowed me to work in a campaign that never ended!
Are there any cool projects your clients have starred in recently?
This year we have had a lot of actors in commercials for the Super Bowl, we had actors on True Blood, on a variety of television shows and in major advertiser spots. This has been a great year for us. We have been truly blessed in 2014.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Building a strong solid relationship with my actors and seeing them grow, seeing them go from a struggling actor to a booking and working actor.
You have accomplished so much in your career, what makes you so driven to succeed?
For me, I think it was just always instinctual. I have always been driven. We built a production studio, and released a film, during the Great Recession. We opened the agency just as the economic recovery began. Succeeding became the only choice during the recession!
If there is one person to thank for your success who would it be and why?
I have to say that there are two (2). First of all, my dad has been incredibly helpful to this endeavor. I am very grateful to him. Secondly, to my late Grandmother who just passed. She was a major influence to this.
What’s in the future for Prodigy Talent?
We are continuing to focus on our core beliefs. We fundamentally believe that we can all do more together than we can apart. The film making process is synergetic, it is a mutual aid society. It takes so many of us working to a common goal to succeed. We want to continue to focus on our actors, our producers, and our team to keep doing what we do well. We have been so blessed this year, we want to stay on that path of gratitude and never forgetting why we are all here.
When did Prodigy Talent move to Hollywood Production Center?
We first moved into HPC2 in 2012. We came here at the suggestion of one of the producers we represent. We found it to be the perfect home for us because there is so much of a community here. From production to casting. Agents cannot be based “on lot” but here we have the feeling we are. To know that some great TV shows, movies and projects are just down the hall, or on another floor really gives us such an advantage and gives us such a sense of community I cannot honestly think of us being anywhere else.
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to interview with us, Chris!
We chatted with Chicago Music Library’s Executive Vice President, Marrsha Sill.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Marrsha Sill of Chicago Music Library from our Hollywood Production Center location…
Marrsha Sill is the Executive Vice President at Chicago Music Library. Marrsha Sill began her music library career as an Account Executive at APM Music, where she spent many years becoming an expert at promoting and growing APM’s business in the areas of film, television and advertising. Then became Vice President of Film and TV Music at Megatrax and Opus 1 music Library. Marrsha is now a proud member of the “Chicago Music Library” team where she retains her outstanding industry-wide reputation for “representing the artists.”
Marrsha, how did Chicago Music Library (CML) come about?
The Chicago Music Library was the dream child of Robert J. Walsh (veteran film composer and creator of the Hollywood Film Music Library) and James E. Moore (Venture Capitalist and Entrepreneur). On a flight back from Chicago to LA, both decided that there was a future for a new boutique online music catalog with unique, pristine content. They then were very fortunate to find the multi-talented Nicholas Castelli (VP – Operations), Marrsha Sill (Executive VP), Jason Jamison (Sales Manager), and Renee Dawes (Creative Manager). And POW! a diverse and talented team was born!
How is Chicago Music Library making its mark in the entertainment industry?
Look, we know music is everywhere so we must separate ourselves by being known as a reliable resource and service – focusing on providing the best content efficiently and affordably, no email goes unanswered. If we have what you’re looking for you will get it ASAP, usually within the hour, and if not we can create it on spec, and done with a smile.
Who is your typical client and how are most of their licenses used?
Our typical client is a studio music exec/creative and/or an independent music supervisor, independent filmmaker, or online content creator, who use “Trusted Sources” such as CML to acquire the music that they need for their production. Some clients score their entire production with library music, or a variation of custom and library music. And some peeps use us for everything the composer does not do (needle drops).
Any notable movies or shows?
Well, over the years we’ve had hundreds of placements, however, some recent feature films would be The Butler, Runner Runner and Paranormal Activity 5. Further, we’ve had several placements on TV such as, ABC’s Revenge and Warner Brothers’ Shameless, and several placements in Sony’s shows Justified and Community, to name a few.
Your company was founded in 2011. What key changes have you seen the industry take since then?
Wow, well since 2011 we just like all industries have felt the economic changes, everything from decreased budgets to music sources giving away music for free. Most notably would be the increased requests for indie bands by music creatives and, subsequently, the demand for independent music libraries such as CML to carry this content. In essence we are becoming the new record industry!
What’s in the future for Chicago Music Library?
