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HPC News Glendale News Celebrity News

Tenant Spotlight: JIG Reel Studios

jigreelJIG Reel Studios is owned by Justin Galindo who was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Having a strong aspiration to start his own business he decided to leave Ohio and make his way to Los Angeles. From there, through hard work and determination he started what is now JIG Reel Studios. The company is known for creating actor demo reels, but is also a full-time production company that creates music videos, commercials, shorts, web series, and new features.  For more information  head to: www.jigreelstudios.com

If there is one person to thank for your success who would it be and why?

There isn’t just one person to thank. Every  person that has worked in this company has helped it to become what it is today. We have all grown together and we are still growing.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

That we get the chance to create NEW projects with our clients. We help to make their visions, a reality. Plus, it is gratifying to see even our own crews dreams and projects come to life.

 

Who are your biggest influences?

Mark Walhberg. Mainly because of how focused he is about business.

Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?

To expand and become bigger and better than 2015. We also want to finish our feature film that we have been working on for over a year. We’re super excited about this project and can’t wait to get it in Sundance. Crossing fingers. 🙂

What was your favorite part of 2015?

That the company has grown so much and created a really strong team. The coolest part was meeting ROB FREAKING DYRDEK. Growing up and watching him on TV to actually meeting him in person was awesome. I’m a huge fan!

2015 seemed to be a good year for you business wise, is there anything new in store for 2016? 

We have a new feature coming out and we hope to collaborate with some new people.

What’s in the future for JIG Reel Studios?

We are going to be working with Disney on some new projects. Be on the look out!

 

 

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HPC News

PAND Mixer

On Wednesday, September 9th, 6-9 PM we will be hosting the PAND Mixer. The Persian American Networking Development Association is proud to team up with Hollywood Production Center for a night of networking and mingling! Flyer

This event is hosted by Hollywood Production Center in Glendale, on the 2nd floor patio. Wine and wonderful snacks from Porto’s Bakery in Glendale will be provided.

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Movies/Television HPC News Hollywood News

Tenant Spotlight: Craig Bartlett

craig

Craig Bartlett, creator and exec producer, “Ready Jet Go!” and “Dinosaur Train”

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Seattle when it was still a scrappy frontier town, and moved to LA right before it became “cool” with the Grunge movement and the arrival of all the dot-com billionaires. I’m not moving back until it’s “not cool” again.

Please describe the industry you’re in.

I make cartoons for kids, mostly for PBS these days, so cartoons for kids with an educational curriculum. The two shows we’re doing here are “Ready Jet Go!,” a kid’s first space show, and “Dinosaur Train,” which, if you’re 4, is like when chocolate met peanut butter.

How long have you been with the company and what is your title?

I started working for the Jim Henson Company (“Dinosaur Train”) in 2007, and for Wind Dancer (“Ready Jet Go!”) last year.

What got you interested in animation?

I studied Fine Art in school, but found it to be too serious. I was always trying to make art that was funny and told a story, which naturally led me to comics, and then to animation.

How did you get involved with the entertainment industry?

Once out of school I found the only animation job in the Northwest working for Will Vinton studios, the Claymation people. Will’s studio became Leica Animation, but by then I had moved to LA, first to direct the Penny cartoons for “Pee Wee’s Playhouse,” then over to Nickelodeon, story editing and directing for “Rugrats,” which led to my own Nick series, “Hey Arnold!”

What are you currently working on?

I’m producing 40 half hours of “Ready Jet Go!” And 10 half hours of “Dinosaur Train,” both for PBS. I also hope to bring more “Hey Arnold!” work to HPC if I can.

You have accomplished so much in your career, what makes you so driven to succeed?

I really love the work – at this point, I get to work exclusively on stuff that I created. So it’s never boring to me. And there’s always something new about it to learn. So I keep at it.

If there is one person to thank for your success who would it be and why?

I would thank both my parents, who were very creative and driven, hard-working people. They set the bar high, and then turned me loose as soon as I was grown, and told me to make my own way.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Cartoon making is great, because you get to make up your whole universe from scratch. That includes the stories, the look, the voices, the sound design, and the music. And the PBS shows really feature a lot of songs, so I get to write and play songs as part of my job. I’m getting better at music every decade, which is great, because I’m sure not getting better at, say, basketball.

Do you have any shout outs for your employees?

I’m working with lots of great new people, like Producers Rusty Tracy and Blanca Uribe on “Jet” and Melanie Pal and Kadi Rodriguez on “Dinosaur Train,” but I’m also still working with old friends Joe Purdy, Rachel Lipman, and Christie Insley, writing on “Jet,” who’ve been with me for more than 15 years. And with Karl Toerge and Terry Izumi, who’ve been drawing with me 7 years now on “Dinosaur Train.”

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HPC News Glendale News

Tenant Spotlight: Flying Mollusk

Nevermind_TeamPhoto

Flying Mollusk is an independent video game development studio who makes “edgy games for good.” By that, we mean that we make games that, first and foremost, are just as fun and thrilling as any “traditional” video game out there – but also give back to players by surreptitiously teaching them a new skillset, exposing them to new ideas, or simply inspiring them in the process. Right now we’re a plucky team of four full-time members who collectively have over 30 years of game development experience across all aspects of the game industry

What does Flying Mollusk do and how did it get established?

I have always been very passionate about the potential of “positive games,” but have struggled to find existing studios that make games that are fun, beneficial to the player, and developed for adult audiences (as opposed to many of the “edutainment” games created primarily for children). Ultimately, I realized that the best way to pursue my dream of making these “edgy games for good,” would be by establishing my own studio dedicated to creating high-quality, fun, and beneficial virtual experiences. At the end of 2013, I left my job at a larger, mainstream studio to create Flying Mollusk and focus on our first title, Nevermind.

