Pittsburgh Dish

Hollywood on the North Side

Future date movie shot in West Park

Photos by Frank Kownacki

Click images for larger views

Film trucks and trailers lined West North Avenue this afternoon for the filming of "She's Out of My League," a romantic comedy starring a cast of relatively unknowns.

A slew of extras (including "older chap in wool cap" and "nuclear family picnicking under tree"), crews and, yes, directors' chairs filled West Park to shoot the skinny-hip-couple-pulled-by-big-dog-in-park staple.

Neighbors eyed the goings-on, which took about two hours to set up for a 15 second shot.

Film prompts fear

911 flooded with calls

Fearing the Burgh was under attack, 911 calls flooded in this morning after a helicopter hovered over the Golden Triangle yesterday. The helicopter was filming a car driving in Downtown for use in the film "Shelter," starring Julianne Moore.

Sources close to the scanner say callers believed the city was under some sort of ariel siege.

Sources close to the Department of Defense say all is well.

McFeeleyphilia

New film delivers the mail

by Christopher Arnott

McFeely? The mail carrier McFeely? I met him on his rounds one day, a decade or so ago. He was not in uniform, but he had the mustache. And he had some bits of paper to deliver. Spoke very well of his friend Fred Rogers. Liked kids, if I recall. The consummate postman.

I wasn’t living around Pittsburgh. McFeely’s speedy delivery route took him to New Haven, Connecticut, where he was visiting a friend associated with the Yale Divinity School. While in town, he appeared on a local radio program which presented live recreations of golden age radio dramas. McFeely was typecast as a mailman, but the missive he carried was more sinister and suspenseful than anything he ever had to bring to puppet royalty on the Mister Rogers show. The radio script was reworked so McFeely could be identified by his opening watchcry of “Speedy delivery!”

When he trudged through rain, sleet, snow, or whatever to our New Haven Advocate newspaper offices that day, McFeely stopped to chat. Not many mailmen bother (and the USPS frowns on extensive fraternizing), but he has a mission: to pass on not just old-fashioned pre-email-era envelope-bound correspondence, but the messages and quaint quasi-urban beatitudes of Fred Rogers.

Our chat took many turns. A biography of Anthony Perkins, the Psycho actor in more ways than one, had just been released, with mention of how Perkins and Rogers had known each other as undergraduates at Rollins College in Florida. This is unremarkable trivia unless you note their strong physical resemblance and deem MisteRogers and Norman Bates to be light and dark sides of the same skinny-framed aw- shucks soul. McFeely knew of that bond, and he talked openly of some of the viler parodies of Fred Rogers that scattered the radio drivetime airwaves in the wake of some sketches on National Lampoon’s “That’s Not Funny, That’s Sick” LP, and how the show dealt with them—as politely as possible. He explained the gestation of the McFeely monicker: it was Fred Roger’s middle name, and his mother’s surname. Mr. McFeely revealed that Fred Rogers went tribute-name happy at the outset of his kids’ show. He apparently named several characters after the show’s commercial sponsors until he advised that this probably wasn’t such a good idea.

At the end of our talk, Mr. McFeeley presented me with a signed photo of himself, one of stacks of official photos printed by Family Communications, the company he and Rogers worked for when not lounging around Rogers’ living room. He also signed a photo for my nephew Simon, 6 years old at the time, and promised us a tour of the MisteRogers studio the next time I was in Pittsburgh. I visited the city just a few months later, but Simon was appalled by the suggestion that he would have any interest in a little-kid’s show like MisteRogers’ Neighborhood. He wouldn’t be caught dead in its studio. I felt for McFeely—his fans could be so fickle.

Yet he endures. McFeely’s still pounding the pavement, five years after Rogers’ death, traveling hither and yon spreading the good word. He no longer works for the MisteRogers Neighborhood branch of the U.S. postal service (one imagines the benefits there to be lousy; an extra cookie for ten years service, perhaps. Under another name, David Newell (presumably his own father’s surname this time), Mr. McFeely spreads the Rogers gospel of kindness, charity and puppet government throughout the world. He’s taking some time away from
this awesome ambassadorship to host the premiere of a new documentary by Paul Germain. Titled Speedy Delivery, it is dedicated to McFeely and his singular speedy duties—a rare portrait of a TV sidekick, a supporting character with his own tales to tell and mail-truckload of troubles to bear.

Germain’s movie has not been made available for Pittsburgh Dish—a stunning rebuke of Mr. McFeely’s policy of open communication and speedy delivery—but we have discerned this much: it follows David Newell on his Rogers rounds, delves into the continuing MisteRogers mystique, and shows how Pittsburgh was as warm an environment for the show as the Land of Make Believe. The timing of the film’s release is apt; last fall, after years of rerunning old MisteRogers episodes, many PBS stations finally let the show go, “outgrowing” it in
favor of faster, slicker offerings. MisteRogers will be less of a tangible TV totem, now just a fading youthful memory of simpler times.

I remember the similar fall of Captain Kangaroo, when his Treasure House (I still called it that, though modern times had redubbed it “The Captain’s Place”) closed its doors for good in 1984; Big Brother may have been watching that year, but the Magic Drawing Board was not. In my slothful 20s, I roused myself at dawn to watch the last week of the Captain’s decades-long stint on CBS, and wept.

Nobody thought to make a movie about Mr. Green Jeans. Whatever your feelings about real-time, leisurely-to-the-point-of-boredom televised child’s play, or about button-down sweaters or overly familiar houseguests, MisteRogers was a Pittsburgh institution that gave sanity and calm to the country in times of crisis. Which is not
something you can say about another Pittsburgh institution, Night of the Living Dead.

No midnight zombie flick, Speedy Delivery screens at 7:30 p.m. April 10 in Regent Square Theater (1035 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh). Special delivery details available here.

The celluloid Burgh

Local filmmakers selected for Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives

by Alice Marks

The sometimes unwelcome influence only “Mombies” (the maternal cousin of zombies) can have over two single 30-somethings; a Jewish/non-Jewish romance set to music and dance; a homeless man who demonstrates his own worth; a mysterious letter from the past and the moral battle it provokes; and the unlikely appeal of the Pittsburgh bus system’s crazy offspring.

This is just a smattering of what the ‘burgh can expect from Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives, set to debut this fall.

When Andrew Halasz and Kristen Shaeffer called on Pittsburgh filmmakers to help them craft their cinematic salutation to Pittsburgh – officially titled “Greetings from Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives” – they couldn’t have asked for a more eclectic lineup of stories. A bizarre mix of funny, sad, farcical, romantic, musical, sentimental tales – all set frighteningly close to home. Together, these short films will tell the story of Pittsburgh.

“We had a tough time choosing,” Shaeffer (photo below) told the selected filmmakers and writers gathered for the March 6 kickoff meeting of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives, held at the Sprout Fund in Garfield. “But we were looking for personal stories that speak to the experience and character of a given neighborhood, and we felt that your treatments really resonated with that.”

