Director Michel Hazanavicius was determined to shoot his film about Hollywood, in Hollywood, incorporating in-front-of-the-camera and behind-the-camera talent, and the area’s facilities, locations and support infrastructure.
In total, 66 of the 68 acting parts in The Artist were performed by Hollywood actors and the 200 craft and technical assignments were from Hollywood’s reservoir of talent.
The commendation was presented at Red Studios on Jan. 31 by Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, who spearheaded the initiative. The award goes to all members of the cast and crew as well as to the film’s makers, including The Weinstein Company and Harvey and Bob Weinstein.
Local locations for the film include the Orpheum Theater, the American Film Institute, Cicada Restaurant, the Bradbury Building, the Wilshire Ebell Building and the Paramount and Warner Brothers back-lots, among other recognizable Los Angeles landmarks.
“We want to recognize and honor productions that are made right here in the cradle of the movie business… Hollywood,” said Councilman LaBonge. “Every movie shot here in Los Angeles brings jobs and revenue to our city, utilizing the best film professionals in the world – from the grips to the caterers, actors to postproduction houses.”
Councilman LaBonge said he plans to make the Made In Hollywood award an annual event, presented in the run-up to the Academy Awards to the best picture nominee or other notable feature film that is filmed exclusively in Los Angeles.
In addition, city council voted to name Jan. 31, 2012 as “The Artist Day” in the City of Los Angeles.
