SAG-AFTRA Now & Then - TV Changed Everything.

 SAG Union Now & Then - TV Changed Everything.

Before email-letters. when SAG Awards were mostly nominees in Motion Picture films.
#SAG-AFTRA  #ATAS  #AMPAS  #MPA

The 1st Annual SAG awards in 1995: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Screen_Actors_Guild_Awards

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, December 31 2023) Updated MARCH 29 2024
By Karen Ostlund
                                                                         

The 80s and 90s talent-agencies used to tell their actors; “Try to say something for free - two separate scenes, in a Motion Picture film - so you can start to pay SAG Union, and we can raise the salaries, and take a commission”.
Non-Union extra-work in Motion Picture films were considered "too little money” to take a commission from.

TV production and TV Stations had their own rates and salaries, regardless of Union cards.
Each booked actor had to go to their agent and sign a two-three page contract, before every job.
Today, many filmproductons offer to pay SAG-rate the first 5 days, after that, the work goes over to contract, without SAG-rate.
In 1983 casting director offered actors for the first time, to use their SAG card for better pay in "Daytime Soap", “Commercials" and “Independent film".
US productions only, inside and outside the country. Actors did many other work as well, in foreign productions, without need of a Union card.
Both Union and Non-Union actors were welcome to the same casting, but they needed an agent to send them out to castings and do the billing for them.
Talent-agencies usually chose a personal manager or publicist, when the actor/performer get famous.
In LA, many talents hire a publicist, to get help finding an agent, and to be presented to the press, at red carpet events.

In the past, Motion Picture casting directors used to give TV actors a hard time, because they used Commercial agents with minimum height requirements linked to model agencies, to build a resume.
Most Motion Picture actors build their resume with work from theater companies.
TV actors were considered ‘beautiful people” with 2-3 expressions, compared to Motion Picture film actors.

In the 90s New York, the qualifications to be a member of AFTRA Union, was to prove on-air work in the radio. After become a well-known voice in a radio station, these RADIO-AFTRA members did appearances in TV-shows and presented LIVE shows for musicians in the Recording Academy (Grammys.com)
SAG Union members were then paying off the initial membership-fee with vouchers and 1 % interest.

The membership-fee guaranteed once-a-year meetings with MPA’s  five studios, to talk about salaries and overtime.Talent agencies used to have casting-magazines laying around, with a report inside, what was said during the meetings with MPA and Unions.
If a Union gives better pay, the actor needed to apply for a Tax ID, but the same actor can have Tax IDs in other countries too.
In Europe, talents-agencies withdraw tax on every pay-check given to the actor, but if the actor applies for Tax ID and file tax return, some tax-money get returned to the actor.
They put, "actors-models-singers-dancers" under the Law of "sports athletes” - which talent can be measured.

Motion Picture Association (MPA) was an American trade association since 1922, representing the five major film studios In US: Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures (SONY Studios). They had yearly meetings with most Unions.

Summer 2012, SAG-AFTRA became the 2nd RSVP-list to ATAS (TV Academy) in North Hollywood for “For-Your-Consideration" panels, because SAG Awards January 27 2013  will feature Television nominees. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_Screen_Actors_Guild_Awards
In 2012, there was space for everybody.
                                                                    

In 2016, Motion Picture Studios and their TV-Plus division had reach equal size, with help from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
For example, Paramount Studios expanded their ParamountPlus division and Walt Disney Studios did the same with their DisneyPlus.

Same year (2016), SAG-AFTRA staff tried to locate paid SAG memberships without contact information as emails or phone numbers, before AFTRA  merged with them in March 30 2012.
They forgot these SAG members had a 2nd card, an Academy card in MPA or AMPAS, because it was only used for work in Motion Pictures films until 1983.
The Union card was then seen as a "better-salary-card” and the Academy card was a "film-industry-event-card".

In 2017, some AMPAS members moved their memberships to ATAS (TV Academy) to enter a lottery to attend the panels of TVPlus division of Motion Picture Studios.
Suddenly, there was, and still is today, a large group of Television professionals, which group can be divided in 4 groups: ATAS (TV Academy), SAG-AFTRA, AMPAS-Plus and MPA-Plus.

