The fake New York in the real OC?

Yesterday’s LA Times reported on Chapman University’s push to be a major film school. (See Fade In at Chapman University.) Evidently, CU has poured many tens of millions of dollars into the project. Some excerpts:

On Monday, film classes will begin in the Marion Knott Studios, a new $41-million, 76,000-square-foot building. School officials say it is one of the nation's most advanced film school facilities.

The facility features two soundstages, a 500-seat stadium-style movie theater with a digital projector, a three-camera high-definition television stage and a motion-capture stage. Two floors of pre- and post-production facilities include a production design lab, a foley stage for creating sound effects, and a hefty digital cinema server.
…..
"This is the most coherent, state-of-the-art facility anywhere in the country," said Dean Bob Bassett. "The students will have the tools they need when they go into the business."

Marty Capune, Newport Beach's film liaison, agreed: "It will put Orange County on the map as far as future filmmakers are concerned.

They’re even planning to build a 7.5-acre “back lot” that may include sets of New York City and Paris!

Maybe the SOCCCD should get in on the action. We could rent out ATEP as a set for post-apocalyptic wastelands—you know, dirt, sun, shacks and stuff. And Irvine Valley College could be a set for “goofy community colleges”—for movies like Evolution and the upcoming The Really Real OC.

This morning’s Times includes an interview of Southern California’s rock hero/poet (and Grammy winner) Dave Alvin, who’s performing today at the Sunset Junction Street Festival. (The Cramps will be there too. Too good!) Alvin’s promoting his new album, “West of the West.”

The interview ends with:

Q: "West of the West" seems like a tribute to California as much as to its songwriters.

A: It was a little love letter to the state, but an eyes wide open kind of love letter. "I love you, honey, but do something about your breath"—it's that kind of love letter.

Red Emma, Rebel Girl, and I saw Alvin and his band, The Guilty Men, at the Coach House on Friday. They were guilty all right. They killed.

We’re not exactly the Wild Bunch, but there was this odd couple next to Red and Reb that kept buyin’ ‘em rounds of tequilla or something, so I got to see what happens when you pour serious liquor into these two (who weren’t driving). Well, Red just gets all quiet and small. Meanwhile, Reb eventually stands up and dances and yelps joyously. (Rebel Girl is butting in here because she has editing rights and power. Ahem. When Dave Alvin plays "Marie, Marie" (from the Blasters' days for those old enough to know) standing and yelping is pretty much mandatory, free rounds of tequila or not.) Eventually, the odd couple (not Red & Reb) walked over to the stage and got to within inches of the band. That gal had the dirtiest look I’ve ever seen on a woman. (I’ve memorized it.) Let’s just say that those two got amorous, although they did keep their pants on. I watched the second guitarist lookin’ down at them. He had no reaction whatsoever. Very cool. Meanwhile, a friend of mine shouted in my ear, “How come they’ve gotta play so loud!”

Cuz it feels good?

They say that the opening band--the Graceland Mafia--are from Silverado Canyon. Gosh, I've driven through that canyon a million times and I've never once seen a fat Elvis-impersonating rockabilly singer!

Don’t be a dope. Do yourself a favor and buy Alvin’s Romeo’s Escape or King of California (the 2nd one is acoustic, not electric).

3 year-old Sarah called me yesterday. She said, “Is your house clean?”

Apparently, she has a fear of vacuum cleaners, and she wanted to be sure I wouldn't be using one.

She came over with 2-year old Adam and their surly Dad, my little brother, who never asks questions. Here are some pics.