Wow! Here we are past the mid point of May, and June is peeking right around the corner. Time to start thinking about summertime, summertime, sum- sum- summertime!
Back in March, we ran a hot promotion that people jumped all over: 10% off our base stage rental rates, plus our basic 3-ton grip package was included with every rental. So, thanks to popular demand, we will be doing our part to stave off June gloom by running this same promotion next month. Be sure to mention this great deal when you call or email us to book your next stage rental.
As usual, we've enjoyed a varied mix of productions at our facility over the past two months. College Humor was here again, this time shooting their own unique and hilarious version of a popular kids' show. The best part of the shoot involved a beautifully trained cappuchin monkey that thrilled cast and crew by perching on their heads during takes.
Sofia Coppola and her talented cast and crew shot a spectacular car crash gag for her upcoming feature, "The Bling Ring." The film is based on the real-life band of teen thieves who burgled the homes of several famous celebrities.
During the month of April, our Stage B spachship sets were working at warp speed with three separate companies shooting on them; One lensed part of a feature, one returned for pick up shots for a film festival entry, and the other shot a huge webisode project. After 20 years, these vintage sci-fi sets are still going strong.
Check back for more updates, promotions, and news in general. Until then, y'all take care.
Spring has sprung. The season is bursting with newness and vitality, much like recent productions being shot here at LCS. I'm referring to the recent film and video projects produced by university and film school students on our stages.
A number of students have shot their theses or film/video shorts here for their school course work. Although their hands-on production experience may be limited, their fresh ideas and enthusiasm are boundless. It's exciting to see exceptional work being done by aspiring young filmmakers, and we are happy to be a small part of it. We encourage the budding auteur by offering student discounts on our stage rates and equipment, plus our experienced stage managers offer guidance and support. Students from Biola University, Cal State Long Beach, Los Angeles Film School, and Chapman University recently lenses their projects here.
In addition, we will again proudly host Los Angeles Mission College's Cross Fade Film Festival on June 9. Screenings of student films will be showcased on our Stage A, and prominent industry vendors will be displaying their products and equipment. Visitors will also get to see our sci-fi spaceship sets, once used in the immensely popular TV series, FIREFLY. Check back in May for film festival updates.
FYI, our March Madness promotion is nearly over, and we still have a few rental days available before the month ends. Book now, and get 15% off the base rental rate, plus our 3-ton grip package is included. Such a deal!
Until next time. Best regards,
Mary Claypool, Rental Manager Patrick Mason, Stage Manager
It's been a while since we've posted any blogs. We've been busy as bunnies, but now we'll bring you up to date on the latest and greatest news.
We are ringing in Spring this year with an amazing deal for our clients during the month of March--15% off our already low base rental rates. PLUS we are including our basic 3-ton grip package with every rental. How you can you beat that?
On the improvement front, we are adding new sound baffle caps over our Stage A roll-up doors to ensure a quiet shooting environment.
We would like to welcome a new kid on the block, namely L.C. Sound Services. A separate company under our roof, LCSS offers sound for picture and games, final cut, dubbing, and stage support rentals. For more information, you can contact them at (818) 394-9844 or info@lcsoundservices.com.
Students, don't forget that we offer special discount programs with proof of full-time enrollment. Call us for more information at (818) 768-8935.
That's all for now. Until next time, happy trails!
Regards,
Mary Claypool, Rental Manager Patrick Mason, Stage Manager
I hope you are all surviving this heat and humidity with appropriate L.A. coolness. But we can count our blessings; LCS extends heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to all those on the East Coast who suffered through the onslaught of Hurricane Irene.
Okay, onto the heavy news. Just over a week ago, a production shot an enormous high-speed set up on our Stage A. Admittedly, we were a bit nervous to green light the rental as the gaffer and DP wanted to hang multiple 10Ks, 15 5Ks, extra distro and cabling from our grid. Last year, we extended the grid from our two-walled green screen out over the rest of the stage. The old cyc grid is not equipped to hang an abundance of weight, but the new old could probably support a truck. Well, this proved to be the big weight test. The multitude of lights and cabling was hung, and the grid supported all the equipment including a huge two-curtain green screen. Suffice to say that Stage A is well hung.
Among our many ongoing and planned upgrades, we will be replacing the lighting grid directly above our green screen and replacing it with a heavy-duty one that will be as big-boy as our newer grid.
Hey, check out "John Stamos Guide to Cuddling" on the College Humor website. John Stamos and his good bud Bob Saget were chewing up the scenery in one CH's latest comedy sketches. Hilarious, but I laughed until my sides ached when I watched the behind-the-scenes materials. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Well thrill-seekers, that's it for now. More news is just around the corner...
