What Hollywood Lost in the Fires

This report was prepared by our team consisting of Jem Aswad, Matt Donnelly, Angelique Jackson, Elsa Keslassy, Gene Maddaus, Marc Malkin, Pat Saperstein, Michael Schneider, Tatiana Siegel, Jazz Tangcay, Chris Willman, and K.J. Yossman.

By early afternoon on January 7th, the Pacific Palisades region of Los Angeles, nestled within the second-largest city in the United States, was a serene haven with a salty breeze. As one resident put it, it was reminiscent of the fictional town of Mayberry, boasting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It is situated between Santa Monica to its east and Malibu to its west.

Toward late afternoon on that particular day, the Palisades transformed into a horrifying wasteland beyond comprehension. This tranquil community, which had been a longtime residence for numerous entertainment industry workers, was consumed by a ferocious wildfire, fueled into a ruthless blaze by hurricane-force winds reaching 80 miles per hour. The strength of the gusts propelled embers over vast distances. As a result, the destruction had the potential to spread extensively, as small molten projectiles fell randomly on rooftops, patios, backyards, front yards, treehouses, and vehicles left abandoned amidst the “chaotic pandemonium” that arose when Palisades residents were instructed to evacuate.

A few hours subsequently, approximately 35 miles to the east in Altadena, nestled within the foothills of the Angeles National Forest and sharing its close-knit character, another fierce fire broke out due to the same perilous wind conditions. The northern residential area near Pasadena now resembles a war zone as a result.

For years ahead, I’ll be part of the team delving into the reasons behind these fires and what made them worse. In no time, allegations of misconduct and negligence towards our authorities at both state and local levels will surface as swiftly as the smoke and ash that enveloped our regions.

Currently, numerous displaced individuals who have suffered from fires are grappling with their immediate hardships – a struggle intensified by a range of emotions such as numbness, shock, panic, gratitude, and anger. Remarkably, even those who were spared the direct impact of the devastation are starting to understand the immense scale of what has been lost.

Greg Wells, the music producer, commented on an extensive destruction resembling more than Manhattan’s size. He, unfortunately, experienced this firsthand as he lost both his house and studio in Pacific Palisades. In his own words, it was as if a miniature nuclear explosion had occurred.

Kathryn Frazier, proprietor of the PR agency Biz3, brought up her two boys on her own in her cherished sanctuary in Altadena. She intended to spend her retirement years in the house that was destroyed by fire.

Incredibly, I find myself saying that our whole town has vanished. Not a single home, store, or school remains standing – not even the fire station itself.

Matt Gutman, a seasoned ABC News journalist who has reported on wars abroad and numerous natural catastrophes, feels unsettled by the destruction he witnessed in the Palisades, an area that holds personal significance as family members of his lived there. As he saw his aunt’s house being consumed by flames, he was struck with the poignant thought, “This is where we celebrate Thanksgiving.” On his return the following day, the charred landscape of the neighborhood appeared strikingly alien.

Gutman remarked, “This scene is like a vast expanse of chimneys standing alone, devoid of homes, amidst a wasteland of ashes and dull grays. It was once vibrant and teeming with life. The contrast is quite striking.

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Fire Relief Resources for Entertainment Industry Workers

The wildfires in Los Angeles are projected to become the most expensive natural catastrophe ever experienced in the U.S., affecting various sectors and industries not just in Southern California, but also beyond. Entertainment and media companies are not immune to this impact. In fact, the large number of industry professionals living in areas like the Palisades and Altadena suggests that the damage and aftereffects within Hollywood and the creative community will be profound and long-term.

