Category: Entertainment

Kendrick Lamar Announces Upcoming Los Angeles Show

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Robert Frost. Harper Lee. George Walker. Julia Wolfe. Ben Taub. The list of Pulitzer Prize winners extends back decades, a reflection of the talented individuals who have achieved greatness in categories like journalism, novels, and music. Adding his name to the list of Pulitzer Prize winners is rapper, Kendrick Lamar, who is the only musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to have received this notable award. Lamar’s lyrics, which often act as a medium for political and social commentary, have consistently kept him at the forefront of the rap scene. Bringing his powerful lyrical messages back to the stage, Lamar has recently announced a one-time show entitled “The Pop Out — Ken and Friends” that comes to Los Angeles on June 19th.

Beyond his Pulitzer Prize win in 2018, Lamar has been the recipient of various accolades, including one Primetime Emmy Award, one Brit Award, four American Music Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, and a staggering 17 Grammys. But these awards are not without their merit.

It is the messages and commentary behind the lyrics Lamar writes that have helped propel him toward being recognized as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Lamar’s artistic ability to dive into emotional storytelling via verse and pull back the curtain on racial injustice, allowing new marginalized perspectives to take center stage, has opened a doorway for listeners across the globe to finally feel seen.

Understanding more intimately how issues like gun violence, racial and socio-economic discrimination, institutional racism, sexual abuse, and mass incarceration are still prevalent in American culture, Lamar has consistently utilized his platform to not only raise awareness of the social injustices marginalized communities still face but to also praise these communities for their strength and resilience. Yet, while many listeners recognized Lamar as the voice of Black America, not all players in the game show the same respect for the rapper.

Most recently, a buzz has been stirring over the lyrical death battle between Lamar and Canadian rapper, Drake. While the hip-hop battle saw the two rappers lashing out at each other’s physical appearances and talent, when Drake’s song, “Family Matters,” hit, the heat skyrocketed. Bringing Lamar’s family into the battle was the climax of this heated feud, leading to a bewildering, lyrical blade response from Lamar just an hour after Drake’s song dropped—Meet the Grahams.

Yet, it was “Not Like Us” that solidified Lamar’s lyrical victory, a club banger that inspired the title of Lamar’s June 19th show, “The Pop Out.” In “Not Like Us,” Lamar raps, “Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n—s / Certified boogeyman, I’m the one that up the score with ’em.” This nail-in-the-coffin jam has continued to climb the top of the charts today, arguably one of the best tracks released in the rap battle.

Fresh off the battle scene, Lamar’s one-time LA show on Juneteenth is presented by pgLang and Free Lunch. Presale tickets for the concert at the Kia Forum hit the market on Thursday at 10 a.m. PT via the Cash App, while the general on-sale starts Friday at 10 a.m. PT on Ticketmaster. The event is for all ages according to the rapper on his social media profiles, and will begin at 4 p.m. PT.

June 11, 2024
Beat the Summer Heat By Watching a Movie at One of LA’s Grand Movie Palaces

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The LA Conservancy is offering a unique opportunity for the public to escape the heat and reality this summer. The grand movie palaces of Downtown LA are set to air a series of movies throughout the summer. These historic theaters, typically off-limits to the public, will be exclusively open for special film screenings.

The LA Conservancy has established this exciting summer program to keep the history of film alive. For over 30 years, the non-profit organization has been committed to preserving the cultural and historical sites of the beautiful city of Los Angeles. In 1987, they established a program called Last Remaining Seats in order to showcase the grand movie palaces of Los Angeles. Sarah Lann, who is the Director of Education at the conservancy, stated that the program started to revitalize Downtown Los Angeles during the economic challenges the city faced in the 1970s and ’80s

This year, the screenings will be held in three iconic theaters downtown: the Palace, the Orpheum, and the Los Angeles Theatre. Each of these theaters has a rich history. What’s more, they offer more than just a viewing experience. They offer visitors the opportunity to step back in time.