                                                                       

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike could have been avoided, if the once-a-year meetings with MPA's five studios had continued, but COVID-19 pandemic came up and interfered, starting January 2020. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_SAG-AFTRA_strike

More info:
ATAS (Academy of Television Arts and Sciences).
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Television_Arts_%26_Sciences

AMPAS (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences).
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Motion_Picture_Arts_and_Sciences

AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Federation_of_Television_and_Radio_Artists

SAG (Screen Actors Guild)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_Actors_Guild

MPA  (Motion Picture Association)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_Picture_Association

NATAS Unveiled Their 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Statue at The Hollywood Museum’s Daytime TV History Exhibit.

 NATAS Unveiled Their 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Statue
at The Hollywood Museum’s Daytime TV History Exhibit.
 #NATAS   #TheHollywoodMuseum  #DaytimeEmmys 
 
(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, December 14 2023, Photos by Karen Ostlund)
                                                                      

The Hollywood Museum and Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President) with Adam Sharp (NATAS President) unveiled the "Daytime TV History Exhibit", December 13 at the Hollywood Museum. The opening coincided with the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards. With the approval of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), this event was the unofficial nominee pre-reception for the upcoming Daytime and Children & Family Emmy® Awards.

                                                                           

"The Bold & the Beautiful" and “General Hospital" costumes.

Participating TV shows with contributions received, included costumes, props, scripts, and Emmy statues from “The Young & the Restless", “The Bold & the Beautiful”, “Days of Our Lives", “General Hospital",  “After Forever", and “The Bay,” as well as other programs representing Court Room Dramas, Children’s Programing, Talk Shows, Game Shows, Animation, and Entertainment News, as well contributions from this years Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement recipients, Maury Povich and Susan Lucci.
                                                                        

“Days of Our Lives” costumes.

NATAS unveiled their commemorative 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Award, that each of 2023 winner will be receiving this year.
                                                                     

Emmy nominees and talents attending included: Finola Hughes, Donna Mills, Sharon Case, Peter Bergman, Bob Eubanks, Kevin Spirtas, A Martinez, Cary Christopher, Carolyn Hennesy,  Alley Mills, Cassandra Creech, Kristos Andrews, Avery Pohl, Evan Hofer, Michael Learned,Chiara D’Ambrosio, Bianca D’Ambrosio, Brook Kerr, Jophielle Love, Mike Manning,Jennifer Chandler, Katelyn MacMullen,  Tina Huang,George Chakiris, Brandon Beemer, Belinda Jackson, Verneccia Etienne, Lucy Yalenian, Carson Boatman,Rib Hillas, Jessie Harrison,Bob Lambert, Tamara Cltterback, Johnny Whitaker, Brandon Barash, Jennifer Chandler , Bonnie Burroughs, Petrie Hawkins Byrd, Dee Wallace, Sofia Mattsson, Hudson West, Najee De-Tiege, John R Lindstrom, Kate Linder, Bob Bergen, Daniel Ross, Jen Lilley, Ruta Lee, Wendy Riche, Dan Feuerriegel, Nasir Kenneth Ferebee, Gina Yates, Sonia Blangiardo, Cheryl Davis, Artisha Mann-Cooper, Celeste Fianna, James Preston, Terea Cilla, Gregori Martin, Patrick Blood, Randy West, Bob Boden and Marty Krofft’s daughter’s Deanna, Kristina and Kendra Krofft.

                                                                            

Sid and Marty Kroffts costumes.

The Hollywood Museum is located in the historic Max Factor Building is the official museum of Hollywood and a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation showcasing more than 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures, spotlighting 100 years of Hollywood history - from the Silents to Talkies, Hollywood's Golden Era and Film Noir, Television and its Pioneer Years, through the rebellious 60s, special effects 70s, evolving 80s, involved 90s, technological 2000s, and beyond to current day heartthrobs! The Hollywood Museum's exhibits showcase the best in film, network and cable television, and new digital platforms featuring iconic and fan favorites! The Hollywood Museum offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world - featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars - past, present and in the making.  TheHollywoodMuseum.com
                                                                         

Cast of "The Bay".

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational, and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Awards for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime and Daytime Creative Arts programming, as well as achievements in television Technology & Engineering. TheEmmys.tv
                                                                          

Fran Drescher costumes.

NATAS consists of more than 18,000+ broadcast and media professionals represented in 19 regional chapters across the country. Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including regional student television and its Student Award for Excellence and the National Student Production Awards for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications, and major activities for both industry professionals and public viewing.
                                                                              

Karen Ostlund next to Emmy statues of "All My Children" and "The Bay".

