#South Bay Movie Studio

[southbaymoviestudio]

South Bay Movie Studio

South Bay Studios is the newest film stage in the South Bay conveniently located off the 105 and 110. The entire facility is 5,400/ft², with a 3,000/ft² stage and 950/ft² Production office. Please reach out to us for more info!​South Bay Studios is perfect for commercials, films, tabletop, print and digital content. ​Our Stage is a flexible production space at an incredible value!

Business Hours: Monday: 8:00am - 6:00pm Tuesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm Thursday: 8:00am - 6:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed

Address: 1518 W 132nd St, Gardena, CA 90249

Phone Number: (424) 370-0684

Website: https://www.southbaystudios.net/

GBP Listing: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=9192625839820251039

Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Credit Cards, Debit Cards

Serving Areas: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1BZZHy7ygBH3FkMQ5lHzduw2-3R0-DJ0&usp=sharing

YouTube Geotagged Video: https://youtu.be/KhCSxTVjLZY

Slideshow Images (Google Photos): https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNILMprDykJwkILUVpudJVDtw1UvzVpRga9Zn8MH3WwCVjDDspSJqF_tGWygji4zw/photo/AF1QipO1Pm4Hpjm94brPU5J9UOGKTpmMopPnfooFQcsg?key=emFBNktVUHBycHRVWHlVY2pha0lUR3c1eDVzRmdB

Keywords: Affordable Sound Stages, Film Production Company, Movie Studio, Movie Studio Gardena, Movie Studio Los Angeles, Sound Stage, Sound Stage Rental Los Angeles, Sound Stage Rental Near Me, Sound Stage Rentals, South Bay Movie Studio

[dynared]

Random thoughts on the Earthspark cancelation and what comes next for the Transformers brand

What a week, huh? So, we got confirmation Earthspark was canceled, Hasbro put the absolute bare minimum effort into their 40th anniversary celebration leading to many people going to the movie theaters expecting Transformers the Movie and not DVD-quality episodes of the TV series with many demanding refunds, and some good news, Transformers from Skybound being nominated for several Eisner awards, the first time a Transformers comic has ever been nominated for the comic book world's Oscar equivalent.

So once again, the brand, the sole surviving Western mecha brand at this point unless that J-Lo movie next week somehow launches a new franchise (doubtful) is at a crossroads, especially with their enduring business partner Paramount in complete turmoil, with more senior executives jumping ship and an official NDA signed between Paramount and Sony yesterday which allows Sony access to Paramount's record-keeping in order to ascertain the value for a bid.

So with all that said, rambling about the franchise under the cut.

Earthspark is done after this season, and it's easy to see why. While many right-wing grifter types will point to the nebulous "wokeness", an ill-defined term at this point that means little besides "bad non-traditional thing", the reasons are pretty simple. Kids weren't interested, the toyline didn't sell, and the show, whether due to being distributed on a streaming service people only get for Sonic stuff and the occasional South Park special, had very poor ratings. If you're making a kids show and you bore the kids, you're done, no matter how "important" you think the stories are. The days of Ted Turner funding Captain Planet out of his own pocket are long gone.

Since Earthspark is dead, but another series is in development, it looks like Hasbro will not be letting the franchise rest for any set period of time. The most likely follow-up for Earthspark is a spin-off of Transformers One similar to what Tales of the TMNT is for Mutant Mayhem after the latter's box-office success. It's a pretty low-risk venture to boot, with the biggest issue being the usual problems with a movie spin-off (lower quality visuals, sound-alikes since you can't pay the celebrity actors to do the voices week in and week out) so long as the movie is a success. It also lets the franchise establish some needed distance from Earthspark's lack of success.

Now, the question of "What if One isn't a success?" definitely is one that Hasbro is contemplating. For all the ragging on Snake-Eyes GI Joe Origins as a box office bomb, Rise of the Beasts was widely viewed by Hollywood as a flop and the lowest-grossing film in the history of the franchise. While a lot of that may be due to the wishy-washy way the continuity has been handled and the inability to commit to a full reboot (Madame Web producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura has been insistent that all the Michael Bay movies are still canon, even though that makes no real sense), if One isn't successful, the franchise may need to step back for a year or two.

Any other new concept for a series that fans have wanted is simply not feasible due to time and budget. With Hasbro joined at the hip with Paramount (apparently Hasbro board members own Paramount stock, hence their desire to keep the relationship going so long as Paramount exists), they don't have access to or funds for numerous studios. Studio Trigger have been asking to do a Transformers show for years now, hence all the shout-outs in stuff like SSSS.Gridman and even Panty and Stocking. Studio Orange's head took to the internet earlier in the week asking to be able to do a mecha show. Neither is getting the call from Hasbro because Paramount would rather use local Western studios and save money.

That of course leads to the final option for an adaptation, a 1:1 or similar of the Energon Universe. The problem with that is simply put, it's way too soon. While it would assuredly get a lot of attention just by putting down "From the creator of Invincible and The Walking Dead" in the promos, animation lead times mean that it would be impossible to do at this point without overtaking the entire stock of comics and either resulting in huge delays between seasons, or filler. Neither of which would be helpful.

So I guess tl:dr - Earthspark bombed not because of a non-binary owl, but because the kids were bored by it, with even the Fox News controversy failing to get the show any real positive attention with its main demographic of families. As horrible for Hollywood as it may be to see Paramount be sold for parts to Sony, it may actually be Hasbro's best bet at making its tie-in brands successful again on the big and small screens. And if One doesn't succeed, they are going to be in big trouble because nothing else is realistically ready yet.

[filmnoirfoundation]

ASK EDDIE returns Thursday, April 6, 7:00 PM PT to our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/filmnoirfoundation/live

FNF prez Eddie Muller responds to film noir fan questions fielded by the Foundation's Director of Communications Anne Hockens. In this episode, we discuss the selection process for the Oscar’s ���In Memoriam” presentation, season two of Perry Mason, Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave, the impact of the studio system’s treatment of talent on film noirs, “transitional” film noir and more. We wind things up answering two possibly divisive questions, who is the toughest male protagonist in noir and what is the best film noir. On the cat front, Emily and Charlotte are background players.

Want your question answered in a future episode? We solicit questions from our email subscribers in our monthly newsletters. Sign up for free at https://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/signup.html

Everyone who signs up on our email list and contributes $20 or more to the Film Noir Foundation receives the digital version of NOIR CITY Magazine for a year. Donate here: https://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/contribute.html

This week’s questions:

1.       What do you think of the methodology used by the Academy to determine inclusions for the In Memoriam during the Oscars' broadcast, and is it possible to submit names for inclusion? Pete from sunny Sydney, Australia.

2.       Given how hard it was to find the elements to restore Detour, what are the odds of rescuing films from a now defunct independent movie company?

Michael Johnson, Post Falls, Idaho

3.       We thought "El vampiro negro" was great. About a half hour into it, we spotted a brief shot of Chicago (the Wrigley Building, the Michigan Ave. Bridge, two buses with "Chicago" on the sides, and a Schlitz sign!).  Do you know what happened?

Donna and David, in Chicago

4.       Just looking for your thoughts on season two of “Perry Mason” on HBO.  

Kathy

5.       Have you seen “Decision to Leave”, South Korean director Park Chan-wook's acclaimed new neo-noir? Kathleen from Chicago

6.       In your book “Dark City”, you link the Hollywood studio system to the rise and flourishing of film noir in the 40s.  Of course, the films were produced out of that system, but I think you are claiming more, that the moods and substance of noir films were (in part) generated out of the studio system and how it treated actors, directors, writers, and others. Could you say more about that?

Mike

7.       Can you recommend other film noir movies that are shot on location? If there aren’t that many film noirs shot on location, you can recommend non-noir but from the same time-era (1930-1960s).

Iisakki, Finland

8.       Are there any female-led detective noirs from the classic noir period (think “The Maltese Falcon” or “Murder, My Sweet” but with a female detective)? What about after the classic noir period? Ryan from Studio City adjacent (aka Valley Village, CA)

9.       I have a two-part question about Gloria Grahame:

What did you think of her Oscar winning performance in "The Bad and the Beautiful"? And, Eddie, are you happy or sad that you watched the Gloria Grahame performance you said you were "saving" to watch in "Man on a Tightrope"?

Marjorie from the poor part of Connecticut

10.   The femmes fatale are constantly discussed and are the proper focus of the genre. What I’d like to know is how Ann Shirley got from P.E.I. to Bay City?  How did the spunky orphan from Green Gables wind up on the west coast, being raised by a policeman? How did she find her way into LA journalism and falling in with Philip Marlowe?

Eric

11.   Do you think there is such thing as transitional film noir? Or do you think anything from 1960 onwards is simply neo-noir?

Brett Lambert, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

12.   What did you think of gene hackman in remake of “The Narrow Margin?”   

Alan, San Anselmo, Ca. 