Of the approximately 30 story treatments that were submitted, 12 made it to the final cut. The following are the neighborhoods and individuals chosen to give a voice to Pittsburgh:

• Squirrel Hill -- Todd Schachter
• Regent Square -- Nelson Chipman / Jeremy Braverman
• Strip District -- Ray Werner
• South Side -- John Rice
• Bluff -- Julie Mink / Alexa Casciato
• Homestead -- Matthew J. Fridg / Jenn Golling
• Downtown -- Justin Crimone
• Bloomfield -- Jason Georgiades / Sean Carroll / Russell Brandom / Chet Vincent
• Lawrenceville -- Sam Turich / Gabrielle Reznek
• Oakland -- Justin Francart
• Hill District -- Tim Hall
• Mt. Oliver – Matt Stidle

As introductions made their way around the room, Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives began to take shape, progressing from a very cool idea to a viable, realistic project. The filmmakers hailed from all different backgrounds, ranging in age, experience and ethnicity. Their stories were a reflection of that diversity.

“We were looking for people stories – stories that focused more on characters in their environment rather than the environment itself,” explained Halasz.

Jenn Golling whose fictional narrative is set in Homestead, is excited for the opportunity to showcase a neighborhood that was once such a booming part of Pittsburgh’s industry, a neighborhood that is now largely defined by the Waterfront.

“It’s interesting because when I was in high school, Homestead was this scary place to go to,” she said. “And then Sandcastle came in, and it became a little more open. And then of course the Waterfront came …”

Visually, Golling hopes to capture all the disparities of Homestead in her film – from the stark remnants of a once-thriving Main Street to the bright and vibrant oasis that is the Waterfront to lesser known historical landmarks such as the museum and library.

While Golling will handle all the writing, Matt Fridg, her collaborator on the project, brings an extensive film background. For both of them, the opportunity to get involved with Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives was too good to pass up.

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one more traveled by,” laughs Golling, who majored in technical theater at Slippery Rock University and ended up on a different career path. “This came along and it really speaks to that other road I never took.”

Ray Werner also looks forward to reconnecting with his artistic side through the project. His story unfolds in the Strip District where he used to run an advertising agency.

“It’s a story of friendship,” said Werner, whose main character is a homeless man that panhandles in the Strip.

Werner hopes the film will not only provide some insight into a lonely, often misperceived lifestyle, but also allow viewers to “get a sense of the Strip” as they follow the main character around.

After having spent a considerable amount of time in the advertising business, producing commercials and exercising his creative talents, Werner is eager to make a contribution to Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives and “represent the Strip.”

“You take things as they come along,” he said, referring to the project. “There’s a rhythm in your life, and there are moments and they keep happening. I believe in the pursuit of these things.”

And apparently so did the other 18 filmmakers/writers gathered at the Sprout Fund. Excitement was high as each divulged a teaser of their film’s plot and why they chose that particular setting to bring their story to life.

John Rice’s narrative takes place in the South Side, calling attention to generational differences as two neighbors, who couldn’t be any less alike, battle over a coveted parking spot. When Rice joked about the challenge of casting these roles, a fellow filmmaker jokingly countered with “I’d be more worried about finding an empty parking spot in the South Side.”

For a first time meeting, there was a natural chemistry in the room that spoke highly of Halasz’s and Shaeffer’s instinct for talent. And it was rewarding for them to watch their project grow from coffee shop material to a true work in progress.

“It’s cool,” said Halasz, commenting on the excitement and passion everyone brought to the meeting. “We’re psyched by the enthusiasm of the filmmakers.”

While the meeting allowed everyone the chance to get to know each other, it was also an opportunity to go over some of what Halasz referred to as the “nitty-gritties.” Filmmakers left the Sprout Fund armed with all the necessary information, paperwork and contacts for producing their films. They also bounced ideas off one another, anticipating what Halasz expects will be the biggest challenge of all … obtaining funding.

While Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives has already received a grant through the Pittsburgh 250 Grassroots Community Connections project, Halasz and Shaeffer will do their best to secure additional funding for the filmmakers. They felt very strongly that participants not only have the opportunity to make a quality film for the benefit of the ‘burgh, but also for their own personal growth.

“This isn’t our [Halasz’s and Shaeffer’s] project,” Halasz emphasized, indicating that individual films will belong to the filmmakers. “We want everyone to have ownership in this.”

Photos by Timothy Hall

Makes me want to "Holler"

Commentary on a crappy casting call

by Moonshine Mike, Senior West Virginia Correspondent

You need to make a horror movie, and you need to find scary people for "local color". Where do you go? Of course, my first thought is always the north side of Pittsburgh where the Dish resides, but I'm just a man alone in his thoughts. Most people, looking for stereotypical freaks, go to where the freaks are - Appalachia. West Virginia to be exact.

Nothing like making a movie about people who talk funny to help stir interest.

"A movie about to be filmed in Pittsburgh is casting Gothic characters-- including an albino-like girl and deformed people -- to depict West Virginia mountain people.

"'Regular-looking" children need not apply.

That's the gist of an open casting call for paid extras for "Shelter," a horror film starring Julianne Moore that will begin shooting in Pittsburgh in March.

"It's the way it was described in the script," Belajac said Monday. "Some of these 'holler' people -- because they are insular and clannish, and they don't leave their area -- there is literally inbreeding, and the people there often have a different kind of look. That's what we're trying to get." "

Well, they are correct in that there are insular and clannish people who live here, in dem hills. Then again, if you've been to a South Hills party, you can find a similar level of insularity. As your West Virginia Senior Correspondent (only because I'm old and I live here), I can attest seeing men, women, and children showing up in town looking like the outtakes of a Phillip Agee photograph. Inbreeding exists, in all cultures, but we seem to revel in it. The phrase I like hearing is "he's not 'from here'" meaning while you may of lived here for 50 years, you're still an outsider.

But like the Abercrombie and Fitch shirts about messing up the gene pool, the state got on its high horse and demanded action. Thanks for our allegedly mob-connected Governor Joe Manchin (he never met a person from Fairmont he didn't promote), ire was raised and heads rolled. But there were not Albino heads, but the waspy heads of production assistants.

"Oh behalf of the entire 'Shelter' production, we regret and are deeply sorry for the very insensitive casting call sent out without our knowledge by our casting director Donna Belajac who has been dismissed from this project as a result," Barroso and Loquet said in a statement."

It's always the underlings that take the brunt for such actions. Even as we ruminate on this, the producers already created the desired affect:

"Debbie Liedke of McCandless said she was surprised people took offense to a casting call for a movie. Her daughter, Michelle Liedke, 19, sent a head shot to the casting agency, she said. Michelle Liedke, who stands about 4 feet tall, falls into the "extraordinarily tall or short" casting category, said Liedke."

