Category: Entertainment

Chris Pratt Faces Backlash Over Demolishing Historic LA Home

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Actor Chris Pratt and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, face backlash after tearing down a historic Los Angeles home to build a new house for their growing family. The couple purchased the landmark Zimmerman House for $12.5 million early last year.

According to the Robb Report, Pratt and Schwarzenegger submitted a proposal to tear down the Zimmerman House and rebuild it shortly after purchasing the property. Their plans included a complete overhaul of the original structure, which caused outrage from architecture enthusiasts and conservationists. The new home will be designed by Ken Ungar, an LA-based architect known for his farmhouse style. It will feature two stories, a backyard swimming pool, and a pool house.

The original Zimmerman House is a one-story mid-century building that spans nearly 3,000 square feet. Emiel Becksy designed it while working in Craig Ellwood’s office, and it was initially constructed in 1950. After learning about Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s plans, the Los Angeles Conservancy called it a “noteworthy example of Modernist design from this era” in an Instagram post. Others also took to social media to express their disappointment with the couple’s decision to demolish the house.

“Unbelievable the notoriously onerous City of LA [that] doesn’t allow anyone to do anything that makes actual sense,” realtor Julie Chang wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “allowed this mid-century modern house to be TORN DOWN.”

Designer David Hill also commented on X, writing, “It’s sad to see icons of modernism needlessly destroyed by insensitive McMansion seekers.”

While this is the first time Pratt and Schwarzenegger have been in hot water for their real estate decisions, it is not the first time the couple has caused controversy. Pratt, best known for his roles in Parks and Recreation and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, went through a highly public and somewhat criticized divorce with ex-wife Anna Faris in 2017 after eight years of marriage. The couple shares an eleven-year-old son, Jack. Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s relationship began in 2018, and the couple announced their engagement in 2019. They share two children, three-year-old Lyla Marie, and one-year-old Eloise Christina. Pratt is known for speaking about his strong religious views.

Katherine Schwarzenegger is the oldest child of famed actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver. She published her first book, Rock What You’ve Got: Secrets to Loving Your Inner and Outer Beauty from Someone Who’s Been There and Back, about body image in 2010. As someone who grew up in the public eye, Schwarzenegger felt that her journey with body image issues could help guide other young women with similar problems. Her second book, I Just Graduated . . . Now What?, a survival guide for recent grads based on Schwarzenegger’s experiences at the University of Southern California, was published in 2014.

Since Schwarzenegger has branched out into children’s literature, Maverick and Me tells how Schwarzenegger adopted her dog, Maverick. Her latest work, The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable, is a compilation of stories from twenty-two people, including Elizabeth Smart and Tanya Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson.

April 18, 2024
Anaheim Residents Concerned About Disneyland’s Proposed Development Plans

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A proposed $1.9 billion investment to expand Disneyland has created some anxiety in the Anaheim community surrounding the park. At a public forum on Wednesday, April 10, area residents were given their final chance to voice concerns before the Anaheim City Council’s upcoming vote on the project.

Even More of “The Happiest Place on Earth”

Disney’s proposed $1.9 billion investment, which has been called DisneylandForward, targets a 50-acre parking lot near Harbor Boulevard for development. The area would be used for new theme park attractions. The deal also includes the purchase of three public streets by Disney, including Magic Way, which city officials have said is used by as many as ten thousand cars per day. The nearby Hotel District would also be replaced as part of an effort to fill the surrounding area with new hotels and restaurants, as well as entertainment, shopping, and further attractions.

As part of the proposal, Disney must also invest $100 million in the city of Anaheim, money slated for streets, parks, and affordable housing.

Low Wages and High Traffic for Anaheim

In addition to the community members who entered the meeting to voice their concerns, many more protested outside the meeting. Among the community’s concerns was traffic, which has already been a problem for many in the area surrounding the park. The plan proposes bringing as many as 15 million new tourists to the area, as well as creating jobs for 14 thousand more workers. Community members also voiced concern for the low wages of the jobs being created.

