Camp Hollywood

I just saw this documentary on Sundance channel. I worked on movies and TV for five years while living in LA in the 80's -- in production, grip, electric, effects, and even video assist (where I got to read the paper on set and not get in trouble.) I remember one grip's shirt that sums up the drive that I've felt in many of my co-workers, it read, "What I really want to do is direct." Natch… And then, there are the actors. Who doesn't know someone who has a dream of acting? Anyone who has spent more than a day in LA has met these dreamers in person. (Often they're the ones reading off the daily specials at tony and not-so-tony restaurants.) I have always loved the earthy soulful qualities of Canadians and Canada. I appreciate the balance they give to their crazy cowboy neighbor to the South. Compared to the posing and fronting that we hold forth as 'mericans, Canadians are so refreshingly upfront and human – generally speaking, of course.

With the insight from my unexpected yet unsurprisingly surreal production experience in LA, I laughed at a lot of the interviews, because I have met characters like this and love their authenticity and struggling bravado. Some of the fusion of subject and the movie making reminded me of another favorite documentary, Sherman's March. Especially the parts when the director is unapologetically and hopefully attracted to the super cute actresses in the Highland Gardens hotel where it was shot.

I felt like bringing the folks in the hotel a big basket of food and gift certificates to clothing stores because of their hopeful optimism amidst the constant ego crushing that is the business of trying to get gigs. I jumped online right after seeing this doc and even opened Word to get a word count and spell check to satisfy IMDb guidelines so I could give this winning work some love.

I heard about this film a few months ago when it first aired - and regretted missing it. However, today I clicked on the television and there it was again! This time I watched it - unbelievably riveting. What made it so good was the fact that all of these people were REAL. All of them were very different, but were all searching for something more...regardless of the struggle that they endured on a daily basis, they were there to follow a dream. More people should go for what they really want. I want to purchase a copy of this doc. and show it to my students...We can all use some inspiration. I wish Steve and David the best of luck with their careers and hope to see more of their projects...Naked Josh is also a great show - congrats - and finally, this documentary should definitely win an award!

I recently had the opportunity to see Stephen Markle's documentary Camp Hollywood. The film chronicles life at Hollywood's infamous Highland Gardens motel and the (mostly) Canadian actors who flock there every year for pilot season. The film was fantastic! For aspiring actors, the film is a great tool; an opportunity to learn more about the Hollywood casting process while avoiding the inevitable pilot season debt hangover. On another level, the film deals with the difficult question that all aspiring artists must ask themselves; when does the pursuit of "the dream" become a destructive exercise? This theme is explored through a series of touching and candid interviews with long time residents of The Highlands who lay bare some of their deepest regrets and fears. All in all a solid film; well laid out, nicely shot, and the music is great too.

The Highland Gardens Hotel (Formerly the Landmark Hotel) is a quiet 2 star hotel where artists and D-list celebrities reside as they work on their craft. Famous for Canadians migrants to Hollywood.

A Canadian stand up comedian Steve Markle) resided there in 2004 for half a year and documented the residents of the hotel whom have formed a Bohemian ecosystem community of support. Most of the actors eventually become successful years later. Author Gary Indiana resided there and his work "Do Everything in the Dark" debuted on the documentary.

Dave Stiltanen (Dave the bank robber), became a addictions cousellor life coach.

Mark Magolis (the bomber on Scarface, becomes Hector Salamanca of Breaking Bad-Better Call Saul). Brooke stars on many shows, Call Me Fitz, etc, British dude stars on Game of Thrones his last role, among other....

Janis Joplin infamously had her fatal overdose and her room is a pilgrimage site for thaostourist fans of the Folk hippy musician.

With so much fluff on TV about the rich and famous of Tinseltown, Camp Hollywood is a real eye-opener. The documentary shows the highs and lows of actors, writers, directors and musicians living at a fleabag hotel in Hollywood while struggling to break into show business.

I loved this movie. The filmmaker, a struggling comic, has captured exceptionally honest and revealing moments with the colorful characters staying at this hotel - some who have been living there for years. Residents of the hotel include a bank robber turned actor, a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and a clarinetist who has retired to the hotel to drink himself to death. There are also recognizable faces like actors Saul Rubinek and Maury Chaykin.

Camp Hollywood is a Canadian documentary - I saw it in Toronto and am not sure if it's distributed in the U.S. or elsewhere - but if you can find a copy I highly recommend it. It's funny as well as heartbreaking and poignant.