64th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns to LA Music Center.

 64th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns to LA Music Center Dec. 24.
 By Karen Ostlund           #PBSSocal          #HolidayCelebration
                                                                           

The Music Center Dorothy Chandler  LA.

LOS ANGELES (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, December 7, 2023) — The Music Center,  announced the performers for 64th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration, a one-of-a-kind, free holiday spectacular that has been a Los Angeles holiday tradition since 1959.
                                                                          

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.

The two-time Emmy Award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration  returns to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to celebrate its 64th anniversary with a free, live, in-person holiday spectacular.

The annual event will feature 23 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. County.
Those who can’t make it to The Music Center on Dec. 24 will be able to watch the event live on PBS SoCal, livestream online at pbssocal.org, or catch a PBS SoCal encore broadcast later in the evening. KCET will also rebroadcast on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day. Entrance to the in-person event is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.
                                                                      

Jewish culture revival band Mostly Kosher.

This year, features a line up of diverse L.A.-based artists and performing arts groups who will showcase their talent, artistry and holiday traditions, colorful costumes and global sounds from China, Korea, Japan, India, Mexico, France Ukraine, Bulgaria. The show will also feature local artists from L.A. County,  West L.A. and Culver City to Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, and from the Antelope and San Fernando Valleys to Downtown L.A,  the South Bay and South Los Angeles.
                                                                       

Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea.

Returning audience favorites include two-time GRAMMY® award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea; 10-piece Latin jazz band Gabrielito y La Verdad; the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; Jewish culture revival band Mostly Kosher; high energy JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble; and internationally renowned Japanese drummers TAIKOPROJECT in a collaboration with Indian-inspired Blue13 Dance Company.                                   

Japanese drummers TAIKOPROJECT.

Among this year’s newcomers are Carnegie Gospel Choir, recently returned from Carnegie Hall; America’s Got Talentquarter-finalists Divas and Drummers of Compton; the Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute; Mexican folklórico companyTécnica Arte y Folklore; and Bulgarian dance ensemble XoroTroptzi.

Entrance to the in person event is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.                                             

Mexican folklórico company Técnica Arte y Folklore.

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Parking is free in The Music Center parking garage.
• Free in-person event: Sunday, Dec. 24 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. No tickets needed.
• A live broadcast of the show airs on PBS SoCal on Sunday, Dec. 24 from 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
• Live streaming at pbssocal.org
• An encore broadcast will follow immediately on PBS SoCal on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
• Two encore broadcasts will air on KCET: Sunday, Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 25 at 12 p.m.
• Following the live broadcast, the Holiday Celebration will remain available to stream on-demand on the pbssocal.org website, as well as on the free PBS App.
                                                                         

Blue13 Dance Company.

• Performing artists from across Los Angeles County
• Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
• Produced by The Music Center and PBS SoCal in association with CDK Productions
• Directed by Emmy® award-winning producer/director Kenneth Shapiro
• Live telecast, streaming and encore broadcast on PBS SoCal; streaming and encore broadcasts at   KCET

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
FREE parking in The Music Center parking garage.

 More info at HolidayCelebration.org

Vkind Studios launched plant-based recipes and tips for plant-based baking.

Vkind Studios launches plant-based recipes and tips for plant-based baking for the holidays.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, December 4 2024– By Karen Ostlund

                                                                      

Vkind Studios, producers of “Peeled”, the first-ever all-vegan cooking competition, presented their plant-based recipes from their "Immersive experience" last month at The Magic Box, together with Chef Doreet's life enhancing book,"The Uncooking Show" launched December 3 2023. https://www.theuncookingshow.com/your-downloadable-gift/
                                                                                 

                                                           
When the Vkind Experience (VKX2023) took over the Magic Box in downtown Los Angeles November 11 and 12, the immersive 2-day event featured more than two dozen food and vendor partners, including the revolutionary Mellody Bee-Free Honey, Yo Egg's custom quail-sized mini vegan egg, Konscious Foods' sushi, Miyoko's dairy-free cheese, as well as a full selection of libations from Vegan Wines and vodka from Herathe Dog.

                                                                              

"You can't tell the story of plants without showcasing their immense versatility," said Vkind founder Star Simmons. "We want our guests to taste, touch, feel, and see just how powerful the plant world really is. And we're so thrilled that we get to promote so many visionary brands and products".