Community activists have criticized that only $30 million of the money going to Anaheim will be used for affordable housing. They pointed to a similar project planned for construction near Florida’s Walt Disney World, where $350 million has been set aside for affordable housing.

The Project Impact Report drafted for the proposal agreed that it would cause increased noise, as well as greenhouse gas emissions and other factors that would impact air quality in the surrounding area.

Long-Term Economic Impacts

A Disney-backed study presented potential economic benefits that the expansion could bring over a five-year period, including an additional $30 million in affordable housing, as well as $8 million for area parks and $40 for street upgrades.

“We have been working with the City and our neighbors for over three years and have followed the process the City has laid out for this Project,” wrote Suzi Brown, Disneyland Resort’s Vice President of Communications, in a Thursday email. “It has been thorough and transparent, and we are ready to move forward and need to start planning for our future.”

Anaheim City Spokesman Mike Lyster argued in favor of the idea, saying, “Our city will grow. Our residents deserve good quality services; we need funding for that… Tourism is our primary way to do that.”

The plan is a long-term investment by Disney. While Wednesday represented the last chance that the community had to voice their opinions about the project, the decision will lead to a lengthy period of construction. The DisneylandForward project is meant to be completed over the course of four decades. The vote is set to take place on Tuesday, the 16th of April.

April 10, 2024
Los Angeles to Recreate the Infamous Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience

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Actor Zach Galifianakis is taking on a very different type of project—recreating the infamous Willy Wonka Experience that originated in Glasgow, Scotland. The event went viral online, sparking thousands of memes because of its lackluster planning.

The original event in Scotland was advertised as a “chocolate fantasy like never before,” but when families arrived, they were greeted by a near-empty warehouse with a few props, poorly dressed actors, and a bouncy castle. Parents were outraged and many demanded refunds for the £35 tickets. The police were even called after one of the actors in a creepy costume scared the children.

Galifianakis, who is well-known for his work in comedy films like The Hangover and his acclaimed series Baskets, was inspired to recreate the infamous event to raise money for charity in Los Angeles. The “tongue in cheek” one-off event will take place in a “nondescript warehouse” in Downtown LA on April 8th. Tickets are $44 each—the equivalent of £35—and all proceeds will be donated to a mental health charity. Attendees will also receive two free jelly beans per ticket.

“Step into a world of pure imagination at Willy’s Chocolate Experience Los Angeles as chocolate memes come to life,” is the official description of the event. Kristy Patterson, who became famous online after pictures of her dressed as a “sad oompa loompa” at the event in Scotland went viral, will be the star of the Los Angeles show. She will recreate her role and participate in a Q&A session hosted by Galifianakis and fellow comedian Nathan Fielder. Fielder is known for holding outlandish events in the name of comedy, many of which were featured on his show, Nathan For You, and the HBO series, The Rehearsal.

Patterson, an actress and yoga teacher from Glasgow, was surprised and excited by this opportunity, which she described as a modern-day fairytale. “I didn’t really expect to end up in the USA or to go as big as this because the USA is on a different level. I’ve not been to America before. As a trained actor it’s really exciting for me to go over there,” she told the Daily Record. “I’m doing a lot of meetings and a lot of networking out there. As a trained actress, it’s not an impossibility that I’ll be doing movies.” She hopes to become a presenter for children’s television one day.

Aside from the recreation of the original event and the Q&A, attendees will be treated to DJ sets and film screenings, as well as a meet and greet with Patterson. The event description also claims that “Hollywood heartthrob Timothee Chalamet has expressed interest in attending, further heightening the excitement surrounding this extraordinary event.” Whether this is a ruse is unclear, as both Galifianakis and Fielder are known for this type of humor. Chalamet starred in the recently released film Wonka, a prequel to the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which sparked renewed interest in the story and the original event in Glasgow.

Tickets to The Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA are available on Eventbrite.