Describe Nevermind and the inspiration behind it.

Nevermind is a biofeeback-enhanced horror adventure game that reacts to your fear and stress. While you play this mystery thriller, the game is constantly reading your anxiety levels. As you start to become a little scared, the game will dynamically respond by becoming harder. The longer you stay scared or stressed, the harder the game will become – so the trick is to learn how to manage your fear and stress in intense situations on the fly.

The big picture idea with Nevermind is that by learning and practicing stress management techniques through playing the game, you will start to habituate the mindfulness and stress management techniques that you need in everyday life. For example, in Nevermind, you may find yourself practicing deep breathing to bravely cross that foreboding bridge into the darkness unscathed – in real life, you may find that that same deep breathing technique will help you calmly get through rush hour traffic on the freeway, prepare to give a nerve-wracking speech, or keep a clear head when you’ve misplaced your keys and are running late for a meeting.

Nevermind started as my Master’s thesis project at the University of Southern California – where the proof of concept was developed back in 2011-2012. I went into my thesis year knowing that I wanted to make a “positive game” that used biofeedback input (technology that I had experimented with a few years prior). As a longtime fan of a darker aesthetic, I also really wanted to try my hand at the horror genre. With those three goals in mind, the seeds for what Nevermind would ultimately become were planted.

What made you want to make a horror game as opposed to any other genre?

I’ve always been a huge fan of the horror genre. As a toddler, I watched the Alien VHS tape so many times that it fell apart. In highschool, I had almost every episode at that time of the X-Files and Millenium memorized. My personal art style has always trended toward the creepy and macabre. In many ways, the horror genre has always been in my blood and making Nevermind a horror game was clearly a natural fit given my goals and ambitions for the project.

What was your initial reaction when Intel reached out to you about Nevermind?

It was incredibly exciting and validating to have Intel reach out about Nevermind. The Intel® RealSense™ camera technology is such a perfect fit for our long-term goals for Nevermind – as it allows us to seamlessly capture the biofeedback data we need and gives us new tools for creating an immersive experience. It has been wonderful working with Intel and the future of Nevermind is brighter than ever because of it!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Video game development is one of the coolest jobs ever – not only because you get to make video games (my inner 12-year old still can’t believe this is my actual job), but because everyone you work with has such a diverse background of skillsets, interests, and experiences. The video game industry can sometimes get a bad rap, but  – in my experience – it is one of the most interesting and supportive communities I’ve been a part of. It is a fertile field of innovation and exploration – and waking up every morning knowing that I’m part of something that can make people happy and help improve their lives is a privilege that never gets old.

What’s in the future for Flying Mollusk?
We’re currently focused on developing Nevermind and are planning to launch the full version around October 2015 (with some content being released via Steam Early Access between now and then). After Nevermind, we’ll continue to make edgy games for good leveraging the coolest technology out there to make unforgettable experiences that will also, in ways small and large, make the world a better place.

 

 

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HPC News Glendale News

Tenant Spotlight with Chip Mosher

We chatted with Chip Mosher of comiXology at HPC in Glendale.
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!

 

Categories
Glendale News Movies/Television

Glendale Making its Debut on HGTV’s ‘Flipping the Block’

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.

See the full story at Glendale News Press.

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HPC News Glendale News

Tenant Spotlight with Jack

Tenant Spotlight with Jack
We chatted with Jack from iFone Repair Service, who has been servicing Apple products since 2008.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Jack of iFone Repair Service from our Hollywood Production Center 3 location…

Jack is the founder of iFone Repair Service. He is a proud small business owner and long-time Glendale resident, and we’ve been lucky enough to have him with us at our Hollywood Production Center 3 location since 2011. Jack is a true ‘Apple Fan Boy,’ and he continues to spread that Apple love through iFone Repair Service…

Hi Jack, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a 25+ year Glendale resident who grew up in Glendale. I received my BA in Technology Operations Management at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. I am a proud small business owner putting smiles on the faces of every-day cellular phone users who fall victims technological incidents.

When did you first get the business idea for iFone Repair Service?  
Being in the cell phone industry since 2003, I had put together the idea of iFone Repair Service in 2007, around the time of the release of the first generation iPhone. With iPhones dominating the cellular phone market, I soon realized the demand and need for repairs on these sophisticated handsets.

When did iFone Repair Service officially open?
I officially started the company in 2008.

What’s your favorite part about coming in to work every day?
I would have to say, my involvement in the solutions to
someone’s bad day after damaging their iPhones is what I look forward to everyday. I truly get a kick out of offering my expertise and helping customers out. After all, every customers who walks out of my office, has a smile on their face.

What’s the best part about being your own boss?
The best part of being my own boss is the benefit of having a flexible work schedule that I can easily arrange my personal life around.

How long have you been with the Hollywood Production Center?
I have been a tenant with the Hollywood Production Center (Broadway building) since 2011.

Do you have any guesses as to what the next big Apple product will be?
My speculations are for a release of the 6th generation iPhone this upcoming fall with possibly a larger screen. The technology market has also hinted to Apple enthusiasts about an “iWatch” that is to be released in the near future.