Last night, I found myself managing clients from out-of-town who were being evacuated from hotels on Sunset Boulevard. Suddenly, everything began to crumble and shift directions. For safety reasons, we had to scale back our operations. Some projects will have to be put on hold indefinitely, while others that need to be completed promptly and can’t afford a lengthy delay will need to move to a location not threatened by fire danger. As their chief operating officer at Smuggler, a commercial production house, I’m making these adjustments to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

In recent years, wildfire incidents across California and other Western states have been significantly escalated due to the impacts of global warming. The Los Angeles area, particularly, has become a potential fire hazard because prolonged dry spells transformed it into a highly flammable environment. Interestingly, this region experienced exceptionally wet weather in 2021 and 2022, which led to an overgrowth of local vegetation. However, as the rainy period ended and drought returned in 2023 and 2024, the once-lush plant life dried up and became highly susceptible to ignition with even a single spark, given the arid conditions.

The fire led to unexpected halts in manufacturing and short-term shutdowns of movie studios, including Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and Disney, which are located near canyons and the Hollywood Hills. This also resulted in a temporary closure of the Universal Studios theme park. For the everyday workers of Hollywood, who are largely freelance, the fire damage is another hardship added to their struggles during the pandemic, when they faced significant income drops and were without work for months due to the 2023 writers and actors strikes. The previous year also saw a noticeable decrease in overall production activity, particularly in television, as studios aimed to reduce spending.

Evan Shafran, a local actor from Burbank, shared his struggle. He’s found progress only to hit another obstacle repeatedly. Keeping tabs on fire conditions, he fell short of the required earnings in 2024 to secure SAG-AFTRA health insurance for this year. However, he remains optimistic about the upcoming year and hopes it will bring more chances.

Shafran emphasized, ‘With this fire occurring, employment opportunities are needed even more urgently.’ He pointed out that many people don’t fully grasp the impact of joblessness in the area, and how it ripples through the community. Essentially, everyone is struggling.

In simpler terms, the disruption caused by the ongoing situation has led to a change in the typical sequence of award shows, premieres, and celebratory events that usually take place in January and February, with the Academy Awards scheduled for March 2nd. As a result, the date for announcing the Oscar nominations has been pushed back almost a week (to January 23rd).

In times of tragedy, it might seem insignificant to lament the absence of glamorous events like kudocasts and red carpets. However, it’s important to remember that each event represents lost income for many Hollywood workers, including security guards, caterers, florists, servers, technical crew, and artisans. These roles, essential in creating a large-scale event, often mean a day or more without pay. For instance, the organizers of the Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 2 at downtown L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena, are working diligently to adapt music’s biggest night due to the destruction, as they grapple with how to preserve its grandeur while ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.

For individuals who’ve found themselves homeless and with few remaining belongings, it’s a profound shock that may require time to heal, yet they remain grateful for their survival, given how swiftly the events unfolded.

That particular morning, Wells stepped outside for an eye test, but he never returned. Much like others in the same situation, Wells admitted he held onto denial as residents were hastily gathering necessities and rushing to their vehicles.

On January 7th, Wells had a carefree mindset, thinking “There’s no need to hurry” and assuming everything would turn out fine. But then he received a call from one of his older children who lived in the Palisades, showing him images of the smoke and the proximity of the flames. His child urged them to leave immediately. With only their passports, they evacuated. Despite this, they held onto the hope that they’d return when things were calm again. However, there was an unsettling feeling of incompleteness, of not being able to bid farewell to what once was.

In Altadena, talent manager Alexander Shekarchian and his future wife, Dr. Moogega Cooper, an engineer at the neighboring Jet Propulsion Laboratory who works for NASA, shared a similar reaction.

Cooper expressed her mindset as if the situation wouldn’t affect us, it would halt. Shekarchian mentioned that we managed to gather some clothes, however, unfortunately, many of Cooper’s cherished items were left behind, making this ordeal all the more heart-wrenching.

Mia Ammer, a longtime communications professional who holds the position of VP at Sunshine Sachs Morgan and Lylis, sadly no longer owns the house she purchased in the Palisades back in 2015. Upon finally being allowed to revisit their former home and witness its burnt remains, Mia and her family could only salvage a small ceramic bear crafted by their eldest daughter Annie during her elementary school years and the doorknob from Annie’s old room.

