'Blood' Will Burn in Eagle Rock
Location for hit HBO series "True Blood" scheduled to ignite next week.
Following up on a tip from an in-the-know reader, Eagle Rock Patch investigated a claim that one of the prime locations for the hit HBO series True Blood will go up in flames within the next few days.
While security and insurance concerns kept us from traipsing onto the set proper, a helpful security officer guarding the perimeter, whose badge identified him as A. Cole, was forthcoming with information concerning the fiery demolition of the cottages located at 5038 Ellenwood Dr., just south of Colorado Boulevard.
Apparently, the owner of the property—built in 1922—has figured out a lucrative way to clear it while profiting from location fees. No word as to what will be built on the location.
According to Cole, bungalows on the property are being equipped with gas canisters attached to their front windows—to give the appearance that an entire structure is being consumed in flames. In reality, only the front of each house will be ignited by the controlled burn, but it will result in the total obliteration of these structures.
Cole thinks the dwellings do resemble a backwater in small-town Louisiana—Bon Temps—where the show is set. “I’m from the south,” he says, “and these look exactly like the houses back home.”
On the series, the location is the home of character Dawn Green, with bar owner Sam Merlotte as the landlord. In season three of the series, Sam’s relatives move into the block.
The television drama is based on the Southern Vampire Mysteries series of novels by Charlaine Harris, in which humans and vampires co-exist. Season four, which will include the planned burning, will debut in the summer of 2011.
But for all the drama he's directly linked to, security guard Cole will not be watching the latest show. “I used to,” he admits. “But the show is on Sunday nights, so I’d see it when I’d come home from church." He adds: "It wasn’t good for my soul.”
wtf?
1:15 pm on Saturday, February 5, 2011
So you're identifying the poor security guard by name? Seriously?? What a D-bag thing to do... hope he doesn't get fired over this. Smooth move, Dan!
Erica Grande
5:55 pm on Saturday, February 5, 2011
I highly doubt anyone will get fired for information like this. reprimanded perhaps, but not fired.
Ajay Singh
10:42 pm on Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thanks for putting that into context, Erica. I thought as much.
Cncrnd
6:25 pm on Saturday, February 5, 2011
I think thE rock row guys are developing new loft like buildings on that lot after the demo.
Robert Jones
5:25 pm on Sunday, February 6, 2011
Hi. My understanding is that planning permission was given montgs ago for a block of flats to be built on the property. The bungalows were already slated for destruction. So the TV show was forced to come up with a storyline to explain the loss of their key location. Concerned.
Lynda
7:40 pm on Sunday, February 6, 2011
Have all the neighbors been notified by FilmLA? I think this is something they have a right to know about. I know FilmLA has definite guidelines (and the people doing the filming have to follow them). I know EchoElysian Park yahoo forum is always posting copies of notices from them and there was a recent article on problems with filming in the downtown Bank District...
How about looking into what sort of liason FilmLA has with the Eagle Rock community?
I think that's something people would be interested in and would benefit from knowing about. If TERA isn't involved, they might want to look into it. I don't live in the Eagle Rock area but I patronize ER businesses and have friends that live there, so I'm concerned.
thanks,
peter
10:15 am on Monday, February 7, 2011
Why don't they burn down the big, ugly apartment building next door and build more bungalow courts.
Chivalry is dead
8:06 pm on Monday, February 7, 2011
"I highly doubt anyone will get fired for information like this. reprimanded perhaps, but not fired."
I'm sure this will be of great comfort to him if he's fired. Isn't the first rule of journalism to protect one's sources? Perhaps I expect too much.
South82
3:07 pm on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sadly, I know the guy mentioned in this article and "Chivalry is dead" you were right, "I highly doubt anyone will get fired for information like this. reprimanded perhaps, but not fired." did not provide him any solace. In this instance journalistic professionalism would have been appropriate but I guess you are correct, perhaps it is asking for too much: Lesson Learned. The guard mentioned in this write up didn't say HALF of the things Mr Kimpel suggests in the article. It seems Mr. Kimpel cared nothing about the individual he put at risk or his livelihood. Hopefully others will see that not all journalists protect their sources and therefore cannot be trusted.