The road to Hollywood runs through the Holler it seems.

"East of Liberty" screening tomorrow night

Celebrated local film comes to North Side Church

Local filmmaker, Chris Ivey, will be screening the first chapter of EAST OF LIBERTY: A STORY OF GOOD INTENTIONS at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2008 at Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church, on the corner of North Avenue and Resaca Place in the historic Mexican War Streets neighborhood. The first in a three-part series, East of Liberty gives voice to residents business owners in regard to East Liberty's recent development.

"The goal of the `East of Liberty' series," said Ivey, "is to create a historical document that captures the essence of change in the community and to bring to front all taboos – from gentrification fears to neighborhood violence – which most redevelopment schemes push to the background." He said that this series should create dialogue for the community to discuss how to bring about better understanding among
us, creating communities that are more whole.

Now an international film, enjoying its British premiere in May to great response and reviews, East of Liberty tells a larger story of the racial divide of not only Pittsburgh, but serves as an example of the problems existing across the country today. In advance of the second installment, East of Liberty: The Fear of Us premiering next week, this is a chance to see how the story begins.

Tickets for this event will be available at the door for $5; there will be a filmed question- and-answer session to follow.

A pre-screening wine and cheese reception will be held with Chris Ivey at 5:30 p.m. at the church to serve as a fund-raiser for the third installment of the film. Tickets are $50 and are available by calling 412-901-8026. Reservations are limited; cash and check are accepted.

Forecast: Foxiness

Pittsburgh gets 3,283.45 times prettier thanks to "The Road"

The Post-Gazette has it today that Charlize Theron and Viggo Mortensen are coming to Pittsburgh to film an adaptation of novelist Cormac McCarthy's book, "The Road." The book is about some guy on some road somewhere, Dish thinks.

In any event, the pair, who are individually rather sexxxy, will arrive in Western Pennsylvania in late February and remain around these parts for about eight weeks.

Dish advises those who come into contact with Theron or Mortensen shield their eyes, lest they be overcome by pulchritude. However - if it's possible and though it may seem contradictory try to make babies with either as Pittsburgh could use an infusion of lovely. We don't want to become
Philadelphia, do we?

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives

Documenting Pittsburgh, non-documentary style

by Alice Marks

Pittsburgh. Free association might leave us with steel, smog, sports, college, yellow bridges and a brief encounter with the nickname "shitsburg" (dubbed so by one of Hollywood’s finest). But for those who have ever made the commute from Braddock Hills to downtown, strategically avoiding route 376 and her faithful band of fluorescent-vested friends, Pittsburgh recalls much more than the industrial revolution and Iron City beer.

Why? Because Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods are as contrasting as they are charming. From the Victorian elegance of Shadyside to the historical intrigue of Wilkinsburg, towns close in proximity belie distinctly different personalities. And while those outside of the ‘burgh may not yet realize its full potential as a mélange of architecture, culture and history, (and those who have lived here their whole life may unknowingly take it for granted), local filmmakers Kristen Shaeffer and Andrew Halasz (pictured) are well aware of the city’s charm.

Inspired by the film ‘Paris Je’taime,’ Schaeffer and Halasz sought a similar way to celebrate the diverse neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, weaving what Halasz refers to as "a fictional fabric that represents our city as a whole."

Their venture is called Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives and, much like its Parisian muse, summons the creative genius of several aspiring filmmakers. Ultimately, Neighborhood Narratives will be a series of short films portraying the experience, character and stories of the neighborhoods collectively referred to as "the‘burgh."

So as Pittsburgh gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, Halasz and Shaeffer invite local filmmakers to submit story treatments highlighting one of the city’s unique neighborhoods. An advisory panel (comprised of notables from the Pittsburgh film community) will then select the stories that best capture the spirit of their respective setting.

"We want people to know what it feels like to live in one of these communities," said Shaeffer.

A handful of candidates will be engaged to write a script and begin production, leaving their 10-minute mark on what promises to be a fascinating portrait of Pittsburgh. But the best part is that while these filmmakers are immortalizing their hometown (or at least a town they spent some portion of their life in) and adding another bullet point to the old resume, artistic vision need not surrender itself to homogeny.

As a filmmaker, media artist and instructor at Chatham University, Shaeffer has found that "a narrative is much more interesting when it pulls from a diversity of voices." She and Halasz had originally toyed with the idea of producing all the material themselves, but, in the end, decided against it. "… not only for the integrity of the project," laughs Halasz, "but also for a more accurate portrayal of Pittsburgh." While the dynamic duo may end up contributing a short or two, the bulk of the project will be a collaborative effort among members of the Pittsburgh film community. Halasz and Shaeffer both agreed that in painting our fair city, the more perspectives, the better.

It is for this reason that the nominated filmmakers will be heavily involved in the production of their shorts. "We leave everything to the filmmakers," said Shaeffer. While her and Halasz will oversee the logistics of the project, participating filmmakers will exercise complete creative control, casting, directing and generally shaping the course of the film.

Like Shaeffer, Halasz is also a media artist and an instructor at Point Park University. Having only moved to Pittsburgh two years ago, he is amazed at how much the city has grown on him. "There really is a thriving cultural scene here," he says, a pointed compliment from someone who has spent time in both New York and Paris. With Neighborhood Narratives, Halasz and Schaeffer hope to draw attention to the eclectic, often overlooked, side of Pittsburgh.

And to ensure that no good story gets left behind, the deadline for submission has been extended to January 1, 2008. Pittsburgh Neighborhood Narratives has already piqued the interest of several local filmmakers and, if all goes well, Halasz and Shaeffer anticipate a completed film by early next fall. The screenings will ideally take place at venues in neighborhoods from which the stories originated.

"We’d like to make it something of an event," said Schaeffer. "This is a great way to connect educators, students and artists, not only with each other, but also with their local communities."

Caption Contest: The Kill Pit (or is it Point?) Cars

Name that SWAT

Text & photos by Scot Fleming

For a week or two, downtown folks have been passing these movie prop vehicles parked on the Blvd. of the Allies on deck for "Kill Pit". The mandatory Haddad's trucks that normally let everyone know it's a film shoot have been parked around the corner on Wood Street so, at first glance, it seems like quite the lineup of official-looking rides all in one place for no reason for days on end.

They seem super fakey to me but then I was walking with a co-worker who looked up and said "Ooh, the 'Live At Five' van is here!" I reminded her that we don't have a "Live at Five" news channel OR a TV 14 channel.

So we thought it'd be fun to have people speculate on what roles each vehicle might play in the upcoming TV show being filmed in Sh**tsburgh. We'll start you off. If you can do better - fire away:

1. Fake Police Cruiser. Okay this one could go a couple ways. It could be the car of the two main cops - The good looking young divorced rookie who takes care of his Alzheimer's suffering Dad and is secretly loved by his female partner who has a drinking problem and a heart of gold. OR it could be the car of two buddy male cops, one of whom is so near retirement he can taste it and gets shot in the first five minutes of the pilot.

2. Fake TV "Live at Five" Van. This is the van of the number one news team in the city. They have all the good equipment, for example - the fake satellite uplink antenna on the roof that looks like it's from 1994. Transports the longstanding king of reporters - the smarmy, philandering 40 something TV guy (but with a heart of gold) who never made it to anchor because of his temper (and drinking problem) who has done unspeakable things to get the story in the past and treats everyone like dirt including the new reporter on the block.

3. Fake TV "News Watch 14" SUV. This is the vehicle of the third place TV news channel in town. They try hard but they don't have that mean streak that the other guys have. The channel is in danger of being sold off to a big conglomerate mega corp. if they don't get their ratings up. That's where the new, young, plucky, single Mom blonde reporter with a heart of gold comes in. She just got to town and she's going to prove herself or die trying. If she can just curb her drinking - and avoid the advances of the smarmy Live at Five competitor. With his big satellite uplink antenna...

4. Fake SWAT Truck. Sure, it looks like a regular bread truck painted to look like a SWAT truck. But that's where they pull the Hollywood switcheroo on ya. It's secretly a super high-tech mobile crime headquarters where the super intelligent, high-tech criminals plan their super intelligent, high-tech bank robberies from. Wow - criminals hiding in a SWAT vehicle! Who would ever think to look there! Also - in real life, it's where John Leguizamo goes to "walk his poodle." If you know what I mean. (Actually - that wasn't a joke. He really does walk his poodle around town. Seriously. She's a big black poodle with a drinking problem and a heart of gold.)

Okay we're tired. Your turn:

5.Fake Ambulance

6. Fake Armored Bank Truck

7. Fake Passenger/Dectective Car

8. Fake Water Truck

"Smart People" visits smart people at Carnegie Mellon

How fitting.

"Smart People,” a new film starring Dennis Quaid, began shooting earlier this month on the campus of Carnegie Mellon. Student rag The Tartan Online finds the movie title well-suited:

Smart People on campus

Movie set at Carnegie Mellon in second week of filming

By Andrew Peters, Laura Thorén

(Carnegie Mellon is a very good school. At Pitt, Carlow, Duquesne, CCAC, etc. it would have taken at least three students to write this news article.)

From the writer to the director to the extras, everything about Carnegie Mellon’s lastest stint in the spotlight is “smart.”

(Speaking of “smart,” did we tell you how smart CMU students are? We’re so smart that we know that the word we meant to type was “latest” but figured that the rest of you are not brilliant enough to notice the typo, so we left it alone.)

The movie Smart People will be filmed entirely on location at Carnegie Mellon and around Pittsburgh. Filming started on November 6 in Baker Hall. Other filming locations on campus include Hamburg Hall, Doherty Hall, Donner House, and Skibo Gym.

While the bulk of filming will end this Wednesday, the production team will return in December to finish shooting the film.

(By which time CMU will have become even smarter. Our smartness smartens up exponentially.)

The movie will also feature university staff and students in small roles and as extras, interns, and production assistants.

(It is our understanding that the wardrobe people will outfit CMU extras smartly.)

“By having this movie feature the university prominently, we’re building national awareness for Carnegie Mellon,” said Marilyn Kail, assistant vice-president of marketing communications, in a Carnegie Mellon press release.

(Believe it or not, some folks just don’t know about CMU’s relative smartness to other institutions of higher learning. When “Smart People” hits the silver screen, audiences will find out who the real smart people are. That’s right, CMU-affiliated individuals.)

Smart People, written by Mark Poirier, chronicles the relationship between widowed English professor Lawrence Wetherhold, played by Dennis Quaid, and Wetherhold’s son and daughter, played by Ashton Holmes and Ellen Page.

(A group whose smartness, while substantial, would have benefited from a stint at CMU.)

According to Poirier, Wetherhold’s children are “faculty brats,” forced by their father to attend Carnegie Mellon for the free tuition. Wetherhold ends up falling for a former student, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. The film also features Thomas Hayden Church as Quaid’s brother-in-law.

(Parker’s chin is so large that it contains a brain smart enough to be accepted to CMU.)

Unlike the last movie filmed here, Wonder Boys, Smart People will refer to Carnegie Mellon by name.

(Movie producers are clearly becoming smarter as they are now choosing to associate their work with Carnegie Mellon University.)

According to Poirier, the screenplay is based on his own experience as the son of a professor at the University of Arizona. He later transferred to Georgetown University to major in writing and initially wanted to film in Washington, D.C., but director Noam Murro decided he preferred the look and feel of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon.

(Yes, at CMU, you can even feel the smart. It’s palpable!)

“We wanted a selective university, but the buildings here aren’t generic academic buildings,” Murro said, singling out Wean Hall as “disgusting, but it’s beautiful in its own way.”

Location manager Kathy McCurdy said working with Murro has been amusing, and Murro’s constant joking has made the filming process very entertaining.

“He has a great aesthetic eye, and he is very decisive,” McCurdy said, praising Murro’s work over the past few weeks.

According to McCurdy, this decisiveness has extended to casting extras. While many directors have their assistant choose extras, Murro selected many of the extras himself.

“Noam looked at [the picture of] every extra,” McCurdy said. She added that before filming, she and Murro were scouting one of Carnegie Mellon’s dorms for extras when they encountered one student with “hair like a modern sculpture.”

Murro immediately said “I want him,” and walked away.

(Not in a Mark Foley sort of way. That’s not smart.)

“We love the people, love the school, love the atmosphere,” Murro said, after quipping sarcastically that filming the movie had been the “worst experience” and that he enjoyed being at Carnegie Mellon because “he loved New York.” Although this is his first film, Poirier has taught writing at a number of universities, including Johns Hopkins and Stanford.

(This “sarcastic quip” would have come off smarter had we put it in context.)

Quaid’s latest film was American Dreamz, a satire of American Idol, while Parker, the star of "Sex and the City," has recently starred in Failure to Launch and The Family Stone. Church starred in Academy Award nominee Sideways.

(We’re smart enough to know that the producers of “American Dreamz” chose to misspell dreams for effect.)

According to McCurdy, Carnegie Mellon administrators have approached the film’s producers seeking a preview sceening for Carnegie Mellon students before the film is released. The film’s producers, however, have not yet replied to the administration’s request.

(If they ever want to bask in our smartitude again, the producers damn well better agree. Smartity, smart, smart, smart. An example? You know that thing we did above with “lastest”? We did it again in this paragraph with “sceening.” Perhaps our copy editor isn’t CMU-smart.)

