Georgia Tech as Google? And other Atlanta locales repurposed by Hollywood
Atlanta’s fondness for bulldozing and rebuilding has left us with nondescript architecture and a generally bland cityscape. But Hollywood eyes our blahness and sees dreams and dollar signs, with our state’s tax credits making an ATL location a no-brainer substitute for cinematic scenery from the Bay Area to Brazil.
Starlight Drive In has starring role in this year’s TCM Remembers tribute
This month, movie fans around the world are being introduced to the delights of Atlanta's landmark Starlight Drive In via Turner Classic Movie's annual "TCM Remembers" tribute film honoring those in the film industry who passed away in 2012. The drive in's Moreland Avenue marquee, six screens, projection room, snack bar and even the drive in's blue raspberry and strawberry slushy machines all have starring roles in the 5 minute and 37 second tribute.
Spoiler Alert! Our infectious peek behind the scenes of the Atlanta-set “Contagion”
"Contagion," the nation's new number one movie, will have you reconsidering that nasty habit of dragging your paws through those communal bowls of snacks at the airport lounge. Or ever again accepting a glass of wine from a bartender. Or perhaps ever again leaving your home. The highly effective thriller, directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne and Gwyneth Paltrow, focuses on Atlanta's Centers For Disease Control and Prevention as its disease detectives attempt to stop a swift-moving global pandemic from snuffing the earth's population. How swift-moving you ask? Spoiler alert! Just 25 minutes into the movie, Coldplay singer Chris Martin's missus is being autopsied.
Conan returns to host The Tonight Show — on TCM
With a sly wink to one of television’s biggest blunders, late night TV host Conan O’Brien will return this summer to host The Tonight Show on Atlanta’s own Turner Classic Movies. Beginning July 1, the current TBS Conan host will expand his Turner Broadcasting resume with an additional gig at TCM, introducing and providing insight for Carson on TCM, a month-long look at classic Johnny Carson interviews from his long-running stint as Tonight Show host. The interviews, many of which aired just once on NBC, will span from Carson’s 1973 chat with Tony Curtis to the late-night host’s final interview with Elizabeth Taylor in 1992.
Usher, Ed Roland, and more local celebs talk youth empowerment
Atlanta’s movers and shakers met at the St. Regis hotel today for an event celebrating Usher’s New Look foundation. Though it was all flashbulbs, rappers, and rock stars on what Usher called “the floral carpet,” the entertainer proved to me he was more than just a pretty face and a slick linen suit.
As more films like ‘Last of Robin Hood’ are filmed in Atlanta, opportunities for extras are abundant
Seeing Will Ferrell (or is it Ron Burgundy?) on Peachtree Street. Meeting Jim Carrey in a Buckhead Barnes & Noble. Shopping in downtown Athens with Justin Timberlake and Amy Adams. Even receiving wardrobe compliments from Kevin Kline. All totally plausible ventures now that Atlanta and other Georgia cities and towns are becoming go-tos in the film industry for both major and independent studios.
The Plaza Theatre hosting 50 Years of Bond throughout July
Catch superspy James Bond on the big screen as the Plaza Theatre hosts 50 Years of Bond—the entire franchise in order, from 1963’s "Dr. No" to last year’s "Skyfall." The theater’s new co-owner Michael Furlinger discusses the groundbreaking but expensive endeavor.
John Portman’s Atlanta, Asian skylines assessed anew in A Life of Building
For jaded downtown urbanites, one emotion will likely dominate Wednesday at 8 p.m. as filmmaker Ben Loeterman’s visually dazzling documentary “John Portman: A Life of Building” has its Georgia broadcast premiere on GPB — Guilt.
Let the (Hunger) Games begin
Before you go all rooting for kindhearted Katniss, consider this: We have our own district tribute in the fight with Atlanta native Stephanie Leigh Schlund, who plays Cashmere. And she’s not just any tribute: She’s from the beautiful, bloodthirsty District One, where career tributes are hardened from birth for vicious war.
Don Draper visits the Clermont Lounge!
Hamm and Paxton, along with Oscar winner Alan Arkin and Lake Bell are in the area shooting Arm, a Disney drama about a sports agents who "stages an unconventional recruitment strategy to get talented cricket players to play Major League Baseball," according the to film's entry on IMDB.com.