Regards,
Mary Claypool, Rental Manager
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Hi gang!
I know, I know, I've been remiss in keeping you all up to date on the latest and greatest goings-on here at LCS. For that, I sincerely apologize. But in my defense, this year has been slammin' busy--the busiest year our stages have had yet. I just haven't had the time sit down and write. There is much to tell.
Throughout the month of June and part of July, we had the pleasure of renting to a top-notch team of filmmakers who shot on our spaceship sets. The director, an A-level visual effects wiz with his own company, set out to make a sci-fi film featuring both his directing and visual effects skills. His talents combined with those of his crew are sure to turn out a fantastic product. We were treated to a viewing of a few short uncut scenes, and the footage looks amazing. Due to non-disclosure, that's all I can say for now.
The rest of July and August were/are/will be packed with an eclectic variety of productions. Last month, a production shot a huge rock video on our green screen featuring the Grammy-nominated singer and instrumentalist, Skylar Grey. Then last week on the same stage, we experienced the wonderful world of Disney via Choo-Choo Soul, a great song and dance show for kids. Again, our stages were bursting at the seams with talent and professionals on this shoot. The performers--both adult and child--were astounding. Aside from acting, singing, and dancing, the two male and female leads (Genevieve Goings and D.C. Abramson) deserved Acadamy Awards in the category of Stamina and Upbeat Attitudes. What pros! Long hours, hot lights, and endless set-ups did not even put a dent in their spirits or wilt their smiles. Walt would be proud.
Just yesterday we had one of the cutest and most fun shoots ever to grace our stage. While I'm not allowed to mention the production name yet, I can say that the 20 stars of the shoot were absolutely purrrrfect. They were are cats! Yes, well-trained adorable kitties doing clever, funny, and downright astounding things. Watch for photos on our website in the near future.
Today, one of our favorite return clients is shooting a commercial; this weekend a very interesting high-speed camera project; next week we have inserts and added shots for a horror film; then our old friends at College Humor are back to close out the month. September and October are going to be filling up with... well, you'll read about that in my next blog.
Building update: We are pleased to announce the replacement of our old overhead elephant doors on Stage A. We now have two new beautiful motorized roll-up doors. They not only open and close with the smoothness of fine silk, they have improved our temperature and sound insulation on the stage. We are gradually, but steadily, making improvements to meet the needs of our clients.
Whew, that's quite a bit. More to come. Until then, happy trails!
Yes, the dog days of summer are finally upon us. Why not let your production beat the heat in our air conditioned stages? Plus, we can help you stop sweating over those burning budgets with a 5% summer discount* off our base stage rates and equipment rentals throughout July and August. Now that's cool.
Another thing that's cool is the GearNex geared camera head. This award-winning, highly acclaimed precision head can make all the difference on your next shoot. As an authorized GearNex dealer, we invite you to call us and make an appointment to come by try one out. You'll be impressed.
In other news, our sci-fi spaceship sets have never been busier. Thanks to the overwhelming response from the throngs who read our humble little blog, we have postponed indefinitely the demolition and removal of these versatile sets. In fact, they have been undergoing a slow but steady refurbishing, and they are looking great. As long as there is a demand, we hope to continue offering them. Again, thanks for your support.
Also, LCS is proud to welcome its two new employees: Patrick Mason and Angus Hall. After earning a B.A. in Business at Cal Poly Pomona, Patrick found himself stage managing at his alma mater. He went on to be a stage hand at the Wiltern Theatre, then served as a master electrician at The Grove in Upland, Calfornia, as well as various other theatrical venues. Angus, a part-time professional videographer and editor, holds a B.A. in Media Arts from Cal State Long Beach. Angus applies his many skills and talents as our head of marketing. LCS is happy to have them aboard!
Never been to LCS before? Call or email us to schedule a tour, we'd love to show you around. And have a cup o' Joe on us--it's always fresh and free.
Regards,
Mary Claypool, Rental Manager
*This discount cannot be used in combination with other promotional offers or discounts.
So far, this year has been bustling and productive with LCS renting to a variety of exciting, talented-laden productions. New and returning customers have graced our stages with projects large and small, and to all of you, we send out a big thank you for choosing Laurel Canyon Stages for your stage rental needs.
To show our appreciation, LCS is offering a discount to renters who book their rentals with us throughout the month of May. We are offering a 10% discount* off of our base stage rate AND we'll throw in our basic 3-ton grip package absolutely FREE! Prime days are still available, so don't wait. Contact us today, and book your shoot at LCS.
Be sure to check back for more updates!
Regards,
Mary Claypool, Rental Manager
*This discount cannot be combined with student discount.
Posts