The Palace Theatre, described by Lann as a “jewel box” on Broadway, is the oldest of the three theaters. It was built in 1911 originally for vaudeville shows. Despite being smaller than the other theaters, it offers intimacy and extravagance with its detailed murals and ornate decorations that remind people of a Faberge egg.

The Orpheum Theatre is the “big sister” to the Palace. It was built in 1926 and boasts a Wurlitzer organ. The organ will be played live during some film screenings, accentuating the vintage film experience. The Orpheum has also appeared in various films and TV shows, making it a familiar location for individuals who have never stepped inside.

The Los Angeles Theatre, the last of the grand movie palaces, was built on Broadway in 1931. It quickly faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression but eventually opened with Charlie Chaplin’s film City Lights. Not only was Chaplin at the premiere, but Albert Einstein was too! The theater is extravagantly designed and partially inspired by Versailles.

The film lineup for this year is as exciting and iconic as the venues. Opening night on June 1 will feature the classic comedy The Seven Year Itch and a unique celebration of Marilyn Monroe’s birthday. Other screenings include timeless favorites like Bullit, Gaslight, and From Russia With Love. A special screening of Mi Vida Loca, commemorating its 30th anniversary, will consist of the director’s and cast members’ appearances. This film tells the gripping true story of women surviving gang life in Echo Park.

Lann notes how these venues remind us of a time when public spaces were breathtakingly beautiful and accessible to everyone for just a few cents. She hopes that the “Last Remaining Seats” program will reintroduce people to these architectural masterpieces, which, according to her, are the “best kept secrets” of the city.

Their website provides information about volunteering and membership for those interested in getting involved with the Los Angeles Conservancy or the film series. Whether you’re a film buff, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to cool off this summer, these movie screenings offer an unforgettable experience in some of the most stunning settings Los Angeles has.

June 5, 2024
Chris Hemsworth Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

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Hollywood. Wander along Hollywood Boulevard, and you’ll stumble upon a couple thousand names of folks who’ve spun their dreams into reality. As you stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll find thousands of names etched in fame, from timeless legends like Marilyn Monroe to gigantic fictional characters like Godzilla. In a fitting addition to its illustrious lineup, Chris Hemsworth received his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, just a day before the U.S. premiere of the eagerly awaited film, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.”

On Thursday, Hemsworth thanked his fans, castmates, and family, taking a moment to specifically thank his parents. The God of Thunder said his parents raised him “with the belief that if you do choose something you’re passionate about, if you lean into something you love with your heart and soul, then the purpose and the meaning is laid out in front of you.”

Gathered for the grand star reveal at the Ovation Hollywood shopping hub on Hollywood Boulevard was none other than Robert Downey Jr., Hemsworth’s fellow superhero from four “Avengers” escapades. Also on hand were George Miller, the mastermind who directed and co-wrote the post-apocalyptic action saga, along with his “Furiosa” co-star, the illustrious Anya Taylor-Joy.

Born in Melbourne, Australia on August 11, 1983, Hemsworth kicked off his acting journey Down Under in 2002, appearing in a pair of episodes of the fantasy series “Guinevere Jones” as none other than King Arthur. While the actor gained more experience and recognition in Australian television, Hemsworth headed for the big, American screen. Hemsworth’s inaugural American film gig came in 2009’s sci-fi flick “Star Trek,” where he popped up in the opening scene as George Kirk, the first officer of the Federation starship USS Kelvin and the father of James T. Kirk, the future captain of the Enterprise.

Despite those memorable five minutes, Hemsworth’s love and passion propelled him toward an impressive film career. With a career marked by a slew of successful franchises, he’s also made his mark on streaming platforms with record-breaking viewership. Recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hemsworth continues to be a versatile and celebrated figure in the cinematic world.

Hemsworth is the 2,781st star on the American landmark since its completion in 1961 with the initial 1,558 stars. On his momentous day, Hemsworth mused, “We don’t say rising into love, we say falling into love, so take the plunge. There’s a leap of faith involved, and there’s risk in that tumble. But if you have folks around to catch you and cheer you on, the risk feels much lighter. I’m deeply grateful for my parents’ cheerleading along the journey and the confidence they instilled in me and my brothers to chase after something we were passionate about, something that sparked curiosity and creativity.”

