Lee Daniels, Glenn Close, Andra Day Coming to Philly to Film; Bugsy Drake at Philly Home Show

March 14, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Philly Home Show (use this link for a discount)

According to Variety…. Philadelphia born Lee Daniels will direct “Demon House,” based on the story of an Indiana family (Ammons) that has claimed to be a victim of demonic possession. Several Hollywood players, including MGM and Miramax, were vying for rights to the Oscar-nominated director’s upcoming project. Netflix’s $65 million price tag — a hefty sum covering the film’s production budget and buyouts — secured the sale, according to Deadline Hollywood, who broke the news of Netfliks purchase.

I had mentioned in December Lee Daniels would be filming Demon House in our area after attending a Phildanco event where Daniels was to be honored, but wasn’t able to make it. At that event Sharon Pinkenson announced he’d be back in our area to do this film. Thanks to the GPFO and all the work they do to secure these projects.

Idris Elba in Concrete Cowboy starring Caleb McLaughlin which filmed in Philly August 2019

Demon House reunites Daniels and Andra Day, who recently worked together on Hulu’s musical biographical drama “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Rounding out the cast includes Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Rob Morgan, “Stranger Things” actor Caleb McLaughlin (who filmed Concrete Cowboy in 2019) and “King Richard” breakout Aunjanue Ellis.

The Bagan family moved into the house after the Ammons and did a documentary on their experience. This was their promotional poster.

Here’s my scoop: Look for Demon House to begin filming in our area at the end of April and continue until June. It’ll be filmed in Philadelphia, Sun Studios and my sources tell me in New Jersey.

The Philly Home Show March 18^th through 20^th and 25^th through 27^th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Discover. Plan. Do. Two weekends only for great deals, new ideas, and practical advice, with trusted, local experts that can make your dream home a reality;

Bugsy Drake of “The Queen of Theme” is widely known for her role as Chief Stew on Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean, Christine “Bugsy” Drake, can be seen dazzling luxury yacht guests with her signature tablescapes and over-the-top theme parties.

Bugsy will be appearing in the Affinity Furniture booth (#824) Saturday, March 26 from 12noon-1pm. She will be signing books and meeting fans. While there you can admire her beautiful tablescapes created using Affinity Furniture tables Philly Home Show

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Marley & Me Philly Shoot

February 25, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

On Social Media Thursdays mean Throw Back Thursday where folks post their favorite photos or memories which happened before the current time on FB, Instagram or Twitter. I’ll post memories like that on the blog every Thursday until life returns to somewhat normal…. So let’s check out the first time I photographed a movie filming in Philadelphia – Marley & Me a 2008 comedy-drama starring Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson and Eric Dane.

Unlike New York City, when a film shoots in Philly there is no notice to the general public; thankfully the businesses near the filming, or folks who live nearby are notified. I always appreciate the tips informing me of film shoots, or celebrity sightings. Marley and Me filmed Broad & Walnut all day long May 14, 2008 and lucky for me I had a great view from the law firm I worked at to time and occasionally I would run out to get a shot, as well as took a long lunch hour. I was a bit distracted that day.

The filmed was shot in Philly and West Chester in the Spring 2008, as well as South Florida. Owen Wilson was a big DB during this filming. That is his bodyguard trying to block my shot, but he didn’t have eyes in the back of his head and I was able to get a decent shot here, as well as other shots as you see.

Eric Dane (c) was enjoying a surge of popularity during this time for playing Dr. Mark Sloan (McSteamy) on the medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy. He filmed this movie during the “summer” break from the show.

**Owen Wilson** plays **John Grogan,** the author of the biographical Marley & Me. Grogan worked at *The Philadelphia Inquirer* as a columnist.^[3][8] *The Inquirer* published a volume of his best articles in 2007 called *Bad Dogs Have More Fun*.

Release date
December 25, 2008 (United States)
Running time
115 minutes
Budget
$60 million
Box office
$247.8 million^[1]

This is the very next moment and the photo made E! Entertainment

Jennifer Aniston wasn’t on set the one day I was able to photograph them filming, but she was spotted around town eating at a few restaurants. She was too friendly. I ran into her the day after Brad and Angelina announced they were having a baby. But even in NYC she was always kind of a bitch to photograph, and not overly friendly to fans. Sorry not sorry, Angelina was always a pro and wonderful to her fans. We had a bit of a run in one Saturday as she was leaving El Vez. I got a tip she was there, practically ran from the Italian Festival on 9th Street to grab a shot. She came out as I was yelling, politely for a photo. She ignored me but her bodyguards attacked me ie at her instructions.

The Philly Inquirer’s Mike Klein did a write up. (This paragraph is from my blog of that time called “Confessions of a Paparazzi.”
This was a tough shot to get as her bodyguards roughed me up a bit, grabbing my camera lens and trying to twist it to break it. Three bodyguards Jen, you would think that you would want your photo taken considering Angelina is having twins and is all over the press. Furthermore, Demi (see below) walks around Philly without bodyguards and you need three just to block photos and rough up lone photographer who was polite enough to ask for the photo.
(At the time I had never seen a Friend’s episode, so I didn’t get how clever his headline was:
**“The One Where Jennifer Aniston Eats At El Vez”**

Demi Moore was in town at the same time filming Happy Tears with Parker Posey. Say what, yeah I never watched it either. Anyway, here’s a shot of her I got after lunch at Tria at 18th and Sansom. She was a difficult shot to get, but I told her if she gave me one good clean shot I wouldn’t bother her for the rest of the time of the filming; and I didn’t much to the chagrin of the restaurants who tipped me off in the coming weeks.

