Flaming Angel Films: Web Series: Director Tara Veneruso

Online Film Series directed by Tara Veneruso

VILLA ELAINE .........SUPER 8 FILM SERIES .........PROTESTS .........ARCHIVE....
THE LOBBY (disCusSion bOarDs)

VILLA ELAINE (2004)

The Villa Elaine, a Los Angeles legend since the 1920s, is the historical home of many artists and musicians including the photographer Man Ray, Henry Miller, (the band Remy Zero even has an album named after it), and it is told also included Orson Wells and Frank Sinatra (in his early days of course). It is only a few buildings from where James Dean kept his Porches in the garage on Vine. This is about love and passion. These pieces were made to capture the essence of the people of The Villa Elaine. For more history see the bottom of the page.

This series began in the Fall 2002 with Brandon McCulloch and myself reflecting on the different people in the building. It continues every day. The essence of this exhibit is to capture the lives from this moment in time. Some pieces are very short - some are a bit longer. There are some tall tales such as the neighborhood is a bit rough so sometimes shooting must stop since the Russian Mafia is next door and the Korean Mafia is next to that. Your input is always welcome.

Series last updated: 10.2.03. Interactive narrative made using Explorer. You choose the order to view!

THE ORIGINAL VILLA ELAINE DOCUMENTARIES (2002)

Billy In The Bathroom (2nd Floor)
Amazing musician (Billy Mark) performs another Son's song in the bathroom.
Shot by Brandon McCulloch of the band Silver.

Life Of Tara
Originally made for Mother's Day 2002 for Photographer Tamara Veneruso. Villa Elaine in perspective.
As filmmakers we strongly encourage you to view this one.

MORE BACKGROUND
This webseries illuminates some of the creative talents at The Villa. Many of the over 100 residents are not yet featured on this site. Each week we capture more footage and run around causing mayhem. The still images here were captured for a SOMA Magazine photo shoot in the summer of 2003. Raquel is especially proud of the lush courtyard that Maria carefully gardens each day. The building actually suffered severe damage in the big earthquake which allowed Raquel to become more choosy with the residents who live here (but the neighborhood can still be quite frightening at times).

TYPICAL DAY:

A typical day starts at 8am with the staff washing down the Villa - Hacienda style. Mail comes at 2pm. Coffee and bagels are at the Bliss and sometimes you can catch Martine's beautiful wife Reyna and their two kids. Martine is lending Roberto his car since Roberto's was stolen. The M Bar is around the corner with Phat Beats. Vine Bar is next door where the Brits spin loads of techno and serve fondue. Yes - FONDUE. Stephan actually started Bliss Cafe and lives next door to Brandon on the 1st Floor.

Gross legends: The street still has its share of addicts, homeless, and crack heads who sometimes find their way in and poop on the stairs - but I hear it is not nearly like it used to be before the earthquake.

Nothing is as beautiful as a day at the Villa Elaine. It is home and a special place in the world.

VILLA EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF:

If you are interested to know more you should come to open mic night at Bliss Cafe on Monday Nights or check out a Silver gig in La if you come to town. Other bands of the building include Orson, and ex-residents Remy Zero. If you'd like to know more about the director click here.

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