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Tag Archives | writers

Long lost brother of notorious mob boss Al Capone

Jeff McArthur has written a book about the long lost brother of infamous 1920s mob boss, Al Capone. The older brother, Vincenzo Capone, changed his name to Richard Hart and worked on the side of law and order. McArthur’s book is “Two Gun Hart” and he will be speaking about it and signing copies at the Burbank Central Library. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

 

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“Mother Rabbit” a memoir set in the Playboy empire

book cover for "Mother Rabbit" by  Tekla Dennison Miller

“Mother Rabbit” is based on the real-life adventure of a Bunny Mother at a Playboy Club back in the 1960’s, during the struggle between the old school mores and the new feminist views of women. The memoir is a collaborative effort between two sisters. Alyce Bonura who lived the adventure, then used it as a stepping stone to an MBA and a career as a Southland financial and tax expert. And Bonura’s  younger sibling author, Tekla Dennison Miller, who is a former prison warden.

The Burbank Central Library is hosting “Coffee and Conversation” with the author. A book signing is included as well. Both Miller and Bonura are expected to attend. More information at  http://www.burbank.lib.ca.us/event/2014/oct/mother-rabbit or call 818-238-5600.

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Actor/producer/writer Seth Green joins forces with NASA

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 →

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Amy Poehler new book cover for "Yes Please"

Amy Poehler has a new book coming out

   Actress and funny lady, Amy Poehler, has a new book coming out. “Yes Please” will be published by a new imprint of  HarperCollins called Dey Street Books. The “Today Show” website  was the first to reveal the book cover. Poehler reportedly will dish up advice about friendship, parenting, and oh yes, her experience in the rough and tumble entertainment biz. Poehler is the star of the hit NBC series, “Parks and Recreation.” The 42 year-old actress has appeared on the big screen... Read More →

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Photo:FLLewis/ Media City G -- Twin authors Jamie C. Schonauer and Erin K. Schonauer signed copies of "Early Burbank" in Burbank on April 26, 2014

Twin authors conduct book signings for “Early Burbank”

Identical twins, Jamie C. and Erin K. Schonauer, have a lot in common beyond their obvious appearance. They both like history and are talented writers who work in the children’s market. A little over a year ago, the Burbank residents decided to pen a book about the early beginnings of the Media City. It was published last month by Arcadia Publishing. In doing their research, the twins told me they “… interviewed local historians such as Erik C. Andersen from the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association and... Read More →

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Paul Stanley of KISS new book "Face the Music: A Life Exposed"

LA KISS football co-owner rocker Paul Stanley writes a tell-all book

Paul Stanley, the frontman for the famous rock band KISS, is in the spotlight for two new ventures — arena football and writing his memoir. Stanley’s team, LA KISS, mixes, rock and roll, flashy productions, and football to create a new kind of entertainment. Last, Saturday, more than 12-thousand fans of the rock group KISS joined football lovers to watch the LA KISS win their home opener in Anaheim against the Portland Thunder 44-34. LA KISS is a new Arena... Read More →

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Hollywood clip art

Hollywood Deals: March 13, 2014

FilmNation has snatched up the hot spec script, “Aether,” and putting it on the fast track. Not much is being released about the screenplay, but FilmNation is crowing about the acquisition. “I’m astounded by the level of talent and inventiveness we’ve come across from such a young voice,” said FilmNation production president, Aaron Ryder, on Deadline. “We’re terribly excited to produce this film. We’re also anxious to learn how to pronounce its title!” The sci-fi- thriller is written by Brit,Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Screenwriter/author, Seth... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Director Garry Marshall rode on the 2014 Burbank Rose float in Pasadena January 1, 2014

“Pretty Woman” movie to be revived as a Broadway musical

On New Year’s Day, director Garry Marshall, rode on the award-winning Burbank Rose float, “Lights! Camera! Action!,” weeks later, he’s reportedly in New York working on turning one of his movie hits into a Broadway musical. Marshall and producer Paula Wagner are said to be meeting with potential composers, lyricists, and directors for a “Pretty Woman” stage production, according to the New York Post. The 1990 film starring Julia Roberts, and, Richard Gere, made big bucks at the box office, somewhere in the range of $500 million. Also,... Read More →

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TV actress/producer Len Dunham working on Archie comic book series

