Written by HIH Houseguest Lizzy Cline

Tim Burton’s name is synonymous with words like genius, dark, quirky, strange, eccentric and yes even to some scary. But none can deny his influence on pop culture and film today. His persona can be a bit intimidating, but unlike the stereotype some may have, I found him to be fun and cheerful and a glimmer in his eye of mischief.

His most recent inspiration is in the form of art at the LACMA museum in Los Angeles. This exhibit is full of past works from Burton himself and spans his whole career. Tim was on hand for the opening and to meet and greet a few hundred lucky fans who stood in line for hours just to gain a signature and a copy of his book, The Art of Tim Burton. The day after the opening he was off to continue his work in England on the new film Dark Shadows with of course his partner in crime, Mr. Johnny Depp and his most beautiful wife Helena Bonham Carter. There wasn’t much time for a lot of questions but any time this icon can spare is precious to be sure…

Lizzy Cline: Do you feel a bit like your work is coming full circle with this exhibit?

Tim Burton: To be sure a long way from Cal Arts. The exhibit if full of work that spans a long period of time.

Lizzy Cline: What does this exhibit mean to you personally? What do you hope people gain from experiencing it?

Tim Burton: The curators found a lot of stuff I had forgotten about (and some I don’t remember at all). It was an unsettling trip down memory lane, but ultimately a good way to reflect and in some ways reinvigorate. I’m not sure what others will gain. Hopefully they won’t run screaming.

Lizzy Cline: Could you say one thing you feel is important for the young people (children) that look up to you and your art?

Tim Burton: When I was younger, people like Vincent Price helped keep me alive. He was an outlet, being able to watch him express in dramatic fashion so many of the feelings that kids have, that were shunned as abnormal in 60’s suburbia. If my art can act as that to people of current generations, a way to connect to an outlet lacking in society, then I’m glad.

Lizzy Cline: Do you find yourself feeling more as an artist at times? Maybe from your Disney roots?

Tim Burton: Well sometimes I just want to draw. It’s kind of a mind expanding thing for me.

Lizzy Cline: Do you feel your inspiration for characters have changed since becoming a father?

Tim Burton: I don’t feel like it’s changed anything, though I may end up seeing some stuff I normally wouldn’t watch. I still pursue the projects I can connect with and that present a challenge.

Lizzy Cline: You are working right now on the Dark Shadows film with Johnny. Can you talk about meeting him? Your friendship?

Tim Burton: I had an immediate connection with him. I didn’t know him. I had never watched him before. He just felt right for “Edward Scissorhands.” Now we’re friends and also colleagues. There’s a good sort of non-communicative communication, you know. Like our own language, an understanding. More of a psychic kind of connection.

Lizzy Cline: Dark Shadows can be viewed as an American cult piece; can you give us a peek inside your thoughts as the creative process takes place? How will you approach this piece?

Tim Burton: It’s a real ethereal tone we’re trying to go for and I don’t know yet how it’s going to go, it’s so early yet. We are still trying to get the feel, vibe for it. Every piece has its own feel. We’ve barely started, so your guess is as good as mine.

Lizzy Cline: You aren’t doing this film in 3D is there a reasoning behind that?

Tim Burton: Well I loved doing Alice in 3D, the experience was just great, but I don’t think every film should rely on a certain base. There just doesn’t seem to be a place for 3D in this piece. With film your whole energy is based on your passion for doing something. I’ve found it’s important to stay with the original feeling you have for a project.

Lizzy Cline: Many people have said you have found your comfort zone working with Johnny, what can you say about that? More projects to come?

Tim Burton: Well you know it’s not just a comfort thing, I think as the work allows you go with who and what you know. He gets me and he is passionate about a lot of the same ideas I am. Yes, there’s a connection there, but a lot of directors work with the same actors over and over again. If it works so be it.

The Burton Art exhibit will be in LA through the fall month of October. All kids get in free!

Dark Shadows is set to release this winter in the US Starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins and Helena Bonham Carter as Julia Hoffman. His newest 3D project Freankeweenie will be premiered at the D23 Expo August 19-21.

For more information on his exhibit or to order one of his books visit the LACMA site, http://shop.lacma.org

Many thanks to Miranda Carroll at LACMA.
Pictures from Richard Maldonado.

Have you fallen down the rabbit hole yet to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland movie? I haven’t but I plan to.