Would your friends consider you an ‘Apple fan boy’?
Oh yeah! From the computers in the office to the carry bag at home, I can proudly say that I own most all apple products. Even the Apple sticker on my fridge says so…

Are there any big future plans for your company?
I am looking to expand the services provided at iFone Repair Service throughout the Los Angeles area, with possibly multiple locations to open soon.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Our company is recognized and still remains as the #1 5-Star Rated Service shop for cellular phones in all of Los Angeles. Our stellar reviews speak for themselves.

Most common services provided: Screen repairs, water damage repairs, and customizations.

I’d love to offer all tenants, and families of HPC tenants discounts on the services provided if they are in need. Whether you’re in trouble with your Apple iDevice or not, Stop by our office in Suite 102B (at Hollywood Production Center 3, 225 E. Broadway, Glendale, CA) to say hello and don’t forget to checkout our great accessories for the devices. Make iFone Repair Service your one stop shop for all your iPhone & iPad needs!

Visit them at www.iFoneRepairService.com or call them at (818) 639-3009.

Categories
HPC News Glendale News Movies/Television

HPC Welcomes Amazon’s ‘Bosch’

Titus __ will be starring in Amazon's newest television series, 'Bosch.' The new show will premiere in March fort
Titus Welliver will be starring in Amazon’s newest television series, ‘Bosch.’ The pilot will premiere in 2014 for viewer feedback.

HPC News – Another tenant at the Hollywood Production Center is the team for a new television drama pilot, Bosch. The pilot was ordered by Amazon Studios who is looking to quickly expand its original programming. After focusing mostly on comedies and kids programming, Amazon is moving towards drama with Bosch, a police procedural based on Michael Connelly’s books. Michael Connelly has created a character named Harry Bosch, a veteran Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective who is pursuing a killer, while also standing trial in federal court himself. The Bosch character has been at the center of 20 novels by Connelly, and will be played by Lost and Sons of Anarchy alum Titus Welliver. He will also be joined by Annie Wersching, Amy Price-Francis and Jamie Hector as costars.

The pilot was written by Connelly and Treme co-creator Eric Overmyer, who are executive producing with Fabrik’s Henrik Bastin and Mikkel Bondesen. Jim McKay is attached to direct.

The pilot will be available on Amazon Instant Video for viewer feedback in early 2014.

View full story at Deadline.

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HPC News Glendale News Movies/Television

‘The Killing’ to Return for a 4th Season on Netflix

'The Killing' will be returning for a 4th season, but this time exclusively on Netflix.
‘The Killing’ will be returning for a 4th season, but this time exclusively on Netflix.

HPC News – The Killing cannot be killed. Hollywood Production Center’s longtime tenant will be continuing their work on their popular television series The Killing from our offices. The hit television show first aired in 2011 on AMC, and continued to air three seasons until the cable network announced the show’s cancellation earlier in 2013. However, Netflix recently announced that they would be picking up the series and continuing the 4th season. This 4th season will air 6 episodes and will be considered the “final season.” The series’ stars Joel Kinnaman (who plays Stephen Holder) and Mireille Enos (who plays Sarah Linden) will be returning to the show to explore a new police case.

The Killing has gained a lot of popularity on Netflix’s streaming service, which helped it grow its audience for three seasons. The show had originally been cancelled after two seasons, but Fox TV Studios later announced that it would be returning after all due to a unique deal with AMC and Netflix. In this deal the streaming service, which had already built up an audience from the first 2 seasons being on its service, would stream the 3rd season 90 days after the finale aired on AMC to offset costs. When AMC announced that they would be pulling the plug for good in 2013, Netflix stepped in to pick up a 4th season to be aired exclusively to Netflix users. The wildly popular streaming service believe this show is perfect for on-demand viewing, so they have given Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder the chance at a proper goodbye.

Production for the 4th season of The Killing  is set to begin in February.

View the full story at The Hollywood Reporter.

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HPC News Glendale News Movies/Television Celebrity News

Wanda Sykes is Bringing Back ‘Last Comic Standing’

Wanda Sykes of Push It Productions will be executive producing NBC's 'Last Comic Standing,' which is set to air in summer 2014.
Wanda Sykes of Push It Productions will be executive producing NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing,’ which is set to air in summer 2014.

HPC News – Hollywood Production Center is currently housing Push It Productions, which is run by the powerful duo Wanda Sykes and Page Hurwitz. Following a three-year absence, NBC is bringing back Last Comic Standing, and Push It Productions is on board to produce the show. Wanda Sykes and Page Hurwitz are attached as executive producers, continuing Hurwitz’s relationship with the series as executive producer from 2006 to 2010.

The eighth season of Last Comic Standing, an unscripted comedic competition series is set to be aired on NBC in the summer of 2014. The show first started in 2003 and ran seven seasons until 2010. The show is being revived, and the network is once again bringing together top comedians from across the country to compete in a series of comedic challenges each week until one comedian is left standing with a development contract with NBC and a television special on Comedy Central.

Push It Productions inked the overall deal with Universal Television’s alternative studio in April. Wanda Syke’s credits include a long stand-up comedy career complete with three Emmy Awards and television work, such as HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Fox’s The Wanda Sykes Show, Comedy Central’s Wanda Does It. Hurwitz’s own resume includes work on OWN’s The Rosie Show and NBC’s The Marriage Ref.

View full story at The Hollywood Reporter.

Categories
Movies/Television HPC News Glendale News

MTV’s ‘Finding Carter’ Found its Home at HPC

U.K.'s 'Skins' star Kathryn Prescott will star in MTV's upcoming drama 'Finding Carter.'
U.K.’s ‘Skins’ star Kathryn Prescott will star in MTV’s upcoming drama ‘Finding Carter.’