Cyberburgher: Dreaming Ant

Pittsburgh through a Connecticut Yankee’s eyes.

by Drew Cucuzza

I live 500 miles from Pittsburgh. But if I moved there, I’d live at Dreaming Ant.

Netflix is convenient, but so is McDonald’s. And Blockbuster Video is everywhere, but, come to think of it, so is McDonalds.

But you’ll never get into a conversation about themes that run through Larry Cohen’s movies with NetFlix. And the kid at Blockbuster will never tell you that he knows you love Blaxploitation and maybe you should check out the films of Jamaa Fanaka, starting with “Soul Vengeance.”

The folks at Dreaming Ant, a little shop on a one-way street in Bloomfield, would.

The early video stores were all independents. And since the big movie studios were fearful that home video was going to cut into their movie going profits, selections tended to be older films or low budget drive-in fare. It’s a bit like movies on TV in the fifties but with a steady diet of Italian cannibal flicks. Yeah, I’ve seen “Make Then Die Slowly,” but I’m not proud of it.

Then the major studios saw that video could increase their profits and the “mom and pop” stores got pushed out by the chains. The selection of these stores pretty much defines “lowest common denominator”. You can find 60 copies of the latest Hollywood “product” but not a single copy of a Hershell Gordon Lewis movie.

The first DVD I noticed on Dreaming Ant’s website was the Beastie Boys’ “Awesome, I Fuckin’ Shot That.” Yep, no asterisks or dashes. And there are not one, but two blog entries on French filmmaker Jaques Tati.

You can look up films not just by genre, but director and country. If you want to know what Algerian cinema is like, Dreaming Ant is your new best friend. Their site has links to local filmmakers, musicians and press. One of their customers even wrote a jingle for them.

Make no mistake, Dreaming Ant is a community. Even 500 miles away.

Cyberburgher is the first in a series of stories that Dish will publish. If you fancy something about Pittsburgh via the Internet, please email editor@pittsburghdish.com.

Jude Law in town

Young Brit seen in clutches of young brat last night.

British actor Jude Law was seen on the set of "Mysteries of Pittsburgh" last night. Law was visiting his on-again off-again girlfriend Sienna Miller who has been in town shooting the film, which also stars Peter Sarsgaard and Nick Nolte. Law arrived in Pittsburgh yesterday, sources said.

The couple was spotted while filming at a house in the upscale suburb of Sewickley, home to hockey legend Mario Lemieux as well as former Steeler and Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann.

"I was just standing there when I saw this couple walk toward me," one female source said. "I probably wouldn't have noticed it was him but when Sienna saw me, she grabbed his arm tight like a jealous high school girlfriend." Law and the 24-year-old actress grabbed tabloid headlines after Law dumped Miller for his children's nanny.

Miller, who called the Burgh "Shitsburgh" in a recent Rolling Stone article and was tossed out of a South Side bar last week, has been "stomping around and swearing like a truck driver" on set. She was told to pipe down during a shoot with children, sources said. Last week, Miller passed on using a g-string while shooting a love scene, a rarity among actors.

More bad behavior is anticipated next week when Miller will be filmed in an outdoor swimming pool. Weather is expected to be in the 30s.

48 Ahrs-0-Fun

Your weekend guide to the Burgh, brought to you by Dish pal Patrick Kent over at I heart PGH.

From Kent's column "Git Aht! Things to Do This Weekend" published every Friday:

Friday, October 13

Scitech Spectacular. 5:30 p.m., Carnegie Science Center, North Shore Side

“Ride a Freakin’ Segway!” is what this one boils down to. Oh, ok, those guys that did the Mentos/Diet Coke dancing Waters thing are gonna be there too this weekend, (I hope accompanied by a tape of Claire De Lune) but really, this is all about the opportunity to look as White & Nerdy as possible, captaining the device that was supposed to “change the way cities are built” around an obstacle course in the best possible time. If there aren’t prizes, there damn well should be. I dunno, pocket protectors or something… Gold-plated 20-sided dice maybe...

The Scitech Spectacular is full of cool things to do beyond the Segway, like the Rinspeed Senso, a car that "senses the driver" and looks like the kind of thing you’d hop into to chase down people running away from Carousel. There’s a Hi-Tech (their spelling, not mine, some sort of marketing thing, I think) Sports and vehicles show, river education tours (Like, you get educated, not the river. The river was home-schooled and anyway, it don’t need your education, it don’t need your thought control), and all manner of other events, but allow me to reiterate: Ride A Freakin’ Segway. End of story.

Sound Bytes, 9 p.m., Wood Street Galleries, Dahntahn

Wood Street Galleries continues it’s Sound Bytes series, a mixture of Art and Music with Natura Nasa, who are described as sounding like “something like a nightmare and a flying dream”. Gotcha, I dig it. I love flying dreams, personally. Hell, I just enjoy dreams. Like… Anyone else have that dream where you see yourself standing in sort of sun-god robes on a pyramid, with a thousand naked women screaming and throwing little pickles at you? No?

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Saturday, October 14

St. Benedict The Moor/Epiphany Nationality Food Fest/Frankie Capri

2 p.m., Uptahn

This weeks winner of the prestigious “Longest Item Title” award…

I received the following important communique from Jody at Pittsburgh Dish…

The man, the myth, the legend, Frankie Capri is performing at the St. Benedict the Moor/Epiphany Food Fest this Saturday from 2-5. Heck, I thought he was dead. If you haven’t seen Frankie before, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Ethnic food and the complete and utter lunacy of Mr. Capri. What’s not to like?

I couldn’t have said it better myself, which is probably why they’re what I like to call “writers” and I’m more of a scribbler. Or a typist with a gift for googling local events. Whichever. The Fest runs all weekend and also has a Tiki Lounge. One more thing, and I have saved the best for last: they will be serving free beer during the Steelers game on Sunday. Lemme say that again: FREE BEER. Do I have to draw you a drunken picture? ‘Cause if I do, it’ll be a charcoal rendering of Sienna Miller. In the style of Renoir, if you know what I mean. Yeah!

Speaking of which, Sienna, baby doll, you never wrote to me. What’s up wit dat? My sweet limey love muffin, you’re only in town for a couple more days, and we need to make the most of it. I can get you into Folinos, no problem. They know me there.