13.   Eddie, you’ve mentioned that you’ve watched films several times. Is there, in your or Anne’s opinion, an optimal number of times a film should be watched to truly appreciate its many facets?  

Your Henchman contributor, TB, Costa Mesa, CA

14.   Simple question:  in your opinion, who is the toughest male protagonist in the history of classic American film noir? My definition of toughness would be a character who is not intimidated by anybody, so my nominee would be Jeff Bailey from “Out of the Past”.

Joe, Hermosa Beach, CA

15.   What is the best film noir? This is a difficult question to answer, as there are many great film noirs that could be considered the best. Some of the most highly acclaimed films in this genre include “The Maltese Falcon” (1941), “Double Indemnity” (1944), “Out of the Past” (1947), and “Touch of Evil” (1958).

Brian from Toronto

[intoxicatingimmediacy]

Q&A with Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs of  Blindspotting

[...] Let’s start with you Rafael! You directed for your first time last season and you directed a lot more this new season. How are you feeling about that?

Casal: I’m feeling great! I’ve wanted to direct for a long, long time. I’ve directed a lot of short form stuff and [getting] the trust from a studio to direct an episodic is a big, big hurdle. It’s hard to get into the DGA (Directors Guild of America). And so it was great to go through season one and get to watch a lot of other directors direct on our show and see how they do it. Take the parts I liked and leave the things that I didn’t and see what the challenge is and then I’m in at the end and direct the final episode. And in season two, not only did they let me direct half the season, but we managed to use that momentum a bit to let Jess Wu Caulder, one of our other Executive Producers, direct two episodes. Season two is a really exciting chapter because so much of it is directed by people who have been a part of the project for 17 years.

[...] I wanted to know your thoughts on that criticism that it didn’t accurately or closely enough represent the Bay Area.

Casal: I don’t know that there’s ever gonna be a way for the show to accurately represent the Bay Area. That’s like, what movie accurately represents New York? Whose New York? We also haven’t had TV shows like this before. People have been growing up in the Bay their whole lives wondering what the TV show would be like in their head if they ever got to make it. I can’t make that show that’s in your head. It’s a show starring all women and it’s about women. It’s not gonna be The Wire. If you want The Wire go and make The Wire. [Snowfall] exists. You should watch that shit! Our show is our show. I hope it passes on permission for other people to make their show. The Bay Area has an atmosphere of hate that you got to break through. Where we came up as rappers, we’re used to that. We’re used to people talking shit while you’re also making some of the dopest shit of your career. And the fans that love it from the Bay — which is in abundance — love the shit out of the show. The show is for them and if it ain’t for you, it ain’t for you.

Diggs: It’s also never been easy to make a show about being from the Bay. We’ll start seeing more and more. We just saw the premiere of the Boots [Riley] show at South by Southwest. It’s another great show about the Bay. This world can continue to get bigger and that’s cool. It’s nice to be a part of that. There are a million stories we could tell about this place and a million different ways to tell them. I hope somebody does them all. I love this show that we made. You know who it is for? Me. I love this show. We made the shit out of this show.

[...] Then last question, tell me what you’re grateful for today.

Diggs: We’re having a little premier celebration in L.A. today. I’m like super grateful that in a couple hours, I’m gonna actually be in the same room with my brother [Rafael] and with a bunch of the other people who make this show because I’ve made art with my friends. I don’t get to see my friends very often so I’m very, very grateful to see my friends today.

Casal: I’m happy, healthy, thriving. Always grateful for that.

[photoshoot55]

Discover the Top Filming Locations in Miami: A Guide for Movie Buffs and Travelers

Miami is a city renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and dynamic skyline, making it a popular choice for filmmakers seeking a unique backdrop. From iconic scenes in classic films to modern TV shows, Miami’s diverse landscapes offer something for every type of production. For movie buffs and travelers alike, exploring these filming locations provides a glimpse into the magic of cinema and a chance to experience the city’s allure firsthand. This guide will take you through some of the top filming locations in Miami, offering insights into their significance and tips for visiting.

1. Miami Beach's South Beach

Notable Films/Shows:

Miami Vice (1980s TV Series and 2006 Film)

The Birdcage (1996)

Bad Boys II (2003)

Why It’s Iconic: South Beach is synonymous with Miami’s glitzy image. Its Art Deco Historic District, with its pastel-colored buildings and neon lights, provides a quintessential Miami aesthetic. The bustling Ocean Drive and the picturesque beach itself have been featured in numerous productions. Miami Vice, both the original TV series and the 2006 film adaptation, showcased South Beach’s neon-lit streets and glamorous nightlife, cementing its status as a cultural icon.

Must-See Spots:

The famous Art Deco hotels like The Colony and The Clevelander.

The vibrant Ocean Drive, especially at sunset.

Tips for Visiting:

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and get the best light for photos.

Take a walking tour to learn more about the Art Deco architecture and its significance in film.

2. Little Havana

Notable Films/Shows:

Chef (2014)

Fast & Furious Franchise

Why It’s Iconic: Little Havana offers a rich Cuban-American culture, filled with colorful murals, lively music, and vibrant street life. Chef, directed by Jon Favreau, features scenes set in this area, highlighting its lively atmosphere and cultural vibrancy. The bustling Calle Ocho (8th Street) is a focal point for visitors.

Must-See Spots:

Ball & Chain, a historic venue with live music.

Domino Park, where locals gather to play dominoes and socialize.

Tips for Visiting:

Explore the area on foot to fully appreciate the street art and local flavor.

Try Cuban coffee and pastries from local bakeries.

3. Wynwood Walls

Notable Films/Shows:

Dexter (2006-2013 TV Series)

Various music videos and commercials

Why It’s Iconic: Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing large-scale street art and graffiti. Its vibrant murals and innovative art installations have made it a popular filming location for music videos and commercials. The area’s edgy, contemporary vibe contrasts with the city’s more traditional aesthetics.

Must-See Spots:

The Wynwood Walls itself, featuring works by international street artists.

Nearby galleries and art studios.

Tips for Visiting:

Visit during the day for the best light to appreciate the artwork.

Check out the monthly Art Walk events for additional cultural experiences.

4. Bayside Marketplace

Notable Films/Shows:

Miami Vice (2006 Film)

Various reality TV shows

Why It’s Iconic: Bayside Marketplace is a bustling waterfront shopping center that provides a lively backdrop for films and TV shows. Its vibrant marketplace and views of the Miami skyline offer a quintessential Miami experience. The location has been featured in several productions, adding to its cinematic appeal.

Must-See Spots:

The waterfront area with views of Biscayne Bay.

The variety of shops and restaurants within the marketplace.

Tips for Visiting:

Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Take a boat tour from the nearby marina to see Miami from the water.

5. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Notable Films/Shows:

The Birdcage (1996)

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Why It’s Iconic: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a historic estate that offers a glimpse into Miami’s past. The Italian Renaissance-inspired villa and its lush gardens have been featured in films like The Birdcage, adding a touch of classic elegance to its cinematic legacy.

Must-See Spots:

The ornate interiors of the villa.

The beautifully landscaped gardens and waterfront views.

Tips for Visiting:

Allocate several hours to explore the gardens and the villa’s interior.

Check for special events or guided tours that may enhance your visit.

6. The Miami Design District

Notable Films/Shows:

Hitch (2005)

Various fashion and lifestyle shoots

Why It’s Iconic: The Miami Design District is a hub for art, design, and luxury. Its sleek, modern architecture and high-end boutiques have made it a popular location for films and fashion shoots. The area’s contemporary vibe and stylish atmosphere offer a stark contrast to Miami’s traditional locations.

Must-See Spots:

The art galleries and high-end stores.

Public art installations and architectural marvels.

Tips for Visiting:

Explore the area on foot to fully appreciate the modern design and art.

Visit local boutiques and galleries to experience the creative energy of the district.

7. Coral Gables

Notable Films/Shows:

2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

Various local TV shows

Why It’s Iconic: Coral Gables, known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, offers a picturesque setting for films and TV shows. The area’s charming streets and historic buildings, such as the Biltmore Hotel, provide a classic Miami backdrop with a touch of elegance.

Must-See Spots:

The Biltmore Hotel, a historic landmark.

The Venetian Pool, a unique swimming pool built from coral rock.

Tips for Visiting:

Take a guided tour to learn about the area’s history and architecture.

Explore the local shops and dining options in the area.

Conclusion

Miami’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture make it a prime location for filmmakers and an exciting destination for movie buffs and travelers. From the glitzy streets of South Beach to the artistic murals of Wynwood, each filming location offers its own unique glimpse into the magic of cinema and the city’s dynamic character. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or simply looking to explore Miami from a new perspective, visiting these iconic spots will enhance your understanding of both the city and its cinematic legacy.

