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Dawn Drives Hollywood The day before I flew home to Australia, Dawn took me on a driving tour of her stomping grounds on Hollywood Boulevard. I photographed the passing parade while we reflected on its history, traded wisecracks and reminisced about the good times we'd enjoyed. The glamour of those famous intersections may have faded somewhat since their golden days, becoming overgrown with shops and tourist traps, but you can still feel "the fever" if you try... This is the penultimate section of my US travelogue, and runs directly into the LOOP After Party. Filmmaker's Notes: Another edited home movie, in the "holiday videos shot out the side of a moving car" style. My role(s) in this film: Director Cinematographer Editor
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Way better than a typical home movie
If it was just a vlog I would have moved it out of the film section, but actually, not only this is a well-cut documentary, it actually gives the feeling of being there. Maybe I'm biased because I'm planning my life around being there in 08... .. but regardless, promoted to front page! Looking at your tag list, Dave, I agree "romance" definitely applies to Vine and Hollywood intersection................ :)
Dawn, you were awesome! And yes, that razor sharp comedy bit did make me chuckle, actually!
Yummy visitors
I'm excited to read you'll be coming out to L.A. next year (and by "next", I mean less than 3 weeks from now...), Marco... you must let me know when you are in town so we can hang!!
p.s. Thank you for your sweet comment and for chuckling at my corny joke!
The Romance of Hollywood
Why thank you, Marco!
I'd been told by L.A. friends that Hollywood Blvd had been fixed up, and the prostitutes and drug dealers moved on, since I last saw it in the 90s, and it does appear to be true. It's far less tawdry than it was.
Glad you appreciate the romance of Hollywood & Vine, although a man does need to know his history, because it isn't much to look at! Still, it sounds like you'll be seeing it with your own eyes soon enough.
Dawn was indeed a wonderful guide- enough to make me believe the mantra "casting is everything."
Dawn, you camera slut you.
Oh wait, that would make you an actor person.
You are spending so much time with Karma Folk, you ought to start charging for tours, and couch surfing.
Lovely little piece, and nice choice in music.
Steven Gladstone
Director/Cinematographer
http://www.gladstonefilms.com
I prefer "camera love-making"
Golly, Steven, you calumniate my character...!
But I should take your suggestion to heart: Dawn's Tours... Akemi Holidays... Actress Walkabouts... eh, I'll start a business.
Memory Lane
Shucks, Dave....
It's a beautiful tribute to your last hours in L.A. and America...
p.s. Those shots were actually taken the day of your departure... but who's counting...
RE: Dawn, Dave and Marco (Communal Response)
To Dawn:
Last hours??! You make it sound like Dave died.
I haven't seen the video yet, but Dave doesn't die at the end, does he?
No wait. Don't tell me. I don't want the ending spoiled for me.
Oh, btw, you did good on your other standup. I did get to see that.
________________
To Dave:
I promise I'll get to this soon.
________________
To Marco:
I didn't realize you planned to move to LA in '08. Maybe I'll have to reconsider my plans and move out there in '08 too. haha. I hope to get back there eventually, but I just may have to do that sooner rather than later.
"last hours"
Dave didn't die, Eric, as you can tell, since he made a video...
....rather, when Dave left, L.A. died.
Noooooooo...........
Now I know that Dave didn't die, but in a rather complicated plot twist, LA dies instead.
You've just ruined the video for me. The ending has just been spoiled. *pouts*. haha
L.A. Dies
Great, now you've ruined the ending for me, and I already watched it once.
Existentially speaking, can L.A. die? If so, was it ever truly alive? Or only infested with creatures going through the motions, a semblance of life. Which one of us can say they have truly lived?
I need to get some heat down in this basement, I think I'm freezing my brain.
Steven Gladstone
Director/Cinematographer
http://www.gladstonefilms.com
A Calculated, Existential, Meloncholy Angst.
Existentially speaking, can L.A. die? If so, was it ever truly alive?
Or only infested with creatures going through the motions, a semblance
of life. Which one of us can say they have truly lived?
I suppose if LA could die, existentially speaking, it would be by suicide, due to a feeling of angst. It would be tough to say though, that the creatures are simply going through the motions, especially if we are still talking existentially. The very fact that they are moving at all, means they have been authenticated and therefore have meaning.
If they have meaning, they remove their angst. Ergo, they will not kill themselves, and therefore, LA can never truly die! Thus, this video speaks to the overall American cultural state of being. We must keep moving. We must keep doing. If we stop for even a moment, we will cease to exist. LA was just the backdrop for this little morality play that Dave put together....
I think my brain is frozen, more so than yours. haha.
Death and Rebirth
I think what I meant is that when Dave left, he took with him an essential spirit that can only be reborn upon his return.
Thus, Dave's video speaks eloquently to the Circle of Life.
having some fun
We just bein' silly and having fun. :)
I never even knew the spirit of Dave, since he just did a drive by Indiana. So, Indiana is still alive and kicking. But next time, when he shows up, he can take me with him, and then I don't care if Indiana dies. haha.