Kevin
9:21 pm on Monday, February 7, 2011
What the hell?
When I scrape a window, I have to comply with new crazy lead requirements, but a production company can send a plume of lead smoke into the neighborhood?
Remind me again about why we need to keep production in L.A.? What a crock.
craig
7:26 am on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
To Kevin-
If you haven't noticed, lots of production has left Los Angeles.
Chris
8:26 am on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
This seems like a tragedy, though the story doesn't offer any hint that this would be anything but good news for the community. That bungalow court is the most beautiful thing left in a block of ugly apartment buildings. Even before I realized it was the "True Blood" filming location, I thought it was by far the quaintest bungalow court in Eagle Rock, and wished I could live there. I even used to drive by just in case a "for rent" sign ever went up (one never did, in my experience). Apparently there is no historic preservation status to be invoked here, and it's too late for all that. But can't we even acknowledge what a sad thing this is?
STARCHY
10:06 am on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
^^^^ exactly. Another loss for Eagle Rock, and probably another empty lot for years....
Thanks Jose!
Jennifer
11:25 am on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I agree, such a cute little bungalow court on a section of Ellenwood that doesn't have much charm, too bad its gotta go. I'll miss it.
mark
12:45 pm on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sad. I have noticed these bungalows every time I've passed. They really are/were one of the gems of the neighborhood. Why couldn't they have developed one of the many dirt lots instead. Starchy makes a point in mentioning them, since there are alot around.
Michael Larsen
12:51 pm on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The site is going to be developed by the same folks who did the "Rock Row" development on Yosemite.
Here's their web site http://www.leangreenlivingmachine.com/
This project has come before the ERNC Land Use Committee and full board several times over many months last year. Everyone is encouraged to participate in all of these meetings. They are open to the public and posted on the ERNC site and calendar.
The ERNC (as well as TERA, I believe) agreed that this project would be to the benefit of Eagle Rock.
Chris
4:11 pm on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I am happy that the Rock Row people are doing more development, but not at the expense of charming buildings that have been "to the benefit of Eagle Rock" since 1922. But you're right, it's my (our) mistake to just assume that some regulars at ERNC meetings would have a problem with this. I'm sad if TERA agrees.
David
11:20 am on Wednesday, February 9, 2011
It's not only sad, but shameful that this charming 90-yr old bungalow courtyard from ER's earliest days is being demolished the same month that ER celebrates its Centennial. L.A. is notorious for demolishing it's history for commercial development's sake and ER's failure to preserve its "small town" past adds to the list. Are these the Land Use Committee values that ERNC stakeholders support? Noted that they held public meetings, but as a Mt Wash resident I certainly hope the ASNC would not allow such a loss to occur without more of an outreach effort than posting Land Use minutes on its website. I understand these bungalows were condemned, but by what criteria? I drive past these bungalows often and took some final pictures last week and they are nowhere nearly blighted as nearby apt bldgs. And while the "Rock Row" developers build admirable projects, I'd much prefer they found a less scenic and historic site to raise their somewhat sterile eco-boxes. The landowner is entitled to legally pursue this development, but whose values does he consider? Whatever those values, it's clear ERNC (and TERA?) shares them and if I were an Eagle Rock resident, I'd feel they have some explaining to do.
elizabeth
1:17 pm on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I use to live in one of these cottages and this this is absolutely ridiculous! Those buildings and the old growth trees on the property should be protected as historical landmarks.
Jar
12:53 pm on Wednesday, February 9, 2011
I agree. I walk past these beautiful bungalows every day, and it really bothers me that so called intelligent people made the decision to allow them to be destroyed. And as far as I can see, there is no extra parking provision for the 19 new apartments that are being built there. Does anyone else know about this? It just seems totally against the best interests of Eagle Rock. People like it here because of the Craftsman history. Why didn't we know these houses were going to be destroyed? There were no notices posted, or I for one would have made a complaint. And now I guess we just stand by and let it happen.
Jar
12:55 pm on Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tomorrow! :-(