[harborterrace]

Harbor Terrace Retirement Community The Ideal Assisted Living in the South Bay

Introduction

Choosing the right assisted living community is one of the most important decisions you'll make for yourself or a loved one. Harbor Terrace Retirement Community, located in the beautiful South Bay area, offers a perfect blend of independence, support, and community. With top-notch amenities, dedicated staff, and a welcoming environment, Harbor Terrace ensures that every resident enjoys a comfortable, engaging, and fulfilling life.

Why Choose Harbor Terrace Retirement Community?

Prime Location in the South Bay

Harbor Terrace Retirement Community is nestled in the heart of the South Bay, a region known for its mild climate, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture. The location offers easy access to parks, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities, ensuring residents can enjoy an active and convenient lifestyle.

Comprehensive Care Services

At Harbor Terrace, the health and well-being of residents are top priorities. The community offers a range of assisted living services tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident. These services include:

Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives a customized care plan that addresses their specific needs, whether it’s help with daily activities, medication management, or mobility assistance.

24/7 On-Site Staff: The community is staffed around the clock with skilled caregivers who are trained to provide compassionate and professional support.

Health Monitoring: Regular health assessments and monitoring ensure that any changes in a resident’s condition are promptly addressed.

Engaging Activities and Social Opportunities

Staying active and socially engaged is crucial for seniors' well-being. Harbor Terrace offers a variety of activities and events designed to keep residents physically, mentally, and socially active, including:

Group Fitness Classes: From yoga to tai chi, residents can participate in daily fitness classes that cater to all levels of ability.

Arts and Crafts Workshops: Creative activities like painting, knitting, and pottery help residents explore their artistic side.

Social Events and Outings: Regular outings to local attractions, movie nights, and holiday celebrations foster a strong sense of community among residents.

Delicious and Nutritious Dining

Dining at Harbor Terrace is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. The community offers:

Chef-Prepared Meals: Residents enjoy three gourmet meals a day, with menus designed by professional chefs who prioritize taste, nutrition, and dietary needs.

Special Dietary Options: Whether a resident requires a low-sodium diet or gluten-free meals, the dining team ensures that all nutritional needs are met.

Flexible Dining Times: With multiple dining venues and flexible meal times, residents can enjoy their meals at their convenience.

Comfortable and Secure Living Spaces

Harbor Terrace offers a variety of living arrangements, from private studios to one-bedroom apartments, all designed with comfort and security in mind:

Spacious Apartments: Each unit features modern amenities, including a kitchenette, walk-in shower, and ample storage space.

Emergency Response Systems: All apartments are equipped with emergency call systems, ensuring help is always just a button away.

Maintenance-Free Living: Residents enjoy maintenance-free living, with housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services included.

FAQs About Harbor Terrace Retirement Community

Q: What types of care services are offered at Harbor Terrace?

A: Harbor Terrace provides a range of services, including assistance with daily activities, medication management, health monitoring, and mobility support.

Q: Are pets allowed in the community?

A: Yes, Harbor Terrace is a pet-friendly community. Residents can bring their furry companions to live with them.

Q: What activities are available for residents?

A: Harbor Terrace offers a wide variety of activities, including fitness classes, arts and crafts, social events, and outings to local attractions.

Q: Is transportation provided for residents?

A: Yes, Harbor Terrace offers scheduled transportation services for shopping, medical appointments, and recreational outings.

Q: How does Harbor Terrace ensure the safety of its residents?

A: The community is equipped with 24/7 security, emergency response systems, and on-site medical staff to ensure residents' safety and well-being.

Conclusion

Harbor Terrace Retirement Community in the South Bay is more than just an assisted living facility – it’s a place where residents can thrive. With personalized care, engaging activities, delicious dining, and a supportive community, Harbor Terrace provides everything needed for a fulfilling and comfortable retirement. If you’re looking for a place where you or your loved one can enjoy life to the fullest, Harbor Terrace is the perfect choice.

CONTACT US:

Address: 435 West 8th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731

Phone number: (310) 547-0090

Email: laura@harborterraceretirement.com

Website: https://harborterraceretirement.com/Tags:Best Independent Assisted Living Community in San Pedro, Best Assisted Living Community in San Pedro, Comfortable retirement community in San Pedro, Becoming a Resident in San Pedro, Modern assisted living in San Pedro California, Modern assisted living in San Pedro, Modern assisted living in San Pedro USA, Modern assisted living in San Pedro ca, Modern comfortable assisted living in USA, Career at Harbor Terrace, Modern comfortable assisted living facilities in USA, Modern assisted living in California, Best modern comfortable assisted living facilities in San Pedro, comfortable assisted living facilities in San Pedro, comfortable assisted living facility in San Pedro, Modern comfortable assisted living facilities in South Bay, Assisted living facilities in San Pedro, Assisted living facilities in San Pedro ca, Assisted living facilities in San Pedro California, Comfortable senior assisted living in San Pedro, Independent senior living San Pedro, Assisted living homes in San Pedro, Best Assisted living facilities in San Pedro, Senior assisted living facilities in San Pedro, Senior assisted living in San Pedro, Best retirement community in San Pedro, Residential assisted living in San Pedro, Residential assisted living homes in San Pedro, Senior living communities in San Pedro, Best Residential assisted living homes in San Pedro, Open environment assisted living in San Pedro, Discover Serene Assisted Living in San Pedro, Best retirement community in the South Bay, Modern assisted living in Los Angeles, Assisted living facilities in the South Bay, Assisted living communities in the South Bay, Best assisted living community South Bay, Open environment assisted living in San Pedro CA, 55 and over community San Pedro, Independent senior community in the South Bay, Homes for the elderly San Pedro

[best-losangele-ca]

Discover the Ultimate Urban Living at The Met Apartments in South Park, Downtown LA

If you're in search of luxurious apartments in Downtown LA, look no further than The Met Apartments. Situated at 950 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, this prime location offers the epitome of urban living, right in the heart of South Park's Arts and Entertainment District. Whether you're looking for a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartment, The Met Apartments has something to offer for everyone.

The Met Apartments are strategically located just a stone's throw away from LA Live, Crypto.com Arena, and Regal Premiere Cinemas. This means that entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences are never far from your doorstep. Beyond the incredible nearby attractions, residents also enjoy proximity to locally loved cafes and restaurants, the Financial District, and prestigious institutions like FIDM. The South Park Business Improvement District (BID) keeps the community engaged with "Meet Your Neighbors" mixers and other locally curated events, making it an ideal place for those seeking both convenience and a vibrant social scene.

The apartments at The Met boast a range of attractive features, from balconies and patios to keyless entry and in-home washer/dryer facilities. With premium fixtures and reimagined interiors, you'll find yourself in a stylish and comfortable urban oasis. The building amenities include a pool, a smoke-free community, beautifully landscaped grounds, a fitness center, and much more. Don't miss the chance to experience the ultimate urban lifestyle in the heart of Downtown LA. Visit their website https://rent.brookfieldproperties.com/properties/the-met.html or call them at 213-224-3571 for more information. Make The Met Apartments your new home today and enjoy all the perks of living in the vibrant South Park neighborhood.

The Iconic Sights and Hidden Delights of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, often referred to simply as LA, is a city that beckons to the dreamers, the adventurers, and the curious souls. It's a city of boundless possibilities, where the iconic sights and hidden delights intertwine to create a unique urban experience.

One of the most iconic sights in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Sign, perched high in the Santa Monica Mountains. This legendary symbol of the entertainment industry is an embodiment of dreams and aspirations. Visitors from around the world hike the nearby trails or snap pictures as they explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where over 2,600 brass stars honor celebrities from the world of film, television, music, and more. But beyond the glitz and glamour, there's a hidden LA to discover. For example, the Griffith Observatory offers not only awe-inspiring views of the city but also a chance to explore the universe through its impressive exhibits and public telescopes. Downtown Los Angeles, often overlooked, is a treasure trove of cultural gems. The revitalized Arts District, with its street art and galleries, and the historic Olvera Street, a taste of old Los Angeles, offer unique and often overlooked experiences.

Los Angeles is a city of dreams and diversity, where the iconic and the hidden seamlessly coexist. From its world-renowned landmarks to its off-the-beaten-path gems, LA offers an endless array of experiences for those willing to explore. Whether you're a movie buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or an art lover, Los Angeles has something unique and delightful waiting for you around every corner.

Exploring the Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco's Iconic Landmark

The Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, is a suspension bridge that spans a breathtaking 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers). Its vivid orange-red color, known as "International Orange," makes it instantly recognizable and adds to its allure. The bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County, and its two towering Art Deco-style towers rise 746 feet (227 meters) above the bay. The bridge is not only an essential transportation link but also a stunning work of art that enhances the city's skyline.