HPC News – There are a lot of new faces at the Hollywood Production Center, and that includes New Remote Productions who is working on a new television pilot for MTV called Finding Carter. The new drama centers on a teenage girl, Carter who has the perfect life being the center of attention at school and living with her fun-loving single mother. Things take a dramatic turn when a police bust reveals that Carter’s supposed mother abducted her as a toddler. Carter now has to navigate the struggles of high school and boys while adapting to her recently discovered biological family, which includes a twin sister and police detective mother.

Kathryn Prescott, known as Emily on the U.K.’s Skins will star as Carter. Lost alumna Cynthia Watros recently announced her role as Carter’s biological mother, and Alexis Denisof from Much Ado About Nothing will play her father.

Emily Silver and Terri Minsky’s Finding Carter was picked up alongside cyber thriller, Eye Candy from the horror producer Jason Blum. These two drama pilot orders come just behind two comedy pickups, Faking It and Happyland, while a Scream series adaptation continues to be in the works. MTV is continuing to expand its scripted lineup, with past successes including Awkward and Teen Wolf.

View full story at The Hollywood Reporter.

 

Categories
Glendale News Movies/Television Celebrity News HPC News Hollywood News

‘How to Make Love Like an Englishman’ Continues Filming

Jessica Alba and Ben McKenzie were filming for 'How to Make Love Like an Englishman' this weekend in Malibu.
Jessica Alba and Ben McKenzie were filming for ‘How to Make Love Like an Englishman’ this weekend in Malibu.

HPC News – HPC welcomes the team for How to Make Love Like an Englishman, an upcoming film starring Pierce Brosnan, Jessica Alba, Salma Hayek and Ben McKenzie. The movie is about a Cambridge University professor who finds a woman who is his ideal match, forcing him to reevaluate his life of hedonistic excess, which comes after he impregnates her grad student stepsister. The romantic comedy was written by Matthew Newman and will be directed by Tom Vaughan. Brosnan will star as the professor, Hayek as his love interest and Jessica Alba as the stepsister.

Production for How to Make Love Like an Englishman began earlier last month and Jessica Alba and Ben McKenzie were spotted this weekend in Malibu filming for the movie. The film takes place in Los Angeles, so the crew decided to keep filming local as they wrap up filming in early November. The project is a co-production between Palmstar Media Capital, Southpaw Entertainment, Irish Dreamtime and Envision.

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Celebrity News HPC News Glendale News Movies/Television

The Horror Continues with ‘Incarnate’

Aaron Eckhart is attached to star as the exorcist in Jason Blum's latest horror film, 'Incarnate.'
Aaron Eckhart is attached to star as the exorcist in Jason Blum’s latest horror film, ‘Incarnate.’

HPC News – HPC is happy to once again welcome a fantastic upcoming film to its offices. Blumhouse Productions is preparing for the next big horror film, Incarnate. Incarnate will revolve around an unconventional exorcist who can tap into the subconscious of the possessed until he meets his match, a 9-year old boy possessed by a demon from his past. Aaron Eckhart is attached to star as the exorcist and Catalina Sandino Moreno was recently added to the project to star alongside him.

The film comes on the heels of Blumhouse’s Jason Blum’s latest successful horror project, Insidious: Chapter 2. Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions, has a long resume that includes Paranormal Activity, The Purge and Sinister among others. The company is known for its low-budget, high earning horror genre films that have received huge acclaim in the past couple of years. Jason Blum will act as producer and Brad Peyton will take the role of director on the script written by Ronnie Christensen. Production is set to start this month.

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Celebrity News Movies/Television HPC News

“Welcome to Me” is a Hit at TIFF

"Welcome to Me" screened this week at the Toronto International Film Festival and has been picked up by D Films.
“Welcome to Me” screened this week at the Toronto International Film Festival and has been picked up by D Films.

Hollywood Production Center has recently been home to the production studio working on the much awaited film Welcome to Me starring Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell. The movie was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival that kicked off earlier last week. The 11-day-long festival has screened various movies full of potential, and Welcome to Me is no exception. D Films has acquired the Canadian distribution rights to Welcome to Me soon after its screening at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The dramatic comedy examines society’s obsession with fame through Kristen Wiig’s character who has a dissociative personality disorder, and soon after winning the lottery she spends all her money on a talk show about herself. The cast also includes Will Ferrell, Linda Cardellini, Tim Robbins and Joan Cusack.

The movie is produced by Gary Sanchez Productions, for who Will Ferrell is a producer for on this project as well. Shira Piven directed the film that was based on Eliot Laurence’s screenplay. The film has no set release date in Canada or the United States.

Read more here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/toronto-d-films-snags-canadian-628931.

 

Categories
Glendale News Food/Drink Music/Concerts HPC News

Pop Up! Concert Series in Glendale

Glendale Arts is hosting Pop Up!, an outdoor concert series throughout the month of September.
Glendale Arts is hosting Pop Up!, an outdoor concert series throughout the month of September.

Downtown Glendale – Glendale keeps the summer month going strong by hosting the Glendale Art’s Pop Up! Concert series this month. Pop Up! is a month long event that brings in different musical talent every Thursday night during the month of September. The free outdoor concerts take place at the Glendale City Center and each week they bring out a different restaurant to provide appetizers, such as BJ’s, Olive Garden and California Pizza Kitchen.

The concerts kicked off on September 5th when crowds listened to some great music by Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat. This week, crowds gathered around to listen to Rock Bottom Betty play fantastic music. The series will continue on for the next two weeks, with the next concert taking place Thursday, September 19, featuring Shane Henry. The month long concerts will come to an end on September 26 with The Essentials playing for Glendale.

