Portland’s Own: The Simpsons’ Matt Groening

When it comes to humor, Portland has a lot to be proud of, and one of Portland’s favorite sons is Matt Groening. Matt Groening is best known for his work on The Simpsons, which at this point in time is one of the United States’ longest running shows, and definitely the longest running animated show on at the moment. The Simpsons has won many awards for pushing boundaries, for social comedy and for interesting world commentary. [Read more →]

Screenwriter Harriet Frank, Jr.: Oscar Nominated Portlander

Harriet Frank, Jr. is one-half of a legendary screen-writing couple, a career in which she collaborated with her husband, Irving Ravetch, for more than 30 years. Some of her most notable collaborations with Ravetch include “Norma Rae,” “The Long Hot Summer” and “Stanley & Iris.” She and Ravetch received Oscar nominations for both “Norma Rae” and the classic “Hud” starring Paul Newman and won a New York Film Critics Circle Award for “Hud.”

Frank was born and raised in [Read more →]

Recent Movies in Oregon

Whether you’re watching Direct TV Portland or your basic cable channels you may have noticed an influx of Oregon-looking sets as of late. Here are a few of the most recent movies shot in Oregon to look out for when you’re channel surfing
Cold Weather: This thriller was shot in and around Portland which gives it the dreary feel needed for that genre. It hasn’t come out yet but it will soon and this one, unfortunately may be a direct to DVD classic.
The Road: This film adaptation of the Cormick McCarthy classic was shot in Portland and though it didn’t get the best reviews it’s an Oregonians delight nonetheless. There are so many scenes that feature the woods and weather of Oregon which is something any resident can find value in.
Twilight: Perhaps the most famous movie to come out of the state, Twilight is supposed to be set in Washington but much of the film was shot here in Oregon. The vampire thriller has a lot of great outdoor shots, though, so watch it even if you can’t stand the thought.

David DeCoteau: Oregon’s Horror Film Director

Before becoming the movie director that we have come to know and respect today; David Decoteau was born in Portland, Oregon on January 5, 1962. The famed director got his start in the film industry by taking on a job given to him by the legendary Roger Corman. Corman hired Decoteau to be a production assistant as the young age of 18 years old. In 1986, David got his chance to prove himself by directing his first film for another Hollywood [Read more →]

Ty Burrell of “Modern Family”: Grants Pass Native

Ty Burrell of “Modern Family” is a Grants Pass Native. Burrell was born in Grants Pass in August of 1967 and grew up in Applegate. He currently plays the hilarious dad, Phil Dunphy, in the hit ABC show. Audiences enjoy tuning in to see what charade Phil is going to play on his family during that episode.

He began acting in 2001, but the success from “Modern Family” has made him a very notable actor. He was nominated for an Emmy [Read more →]

Keanu Reeves in Oregon: From “Point Break” to “My Own Private Idaho”

It’s not unusual when certain Hollywood actors become identified with certain locations. Think John Wayne and the epic expanses of Monument Valley. Or Robert DeNiro and the mean streets of New York City. To that list you can add Keanu Reeves and the diverse landscapes of Oregon. To date, no less than five of the actor’s films have been made in Oregon beginning with 1988′s “Permanent Record”. 1991 was a watershed year for Reeves and [Read more →]

Film Director Gus Van Sant Loves Oregon

When you think of Oregon, what comes to mind most often are evergreen forests, “green” Portland, and breathtaking, sweeping landscapes. If you’re thinking about cinema, though, American director Gus Van Sant’s name should be the first name out of your mouth.

Gus Van Sant, one of the most influential contemporary American indie directors whose acclaimed films have garnered Oscars aplenty, was actually born in Kentucky, though you would never know it from his many movies set in Oregon. Van Sant [Read more →]