by Don Rose
Here is a second-hand report that may be sad news for SNL lovers: FoxNews.com reports that The New York Post reported that the Saturday Night Live staff has been fired, without severance! This is amazing news, if true. NBC reps have not commented as of this writing.
In related news, the SNL cast performed a live show in New York over the weekend, and their long-time producer Lorne Michaels even attended. The hot ticket event, which featured double the normal number of sketches but had the same general show structure as a regular SNL show, was held at the Upright Citizens Brigade, which was founded by SNL femme fave Amy Poehler (and which has a great Los Angeles location on Franklin in Hollywood).
We should note that Saturday Night Live has survived crises before, and The LA Report predicts it will be back, eventually, better than ever. It always has. Since writers and producers are set to return to talks in a few days, let's cross our fingers that the WGA strike will soon end, and NBC's whole lineup of groundbreaking late night shows will soon be off repeats and on the air again. As far as we at The LA Report are concerned, NBC stands for No Better Comedy.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
NOV. 16: CUTIES FOR CANINES BENEFIT AT 5TH AND SUNSET STUDIOS, WEST LA
For more information, please go to www.cutiesforcanines.org/events.asp - a fun time for a great cause, highly recommended by The LA Report.
BLONDE BOMBSHELL & FILM LEGEND MAMIE VAN DOREN LAUNCHES FINE WINE LINE IN LOS ANGELES
Screen Queen Van Doren Teams with Wine Country Cellars and the L.A. Press Club to Launch First Limited Edition of Collectible Mamietage® Wine Bottles at Boffo VIP/Press Reception at Elegant Eleven Restaurant
by Don Rose
(November 14, 2007 : West Hollywood - Los Angeles, CA) Mamie Van Doren held court tonight as a bevy of beauties - including actresses Rena Reffel (Showgirls), Lorielle New (Grindhouse), and former Playboy Playmate Carol Vitale - joined other celebs, VIPs and media to celebrate the release of a new series of wine bottles with a unique feature: each label on the 1.5 liter bottles feature one of three images of Mamie. Two of the images are of Mamie today, and the third image is from Mamie at age 21. The wine labels are unique in that they all feature nude poses of Mamie covered up by a top, clear "peel away" label that has stars strategically placed. Peel the label away, and there is Mamie nude. The peel away portion is attached, and can be replaced to its original position.
The wine is called Mamietage®, a Bordeaux blend from Sonoma County's Armida Winery, chosen by Mamie herself, with a limited production of only 2000 bottles of each image. Each of the 2000 bottles will be individually numbered.
"The delicious Bordeaux blend of Cabernet sauvignon, petite verdot, syrah and malbec was made and bottled by Armida Winery. This is a beautiful, rich wine with flavors of black cherry, vanilla, and a touch of chocolate. The light tannins and medium body give way to a long, fruit filled finish." SX Magazine Australia
Mamie Van Doren's early roles as a free-spirited teenager and, later, as a woman of the world, signaled the advent of the sexual revolution. The only surviving member of the trio of fifties blonde bombshells known as The Three M's — "Mamie, Monroe and Mansfield" — Mamie Van Doren carved a special niche for herself in cinema history, one which was very different from her peers. Though Mamie embodies Hollywood's Golden Age of the 50's, she refuses to live in the past and is as vivacious as ever, as her images above will clearly testify.
The L.A. Press Club, http://www.lapressclub.org/ - the oldest and most prestigious media membership organization in Southern California - recognized Mamie Van Doren once before, as their Miss Eightball in 1950. "I am so pleased to have the LA Press Club recognize me once again with my new wine venture. It seems like yesterday when I wore their Miss Eightball crown, when my studio career launched in the fabulous fifties," states Van Doren.
Armida Winery produced and bottled Mamietage® wine, and Armida wines were featured at the November 14th launch event, which took place at the beautiful West Hollywood eatery and bar called Eleven. Malkie, the charming Israeli woman who runs events at Eleven, encourages folks to consider their location for upcoming parties, and The LA Report recommends it, as the upstairs area Mamie used for her party is perfect for fun functions (we loved the fireplace, the open feel in front and the intimate back section perfect for creating a private VIP area).