I didn’t make it to the Ultimate Fan event but I did find a cool video via Hot Topic.

If you have seen the film tell us what you think about it.

For more on Johnny Depp, click here to read a great article by writer Lizzy Cline in EK One magazine.

When I first started this site I told people I used the “Following the White Rabbit” method to find interesting ideas for posts and interviews. This was a reference to the character Alice following a white rabbit down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world created by Lewis Carroll in his novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865). Alice follows the white rabbit not knowing where it will take her. With her curiosity sparked all she can do is follow while any questions she might have are dulled by the excitement of new and interesting things. Even the concerns that are downright irritating or at times even dangerous can’t stop her from following.

“Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).

So far this “Follow the White Rabbit” idea has served me quite well. Of course I’m not literally chasing a white rabbit. That would be nonsense now wouldn’t it? I am following any idea that I find interesting even if it turns out different than I hoped for.

With 2010 just beginning, I hope to continue this rabbit chase whenever possible. Meanwhile I’ve been researching all things Alice, partly because of my white rabbit notion and also the fun film trailers that are out starring my favorite actor Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.

Tim Burton directs the film Alice in Wonderland coming out in March, 2010. As usual many of his own favorite actors are involved such as Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee, Timothy Spall, and Alan Rickman. To see who else is on the cast list and get more info, click here for the official site of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland in 3D.

I’ve always loved Walt Disney’s animated version of Alice in Wonderland (1951). According to Burton this one will be quite different. Alice Kingsley is now 19 and finds herself chasing the rabbit once again back to Wonderland even though she has no recollection of being there before. It’s obvious from the trailer that he’ll be working his gothic magic on this film and Hot Topic has already gone merchandise crazy with everything from T-shirts to key rings. I know because I have one already myself. Thanks Aunt Diane!

All this Alice talk has me thinking of the song from Jefferson Airplane called “White Rabbit”:

Speaking of Grace Slick did you know she’s an accomplished artist? Check out her work by touring this link: http://www.areaarts.com/wonderland/tour.html

Remember what the door mouse said, “Feed your Head.”

Today is 999. September 9th, 2009. Many are blogging about 9 the movie in theaters today, from producers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov.

There’s also the release of “The Beatles: Rock Band” video game and The Beatles digitally remastered CD. Visit the official site for details about both: http://www.thebeatles.com/

Besides the 9-9-9 special releases today the first thing that comes into my mind is 99 Luftballoons. Okay so that’s missing 900 balloons, I know!

Do you remember this 80′s song by Nena? Some of you might remember the English version. Here’s a retro clip in German:

 Here’s the more modern version:

So what’s on your 999 agenda? Do you follow numerology or do you hear the tune from Oingo Boingo in your head…”Just Another Day”?

I’m not one for creepy scary. I like silly scary, more like cute with a dash of scary thrown in. Here are my Top 5 Halloween in Hollywood Favorites:

1. Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

I love Tim Burton’s version, Sleepy Hollow. Johnny Depp playing the role of Ichabod is great fun. I have to admit that my love for this story started with Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow animated feature. With the intensity of Ichabod Crane riding through the hollow, and the catchy tune sung by Bing Crosby, this version of Washington Irving’s classic tale is my favorite.

I didn’t know guests could see The Headless Horsemen ride through Disney’s theme park. Did you?

2. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

I love everything Peanuts, and Charles Schulz was a genius in my book. I’ve always had a connection with Charlie Brown, but this movie is all about Linus and his wishful thinking for The Great Pumpkin. Halloween isn’t the same if I don’t watch the scene of Sally letting Linus have it for ruining her night of tricks or treats.

3. Thriller

Yes, the Michael Jackson Video! This video was one of the coolest things back when MTV actually aired videos. Listening to the retro classic will get your Halloween spirit off the wall. Even this wedding party couldn’t resist it:

4. Elvira

I know it’s time to rummage through the costume box when I see Elvira’s cardboard likeness standing in a grocery store aisle. Here she is in 1986 showing us examples of good treats to hand out for Halloween:

5. Corpse Bride

Tim Burton collaborated with Mike Johnson to bring this project to life. It was loosely based on the folktale version of an older Jewish story. Johnny Depp provided his voice talent to the role of Victor Van Dort. Another one of Burton’s regular stars, Helena Bonham Carter plays Emily.

One of my favorite things about this movie is the music composed by Danny Elfman. Here is a rendition by talented YouTubers of the beautiful piano duet with Emily and Victor.