The event is absolutely free and has been a great way for the Glendale Arts to stay involved in the community as their current project is underway. The Glendale Arts have been behind the Alex Theatre renovation project that started earlier this summer. The expansion project is set to finish in November when they will have a grand re-opening.

Find more information about these concerts here: http://www.glendalearts.org/event/glendale-arts-presents-pop-up.

Categories
HPC News Glendale News Movies/Television

Burn Notice Leaves its Mark

Burn Notice series finale airs on Thursday, September 12.
Burn Notice series finale airs on Thursday, September 12.

TVM Productions, operating under the umbrella of Fox Television Studios, continues work on its highly successful series Burn Notice. USA Network’s hit cable television show premiered its 7th and final season earlier this summer on June 6th.  Along with celebrating their final season, Burn Notice celebrated its 100th episode on June 13, the second episode of the season. The series finale is scheduled to air on Thursday, September 12.

The series first premiered in 2007, and they have since enjoyed their 7 years of filming. TVM Productions has received critical praise for the television show, which follows an ex-CIA agent who has been ‘burned’ by his former employer. TVM Productions has worked on the successful show for several seasons and has a wealth of television credits to its name.

Categories
Glendale News Food/Drink

Glendale Tap has Made its Mark

Glendale Tap is a relatively new beer bar in Glendale that has 52 varieties of beer on tap and is a huge hit thus far.
Glendale Tap is a relatively new beer bar in Glendale that has 52 varieties of beer on tap and is a huge hit thus far.

The city of Glendale continues to grow, and to add to the long list of places you need to visit is Glendale Tap. Glendale Tap recently opened in Glendale and it has quickly become a hit. The friendly neighborhood beer bar has 52 different beers on tap, which include ciders as well as organic beers. The cozy bar also features a wide selection of bottled beers and a few old-fashioned soda pops to continue with the authentic feel the bar gives.

The current trends in Glendale have been craft beer bars that then fall into the ‘fancy gastro-pub’ category, but going against the current is Glendale Tap who are proud to have peanut shells on the floor and would be happy to heat you up a soft pretzel. Only open for 6 months, the owners wanted to be sure to give the restaurant an old look and feel, like a bar that your grandfather went to.

The bar located on San Fernando Road is only a short drive to two of the city’s most respected breweries, Golden Road Brewing and Eagle Rock Brewery, giving you the option to support your local beers. Glendale Tap is open Monday through Thursday 5PM to 2AM, and Friday through Sunday 1PM to 2AM. They are located at 4227 San Fernando Rd., Glendale, CA 91204, just north of Los Feliz Boulevard. Check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlendaleTap.

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Glendale News

Glendale’s historical Brand Library & Art Center

The Glendale Brand Library & Art Center is currently under construction until 2014.
The Glendale Brand Library & Art Center is currently under construction until 2014.

The landmark Brand Library & Art Center in Glendale has been under construction and is looking to be a beautiful building by the time they are done. The original 1904 mansion of city father Leslie C. Brand became the city’s public library in 1956 and was later expanded to include art space. The renovations are taking place in an act to restore the original feel of the Brand household and embrace the history in Glendale.

The renovations and restorations of the building started in July 2012, and since then they have beautiful changes. They restored original hand-painted Victorian stencil work that was covered up by popcorn ceilings for more than half a century. Mahogany and oak doors that were once hidden within the walls have been exposed and are now used to separate rooms. A stone fireplace that was broken to make room for bookshelves has returned to the parlor and the wood floors are being converted back to hardwood.

Library staff hope that this “living museum” will be a destination for tourists, and eventually be complete with audio headsets and  a smartphone app for tourist to take a self-guided tour. The 5,000 square foot library and 21,000 square foot art center are expected to be completed by the end of the year and open up to the public again in spring 2014. This will be a huge benefit to Glendale’s history and campaign to keep reading and the arts alive.

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Glendale News

Glendale Fighting Club Fighter Gearing up for December

Glendale Fighting Club-trained Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate continue their Ultimate Fighting Championship's World Tour 2013 at Club Nokia.
Glendale Fighting Club-trained Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate continue their Ultimate Fighting Championship’s World Tour 2013 at Club Nokia.

The 2013 Ultimate Fighting Championship World Tour landed in Los Angeles on Tuesday and Glendale Fighting Club-trained Ronda Rousey was there to prove she was there to win. The press conference at Club Nokia on Tuesday pitted Rousey with her competitor Miesha Tate, who Ronda will be defending her bantamweight championship against.

Ronda Rousey trained under Edmond Tarverdyan of the Glendale Fighting Club and has since one various awards and championships in Mixed Martial Arts and Judo. Los Angeles was only the second day of the five-day, 11 city world tour that hopes to promote the four pay-per-view fights that will take place at the end of December. Ronda will be facing off again Miesha on December 28 at UFC 168 in Las Vegas.

Following the tour, the Glendale-trained fighter will be leaving to film “The Expendables 3” where she will have many of her camp members so to not interfere with her training. “The Ultimate Fighter 18” is also scheduled to premiere on Fox Sports 1 on September 4 to further build anticipation for the December match between Rousey and Tate.

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Glendale News Food/Drink

A Guide to Happy Hours in Glendale

Dave's on Broadway offers a fantastic happy hour with inexpensive drinks and complimentary hot dogs.
Dave’s on Broadway offers a fantastic happy hour with inexpensive drinks and complimentary hot dogs.