April 9, 2024
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Enjoy Quiet Date Night in LA

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The California sun, notorious for its unforgiving glare on blemishes and bad decisions, cast a softer light on a peculiar pairing in Los Angeles. Taylor Swift, the queen of pop anthems and heartbreak chronicles, and Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs star tight end with hands of gold, have been weaving a quiet narrative amidst the relentless hum of their extraordinary lives.

Their latest chapter unfolded at The Bird Streets Club, a discreet Hollywood haven frequented by celebrities seeking refuge from the ever-present flashbulbs. Page Six became the first to crack the code of their rendezvous, revealing a cozy dinner alongside another couple. While the specifics of the evening remain a delicious secret – no incriminating photographs surfaced, and the culinary delights they savored remain a mystery – one thing was crystal clear: Taylor and Travis were carving out precious time for each other.

This stolen date night comes as a well-deserved reward for both. Taylor, having just wrapped the Asian leg of her history-making Eras Tour in Singapore, can finally breathe before conquering European audiences with her electrifying live show, kicking off in Paris on May 9th. On the other hand, Travis is still basking in the afterglow of leading the Kansas City Chiefs to Super Bowl victory, a champion enjoying the spoils of victory during the off-season.

Us Weekly, ever the keen observer of celebrity coupledom, shed some light on how they spend their downtime. Gone are the roars of screaming fans and the blinding spotlights of sold-out stadiums. Instead, picture this: a cozy night at Taylor’s luxurious home theater, a haven from the whirlwind. Imagine them curled up on plush couches, catching up on movies and shows they’ve missed, a testament to the preciousness of stolen moments in their jam-packed schedules.

This newfound downtime isn’t just about unwinding; it’s about reconnecting with loved ones. The insider revealed that Taylor, known for her fiercely loyal circle of friends, enjoys hosting intimate gatherings at her Los Angeles residence. These evenings provide a platform for genuine connection, starkly contrasting the often superficial world they navigate professionally. Laughter spills into the California night, a symphony of shared stories and inside jokes, a reminder of the normalcy they crave.

Looking ahead, whispers of a romantic escape add another layer of intrigue to their blossoming connection. With the highly anticipated release of Taylor’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, looming on April 19th, the couple reportedly contemplates a private getaway before the promotional machine kicks into high gear. Shrouded in mystery, this secret vacation would offer a precious opportunity to disappear before the album drops, a chance to be Taylor and Travis, not the megastar and the champion athlete.

Their recent sightings, from the bustling streets of Singapore to the discreet havens of Los Angeles, paint a picture of a budding romance blossoming amid stolen moments. Whether a quiet dinner at a members-only club or catching up on movies in a private home theater, Taylor and Travis prioritize intimacy and connection. As Taylor embarks on her European tour and Travis prepares for the upcoming NFL season, one can only wonder if these stolen moments in L.A. signify the beginning of a beautiful love story, a melody yet to be entirely composed but potentially a chart-topping hit.

March 28, 2024
“The Last Repair Shop” Wins Best Documentary Short Oscar

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Anyone who has put on some headphones and clicked play to an emotional love ballad, a powerful rock song, or a sad R&B tune can attest to the potential music has to open emotional doorways that allow for human connection on a global scale. Now, imagine that potential at the fingertips of today’s youth—opening possibilities for them to find safety and comfort in self-expression, perhaps even moments of joy. That is what an intimate group of individuals who work for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second-largest school district, do every year for LAUSD students. Recognizing the significance of this small group of people are directors Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, who just happened to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Short this past weekend.

The Last Repair Shop is the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication by Proudfoot, Bowers, and the rest of the documentary’s team. The short film highlights the story of four individuals who repair and maintain musical instruments used by LAUSD students. This school district is one of the only in the country that supplies musical equipment to its students free of charge, a potentially life-changing opportunity for over 500,000 students.

Hailing their Oscar win as a victory in support of musical education, Proudfoot earned his second Academy Award within three years this past award weekend, while Bowers was honored with his first. During the award ceremony, co-director Bowers stated in his acceptance speech, “The Last Repair Shop is about the heroes in our schools who often go unsung, unthanked, and unseen. Tonight, you are sung, you are thanked, and you are seen.” Bowers understands intimately the power of this unassuming workshop’s potential and how broken instruments can make music long after students leave.