May 29, 2024
Yamashiro Stands Out as a Unique Hollywood Landmark

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Tourists come to Hollywood for various reasons, but visiting Yamashiro is not typically one of them. Hidden on a hilltop on North Sycamore Avenue, the historic Japanese-inspired mansion is a secret haven in the bustling city.

Yamashiro is an estate originally built in 1911 to house German-American brothers Adolph Leopold and Eugene Elija Bernheimer. The ten-bedroom mansion now includes a 300-seat Asian-inspired restaurant, screening rooms, and a tiered ornamental garden featuring waterfalls and pools. Part of the building comes from a 600-year-old pagoda dating back to 14th century Japan, making it the oldest structure in California.

“There’s nothing else like this in California,” said Carina Quintero, the complex’s marketing manager. “Sometimes I forget how much history around me – it’s certainly crazy enough for Hollywood.”

The estate was built to look like a recreation of a mountain palace in Yamashiro, Japan. Yamashiro is near Kyoto and home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples. Construction took years, with hundreds of craftsmen traveling from Japan and China to ensure the detailed architecture matched the original. Aside from being home to Leopold and Bernheimer, Yamashiro also used to house an enormous collection of Japanese antiquities that included ukiyo-e woodblock prints, silk paintings, rare jades, cloisonné chandeliers, and more artwork from the historic Satsuma province. Today, nearly all of the collection is gone, auctioned off in the mid-1920s after the death of one of the brothers.

After the brothers’ passing, the estate was transformed into an exclusive 400-club, catering to Hollywood stars. “The story circulating from the Roaring Twenties is that underpaid actresses came to act as escorts for the leading men of the time,” explained Quintero. In the 1940s, the purpose of Yamashiro changed again. Amid anti-Japanese hysteria following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the mansion was vandalized, prompting it to be repurposed as a boy’s school for the U.S. military. Thankfully, the building has since been restored and is protected by the National Register of Historic Places.

Yamashiro has once again become a hot spot for the Hollywood elite. Aside from its acclaimed restaurant, the estate has served as a set for some of the most popular films and television shows in the past fifty years. Key scenes from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill used Yamashiro as a backdrop, and Memoirs of a Geisha used Yamashiro as a stand-in for the Gion district of Kyoto. Scenes from Gone in 60 Seconds, Blind Date, and Perry Mason occurred at Yamashiro. Stories about stars like Marlon Brando, Amy Adams, Charles Bronson, and more all take place with Yamashiro as the setting.

Current owners Freddy Braidi and Boulevard Hospitality Group keep the compound lively while paying homage to its history. It has more visitors than ever, hosting over 1,000 diners on any weekend night. Even though it may seem like a hidden gem to many visitors, Yamashiro is hardly a well-kept secret in Hollywood. If you are sightseeing in Los Angeles, move the Walk of Fame down your list and drive to Yamashiro instead.

May 28, 2024
Joshua Skenes Wants You Just To Have a Good Time at His New LA Restaurant

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Los Angeles is home to many well-established and recognized restaurants, making it a major foodie destination. Also making L.A. home is celebrated chef Joshua Skenes, who is known for founding Saison, a once three-Michelin-star restaurant (now a very honorable two-star Michelin spot). With a rich culinary resume, Skenes is set to further impress with his new, casual L.A. restaurant, Leopardo, which opened May 14.

Skenes’ culinary skills attracted attention when he opened his first restaurant in 2009 in the Mission District of San Francisco. He eventually found a permanent home in the South of Market neighborhood. It didn’t take long for this culinary mastermind to earn a lifetime’s worth of the food world’s highest honors. Skenes is respected for forging a fire-based culinary pathway unique enough to be called Skenesian.

With unquestionable cooking talent, Skenes has led the founder’s Saison restaurant to reach number 27 on the World’s 50 Best restaurants. But that is not the only feather in this chef’s hat. On the ground floor of the Beverly Center in L.A., Skenes opened his Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurant, Angler, before he parted ways with his former restaurant group. Despite this restaurant’s struggles with running during the global pandemic with dining regulations, Angler was still considered one of the top L.A. food destinations.