With summer comes perfect weather, longer days and the need to feel like you are on vacation at all times. Happy hours are the perfect way to relax after a long day of work and we have provided a guide to a few great happy hours in Glendale.

Katsuya (702 Americana Way)

Katsuya located in the Americana offers a happy hour Monday through Friday from 5PM to 7PM. This modern Asian lounge is conveniently located in the mall, so you can enjoy a movie and shopping before sitting down to some drinks and snacks. The Burning Mandarin cocktail with Serrano chili is drink favorite here, partnered with their crispy Brussels sprouts and hand-cut sushi rolls. Something to note, happy hour is served on the outside patio.

Dave’s on Broadway (708 E Broadway)

Dave’s is one of Glendale’s most iconic bars and can be recognized by the vintage neon sign outside. This cozy dive bar was established in 1934 and can be heard playing your favorite from the 70s. Happy hour is daily from 4PM to 7PM, and during those three wonderful hours you can enjoy $2 beers, $3 well drinks and complimentary hot dogs.

Check in throughout the summer as we share more secrets of Glendale’s happy hours!

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Glendale News Movies/Television

ABC Television Screening at The Americana

ABC presents Sneak Peek Night at The Americana at Brand.
ABC presents Sneak Peek Night at The Americana at Brand.

One of the largest television networks, ABC will be hosting an event at The Americana at Brand. On Saturday, August 3rd, ABC will present Sneak Peek Night, which will include free outdoor screenings of three brand new ABC comedies before their premiere dates this fall. The event starts at 7:00PM on The Green and the screenings include new series Back in the Game, The Goldbergs and Trophy Wife. The event is free and open to the public, and the screenings are scheduled to start at 8:00PM.

Back in the Game’s series premiere is September 25th and will continue to air throughout the fall on Wednesdays at 8:30PM. This show is a sitcom that follows a former All-Star softball player whose promising professional sports career comes to an end when she has a son, loses her college scholarship and dumps her loser husband.

The Goldberg’s will first premiere on television on September 24th and will be a Tuesday night show that airs at 9:00PM weekly.  The show is a comedy that is set in the 1980s and follows The Goldberg family as they try to survive in a decade filled with bright colors, no computers and over-sized sweaters.

Trophy Wife is scheduled to air on Tuesday nights at 9:30PM after The Goldberg’s and will make its first debut on September 24th. The sitcom will revolve around a reformed party girl who marries a guy she meets at a karaoke bar and who must now learn to deal with his two ex-wives and their children.

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Glendale News

Meatball the Bear will be Riding in the Float Parade

Glendale's submission for the 2014 Rose Parade.
Glendale’s submission for the 2014 Rose Parade.

Glendale has been brainstorming what their next float will be in the 2014 Rose Parade, and they may have come to a decision. Meatball the bear first gained notoriety when he was found in a Glendale garage eating Costco meatballs over a year ago, and he quickly became a media sensation. The City Council was scheduled to meet to review the float design that is said to contain an animatronic Meatball moving in and out of a trashcan while being surrounded by other wildlife creatures.

The 2014 parade’s theme will be “Dreams Come True” and the float design under review is named “Let’s be Neighbors.” This float idea goes along with the idea of conserving nature and living in harmony with our surrounding wildlife. Meatball has become an icon of Glendale and its coexistence with nature. The bear was actually captured several different times last year and would be re-released deep into the Los Angeles National Forest. Each time he would return to the foothill neighborhood where he would be spotted foraging for food. This last encounter in a resident’s garage booked him a ticket to a wildlife sanctuary in Alpine.

This float design will mark Glendale’s 100th entry into the New Year’s Day parade and it’s most expensive in years. The city has set aside $155,000 for the large project, but officials have also set up a donation program to raise more money for the event. Their current goal is to raise $75,000.

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Glendale News

August’s Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseid Meteor Shower is a spectacle that can be witnessed once a year during the summer months.
The Perseid Meteor Shower is a spectacle that can be witnessed once a year during the summer months.

Glendale — Glendale invites you to enjoy a night under the stars! The City of Glendale Community Services & Parks Department is hosting a special event on August 10th to view the Perseid Meteor Shower. The shower is a yearly occurrence in the summer months, typically starting in mid-July and reaching its peak in early to mid-August. The Community Services & Parks Department’s program will start at 9PM at the Deukmejian Wilderness Park’s Amphitheater with a slide presentation by the Burbank Sidewalk Astronomers, which will cover meteors, asteroids, comets and other space matter that falls from the sky. Shortly following this presentation, the Burbank Sidewalk Astronomers invite you to use their telescopes to enjoy the sights of a warm, summer night. This is sure to be a fun filled informational night that offers a chance to see the once-a-year spectacle that is the Perseid Meteor Shower.

The Perseid Meteor Shower is considered one of the most beloved meteor showers of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere enjoys Mother Nature’s summer wonder. The Perseids are best seen as we near mid-August and are best appreciated between midnight and dawn. While the meteor shower radiates from a point in the constellation Perseus the Hero, the shower appears in all parts of the sky. Sightings of meteors are typically 50 meteors per hour.

The Community Services & Parks Department will be providing astronomy themed drinks and snacks. The hosted event will end at 11pm. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair or blanket for comfort. The Deukmejian Wilderness Park is located at 3429 Markridge Rd., Glendale, CA 91214. Visit the City of Glendale’s website at www.ci.glendale.ca.us to learn more and reserve a spot. Mark your calendars, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

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Glendale News

Cruise Night is Back for its 20th Year

Glendale's 20th Annual Cruise Night will take place Saturday, July 20th in Downtown Glendale.
Glendale’s 20th Annual Cruise Night will take place Saturday, July 20th in Downtown Glendale.