One of the best ways to experience the Golden Gate Bridge's splendor is by strolling or biking along its pedestrian walkways. You can capture panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands while breathing in the fresh sea air. Additionally, there are designated viewpoints like Battery Spencer and Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, which offer perfect photo opportunities to capture the bridge's magnificence. The Golden Gate Bridge is not just a landmark but a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the enduring spirit of San Francisco. Whether you're driving across it, cycling under its colossal towers, or simply admiring it from a distance, this iconic structure is a testament to human achievement and a reminder of the city's unique beauty.

California: The Golden State of Diversity and Innovation

California, often referred to as "The Golden State," is a diverse and dynamic region on the western coast of the United States. With a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a reputation as a global leader in innovation, California is a state of many facets.

From the towering Redwood forests in the north to the sun-soaked beaches of the south, California's geography is as diverse as its population. The state's expansive coastline stretches over 800 miles along the Pacific Ocean, making it a haven for surfers, sun-seekers, and nature enthusiasts. The state's striking topography includes Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth, and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range, which offers pristine wilderness and world-class skiing. With such geographical variety, California offers something for everyone, whether you're exploring the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park, hiking in the rugged terrain of Big Sur, or driving along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.

California's diversity extends beyond its landscapes to its people and culture. It is a melting pot of different ethnicities and backgrounds, with a thriving immigrant population. The state's cultural tapestry is woven with influences from around the world, resulting in a vibrant arts and culinary scene. California is also a global leader in technology and innovation, home to Silicon Valley, the birthplace of companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook. The state's commitment to sustainability and green initiatives is another noteworthy aspect, with renewable energy projects and environmental policies leading the way in the fight against climate change.

[fictionz]

I returned to the bay area in August 2012 to join the Dead Space 3 team in their final six months toward ship, and they told me that they'd all gone to see Prometheus as part of research/team bonding for some scifi horror times.

I hadn't watched the movie yet and by then it was nearly gone from theaters, except for one of those late run $5 theaters down at a shopping plaza in Cupertino. I decided I needed to share this bonding experience, if only to understand a bit more about the scifi horror stuff the teams had been absorbing, so I headed down to that theater, which at the time felt very far away since I lived in mid-peninsula and south bay is like a great journey into the unknown.

So I arrived at one of those weird liminal space shopping plazas that wasn't doing too well economically and watched Prometheus late on a Friday night. Now I could talk Prometheus with the team, and we chugged along and finished that video game by January, around the time we were all being laid off, except no one had informed me until the last minute that I wasn't meant to be laid off but assigned to another team. So I took that because employment is good, then I left two weeks later for a better job with a day's notice because the new job was with Double Fine and I'd burn the bridge for them.

Anyway, since then I moved around a lot more, back to Portland again, back to the bay area again, and I never forgot that small theater in Cupertino, went back several times to the weird lighting and nearly empty giant parking lot, until finally I saw the notice that the changing times forced them to shut down. The remaining businesses at the shopping plaza--stuff like a tax accountant, a dance studio, a political campaign office--well, they all shut down, and then it was leveled to an empty lot, and now it's condos, and it's more condos on condos like it is everywhere, and housing is good, but that theater was there and it must've given many people the opportunity to watch movies without breaking the budget, but it's gone, and it was just a business, but it's gone and I tell you, I know it shouldn't affect me the way it does, but I saw Prometheus there, do you understand? I didn't think I'd ever get the chance to watch that movie in a theater because I was so late to the quest and that theater was there when I needed it, but it won't be there for anyone now, and now there's nothing else like it.

And I thought you should know.

[nolwally]

Multimedia Journal #2, Hidden Figures

'Hidden Figures' is a movie about three Black women who worked for NASA in the 1960's. Starting off as 'computers' (mathematicians) at NASA, the movie shows these women on their journeys to fight for equality and the jobs they deserved not only as Black Americans but also as women. This movie is based on the true story of the 'Hidden Figures,' Katherine Johnson (Goble), Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson (below), who worked for NASA during the Space Race and worked in very important roles but were not recognized and appreciated. Throughout the movie, we get to see the struggles that these women faced as well as their ambition to further their careers and rights at NASA. While these three women were chosen to be the center of the movie 'Hidden Figures,' they represent the larger struggles faced by the many Black women working for NASA in the 1960's.

For a large part of this movie, NASA is completely segregated. Katherine Johnson (Goble) was an incredibly skilled mathematician who calculated the trajectories of the space mission of astronaut John Glenn. However, to perform this task, she went to work in a room full of white men who looked down on her abilities and did not want her working with them, even to the extent of making her use her own coffee pot (below). To highlight the extreme nature of the segregation, there are several scenes that show Katherine Johnson (Goble) running to West campus, calculations in hand, because there were only "white" bathrooms in the buildings on the East side of the campus.

Dorothy Vaughn had to fight for herself to become a supervisor, and to help herself and the other women she worked with to not lose their jobs to the new machine that would complete their calculations. Similarly, Mary Jackson had to go to court while trying to get into the courses that she needed for NASA to allow her to become an engineer. All these instances highlight the segregation that was faced by Black American women at this time, and the struggles that they faced every day. Even the man that Katherine would marry, Jim Johnson, a Black man, struggled to accept that NASA would let Katherine, a woman, complete such computational work. This shows how at the time, these women faced struggles and oppression not only because they were Black, but also because they were female, showing how these two aspects of their identities overlapped in creating barriers. After slavery ended, segregation was very real in the United States, and even in 1920, few Black women worked in factories while many were still employed in domestic work (Takaki, A Different Mirror 320). In the early 1960's when this movie is taking place, we see these women are highly educated and working for NASA, an impressive feat, and we get to watch them further their careers and fight for more opportunity throughout the movie. Inspired by a book by Margot Lee Shetterly, the movie 'Hidden Figures' brings attention to what these women accomplished and brings into discussion a portion of untold history regarding race at NASA, addressing the larger issue of Black and female stories and accomplishments that are omitted from history books. Shetterly also went on to create The Human Computer Project (below) to tell the stories of the women who worked for NASA/NACA.

Citations:

“Hidden Figures.” 20th Century Studios, https://family.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/hidden-figures.

“Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.” Bluegrass Institute, https://bipps.org/blog/unhidden-figures.

Melfi, Theodore, director. Hidden Figures. Disney, 2016.

Shetterly, Margot Lee. “About the Women.” The Human Computer Project, thehumancomputerproject.wordpress.com/about-the-women/.

Takaki, Ronald T. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. Back Bay Books, 2008. 

“Taraji P. Henson Stars as a Woman Who Faces Racial and Gender Equality at 1960s NASA in ‘Hidden Figures.’” SC Times, Hopper Stone.  

[risingpakistan1947]

The best places to visit in Singapore

Singapore is an amazing destination for travelers and tourists alike. It offers a variety of attractions, activities, and experiences that appeal to all kinds of travelers. From the vibrant city life of Singapore’s downtown area to the tranquil beauty of its nature reserves, there’s something for everyone.  Whether you’re looking for historic monuments, art galleries, or shopping districts, there are plenty of places to visit in Singapore.

10 best places to visit in Singapore

With so many great places to explore, it can be difficult to decide which are the best places to visit in Singapore. This article will list some of the best places to visit, from family-friendly attractions to romantic hotspots.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore's most popular tourist attractions. This 101-hectare garden is located next to Marina Reservoir and features a diverse range of plant life from around the world. The garden is made up of three waterfront gardens - Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central, each with its unique landscapes and characteristics. Visitors can explore over 500,000 plants in the Gardens' Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories, or take a stroll along the Supertrees grove – a series of vertical gardens reaching up to 50 meters high. Other highlights include the OCBC Skyway suspension bridge where visitors can enjoy aerial views across the park or visit the Far East Organization Children’s Garden for an interactive experience with nature-themed activities. It’s an unforgettable place and one of the best places to visit in Singapore, with its stunning array of flora and fauna from all over the world.

Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is one of the top destinations in Singapore and a must-visit for anyone looking to explore all that the city has to offer. Located in the heart of Singapore's skyline, this luxurious complex is home to iconic attractions such as an infinity pool, a stunning rooftop garden, and even a casino. The entire Marina Bay district makes up one of Singapore's most vibrant areas with captivating views of the skyline. The complex offers an array of attractions for people from all walks of life. From luxury shopping outlets like Prada and Gucci to casual eateries like Pizza Hut Express, there's something for everyone. For those looking for adventure, there are exciting activities such as bungee jumping or skydiving over the marina bay area or take in some sights from the observation deck on the 57th floor. With so much to offer, Marina Bay Sands is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Singapore.

Marina Bay Sands

Night Safari

Night Safari is one of the best places to visit in Singapore for any nature-lover or animal enthusiast. It is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park and features a wide variety of animals from different parts of the world. At the Night Safari, visitors can explore a variety of zones ranging from jungles to savannas while taking in breathtaking views of native flora and fauna. Night Safari is home to over 2,500 animals of 130 different species, including African lions and white tigers. Visitors can enjoy watching animals in their natural habitats as they take part in guided night walks or tram rides that will take them through seven geographical zones – where guests can observe various kinds of primates and other wildlife. The safari also offers interactive activities such as bush trails and animal shows that are sure to delight young and old alike.

