Media City Groove
Media City/Burbank l news l entertainment l features l opinion l and whatever sparks interest
The year is ending on a sour note for a former star of the hit TV series “Glee.” Mark Salling, who played bad boy Noah “Puck” Puckerman, on the comedy/musical is facing charges of possession of child pornography. Salling was arrested yesterday at his home in nearby by Sunland and is now out on bail. A tip led to the actor’s arrest according to ABC News.
Big property deal for superstar, Tom Cruise. After months on the market, recently the “Mission Impossible” actor sold his Hollywood Hills estate for $11.4 million, according to the Trulia celebrity blog. The 2.5 acre “European-style” compound in Laurel Canyon has stunning views and two homes connected by stone driveways, walking paths, and lush landscaping. Cruise bought the homes separately about 10 years ago. One has seven bedrooms and seven and a half baths, the other three bedrooms and... Read More →
Arnold Schwarzenegger lands new TV gig. The former California governor/actor has been named host of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” Schwarzenegger takes over in the 7th season of the reality show for billionaire/super personality/now presidential candidate, Donald Trump. “Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves. It was Arnold’s personal passion for the format that Mark Burnett and Donald Trump built over the last decade, as well as his fresh take on how to... Read More →
As predicted, Universal’s “Jurassic World” was a monster at the box office over the weekend. The dino-pix stomped the competition and now owns the record for the biggest weekend debut in the U.S. with a haul of $208.8 million. The previous record holder “Marvel’s The Avengers” (2012) slipped down into second place with $207.4 million. Also, “Jurassic World” grabbed the number spot for best International opening with $315.3 million. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part... Read More →
The box office blockbuster series, “Mission: Impossible” returns this summer with installment number 5. Again, audiences will be treated to a fast-paced actioner with wild stunts and Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. The latest trailer for “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” is right here. Check it out.
Superstar director/producer/actor, Clint Eastwood, has selected another project about a real-life hero. Eastwood has signed on to tell the story of pilot, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who managed to land a crippled jet airliner, packed with passengers and crew, on New York’s Hudson River in 2009. Last year, Eastwood received accolades for “American Sniper” ( 2014) , which is about one of the most lethal snipers in U.S. history, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. More details on the Hollywood Reporter Big time director, Steven Spielberg and wife/actress, Kate Capshaw... Read More →
Free day of filmmaking seminars and industry panels Calling all filmmakers, actors, and movie fans. The Burbank International Film Festival is presenting a day of filmmaking seminars and industry panels at Woodbury University 7500 North Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank this Saturday, April 25. The event will take place in Fletcher Jones Auditorium from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. Panels will focus on screenwriting, representation, casting, filmmaking and production. There will be a special panel with talent agents and managers.... Read More →
The theme of the 34th annual Burbank on Parade is “Burbank– City of the Wild Wild West.” Yesterday the selection of veteran actor, Gerald McRaney, as the Grand Marshal was announced in a news release. McRaney is a familiar face on television. He’s appeared in numerous series from back in the day “Gunsmoke” (1955), to “Simon and Simon” (1981-1989), “Major Dad” (1989-1993), “Touched by an Angel” (1995-1998), “Deadwood” (2005-2006), “Justified” (2013), “House of Cards” (2013-2014), and “Longmire” (2012-2014). Another fan favorite, Johnny Crawford , a former Mouseketeer who played Mark McCain... Read More →
A talented lineup is getting ready to take to the stage in “The Aubree Sweeney Variety Show” at the Big Victory Theatre in Burbank this coming Saturday, April 11. Producer, Aubree Sweeney, is a writer, comedian, and actress who regularly appears at Flappers Comedy Club, which has locations in Burbank and Claremont. The event goal is to bring back “the thrill of the classic variety show,” Sweeney explains in a news release. Sweeney admits she “has always been a fan of variety shows and has been hugely... Read More →
A plume of smoke from a fire burning in the 300 block of West Spazier Avenue in Burbank could be seen for miles today. At one point, the column of smoke was so tall and so dark that some spectators thought there might be a brush fire on the rampage. That turned out not to be the case. The fire broke out at around 11: 20 a.m. Burbank Fire Captain Peter Hendrickson told Media City Groove the “… fire completely enveloped the rear detached garage and quickly began to... Read More →
