Hollywood Forever Cemetery...the Chalk Repertory Theatre launches with high spirits!

The hosts of the event beamed as they circled the main room of the old Masonic Lodge spreading word about an upcoming production of Three Sisters, enthusiastic guests chatted each other up over mulled wine, and the adventurous sampled delectable finger treats delightfully decorated for the holiday season.

Earlier, torrential rains that showered down on the big bad orange, originally posed an impending dilemma, though.

I was scheduled to attend the launch for the Chalk Repertory Theatre in Hollywood proper at 7:30 p.m. last evening.

But normally, I shy away from driving at night or in the rain.

So, I was hit with a double-whammy!

Finally after much dickering, I opted to leave the car parked in its stall and headed out on foot full of vim and vigor.



The soiree was being held at the infamous Hollywood Forever Cemetery - so, of course - enthusiasm for the night's festivities had heightened.


Locals are probably familiar with the burial grounds because a number of legendary Hollywood actors lay at rest here - Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Tyrone Power - for instance.

A few years ago, the cemetery fell into disrepair and the business end of the ghoulish enterprise ended up in the Bankruptcy court.

Two angels sauntered into picture and saved the hallowed grounds from an uncertain fate just in the nick of time.

Just recently, the owners refurbished the Masonic Lodge to its former glory.

Before the overhaul commenced, the turn-of-the-century architectural marvel stood in as a storage facility.

Now, it's primed and ready to serve as a sacred place of contemplation for loved ones wrenching their hands and holding back tears as those near and dear are ceremoniously laid to rest at the cemetery, among other things.

The beautifully-crafted ceiling crowning the upstairs hall is strikingly similar to one that is installed in the Clark Gable/Carole Lombard penthouse suite at the Roosevelt Hotel.

So, I surmise the handiwork reflects a style and design popular pre-war.

I arrived at the function early, so I was inclined to alight onto an elegant gold-leafed chair in the front foyer, which beckoned to me for some reason.

Maybe I'll pick up on the presence of a spiritual entity, I thought to myself.

A short while later, a young man scrambled down the stairs and was taken aback when he stumbled upon in deep trance.

"That's normally where the ghost perches," he exclaimed in near shock.

Didn't surprise me, one bit.

After all, the other evening when I awoke in the middle of the night, I flicked on the radio to encounter a host and guest in deep conversation about ghosts, troubled spirits, and the like.

So, there appeared to be some synchronicity here.

Upstairs, a tony crowd of theatre-enthusiasts, gathered to support the five inspired young ladies who recently formed the Chalk Rep Co.

All graduates of the University of California (San Diego M.F.A. Theatre Program), the visionary founders include actresses Jennifer Chang, Amy Ellenberger and Hilary Ward; director Larissa Kokernot; and playwright Ruth McKee.

In a brief talk center-stage as the party was in full swing, a spokesperson for the group noted that "Chalk Rep" will be dedicated to producing classical and contemporary plays in unconventional spaces.

In fact, their first production will be a premiere of Susan Coyne's adaptation of Chekhov's celebrated play - Three Sisters - which boasts an opening night on February 1st (2009) at the Masonic.

The classic Russian tale will feature an Asian-American family - and a diverse cast - including Desperate Housewives’ Ricardo Chavira in the role of Vershinin.

Ultimately, it is the hope of the creative team at Chalk to "work with a diverse group of artists", "create work designed to reach a non-traditional audience", and - in the process - stimulate a meaningful dialogue in the community.

"We believe in investing in people whether it is our artists or our audience. By using alternative spaces we avoid traditional production costs which allows us to use our resources toward providing employment opportunities and keeping ticket prices affordable."

Hence, the venue at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which is an inspiring space which resonates with "spirit", quite literally!

Following up "Three Sisters" at the Masonic, there will be a reprise of what is described as a "site-specific play" - titled "Family Planning" - which is allegedly an intimate portrait of a marriage strained by infertility.

"Family Planning" will be performed in a highly-novel venue: in private living-rooms around the city of Los Angeles.