Entrance of Night Safari, Singapore

Universal Studios

Universal Studios is a popular theme park located in Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. It is one of the best places to visit in Singapore for those looking for an exhilarating experience in the city. The park features 24 movie-themed rides and attractions that are based on blockbuster movies and characters like Battlestar Galactica, Madagascar, Jurassic Park, and more. There are also many shopping and dining options, like Hollywood Avenue, which offers an array of memorabilia stores. Moreover, visitors can expect exciting live shows performed by some of Universal Studios' most beloved characters. Visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences within the seven zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far Far Away & Madagascar, which offer a unique experience as they explore all the fun activities. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or just want some time out with friends or family at Universal Studios' many restaurants and shops, there's something for everyone here - from thrilling roller coasters to interactive playgrounds.

Universal Singapore Hollywood Boulevard You may also be interested in the best places to visit in Malaysia and the best places to visit in Dubai.

Chinatown and Little India

Singapore is an amazing destination to visit and explore the vibrant cultures of the many ethnic groups who call it home. Two of these must-visit locations are Chinatown and Little India, which offer unique experiences that reflect their respective heritages. Chinatown in Singapore is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its rich heritage and culture. The area boasts traditional Chinese architecture, as well as temples and shrines. There are also a variety of shops here where you can find goods from all over Asia including souvenirs and snacks. Be sure to try some traditional dishes such as dim sum or laksa. Little India, another popular spot for travelers, is full of vibrant colors reflecting its Indian roots. Visitors can enjoy authentic cuisine like curries at local eateries and explore traditional markets with colorful clothing and fabrics for sale.

Little India, Singapore

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island, located just south of Singapore's main island, is one of the city-state's most popular tourist destinations. With its stunning beaches, exciting attractions, and a host of activities for all ages, Sentosa Island has something for everyone. At Sentosa Island, visitors can explore the renowned Universal Studios theme park or take in the natural beauty of Palawan Beach. Those looking for a more peaceful experience can take a stroll along Siloso Beach or enjoy some shopping at Tanjong Beach Club. Many other attractions such as Adventure Cove Waterpark, MegaZip Adventure Park, and Skyline Luge offer rides and activities to keep visitors entertained. For an educational experience, there is Fort Siloso which offers an interactive tour through Singapore's history while Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom provides unique insight into the world of insects. There are also many cultural attractions like Images of Singapore and Madame Tussauds that offer interactive experiences with life-size wax figures and displays about local culture.

Palawan beach Sentosa island, Singapore

Fort Canning Park

Singapore is a vibrant, bustling city known for its modernity and cosmopolitan feel. But tucked away in the heart of the city lies Fort Canning Park, a lush green oasis that offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s urban life. Today, Fort Canning Park attracts from around the world with its fascinating history and unique landscape. It is one of the best places to visit in Singapore. Fort Canning Park is also home to some of Singapore’s most historically significant sites including archaeological remains from the 14th century as well as restored buildings like Fort Gate. It's also home to several cultural events throughout the year like Chinese New Year celebrations and concerts.

Raffles Terrace, Fort Canning Park, Singapore

Gillman Barracks

Gillman Barracks is Located on Malan Road in the city’s historic military barracks, the venue has been transformed into a vibrant destination for contemporary art and dining. With its spacious grounds, beautiful landscaping, and gorgeous views, Gillman Barracks provide visitors with an exciting experience of culture and sophistication. This unique art precinct houses several galleries representing some of the greatest names in modern Asian art including the ShanghART, Japan's Tomio Koyama, and Sundaram Tagore Gallery. Additionally, several non-gallery spaces provide events such as film screenings, workshops, and talks by artists and curators from around the world. Visitors can stop by The Chamber restaurant for delicious local cuisine while enjoying spectacular views of the bay or take a leisurely touch on the lush parkland surrounding this artistic enclave.

Block 9 of Gillman Barracks, Singapore

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is known for its high-end shopping malls and luxury retailers, making it an ideal place to find some of the best items from around the world. A stroll down Orchard Road will easily show why it's so popular among tourists - there are dozens of boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafes, and more all lined up along a 2km stretch. The architecture alone is enough to draw visitors in; iconic buildings like The Paragon and Shaw House offer spectacular views that create a unique atmosphere along this bustling street. Many of these shopping malls also have entertainment facilities such as cinemas or roller-skating rinks that make for great family outings. And with plenty of nightlife options from pubs to nightclubs, Orchard Road caters to every taste. All these amenities make it one of the best places to visit in Singapore.

Ion orchard road, Singapore

Clarke Quay

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Singapore is Clarke Quay, a vibrant cultural hub located along the Singapore River. With its stunning architecture, bustling nightlife, and variety of eateries, there’s best for everyone at this unique riverside destination. Today, it is known for its buzzing nightlife scene with some of the best restaurants and bars in town. During the day, visitors can take part in exciting activities such as river cruises and cable car rides up Mount Faber for breathtaking views across Singapore. They can also take in views of both old and new buildings reflecting off the river or explore one of the many shops that line up along Clarke Quay's waterfront promenade. After exploring some of the best places to visit in Singapore, it's safe to say that this South East Asian metropolis has so much more to offer than initially meets the eye. From visiting iconic sites such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown Heritage Center, to shopping at iconic malls, locals and tourists alike will be amazed at how much Singapore has on offer - both culturally and commercially. With its world-class attractions, delicious cuisine, and diverse range of activities, Singapore is a definite must-visit on anyone's bucket list.

Night view of Clarke Quay, Singapore Read the full article

[back-and-totheleft]

Despite my many differences with Oliver Stone as an artist, I congratulate him on having managed both to present an unhysterical assessment of Latin American leaders and issues in South Of The Border, and also to get it seen in the US. The latter, especially, is achievement indeed.

A rare precedent is Costa-Gavras's Missing, which netted Oscars in 1982 with its horrifying story of the US State Department's involvement in the murder of one of its own citizens during the US-backed Chilean coup of 1973. In retrospect, it looks like the last gasp of those liberal Hollywood instincts that saw producer Bert Schneider thanking the Viet Cong leadership as he accepted his Best Documentary Oscar for Hearts and Minds in 1975.

Elsewhere the story is one of movies ignored, shelved, suppressed and sabotaged. Roger Spottiswoode's Under Fire, set in Somoza's Nicaragua, barely squeaked on to US screens in 1983 amid rumours of studio nervousness – and political interference – when the Contras were at their barbarous high tide. Stone's Salvador was a critical hit you could barely find in cinemas. Ditto Haskell Wexler's Latino, in which Vietnam vet Robert Forster, sent to train the Contras, comes to see how his country is sponsoring mass murder overseas.

Even Missing has its antecedent in Costa-Gavras's career, State Of Siege, about the reasons behind the kidnapping of an American USAID official, which explicitly indicts Fort Benning's School of the Americas, a finishing school for aspirant tyrants. Scheduled as the inaugural screening at the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in 1973, it was withdrawn with the lame excuse that its themes might upset the Kennedy family. It was unavailable for almost 30 years after I saw it in 1981 at, of all places, the self-same Kennedy Centre.

It's the same story with documentaries. Good luck finding Blood Of The Condor, about the US Peace Corps' enforced sterilisation programmes among Bolivian Indians. Patrizio Guzmán's epic The Battle Of Chile (in which one cameraman filmed his own murder by a government soldier) is available – finally – from a US micro-distributor with great taste but little money. The Zapatista documentary A Place Called Chiapas never got serious American distribution; likewise The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, an account of the Venezuelan coup attempt of 2002.

In a way, none of this is surprising. If your country's relationship with an entire continent can be boiled down to a hot-button list that includes Guatemala 1954, the Bay of Pigs 1961, the murder of Guevara in 1967, the overthrow of Allende and the subsequent, continent-wide kindermord of the Condor assassination programme, shame is the decent response. No wonder no one's talking – except Stone. Good for him.

-John Patterson, "Oliver Stone nails Latin America's troubled relationship with the USA," The Guardian, Jul 23 2010 [x]

[thequillsink]

Shaw Brothers - A Retrospective Analysis

Posted on November 14, 2021 on grimoireofhorror.com and The Yurei

If you enjoy martial arts films, then you have probably heard of the incredible Shaw Brothers, one of Hong Kong’s biggest and most significant film production companies of all times. Having over 800 films made over nine decades and winning hundreds of awards, their name is synonymous with cinema all over the world. But, who are the people behind this behemoth of a film company and how did they become so internationally renowned?

Early History

In 1924, three brothers - Runje, Runme, and Runde Shaw - founded Tianyi Film Company (also known as “Unique Film Productions”) in Shanghai, China. This company was one of the big three production companies in pre-second world war China. Tianyi produced their own style of silent movies, extensively focusing on traditional literature, legends, and myths such as The Lovers (based on the legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai).