As a former L.A. public school student, Bowers remarked, “I played saxophone for a short while. Those instruments were incredibly important, and whenever they were broken or needed repair, I assumed they were being sent to the manufacturer.” Unaware of the musical magicians behind the scenes, “It never dawned on me that the people who go behind the scenes ensure that this young kid who needs to play this piano every day has that piano. And so, for me, the moment that Ben told me about it was the moment that I felt like this was a story that needed to be told,” remarked Bowers, who opened up about how proud he felt to take on this challenge of sharing this music program’s story.

Wanting to further honor and highlight these unsung heroes, Proudfoot announced to reporters backstage at the Dolby Theatre, “We’re thrilled to announce a $15 million capital campaign to help shore up the repair shop. You can go to thelastrepairshop.com right now. Everybody watching… everything helps, and I think it goes to show the power of the short documentary.”

With a fund-raising effort in place to help lift up the LAUSD musical program, Proudfoot opened up about the importance of supporting musical education, remarking that musical education is about more than finding the next prodigy, “There’s also an incredible social benefit for music education of everybody who doesn’t become a professional musician.” The dedicated musical technicians of LAUSD certainly know the impact musical access for everyone can have, and hopefully, with The Last Repair Shop, you, too, can be inspired to help today’s youth have the opportunity to play their songs.

March 21, 2024
The Academy Museum: A Year-Round Celebration of Film and the Oscars

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Nestled in the bustling heart of Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures stands out as a beacon for movie lovers of all stripes. It’s more than just your average museum; it’s a journey into the very essence of film, shining a light on the creativity, historical progression, and societal influence of the cinematic world. Boasting the title of North America’s biggest film museum, it serves as a year-long tribute to the Oscars, inviting guests to delve into the rich tapestry of cinema far beyond the glitz of award season.

Amy Homma, the museum’s Chief Audience Officer, describes the Academy as “an incredibly vibrant and engaging spot for families and visitors of every generation to discover the narratives that have shaped cinema.” Homma highlights the museum’s dedication to education, entertainment, and the discovery of filmic tales as key factors in its charm. Thanks to this focus, the museum has quickly risen to prominence as a cultural icon, attracting movie buffs from around the world since its doors first opened.

The museum’s vast collection, comprising over 13 million objects, offers a tangible connection to the movies that have shaped the global film landscape. From iconic costumes and props to the personal filmmaking equipment of legendary directors, the exhibits span the entire spectrum of the film industry’s history. This extensive archive not only celebrates the achievements of past and present filmmakers but also educates visitors about the intricate processes behind the making of their favorite movies.

Beyond its static displays, the Academy Museum distinguishes itself through a dynamic array of programming that caters to a wide range of interests. Workshops provide hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to learn about the practical aspects of filmmaking, from screenwriting and directing to the nuances of sound and editing. Film screenings, often accompanied by discussions or Q&A sessions with creators and scholars, offer insights into cinematic themes, techniques, and the societal impacts of film.

The museum’s commitment to film-centric activities extends to special exhibitions and retrospectives that not only honor the recipients of the Academy Awards but also explore the diverse narratives and cultural dialogues within cinema. These events serve as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of film is preserved for future generations while also embracing new perspectives and voices in the industry.

What sets the Academy Museum apart is its year-round celebration of the Oscars. The museum provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Academy Awards, showcasing everything from the evolution of the Oscar statuette to memorable moments in the ceremony’s history. This permanent homage to the Oscars allows visitors to experience the prestige and excitement of the awards regardless of the season, making every visit to the museum an occasion to celebrate cinematic excellence.

For those looking to embark on a cinematic journey, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures offers an unparalleled experience. Its blend of historical treasures, interactive programming, and dedication to the art of film makes it a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for movies. The museum beautifully commemorates the past while also inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and movie lovers, ensuring that the magic of cinema continues to enchant audiences for years to come.