Intriguing, eh?

The 2009 theatrical season will conclude with a world-premiere production of the Ruth McKee international adoption drama - "Stray" - performed in a school auditorium.

Chalk Rep is supported by private donations, tickets sales, and a partnership with Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Specifically, "Three Sisters" is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas (a non-profit arts service organization).

Info: http://www.chalkrep.com/

Founding "Mothers"?

AFI FEST...Danish Film Festival opening night a smash! Wrestler a bore...

Well, it was a toss up.

Should I attend a screening of the Wrestler (Mickey Rourke) - and determine for myself if the Oscar-buzz rumors were true - or mix and mingle with filmmakers at the opening night soiree for the Danish Film Festival kicking off last night?

Fortunately, I chose the latter.

According to a couple of my press buddies - who schlepped over to Mann's Chinese for the premiere of Rourke's new release - the red carpet scene there was a collossal bore.

The film?

So-so, they shrugged!

Meanwhile, across the street in the Oscar Room amid the old-world charm of The Roosevelt Hotel, excited Danish filmmakers chatted each other up about the state of their film industry.

The Danes know how to toss a classy festive party!

Fine wine flowed freely, as the well-heeled guests feasted on a scrumptious assortment of quality imported cheeses, tasty crackers, and mouth-watering finger food.

Fortunately, Lene Pels JoRgensen - the Director/Creator of the Danish Film Fest - was on hand to enlighten me about the Danish offerings slated to screen over the next few days under the umbrella of the AFI Fest in Hollywood.

"There are quite a few collaborations now," she noted with a touch of pride in her voice. "Germany, Sweden - and other European countries - are co-producing features to be released on the world market."

Not surprisingly, the government provides financing for films - as they do in Canada, for instance - which often helps jump-start projects.

When I asked if there was a stipulation that projects be shot on Danish soil, Jorgensen was quick to respond.

"It depends on the specific project."

Danish filmmakers are going beyond their culture now in respect to subject matter, too.

"There is a push to produce International films that have widespread appeal in foreign markets."

I was curious if there was a star system there, like the one we have in the U.S.

"We have recognizable Danish actors. One was in a James Bond thriller."

At this point, she glanced around the room to take stock of the guests.

"Yes, a couple are here tonight," she assured me.

The Danish Film Festival is three years old and gathering steam.

"We're happy with the AFI Fest association."

According to festival organizers, there are many current trends in the Danish Film market that signal where the industry is going.

There is a focus on low-budget films, for instance.

While films with production budgets of around 2.5 million euros dominated in recent years, there is a tendency to be more prudent now.

"There is no money in medium-budget films. Films in the 2.5 million euros range have become too expensive to be innovative and too cheap to be unique. Consequently, our declared strategy now is either to make very inexpensive films or very expensive films," noted Peter Aalbaek Jensen, head of Zentropa.

Zentropa was founded in 1992 and has established itself far beyond the Danish borders. The company is known for edgy independent films by Lars von Trier and directors like Susanne Bier, Per Fly and Annette K. Olesen.

There stature in the industry is pretty solid, too.

Zentropa's films have won Golden Palm awards, the Silver Bear, and have represented Denmark at four Academy Award ceremonies.

Nordisk films acquired a 50% stake in Zentropa earlier this year; subsequently, that quick infusion of cash will not only help launch a handful of International productions, but create a Northern European "powerhouse" capable of attracting the strongest creative forces, industry-insiders opined.

To foster innovation in the Danish Cinema, the Festival has started up a pilot program to subsidize films with small budgets of no more than 10 million kroner (1.34 million euros).

"With Ra/Film, we hope to contribute some innovation in Danish cinema because such low budgets force filmmakers to take risks and basically demand a good story, since you can't just crank up the effects," DFI CEO Henrik Bo Nielsen said.

Ra/Film is wide open to genre.

It also doesn't matter if the artists are fresh out-of-the-gate or talented seasoned pros.

Innovative thinking is the key factor, one insider emphasized.