The Chicago Music Library is constantly growing and innovating – offering it’s diverse catalogs at moderate industry rates in many unique ways; constantly featuring new catalog expansion, and the best possible service to our clients in the Film, Television, Advertising, and Online world. Most importantly, we feel it is our duty to educate others and take the lead in moving the industry forward. We are constantly on social media engaging with others and have actually just launched our Face the Music Blog Series (#FTMBS) on our website, where we will offer unique industry insights and news.
The Chicago Music Library team would like to extend a neighborly offer to all HPC tenants, which includes 25% off all annual and per project blankets!
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to interview with us, Marrsha!
We see summer in the horizon, but what is summer without those top blockbuster movies? Los Angeles is no stranger to good weather, but when we’re not busy catching rays, you’ll find us in the theaters playing critic to some of the best summer films. Last summer was topped by Iron Man 3, and this summer is sure to not disappoint. So what do you have to look forward to?
We already saw the official kickoff to summer blockbusters with The Amazing-Spiderman 2 early this month, Godzilla last week, and we’ll be seeing X-Men: Days of Future Past release this weekend. What’s a huge movie franchise without Disney’s remake of the Sleeping Beauty story we all know and love with Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent to hit theaters May 30.
June will be faring well with DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train a Dragon 2 expected to be a hit. To close out the month, Transformers: Age of Extinction (that’s the 4th installment of the franchise in case you lost count, and no, there’s no Shia LaBeouf) will premiere on June 27.
July will bring in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the sequel to 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes. What are we personally excited about in July? The Purge: Anarchy. The original 2013 The Purge was so intriguing that we just can’t wait for more.
By August we’re all sad to be seeing those perfect summer months come and gone, but we still have those films to look forward to. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is expected to do well, as well as the childhood favorite, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Hello HGTV, and welcome to Glendale! HGTV came to Glendale to film their newest reality television show, Flipping the Block. Four condominiums in Glendale were chosen to be featured in a new competition show where two-member teams go head-to-head to remodel their home on a $40,000 budget, which is then to be sold at a future auction. The team/condo that brings in the highest bid at the auction will be crowned the winners of the competition, and be taking home an additional $50,000 in cash.
The four identical condominiums are located on Sonora Avenue, and are each 960-square feet. The starting bid for each condominium at the auction will be $225,000, and will take place on May 17 at the Hilton in Glendale. The condos each have two bedrooms and one and a half baths.
Flipping the Block was shot over 7 weeks, and is the newest reality competition to hit the Home and Garden Television network. The show is based on an Australian program that follows the same premise. Flipping the Block is set to premiere in July on HGTV.
Yes, American Idol is here to stay. Fox has announced that American Idol will return for its 14th season this year. There has been no confirmation as to who will be at the judges table this time around, but they finished off season 13 with Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban.
The network made the news official by announcing the audition dates that will bring in the ultra-talented singers for this season. American Idol auditions will hit 15 cities across the country, with its launch on June 18 in Minneapolis. The reality singing competition is sure to be a good one, as always.
Fox sees competition with other reality singing competitions, such as NBC’s The Voice, which is on its 6th season. The Voice is home to judges/coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani. The most recent performance episode of American Idol brought in 8.65 million viewers.
Damon Wayans Jr. is now a regular on New Girl. Wayans starred in the pilot episode as Coach on New Girl, but left after that. He made his return to the show this year, during season 3, and he’s been given “regular cast member” status for season 4 since then.
Damon Wayans Jr. made his first appearance on New Girl in 2011 for the pilot episode, but had to exit the show after it was picked up by Fox because of a second season renewal of his prior commitment, ABC’s Happy Endings. The show ended after season 3 in 2013, and Wayans made his return to New Girl just in time for season 3 in 2013. Fox added him for a 6-episode arc, but was soon after signed on as a special guest star for the remainder of the season. His title as a regular on the cast comes as no surprise as he starred in 17 consecutive episodes in season 3.
Wayans plays Coach, the basketball playing roommate who Jess, played by Zooey Deschanel, replaced in the loft. The other loft mates are Nick and Schmidt, played by Jake Johnson and Max Greenfield. Damon Wayans Jr. has been highly sought after for numerous pilots during the recent pilot season, turning down projects this time for New Girl.