For more information please visit: https://www.academymuseum.org/en.

March 12, 2024
Temeko Richardson Builds A Catalog of Inspirational Content for Diverse Audiences

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Rewards come to those who work diligently and keep their faith. That’s what Temeko Richardson believes, and it’s a conviction that comes from experience. Having worked in multiple industries through the years, Richardson has gained wisdom on stalwart faith reinforced by life’s challenges. As the CEO of RLC Group Productions and the executive producer of its films, Richardson has achieved incredible outcomes by turning these experiences into creative energy.

Richardson’s work has led to award-winning filmmaking for RLC Group Productions. Richardson provides a trifecta contribution as producer, director, and writer to portray the lived human experience authentically while displaying a unique set of technical skills and creative talents. Richardson brings all of this to the table, as well as a wealth of cross-industry experience that cannot be imitated or replaced but can resonate with diverse audiences. And Richardson has also turned challenges into assets.

As a professional in the corporate space across different industries, Richardson’s greatest challenge was climbing the corporate ladder while holding fast to her Christian values. These values, at once motivation and calling, place extra constraints on the problems of office politics. While Richardson’s commitment to these values was often challenged, she turned the experiences into filmmaking assets.

Capitalizing on the success of the first short film, Fourth Down, which focused on the untold struggles of women who pioneered in male sports industries, the RLC Group launched the most recent feature, At The Cross. This feature is a story of a troubled church congregation struggling with many of the same societal pressures women, youth, and disparaged individuals feel. Richardson’s multi-faceted experiences, including living in a household of religious leaders, provide a unique asset that infuses the script, the characters, and the scenes with authentic honesty. Richardson’s creed, “You can be in the world, but not of the world,” shows through as the film’s characters learn how to influence the world around them positively. It flows from Richardson’s belief that true success comes from personal integrity and faith.

The film has brought acclaim to RLC Group and Richardson’s production skills. At The Cross was celebrated as the “Best Feature Script” at the San Diego Film Awards and the “Best Feature Film” at the Oakland Film Festival. The film was also an official Green Mountain Christian Film Festival selection.

Richardson is growing the catalog with both series and standalone projects with content concerning male mental health, athletes’ mindsets, and unchartered hiring practices. Both the series based on the short, I Am Him, and the documentary, The Tryout, are expected to launch in 2024 on the RLC Inspire Network on Roku and Amazon Fire. Richardson hopes that this multifaceted work and these creative projects will provide meaningful, positive productions that can inspire women, budding professional athletes, and professionals and educate just as much as they can entertain.

True success requires a long story; true faith is frequently tested numerous times as the story is lived. Richardson stayed faithful in a world that continues to challenge that faith, turning obstacles into opportunities to provide hope and inspiration to a diverse audience. As the executive producer of RLC Group Productions, Richardson’s faith is essential to the creativity that makes her filmmaking so successful.

Written in partnership with Tom White.

February 29, 2024
IGN Live Prepares to Launch In Los Angeles, Uniting Gaming Enthusiasts From Around the World

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The IGN media brand has announced a new annual event focused on gaming and entertainment news, culture, and creators. The inaugural event is set to take place in downtown Los Angeles in the Summer of 2024. The event will be a three-day experience, with portions of its ticket sales going to charity through a partnership with Humble Bundle.

IGN Live will take place in early June, providing visitors with entertainment and insights from industry professionals and talent, as well as parties and various attractions set up by exhibitors specializing in gaming and entertainment. The event will also host gaming tournaments, which will stage announcements about new projects and upcoming releases, as well as panels featuring personalities and experts from games, television, and other kinds of media. True to the IGN Live name, several of IGN’s shows will be conducted live at the event.

The event grew naturally out of IGN’s Summer Of Gaming project, which began in 2020 as a response to the global pandemic and the lockdowns it caused. Virtual Summer Of Gaming events reached almost 200 million people worldwide during its fourth annual occurrence. For 2024, IGN Live will be the first time an in-person event has been featured in the Summer Of Gaming schedule.

