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.

Camp Hollywood (2004)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

The Highland Gardens hotel in Los Angeles is a place that many actors, musicians, magicians and other types stay when they're trying to make it in Hollywood. This documentary from director Steve Markle has him traveling to the hotel to stay for sixty days. Throughout that time we meet several of the people staying there who are waiting for their big break.

If you watch junk shows like Entertainment Tonight then you'll see the various luxury that comes with Hollywood. You see the stars, their large homes, their fancy cars and you'll see everything that has lead people to head out there in order to get a piece of the pie. If you watch exploitation movies then you'll see the seedy side of Hollywood that deals with all sorts of dark subjects. CAMP Hollywood is an extremely entertaining documentary that talks with the people who have waited years or even decades for their big break to come.

I found this to be a highly entertaining documentary because it asks a couple logical questions and we get some interesting answers. A lot of people dream of making it big but what does it take for someone to spend years or decades living with nothing yet still trying to reach their dreams? We meet a wide range of people here from young people trying to get into the business to older people looking for one last role. We hear from some character actors who some will recognize from films like SCARFACE and DANCES WITH WOLVES.

The whole time you also get some history about this hotel including some of the people who lived there that finally found fame. It's repeated that Janis Joplin overdosed in one of the rooms. If you're even remotely interested in the "other" side of Hollywood then this is a very entertaining documentary to watch.

This movie provides great insight to the lives of actors and other hopefuls in Hollywood.

It is all shot on the premises of a Hollywood hotel filled with people chasing fame, pursuing a dream, or escaping their past.

At times funny and at times touching, Camp Hollywood was engaging the whole way through. Many diverse stories were cut together with snappy editing and great music.

We meet the talented, the hopeless, and a few nut jobs. (Plus there's some really hot struggling actresses!)

This film gives viewers an idea how difficult show business is. Watch the movie before you buy a ticket to LA !

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.