Ammer expressed her sentiment about the frequent fire warnings, stating that it’s hard to fully comprehend the severity of the situation. She mentioned that her house has always been safe from such threats, and this was a common belief among her neighbors. As a result, many people chose to leave their homes with only essential items, like clothing, assuming they would be able to return later.

Without a doubt, every fire victim will have to deal with the loss of treasured items that cannot be replaced. For Ammer, these irreplaceable possessions include the ashes of her late husband, Geoff Ammer, a movie marketing executive, and mementos she cherished after his passing in 2012. “It’s the only thing I cared about,” Ammer said. “There were some memory books filled with photos and heartfelt letters from friends about what Geoff meant to them. It was the one thing I wanted for my children, and now it’s gone.”

It will take time – more than a few days – for the hard reality to sink in.

“It’s juggling a lot of different trauma,” Shekarchian said.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that the impact of this situation extends far beyond the big screen. It touches our community’s heart and soul, affecting local businesses we hold dear, like favorite eateries, unique shops, and treasured landmarks such as Will Rogers Park with its iconic horse stables.

Alison Martino, who manages the VintageLA Facebook page and covers historic Los Angeles for Spectrum News 1, expressed deep sorrow about the amount of history we’ve irretrievably lost. She confessed that she hasn’t fully come to terms with it all yet.

Martino expresses that she’ll deeply miss the oceanfront restaurant Moonshadows, located on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, a place she frequently visited with her late father, renowned singer Al Martino. She recalls, “The sunset’s enchanting beauty – each time I went there, it felt like paradise.

Actress Merrin Dungey’s child attends Palisades Charter High School, which recently suffered a fire. This school serves as a community centerpiece and contributes significantly to the small-town ambiance that makes the Palisades seem like an escape from the city’s fast pace and chaos.

As a devoted moviegoer, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss when reflecting upon our cherished community that has been devastated before my eyes. My dear child, an esteemed representative at Pali High School, shared this heart-wrenching experience with me as we watched in disbelief on the screen, our beloved neighborhood engulfed in flames.

Each familiar landmark, from the local store to the favorite yogurt shop and that Starbucks where I collect her every Tuesday, all became tragic symbols of a once vibrant community now reduced to ashes. As we watched together, tears streaming down our faces, we bore witness to an unimaginable horror show unfolding before us.

In the Palisades, Wells noted, there was an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era, somewhat like Mayberry. I adored the quaint mom-and-pop stores in the town square. I appreciated its proximity to the chaos of Los Angeles, yet its tranquil separation from it.

Historically, Altadena has offered more affordable living options for both working-class and middle-class families, with many of its residents employed in creative industries.

Farisai Kambarami, who assisted as a second camera operator on movies such as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Horizon,” relocated to Altadena in November due to the need for a more spacious residence to accommodate their newly arrived twins. He and his wife had to depart from their previous home when the power went out, carrying only an overnight bag to stay with his sister-in-law.

Upon returning to their locality a few days hence, they discovered that their home had been demolished, as well as the vehicle they had parked there earlier.

“Everything was flattened to the ground,” he said.

The pair lacked renter’s insurance as they had recently relocated. He had just taken out approximately $10,000 worth of equipment from a storage facility.

He mentions that due to his profession, he has accumulated a lot of equipment and items. He recently organized everything from his work into the garage, and now it’s all stored away. Essentially, it’s no longer readily available.

Other lost possessions had more emotional resonance.

I was part of the ‘Top Gun’ project, and I managed to secure signatures from Jerry Bruckheimer and Tom Cruise on my slate. Unfortunately, it’s no longer with me – items like these are irreplaceable.

Actor Spencer Treat Clark purchased a property in Altadena about two years back. Since then, he’s been putting in a considerable amount of hard work and physical effort to restore it.