OUTrageous Bingo/Flaming Fall Frolic

6:30 p.m. and whenever, Goodwill Industries Building, Sahsside, then The Sideways 8 Club (aka 5801 Video Lounge) Shadyside

“Drinking For A Cause” makes a strong return this weekend with two events that serve as fundraisers for the Shepherd Wellness Community, a local AIDS outreach program. First on the fabulous docket is something called “OUTrageous Bingo”. Allow me to quote from the release: “A very VERY gay old time with a drag show at intermission.” I’m not sure about the booze level at this first one, since it’s at Goodwill, and I don’t think they’ve got a liquor license yet, but it’s located on the Sahsside, so it’s only a matter of time, really. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., games start at 7:30. $15 at the door. Tickets available in advance are $12 and can be purchased at:

A Pleasant Present

Banner Coin Exchange

Klavon’s Ice Cream

Tuscany Cafe

And after you’ve had your fill of giggling like Beavis and Butthead every time “O 69″ gets pulled from the old ball bucket, (I went to one of those Sunday Night Catholic Church Bingo bashes once, and there was an older lady there who had New Years Eve noisemakers just for when O 69 was pulled), head on up to the Ol’ Sideways 8 Club, which is real life is called the 5801 Video Lounge on Ellsworth (formerly New York, New York just to fully confuse the issue) for the "Flaming Fall Frolic," where you’ll enjoy $1 off all drinks, free appetizers and the piano stylings of Al Snyder.

Drink and Draw: Burlesque Style

5 p.m., Brillobox, Upper Larryville

This one will give me the chance to brush up on my charcoal rendering techniques in advance of my session with Sienna. Brillobox is hosting drop-in model sessions for artists beginning in October, and this is the first one. How it works is, you pay a fee to get in, bring your art supplies, and draw (or paint) the models that will be on hand to pose for you. This session’s theme is burlesque, drawing inspiration from the vaudeville queens and their outrageous costumes. Short description: two models, one in feathers, the other in satin and Lace. No photography or oils, dry mediums and water-based paints acceptable. If the one wearing feathers looks at all like Sally Rand, let me know so I can get up there and propose marriage immediately. Any further questions, call them at 412.621.4900.

(Thanks to Susan for sending this one in… )

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Sunday, October 15

Gold Diggers of 1933, 8 p.m., Regent Square Theater, Regent Square (Duh.)

I ain’t sayin’ she a gold digger…

This is a film that was shot in the five year period between the advent of talkies and the enforcement of the Hays Code, so it’s something of a groundbreaker and historical oddity. Filled with sex, money, power, it’s the story of how far a good girl can go before she becomes a bad girl. (Short answer: The Firehouse on a Saturday Night)

The opening scene is chorus girls wearing giant gold coins. Sold.

Long Ago And Far Away, 8:00 p.m., Manchester Craftsmens Guild

Billed as “an original interactive performance created by Kim Nazarian of New York Voices”, Long Ago And Far Away doesn’t have anything to do with Star Wars, from what I can gather, but it still seems to be a good thing to do of a Sunday Evening, and the Steelers will be done by the time this starts. (Hell, they might be done done by the time this thing starts if the offense can’t get something going.)

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Got an event planned? Would you like a whole flock of yinzers with disposable income to show up? Let Git Aht know by sending the electronic mail to gitaht@gmail.com.

Help support I heart PGH--Buy their nifty stuff here.

October 13, 2006 in Arts, Cool stuff, Film [1], Patrick Kent, Weekend Fun | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 12, 2006

Spurned, burnt and rebuffed

Sienna Miller bares more than her feelings towards the Burgh.

While Crayola decided to keep burnt sienna in it's colorful little box, the poop-on-Pittsburgh actress Sienna Miller wasn't so lucky.

The actress was booted out of Young's Tavern over the weekend because she didn't have ID. Apparently her Norma Desmond "Don't you know who I am!?" bologna didn't empress the bouncer who bounced the blonde to the curb. It's not the first time Pittsburgh has shown great deference toward Hollywood types. This summer, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was denied a seat on a Just Ducky tour, though he refrained from throwing a hissy fit.

Wait, that's not all folks.

In exclusive Sienna news (moronic sounding we know), sources say Miller also rebuffed donning a g-string and other coverups during a love scene last week. Usually, actors are not completely in the buff during nude scenes, said the source. "Most of the time they wear either a g-string or something flesh-colored to cover their privates. They prefer it. It's very rare than an actor does this."

Apparently those on set didn't appreciate the actress's raw sanctitude. 'Buff said.

Filming ends Oct. 20.

Will her shenanigans?

October 12, 2006 in Current Affairs, Film [1], Hollywood Celebrities in Burgh, News, kinda, Seen & Heard | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 06, 2006

Sienna Miller learns ...

...only Pittsburghers can insult Pittsburgh. Film producers barraged with outraged 'Burgers.

Update: Though Dish reported the story about the city's outrage before the national media (OK,so we're not above gloating), read the AP follow-up on Miller's mea culpa after dumping on Pittsburgh. The writer reinforces Miller's perspective in the last four paragraphs. Hey, why talk about the good things when you can side with a starlet?

And we thought we were being such good hosts.

Sources say the production office of the film "Mysteries of Pittsburgh," has been swarmed with calls this morning, outraged by actress and victim of nanny-based infidelity Sienna Miller's comments in the latest issue of Rolling Stone. Her hurtful words were reported in the P-G this morning. To deal with the fallout, a room at the William Penn hotel is being prepared for an afternoon press conference.

In the RS article, Miller calls Pittsburgh "shit," though the author claims the second-tier actress rarely left her hotel room. Miller plays a supporting role in the film adaptation of novelist Michael Chabon's best seller.

Chabon, also the author of Wonder Boys, which was also turned into a Pittsburgh-shot movie, earned his BA at the University of Pittsburgh and MFA at UC-Irvine. To Dish's knowledge, he never compared the city to solid animal waste.

P-G reporter John Hayes, who sought reaction from the Rolling Stone piece's author, wrote:

"Can you believe this is my life?" Miss Miller later asks Rolling Stone contributing editor Jenny Eliscu, over a plate of garlic-parmesan Buffalo wings at a Pittsburgh hotel bar. "Will you pity me when you're back in your funky New York apartment and I'm still in Pittsburgh? I need to get more glamorous films."

Miller has be on a two-week (or should we say fortnight so as not to sound like dumb Pittsburghers) hiatus to her London apartment during filming and is expected to return today. One outraged caller reportedly said, "Where are you filming? We want to throw pierogies at her."

Dish suggests mashed potato and onion for this purpose. Regarding "more glamorous films," Dish suggests better talent.

But in all seriousness, Sienna, why don't you stop by the Monterey Pub on the North Side for an Imp and Ahrn? We'll show you why they call this place Paris on the Mon.

More Sienna shenanigans here.

October 6, 2006 in Film [1], Hollywood Celebrities in Burgh, Media, News , Seen & Heard | Permalink | Comments (12)

September 14, 2006

Horror flick premiers in Burgh this weekend

And nothing rhymes with camero.

Greetings Pittsburgh! Are you sitting down? I hope so because I have some news that could change your entire world. As many of you know Pittsburgh is rapidly becoming a cultural mecca, and finally you’ve hit the big time, movie premiers! The glitz, the glamour, the red carpet, are all on their way!