After becoming frustrated with local distributors, the Shaw brothers set up their own cinema, “The Empire”, to screen their movies. Led by Runme and Run Run (the youngest of the brothers), they began to branch out into other countries such as Malaysia to build new cinemas and operate a mobile cinema for rural areas. However, it was only with the advent of sound that movies began to really push forward. By 1933, the Shaw’s had produced the Cantonese opera film Normal Dragon or White Gold Dragon(based on the eponymous legend), which proved a breakthrough for them in both Singapore and Hong Kong.

In the following years, the emergence of the Great Depression caused a significant decline in cinema attendance. The Shaw’s began to produce films locally to minimise costs and also diversified into theme parks and other live attractions. By 1939, the Shaw’s had amassed a business empire of 139 cinemas across South East Asia.

However, by the time of the World War 2, the Japanese had invaded Singapore and seized a lot of the Shaw’s assets, and they were forced to use their cinema to display pro-Japanese propaganda movies. The company’s main studio was destroyed during The Battle of Shanghai and Run Run Shaw was even arrested for a period of time. After the second world war, the Shaw’s regrouped and their operations once again expanded into further cinemas and focused more on film production.

The Beginning of Shaw Brothers

After Japan’s occupation of China had been broken, Runme and Run Run took over the film production business of its Hong Kong-based sister company, Shaw & Sons Ltd, and in 1958, a new company, “Shaw Brothers”, was founded.

The company gained popularity for their period music dramas that had become popular around the time, such as The Kingdom and the Beauty (1959) andThe Magnificent Concubine (1962). Consequently, The Kingdom and the Beauty enjoyed global success and broke all domestic returns while Magnificent Concubine won Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, further establishing the company’s name into the international circuit.

Following the opening of their Hong Kong studio, Clearwater Bay, in 1961, the studio grew to prominence in China. With over 850,000 sq ft of land and 1500 permanent staff, it soon produced over 40 films per year. This vast production line boasted a new film starting every nine days.

A unique feature in this film making process was that all films were completed without sound, which was dubbed into various languages in one of the twelve sound studios on site. This allowed them to rapidly prepare each movie for the international market with consistent levels of production values.

Towards the latter end of the decade, the studio began to undertake films in the genre that they would become most notable for - kung fu films or wuxia-pian (“films of chivalric combat”). One of their crew members, the legendary Chang Cheh, directed the blockbuster hit The One Armed Swordsman (1967) for Shaw.

This Jimmy Wang Yu revenge yarn was the first movie to break HK $1,000,000 at the box office. Although not satisfied with this success, Cheh went on to deliver hit after hit for Shaw Brothers and formed a crucial role in shaping the kung fu genre. Many believe Cheh’s 1970 work ‘Vengeance’ marks the first genuine example of a kung fu movie. It also importantly brought him together with martial artists/actors Ti Lung and David Chiang (becoming known as the 'Iron Triangle'). By the end of the 70's, he had countless successes to his name and had formed the internationally renowned cult heroes ‘The Five Venoms’.

Among those who worked alongside director Chang Cheh were martial arts choreographer Lau Kar Leung and John Woo. Lau Kar Leung became a hugely successful director in his own right, moving away from Cheh’s blend of macho cinema and bloodshed for more respectful martial arts and also some early attempts at kung fu comedy (such as Spiritual Boxer from 1975). There is no doubt that John Woo was heavily influenced by Cheh’s heroic themes as he left the Shaw Studios and made it big with his own brand of Hong Kong crime thrillers in the 1980's, consequently making household names of himself and his favoured lead actor, the legendary Chow Yun Fat.

The brothers continued to diversify with the launch of a TV station in 1973, TVB, as Hong Kong’s second TV channel. They also began co-productions with international houses as well - one example being The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires (1974). By the mid-seventies, their empire had now expanded to 230 cinemas, and another 600 cinemas serving them via a distribution deal. Each week, over 1.5 million people saw a Shaw produced movie!

The Inevitable Decline

The huge popularity garnered by the studio was soon to be its undoing. Cast members at Shaw-- who were normally contracted on 3, 5 or 8 year contracts and would work 6 day weeks to keep within the schedules-- started looking to more relaxed studios who also offered more competitive packages with a less strenuous workload.

Alternatives, such as ex-Shaw Raymond Chow’s Orange Sky Golden Harvest studio, took this opportunity to snatch up these actors from Shaw. As a result of this, and increasing issues surrounding piracy, the Shaw Studios in Hong Kong ceased operation in 1983 as a filmmaker to focus on their TV production. By 1988, the company was reorganized under the umbrella of the Shaw Organization.

Once again, in the 1990s, Shaw again started making a few films, but no longer on the same scale as before. Entering the market with star Stephen Chow in Out of the Dark (1995). A few more films have emerged since, including Hero (1997) and Drunken Monkey (2002). They also begun construction on Shaw Studio which claims to be the world’s most advanced film production and digital post-production facility located at Hong Kong.

Initially set to be opened in 2009, this was put on hold indefinitely due to financial crisis and, ergo, Run Run Shaw announced that he was to de-list Shaw Brothers Ltd in Dec 2008 and buy out the minority shareholders. This ultimately signalled the end of an epic reign of such a beloved and influential company whose history is impressively extensive. 

Celestial Pictures acquired rights to the Shaw Studio's legacy and has released, on DVD, nearly all of their catalogue of films with restored picture and sound quality. Many of these DVDs have come under controversy, however, for remixing audio and not including the original mono soundtracks. The Hong Kong based Celestial struck a licensing deal with Karmaloop TV, an American TV channel, to air these classic films digitally restored to a new audience.

Since then, many more companies across the globe have gained the licensing rights to these films. Releasing some incredible box sets ready to be pre-ordered. Arrow Video has several incredibly comprehensive collections of Shaw Brothers films in line to be released.

[sasquatchcool]

All About Film Industry In Tampa Florida .

Does Tampa have a film industry?

Tampa Bay has become a hub for independent film production in Florida, and Sasquatch cool film studio has partnered with both the St. Petersburg Film Commission as well as local filmmakers to bring more films to the area.

2. Is there a film industry in Florida?

Production activity has been generally concentrated in two regions, South Florida and Central Florida (Orlando and Tampa). Sasquatch cool .

3. Is video production in demand?

The Industry is Growing

If you are thinking about getting into the video production industry, rejoice! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is predicted to grow by 29% between 2020 and 2030.

4. How much does a video producer charge per hour?

Video Producers on Upwork cost $15–$30/hr.

5. Is video production a growing industry?

The market size, measured by revenue, of the Movie & Video Production industry is $25.8bn in 2022. What is the growth rate of the Movie & Video Production industry in the US in 2022? The market size of the Movie & Video Production industry is expected to increase 2.9% in 2022.

6. How much should a 3 minute video cost?

A produced 2 to 3-minute video can cost $2,000 to $7,000. The average cost of video production is between $1,000 and $5,000 for each finished minute.

7. Is it hard to get a job in video production?

It is relatively hard to become a video producer.

Working and networking with other industry professionals is a good way to get your foot in the door in video production. Video producers are multidisciplinary analytical and creative gurus.

[blueiscoool]

The Stunning $30 Million Oceanfront Laguna Beach Mansion

It has twin garages, a car turntable and even a driveway engineered to not cause damage.

When building his ultramodern cliff-edge compound just south of California’s laid-back Laguna Beach, Ferrari lover Mark Hammond faced a dilemma: design a garage that would fit the challenging landscape, or park his prized toys somewhere else.

Naturally, the tech entrepreneur (he founded the Retail Equation, a company that helps retailers track fraud in their return processes) chose the former. He created twin subterranean garages at the bottom of a steep driveway, big enough for six cars plus some of his treasured vintage motorcycles.

To spin them around for easy exiting—backing-up any supercar is not for the faint of heart—Hammond specified a showroom-style turntable, and even built an inspection pit for mechanical check-ups.

As for the nightmare of piloting his ground-scraping Italian stallions down the super-steep driveway without grazing pricey bodywork, he came up with an ingenious solution: He got carpenters to build a rough, wooden replica of a Ferrari and rolled it down the driveway over and over until he got the slope just right.

The car-friendly amenities are just some of the remarkable features of this 6,000-square-foot, glass-filled property, which is part of the super-exclusive Three Arch Bay enclave, roughly five miles south of Laguna Beach and 58 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

What goes a long way in justifying that $29.95 million asking is the home’s coveted position overlooking the crashing Pacific, which results in some of the most breathtaking vistas in Southern California. From the west-facing top-floor deck you can watch golden sunsets or gaze out to Santa Catalina Island, while the north view stretches all along the coastline to Long Beach.

For up-close views of the water, take the private staircase down to the property’s own private beach and splash in the ocean or one of the tide pools that fill with every tidal change.