Plant-based recipes now released from the show:

https://www.vkindexperience.com/vkx2023-recipes/

Products from Vkind's brand partners featured more than 20 chef-crafted and plant-based  whole-food dishes served inside the venue's 11 immersive experience rooms. "It's incredible to have so many delicious options for our chefs to work with," said chef Chris Tucker,. "Our brand partners are proof that plants are indeed the future of food."
                                                                             

The multicultural VKX2023 explored plant-based food from all seven continents as well as the worlds of fungi, oceana, and more. The event's networking area featured lifestyle brand partners including beauty label Ecco Bella and fashion labels Nikki Green and Aiya ayiA.
                                                                           

 Vkind Studios has also produced a short documentary, "The Next Girl," winner of the 2023 8 & Halfilm Award for best narrative short, winner of the Dubai International Cine Carnival's 2023 best international short film, and an official selection in the Cannes World Film Festival - "Remember the Future", among others.

VKind’s tips for vegan and plant-based baking for upcoming holidays:

• Plant-Based Milk: Replace dairy milk with a variety of plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Each brings its unique flavor profile to your creations.

• Egg Replacements: Bid farewell to traditional eggs and welcome substitutes like flax eggs, applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers. These alternatives provide the binding and leavening properties essential in baking.

• Plant-Based Butter and Oils: Swap out dairy butter for plant-based alternatives or opt for heart-healthy oils like coconut or olive oil. These additions ensure richness and moisture in your baked goods.

• Sweeteners: Embrace natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. They add sweetness without the need for refined sugars.

• Flour Varieties: Experiment with a diverse range of flours, including whole wheat, almond, coconut, or even chickpea flour. Each imparts a unique texture and flavor to your creations.

• Understanding Leavening Agents: Baking soda and baking powder are vegan-friendly leavening agents that help your treats rise. Adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per tablespoon of baking powder, activates the leavening agents, to give the baking goods a better rise.

• Flax Eggs for Binding: Combine ground flaxseeds with water to create a flax egg, an excellent binding agent in recipes like cookies and cakes.

• Balancing Moisture: Vegan baking often requires adjustments to maintain the right moisture content. Add extra liquid or reduce flour as needed to achieve the perfect balance.

• Plant-Based Frosting and Toppings: Elevate your creations with dairy-free frostings made from plant-based butter, organic powdered sugar, and non-dairy milk. Explore fresh fruits, nuts, or coconut flakes for delightful toppings. Vkind.com

Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol" as a theater play presented by First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood.

THE LONGEST RUNNING HOLLYWOOD PRODUCTION OF CHARLES DICKENS "A CHRISTMAS CAROL” PRESENTED BY FPCH HOLLYWOOD DIRECTED BY JESSE CORTI & CHOREOGRAPHED BY JULIETTA CORTI.
                                                                      

Roger Neal with director Jesse Corti.

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, Hollywood CA, November 26 2023)
Photos by Karen Ostlund               #AChristmasCarolHollywood
                                                                           

Stage act at "A Christmas Carol".

The longest running Hollywood production of Charles Dickens “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” has announced its dates for 2023.A Christmas Carol, is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843 and illustrated by John Leech.
                                                                            

Jeremy Miller at the opening of A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.
                                                                                 

Kate Linder.

The play will run Friday-Saturday-Sunday from November 25th thru December 16, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood at 1760 North Gower. It has all the production value of a Broadway Show!

SHOWTIMES: Friday & Saturday evening performances: 7:30pm
                           Saturday Matinee: 2:30pm
                           Sunday Matinee only: 2:30pm
  Tickets at www.achristmascarolhollywood.com
                                                                               

Sandro Monetti.

First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood turns 120 years this year and is the oldest mega church in Hollywood and the first Mega Church in North America. The main stage of this campus turns 100 years and is top notch with special effects to a first-class theater experience for the entire family.
For the third year Jesse Corti will direct "A Christmas Carol" who is one of the starring voices in “Frozen", "Beauty and the Beast" and  star on Broadway of “Les Misérables”.There are many well known faces in TV, film & theater in the production.  The show stars Tim Farmer as Scrooge, Tiny Tim is played by HBO series Animals star Brandon Duvon and Bob Cratchit is played by London stage star Dan Hazel.

Connor Dean.

