Check out this video recap from Creative Mornings Los Angeles at Maker City LA (June 2014) featuring Albert Chu and Jenny Myers of Otaat/Myers Collective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPt_uTAZlGg#t=11
Check out this video recap from Creative Mornings Los Angeles at Maker City LA (June 2014) featuring Albert Chu and Jenny Myers of Otaat/Myers Collective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPt_uTAZlGg#t=11
Last month we were inspired by Rock of Ages and Jiro Dreams of Sushi producer, Matt Weaver's Creative Mornings talk on rebellion at CultureBrain Academy at Maker City LA. If you missed it (or even if you didn't) check out the video below for a radical recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsosouhU790
The photo wall at CultureBrain Academy underwent a fitting face lift for CreativeMornings Los Angeles's February lecture last Friday. The blue-sky-and-hot-air-balloon backdrop (created for January's theme: Childhood) was replaced with images of winged sushi in honor of Rock of Ages creator/producer and Jiro Dreams of Sushi producer, Matt Weaver.
Weaver, a natural-born storyteller who spoke masterfully to this month's theme: Rebel, captivated the audience with tales of a colorful childhood in 1970's NYC (where he was raised by a gay, movie studio marketing whiz, father....and possibly the world's first mannie), and subsequent adolescence in Los Angeles (where he landed a job on the Disney lot at age 13).
Weaver continued to cut his teeth working for the likes of Jeffrey Katzenberg before going on to sell dozens of his own movies and eventually developing the musical, Rock of Ages, which has been nominated for 5 Tony Awards, adapted into a Hollywood film, and is currently the 31st longest running show on Broadway.
Weaver made clear that his path to success was not an easy one, but a winning combination of "passion and naivety" ultimately paid off... and paved the way for subsequent success stories including his role as producer of the critically acclaimed Documentary film Jiro Dreams of Sushi (hence the fitting photo wall backdrop).
The talk a was super-inspiring, insightful and peppered with far more humor judge for Miss Fire Island) and fun facts than this mere recap could ever relay - suffice it to say that we expect to see more "rebel" behavior from Weaver as he continues to produce entertaining, culture-rich content.
Enjoy these movie trailers from Rock of Ages, Jiro Dreams of Sushi and Surfwise, Weaver's fascinating 2008 documentary about the 11-member, 70's surf-chasing Paskowitz family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLrx_QSd44E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-aGPniFvS0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USxhXb5VC5E
Thanks to Jon Setzen from CreativeMornings Los Angeles for partnering with Maker City LA and CultureBrain Academy once again! ... and to Little Branch Foods, Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Boxed Water for keeping us sustained, caffeinated and hydrated.
A distinct aura of play and possibility permeated the air during this morning’s Creative Mornings event at the Culture Brain Academy at Maker City LA. Well over 100 attendees came out to hear Yo Gabba Gabba! creator Justin Lyon speak about Childhood – the global theme for this month’s storied breakfast lecture series.
Handmade paper crowns for all, and a whimsical blue sky photo wall (created by our very own Sharon Ann Lee) helped set the stage for Lyon’s inspiring talk about his personal journey from childhood to adulthood and the important life lessons he’s learned along the way.
Some of the life-shaping descriptive themes and mantras that Lyon shared with the crowd, along with a biographical slide-show, included: “Playful”, “travel”, “happiness”, “discovery”, and “follow your heart”. He also spoke in depth about the time he’s spent in Haiti (first as a missionary after collage and again as a volunteer translator after the 2010 earthquake) and of being irrevocably touched and inspired by the irrepressible spirit and incredible imagination of the children who live there.
Justin’s story - which included the amazing series of serendipitous events that lead to the conception and creation of his wildly successful kid’s television show, and culminated with his reading of “The Station” By Robert J Hastings – perfectly embodied the childhood theme.
Today we were all reminded to “dream like children”, and that’s what we do here at Maker City LA. Come make dreams come true with us!
Special thanks to Creative Mornings LA host, Jon Setzen for hooking it up and to sqirl and Stumptown Coffee Roasters for keeping us well fed and caffeinated.