While Skenes still hopes to open an exclusive ranch restaurant where he will serve wild-caught food, next up on this chef’s list is Leopardo, offering the best ingredients with sheer simplicity. The chef said, “We want to use incredible local products that nobody uses, like the ocean tilefish. It’s so delicious and crave-able — we just treat it really well with good buttery olive oil, lemon, salt, [and] seasoning.” Through specific sources, Leopardo’s menu will reflect the changes of what the daily catch brings in, opening cooking opportunities for Dungeness crab with mafaldine pasta, grilled whitefish, spot prawn crudo, or sea urchin.

Yet, despite the delicious dishes from fresh sources, one menu item at Leopardo that Skenes and his team have worked tirelessly on was pizza, a dish that has already gone through hundreds of variations. Skenes plans to serve this popular dish in different styles that range from puffy-crusted neo-Neapolitan style to something Skenes calls “neo-Minato,” a reference to the pizzas found at the Tokyo district’s famed pizzerias.

Skenes remarked, “The gluten is beautifully gelatinized, and the crust is very light despite being very big. You could put a whole pie away yourself. And it retains sweetness because it doesn’t become a sourdough, despite long fermentation.”

At the heart of Skene’s mission at Leopardo is ensuring people have a good time and raising diners’ awareness that the quality of ingredients used at Leopardo’s is on par with that of his other restaurants. With subtle references to his previous establishments, this culinary master endeavors to make Leopardo and its food stand on their own, and Skenes, with a name that manifests a big draw, wants to shadow himself from the project as much as possible and refer to himself and Leopardo partner on the website as “anonymous pizza lovers.”

May 23, 2024
May 17th Named “Shohei Othani Day” in Los Angeles

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As per a recent announcement, May 17th will now be known as Shohei Othani Day in Los Angeles. The Dodgers superstar has been given this award due to his gravitational pull as baseball’s biggest name and one of the most intriguing talents in MLB history.

Othani, 29, left the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last winter in free agency to sign with the premier Los Angeles team, the Dodgers, forming the final piece of an star-studded roster featuring an essential lineup of all stars with multiple different MVPs on the roster also.

In typical Othani fashion, he brought his A-game after celebrating his day. He crushed a home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Frankie Montas in a 7-3 win for the Dodgers, capping off an excellent day for them, and one Angels fans probably will find it bittersweet.

Othani had a ton of suitors this offseason as the man who most would view as the best player in the MLB due to his two-way style, being both a high-level starting pitcher and having one of the best bats in baseball. Even though Othani will not be pitching this season due to an elbow injury, he is still one of the most valuable assets in the league due to his insane power. Many figured that the most likely scenario would be that one that did happen: he would stay in Los Angeles with the twist of still leaving the Angels for the Dodgers. The city almost lost their second most gravitating star, though, only trailing LeBron James, to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Photo by MLB

It feels as though Othani was always meant to play for Los Angeles. His signing with the MLB sparked immense interest once the news broke, especially considering he began his career in his native Japan. He could be considered the most hyped-up overseas prospect in history. Many teams worked very hard for his services before he chose the Los Angeles Angels over many teams, specifically the New York Yankees, mainly due to his desire to be on the west coast of the USA. It was one of the reasons why expecting him to leave California for Canada always felt peculiar to many insiders.

Othani has done more than just helping his team win through his on-field services, however. He also enticed fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yammamoto to sign with the Dodgers despite his many suitors, once again mainly the New York Yankees.

Othani’s career with the Dodgers has not come without some controversy, though. Before the season even fully began, Othani’s interpreter and best friend Ippei Mizuhara was arrested and put on trial for allegedly stealing millions from Othani to pay off gambling losses by illegally wiring money from Othani’s bank account into his own. This became a major scandal, and people still believe that Mizuhara is taking the hit for Othani, who may have made the bets, though all signs point to this being on Mizuhara.

Othani is locked up with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the next ten years of his career, so he’ll need to sign a new deal to pull his career into his 40s.

