Starring in a movie alongside superstars George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum would normally be a chance for a big payday.
But that wasn’t the case on new comedy “Hail Caesar!” where everyone on the L.A. set worked for union minimum, or “scale,” of $880 a day and $3,053 a week.
That’s because it was made by Joel and Ethan Coen, commonly referred to as the Coen brothers, who traditionally keep costs down to give their often quirky projects the best chance of turning a profit.
Actors agree to the salary cuts for the honor of working with the duo known for making such films as “True Grit,” “Fargo” and “No Country for Old Men,” among many others.
And that sentiment doesn’t just apply to major stars.
“It was a real privilege to work with them and Clooney and so many other talented people on this film and I hope to do it again sometime,” said Mid-City actor Clement von Franckenstein, who worked on the movie for two days.
Released by Universal Pictures on Feb. 5, “Hail Caesar!” tells the story of a famous actor (Clooney), who gets kidnapped during the production of a movie in the 1950s.
Shot at West Hollywood’s Lot Studios, where 200 extras were used in one scene, and at various downtown L.A. locations including City Hall and the historic Los Angeles Theatre, the film is one of the most high-profile movies made in the city in recent years.
Past Coen brothers films shot largely in Los Angeles include 1998’s “The Big Lebowski” and 1991’s “Barton Fink.”
Yes to PBS
PBS SoCal is celebrating a recent ratings surge that has seen its flagship local channel, KOCE, become the third-most-watched PBS station in the country, behind only New York’s and Chicago’s.
Chief Executive Andy Russell says local viewers have responded especially well to the mix of prestige dramas such as “Downton Abbey” and “Sherlock” with documentaries, nature and cultural programming.
“Our programs provide quality, perspective and insight that’s different from anything else out there and Southern California viewers love them,” he said.
The public broadcaster also benefited from $1 million in donations by local viewers last month. Half of its revenue comes from viewers and much of the rest from arts-related nonprofits.
Winning Effect
Ridley Scott might have surprisingly missed out on a best director Oscar nomination for “The Martian,” but other groups have taken note of the director’s work this year.
The visionary filmmaker is to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Visual Effects Society (VES), the organization’s top honor, at its 14th annual VES Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Feb. 2.
“To be honored with this award is extremely gratifying,” said Scott in a statement. The director’s visually impressive films include “Blade Runner” and “Alien.”
His latest film, “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, received seven nominations for next month’s Academy Awards despite Scott’s snub.
Editorial Hire
The Hollywood Reporter has hired Anna Lisa Raya as senior awards editor to help coordinate the magazine’s coverage of the Oscars and Emmys.
She brings much magazine experience to the Miracle Mile-based publication, having previously worked for AwardsLine, People, Variety and Angeleno Magazine.
“Her experience is essential to amplifying our groundbreaking content,” said Alison Brower, the Reporter’s deputy editorial director, in a statement.
Logical Idea
The daughter of the late Leonard Nimoy has launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance a documentary film about her father.
Julie Nimoy is looking to raise $150,000 on Indiegogo for the movie, titled “Highly Illogical,” which she has started shooting with her husband, producer David Knight.
As well as telling the life story of the actor who originated the “Star Trek” role of Spock, the L.A. couple will focus their film largely on the illness that killed him last year, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is caused by smoking.
Nimoy said she is honoring her father’s final wish by making the movie as a way to spread his “don’t smoke-quit smoking” message. The project has already raised $300,000 from corporate sponsors.
She turned to crowdfunding to complete the financing after seeing her brother Adam Nimoy raise nearly $663,000 last year for his upcoming documentary, “For the Love of Spock,” about their father’s iconic sci-fi character. That project became the most successful documentary ever crowdfunded on Kickstarter.
But her Indiegogo campaign is off to a slow start, having raised only $5,000 in its first week. That’s despite perks for contributions including a so-far unclaimed “stunning sterling silver Vulcan salute necklace.”
Managing editor Sandro Monetti can be reached at [email protected] or (323) 549-5225, ext. 200.