“The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have.” Leonard Nimoy aka Spock Actor, director, photographer, poet, singer
A lot of chatter around the entertainment community today about the newly released nominees for the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. The nominees were announced this morning at the Pacific Design Center’s SilverScreen Theater in West Hollywood by actress/director/producer and recipient, Eva Longoria,and Actor, Ansel Elgort,( “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014) and “Divergent” (2014) ). Here are the nominees for the top film categories: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role STEVE CARELL / John du Pont – “FOXCATCHER” (Sony Pictures Classics) BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH... Read More →
“Jonathan (Winters) taught me that the world is open for play, that everything and everybody is mockable, in a wonderful way.” — Robin Williams comedian/actor July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014
The reboot of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise kicked some serious butt at the box office this weekend. The 2014 film starring the half-shell, joke-cracking crime fighters is on track to win the battle for number one with a take estimated to be around $65 million, according to Nikkifinke.com Actress Megan Fox plays a reporter who befriends the turtles in the new TMNT film. Not only does she have a hit movie, but recently bought a new celebrity home in Toluca Lake. Fox and... Read More →
A delightful surprise in Burbank this morning. I was out for that morning power walk at around 8:30 a.m. on South Griffith Park Drive. Suddenly, the silence was pierced by the lovely sound of a lone violin. So much into his music and the peace of the morning, the man stopped playing only long enough to tell me he was not a violinist, but “an actor” who apparently has a love and talent for that string instrument. A wonderful, but all too brief encounter.
People Magazine’s most beautiful woman of 2014 and Oscar-winner, Lupita Nyong’o, has received a new honor. Nyong’o made the list of 271 achievers invited to become new members of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. “This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs in a statement posted on the organization’s website. “Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and... Read More →
“Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.” — Casey Kasem Radio D.J., actor, and producer April 27, 1932 – June 15, 2014
You might need to give NASA some kudos for the comfortable high-tech seats in your ride. NASA has made great strides in long distance travel in space as well as here on Earth. NASA’s Technology Transfer Program is responsible for finding the widest possible applications for the agency’s research. “NASA technologies improve our everyday lives, including providing us with safer, cleaner modes of transportation, supporting millions of passengers and packages traveling by air and ground everyday with efficiencies, comfort and safety,” said Daniel Lockney, NASA’s Technology Transfer Program executive,... Read More →
“I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.” — Michael J. Fox Actor Born June 9, 1961
“Hunger Games” star Josh Hutcherson has bought a $1.25 million home on a tree-lined street in Studio City. The home is being called East Coast traditional and got a complete re-do back in 2011, according to the Trulia real estate blog. The 1,506 square foot three bedroom and two bath house, is beautifully decorated in black and white. The highlights of the property include dark hardwood floors, a cook’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, landscaped grounds, and lovely views of the hills. Despite the property’s pluses,... Read More →
A Walmart truck driver has been charged in a horrific accident in New Jersey today, which killed one and injured several others — including comedian/actor, Tracy Morgan. Thirty-five year old, Kevin Roper of Jonesboro, Georgia, was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, according to CNN. The accident occurred early this morning on the New Jersey Turnpike. Roper reportedly was driving a Walmart tractor-trailer, which slammed into the back of a limo bus carrying Morgan and several others.... Read More →
“Friends” costar, Matthew Perry has put his Malibu home up for sale again. The ultra-modern 4-bedroom 6-bath home overlooks the Malibu Pier. Back in 2011 it went n the market for $13.5 million for about five months, according to the Zillow blog. It’s now being relisted for a million less — $12.5 million. This beach home has incredible views and unique style. Check out other photos here. The stunning home reportedly has been newly redecorated. Perry has been a player in the real estate game for... Read More →