A final note: one of the VIP guests at Mamie's wine launch party was popular Hollywood actor Harrison Held, who serves as host and producer of "The Ultimate Marilyn Trilogy," which celebrates that other famous fabulous fifties blonde bombshell! You can learn more about The Ultimate Marilyn Trilogy at http://www.harrisonheldstarmedia.com/.
Mamietage® is distributed exclusively by Armida Winery and Wine Country Cellars. A percentage of proceeds from the sale of the Mamietage® collection will benefit Mamie's favorite charity, the Aids Healthcare Foundation. For more information and images regarding the wine and Mamie Van Doren, please visit the web site at www.mamiewine.com. Eleven Restaurant is located in West Hollywood at 8811 Santa Monica Boulevard, corner of Larrabee - former site of the studio where music legend Prince recorded Purple Rain.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
WRITERS GUILD STRIKE: NEWS HIGHLIGHTS, NOV. 15
The latest letter to Guild members from WGA West President Verrone summarizes the writers' side of things -- a counterpoint to recent ads from the producers (AMPTP):
To My Fellow Members:
As expected, the AMPTP today took out another set of full page ads making misleading statements. While we can’t meet them ad dollar for ad dollar, I would like to refute their charges here.
* They say that technology and the Internet is rapidly changing how Hollywood works. This is true, which is why we need a new formula to determine compensation.
* They say that writers are already paid residuals for digital downloads. It's true some companies are trying to pay us for downloading shows we’ve created at the abysmal DVD rate of a third of a penny per dollar earned by the companies. But we have never agreed to this formula, and we have initiated arbitration.
* They say we are asking for a 700% increase over what we currently receive for digital downloads. This is more than misleading. Again, some companies are trying to pay us the DVD rate. And we are asking to receive 2.5 cents per dollar. The only way to characterize our request as a 700% increase is if you accept as a given the low ball amount they’re trying to foist on us.
* They say they have offered to pay us a percentage of the revenue from Internet streaming of shows we’ve created. Here’s the truth about their offer. We would get no share of revenue for the first six weeks that our shows air. In other words, they’re offering us a share of revenue after there is little revenue left.
* They say that no labor agreement in history has given writers, actors, or directors a portion of advertising dollars. Nowhere in any of our proposals have we ever asked for a share of ad dollars. As with every residual, we are asking for a share of the revenue the corporations receive.
While I am always eager to discuss these issues with the public and the members, I also aim to have these discussions directly with the AMPTP. Therefore, instead of spending money on advertising, I ask them to return to the negotiating table, which we never left.
We are all in this together.
Best,
Patric M. Verrone
President, WGA West
To My Fellow Members:
As expected, the AMPTP today took out another set of full page ads making misleading statements. While we can’t meet them ad dollar for ad dollar, I would like to refute their charges here.
* They say that technology and the Internet is rapidly changing how Hollywood works. This is true, which is why we need a new formula to determine compensation.
* They say that writers are already paid residuals for digital downloads. It's true some companies are trying to pay us for downloading shows we’ve created at the abysmal DVD rate of a third of a penny per dollar earned by the companies. But we have never agreed to this formula, and we have initiated arbitration.
* They say we are asking for a 700% increase over what we currently receive for digital downloads. This is more than misleading. Again, some companies are trying to pay us the DVD rate. And we are asking to receive 2.5 cents per dollar. The only way to characterize our request as a 700% increase is if you accept as a given the low ball amount they’re trying to foist on us.
* They say they have offered to pay us a percentage of the revenue from Internet streaming of shows we’ve created. Here’s the truth about their offer. We would get no share of revenue for the first six weeks that our shows air. In other words, they’re offering us a share of revenue after there is little revenue left.
* They say that no labor agreement in history has given writers, actors, or directors a portion of advertising dollars. Nowhere in any of our proposals have we ever asked for a share of ad dollars. As with every residual, we are asking for a share of the revenue the corporations receive.
While I am always eager to discuss these issues with the public and the members, I also aim to have these discussions directly with the AMPTP. Therefore, instead of spending money on advertising, I ask them to return to the negotiating table, which we never left.
We are all in this together.
