Downtown Weekly Topics Of Interest
ARTS & CULTURE
Artist in Residence – Downtown Artist feature story. The writer will spend personal time with the artists up to 3 days (or at least write an article that makes the reader suppose the span of the interview took 3 days). Find out everything that inspires the artists, what they have done, any formal training, are they self taught, any major accomplishments…pictures of artists in the studio, home or gallery are mandatory. Also what is the artist currently working on and what will the artist be doing in the near future. Example Of Artist In Residence
Galleries and Museums – Downtown Galleries send us press releases and newsletter on a regular basis. Join their email list for updates. TheGRAWN is particularly interested in stories involving celebrity artists showing in Downtown or gallery GRAND openings. The Arts District Art Walk, the Downtown Art Walk, and any charitable shows. We also produce a Downtown gallery guide for galleries that support us by purchasing gallery listings, which update their monthly events on the first of each month.
Happiest Hours – We love Downtown Happy Hour drink specials and with over 150 bars there are plenty of mix drinks to choose from along with unusual bar tales, fiendish bar tenders, and appetizers to die for; anything that has to do with getting intoxicated fits well inside this category, along with Downtown mixology myths and legends, history, Grand Openings and Owner interviews.
Monuments in Time – Downtowners love our old historic buildings. The architecture is often as interesting as the story behind the making, and the long list of occurrences at each location. Best to find info from the LA Library archives, because most data is made up or filled in. How much did the building cost, which was the maker, why was it made. Has their been any deaths? Is it in danger…who owns it now, and what’s going on inside.
Wine Times DTLA – This column is reserved for the true wine connoisseur. Writers with extensive knowledge of the grape, may travel from eatery to wine bar sharing their wine tasting experience, the vineyard, and the wonders that come with Wine in DTLA. Enjoy your night or happy hour, just try not to get too intoxicated as to leave out any of the juicy details. DISCLAIMER: *TheGrawn is not responsible for anything that you do while on assignment that you may regret so please drink responsibly.
Entertainment, Theater & Live Music Performances – From sports to live music, dance, theater, concerts in the park, to the dive bar burlesque, we want to know who the entertainers are and where they will be performing next. Try to limit your stories to entertainers with a huge following or venues that charge steep prices of $10 or more to watch the show. Join the email list of Downtown Venues, and request press passes from the publisher for VIP access and posh treatment. Also Grand Openings of entertainment houses are welcome topics.
Book Worm – If you love to read, Book Worm Book Review is a great column. Writers are expected to read and review books over the course of a two week period. Book reviews should include everything you liked or disliked, if you would recommend its reading and why. For a great style guide on writing book reviews visit http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/asenjo.shtml
More…
We Don’t Always Leave Downtown…But when we do…
#SurvivingDTLA
Get 2 Downtown – Downtowns Weekly’s Top 10 Events. (Usually sponsored by the event coordinator), this column talks about the weeks most awesome events.
Movie Buff – No it’s not enough to sit through a movie and right how you feel about it. Movie Buff columnist should have a fair knowledge of the movie making process. Cinematography, direction, editing, musical score, writing and actor commentary is also needed. Spoiler alerts are welcome as long as you warn the readers in the first paragraph. Writers should try to gain access to studio copies and view the films before their release but when that’s not possible, attend opening day. There are two movie houses in Downtown, The Regal at LA LIVE and the Downtown Independent Theater. Both should be able to provide information to contact the producers. Also the Regent, and Ace Hotel sometimes show screenings as well. Any interviews with film makers, production team or cast members are also welcome. Good Luck.
Sports – LA Live, Kings, Clippers, Lakers and the Dodgers – XGames/XLanes – Sports figures in town. Hit a home run with anyone on the team willing to do an interview, involved with sports management, or even the event venue itself. Any information about the inner workings of hosting thousands of people in the stands is always welcome…now go slam a dunk!
Fashion & Style – If you’re into fashion, and know the in’s and out’s of what it takes to dress to impress…take your fancy a** to Downtown Fashion District and accessorize us with some leads…Downtown host one of the biggest Fashion districts in the county with celebrity names, and grand design houses in any of its hundreds of show rooms, and design warehouses. The Fashion District is your playground. You’ll find hundreds of stories ideas and sources within the Cooper Building, New Age, California Mart and FIDM design school. There are also LA Fashion Week events. But if you want to attend as press, be sure to establish a relationship with the organizers of these events or let us know about them so we can request your ViP Press access.
Dress Me Sheik – This is a fashion twist to the old “Before and After” photo, that gives props to the designer or fashion boutique willing to dress up a writer while filling them in on all the fancy details about the designers, owners, and the boutiques past, present and future goals.
Downtown Decor – Downtown furniture stores are rare but they do exist. Seek them out, find out who the furniture designers are, conduct interviews with the designers and show case their talents, furniture and the stores that carry them.
Downtown Development & Real Estate – Downtown is developing at a rapid rate. Before that, Downtown hit a slump, but in the last 3 years we’ve had almost a 40% boost in new business, a 50% boost in residents and a 40% boost in new construction. Don’t quote those numbers…but you get the idea. Anywhoo, this new growth has sparked an array of new ventures locally and from developers around the world, as the City is planning and use departments set a course for preparing itself to take its rightful place as a major metropolis once again. Skyscrapers, parklettes, railways, bike lanes, parks, and more are on the horizon, and always a topic of discussion for those interested in holding out and staking claim for a NEW DOWNTOWN. Stay up to date by attending planning committee meetings and joining Downtown Social media groups….and be the first to break the story!!!
Non-Profit Sector – Although their are plenty of nonprofits scattered around Downtown to choose from and TheGRAWN is always looking to publish interviews with non-profit directors, especially after they receive grants…. Downtown’s non-profits and social service centers have mostly been centralized in the area east of Main sometimes called Central City East, known to most as Skid Row. As dire as it may seem, as a recovery area, where thousands of people from all over the world flock for help, has been established the Skids. Plenty of non profits there along with community activist, residents, police and humanitarian visitors willing to volunteer to build a better community on a daily basis. Highly controversial at times, there is always a story to be found inside the Skids, and post concerning this topic usually gets greater hits. *For experienced writers only.
Food – Seems there’s a new restaurant opening up somewhere in Downtown almost every day. Be sure to follow the trends, and be sure to dig in deep into City permit process or attend City committee meetings to get the scoop, before the majors.
Exercise & Run Don’t Walk – There are so many marathons happening in Downtown Los Angeles, from bicycle races to treks up 100’s of flights of stairs. Top that with the numerous dance, yoga, self defense and fitness gyms and you have a never ending source of organizers to communicate with. You’re also welcome to join any of the classes, or events to add a bit of muscle to your article.
GAY DTLA – They’re here, they’re queer, were used to it. The column is open to writers who want to share the experiences inside our LBGT community. It’s bold, outspoken, daring, and just plan marvelous. Visit GAY DTLA on facebook for tons of story ideas and new connections.
Staying Alive – It’s all about sustainability, from roof top or balcony gardening, to solar power, saving water and other precious resources, Staying Alive means working together to help the environment and make a brighter better GREEN Future for Downtown Los Angeles.
101 Ways to Die – Downtown Los Angeles is a mega metropolis where unfortunately death or near death misses occur. The dark and witty column takes a look at the week in departures, and how best to avoid them.
Pets Stop & Healthy Pets – Almost 1/2 of Downtown Los Angeles residents own pets, and we have plenty of business owners here to help them stay as healthy and as happy as possible. This many pets is putting a demand on Downtown living, for better pet walking and play locations, and a better system for clean up. Articles featuring Event Organizers are always welcome along with overall community developments when it comes to our 4-legged friends.
DTLA Patriot – These articles showcase anyone who has devoted their lives to the betterment of Downtown Los Angeles and its citizens, anyone who works in the Local Government or anyone who has been here for over 15 years.
Law Makers Journal – Any time the Neighborhood City Council, Los Angeles City Council or the Mayors office passes a new law or ordinance or develops a program we want to document it. This column is perfect for writers who are in to politics. We would also like to share information about the elections and city governing process.
Good Cop/Bad Cop – We love our men in blue and understand the rigorous task they undertake each day to serve and protect us. We also know that they are constantly swarming in controversy, and one bad apple doesn’t ruin the whole bunch. Writers of Good/Bad should join the LAPD newsletters, and social media groups to find out about recent accomplishments, and keep their attentions focused on any news stories concerning cops gone wrong.
Opinion – Usually political, however this can be about almost anything.
Hotel Stay – Hotel Review hopefully means you get to stay in the lap of luxury for at least a day, mixing and mingling with guests to see how they are enjoying their stay. Showcase the amenities, order room service or eat and drink at the hotel bars. Interviews and quotes from hospitality management also make a great relaxing read.
Transportation – Who’s behind the new transportation developments makes for a great cover story. New Development means road closures and road openings. The Regional Connector, the Rail Car on Broadway, bike lanes, and these events causes just as much jubilation as they cause controversy – You can’t please everybody! LOL…Welcome to Downtown.
BLK DTLA – African Americans have made great strides in Downtown Los Angeles, as the original settlers of Downtown, today they continue to enhance our region with amazing contributions, although at times they may seem hidden from mainstream media. Writers of this column should have a vast knowledge of African American History or an eager willingness to explore what the BLK Community of Downtown Los Angeles is contributing now.
