Only in Commercials

By Eric Richardson
Published: Saturday, August 25, 2007, at 07:20PM

Eric Richardson

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Ed mentioned in his early morning DDD that 617 W. 7th had been temporarily taken over by gym equipment. Pictured is one scene from the commercial being shot, where a gaggle of females drop their workout to come press up against the window and see some brown guy.

I would hope this'll make more sense by the time we see it on TV.

Comments

Scott Mercer writes:

I spotted what I thought was a record store opening up on 7th Street just west of Broadway this morning...nope. Just another film shoot. Dang it.

Couldn't tell for sure, but it looked like a period piece set in 1950's or 1960's. They had also mocked up a clothing store and a used bookstore.

# on Aug.26.2007 AT 02:20 AM

urban memo writes:

i love how surreal downtown can be.

# on Aug.26.2007 AT 08:54 AM

Urban Bruin writes:

I worry that one day we'll all pass up a real emergency believing it's just another movie set. I guess in downtown the motto should be "when in doubt, it's a movie set"

# on Aug.26.2007 AT 12:45 PM

Benjamin Pezzillo writes:

I remember about ten years ago working on the set of Mel Gibson's "Conspiracy Theory" overnight with a full closure of Broadway for stunt work which included a helicopter with guys repelling into a stream of traffic below.

A law enforcement officer with a female ride-a-long busted through our road closure and pulled into the scene where the crowd pours out the front of the Orpheum. Man did that guy end up with egg on his face.

I'll never forget the gaul of the First Assistant Director who promptly asked in that 'someone's about to be fired voice' which PA had the lock-up for that side of the scene. It was me. I replied I didn't know I had the authority to stop a REAL speeding police car with flashing lights. Unbelievable.

# on Aug.26.2007 AT 02:27 PM

Zach Behrens writes:

It looks to me like they are dropping their workout in hopes of eating the chocolate boy.

# on Aug.26.2007 AT 03:00 PM

Simon writes:

question for Eric: Why can't they fill that retail space at 617 W. 17th?? It's screaming out for an H&M flagship store. I know it's a chain, but so is Macy's, which is right next door...

# on Aug.27.2007 AT 12:16 PM

Eric Richardson writes:

Simon: Let's just say that it's not for lack of retailer interest. That space is the first one anyone asks about when they come and look Downtown.

# on Aug.27.2007 AT 02:29 PM

Joel C writes:

^To extrapolate: I would guess that the building owner is asking a lot for the space, and is willing to wait until the market bears that price.

# on Aug.28.2007 AT 01:56 PM

Bert Green writes:

That is the building that is owned by Oscar de la Hoya.

# on Aug.28.2007 AT 08:10 PM

Eric Richardson writes:

Bert: No, Oscar owns the building behind that one, at 626 Wilshire. This is 617 W. 7th.