On Set with The Fablemans

By Anessa Birkemeier

In addition to weddings and social events, we do a lot of filming here at The Ebell on the quiet. I've found, living in Los Angeles, that one becomes used to seeing celebrities at the market or in line for a coffee. But it's quite different to have an icon such as  Steven Spielberg walking the halls of The Ebell. So when we were lucky enough to have The Fablemans -- Spielberg's highly personal film about his path as a filmmaker -- shoot here, it was an exciting time packed with emotion. I'm sorry that the film didn't get any Oscar statues on Sunday night but it was a wonderful story no matter what. I'm thrilled to share some behind-the-scenes moments from the filming with you.

Oh, and not to worry! Even though Spielberg said I was a natural it hasn't gone to my head! I’m keeping it real.

I have so many memories from this film shoot! For instance, during the scene in the director's office, (the director is played by David Lynch), the production used the second floor board room. Lynch preferred preferred a real cigar, so I made an executive decision and approved that over an herbal one. I mean, how can one deny a legend like the director of Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks the simple pleasures on set?!

The second floor foyer between Junior's Room and the Board Room. Production built a faux wall to split the Board room into two offices. The front part was the secretary's office which you see in that second photo. The back half with the windows became the director's (Lynch's) office in the film. 

The screening room scene was filmed in our second floor theater.

For the screening exit, the production team used Wilshire Ebell Theatre alley exit doors to alley/west lot and 8th street.