Also, for the third year theater and film choreographer Julietta Corti , who starred in the Broadway cast of CATS, and choreographed productions as Annie, Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, will choreograph  the production for this stage.
                                                                             

"Director Jesse Corti's "A Christmas Carol" is the best staged version of this classic that I've ever seen.  Dickens' story and characters jump off the page and come to life in this heartwarming, magical production.  Bring the family to this must-see Christmas tradition."
said Nick Vallelonga - Two-time Academy Award Winner for GREEN BOOK.

                                                                      
                                                                                 

Alice Amter and Kathy Kolla at Fezziwig Christmas After-Party.

FREE PARKING and an invite to the "Fezziwig Christmas After-Party, including desserts and refreshments after the performance, with each paid ticket.
                                                                                  

Karen Ostlund reporting on "A Christmas Carol".

LA Autoshow vehicle debuts and activities over Thanksgiving Weekend 2023.

 LOS ANGELES (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, November 17, 2023) – LA Autoshow vehicle debuts and activities over Thanksgiving Weekend 2023.                Photos by Karen Ostlund
#AllRoadsLA #LAAutoShow
LA Autoshow back to to the Los Angeles Convention Center from November 17-26 2023.

                                                                                   

The all-new 2025 Subaru Forester showcases completely redesigned style, updated technology, and convenient new features as all-weather capability with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.

The show features brands and showcases from Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Lucid, Mazda, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. There will be driving and demo opportunities with Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Verge Motorcycles, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
                                                                                

The 2023 turbocharged Hyundai Santa Fe has compact SUV features with a wider, aggressive front grille, digital cluster, available HTRAC AWD and up to 281 hp, The hybrid model, with a 232-hp setup uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four gas engine.

Appealing to fans of American iron and international design alike, the 2023 LA Auto show boasts a diverse range of brands eager to engage and connect with active vehicle shoppers, automotive enthusiasts and families throughout Southern California.
Participating across the exhibits, activation and ride & drive opportunities with the latest electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. This year’s lineup features a stellar roster of brands including: Acura, Aston Martin, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Lucid, Mazda, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Ram, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
                                                                              

2024 Lucid Air is an electric car that can jump to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and then glide over 400 miles before needing to be recharged.

“We were exhilarated to receive confirmation of attendance from most of the auto makers very early this year,” said LA Auto Show President, Terri Toennies. “This enthusiastic involvement reaffirms the pivotal role of the California market in the automotive world, as well as the manufacturers’ confidence in our ability to serve as a crucial touchpoint for connecting with both existing and prospective customers.”

As a result of this overwhelming industry support for the 2023 show, a number of driving tracks have been moved outside to the new Electric Avenue Test Track, but several indoor tracks and driving experiences will remain.This combination will allow an unprecedented number of visitors to partake in the ride & drive programs throughout the 10-day event.

Global debuts for the all-new Lucid Gravity and a next-generation Subaru model with North American reveals and announcements from Acura, Hyundai and Kia as highlights.
                                                                              

2024 Kia Sorento made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show  with a  confident exterior redesign, an uplevel premium interior with next-generation technology, and a newly added X-Pro variant geared up for more thrilling outdoor excursions. The vehicle has innovative elements borrowed from the 2024 EV9.

This year’s show featured the debut of “Electric Avenue” – an all-electric test drive track that will encircle South Hall. Participating automakers will include Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Lucid, Polestar, Porsche and Volvo. Inside South Hall, the EV Discovery Center, in partnership with the Hispanic Press Motor Guild, that will offer attendees a bilingual opportunity to educate and inform themselves on the entire electric vehicle, charging and incentive ecosystem.
                                                                             

The Acura Design Studio and Acura engineers crafted the all-electric ZDX and ZDX Type S to provide a driving experience that has an anticipated range rating of 325 miles* available. The ZDX Types S can deliver an estimated 500-HP* and features an electric powertrain that thrills with 0-60 in under 5 seconds.

LA Auto Show will feature a myriad of announcements from brands across the entire global transportation industry, including the hydrogen fuel cell EV manufacturer NIKOLA, electric super-bike builder Verge Motorcycles, and Pebble EV travel trailers, all of whom will introduce their newest models and products.                                                  

New start-up AITEKX will break on to the scene with the global reveal of their Configurable Multi-Function Electric Vehicle.