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Dispatches from Elsewhere, Paparazzi Shots, A Peek into Cook/Solo K’Far cafe

July 17, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

It might not be cool outside, but I have some cool gossip for you with Thursday’s edition of HughE Around Town.

Jason Segel on set Tuesday on the 300 block of South Street

AMC’s original anthology series Dispatches From Elsewhere began filming Monday. Created by and starring Jason Segel, who will also direct the pilot, Dispatches From Elsewhere is about a group of ordinary people who stumble onto a puzzle hiding just behind the veil of everyday life. They will come to find that the mystery winds far deeper than they ever imagined. Segel executive produces with Scott Rudin ( Scott Rudin is an American film and theatre producer. His notable films include the Academy Award-winning Best Picture No Country for Old Men, as well as Lady Bird, Fences, ), showrunner Mark Friedman, Garrett Basch, Eli Bush, Jeff Freilich and Jones. An AMC Studios production, the hour-long series will include viewer engagement elements across multiple media platforms.

Tuesday Dispatches filmed in 4 locations. South Street, inside the Curtis Center, on Walnut Street at 6th and Walnut,

and on North Broad Street. The show stars Andre Benjamin, Sally Field, Richard Grant and Eve Lindley. Both Jason and Eve were in scenes yesterday. As in my line of business of observing and listening, I am often privy to story lines, you won’t find me spoiling any, but I’ll tell you I like what I’ve heard already. I’ll only report the pieces that are done in public, and you’ll have to wait til the series airs in 2020 to put the puzzle together.

Today they filmed at the Curtis Center again, and then in the afternoon at Suburban Station but not in the Concourse, just in the lobby, the loading dock and on one of the floors. Each hour long episode will take up to two weeks to film. There are 10 episodes. They’ll be plenty of time to see Andre 3000 playing his flute around town. I’m away for a few days, so follow me on social media and I will share tips on what’s happening on set as I hear.

When social season slows down, I get to return to my first job ie hobby, as Philly’s paparazzo. Sabrina DenHamm and Cody bellinger, of LA Dodgers , were out walking around @rittrow in Philly before tonights game against the Phillies. Bellinger is in the running to be the 2019 NL MVP

The Harper’s entrance looks fabulous (19th and Chestnut Streets) The tables are ready for K’Far to open as well as you know it’s Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook’s upcoming all-day cafe headed by Zahav pastry chef Camille Cogswell, a James Beard Award winner.

I peeked in and it looks really cute. The prices are really great. I can’t wait to hang out there, maybe all day. OK even though I’m away I’ll have a post on Friday as well. Send me tips and I’ll get those photos and stores for you. Have a great day, HughE @phillychitchat.com

Philadelphia

I was there when Katy Perry Climb The Rocky Steps, plus pixs from her concert & her look a like Fans & Her Dad

August 6, 2014 by HughE Dillon

Katy Perry performed two sold out shows at the Wells Fargo Center This Week.(Katy Perry Runs Up The Rocky Steps photos are at the bottom of the page.)

Thanks to Bentley Holdings for inviting me to hang with them Monday night in their box and catch the concert. Gregory Heinz, Daria Cuda, Morgan DeNicola, Cosmo DeNicola (co-owner of the Soul Football Team), Natalie Scarantino, Maura McGlone and Lauren Richardson

Before the show I captured a few of the Katy Perry fans. They were very excited to see her.

I ran into Katy Perry’s dad Keith Hudson who was more than happy to pose with fans.

A nice crowd was on hand for the concert.

There were lots of fun songs and costume changes

an ode to Grace Jones

At one point during the concert Katie stopped to take a selfie with a fan.

I happen to know that guy, his name is Temple University student Ian Raymond. He’s a uber fan of everyone current and always seems gets to meet his favorites. This has to be one of those most memorable times.

Katy Perry enjoys a Ralph & Rickey pizza with a fan.

Another fan interaction came when Katy Perry pulled up a local high school girl Madison for the Birthday Song. Madison’s bday is August 20.

One of my favorite moments of the concert came when Katy Perry flew around the arena, she came very close to all sections and the song Happy Bithday ended like this..

Spectacular!!

Monday night Katy told the fans she’d be going to a few museums during her stay

Tuesday she was more specific, saying on stage that she’d be going to the Philadelphia Art Museum to run up the Rocky Steps at midnight. She showed up (with a police escort) and so did about 200 fans.

as the night wore on more and more people showed up

Katy did her best to pose and chat with as many fans as possible during this crazy melee.The police did an amazing job with the crowd control. No matter how much the fans chanted run the steps, it wasn’t going to happen, there were way too many people.

Before I got there I heard Katy Perry had already run up the Rocky Steps and on her way down encountered the fans.

but at some point it became overwhelming and the police started to lead her back to her car

I call this photo, Katy Perry realizes she’s being led to the wrong car, eventually they got it right and got her to her black Sterling Limousine rented SUV (it says that on the back of the car)