My name is Matt Ford (pictured). I live in New Haven, Conn., where I worked with Mrs. Dish at an altweekly. I am one of the stars of the new cinematic masterpiece, Bikini Blood Bath. You can probably guess from the title that it is a thinking man’s film about the nature of the human psyche as interpreted by bikini clad young women and a homicidal maniac. The film also stars such notable actors as Carmine Capobianco (Intergalactic Gigolo, Psychos in Love) and Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juliet, Playmate of the Apes).

The film opens with a beautiful and heartwarming scene in which two nubile young women are dressing for school. Between classes, the girls discuss their plans to have a slumber party that evening, with NO BOYS. Members of the football team take offense and decide to have a party of their own. Meanwhile William “Chef” Leschenski, the proprietor of the Sausage Party restaurant, has been driven mad by his customers and sets off to reek bloody revenge. Alas, the scene is set for a film which all of our mothers have collectively disavowed.

When the time came to choose a premier location, Bloodbath Pictures execs decided there could be no better place to share our vision with the world than Genghis Con II at the Greentree Radisson in Pittsburgh, PA. I invite you all to travel to Greentree and experience a taste of movie magic. And blood wrestling!

Editors’ note: Mr. Ford (who also starred in The Land of the College Prophets) will not be attending his own premier. His employer, “which has served New Haven’s artistic renaissance, authoritatively covering (and sponsoring) major arts festivals,” denied him the time off.

September 14, 2006 in Film [1] | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 06, 2006

Burgh based web series returns

Pittsburgh comedy reaching cult status.

From Erik Schark:

The first episode of the fourth season of “Something To Be Desired," the only ongoing web-based series set and shot in is now available at their website. New episodes will appear every Monday.

Something To Be Desired," or STBD to its fans – a growing legion currently around 3,000 strong from across the globe – is an ongoing web-based comedy series, essentially a TV show that can only be seen on the internet or when downloaded to a portable video device (iPod, etc). It takes place at the fictitious independent radio station WANT and concerns the lives and loves of a group of twentysomethings trying to figure out just what it is they want.It’s part sitcom, part soap opera, occasionally a little raw, frequently hilarious, and completely addictive.

Pittsburgh is very much a character in the showThe music of area bands like The Rockstar Collective, stoned.com and Kingsfoil has been prominently featured; locally-made products have been featured (Little Earth, Torque Denim, etc.); scenes have been filmed during a concert at The Rex, a FLUX art event and an Art Gallery Crawl; and episodes have highlighted numerous local businesses (and occasionally their owners), including Kiva Han, Oztier Magic, Hot Metal Grille, Eljay’s Used Books, and Altar (formerly Sanctuary), to name just a few.  This year, Affogato, The Mattress Factory, HeadQuarters gallery space and more will be added to the list.

The show has made fans as far away as Australia, where best-selling author Max Barry praised it on his blog as having “bucket-loads of talent”. STBD was just the focus of a feature in the New York-based actors’ magazine Backstage. And cult legend Lloyd Kaufman, president of Troma Films, recently took time out from his book tour to appear in a promo for the upcoming season.

Season 4 kicks off September 4 and all upcoming and previous episodes are available via iTunes, the STBD rss feed, or directly from the “Something To Be Desired” website.

Something To Be Desired” was created in 2003 by Justin Kownacki, a 29 year-old Erie native currently living in Highland Park. He writes, directs and produces every STBD episode on his own, with ample input from the cast. Kownacki holds a degree in Computer Animation from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

For additional information, Contact:

Justin Kownacki @ jkownacki@somethingtobedesired.com

Kownacki Productions

September 6, 2006 in Arts, Boob Tube, Current Affairs, Film [1], Seen & Heard | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 24, 2006

A new kind of film office?

Local film industry heavy hitters propose changes at the Pittsburgh Film Office. Keezer's kiester kaput?

Dish received the following letter, addressed to County Honcho Dan Onorato, Mayor O'Connor, and cc'd to Governor Rendell. It is signed by casting folks, producers, actors, and myriad other film folk. We'll let the thing speak for  itself.

July 24, 2006

The Honorable Dan Onorato, Chief Executive, Allegheny County

County Court House, Grant Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

The Honorable Bob O’Connor

Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

City-County Building

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Dear Mr. Onorato and Mr. O’Connor:

It is with great consideration and a very strong sense of resolve that we, the community of filmmakers and film industry professionals in Western Pennsylvania, call on you to join us in support of a bold new approach to nurturing film production in Western Pennsylvania.

As you can see from the weight and volume of the undersigned, we comprehensively represent the most significant local stakeholders in this matter. But if that were not enough, you will find here endorsements from some of the most powerful interests in Hollywood as well. Collectively, unanimously and with a clear sense of purpose, we call on you to support the creation of a new kind of film office that will represent the best interests of the citizens of Western Pennsylvania. This will most likely require that public money be redirected from the current Film Office and towards our new, comprehensive initiative.

In other words, as we propose a fresh and effective direction for this economic development program, we simultaneously state our complete and total lack of confidence in the Pittsburgh Film Office to fulfill its mission and its purpose. It lacks any ability whatsoever to represent the best interests of the citizens in this region.

We ask that you support us locally, and in the Governor’s office, so that our positive call for a new and effective organization can be supported with public funding to accomplish that which is now hardly being accomplished at all. There are a number of qualified non-profits in place that stand by ready to house this new program, a program that will clearly serve a broader set of interests and return more money to this region.

We also propose a more representative governance structure and an organization that not only courts the business of Hollywood, but proactively nurtures the local, indigenous film community that already exists, so that they are not forever dependent on the vain whims of outside interests.

The film industry is speaking out with a single voice to ask that public support be redirected to a new entity that better serves the community, the field, and the international reputation of Western Pennsylvania. Respectfully, we call on you to join us in our endeavor.

Sincerely,

Charlie Byrnes, International Representative, Teamsters

Eric Gold, Producer, Manager

Patricia Buckley, Casting Assistant

Robert Buncher, President of IATSE, Local 480

Diane Collins, Costume Designer/Wardrobe Supervisor

David Conrad, Actor, Filmmaker

Bruce Crocker, Missus and Trixie Films

Midian Crosby, Special Effects and Make-up

Laura Davis, Producer/Steeltown Advisor

Kent Edwards, Former Board Member for PFO/Board Member of Pgh Filmmakers

John Haer, Director of AFTRA

Charlie Humphry, Executive Director of Pgh Filmmkaers

Ellen Kander, Co founder Steeltown Entertainment

Ken Kellers, Leadman

Canice Kennedy, Casting Director

Chris Lacey, AFTRA

Amy Lamb, Executive Producer of Lumiere Films

Maxine Lapidus, Executive Producer

Amy Marasalisa, Actor/Producer

Melissa Martin, Missus and Trixie Films

Crispin May, Camera Assistant

Catherine McConnell, Former Board member for PFO

Terri Minsky, Writer/Producer

Eugene Pile, Construction Coordinator

Richard Rauh, Prof. of Film at Point Park College/Actor

Greg Rempel, Writer/Director, Company X Entertainment

Joey Rocket, Graphic Artist/Photographer, Specter Studio

Cameron Romero, President of Batpack Studios/Director

Marty Schiff, Producer/Executive Director

Janet Smith, Producer, Trifocal State Theatre, Center of the Arts

Marlene Speranza, Costumer, CMU Costume Shop

Mamie Kay Stein, Props and Set Dresser and Buyer

William Strickland Jr. , President and CEO of Bidwell, Training Center and Manchester Craftsman’s Guild

