Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