                                                                             

The Kona Electric stands out with its superior efficiency, cutting-edge technologies, distinctive design, and comprehensive safety was chosen at 2023 Hispanic Motor Press Award.

Hofer Powertrain is an innovative German-based company that has recently proven it can fully charge an EV for 248 miles in 15 minutes. Vehicles equipped with the technology have the potential to transform charging periods into something equivalent to a trip to the gas station. The executive team from Hofer Powertrain will be available to meet media and potential investors.

WiTricity is a Watertown, MA-based wireless charging company. Its technology is currently an aftermarket accessory, which has been outfitted on a number of Ford Mustang Mach E and Transit vans. The WiTricity wireless charging represents a step forward in charging convenience and has the potential to increase the mass adoption of EVs.
                                                                                 

Daniel Suarez NASCAR.

AutoMobility LA attendees will also get a first-hand look as popular artist and Los Angeles native Mister Cartoon unveils the official LA Auto Show print he created specifically for the occasion.
Fans of the Fast & Furious franchise will be able to see a number of cars from the movie series, while Robert Downey Jr will be presenting all six of the eco-friendly vehicles he transformed in the Max series Downey’s Dream Cars.
There will also be promotions from Hulu’s Drive with Swizz Beatz and Ferrari (The Movie), providing entertainment for all the family.
                              

Ford will bring an impressive array of new vehicles and activities. These include the “Bronco Off-Roadeo Ride Experience” with its thrilling climb up the 38-degree slopes of Bronco Mountain and vehicle debuts including a new Mustang Special Edition and the Ford “Gamer Van” – a custom collaboration with Full Gaming Squad based on the Transit Trail.

Three additional brands will entice visitors with indoor vehicle activations to experience their latest models. Nissan and Volkswagen have collaborated to provide attendees a co-located EV Track Experience, while Hyundia will again provide indoor test rides on its enclosed exhibitor EV track.

This year will be the first time the comedian, actor Kevin Hart will showcase his American muscle cars from the Kevin Hart Kollection.
Among them will be the 1970 Dodge Challenger Bane, which will come to Los Angeles for its public reveal after being shown at the 2023 SEMA automotive industry trade show.
                                                                        

1959 Chevrolet Corvette at Kevin Hart Kollection.

“I’m pumped for people to see my cars in person,” Kevin Hart said. “Some have been at the big hot rod shows, but this is the first time they’ll all be together. And to do it at a major international event like the LA Auto Show was the ideal place to make it happen. I can’t wait for fans to see them and find out which one is their favorite.”

Cars of Kevin Hart Kollection. on display will include:

• 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (Mint Condition)

• 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle (Darkness)

• 1969 Chevrolet Camaro (Bad News)

• 1969 Pontiac GTO (Chocolate Droppa)

• 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible

• 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner (Michael Myers)

• 1970 Dodge Challenger (Bane)

• 1970 Dodge Charger (Hellraiser)

• 1987 Buick Grand National (Dark Knight)

• 2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione

LAAutoshow.com

Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca and The Great Wall exhibit at LACMA until June 2nd 2024.

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, Los Angeles, CA—October 26, 2023)  

Photos by Karen Ostlund

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) presents Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca and The Great Wall, the artist’s first solo exhibition at the museum, until June 2 2024.
                                                                             

JUDY BACA (2nd from right) with her LACMA team.

Painting in the River of Angels is co-curated by Dhyandra Lawson, Andy Song Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art, and Deliasofia Zacarias, Executive Assistant and Fellow, Director’s Office, LACMA.

The Los Angeles artist Judy Baca (born 1946) conceived The Great Wall of Los Angeles (1975) as a monument to the people of California. Over five summers (1976-83), Baca collaborated with 400 youth, artists, and community members on a mural that told the erased histories of local communities.

The artist, alongside members of the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), an organization Baca co-founded, designed the mural and painted it on the walls of the Tujunga Wash, a tributary of the L.A. River in North Hollywood, California.

 In 2021, SPARC received a grant from the Mellon Foundation to expand the landmark’s chronology into the 21st century.
                                                                          

The Great Wall of Fire, Generation of Fire.

At LACMA, Baca and SPARC artists will paint new sections of The Great Wall during the museum’s public hours. These new paintings span the 1960s with the first panel depicting moments of the Chicano Movement including the Farmworkers’ Movement and the East L.A. Student Walkouts, and the second panel featuring vignettes of the Watts Rebellion, Watts Renaissance, and community organizing by the Black Panthers.
                                                                       

Great Wall of LA Farmworkers Movement East LA.