 What are your Halloween in Hollywood favorites?

Two talented sisters put together one of the biggest show sensations on the Internet. If you’re a fan of Johnny Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow, or Tim Burton movies, you’ll be a fan of The Hillywood Show.

It’s not just the subject matter they choose that makes this show unique. Their witty humor, talent, motivation, and amazing attention to detail intrigue viewers and have them eagerly waiting for the next episode.

I met with Hilly & Hannah at Comic Con 2008. As we talked, fans commented on Hilly’s incredible costume, and gathered to take pictures with her as Edward Scissorhands. I was a bit bummed to find out I would be missing Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett the following day but I was thankful to meet these two Internet celebs in person. Check out their video from the event.

The Hillywood Show recently released Episode 13. In a jaw dropping sort of way, Hilly & Hannah reenact scenes from one of Tim Burton’s best films, Sweeney Todd. They weave in creative content, making each episode their own work of art.

Here is my interview with Hilly & Hannah of The Hillywood Show:

HIH: I read on your official website that you were both performing at a young age either impersonating characters or taking dance classes. When did the idea of The Hillywood Show come about?

It started back in 2006. AOL put out a contest that encouraged teens to send in their own idea for a web show. So, we sent in our entry and discovered we were in America’s Top 5 Finalists out of 100,000 entries! It was so exciting! After the contest was over, we came in 3rd place and gained fans through that! They told us to continue with the show, so we did!

HIH: Hannah, we see a lot of Hilly on screen, recently you’ve been playing Mrs. Lovett in your Sweeney Todd featured episodes. What are some things you do behind the scenes for The Hillywood Show?

I am the Director of “The Hillywood Show”, script writer (along with Hillary), cinematographer (along with Hillary), and make-up artist. Plus, I do most of the scheduling for shoots and organizing things for the show.

HIH: Hilly, has Johnny Depp told you what he thinks of your flattering homage to his characters?

No, because I have never met Johnny, but it would be an honor to hear what he thinks about “The Hillywood Show”!

HIH: In a recent interview for Las Vegas Weekly I read that you were both homeschooled. Did homeschooling help you pursue this out of the box idea of creating your own show on the Internet?

Yes! Being home schooled allowed us to focus on the things we wanted to do in life and opened up our imagination even further. It was a true blessing.

HIH: What do your parents think of the show? Are they involved in your productions?

Our parents support us 100%! They are constantly involved and in ‘the know’ about all our projects and future episodes. They are absolutely amazing!

HIH: Your intro complements the professionalism of your show. Who created The Hillywood Show intro?

We both did! We both wrote the lyrics to “Hooray for Hillywood” and shot the intro as well. We contacted a band by the name of ‘SPIV’ and asked them to perform “Hooray for Hillywood”. They agreed and we couldn’t have been more pleased with it! It’s great!

HIH: With all the acts, impersonators, and flashy resorts in Las Vegas, does living there help the production of your show in anyway?

Well, to be honest, it depends on what we are looking for at the time. Episode #5 was very easy to shoot, down on the Strip and everything, but Episodes #10 – #13 (Sweeney Todd) was very difficult. The locations needed to look like England in the 1800′s…so that was extremely difficult to find!

HIH: Where do you film your episodes? Do you rent space or is it a home project?

Our episodes are shot in various locations. Sometimes they will be shot on a set or at an actual location.

HIH: You’ve appeared and been featured on many TV shows, a few being Access Hollywood, Fox 5 News, and CNN Live. Although your show itself isn’t on television you have enough visibility to generate a big fan base. You have a fan center on your site which includes fan artwork, fan videos, and fan avatars. What is it like having so many appreciate and promote your creative work?

It really encourages us and makes us want to make more episodes for the fans! They have been so supportive through everything and we couldn’t ask for more. It is absolutely fantastic having people appreciate your work! Without the fans, “Hillywood” wouldn’t be the same.

HIH: What is next for The Hillywood Show?

We are currently shooting for Episode #14 which will air sometime in September. Also, we would like for a television network to pick up “The Hillywood Show”! That’s one goal we are praying for!

You can watch The Hillywood Show in High Definition at www.thehillywoodshow.com

Leave a hello or a comment for Hilly & Hannah on their official MySpace page. Tell them the Housewife in Hollywood sent you! www.myspace.com/thehillywoodshow