Marc Malkin Senior Editor, Culture and Events Jay Marcus has been working in film and television for more than a decade, but he also has no problem boasting that he is a “theater nerd.” “I could talk about theater more than anything else in the world,” says Marcus, head of scripted film and television at RuPaul’s production company RuCo. “I get giddy about it.” So much so that, in August, he launched The Hollywood Theatre Club. In the first of a now bimonthly newsletter written and distributed by Marcus, he described the club as a “collective of film & TV executives, producers, agents/managers, casting directors and other industry types who come together once a month to see professional theater in L.A.” “I have a lot of hope for theater in L.A., not necessarily as a commercial endeavor but for the key non-profits that are doing great work,” Marcus says.
Someone recreated the Willy Wonka Glasgow event in Los Angeles – and Meth Lab Oompa Loompa was there
30.04.2024 - 20:45 / nme.com
experience, which was advertised as an immersive event based on the recent Timothée Chalamet movie, Wonka, went viral when it appeared to be a disappointment to many ticket holders.At £35 a ticket, attendees were promised audio and visual effects, chocolate fountains and a totally interactive experience, but were instead presented with low-budget props, limited refreshments and an AI-generated script, all carried out in an abandoned warehouse.The complaints made resulted in the event being closed on the same day it opened,The event was organised by a collective of local artists unaffiliated with those behind the original event and purposely replicated it, hosting it in a worn-down warehouse with an underwhelming number of props and even AI-generated art. Guests were even offered two jelly beans in a nod to the original event.Beyond that, attendees got to enjoy THC-infused candyfloss, Oompa Loompa-themed cocktails and some adult on-stage performances.
It also featured food vendors, musicians and actors from around Los Angeles, as well as a four-seat cinema trailer in which attendees could screen silent films. The proceeds were donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.The actor Kirsty Paterson, who became part of a viral meme when a photo of her playing an Oompa Loompa circulated on social media, appeared at the event.
She participated in an audience Q&A and a skit and dance number by two chocolate-covered Oompa Loompas“The opportunities I’m getting from this are life-changing outside Oompa Loompa and the costume,” Paterson said. “I mean, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”She has also been taking requests for personalised video and audio messages on Cameo.Paterson isn’t the only actor who has benefitted
.
How the LA Screenings Reflect a Changing TV Landscape
Anna Marie de la Fuente When an estimated 1,000 international TV buyers descend on Los Angeles for the annual TV event known as the LA Screenings, they will see a contracted market still recovering from the twin Hollywood strikes of last year and, to a somewhat lesser extent, the pandemic. It kicks off with the LA Screenings Independents, held May 15-17 for smaller studios and distributors at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, which are then followed by screenings at the major studios’ respective lots across May 18-22 where they present their latest shows.
The Mediapro Studio Doubles Down on U.S., English-Language Content, Creates New Los Angeles HQ Headed by Juan ‘JC’ Acosta (EXCLUSIVE)
John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent In a big strategic market swing, The Mediapro Studio is creating new U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles to double down on U.S. and English-language production for the U.S.
Big3 Basketball Team Coming To Los Angeles In 2025
The Big3, the 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by rap and movie star Ice Cube in 2017, will have an L.A. team next season.
Sofia Vergara looks back at the first time she visited Los Angeles with her son Manolo in 2001
Sofia Vergara’s son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara has been making headlines recently after the Hollywood star opened up about her motherhood journey, which started when she was 19 years old. The Colombian icon decided to look back at a special moment with her son, reminiscing about the time he was with her in Los Angeles for the very first time.Sofia Vergara is excited to become a grandma: Talks about her son Manolo Gonzalez VergaraSofia Vergara introduces her new puppy Amore, after giving full custody of Bubbles to Joe ManganielloSofia Vergara admits it wouldn’t have been ‘fair’ to have a child with Joe ManganielloThe actress took to Instagram to share a photo of the mother-son duo in Los Angeles, visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Katherine Schwarzenegger shades Met Gala with throwback photo of it when it was ‘chic and classy’
Katherine Schwarzenegger is not a fan of the Met Gala. In a story shared on Instagram, the author and media personality posted an image of her mother Maria Shriver attending the 2001 Met Gala. She paired the ophoto with a comment, throwing some shade at the gala and what it has become in recent years according to her opinion.
Sean Viator Dies: ‘American Idol’ And ‘Billboard Music Awards’ Dancer Was 31
Sean Viator, a dancer and choreographer who performed on TV shows American Idol and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga on Netflix, died May 3 at 31, his family announced, No cause was given.