TV producer Lena Dunham writing Archie comic book series

TV actress/producer and creator of the HBO comedy-drama, “Girls,” Lena Dunham, is branching out into comics. Dunham has signed on to write a four-part series for the Archie Comics. The 27-year-old Dunham talked about being a long-time time fan of the comics, in a quote from a statement, which appeared on Galleycat:”I was an avid Archie collector as a child — conventions, first editions that I kept in plastic sleeves, the whole shebang. It has so much cultural significance but also so much personal significance, and... Read More →

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"12 Years a Slave" movie poster

“12 Years a Slave” wins big at 2014 Image Awards

Another big win for Oscar-contender, “12 Years a Slave.” The brutal depiction of slavery in America won the top honor of outstanding motion picture of 2013 at the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Other wins for the film: Steve McQueen for director, Lupita Nyong’o for supporting actress, and John Ridley for outstanding writing for a motion picture. Forest Whitaker took home the award for outstanding actor in a motion picture for “Lee Daniels’ ‘The Butler'” and David Oyelowo picked up the trophy for... Read More →

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Former Hancock Park home of actress Patricia Heaton bought by TV producer

Around the Southland: Creator of TV drama “Scandal” buys Hancock Park estate

The former Hancock Park estate of actress, Patricia Heaton, has sold again. This time to behind the camera super talent and TV writer/ producer, Shonda Rhimes. The deal for the 50,000 square foot property closed earlier this month for $8.8 million, according to the Trulia blog. The “Everybody Loves Raymond” star sold the property last May for $8 million. The new buyer put it back on the market in November for $8.99 million. The huge house has six bedrooms, library and gourmet kitchen. Outside, a guest... Read More →

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Writers Guild Awards logo

WGA top screenplay awards go to “Her” and “Captain Phillips”

The Writers Guild of America has added to the Oscar drama with its awards for the best of 2013, handed out last night. The 66th Annual Writers Guild Awards were held at ceremonies on both coasts — here in Los Angeles and New York. The top winners were somewhat surprising. Best original feature screenplay went to Spike Jonze for “Her,” the story of a guy who falls for the female voice/personality of a computer operation system. Jonze beat out the writers of  “American Hustle,” “Blue Jasmine,” “Dallas Buyers Club,”... Read More →

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A screenplay

Script Sales and Deals: “Endgame,” “Slingshot,” and “Maggie’s Plan”

  “Endgame” — In a heated bidding war, Fox has come out the victor in a $2 million dollar deal for James Fey’s book. This is a  “Hunger Games” type YA novel about young teen warriors battling in a future world. You might remember Fey’s reputation took a beating after it came out that his best-selling memories, “A Million Little Pieces,” (published in 2003) had some alleged exaggerations. Well, that controversy has not hurt Fey’s ability to get a deal in Hollywood. He will reportedly write... Read More →

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Writers Guild Awards logo

2014 Writers Guild Awards nominations for television announced today

Scribes for some of television’s most popular shows topped the list of nominations for the 2014 Writers Guild Awards. The guild’s outstanding achievement in TV nominees were announced today, along with those in the radio, new media, news, radio, promotional writing, and graphic animation categories for the 2013 season. Here are the nominees in some of the major TV categories: DRAMA SERIES Breaking Bad, Written by Sam Catlin, Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould, Gennifer Hutchison, George Mastras, Thomas Schnauz, Moira Walley-Beckett; AMC The Good Wife, Written by Meredith Averill,... Read More →

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Universal Pictures logo

Universal Pictures looking for talented new screenwriters

If you’re  a screenwriter who’s got talent, but lacks the kind of access that open doors in Hollywood — the Universal Pictures Emerging Writers Fellowship Program may be the helping hand you need. The studio’s website is taking applications only until early October or once 500 eligible candidates have applied. The site says they’re looking for “… new and unique voices with a passion for storytelling.” Up to five screenwriters will be selected for the program. The winners will be ” … hired under a writing... Read More →

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Beatle song to become a children’s book

  Ex-Beatle, Ringo Starr, will soon be a published children’s author. The rocker has snagged a deal with Simon & Schuster to turn his 1968 tune, “Octopus’s Garden” into an illustrated children’s book, according to a PR Newswire release. The song appeared on the Beatles album, “Abbey Road” (1969). The way the story goes, Starr composed the song while cruising on actor, Peter Seller’s yacht. Apparently the boat captain gave the Beatle drummer a lesson on how the octopus trawls the sea bed searching for shiny stones and... Read More →

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