I guess that is why the Academy just invited me to their super-duper gala grand opening. It landed in my inbox 10 minutes ago. They must've loved the story.
September 20, 2021
LAURA DERN AND TOM HANKS TO HOST STAR-STUDDED SPECIAL,
‘A NIGHT IN THE ACADEMY MUSEUM,’ TUESDAY, OCT. 12, ON ABC
Thanks again, Warren, for an inciteful piece on the museum. That’s info well needed to know. Was impressed with the photos you took also. Being a photographer myself, mostly concerts and photo journalism, I can appreciate how a good simple photo can tell a story and fill in the gaps. Look forward to your next piece.
Thank you for the compliment Jeane. As a rank amateur photographer with absolutely no training in the art, I am flattered indeed. Yes it took some creativity to find an angle from which to get the shot without it being marred by the eight-foot fence. It certainly did not help to have the 300-pound gorilla blocking the view.
My first thought was hamburger. My hometown of Christchurch had a building of similar shape called the Burger Bunker. Not sure if it is still there, but I surmise the the dreaded golden arches may have seen it's doom.
Over a quarter of a century ago I stayed at a grand old hotel on Wiltshire Blvd. Lucille Ball used to stay there. It's name escapes me.
The silver bunker seems a little out of place. Perhaps that is why they don't want visitors?
What an interesting encounter! Just the silver orb alone would make me want to find out was happening behind the fence. So what’s the secret? Those running the museum are certainly aware of the need for publicity to get people interested in the project. Shooing them away is not the way to do it. Someone needs to go back to PR 101 because I am sure that every moviemaker who will be featured in that museum knew the importance of “Previews of Coming Attractions.”
The secret, it would appear, is that the Academy is all spaced out! Gimme a break: they renamed Fairfax Avenue (a quasi-famous name in itself) as ‘Roddenberry Drive.’ A teensy bit arrogant if you ask me. For them the entire world revolves around Hollywood; for the rest of us, not so much. Of those I encountered who could speak English, not a single one had any idea what was going on behind the fence. They might at least have put up a "grand opening soon" banner.
Indeed Jean, the story took a most unexpected turn with the arrival of the man in the wheelchair. He was treated somewhat discourteously by the security guard who’s huge belly you can see on the right of the picture. I was immediately sympathetic, and he turned out to be quite a character. It was a fun experience.
The blogger sent out emails promising DARK SNARKY story, but it was MILD! When politics are involved, snarke-sharkey stories abound!
I guess that is why the Academy just invited me to their super-duper gala grand opening. It landed in my inbox 10 minutes ago. They must've loved the story.
September 20, 2021
LAURA DERN AND TOM HANKS TO HOST STAR-STUDDED SPECIAL,
‘A NIGHT IN THE ACADEMY MUSEUM,’ TUESDAY, OCT. 12, ON ABC
Too bad you didn't get invited. <<<----SNARK!
Thanks again, Warren, for an inciteful piece on the museum. That’s info well needed to know. Was impressed with the photos you took also. Being a photographer myself, mostly concerts and photo journalism, I can appreciate how a good simple photo can tell a story and fill in the gaps. Look forward to your next piece.
Thank you for the compliment Jeane. As a rank amateur photographer with absolutely no training in the art, I am flattered indeed. Yes it took some creativity to find an angle from which to get the shot without it being marred by the eight-foot fence. It certainly did not help to have the 300-pound gorilla blocking the view.
My first thought was hamburger. My hometown of Christchurch had a building of similar shape called the Burger Bunker. Not sure if it is still there, but I surmise the the dreaded golden arches may have seen it's doom.
Over a quarter of a century ago I stayed at a grand old hotel on Wiltshire Blvd. Lucille Ball used to stay there. It's name escapes me.
The silver bunker seems a little out of place. Perhaps that is why they don't want visitors?
“Silver bunker?” Ouch! With press like that, the Academy will go hide in its own bunker. Maybe the Oscar will turn purple next year.
What an interesting encounter! Just the silver orb alone would make me want to find out was happening behind the fence. So what’s the secret? Those running the museum are certainly aware of the need for publicity to get people interested in the project. Shooing them away is not the way to do it. Someone needs to go back to PR 101 because I am sure that every moviemaker who will be featured in that museum knew the importance of “Previews of Coming Attractions.”
The secret, it would appear, is that the Academy is all spaced out! Gimme a break: they renamed Fairfax Avenue (a quasi-famous name in itself) as ‘Roddenberry Drive.’ A teensy bit arrogant if you ask me. For them the entire world revolves around Hollywood; for the rest of us, not so much. Of those I encountered who could speak English, not a single one had any idea what was going on behind the fence. They might at least have put up a "grand opening soon" banner.
Quite the adventure for you Warren! Very interesting and a great pic of the fancy structure!
Indeed Jean, the story took a most unexpected turn with the arrival of the man in the wheelchair. He was treated somewhat discourteously by the security guard who’s huge belly you can see on the right of the picture. I was immediately sympathetic, and he turned out to be quite a character. It was a fun experience.
Glad you enjoyed it and you both stayed safe!