After the artists complete the paintings at LACMA, these panels will be added to The Great Wall, as part of the expansion that creates a mile of visual history.

LACMA’s exhibition will also debut Generation on Fire, a new section of the wall memorializing activists known as the Freedom Riders. In 1961, they boarded buses traveling from Washington, D.C. to Southern states to challenge segregation on public transit. Baca centers the activists forming a circle in solidarity.

It features materials from the artist’s archive that have never been exhibited, revealing Baca’s process and innovations to muralist. The exhibition includes Baca’s Augmented Reality Lens, The River Once Ran (2022), part of Collection II of LACMA × Snapchat: Monumental Perspectives.  
                                                                        

The Great Walls of LA, Division of the Barrios and Chavez Ravine.

Fifty years ago, Judy Baca began painting in the L.A. River to share communities' unreported perspectives, effectively shouting from the gutter of history,” said Dhyandra Lawson. “Her impact in L.A. and on the history of art and muralism are immeasurable".
"We are honored to work with Judy and SPARC artists on this unprecedented project, illuminating her vision for a people’s monument she now expands into the present.”              
Deliasofia Zacarias added, “Baca is revered for many career-long achievements that have expanded public access to art and art education. At LACMA, she continues this commitment by allowing museum audiences to witness her work in real time, thereby challenging traditional distinctions between public and private space, as well as public and private practice.”

                                                                                

Judy Baca at LACMA.

LACMA’s galleries will transform into an active art studio, where audiences will be able to witness Judy Baca and her team paint new murals of The Great Wall of Los Angeles before they are permanently installed on the banks of the L.A. River,” said Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director. “Baca’s work re-examines history, monumental painting, and representation of Los Angeles and its communities.
Painting in the River of Angels is a testament to artistic legacy and the power of visual storytelling in amplifying diverse voices.
Judy Baca has created public art for four decades.
In 1974, Baca founded the City of Los Angeles’s first mural program, which produced over 400 murals, employed thousands of local participants, and evolved into an arts organization—the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC).
She continues to serve as SPARC’s artistic director while promoting social justice and participatory public art projects.
Her best-known work is The Great Wall of Los Angeles, located in the San Fernando Valley. The mural spans half a mile and is still a work in progress that is engaging another generation of youth.
The mural-making process has exemplified community involvement, employing more than 400 youth and their families from diverse social and economic backgrounds, artists, oral historians, and scholars.
 In 2017 The Great Wall of Los Angeles received national recognition on the National Registry of Historic Places in the U.S.                                  

Watts Rebellion, Watts Renaissance, and community organizing by the Black Panthers.

 Baca is a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the United States Artist Rockefeller Fellowship, and the Mellon Foundation Grant for the expansion of The Great Wall.
Most recently, she was honored with the 2021 National Medal of Arts. Baca makes art shaped by an interactive relationship of history, people, and place. Her public artworks focus on revealing and reconciling peoples’ struggles for their rights and affirming the community’s connections to place.
On November 4, 2023, Baca was honored alongside filmmaker David Fincher at the 2023 Art+Film Gala, presented by Gucci at the LACMA Museum.
LACMA.org

FACTS ABOUT THE GREAT WALL OF LOS ANGELES:
The Great Wall of Los Angeles, also known as "The History of California"  is a half-mile long mural telling the history of California through images of significant figures and historic events from diverse and traditionally marginalized communities.
The mural is painted on the west wall of the Tujunga Flood Control Channel in the North Hollywood area of the City of Los Angeles, California, and was completed between 1974 and 1984 by teams of young people and artist supervisors.
Chicana muralist Judith F. Baca, working with the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), was primarily responsible for the artistic vision and subject matter depicted in the mural. The flood control channel was built by the Army Corps of Engineers, and is owned and maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.  

The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the largest murals in the world, 13.5 feet high and 2,754 feet long, stretching over half a mile and is located in a section of the Tujunga Flood Control Channel bounded by Oxnard Street to the north, Coldwater Canyon Boulevard to the east, Burbank Boulevard to the south, and the Coldwater Canyon Extension road (sometimes called Lancer Lane) and a parking lot to the west. The mural is arranged in connected chronological segments depicting eras of California’s history from prehistoric times through the 1960s.