Justin Chang Wins Pulitzer Prize For Los Angeles Times Film Criticism; Special Citation Goes To Journalists Covering Gaza
The New Yorker’s Justin Chang won a Pulitzer Prize for his movie criticism during his tenure at the Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival Sets 2024 Lineup With ‘In The Summers’ To Open
EXCLUSIVE: The Latino Film Institute has set its lineup for the 23rd Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, which will take place from May 29th through June 2nd at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood.
Billie Eilish Plots ‘Hit Me Hard And Soft’ Listening Events in New York City and Los Angeles
Thania Garcia Billie Eilish will host two album listening events ahead of her third studio album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” slated for release May 17. The free events presented by American Express, and produced by Live Nation, will take place on May 15 in New York City’s Barclays Center in association YouTube Music and on May 16 in Los Angeles’ Kia Forum in association Snapchat. Eilish’s forthcoming album will be available on all digital platforms, and in a continued effort to minimize waste and combat climate change; across all physical formats in limited variants on the same day, with the same track-listing and using 100% recyclable materials.
Ben Affleck’s latest father-son moment with Samuel Affleck in Los Angeles
Ben Affleck is sharing some quality time with his son Samuel. The Hollywood star was all smiles picking up his 12-year-old son from school in Santa Monica. Ben showed off his freshly shaved face after returning from New York City with his wife Jennifer Lopez.Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck focusing on ‘what really matters’ amid ‘outside hate’: Are they moving to NYC?Emme Muñiz and Fin Affleck enjoy a day out shopping in Los AngelesJennifer Lopez shows off her signature casual chic look in latest photoThe actor was photographed walking to the car with his son, sharing a casual conversation while wearing a gray cardigan and blue jeans.
Wild Life, Brilliant Talent: Genius Of Singer-Songwriter Judee Sill Honored In Documentary ‘Lost Angel’
Singer-songwriter Judee Sill packed a lot of living into her 35 years, much of it hard. Drugs, reform school, losing her father when she was just 8. Of her mother she said, “She was mean on top of being dumb.”
Darius Morris Dies: Former Los Angeles Lakers Playoffs Starter Was 33
Former NBA player Darius Morris, who started a playoff game for the Los Angeles Lakers and played for four other NBA teams, has died at 33. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Meow Wolf Immersive Exhibition Space Coming To Los Angeles
A permanent exhibition space from renowned immersive events organizer Meow Wolf will open in Los Angeles in 2026.
Los Angeles Angels Among Teams Blacked Out In Comcast Carriage Dispute
Major League Baseball fans have struck out from watching their teams, as Comcast and Diamond Sports Group failed to reach a new carriage agreement.
Slamdance Film Festival Moving From Park City To Los Angeles In 2025
Slamdance said Tuesday that its annual film festival will move to Los Angeles starting in February 2025. The move, organizers said, will allow for the continued growth of the festival’s year-round mission to provide an accessible community for independent filmmakers and creators.
Slamdance Film Festival Is Moving To Los Angeles
There was a fleeting moment in the early and mid-00s when being selected for the Slamdance Film Festival could mean something for a filmmaker’s career. Sure, it wasn’t the same as being part of the more prestigious and larger Park City, Utah film festival, but the edgier offshoot event gave a voice to independent films that didn’t have an industry connection or agency influence to make the Sundance cut.
Security Guard Shot Outside Weeknd Co-Manager’s Los Angeles Residence in Apparent Home Invasion
Jem Aswad Executive Editor, Music A security guard was shot several times outside the Los Angeles-area home of Weeknd co-manager and business partner Amir “Cash” Esmailian in an apparent home invasion, according to Fox11. Esmailian has been a key member of the team around the Weeknd, which is led by his longtime manager Wassim “Sal” Slaiby’s SalXCo, for more than 20 years and founded XO Records with the artist. He played a major role in bringing both the Weeknd and Canadian rapper Nav into the company and is deeply involved in the company’s dealmaking and promotion.
Colin Farrell, Kirby & Amy Ryan Promote New Series 'Sugar' at FYC Event in Los Angeles
Colin Farrell is sandwiched between his Sugar leading ladies while attending the Apple TV+ series’ FYC event at Linwood Dunn Theater on Sunday (April 28) in Los Angeles.
Ashley Benson & Husband Brandon Davis Enjoy Day Out in Los Angeles
Ashley Benson and Brandon Davis are enjoying a day out together.