May 22, 2024
Owners of Marilyn Monroe’s LA Homes Sue Over Historical Designation

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The husband and wife who currently own Marilyn Monroe’s former Brentwood home are reportedly filing a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles in an attempt to block any further effort to have the structure deemed an official historic-culture landmark. If the home is declared a landmark, that would ultimately prevent its demolition.

The husband and wife who own the home, Roy Bank and Brinah Milstein, purchased the property back in July 2023. The plaintiffs have since been granted a demolition permit from the city as they are reportedly seeking to demolish the home.

The Los Angeles City Council already temporarily halted the demolition of the Brentwood home once before in September 2023. The temporary prevention brought much relief to many historians as well as fans of the home’s former owner. The sentiment surrounding the preservation of the home was in line with the idea that the property should be maintained since it is a crucial piece of Los Angeles and Hollywood history.

The historical landmark application is currently still working its way through the city process. In January, the application received approval from the Cultural Heritage Commission and was later approved by the council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee. However, the issue still needs to be presented to the full City Council, a meeting which must be completed by mid-June.

On Monday, Mr. Bank and Mrs. Milstein took measures in an effort to halt the process by filing a Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit. According to reports, the lawsuit alleges that the move to have the structure deemed an official historic-culture landmark is “illegal and unconstitutional conduct” by the city “with respect to the house where Marilyn Monroe occasionally lived for a mere 6 months before she tragically committed suicide 61 years ago.”

Overall, the lawsuit alleges that by pushing for the monument designation for the property, the city of Los Angeles was effectively in violation of its own codes and procedures.

The lawsuit states, “All of these backroom machinations were in the name of preserving a house which in no way meets any of the criteria foreign historical cultural monument.” The lawsuit continues, “That much is bolstered by the fact, among others, that for 60 years through 14 owners and numerous remodels and building permits issued by the city, the city has taken no action regarding the now alleged historic or cultural status of the house.”

The lawsuit continues to allege that the city’s actions have resulted in “irreparable” harm to the building’s current owners and have effectively robbed them of their “vested rights as owners of real property.”

The general aim of the lawsuit is a request for a court order to block the monument designation. If the lawsuit is successful, the plaintiffs will be allowed to move forward with their planned demolition of the home.

At this time, no further details have been released to the public. As the situation unfolds and more information becomes available, updates will be promptly provided to keep the public informed.

May 16, 2024
Slamdance Film Festival Is Coming to Los Angeles in 2025

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Beginning in 2025, Slamdance Film Festival will be relocating to Los Angeles from Park City, Utah.

Set to run from February 20-26, 2025, the next restatement will take place at venues located in and surrounding the Hollywood area including The DGA Theater Complex and the Landmark Theaters Sunset—both on Sunset Boulevard. More locations will be announced in the future.

Festivalgoers and enthusiasts spoke on the move saying that it “will allow for the continued growth of Slamdance’s year-round mission to provide an accessible and dynamic community for truly independent, visionary filmmakers and creators.”

With in-person passes beginning as low as $50 and several of their programs being made free to the public, the festival has said that it ultimately hopes to be financially accessible to a broad demographic.

Festival heads will enjoy multiple new and existing programs at the 2025 edition, which will include Slamdance’s free education initiative, Polytechnic. There will also be a series of one-minute short films made in any format called “6ixty,” as well as Next Wave LA, which is a program of new media work by LA-based artists, and the cutting-edge, experiential DIG (digital, interactive, gaming) section.

The news of Slamdance’s move from Utah to California comes during a year that has seen multiple changes for American festivals and markets already. American Film Market is actively transitioning from Santa Monica to Las Vegas later this year while Sundance is reportedly scouting for a potential new location away from Park City.

Cofounders of AGBO Anthony and Joe Russo, who started in 1997 with the Slamdance premiere of their comedy feature Pieces spoke about their dedication to the festival, stating that it will remain “unwavering.” As partners with Slamdance on a fellowship program and other initiatives, AGBO added, “We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of Slamdance in its new home.”

