My name is not Paul Hastings.
Categories: Hollywood, Observations
Date: Saturday, 10 February 2007, at 11:04 am
I learned something new yesterday while scouting in Downtown L.A. There is no such person as Paul Hastings.
You know the building that I’m talking about, right? It’s the former Arco Tower at 5th & Flower Streets, the one that that proudly emblazons across the top: Paul Hastings. It was prominently visible in every other L.A. establishing shot in just about any episode of Alias.
For some reason, I always imagined a rich guy in a suit who would go to bars, meet a pretty lady, introduce himself as Paul Hastings, and then she’d reply, “Ooh, not the same Paul Hastings with that big building?”
Well, I know now that this could never happen. Because, the full name of this law firm is actually Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP. Two of the three guys who started the company back in 1951 are Lee Paul and Robert Hastings. They’re actually two separate people! And, well, considering how long ago the company started, I doubt these guys, if they’re even still alive, are getting out to the clubs all that often anymore.
Anyway, the building owners are indeed film-friendly. Contact Skyline Locations if you might be interested in shooting there.