After years of niceties, Danish filmgoers are apparently looking for something raw and unglossed, my sources say.

Of course, Danish filmmakers (and funders) are quick on-the-uptake and intend to meet that demand.

For a list of films, and a brief rundown on screenings, check out the website.

www.danishfilmfest.com

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Fest...glittering parties & hobnobbing amid the old world charm of the Roosevelt Hotel

As I climbed the small winding staircase, and stepped out onto the landing, the view took my breath away.

In the distance, the Hollywood Hills carved a jagged dark line across the horizon, and a quarter moon hung just to the right of Venus, the only brilliant star winking out at the guests below on the roof of the 3-story penthouse at the Roosevelt Hotel.

The spectacular suite - once a love nest for film greats Carole Lombard and Clark Gable - was the setting for a glittering after-party for the West Coast Premiere of the new feature film release "OF ALL THE THINGS".

Director Jody Lambert - who attended a red carpet event at the ArcLight earlier - strolled in with well-wishers in tow.



There was a lot of glad-handing and the liquor flowed.

I sipped on perfectly-chilled champagne provided by an impeccably-dressed rep from Barefoot Wine, Eric Dorton


Of course, a number of well-heeled guests charged the bar for the exotic cocktails, too, that were being conjured up from one Fest sponsor's product, the ever-popular party favor, Absolut.

"OF ALL THE THINGS" focuses on the career of Dennis Lambert who started out as a child performer in the Catskills and ended up with a recording contract at Capitol Records at a startlingly young age.

The man with a remarkable musical ear proceeded to make inroads in the industry when he wrote & produced hits for Freddie & the Dreamers (Do the Freddie); the Nashville Teens (Find my Way back Home); The McCoys (Up & Down); and the Roulettes (I Can't Stop).

Lambert went on to work with Dusty Springfield, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Glen Campbell (Rhinestone Cowboy).

The giant left the business for a number of years, but was finally persuaded by a Filipino promoter to go on tour and saunter back into the spotlight.

"Of All the Things" chronicles that successful transition back into the limelight.

And, as Lambert's son chuckled, offers filmgoers a chance to watch "Dad" get his musical mojo back.

In the past, the AFI has spun out its celluloid offerings from a spiffy rooftop lounge at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome, with all the modern conveniences.

This year, the Fest chose to center its base of operations amid the old-world charm of the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood proper.


This year, AFI Fest Members and the media are being treated to a round of scintillating press junkets and dazzling soirees at the AUDI SUITE - for instance - where film buffs may savor a bird's eye view of the famous pool (adorned with a swirl of soothing patterns by noted English painter David Hockney).

The Cinema Lounge in the Oscar Room, meanwhile, wows with its panoramic view of Hollywood Boulevard, Walk of Fame, and ornately decorated Mann's Chinese Theatre across the street.

The Roosevelt has always maintained a unique relationship with the tony set in Tinsel Town.


The comfy Roosevelt was founded in 1927 by a handful of power brokers which included America's Sweetheart - Mary Pickford - Douglas Fairbanks, Sid Grauman, and Louis B. Mayer.

Initially, the Hotel housed filmmakers and their crews when they came out from the east coast to toil on location in the Los Angeles area.

The "Blossom Room" hosted the first Academy Awards Ceremony on May 19th, 1929.

Can you believe it?

Douglas Fairbanks and Al Jolson gave away 13 Statutes in a staggering five minutes.

A far cry from today's bloated three-hour televised presentations!

And, sexy siren - Marilyn Monroe - posed here at the swimming pool for her first modeling gig for a suntan lotion.

Down-on-his-luck - David Niven - actually set up a cot in the servant's quarters when he first came to Hollywood to break into the biz.

There have been some celebrated entrances onto the world stage here, too.

Mary Martin, for example, began her singing career at the Hotel's nightclub (Cinegrill).

Her salary was allegedly $35.00 a week.

If you're in the elevator or hall, you may hear guests whisper in hushed tones that there are apparently two ghosts haunting the Hotel.