Best,
Patric M. Verrone
President, WGA West
NOV. 15: ARTISTS FOR A NEW SOUTH AFRICA WILL BE “SHAKING THE BLUES” AT A GALA BENEFIT AT THE WILTERN THEATER
The November 15 event will feature performances by ERYKAH BADU, NIKKA COSTA, GEORGE LOPEZ, KEB’ MO’, TAJ MAHAL TRIO, THE ROOTS and more
Performers: Erykah Badu, The Roots, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal Trio, Nikka Costa, Cory Chisel, Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson.
MC’S: George Lopez, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, Jurnee Smollett, Victoria Rowell, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Nicole Hill.
Attendees: JJ Abrams, Earl Billings, Norman Lear, Tony Krantz. Roma Maffia, Gloria Reuben, Dule Hill, James Pickens, Jr., Anthony Anderson.
WHAT: “Shaking The Blues,” a star-studded benefit and show hosted by Artists For A New South Africa (ANSA).
WHERE: The Wiltern Theater, 3790 Wilshire Blvd. (at Western), Los Angeles, CA.
WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 2007. VIP Reception: 6:30 PM; Show: 7:45 PM.
WHY: ANSA is a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization originally founded in 1989 by noted members of the entertainment community with an initial goal of supporting the struggle against apartheid. For many years now it has been at the vanguard of the fight against the African AIDS pandemic, and committed to the cause of advancing democracy and equality in South Africa – as well as working to further civil rights and voting rights in the U.S. ANSA operates in partnership with effective grassroots organizations on the front lines of these issues and makes a substantial difference by: providing grants; raising public awareness; galvanizing support; building coalitions; focusing on the root causes of social problems; and developing new programs that address urgent needs. In the past 10 years alone, ANSA has raised over $9 million for African non-profits, shipped over 70 tons of medical supplies and books to impoverished communities, and educated millions of people in the U.S. and Africa about HIV/AIDS and voting rights.
Tickets for the gala "Shaking the Blues" benefit event are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
Performers: Erykah Badu, The Roots, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal Trio, Nikka Costa, Cory Chisel, Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson.
MC’S: George Lopez, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, Jurnee Smollett, Victoria Rowell, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Nicole Hill.
Attendees: JJ Abrams, Earl Billings, Norman Lear, Tony Krantz. Roma Maffia, Gloria Reuben, Dule Hill, James Pickens, Jr., Anthony Anderson.
WHAT: “Shaking The Blues,” a star-studded benefit and show hosted by Artists For A New South Africa (ANSA).
WHERE: The Wiltern Theater, 3790 Wilshire Blvd. (at Western), Los Angeles, CA.
WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 2007. VIP Reception: 6:30 PM; Show: 7:45 PM.
WHY: ANSA is a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization originally founded in 1989 by noted members of the entertainment community with an initial goal of supporting the struggle against apartheid. For many years now it has been at the vanguard of the fight against the African AIDS pandemic, and committed to the cause of advancing democracy and equality in South Africa – as well as working to further civil rights and voting rights in the U.S. ANSA operates in partnership with effective grassroots organizations on the front lines of these issues and makes a substantial difference by: providing grants; raising public awareness; galvanizing support; building coalitions; focusing on the root causes of social problems; and developing new programs that address urgent needs. In the past 10 years alone, ANSA has raised over $9 million for African non-profits, shipped over 70 tons of medical supplies and books to impoverished communities, and educated millions of people in the U.S. and Africa about HIV/AIDS and voting rights.
Tickets for the gala "Shaking the Blues" benefit event are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
Monday, November 12, 2007
NOV. 12: 4TH ANNUAL TV DVD AWARDS
For 2007, Home Media Magazine presents its highly-anticipated awards ceremony and cocktail reception as a standalone event, honoring the best DVD releases of TV shows past and present
posted by Don Rose
Home Media Magazine's Fourth Annual TV DVD awards takes place this year on November 12, 2007. The best TV DVD releases of the past year, as selected by a national consumer vote, will be honored at a gala dinner and cocktail party, with surprise guests drawn from the ranks of legendary TV stars. HMM's event honors TV DVD releases that came to market between Sept. 1, 2006, and Sept. 30, 2007, focusing on the entire DVD treatment — transfer quality, sound and picture, menu design, ease of use, navigation, packaging and other elements relevant to the DVD.