“IGN Live is aligned with IGN’s mission and history. For nearly three decades, we have fueled fandoms that drive the most diverse and beloved games and entertainment into the zeitgeist,” said Yael Prough, President of IGN Entertainment. “Fans and partners have voiced their demand for a physical space where the community can come together in person to celebrate the industry’s most exciting innovations. L.A. was an obvious choice. It is home to some of the world’s top gaming and entertainment talent and creators. We are already experiencing the enthusiasm from publishers, partners, and leadership in Los Angeles who look forward to delivering a world-class experience to the IGN community in DTLA at IGN Live 2024.”

IGN is an LA-based internet media company and has been one of the top sources for news and information about video games and other entertainment since it was founded in 1996. With more than 360 million monthly users and more than 58 million followers across social media, IGN’s content is regularly featured in 20 languages across 110 countries. Its worldwide reach is extended by custom apps on mobile devices and gaming platforms.

The Chief Tourism Officer of the City of Los Angeles also voiced excitement about the upcoming event: “L.A. continues to offer world-leading experiences for businesses and consumers alike. We have played host to many unforgettable gaming and industry events for thousands of attendees in June throughout the years. We look forward to continuing this legacy with IGN in June of 2024 and for years to come.”

IGN Live will also be accessible to virtual attendees as part of the Summer Of Gaming, with much of its content streaming on its apps, its IGN digital network, and YouTube and other social platforms. IGN’s website for more information and registration has already gone live well ahead of the event. The site will host announcements about exhibitors, event schedules, and guests over the next several weeks.

February 21, 2024
$17.75M Mansion in Los Angeles, Owned by Producer of ‘Seinfeld,’ Hits The Market

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Emmy Award-winning producer of Seinfeld, Andrew Scheinman, has turned his creative talents to architecture. He recently listed his latest project, a modern mansion in Los Angeles, for $17.75 million.

This 7,200-square-foot Brentwood mansion sits on a hillside in a private area. The exterior is fashionably modern, with walls made of wood and glass. A manicured garden sits on one side of the home, and one hundred and fifty trees were planted around the house to maximize privacy. The Lower Mandeville Canyon area where the mansion is located is home to a number of Hollywood stars, including Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Reese Witherspoon.

Inside the home, the modern, natural theme continues. Wide plank European oak flooring is present throughout the home, which utilizes an open floor plan to emphasize an airy, open feel. Many of the walls are made entirely of glass and face the trees surrounding the home, giving the residents the feeling of being sheltered in nature, even when they are in the middle of a bustling city. “We asked for something modern but warm. Sometimes, modern homes can feel a little cold. We wanted it to be cozy, even with its walls of glass,” said Scheinman.

Luxury pervades each room of the home. The kitchen boasts a marble island, two sinks, a retractable television, and a hidden walk-in pantry. The master bedroom – one of six total bedrooms – includes a fireplace, a large marble and glass bathroom, and a walk-in closet.

A second-floor balcony offers a beautiful view of the Los Angeles skyline all the way to the ocean, emphasized by a wide glass railing. The backyard is home to a large in-ground swimming pool, a covered grill and pizza oven, and an outdoor dining area. Other amenities include an infrared sauna and a home theater with a 165-foot screen.

Scheinman’s new passion for luxury homes has been a successful venture thus far. David Kramer of Hilton & Hyland’s is currently holding the $17.75 million house listed this week. It was designed by award-winning firm Rockefeller Kempel Architects with direction from Scheinman.

The custom-built mansion took Scheinman and his brother, Adam, a total of five years to bring to life. “This is the third house my brother and I have built together,” Scheinman, 75, told Mansion Global. “Once I was out of the film business, I thought this was a nice creative outlet.”

Scheinman’s career in film and television spanned from producing the iconic sitcom Seinfeld to working on major films like The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, and A Few Good Men. He is one of the co-founders and current co-owners of the production company Castle Rock Entertainment, alongside Martin Shafer, Rob Reiner, Glenn Padnick, and Alan Horn.