As for how the city of Los Angeles is set to embrace the move, LA Mayor Karen Bass has stated that the city “has always been a home and a source of inspiration for artists, as the creative capital of the world.” Mayor Bass continued to further showcase her appreciation for the arts, noting that Slamdance has the unlimited potential to serve as a “dynamic hub for creativity, connection, and job opportunities for Angelinos.”

The Slamdance Film Festival was founded in 1995 by current Slamdance president Peter Baxter who has also recently spoken on the transition from Park City to Los Angeles. Baxter said, “Building upon our success in Utah, we will grow the festival with greater accessibility in Los Angeles and continue our work in launching new films, new careers, and new ideas in filmmaking. With new and existing collaborators, our mission is to increase the global value of independent film and digital media and serve the Los Angeles arts community.”

Besides the Russo brothers, other standout Slamdance alumni and supporters include Christopher and Emma Nolan, Sean Baker, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Bong Joon Ho, Marie Jamora, Steven Soderbergh, Rian Johnson, and Merawi Gerima.

A total of 113 films, including 17 eventual world premieres, were screened at the 2024 festival. Panasonic LUMIX will be the official sponsor of the 2025 festival.

May 9, 2024
LeBron James May Be Planning for Possible Franchise

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There’s buzzing speculation that Lebron James is eyeing ownership of his basketball team in the future. During a candid chat on J.J. Redick’s “Mind The Game” podcast, James dropped some hints about his approach to team management.

The renowned 20-time All-Star of the Los Angeles Lakers has been associated with rumors about taking charge of a new men’s pro basketball team, potentially named the Las Vegas Aces. While James remained coy about confirming these rumors, he offered Redick a glimpse into his possible management style.

“I tell you, when I get my team, the teams that draft well, those guys will be working for me for sure,” James said. “OKC does an unbelievable job with that.” This is not the first time he has praised the Oklahoma City Thunders’ management team and front office president, Sam Presti. He is often at odds with Lakers’ general manager and president, Rob Pelinka, indicating that he has strong opinions about how a team should be run.

James could afford to purchase an NBA team if he is so inclined. His contract for the next season alone is worth $51.4 million, and according to Newsweek, he made a whopping $479.4 million last year. With his NBA earnings and sponsorship deals, Chase Peterson-Withorn of Forbes estimated that his worth was $1 billion–and that was two years ago.

While James appears to be approaching the end of his playing career, there are no guarantees in the world of pro sports. He will become a free agent this summer and could go wherever he wants; as one of the most prolific basketball players, any team would be lucky to have him. However, his comments have led many to believe he wishes to finish his career with the Lakers. His son, Bronny James, is currently attending the University of Southern California, meaning that Los Angeles would be the ideal choice to remain close to his family.

However, after his tenure with the Lakers was up, James was rumored to be considering a few options for owning a team. There is a lot of buzz around a new team coming to Las Vegas. The city has welcomed NHL and NFL teams in recent years and is hungry for more. Discussions regarding a new stadium in Vegas are also underway, with the project currently set to cost $1.8 billion. If James did decide to invest in making the Las Vegas Aces a reality, he would be entering a thriving market. Aside from the chatter about the Las Vegas Aces, James has reportedly been considering a franchise in Seattle. Other rumors indicate he could be interested in a stake in the Lakers or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Only time will tell when he decides to put his managing skills to the test.

As the first active basketball player to reach billionaire status, James represents a unique position in the sport. He already owns a stake in Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and an English soccer team based in Liverpool. James’ apparent interest in sports team ownership is an intriguing turn in his career and one that not many players can execute. Fans eagerly await this new way to watch their favorite player flourish.

April 30, 2024
Disneyland’s Autopia to Embrace the Electric Future by 2026

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Disneyland, a leader in entertainment and innovation, recently announced a significant shift for its iconic Autopia ride in Anaheim: the transition from gasoline engines to fully electric vehicles by 2026. This decision marks a pivotal move in the park’s approach to environmental sustainability, highlighting a future where electric mobility is front and center in the public consciousness.

