With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video: Proof James Franco Really Painted That Melrose Mural Himself
Remember that mural on Melrose Avenue that James Franco painted for his new movie, This Is The End?
Now Sony has released a making-of video showing the whole process. Franco didn't paint the whole thing by himself, but he did design the original figures and personally wield a paintbrush, including adding a bold signature on the mural's righthand edge. And when's the last time you saw an Oscar host painting street art? That's right, never. (Prove us wrong, Billy Crystal.)
For the film, which is about celebrities like Franco, Seth Rogen and Craig Robinson faced with the end of the world, Franco also created more custom paintings, including one that reads "James Franco" and one that reads "Seth Rogen," as well as a Freaks and Geeks painting and a Pineapple Express one.
In the movie, Jay Baruchel is not a fan of Franco's work. Should we tell Franco that some Melrose regulars felt the same way, with one guy asking us, "It looks unfinished, right?"
Watch the video of the artiste at work.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist