Film Society Embarks On Restoration Of Its 100+ Year Clubhouse

The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), the world's oldest continuously operating motion picture society, held the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this week on May 7, 2008. The event marks the commencement of the restoration and expansion of the Mission Revival-style clubhouse and construction of a new three story, 5,000 square foot building.

Wolcott Architecture Interiors (WAI), based in Culver City, CA, is performing the design for the restoration is consistent with the historic style of the 1903-era building, which has served as ASC's headquarters for the last 70 years. The addition, a contemporary stucco structure, will complement and not compete with the historic building.

Work to the existing building will include an expansion of the Board Room; Great Room, which is used for events and screenings; and renovation to the lounge/bar and kitchen. The new structure will accommodate ASC's administrative offices and provide space for national trade publication, American Cinematographer. Completion of the project is slated for late 2008.

According to Owen Roizman, esteemed cinematographer and vice president of the ASC, "Our revered cinematographer's society frequently hosts educational and social events for members and emerging filmmakers. With enormous changes in the digital media world, the ASC is called upon more than ever to provide guidance to the entire international filmmaking community. The renovation and expansion of our facility will allow our growing membership to not only honor our rich legacy, but will help affirm the ASC's commitment to the brightest of futures."

In attendance at the grounbreaking was Roizman, along with dignitaries including Tom LaBonge, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences; a representative from Eric Garcetti's office; LeRon Gubler, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce; and former Board of Governors Award recipients.

The ASC project is located at 1782 North Orange (corner Franklin St.), Hollywood, CA, across from The Magic Castle. Parking is available at the Hollywood & Highland Center (entrance on Orange Ave.).

About The ASC
The ASC traces its roots to the dawn of the motion picture industry in 1913, when the Cinema Club in New York and the Static Club in Los Angeles were organized by the first generation of cinematographers, who were inventing a new visual language. Fifteen members of those two clubs organized the ASC in January 1919. They wrote a charter that dedicated the organization to advancing the evolving art and craft of telling stories with moving images. There are some 290 ASC members from many nations today, and 150 associate members from allied sectors of the industry.

About Wolcott Architecture Interiors
One of the country's most accomplished commercial interior design firms, Wolcott Architecture Interiors has designed 32 million square feet of corporate interiors, since it was founded in 1975. Consistently ranked among the top interior design firms, the boutique Culver City firm specializes in the design of media and entertainment facilities, including production studios, the offices of media moguls, gaming companies and the local and international headquarters of cinematographers' societies.

izzy to Acquire Jami Inc.’s Harter, Fixtures Furniture, Zoom Seating, and ABCO Brands

izzy and its parent company JSJ Corporation have executed a letter of intent to purchase Jami Inc. The transaction is expected to close in May, pending completion of due diligence and execution of documents.

Established in 1995, Jami Inc. is a holding company comprised of four brands, each with its own market niche:

• Harter – higher design management, conference and executive seating and tables in work environments;
• Fixtures Furniture – stack seating and multi-purpose tables for education, healthcare and corporate spaces;
• Zoom Seating – mid-market ergonomic task seating; and
  
• ABCO Office Furniture – modular furniture, computer furniture, and conference and training tables.
  

Each of the four brands now operating under Jami Inc. will continue to pursue its independent brand position, working with izzy to leverage this strength in its individual market segment.

“We see this transaction with izzy and JSJ as a positive partnership,” said Gregg Masenthin, president and chief executive officer of Jami Inc. “Our brands have been extremely successful in the marketplace, so our new relationship with izzy and JSJ allows us the strategic business support to continue growing and developing these brands.”

“We are excited about the prospect of the Jami brands becoming part of izzy. Each brand has earned customer loyalty within its own market segment,” said Chuck Saylor, founder and president of izzy. “Since the launch of izzy, we have cultivated a business model that lets successful brands thrive and grow around organizations with people who have the energy and vision to develop them for the future. Like our strategic partnerships with HÅG and Nemschoff, this transaction will reinforce our strategy – to be a brand-driven business. We do not intend to change what is already working well. Instead, through good design, and leveraging the input and knowledge of many talented people, each of these brands will continue to deliver on their individual brand promises, focusing on product solutions that add value for their customers.”

The pending acquisition builds on JSJ’s history of seeking out successful companies that benefit from owners that offer a long-term, personal commitment to their business interests, says Nelson Jacobson, president and chief executive officer of JSJ Corporation.

“Our role at JSJ is to provide financial and strategic leadership, and essential support resources to help our businesses like izzy do what they do best – design, make and market products that meet their customers’ needs,” he said. “Our company founders began working together nearly 90 years ago as partners. This acquisition is another example of how we intend to continue building on this legacy of entrepreneurship – locally, nationally and globally.”

FRIDAY FUNNY: Every Office Has One

Today's Friday Funny is short and sweet. Which categories are covered in YOUR office?

Many thanks to Megan Knight for supplying this Friday Funny.