The beloved Autopia attraction, which opened in 1955 as a key feature of Tomorrowland, has long celebrated the automobile as a symbol of futuristic travel. However, as environmental concerns have grown, the ride’s gasoline-powered engines have become increasingly at odds with contemporary values of sustainability and clean energy. The Walt Disney Co. has now pledged to update this attraction to reflect a more environmentally friendly ethos.

Following a campaign by electric vehicle activists, who urged Disney to abandon hybrid models in favor of purely electric vehicles, Disneyland spokesperson Jessica Good confirmed the park’s commitment to complete electrification. “Electrification means fully electric—it does not mean hybrid or any other version of a gasoline combustion engine,” Good stated. The change aims to enhance the guest experience by eliminating exposure to harmful exhaust fumes and aligning with broader environmental goals.

This transformation of Autopia is not just about adopting new technology; it’s also about setting a narrative for the future. As Zan Dubin, a leading electric vehicle advocate, expressed, the switch represents a “huge victory” for climate activism. This sentiment underscores the impact of sustained public advocacy and the role of influential entities like Disney in shaping public perceptions and practices regarding sustainability.

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) at Autopia comes at a time when transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Transitioning to electric vehicles is seen as a critical step towards reducing these emissions. However, it is acknowledged that this alone will not solve all environmental issues. Concerns remain about the ecological impacts of lithium mining for batteries, the socio-economic implications of urban planning, and the need for broader systemic changes towards sustainable living.

Disney’s decision also reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry, where companies are increasingly recognizing their role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. By integrating themes of clean energy and sustainability into its attractions, Disney not only entertains but educates its audience about the importance of environmental stewardship.

Looking forward, the reimagination of Tomorrowland offers an opportunity to showcase these themes more broadly. Suggestions for the new Tomorrowland include integrating sustainable technologies like solar panels and induction cooking into its infrastructure, enhancing public transit accessibility, and featuring educational content on environmental issues.

The transformation of Autopia is expected to serve as a beacon for other corporations and attractions worldwide, illustrating the power of industry leaders in influencing public opinion and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. It’s a compelling chapter in Disney’s ongoing narrative—one that aligns entertainment with the urgent environmental imperatives of our time.

As Tomorrowland prepares to turn a new leaf, it repositions itself not only as a place of nostalgic reverence but as a dynamic showcase of what the future can and should look like in the age of sustainability. The journey of Autopia from a celebration of gasoline-powered cars to a herald of electric vehicles encapsulates a broader shift in societal values—from consumption to conservation. This is more than a ride update; it’s a signpost to the future, resonating deeply with an increasingly eco-conscious public.

April 24, 2024
Los Angeles Film and TV Production Sees Gradual Recovery Post-Strike

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Los Angeles has long been recognized as the heart of the film and TV industry. However, recent data from FilmLA reveals that the industry is still grappling with the aftermath of last year’s strikes, despite a noticeable uptick in production activities. In the first quarter of 2024, total location shoot days rose to 6,823, marking a 23% increase from the fourth quarter of 2023. Nonetheless, these figures remain 20% below the five-year average for the same period and have not yet returned to the levels observed prior to the strike.

The decline in production began even before the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA initiated strikes last summer, which significantly halted most scripted production across the nation. The end of the strikes, about five months ago, did not instantly revive production rates. “There was a really delayed return to production,” stated Philip Sokoloski, a spokesman for FilmLA. “We knew it could take six to eight weeks for TV, and for feature films, it might be a little longer.”

FilmLA, responsible for issuing permits for location shoots in the Los Angeles area, provides data that, while not encompassing soundstage productions, serves as a reliable indicator of overall production trends. The agency’s recent reports cover a wide range of production types, including commercials, reality TV, scripted shows, feature films, documentaries, and music videos. Notably, while film and scripted TV are on a rebound, reality TV, which wasn’t directly affected by the strike, has seen a decline in the first quarter of 2024.

Sokoloski highlighted that the strike is only one of several factors contributing to the general downturn in production. “We know there’s a scale-back,” he remarked. “The streaming bubble has popped. Fewer episodes are being ordered of the shows that are in production, and a lot of shows have been canceled.” Additionally, there has been a noticeable shift in commercial production, with many projects relocating to other parts of the country or even overseas, reflecting broader industry trends and economic considerations.