Fifties screen idol Montgomery Clift allegedly haunts the ninth floor (suite #928) where he used to stroll the halls memorizing his lines for the Academy award-winning film - "From Here to Eternity".

Eyewitnesses swear they've heard loud noises coming from the empty suite - and going bump in the night - and that phones are often left mysteriously off the hook.

The other apparition is said to be the ghostly image of Marilyn which appears in a full-length mirror which used to hang in her poolside suite (now situated next to the elevator).

Unfortunately, The Roosevelt Hotel went into a decline in the 1950's.

Sadly, during that time-frame, one owner demolished exquisite archways, covered up elaborately painted ceilings, and bathed the entire hotel in a sickly shade of "green."

There was a call to tear down the "eyesore", but an "Angel" rescued the historic Hotel in the nick of time.

Radisson bought the historic hotel and restored it to its former glory with the aid of original blueprints and old period photographs at a cost of $35 million.

The swanky new old-world Roosevelt Hotel is also now protected by virtue of its status on the National Historic Register.

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI FEST...John Wildman (Publicity Director) screwed up! Meryl Streep walked carpet at "DOUBT" premiere...

Oh, sometimes life is such a laugh riot!

When I first started to deal with the Publicity Department at the AFI FESTIVAL, it struck me they were not on-the-ball.

But, I always endeavour to give people a chance to prove themselves.

So, I remained optimistic.

Shortly after I received the first batch of press contacts, I discovered right away that the staff in John Wildman's office (Director of Publicity) were providing the press with contact information that was not correct.

For example, when I attempted to reach the contact person posted for actor Joaquin Phoenix, I received an e-mail back from the film company that they were not handling any matters pertaining to Phoenix or the AFI FEST.

Communications I zipped off to the reps for Ms. Streep were summarily returned by DAEMON as failed-delivery items.

The contact information staff provided for Streep was incorrect, as well.

That's too bad, because maybe an embarrassing snafu at AFI may have been avoided, in respect to the "DOUBT" premiere last night (October 30th)

For example, Mr. Wildman informed me the afternoon before the red-carpet premiere, that Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman would be no-shows.

Based on the information, I thought I should pen a post to forewarn my readers (& film buffs) - that if they dashed down to the Theatre for a look-see - they may not catch glimpses of either Hoffman or Streep.

Well, as you probably heard, Ms. Streep did traipse down the carpet last night.

So, an irate person zipped off a comment this morning, chastising me for not getting my facts right!

Well, I laughed-out-loud.

Obviously, the woman has difficulty reading and comprehending English.

First, I noted in the blog post that at press time (October 29th) I was informed Streep and Hoffman would be no-shows.

If Mr. Wildman screwed up, and gave out the wrong information, I can't be faulted for that!

Secondly, there is the possibility that Streep, AFI FEST organizers, and the director read my post - and after-the-fact - got their acts together and made last-minute arrangements for Meryl Streep to put in an appearance so there wouldn't be anymore negative publicity.

Curious!

On Wednesday, I was also taken aback with the shoddy headquarters that the publicity department set up on the mezzanine floor in the Roosevelt Hotel.

The room was dark and gloomy, and caused my nose to wrinkle up, there was such a dank smell to it.

A tacky old sheet-like curtain ran along one side of the room dividing it in two.

And, a makeshift table had been thrown together, where press packets poorly-constructed of slip-shod xerox copies, awaited the media.

Not a splashy poster, or promo for any of the movies featured in the ten-day festival, in sight!

Surely, they hadn't decorated yet?

Frankly, I've never seen such a dismal set-up in any of the dozen festivals I've attended over the past year, CineVegas included!

Usually, the Director of Publicity has an inviting lounge - that not only appeals to the artistic sensibilities - but hints at the stature of the scintillating festival offerings that lay ahead to unveil at whim!

So far, the AFI Fest has been a real eye-opener.

The incompetent staff in the PR Dept. (John Wildman included) are a sorry excuse for a liason team with the media.

Well, tomorrow is another day!