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As if, you guys! (Screenshot)
First, props to the writers and location scouts for working in a trio of authentically cool spots, including the Silver Lake Lounge, Pink's Hot Dogs, and The Edison. But all those props are negated by one huge urban legend-esque liberty that has us wishing we could revoke their poetic license. Young filmmaker (and drug dealer, but that's another story) Jasper uses the iconic Hollywood sign as the backdrop for his latest project.
But Jasper must really be in the know, because he and love interest Annie share a moment adjacent to the sign's gigantic letters. As in inches away. As in there's no way in hell this could actually happen. Why? Because the immediate area of the Hollywood sign is well-guarded and protected, and regular folks have no access to it whatsoever. Just how off-limits is the sign? We explained in 2008:
The sign is equipped with infrared cameras, loudspeakers, and motion sensors, all relaying 24 hour monitoring of the sign to security forces. Even when authorized persons are up there the LAPD will send a helicopter out to make sure the right people are on the property. People are not permitted on the hill by the sign--even though it's park of Griffith Park--because it is a fire hazard, the hillside is extremely dangerous and rocky terrain, and so that the sign is not damaged. Part of its security system is attributed to the [Hollywood Sign] Trust's recent partnership with the Department of Homeland Security.No wonder it's one of the Top Ten Hardest Locations to Film in L.A.. So come on, 90210, give us a break. The kids of West Beverly Hills might lead blessed lives, but this is more magic than they have at the Magic Castle!
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I know why it's protected, especially after the big renovation, but it's too bad. I climbed up to the sign many times when younger; The first time I tripped on LSD was while sitting in the protective shadows of the sign. Oh well, just another thing we can't do any more in LA.
Lindsay, I am laughing so hard right now. One of the best written, most fun articles I've ever read. I had as much fun reading your choice of words as I did laughing at the fact the show did such a ridiculous thing! Props to YOU!
I'm pretty sure the reason why it's so difficult to film the Hollywood sign is because of copyright protection and the trust that owns the sign. If you're willing to pay an outrageous permit fee it's all yours... just like the stupid "Beverly Hills" signs. Most little productions (cable tv) just go ahead and steal the shot.
Hmm, interesting. Now I feel kinda bad, I have been telling people you can just hop the fence and slide/walk down the hill, since that's what I did in 2000. I guess 9/11 really did change everything?
Oh TV and its portrayals of LA. I like it best when they make fun of the truth - you can't get from Downtown to the Westside in 10 minutes at 5pm. At least they're preaching the reality.
It is possible -- or at least it *used* to be. The Franklin Avenue duo snuck up to the Hollywood sign a few years ago and took these pics: http://franklinavenue.blogspot.com/2005/11/hooray-for-hollywood-sign.html
Great post - many thanks for the mention. I don't see "90210" being as cool as "Arrested Development" was with it's references to The Magic Castle but we can dream!
It's SO hard to film (apparently) that it's not even the real Hollywood Sign in that 90210 episode! It didn't look right to me, so I did a little searching around for real photos from behind the Hollywood Sign and found some obvious differences in the terrain around it and the structure of the letters. So there's another little bit of information to make the situation even less convincing! :D
Thanks for looking into that, avblue. I had a strong suspicion there was some serious Hollywood magic going on there. In the Huell Howser episode where they visit the sign it indeed looks far less picturesque up close, with the very rocky terrain and the cameras and security implements on the letters.