Downtown Glendale — Glendale’s annual Cruise Night is back for its 20th year! Southern California’s most popular car show will take place on Saturday, July 20th from 5:30pm to 10:30pm. Visitors from all over will flood into Downtown Glendale to see over 400 classic pre-1979 cars, and learn more about how the owners maintain their classic car’s performance and efficiency. In addition to viewing beautiful cars, there will also be activities for children, making this a fun night the entire family can enjoy! The event is completely free to attend. The 2013 Cruise Night musical headliners will be The Tokens and The Surfaris, who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their chart-topping song “Wipe Out.”

The event is expected to bring in over 50,000 people to Brand Blvd. based on past years’ turnouts. The Glendale Cruise night previously depended on the city’s Redevelopment Agency to provide funds for the event, but since its elimination, the event has had to cut back on its budget. This will be the second year since its extreme budget cuts, but they are not worried because the 2012 event continued on without a hitch, and they are expecting the same for this year.

While this is a great opportunity for car enthusiasts to check out what cool cars are in the area, it is also a great way to get people to Downtown Glendale to check out the fantastic shops and dining in the area. This day is projected as the largest one day sales generator of the year.

To learn more about this exciting event, visit their website at www.glendalecruisenight.com.

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Glendale News Food/Drink

Cupcakes Galore in Glendale

Annette Starbuck won Cupcake Wars and used the cash prize to open a shop in Glendale.
Annette Starbuck won Cupcake Wars and used the cash prize to open a shop in Glendale.

Downtown Glendale — Annette Starbuck is the owner of Goodie Girls Cupcakes in Glendale, and is looking to expand her successful business by opening a second store in La Cañada Flintridge. The July store opening is following the requests from customers who drive from La Cañada Flintridge to order her tasty treats. She will opening up her new store along Foothill Boulevard, in the Plaza de La Cañada.

We saw Annette Starbuck on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” as she competed against 3 other top cupcake bakers for the cash prize and the chance to showcase their cupcakes at a big event. Annette competed in the season 3 premiere in 2011, and was able to stomp out her competition. With the $10,000 grand prize, Annette opened up her first cupcake shop right here in Glendale. Since then, Annette has enjoyed serving the Glendale community and astounding everyone with beautifully crafted and absolutely delicious cupcakes.

Annette’s new store will not only offer her signature cupcakes topped with edible glitter, but you can also buy coffee, homemade hot chocolate, cupcake sundaes, miniature cakes, cookies and breakfast pastries. Unlike the Glendale location, the La Cañada Flintridge shop will have both indoor and outdoor patio seating. With this move, Annette will also be able to bake in her very own shop. Up until now, she has been renting out a commercial kitchen in Pasadena, so with this move she will be able to do all of her baking in her own store, and it will provide her Glendale location with treats as well.

Glendale has been enjoying the tasty Goodie Girls Cupcakes since it opened its doors two years ago. The store is located at 415 E. Broadway #100, Glendale, CA 91205, on the corner of Broadway and Jackson. Visit her website at www.thegoodiegirls.com to buy fun aprons, t-shirts, and of course, put in an order of delectable cupcakes.

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Glendale News

Black Asteroid to Light Up the Stage this 4th of July

Black Asteroid will be performing on July 4th at Complex in Glendale.
Black Asteroid will be performing on July 4th at Complex in Glendale.

Downtown Glendale — Black Asteroid is coming to Glendale on July 4th. Bryan Black is an underground techno DJ by the name of Black Asteroid who began his career in his hometown of Minneapolis working for Prince at his Paisley Park Studios. He will be spinning in Glendale for Independence Day at the Complex. Music lovers can go to this fairly new live-music venue to enjoy DJ Black Asteroid’s live DJ set with four decks of music, drums, and other sounds and programming that will go late into the night.

DJ Black Asteroid focuses on the underground techno scene, and there has been a larger American following to his music since the huge success of electronic dance music. EDM has had a large influence, but Black Asteroid believes that people are seeking out his underground music because they are finding that it is the root of EDM music, which is catchy, but burns out fast.

Bryan Black is also one-half of the techno/electro duo Motor. He’s also been recently recruited by Depeche Mode to remix “Soothe My Soul,” and they are also playing his music during the pre-show of their current world tour. Bryan Black plays gigs in Europe, Asia and North America.

This new music is just another example of what musical events are available to Glendale after the opening of Complex in 2012. The small bar and live music venue has weekday entertainment that starts at 9pm daily and varies by night. Saturday night features live music and DJ events, and on Sunday the festivities continue with a day party from 2pm to 8pm. Complex is located at 806 E. Colorado St., Glendale, CA 91205. Visit them at www.complexla.com.

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Glendale News Movies/Television

Glendale Dancer Competing in “So You Think You Can Dance”

Glendale's Paul Karmiryan will be competing in this season's "So You Think You Can Dance."
Glendale’s Paul Karmiryan will be competing in this season’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”

“So You Think You Can Dance” is back on Fox this summer for its 10th season, and this year a Glendale resident will be dancing for the top title. Paul Karmiryan is a 21-year-old Glendale resident that started learning Latin ballroom at the age of 17. He is among the Top 20 dancers chosen to move on to the regular competition after surviving the Vegas Week callbacks. Paul will be up against 19 equally talented and professionally trained dancers from across the United States.