“I found Altadena after I did an episode of ‘Criminal Minds,’ ” Clark said.

The community captured my heart, and should I have the chance to purchase a home someday, I’d be thrilled to establish roots there. Over time, working in this field seems inevitable to shoot in Altadena, as it possesses a distinct allure that doesn’t quite resemble Los Angeles. At times, it feels more like a quaint mountain town.

The impact of the loss stretches beyond California and the United States.

Eight years ago, Patrick Bruel, a well-known French singer and actor, purchased a home in the Palisades that unfortunately caught fire. It was Johnny Hallyday, the renowned late French singer, who inspired Bruel to make this purchase and become his neighbor. In fact, it was Hallyday who recommended this area to Bruel. Tragically, Hallyday’s residence, where his wife Laeticia resided with their two daughters, also suffered damage in the same fire.

Bruel described it as a charming little town where he felt completely at ease. He finds it challenging to discuss it in the past because he was just there a few days ago, and it still feels quite overpowering for him.

The devastating impact has triggered an instant influx of fundraising activities and generous contributions towards relief efforts. Major corporations, like Walt Disney Co. (pledging $15 million), Comcast ($10 million), and Netflix ($10 million), are contributing to local projects. Within hours, emails, spreadsheets, and text messages filled up inboxes of Hollywood figures, promoting various Go Fund Me and Kickstarter campaigns aimed at aiding individuals.

Dungey explained it’s like an ongoing conversation about resources: ‘This individual has something to offer, another requires dog care, someone else needs clothes and footwear.’ We have a system for rentals and other items too,” he said. “It’s astonishing – the kindness that can emerge from adversity.

During challenging periods, a touch of dark humor can prove beneficial. After the fire, a companion of Shekarchian and Cooper encountered the couple at their home in Altadena. As they shared memories of house parties, the friend observed that the outdoor refrigerator was undamaged – and surprisingly, it still contained alcoholic beverages.

Cooper reminisces, “He mentioned, ‘You won’t believe it! The Modelos in the back fridge are untouched,'” To which he replied, “Impossible!” As one of my favorite aspects of that house was hosting parties, inviting friends over to celebrate, and keeping an outdoor refrigerator stocked with beer or champagne, I found it hard to believe that the beers inside had somehow managed to last. So, we decided to open them up and toast with these dusty, ashen beers.

Michael Greene, the head of Greene & Associates talent agency, was amazed that his beach house along Pacific Coast Highway survived the Palisades fire. Unfortunately, his friend and manager Joannie Burstein, as well as his client Rosanna Arquette, weren’t so lucky. Over the years, Greene had represented Chadwick Boseman, the highly-regarded “Black Panther” actor who passed away in 2020.

Michael Greene, leader of Greene & Associates talent agency, was surprised his beach house on Pacific Coast Highway managed to avoid damage during the Palisades fire. Unfortunately, his friend and manager Joannie Burstein, along with client Rosanna Arquette, weren’t so lucky. In the past, Greene had been the agent for Chadwick Boseman, the beloved “Black Panther” actor who tragically died in 2020.

Greene claimed he sensed Boseman’s spirit as he looked at the devastated neighborhood. “It seemed like Chadwick was keeping an eye on things,” Greene stated. “I believe he is still looking out for us.

Just as Chadwick Boseman’s unexpected passing due to cancer serves as a poignant lesson about the fleeting quality of life, so too does the devastating wildfire that has redefined Los Angeles serve as a stark reminder of life’s impermanence.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve seldom encountered something that has impacted our enterprise so profoundly. After all the years of tireless labor, the privilege of living in Malibu or Pacific Palisades – these stunning neighborhoods – is what we strive for. It seems as though everyone assumes wealth will bring happiness and freedom, but in an instant, it can be stripped away from you.

2025-01-14 02:17

What Hollywood Lost in the Fires

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