Castle Rock Entertainment, founded in 1987, has had a hand in producing hit films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Miss Congeniality, and Friends With Benefits. The company’s upcoming projects include an HBO documentary about actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter Albert Brooks and a sequel to the 1984 mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap.

February 6, 2024
John Stewart Temporarily Returns to ‘The Daily Show’ Through the 2024 Election

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For the 2024 election season, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show will welcome back former host Jon Stewart on a part-time basis. When Trevor Noah left the show in December 2022, Comedy Central had to find a permanent replacement; thus, throughout 2023, the show relied on its guest hosts and correspondents. At the Emmys, Roy Wood Jr. made public pleas, but ultimately, it was decided not to hire a full-time presenter. Jon Stewart, on the other hand, will be back for Monday night shows.

“After much reflection, I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my last year of eligibility,” Stewart said on social media to announce his comeback. Looking forward to the future with excitement!” Along with some personal information, The Daily Show-related hashtags were also included in the tweet.

President/CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Chris McCarthy reacted to Stewart’s return by saying, “Jon Stewart is the voice of our generation, and we are honored to have him return to Comedy Central’s The Daily Show to help us all make sense of the insanity and division roiling the country as we enter the election season.” McCarthy highlighted that in a time of theatrical politics and political dishonesty, Stewart may offer clarity.

Variety reports that Jon Stewart will continue to anchor Monday night shows through 2025 and the 2024 elections. Correspondents from The Daily Show will continue to alternate at the hosting desk for the Tuesday through Thursday shows.

Stewart took over as host of The Daily Show from Craig Kilborn in 1999 and stayed on the show until 2015. Notably, he departed before Donald Trump’s ascent to prominence and the 2016 presidential contest. After leaving, Stewart directed movies including Irresistible (2020) and Rosewater (2014). With his Apple TV+ series The Problem, which aired from 2021 to 2023 when the streaming service dropped it, he made a comeback into politics. Stewart’s return to The Daily Show was made possible by this cancellation.

Reviving Jon Stewart is viewed as a calculated attempt to negotiate the complicated political environment before the 2024 elections. It is anticipated that Stewart’s humor and distinct viewpoint will offer perceptive criticism of the status of circumstances right now. For Tuesday through Thursday shows, the decision to keep a rotating pool of reporters shows a dedication to diversity and different perspectives while covering the daily news.

Trevor Noah hosted The Daily Show from September 2015 until December 2022. Noah ended up leaving as he missed traveling around the world doing stand-up comedy, and that was impossible to do with the consistency of his schedule while he was hosting. There has been a revolving door of temporary hosts since Noah left, and Jon Stewert will be somewhat of a return to normalcy, hosting every Monday to cover the 2024 Presidential election that will almost certainly be between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Fans of The Daily Show are excited about Stewart’s return because they want to see his perspective on the modern political landscape. Stewart has a history with the show and a solid reputation as a shrewd political analyst, so his Monday night broadcasts should garner interest and help the program stay relevant in the late-night comedy scene.

February 1, 2024
Dodgers All-Star Mookie Betts Attends Golden Globes As Aspiring Producer

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Famed Los Angeles Dodger Mookie Betts attended the 81st Golden Globes on Sunday, January 7, as part of his bid to become a Hollywood producer. As a founder of One Marketing Group, Betts walked the red carpet alongside cofounders Cam Lewis and Jeff Mason.

“This is our first time being out and being able to attend something like this,” Betts told The Associated Press. “We watched it on TV so much.” The appearance could also be considered a networking attempt for Betts, who was looking to make connections with some of the Hollywood stars in attendance. He had similarly been spotted spending time with actor Will Ferrell at a Los Angeles Kings game. “That’s the plan, right?” Betts told AP. “Just put yourself in the surroundings and see what happens.”

Appearing on the red carpet in a black suit with a bow tie, black brimmed hat, and a silver lapel pin, Betts struggled when reporters asked who he was wearing. His eventual response was, “I’m wearing confidence.”