Studios nominated entries in 16 categories:
Best 2000s Series
Best 1990s Series
Best 1980s Series
Best 1970s Series
Best 1960s Series
Best 1950s Series
Best Animated Series
Best Children’s Series
Best Reality Series
Best Variety Series
Best One-Season Wonder
Best Miniseries/Made-for-TV Movie
Best Foreign TV Release
Best Made-for-TV Documentary
Best Bonus Materials
Best Complete-Series Set.
A panel of DVD and film critics nominated three titles in each category. Voting was done by retailers and consumers through www.homemediamagazine.com and www.tvshowsondvd.com from Oct. 15 through Oct. 26, 2007. Winners will be announced at the TV DVD Awards celebration November 12th. The LA Report highly recommends this event, as it is not only a fun affair but also an intriguing look into the current and future trends in TV DVD -- one of the most popular segments of the DVD industry.
For more information on the TV DVD awards, please see www.dvdconferences.com.
posted by Don Rose
Home Media Magazine's Fourth Annual TV DVD awards takes place this year on November 12, 2007. The best TV DVD releases of the past year, as selected by a national consumer vote, will be honored at a gala dinner and cocktail party, with surprise guests drawn from the ranks of legendary TV stars. HMM's event honors TV DVD releases that came to market between Sept. 1, 2006, and Sept. 30, 2007, focusing on the entire DVD treatment — transfer quality, sound and picture, menu design, ease of use, navigation, packaging and other elements relevant to the DVD.
Studios nominated entries in 16 categories:
Best 2000s Series
Best 1990s Series
Best 1980s Series
Best 1970s Series
Best 1960s Series
Best 1950s Series
Best Animated Series
Best Children’s Series
Best Reality Series
Best Variety Series
Best One-Season Wonder
Best Miniseries/Made-for-TV Movie
Best Foreign TV Release
Best Made-for-TV Documentary
Best Bonus Materials
Best Complete-Series Set.
A panel of DVD and film critics nominated three titles in each category. Voting was done by retailers and consumers through www.homemediamagazine.com and www.tvshowsondvd.com from Oct. 15 through Oct. 26, 2007. Winners will be announced at the TV DVD Awards celebration November 12th. The LA Report highly recommends this event, as it is not only a fun affair but also an intriguing look into the current and future trends in TV DVD -- one of the most popular segments of the DVD industry.
For more information on the TV DVD awards, please see www.dvdconferences.com.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
NOV. 8-11: 4TH ANNUAL ARTIVIST FILM FESTIVAL & AWARDS
"Merging Art & Activism For Global Consciousness" NOVEMBER 8-11, 2007
This year's Artivist is partnering with KPFK Radio and CURRENT TV, reaching more than 25 million people. Join us in celebrating the 4th ANNUAL ARTIVIST. "ARTIVIST" is the 1st international Film Festival & Awards dedicated to addressing Human Rights, Children's Advocacy, Environmental Preservation, and Animal Advocacy. Our purpose is to strengthen the voice of international activist artists - "Artivists" - while raising public awareness for social global causes.
60 FILMS * 25 COUNTRIES * 1 MISSION: GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Join filmmakers, artists, and the progressive community from around the world as we unite at the annual Artivist Film Festival to address the importance of art and activism in our global community. This year's extensive and diverse Film Program includes narrations from: the Dalai Lama, Harrison Ford, Ted Danson, Paul Newman, Kevin Costner, Kevin Spacey, Jimmy Smits, Mary Steenburgen, Val Kilmer, Ingrid Newkirk, Peter Segar, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Gene Baur, Ray Bradbury, Tommy Chong, Ralph Nader, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Eve Ensler, Daryl Hannah, and Stuart Townsend, narrating various issues and taking us on diverse journeys that lead to the healing qualities of compassion, teamwork, preservation, and reminding all of us of the interdependence between Humanity, Animals, and the Environment.
OPENING NIGHT FILM "America the Beautiful" Nov. 8, 2007
RED CARPET: 7PM FILM SCREENING: 8PM
Los Angeles Premiere
BE THIN. BE YOUNG. BE PERFECT. BE BEAUTIFUL.