The Artist's Subtext
Yup, you got it, guys: this was indeed an existential morality play on the circle of life, a commentary on America's cultural state of being, an exploration of the tension between our apparent sense of purpose and the existential void... all disguised as a simple travelogue.
Welcome to Cafe Karma... Berets, anyone?
KarmaCritic Commune
I read "Commune" instead of "Communal" the first time, and I got thinking... I'm going to LA in 08, Dawn is there, Eric will be there at some point, EZ is there... it would be so cool to meet... oh, I dont know, twice a month.. and maybe watch some movies, drink coffee or whatever, trade scripts. Maybe get in a project together. Ah, I can dream :) We'll see how it goes next year :)
KarmaCritic Salon
That sounds great, Marco! And there is no reason to believe we couldn't create a project and work together! Hell, a salon would be a terrific place for brainstorming! Think positive... have faith... believe!!!
Central Perk
Or whatever the bar name was in CHEERS, anyone knows? Hey, we could make a sitcom!
FLASH OF LIGHT: its true!! we are all interesting characters, think about it! EZ.... Dawn.... Eric..... me too......... who else is there, oh, Robk!! we would make a helluva sitcom, we'd definitely top Cheers for sure :)
Cheers
For sure. Cheers has nothing on us. :)
Bring On the Hilarity
Oh, yes... a KarmaCritic sitcom would be mighty fun and funny!!
More than a home video
I agree with Marco
I like the composition, editing, music, all very nice
Dawn as well as always
thanks for share Dave
where is Roxy?
actually we could find some rock stars at Hollywood
to find some actors perhaps we have to move to Bell Air??
Marco really nice to know that you ar moving to LA
Victor...
Thank you.. you are awesome, as always!
Dear DawnStevenEricMarcoVictor:
Come to think of it, Dawn, you're right: that was indeed our final day. But then, I've never been one to let the truth get in the way of a good story. I've rejigged our drive through Hollywood to come before LOOP's After Party because the travelogue works better in that order... Print the legend!
Steven, glad you like the music. I'm using songs that I don't have permission to use to structure all these little travelogues (thank God for the Safe Harbor provision of the Millennium Copyright Act) but it's the only way I know to draw some order out of the chaos of my 14something hours of video footage. Might have to rescore everything if ever I manage to sell the entire compendium.
Eric, I always half-expect L.A. to be gone when I come back. So much of it seems to be built in temporary fashion: as if the people wanted to be ready to piss off at any time. Yet every time I land again, even years later, it's all still there- the same old dives, the same old streets, and happily, an awful lot of the same old friends.
Marco, I think you've created Central Perk already on the KarmaCritic server! Hard to see how you could top this in L.A...
And Victor, thanks for your nice words about my filmmaking. Perhaps it helps to think of these as simple "home movies" because it stops me from becoming a perfectionist, which I do when I'm being paid. This keeps it fun!
Safe harbor provision of millenium copyright act?
What is please?
Steven Gladstone
Director/Cinematographer
http://www.gladstonefilms.com
My Favourite Loophole
Oh, I'm quoting some advice from our illustrious captain there. Months ago, I told him:
I've been thinking I should upload a short film I made about my mum (6 minutes long), which pulls together 60 years of family home movies, cut together to a song from "A Chorus Line." There's another one (4 minutes) on my Dad, cut to "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers. Though I've been told they're my best work, my problem is that those are pretty famous songs: I fear the fee to clear the music for internet use would be prohibitive.
On the other hand, a thread on OTL (which I have saved) explored this issue, and it arrived at the conclusion that if your film is not on-line to make a profit, you won't be hassled. Where do you stand on music copyright? Would it be OK with you as the webmaster if I posted them up here, complete with "stolen" popular songs? (I gather youtube doesn't check.) I'd certainly like to.
FableForge answered:
I've read a lot (more than I should, probably) about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and we're okay under their "Safe Harbor" provision. In other words, if Kenny Rogers asks me to take down the video, I just might have to. But until that happens, you're in the clear. I think I will try to handle these in a case by case basis, and this is case this is obviously your work, and very personal at that, with just a component of someone else. I dont think there will be a problem at all, even if Kenny Rogers were to notice his song, he'll be more likely to grant you permission than to force you to remove it (think of the publicity for him!). So yeah, go right ahead man :)
Ze Chocolate Mooossee.
WAKA WAKA WAKA! and BORK BORK BORK! :-P
That was fun. Nice L and J cuts. And, fun to remember how much I miss LA. I've been to a few of those areas. In fact, the mountain where the Hollywood sign is... I stayed in the apartment complex just over to the other side of that mountain. The Oakwood Apartments. niiice. :)
I must get back to LA soon, or I'm afraid I'll die! Oh, and Dave, nice wisecracks from you as well as Dawn. This was more than a home movie. Home movie people don't edit like you did, and they certainly don't pick out perfectly chosen music, like you have. And, it's definitely not mixed well enough that the volume raises and lowers in all the proper places, like you've done.
Great work, Dave. 14-1/2 stars!