Betts is no stranger to working in the media, having shown a deft hand as he tries out many different kinds of productions. He’s a reliable sports correspondent when given the chance, most recently for MLB platforms during the 2023 World Series in Arizona. He also hosts a podcast, On Base with Mookie Betts, as part of the Bleacher Report.

More importantly, Betts was the executive producer for Jackie Robinson: Get to the Bag, a film about Robinson’s impact on baseball. The film was produced as a Fox Sports Films documentary and focuses more on Robinson’s life and impact than on “all the baseball stuff,” according to a statement by Betts. It first aired on Fox Sports 1 on October 12, 2022, and can now be watched in its entirety at any time on the Fox Sports YouTube channel.

One Marketing Group’s website states that its mission is “to inspire people to see the truth within themselves through the lens of entertainment, including film, television, and sports.” There, pictured sitting in a fine gray suit with a serious business expression, Betts is described as “a community activist” who “uses his platforms and businesses to shed light on what is possible if you work hard and believe.”

Betts and his cofounders set up One Media Group in 2020 for his part as a potential post-baseball career. For now, however, his baseball career is going strong. A celebrated Gold Glove outfielder, Betts has been a part of two World Series victories, most recently in 2020, and had his seventh All-Star appearance following the 2023 MLB season. During the recent season, Betts spent a significant amount of time playing the infield. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has announced that Betts will be the team’s regular second baseman for the 2024 season. Mookie Betts is also at the top of his batting game, having hit a career-high of 39 home runs in the 2023 season.

January 17, 2024
Artsy Amusement Park Coming to Los Angeles Thanks to Drake

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Dynamic rapper and Toronto native Drake is known for his music and unique interests above all else. Regarding the latter, the creator has announced that he is reviving the now-defunct 1980s art amusement park once known as Luna Luna. According to Drake, the star is working with his arts and entertainment company, DreamCrew, to recreate the park and transform it into an immersive art exhibition that will be featured in downtown Los Angeles. The reimagining of the park will be called Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy.

According to Los Angeles, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy will open to the public in December. As of the most recent reporting, the exhibition will run until spring 2024. Due to the immense nature of the project, it will inevitably require sizable funding, as evidenced by Hyperallergic, the news outlet that last year reported that more than $100 million has already been invested into the transformative development.

Last week, DreamCrew posted a video on Instagram with a call to action for ticket purchasing. The post said, “Tickets to @LunaLuna: Forgotten Fantasy coming soon!” It continued, “Opening in Los Angeles this December, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is a spectacular showcase of the world’s first amusement park—lost since 1987. Sign up today to be the first to know when tickets go on sale—lunaluna.com” The brainchild of Austrian artist André Heller, the original Luna Luna was mounted during the summer of 1987 in Hamburg. Heller appointed 32 additional artists to craft various works for the exorbitant park.

The project will stay true to the original park, including creations by some of history’s most prominent and noble contemporary artists. Among the most highly-regarded attractions featured at Luna Luna are Salvador Dali’s mirrored dome, Roy Lichtenstein’s glass labyrinth, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s ferris wheel, and David Hockney’s enchanted forest. Each of these rides and attractions, plus many others, will be on display at the new exhibition in Los Angeles. The massive development will be held inside an enormous 60,000-square-foot warehouse to showcase each attraction properly. Please note that neither the ferris wheel nor the carousel will be operational. Both attractions will be presented for viewing purposes only.

The last time that any of the pieces at the original Luna Luna were made available for public viewing was almost four decades ago. Before Drake and DreamCrew decided to purchase these pieces, all of the work showcased at the original Luna Luna had broken down for years. Amazingly, each one of the pieces that will be restored and displayed at the Los Angeles exhibition sat inside multiple shipping containers in Texas for years. People are already thanking the artist for his venture, which many believe will be well-received in downtown Los Angeles.

DreamCrew provided a statement on the project, saying, “Not only was this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rediscover a lost history and the share the story with the world, but it also gave us the ability to work with the most talented partners re-creating the original vision, which still held so much untapped potential.”

December 15, 2023