Month: September 2011

Last weekend we shot our 5th episode of ABOVE THE LINE. On this episode, our very special guest was Barry Josephson, who has been part of the producing team of such movie hits as ENCHANTED, WILD WILD WEST and such television series as BONES, TALES FROM THE CRYPT and Fox’s new series, THE FINDER. Mr. Josephson was amazing and shared many interesting stories and advise with you guys. They all really enjoyed his interview and meeting him “on stage” (in our converted classroom). Thank you so much Barry Josephson!

Our student/inmates once again, got true hands on experience building the set, running the camera, lights and sound. It was a great experience to all involved.

Once again, Chick fil A – Valencia stepped up and helped us with food. We cannot express how much we appreciate their support. For those reading this blog, please go out and support this fine organization wherever you may live.

We’d also like to thank all of our Hollywood Professionals for giving their time to make this episode and this experience so rich for our students. Our director, David Jeffery, our host, Amy Holt, our Gaffer/DP, Chris Fallin, our Sound Supervisor, David Strohmaier and the rest of our volunteer instructors, all of the deputies and CA’s of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who gave up their Saturday to help us. And another special thank you to our guest Barry Josephson.

We know it’s been awhile since our last update, but that is because a lot has been going on…all of it good.

Last Tuesday, September 13, 2011, HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS officially held their first “MERIT Alumni Meeting” in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. David Taylor from CELEBRATE RECOVERY has come onboard to help us each week. This last meeting was terrific! We had a great response. We shared with our current student/inmates about the direction we were taking the Alumni meeting and received and enthusiastic round of applause. Many of our guys know and respect Dave Taylor. We expect the Alumni group to grow each week.

For those who might not know, the LASD MERIT Alumni meeting is held each week to help and support both former inmates and their families. Helping men to change their lives, deal with their addictions, to never return to jail/prison and help them reconcile with their families. For family members, it teaches them how to support their men that are still incarcerated and once they’re released. It is a terrific program that HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS is proud to be part of.

On Wednesday, Hal Lary came in to talk to the class about his job as head of transportation on numerous 20th Century Fox Television series, like GLEE, “24” and RAISING HOPE. Hal shared his vast experience coordinating all the transportation needs over his 30 year career. He told some terrific stories from his experiences on “24”, RUSH HOUR and other motion pictures and television shows he’s worked on. He is one of our favorite guest speakers. Our student/inmates always enjoy it when he comes in. Hal doesn’t sugarcoat how difficult it is to get into transportation, but it’s not impossible.

Thank you Hal for sharing your time and life experience!