With wit, humor, and inspiration, "America the Beautiful" challenges mainstream "beauty". Images of "perfect beauty" bombard us on television, billboards and through the glossy pages of magazines. Desperately trying to achieve ideals created by companies who want ever increasing profits, we are buying cosmetics, diet pills, fashion, and plastic surgeries at an ever increasing rate. Every day, American women and girls are being directly and indirectly marketed with the notion that they are ugly, fat, old, or must be "improved", to the profitable tune of more than $150 BILLION dollars a year. So... who is actually profiting from this high-priced journey? And at what cost to your health, self-esteem and happiness? "America the Beautiful" takes us on an eye opening journey through the fashion world, the cosmetic industry, and the diet pill, pharmaceutical and plastic surgery industries. The film also addresses how these industries directly influence eating disorders, self-esteem issues, and depression among millions of American women and girls. "America the Beautiful" is the perfect Film to share with all of the women and girls you love and ultimately reminds all of us what real "beauty" is all about!
Join the Artivist Film Festival for the Los Angeles Premiere of their Opening Night Film, "America the Beautiful" on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the Egyptian Theatre in the heart of Hollywood. The Film is followed by an evening reception featuring an "Alternative, Eco-Friendly Fashion Show" celebrating beautiful women of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages!
This year's Artivist is partnering with KPFK Radio and CURRENT TV, reaching more than 25 million people. Join us in celebrating the 4th ANNUAL ARTIVIST. "ARTIVIST" is the 1st international Film Festival & Awards dedicated to addressing Human Rights, Children's Advocacy, Environmental Preservation, and Animal Advocacy. Our purpose is to strengthen the voice of international activist artists - "Artivists" - while raising public awareness for social global causes.
60 FILMS * 25 COUNTRIES * 1 MISSION: GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Join filmmakers, artists, and the progressive community from around the world as we unite at the annual Artivist Film Festival to address the importance of art and activism in our global community. This year's extensive and diverse Film Program includes narrations from: the Dalai Lama, Harrison Ford, Ted Danson, Paul Newman, Kevin Costner, Kevin Spacey, Jimmy Smits, Mary Steenburgen, Val Kilmer, Ingrid Newkirk, Peter Segar, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Gene Baur, Ray Bradbury, Tommy Chong, Ralph Nader, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Eve Ensler, Daryl Hannah, and Stuart Townsend, narrating various issues and taking us on diverse journeys that lead to the healing qualities of compassion, teamwork, preservation, and reminding all of us of the interdependence between Humanity, Animals, and the Environment.
OPENING NIGHT FILM "America the Beautiful" Nov. 8, 2007
RED CARPET: 7PM FILM SCREENING: 8PM
Los Angeles Premiere
BE THIN. BE YOUNG. BE PERFECT. BE BEAUTIFUL.
With wit, humor, and inspiration, "America the Beautiful" challenges mainstream "beauty". Images of "perfect beauty" bombard us on television, billboards and through the glossy pages of magazines. Desperately trying to achieve ideals created by companies who want ever increasing profits, we are buying cosmetics, diet pills, fashion, and plastic surgeries at an ever increasing rate. Every day, American women and girls are being directly and indirectly marketed with the notion that they are ugly, fat, old, or must be "improved", to the profitable tune of more than $150 BILLION dollars a year. So... who is actually profiting from this high-priced journey? And at what cost to your health, self-esteem and happiness? "America the Beautiful" takes us on an eye opening journey through the fashion world, the cosmetic industry, and the diet pill, pharmaceutical and plastic surgery industries. The film also addresses how these industries directly influence eating disorders, self-esteem issues, and depression among millions of American women and girls. "America the Beautiful" is the perfect Film to share with all of the women and girls you love and ultimately reminds all of us what real "beauty" is all about!
Join the Artivist Film Festival for the Los Angeles Premiere of their Opening Night Film, "America the Beautiful" on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the Egyptian Theatre in the heart of Hollywood. The Film is followed by an evening reception featuring an "Alternative, Eco-Friendly Fashion Show" celebrating beautiful women of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages!
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