This shift in the industry is also influenced by the changing landscape of media consumption. The rise of streaming services had initially led to an explosion of content production, but the market has become increasingly saturated. With streaming platforms reevaluating their strategies and cutting back on the number of new productions, the overall demand for production has softened.

Moreover, the industry is still adjusting to new norms post-pandemic, which include more stringent safety protocols and possibly increased costs of production. These factors collectively contribute to the slower recovery rate.

Looking ahead, the industry’s path to full recovery remains uncertain. Stakeholders are cautiously optimistic, hoping for a stabilization that will enable a return to pre-strike levels of activity. However, the industry must navigate the complex interplay of economic pressures, shifting consumer preferences, and the residual impacts of the strikes.

As Los Angeles strives to reclaim its prominence in the film and TV production landscape, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the industry can adapt to these new challenges and return to its former glory.

April 23, 2024
WisdoMania Fest: Free Event Brings Self-Care and Mental Wellness to LA

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Two nonprofits are teaming up for a two-day event dedicated to mental well-being, self-care, creativity, and fun. WisdoMania Foundation and Tangible Movement have planned this new event, WisdoMania Fest, to take place on the evenings of May 17 and May 19, with two very different nights in two different locations. Headlined by queer artist/songwriter X. ARI as well as Torri Shack, an advocate for mental health, suicide prevention, and trans issues, the two evenings of WisdoMania Fest are intended to lead attendees toward a sense of constructive peace and transformational self-awareness.

“WisdoMania Fest aspires to become the Coachella of Wellness,” says X. ARI, “Where thousands of people can unite to heal and celebrate the arts, the LGBT+ community and allies, and heal collectively.” Potential attendees should know what to expect from Coachella-like events in California.

May 17: Music and Movement in the Park

The first night of WisdoMania Fest is May 17, beginning at 5 pm in the Crystal Springs Picnic Area Pad A, B, C at Griffith Park. It starts with The Liber8Xperience, which invites attendees to bring a yoga mat and blanket to participate in “flow yoga, ecstatic dance, and sound bath.” The physical component of this evening is, to organizer Torri Shack, reflective of his own strategy for handling life’s challenges. For him, the path to overcoming problems like mental illness, addiction, and identity issues has “been deeply holistic,” focusing as much on physical activity as mental health management techniques and gratitude.

The evening’s next event, a performance by pop-punk/hip-hop artist Chloe Star, begins the event’s emphasis on music. This mainly comes from X. ARI’s WisdoMania Foundation, which emphasizes creativity as a tool for transforming pain into power.

May 19: Creativity, Performance, and Power at the Club

The second night of WisdoMania Fest takes on a different tone, starting at 4:30 pm on May 19 at the Catch One nightclub on Pico Boulevard. This evening begins with a “Songwriting for Wellness” workshop. “We would like to create a full-length album with the songs we write at our Songwriting for Wellness workshop,” says X. ARI. “At WisdoMania Fest we write a song that will be recorded and released, and everyone in the room is credited as a songwriter. This means when we release the songs on DSPs—digital streaming platforms like Spotify—the attendees can all see their names under song credits!”

The rest of the night at Catch One will be spent on a 45-minute mental health panel and performances by queer comics, artists, and allies Mav Viola and Bri Giger, and finally, musical performances by Noah Davis, Diarra Sylla, DJ Naté, and X. ARI herself.

Free Attendance and Liberating Aspirations

WisdoMania Fest is a free event for those looking for self-validation and liberation and who have a passion for mental health and the arts. Tangible Movement is a nonprofit focused on mental health and LGBTQIA2S+ issues. The WisdoMania Foundation is dedicated to using the arts to turn “pain into power” and bring mental health awareness to communities throughout Los Angeles. WisdoMania Fest is a capstone event for these two nonprofits to bring together their resources and goals to create a transformational experience for LA communities. Those interested in attending can register for WisdoMania for free.

Written in partnership with Tom White.

April 20, 2024