Jamie Widdoes, Director

Michael Zinobile, Grip

Andrea Davis, Steeltown Entertainment

Todd Eckert, Director/Producer

Adrienne Wehr, Missus & Trixie Films

Diana Stoughton, IATSE Local 489

Sally Lapiduss, Producer/Writer, Los Angeles

Cc: Governor Rendell

Cc: Governor Rendell

July 24, 2006 in Current Affairs, Film [1], Local Celebrities, Media, News , Seen & Heard | Permalink | Comments (5)

March 03, 2006

Of course this means Warhol...

Violet begets Violet.

by Arts Editor Christopher Arnott

“In the near future,” begins the trailer for Ultraviolet, and some of us are expecting to hear Andy Warhol’s voice cut in that “everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes.” After all, Ultra Violet (aka Isabelle Collin Dufresne) was one of Andy’s first superstars. They met in 1963, through her chum Salvador Dali. Originally considered publicity-seeking eye candy, a self-proclaimed collector of art and sex, Ultra Violet still maintains a career as a “post-Pop” visual artist whose recent works include “Is Christ Politically….. Prophetically….. Correct?” She wrote the best firsthand chronicle of the Factory years, Famous for Fifteen Minutes, and still carries the Factory flag; Warhol Stars reports that she’ll be part of the documentary Factory People, scheduled for release in 2006.

This other Ultra Violet film splashes some red liquid around and destroys a few buildings in the name of art, but doesn’t seem to have a lot to do with the subdued wig-wearing Warhol and his entourage. Still, some of the dialogue from the trailer sounds like stuff from Warhol’s famous interview sessions:

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because I hate humans.”

“My name is Violet. I was born into a world you many not understand.”

The film’s official site features a “graphic novel game” which would appeal to the comics-loving pop art crowd. The panels light up in sequence while you read them—not in ultraviolet light, but a neat trick nonetheless.

Ultraviolet has another Warhol connotation. In the 1960s, the artist produced several paintings using ultraviolet light. The most famous of these was Double Torso, a 5-foot-by-3-foot double image of a bosom, commissioned by Playboy magazine for a feature called “The Playmate as Fine Art.”

None of this has anything to do, alas, with the seminal Peanuts character Violet, famous for her “Nyaahs.” Violet also predated Lucy as Charlie Brown’s recalcitrant football-holder.

March 3, 2006 in Arts, Christopher Arnott, Film [1], Of Course This Means Warhol, Warhol | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Day in the Death of Darrin McGavin

Dismembering a great actor.

Mrs. Dish was out of the office yesterday fetching her fetching leg brace when she heard of the demise of Darrin McGavin, who played Ralphie's Old Man in "A Christmas Story." She promptly returned to HQ and fashioned this fitting tribute to the man who illuminated us to the smoldering virtues of lighting fixtures.

Also, given Mr. McGavin's role as Kolchak in the creepy T.V. series "The Night Stalker," the late actor would've appreciated that on the day of learning of his death, Mrs. Dish had to schlep said ankle-foot orthoses down Carson Street in a large, clear plastic bag (that's all they had) which drew odd looks from passersby who most likely thought is was a severed leg. She was parked in front of a tattoo parlor.

March 3, 2006 in Film [1] | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 22, 2005

Trib reporter wussed out

An unidentified Trib reporter lost out on fame, fortune and the opportunity to stay in an awesome pad Tuesday after he arrived at a casting call for MTV's "The Real World" only to find a really long line.

The reporter allegedly intended to get all Gonzo on our ass with a first-hand account of the event but wussed out when the line snaked out the door and around the block.

"He wanted to participate in the event but the line was too long so he left," said a source close to MTV.

Bunim/Murray Productions, producers of the show, held a casting call at Bommerang's Bar & Grill in Oakland between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. According to B/M an estimated 700 young adults with big dreams and nothing to do applied in person. At press time, the number of callbacks is unknown. Viewers will have to sit on pins and needles to see if a plucky Pittsburgher will sit on an IKEA couch all day and party like a rock star all night.

And because the Trib reporter wussed out, an important slice of Pittsburgh history is forever lost. We will never know what it was like to feel the tension, the exhilaration, the cutthroat competition and the awesomeness of an MTV casting call.

Photo: Applicants lean against building to fill out applications.

UPDATE JANUARY, 23 2008: MTV casts net again

September 22, 2005 in Awesome, Current Affairs, Film [1], Love, dating, sex, Media, Mysteries, News , Observations, Seen & Heard, The Trib is evil | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 18, 2005

Of course this means Warhol

Punk Rock Dave, Prozac & Cornflakes, Pope John Paul II and more...

The “15 Minutes of Fame” online art project sponsored by the Andy Warhol Museum http://www.warhol.org/contest/ purports to test AW’s “Everybody will be famous for 15 minutes” theory with a poll of “the ‘hottest’ or most talked about 15 minutes thing of the moment.” Alas, the survey has been corrupted by the famous-in-my-own-site set and has all the validity and entertainment value of a pinball machine top-scorer list. The top ten as of Aug. 9 (having received anywhere from 12 to 257 “votes”): Punk Rock Dave, Prozac & Cornflakes, Punk Rock Niki, New Planet Trampoline, Paulette, The Gates Poo, The Gates, Rodney Rowland, Star Jones Panties Drip and Dave Loves Pompadoura. “Or,” the site exults, “consider one of these random candidates…,” all of whom polled seven votes or less: Pope John Paul II, KY Jelly, Mr. F Strange Love, everything special, manic street preachers, my poo is special, ed murphy eats trannypoo, james dean, p, and the nazi-pope.” Fifteen minutes clearly isn’t what it once was. By these standards, Edie Sedgwick WAS a superstar!

Paul Morrisey’s two cheesy Italian frightfests, originally released under the more marketable titles Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein and Andy Warhol’s Dracula were long ago renamed Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula. The Dracula DVD is now out of print, and is selling used on Amazon for up to $69, while you can get the “director’s cut” of Frankenstein (with a modern-day NC-17 rating) on sale for $14.99—though not in its original 3D majesty. The credits now read “Presented by Andy Warhol,” muc