The first Live Show of the season premieres tonight, Tuesday, June 25th at 8:00PM as a 2-hour episode on Fox. Each week, dancers will be coupled up and randomly given a genre to dance to. They will have one week to practice before performing at the live competition. One couple will be eliminated each week until the final winning couple is chosen at the end of the season. As the couples begin to dwindle, the dancers will also be performing solos.

Paul may have an advantage in this season’s competition because he competed in and won the Armenian version of “So You Think You Can Dance” two years ago. Paul entered into the competition while visiting the country for the first time since he left, and he quickly won over their hearts with his dancing. While the experiences will be completely different, Paul was able to grow as a person and dancer while competing on the show, and hopefully will be able to use that to his advantage.

Paul came to Glendale from Armenia at the age of 6 and his only previous dance experience was traditional Armenian dancing. With only 5 years of professional dance experience, Paul will have to work hard to compete with the dancers who have been dancing since a very young age.

This year’s judges will include Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Adam Shankman, and the show will be hosted by Cat Deeley. The weekly live shows are filmed in Los Angeles.

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Glendale News Movies/Television

DreamWorks Animation Now Producing for Television

A scene from DreamWorks Animation TV show, "Dragons: Riders of Berk."
A scene from DreamWorks Animation’s TV show, “Dragons: Riders of Berk.”

Glendale – Glendale is home to DreamWorks Animation SKG. Up until now, DreamWorks Animation has focused primarily on making animated movies, but this week they have become a multifaceted media company. They signed deals this week with Netflix and a German leading children’s television channel to produce animated television shows for them. With the decline in DVD sales everywhere, DreamWorks has decided to expand their horizons in order to not have to rely solely on box office revenues from their animated features.  

The Glendale company will be creating over 300 hours of programming for Netflix. DreamWorks Animation has already produced several animated television shows based on their character from previous films, such as “Dragons: Riders of Berk,” which airs on Cartoon Network and is based on the 2010 movie, “How to Train Your Dragon.” By creating animated programming for Germany’s children’s channel, they are also guaranteeing that their franchises will continue to grow and be enjoyed by children all over the world.

DreamWorks Animation’s first animated film was “Antz” and was released in 1998. To date they have released 26 movies, and they have all been very successful. Most notably, “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” and “How to Train Your Dragon” have been the most successful, as well as their sequels. DreamWorks Animation is preparing for their next premiere, which will take place next month for “Turbo.” This movie will tell the story of an ordinary garden snail whose dream is to become the fastest snail in the world. “Turbo” is scheduled to be released on July 17th.

DreamWorks Animation was spun-off from DreamWorks Studios in 2004 and is headed by one of the original founders, Jeffrey Katzenberg.

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Glendale News

Glendale’s Downtown Hopes to See a Parklet Soon

Glendale's rendering of a "parklet" to be built on Brand Blvd.
Glendale’s rendering of a “parklet” to be built on Brand Blvd.

Downtown Glendale – Downtown Glendale hopes to open a “parklet” on Brand Blvd. soon in order to give the street more of a comforting atmosphere. Last month, the 200 block of Brand Blvd was ruined by a fire that blazed through a multi-unit building. The fire devastated two businesses, Skaf’s Lebanese Cuisine and Regali Preciozo, and both expect to be closed for months. As a way to bounce back from this scarring fire, the city of Glendale has decided to replace four parking spaces with a 300-square foot “parklet,” a small open space that will invite the residents of Glendale to relax and enjoy the city’s beauty.

The park will front the two businesses closed down by the fire, as well as Sedthee Thai Restaurant, which was able to escape the fire’s devastation. The city plans to keep the parklet for a year and then assess its success. If deemed successful, they will plan similar changes to other parking spaces in the city. While this is Glendale’s first attempt at converting parking spaces into parks, other surrounding cities have already adopted the idea.

Glendale hopes that this open space filled with plants and seating will draw in community members and be used in the future for community events. The Library, Arts & Culture Department plan to set up a library there based on the honor system. The concept is that a person takes a book from the library, replacing it with another book they may have. This encourages people to exchange reading material and has been known to be popular in small coffee shops.

The parklet will be located south of the corner of Brand Blvd. and California Ave., just north of Chess Park. The project is set to be complete by the end of July.

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Glendale News Movies/Television HPC News

IDA, Inc. to Animate New Feature Film

'Tailchaser's Song' will begin production later this year.
‘Tailchaser’s Song’ will begin production later this year.

Glendale Tenant News – Hollywood Production Center is proud to announce that their very own IDA, Inc. will be working on the new animated feature film, ‘Tailchaser’s Song.’

IDA, Animetropolis and EFG-Renascence recently announced at the Cannes Film Festival that they will be teaming up to animate the feature film, ‘Tailchaser’s Song.’ The stereoscopic 3D CG-animated family film will begin production later this year. The director of ‘Rise of the Guardians’ (2012), Peter Ramsey, will be joining the team as Executive Producer, along with the author of this fantasy-adventure novel, Tad Williams, as Co-Executive Producer.

‘Tailchaser’s Song’ is an adaptation of Tad Williams’ acclaimed bestselling novel of the same name. ‘Tailchaser’s Song’ was the first novel this fantasy and science-fiction author had written, first published in 1985. This story follows the adventures of a tom cat, Fritti Tailchaser, as he journeys to find his missing friend. Williams’ ‘Otherland’ series was optioned by Warner Brothers last year.

IDA, Inc. has offices in Los Angeles and Japan. They were the first Japanese studio to be nominated for a Visual Effects Society Award for animation.

Congratulations again!