Expert Editor Eric
Ah, there's nothing like an expert's opinion! Thanks for all that, Eric. Truth be told, I had to google for the meaning of "L and J cuts". (Thought you might have been referring to Dawn's shorts!) It's gratifying that you noticed all those details in the sound, since probably half my editing time was spent on audio.
Back at the end of my college days, I was afraid I'd die if I didn't leave L.A. It's interesting to read you feel the opposite way. But while I've done a lot of naughty L.A. bashing over the years, I have to say it showed me one great time this year. It's nice to think that comes across in pictures and sound: looks like I really was inspired, despite myself!
More Dawn Akemi, please!!!
Man.
Mind Reader
cici!! I was just about to email you to say "Hurry up and watch this!" but it seems you read my mind.
Unfortunately, "Big Swizzlesticks Only" is the rule for riding with Dawn. Poor baby... You lose.
Seriously, though, I'm grateful for your continuing interest in my mega-travelogue. The next part's coming- the drive from Yellowstone to L.A.- and it features you and Jimmy and that awesome Dodge Charger you hired. VROOM VROOM VROOM!!
All Hail Queen Akemi
At least you two peasants have spent time with her Majesty. I have yet to meet my fair Queen. If anything, we should all be bowing to her, for the simple fact that she is royalty. We should make annual trips to her version of Mecca, and light candles to shrines set up in her honor.
Geez! I can't believe you two haven't thought of this.
That's Goddess Akemi To You
"From her immortal head a radiance is shown from heaven and embraces earth; and great is the beauty that ariseth from her shining light. The air, unlit before, glows with the light of her golden crown, and her rays beam clear, whensoever the Moon Goddess Aurora, having bathed her lovely body in the waters of Ocean, and donned her far-gleaming raiment, and yoked her strong-necked, shining team, drives on her long-maned horses at full speed, at eventime in the mid-month: then her great orbit is full and then her beams shine brightest as she increases. So she is a sure token and a sign to mortal men."
- Homeric Hymn
I'm all warm and fuzzy inside!
Thanks Dave, Eric and Cici for making me feel special!
" "
Ditto, baby!
I almost forgot!
Marco's moving to LA??? ALRIGHT!!! How cool is THAT??
Dawn and Dave
What was happening on the street that was blocked off? Filming? A premiere?
Man, this made me miss L.A.
"The greatest journeys are the ones that bring you home."--The Namesake
Red carpet events
It appeared to be some sort of film premiere at either the El Capitain or at Mann's Chinese Theatre... those theatres regularly host events big enough to shut down that whole block.
The timing was a tad unfortunate cause Dave would have had some great footage of the costumed characters that hang out there for tourist photographs.
But, we still had fun!!!
What She Said
Thanks for watching, Jan!
To answer your question- um, yeah, what Dawn said.
Hollywood Blvd.
...ah, memories.
Once when my daughter and I were in L.A. we were on Hollywood Blvd. and
the red carpet was set up for the premiere of "The Whole Ten Yards" at
Mann's so we watched for awhile. It was a circus atmosphere.
Not only did they NOT close the street (which really surprised me),
with Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, etc. dodging traffic to run to the
other side to sign autographs, but Uma Thurman repeatedly drove down
the street behind a film trunk in a convertible wearing a jaunty little
beret (the movie that was in escapes me ... trivia time!) at the same
time.
"The greatest journeys are the ones that bring you home."--The Namesake
Starstruck
Oh yes, those premieres are productions in their own right!
I got to attend the one for "Total Recall" up at Griffith Park way back in 1990. Walked within a few feet of Arnie Schwarzenegger, who was throwing his head back and laughing at somebody's joke, and seemed to be a very engaging fella. I guess I could've gone over and said "hi" but had no idea what my second word would have been, so I just let him be.
It is a thrill to see these 40-foot faces out in the real world and go "hey, they're real people too!" All a part of the magic of Hollywood...
My Favourite Premiere
And just before I go to Queensland (till December 29th), must leave you guys with a final gift. One crazy premiere for one truly dorky flick:
Hilariousness
Triumph the Insult Comic Dog proves that dogs are meaner than cats!!!
Have a wonderful Christmas trip, Dave!!!
What I Want For Christmas
Thank you, Dawn! I will be dreaming of Christmas stockings... with you in 'em.
My Favorite Premiere
My favorite premiere was Seabiscuit. Everyone and
their mother was there, from Faye Dunaway, Farrah Fawcett, and Sissy
Spacek to Ray Romano, Henry Winkler and Abigail Breslin.
As my nephew said as we returned to our hotel in the wee hours of
the next morning, "Well, that was fun" ... and so very, very, very far
removed from our day to day lives.
Okay, I gotta start planning a new trip to L.A.
"The greatest journeys are the ones that bring you home."--The Namesake
The A-Lister
My favorite premiere was Seabiscuit. Everyone and their mother was there, from Faye Dunaway, Farrah Fawcett, and Sissy Spacek to Ray Romano, Henry Winkler and Abigail Breslin.
Wow, you sure get invited to the good ones!
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