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'California Solo' Film Highlights Local Farmers Markets, Bars, and Restaurants
Fresh produce (Photo by Baloncici via Shutterstock)
A new film called "California Solo" focusses on the lesser-known side of L.A. -- you know, the one we try to keep secret to hinder further over-population of our city. It might not have the iconic landmarks of "500 Days of Summer," but this sort of grassroots, authentic L.A. is the stuff we love to see in films.
"California Solo" was created by writer-director Marshall Lewy, who aims to showcase the softer side of the city. The protagonist is a Scotish rock star who comes to L.A. to start anew. He ends up working at a local farmers market, which was inspired by Lewy's local Silver Lake purveyors.
"It was a conscious choice to show parts of the city you don't get to see in films," Lewy told the Times. "We wanted to give the city a natural, earthier look, in contrast to the artificial, slicker portrayals that you often see about life in L.A."
The film was shot at over 30 area locations in just 21 days. Some of those locations include Culver City's Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum, the Leona Valley Cherry Festival, Las Playas Bar on San Fernando Boulevard, and Flea's fabulous mansion in Los Feliz. The main character, played by Scottish actor Robert Carlyle of "Trainspotting" and "The Full Monty", works at one of our favorite farmers market purveyors and u-pick, Underwood Family Farms.
"California Solo" debuted in New York last week and will open in Los Angeles at the Landmark Nuart Theatre on Friday. It was an official selection at the Sundance and Edinburgh International film festivals as well.
Watch the trailer here:
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