“There are only a handful of truly priceless oceanfront sites in Southern California, and this is one of them,” says listing agent John Cain of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty.

Records show that back in 2005, Hammond paid $9.5 million for the coveted third-of-an-acre lot containing a barely-standing 1932 home. He then proceeded to spend eight years, and a small fortune, creating this contemporary masterpiece.

The design was the result of a joint effort from three of Orange County’s leading building visionaries; Horst Architects, CJ Light and Associates and Aria Design. Together they faced near insurmountable problems, like being required by California’s Coastal Commission to use 50 per cent of the original home’s rickety wood framing and having to create complex new foundations that involved sinking 20 reinforced concrete caissons into the steep hillside.

Completed in 2014, the ultra-modern home makes the most of its jaw-dropping views through walls of bevel-edged glass, huge glass pocket doors, glass-balconied terraces and an airy, open-plan layout.

Security gates off North La Senda Drive open on to that steep driveway and lead down into the home’s entry. The main living area is designed for indoor/outdoor living, with the pitched-roof kitchen featuring sleek Boffi cabinetry and Calcutta marble. It opens out onto the oversized covered terrace with gas fire pit and spacious living area. The kitchen also spills out into the back of the house, leading to outside dining and covered lounging areas and access to a 50-foot lap pool and separate guest studio.

Take the open glass staircase (or the elevator) down to the lower level and the spectacular primary suite with its incredible ocean views and huge stroll-around closet. There are two other bedrooms down here, as well. This level is also home to Hammond’s beloved “man cave”, with its wine bar and 378-bottle display, poker room and big-screen movie theater. Here, at the touch of a button, curtains on a side wall part to reveal a glass picture window into the garage.

While the Laguna Beach market for super-luxury properties has been on fire for years, the home has been languishing on the market since 2019, when it was first listed for $35 million. Despite price cuts, first to $31.9 million and now to $29.95 million, it is still looking for a buyer.

Part of the problem could be right next door, where a just-completed 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, triple-story home on a soaring promontory overlooking sandy Thousand Steps Cove just listed for $10 million less, at $19.99 million. So for true supercar lovers, Hammond’s subterranean garage and other car-focused features just might be the deciding factors.

By Howard Walker.

[dweemeister]

Oklahoma! (1955)

Composer Richard Rodgers was in search of a new songwriting partner in the early 1940s. His previous partner, the lyricist Lorenz Hart, was devolving into an alcoholism that would soon claim his life. Wanting to transform Lynn Riggs’ rustic play Green Grow the Lilacs into a musical, Rodgers would find a new lyricist in Oscar Hammerstein II, who had not been involved in any Broadway successes for some time. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1943 adaptation of Rigg’s play was Oklahoma! and – despite widespread predictions that Broadway audiences would only flock to modern, urbane works – it became the longest-running Broadway musical for another dozen or so years. It began one of the most fruitful, important, and accomplished musical theater partnerships in the medium’s history.

Interest in a cinematic treatment from Hollywood’s major studios for the first Rodgers and Hammerstein musical came almost immediately after the initial reviews for Oklahoma!, but the rights went not to a movie studio, but a film equipment start-up known as the Magna Theatre Corporation. Magna’s owners intended Oklahoma! as a test for the Todd-AO widescreen process (a rival to Cinerama), but more on that and the film’s unique distribution history – which involves RKO and 20th Century Fox – later. Most importantly, the lack of studio executives to appease meant that Rodgers and Hammerstein could have full control over the film’s structure and musical/narrative changes for this adaptation. Directed by Fred Zinnemann (1952’s High Noon, 1953’s From Here to Eternity) – an unorthodox choice, given his expertise for morally complex dramas and no musical experience – 1955’s Oklahoma! is a harbinger for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical films to come, and an inextricable part of the duo’s legacy.

Somewhere in the Oklahoman countryside, amid corn as high as an elephant’s eye, is the clean-cut cowboy Curly McLain (Gordon MacRae). Curly is en route to the farmstead of his crush, Laurey Williams (Shirley Jones in her cinematic debut), and Laurey’s aunt, Aunt Eller (Charlotte Greenwood). There, Curly invites Laurey to the box social scheduled for later that evening. Annoyed that it took him this long to ask her out, Laurey decides instead to go the box social with the Williams’ antisocial and intimidating farmhand, Jud Fry (Rod Steiger). Elsewhere at the train station, another cowboy, Will Parker (Gene Nelson) might be singing about how much he was entranced by Kansas City, but he is searching for his sweetheart, Ado Annie (Gloria Grahame) – herself entranced by traveling salesman Ali Hakim (Eddie Albert in brownface).

No members of the original Broadway cast reprised their roles for this film, which also stars Barbara Lawrence and character actors James Whitmore, Jay C. Flippen, and Roy Barcroft.

As Curly, MacRae is like a Broadway stage version of the characters Gene Autry or Roy Rogers might have played in another decade. MacRae, who started his career as a Broadway and radio singer, had just run down the end of his contract with Warner Bros. (signed in 1947) when he appeared in Oklahoma!. At Warners, he starred in a number of musicals including Look for the Silver Lining (1949) and opposite Doris Day in On Moonlight Bay (1951), but he had only starred in a film adaptation of stage musical once before. MacRae, despite a long hiatus from the Broadway stage, is a natural here: charming and exuding a natural chemistry with co-star Shirley Jones. This exterior, however, is not without malice – as seen in the scene where Curly tries to influence Jud to commit self-harm. Cut from the same baritone cloth like contemporary Howard Keel (Frank Butler in 1950’s Annie Get Your Gun, Adam Pontipee in 1954’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), MacRae never achieved the popularity that other stage-to-screen musical stars of the ‘30s and ‘40s did (and, of course, Julie Andrews much later on).

The film’s surprise package for audiences in 1955 was in Shirley Jones. Jones, rather than subjecting herself to a vetting process by a director, casting director, or studio executives, was hand-picked by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Stunned by her 1953 audition for the premiere of South Pacific but wanting more experience for the then-nineteen-year-old, the songwriting duo kept Jones in mind for future productions and signed her on a contract (Jones was the first and only singer to be contracted to Rodgers and Hammerstein). With a few years of Broadway productions under her belt, Jones still came to Oklahoma! lacking an understanding on how to tailor sharper emotions to a film camera. With Fred Zinnemann’s assistance, she navigates Laurey’s light romantic comedy scenes and tumultuous friendship (if one can call it that) with Jud maturely – one could scarcely believe this is her cinematic debut. For Laurey, she accentuates the character’s naïveté, especially in respect to how she acts around men and romantic idealizations, without feeling grating or overacting (a common problem when approaching characters without much life experience) the part. Jones’ excellence in Oklahoma! would land her the lead in Carousel (1956), with other Hollywood hits in Elmer Gantry (1960) and The Music Man (1962) to follow.

As their artistic collaboration progressed, Rodgers and Hammerstein did not shy away from asking heavier questions in their musicals. Their first two projects, Oklahoma! and the musical film State Fair (1945) are relatively airy, flighty compared to their successors – the darkness of morality in Carousel, the racist beliefs of the lead character in South Pacific. Foreshadowing that later drama in successive musicals is the misanthropic (not just misogynistic) character of Jud Fry. Played by Rod Steiger, Jud is a villain without any redeeming qualities in the original musical. Steiger’s Jud remains a reprehensible character, but Steiger – as have most other actors who have played Jud in on stage in the decades since – positions Jud as more of a loner whose social ineptitude results in an unchecked covetousness over Laurey. To some reading that last sentence, that distinction between portrayals of Jud may not make any meaningful difference in one’s negative opinions about the character and his actions. Yet, Steiger’s portrayal of Jud – as sloppy, maladjusted, knowing little else about life other than farm work – is nevertheless a refinement on the character Rodgers and Hammerstein originally did not give much thought to.

Zinnemann’s dramatic tendencies needed moderation, as they sometimes threated to overshadow the musical features. Although, to Zinnemann’s credit, as a dramatist first, he imbues Oklahoma! with a dramatic fervor that came to define all Rodgers and Hammerstein musical film versions after it – something that one never received from the somewhat assembly line-like musical from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and Fox. Oklahoma! was Zinnemann’s first widescreen film, as well as the first time he shot in color.  The emotional intensity of his earlier movies would be antithetical to the sweeping rural cinematography that he and cinematographer Robert Surtees (1959’s Ben-Hur, 1971’s The Last Picture Show) and Floyd Crosby (1931’s Tabu: A Story of the South Seas, 1960’s House of Usher) needed to capture. Zinnemann, Surtees, and Crosby offer sumptuous images of the Arizona countryside (Oklahoma’s oil wells proved too plentiful and distracting for the production) and the inviting blue sky that overhangs the cornfields sweeping across the land. With widescreen cameras rather new around 1955, the cameras wisely stay further back in interior scenes (shot at MGM’s studios in Culver City, California) with numerous people, directing our gaze centrally with brilliant blocking from the actors. The staging nevertheless feels like a stagebound musical during some interior scenes, like a lower-budget MGM musical with a trivial plot.

The widescreen cinematography, of course, was purposefully a showcase – see the shots of Gene Nelson spinning his rope directly towards the camera in “Kansas City” and the shot of an overly-excited auctioneer hammering their gavel and having the gavel nearly break the camera in another. Magna Theatre Corporation intended Oklahoma! to be a demonstration of their new Todd-AO 70mm process, in hopes of competing against Cinerama (which used three synchronized projectors at once on a curved screen). Because some theaters could not support the widescreen prints, two different versions of Oklahoma! exist: one in Todd-AO and another in CinemaScope (the latter a 20th Century Fox invention). This review is based on the Todd-AO print – which I recommend over the CinemaScope print – that currently is streaming on Disney+. Another note about the Todd-AO print: the first two films shot on Todd-AO 70mm – Oklahoma! and Around the World in Eighty Days (1956) – were shot in 30 frames per second (FPS) rather than the standard twenty-four. Thus, the Todd-AO print will appear slightly smoother in motion than most all other films, including modern ones.

Why 30 FPS for film screenings in 1955? Higher frames per second result in less noticeable light flickering and more dynamic colors (these effects for movies shot at higher FPS rates only apply to films shot on film stock, not digital). However, film projectors with a Todd-AO print would run hotter, requiring simultaneous cooling of the film while it ran through the projector. All subsequent films shot on Todd-AO reverted to the standard twenty-four frames per second.

Diehard musical fans often consider Fred Zinnemann’s Oklahoma! the most faithful – narratively, musically – of all the Rodgers and Hammerstein film adaptations. Deleted from Oklahoma! are two songs: Ali Hakim’s chauvinistic “It’s a Scandal, It’s a Outrage! [sic]” and Jud’s brooding “Lonely Room”. The former has among the least musical interest in the entire musical, but “Lonely Room” might have been a helpful source of characterization of Steiger’s Jud (the limited vocal range required for the song would suit Steiger). Otherwise, some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most iconic songs are present, starting with “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’”. Sung solo by MacRae on horseback (as opposed to being sung completely offstage in the original stage version), it serves the same purpose as the title song from The Sound of Music (1965) does. It establishes Curly’s character (mostly), and establishing the vast environs where the film takes place. The atmospheric opening shot of the camera moving through the corn and opening up into a grassy landscape might seem corny inane, but what a visual message it sends for one of the early widescreen American movies. Curly’s solo leads into “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top”, as he attempts to woo Laurey into accompanying him to the box social. A brief visual aside to allow viewers who do not know what a surrey looks like is a touch that a stage musical cannot provide, but this song – along with my choice of the best song in the musical, “People Will Say We’re in Love” (which gives MacRae and Jones a lovely duet with the production’s most romantic melodies) – exemplifies the rapport between MacRae and Jones and their two characters.

There remains charm aplenty across the musical score. Gene Nelson’s rendition of “Kansas City” is by no means essential to the plot of Oklahoma!, but it is a diverting number with some fancy footwork by not only Nelson (essentially the film’s comic relief and using a perfect, non-jarring voice for such a role), but Charlotte Greenwood and the scene’s extras as well. And then, arriving late, there is also the lively title song, delivered by MacRae with a similar energy as he employs for “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’”. “Oklahoma” became the official state song for Oklahoma in 1953, replacing a lesser-known song, “Oklahoma – A Toast”. Credit must also go to the extras and chorus for spearheading the song for its second half, as well as Robert Russell Bennett for his gorgeous (and definitive) vocal arrangement.

As its theatrical release drew near, details of the distribution of Oklahoma! would depend on which print a theater received. If a movie theater screened the Todd-AO 70mm print, Magna handled the distribution; if they showed the anamorphic CinemaScope 35mm print, the responsibility fell to RKO. RKO – the studio that gave audiences King Kong (1933), Citizen Kane (1942), and distributed all Disney movies until Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue (1954) – had fallen into turmoil by the mid-1950s and, by decade’s end, would be the first of the Big Five Hollywood studios to cease operations. The studio’s tyrannical owner, the eccentric Howard Hughes, disemboweled the studio from the inside out, and is a story for another day. Due to Hughes’ mismanagement, RKO withdrew from distribution and, in their place, came 20th Century Fox. Todd-AO and Fox shared theatrical and home media rights until Fox’s purchase by Disney in 2019; Todd-AO and Disney retain the split-ownership arrangement over Oklahoma!.

Though Oklahoma! is not usually part of most cinephiles’ and musical nerds’ pantheons of great Hollywood musicals, its contributions to the subsequent Rodgers and Hammerstein film adaptations are unmistakable. The duo’s closeness to numerous parts of the film’s production, the stunning widescreen cinematography, and the casting of actors with proven musical ability are hallmarks to be replicated, even in lesser adaptation such as South Pacific (1958) and Flower Drum Song (1961). For Rodgers and Hammerstein, they were so pleased from working with Fox that they continued to provide the rights to their musicals for all of their works’ adaptations with the exception of Flower Drum Song (which went to Universal). Like their work on Broadway, their best music and best movie adaptations of their musicals was yet to arrive. Oklahoma! marks a solid, healthy start to that run of adaptations, a hallmark of mid-century American moviemaking.

My rating: 7.5/10

^ Based on my personal imdb rating. My interpretation of that ratings system can be found in the “Ratings system” page on my blog (as of July 1, 2020, tumblr is not permitting certain posts with links to appear on tag pages, so I cannot provide the URL).

For more of my reviews tagged “My Movie Odyssey”, check out the tag of the same name on my blog.

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9 Things You Didn’t Know About Bolt

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Time rightfully flies, friends. today marks Bolt ‘ s 7th anniversary ! In celebration of one of our front-runner Disney dogs, we ’ ve compiled a number of 9 facts you might not have known about the film. Are you fix to learn ? Excellent. Keep on reading !

1. Animators brought a giant star inflatable hamster musket ball to the studio.

To relieve stress and get inside the beware of Rhino, the animators rolled up and down the halls in it for fun .

Reading: 9 Things You Didn’t Know About Bolt

2. Mittens ’ voice is actually Susie Essman ’ s normal talk articulation.

After Susie Essman was cast in the function of Mittens, the directors loved her normal speak spokesperson sol much, that they requested that she use it rather of creating a unique tone for the character .

3. The animators took inspiration from Michael Bay for the movie ’ s Bolt TV express.

When John Lasseter gave the animators the challenge to create a Bolt television show that would be stimulate adequate for network television, they looked to Michael Bay ’ s carry through films for inspiration. As a result, they relied on deep blacks and bright colors, which served as a nice contrast to the much softer textures and colors seen in the very worldly concern .

4. The crew adopted a hamster to help them animate Rhino.

While John Lasseter ’ s pet chinchilla served as inspiration for Rhino ’ south design, the crowd adopted a hamster and studied his movement on a tabloid of plexiglas to get a better theme of how Rhino would walk in his fictile ball. They named him Doink .

5. The voice actors behind Mittens and Bolt never actually met.

Despite having many shared scenes, actors Susie Essman ( Mittens ) and John Travolta ( Bolt ) never recorded in concert.

Read more: My Dog Has Bad Gas Suddenly – What’s Going On?

6. When the directors gave Mark Walton the character of Rhino, they caught his reaction on tape.

Typically, before bringing the endowment into the studio, a movie ’ mho animators volunteer to record a drill run of the script. When animator Mark Walton came in and read for Rhino the hamster, the directors liked his performance so much that they cast him in the character. But before telling him, they had him come in for one more take and slipped the line, “ I am the voice of Rhino ” into the script. They had a camera set up to catch his surprise chemical reaction .

7. real locations were used as inhalation for the film ’ south lighting.

To nail the natural deviation in lighting between several of the film ’ randomness divers locations, the gang went to LA, an Ohio dawdler park, the streets of New York, the San Francisco docks, and the desert surrounding Las Vegas to take photographs—which they late used as reference during output. In fact, the hotels and casinos shown in the Las Vegas scenes actually exist .

8. The film ’ s art style was inspired by the work of Edward Hopper.

alternatively of going full CG, the animators opted for a softer approach, using the paintings of Edward Hopper as inspiration. They found a way to recreate brushstrokes in the computer and used that method to set the film ’ s 3D objects against a 2D backdrop .

9. Bolt ’ mho search is based on a breed of White german Shepherd.

Though Bolt ’ s engender was never defined in the film, the chief character energizer, Joe Moshier, has indicated that the wonder chase is loosely based on a White german Shepherd puppy that the team studied during production ; his huge ears, and bushy chase are abruptly giveaways.

Read more: Can You Use Dog Shampoo on a Cat? – Bathing and Grooming

Posted 6 years ago

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