-
Listen Listen
Monica Bushman
What I cover
If it’s related to arts, culture and entertainment in L.A., I’m interested! I'm also a producer for the LAist podcast Imperfect Paradise, which dives deep into L.A. stories with LAist reporters.
My background
I’ve worked on LAist podcasts including Nobody Knows Anything, How To LA, The Academy Museum Podcast (seasons 1 and 2), Retake and Hollywood the Sequel. I got my start at LAist on the broadcast side, as a producer on Take Two, The Frame and newscasts. Before coming to LAist, I was a fill-in producer for NPR shows like Talk of the Nation and Morning Edition. I got my start in public radio producing radio documentaries for America Abroad Media.
My goals
I want to pull back the curtain on the creative processes of super-talented people who work in film, TV, comedy, music, theater, literature and visual art — and share interesting L.A. stories that hopefully include some element of fun.
Best way to contact me
I would love to hear from you if you have any questions about LAist's arts and entertainment coverage or if you have any tips on things we should check out! You can reach me at mbushman@laist.com.
Stories by Monica Bushman
-
The aim of one-on-one reading time with volunteers is to create some calm for shelter dogs and help them get adopted. There are benefits for the readers, too.
-
We get tips from the members of UCLA's student-run lion dance team — and explain why and how it differs from the dragon dance.
-
How To LAAuthor Luis J. Rodriguez says L.A.’s literary scene is underrated: “L.A. shouldn't be forgotten for the great amount of literature and poetry that comes out of these communities."
-
A local indie record label that started as a mom and pop operation in the early 90s now has its own museum exhibition. It’s heading to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the new Punk Rock Museum in 2024, but you can see it here in L.A. first.
-
East L.A.’s impact on punk music.
-
One long standing prop house in LA is (very) slowly getting back to work and calling for a Business Interruption Fund
-
How To LAPasadena and South Pasadena are go-to destinations for film location scouts on the lookout for stand-ins for the Midwest and East Coast.
-
A web series that’s a love letter to queer and undocumented communities, with a message about mental health.
-
As Los Angeles-based film location scout/manager, Rick Schuler has turned downtown L.A. into Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Italy, Colombia, 1960s-era L.A., and other locations.
-
Robin Williams’ casting as the Genie in Aladdin is often talked about as a turning point when the focus on casting big name actors for animated films began. But is that true? The animator behind the character says: not quite.
-
“Usually [when casting a film] we have a start date,” says casting director Kerry Barden, “and with this, we didn't have a start date until we found Brandon, because we couldn't make the movie without that.”
-
Sarah Ramos says she actually likes self-taped auditions, but without regulations: “This is a strain on our resources, a strain on our community and it's untenable.”
