Welcome to 'Bluetopia'

This week marks the release of "Bluetopia," the DVD documentary about the Dodgers and their fans that I told you about last May. Saturday night, there will be a "blue-carpet" premiere screening of the film at the Pacific Design Center, with numerous members of the extended Dodger family scheduled to attend. 

Having been interviewed (not to mention briefly tailed) for the project, I decided to turn the tables on director Tim Marx and ask him some questions about the film.

1) How did "Bluetopia" come about?
Bombo Sports and Entertainment had made a movie about the Red Sox when Dr. Charles Steinberg was in Boston -- so when he came out to L.A., it was a natural match to create a film celebrating the 50th anniversary season. Bob Potter of Bombo asked me to propose a storyline for it. My initial thrust was that the 2008 Dodgers had the most culturally diverse roster in all of MLB, and since they play in the most ethnically diverse market in the country, it stands to reason that when you get 50,000 people at the stadium, you have the most incredible "United Nations" of people pulling in the same direction as you have anywhere on earth.

Out of that grew the idea of centering the entire movie on the fans -- using the players and the season as the spine on which you hang all the wonderful fan-related stories. Bombo has made a number of movies that celebrate fans' passion for their teams or favorite players.

2) For longtime Dodger fans, what's the biggest attraction of the film?
I was fortunate enough to be allowed unprecedented access behind the scenes with the players and the organization. There are many moments, especially with the younger core group of players, where you get to see them in unique places -- the kind of scenes you don't normally see in other sports documentaries. And of course I had unique access to the whole story of the coming of Manny and his first days with the team -- really fun moments. There's a whole story behind the No. 99. And while we've all seen Champagne celebrations before, our cameras and our take on the postseason captured some very personal moments with the players and fans. The Cubs series alone is a gem of a story.

But mostly, it's an affirmation of how passionate Dodger fans are and how the Dodger tradition belongs to Los Angeles these past 50 years. So many movies are about the move from Brooklyn. This is further proof that debunks the whole "laid-back Dodger fan comes in the third, leaves in the seventh" myth. And of course, any time you can spend time with Vin ... 

3) What were the most surprising things you found?
There is a very real, tangible, undeniable aura about the stadium. It really is a life-changing sanctuary for so many people. We all can make fun and complain about the traffic and the cost of parking, but the whole experience of discovering the stadium in the bowl of the Ravine and seeing the skyline and the mountains and leaving the world behind -- there's a real difference to Fenway or Wrigley, both of which are more urban-set. 

I met many people who can honestly say that going to the stadium as a refuge from their lives allowed them to get through their troubles. It's why the team draws crowds during bad years as well as winning seasons. 

A great surprise was the completely unexpected good luck of being in the right place at the right time. The first time I went in to Charley Steiner and Rick Monday's booth for a half-inning -- the Dodgers hit two home runs. I spent a half inning with Jaime Jarrin and captured him calling Manny's first HR as a Dodger.

I spent a half-inning in Vin's booth and the Dodgers scored five runs. And Manny coming and Kershaw's first day and the whole story behind the Joe Beimel bobblehead vote -- great gifts. 

4) What was the biggest challenge of the project?
It took a while to figure out the best way to film fans in the stadium during a game. The cardinal rule is to never inhibit any fan's enjoyment of the game. So working in the stands with a camera was challenging. Most of the season, I was able to work it out with everyone, but once the playoffs came and it was a full house and really loud all the time -- that was a challenge. 

The decision making in the edit room was hard. We have so many great stories and spent time with many more fans than we could possible put into a feature-length picture. There's a whole other very good movie on the editing-room floor. Leaving out some of those scenes and some of those fans was very hard. 

But the great thing is, asking people to talk about the Dodgers is a great passport to almost any situation. I worked in many different neighborhoods around L.A. and always felt welcome.

5) What will be happening at the premiere?
The Dodgers know how to throw an event -- they do many all year long. So they will have the blue carpet and a press area -- similar to most L.A. movie premieres. There will be a reception afterward. We picked this date because it's the one night the team is off and in L.A., with the obvious intention of having as many Dodger folks there -- players and staff -- as we can. Hopefully Saturday's game doesn't go into extra innings! 

6) How much will I cringe when I see myself?
Great question. Here's the overriding thing. You entire scene is about Vin Scully. What could be better than that? You represent the admiration we all have for Vin, and we get to share with you your journey to meet him. It's fun stuff. Try to keep your eyes open when you see yourself on screen. It's something I think you'll enjoy for many years to come.

And I should tell you one of the highlights of my entire season filming at the stadium. One day, I was sitting in the press-box dining area and Vin walked by, stopped for a moment and asked, "Hi Tim. How's the project going?" Just the fact that he knew my name made all the hard work and time worthwhile.

"Bluetopia" is on sale online as well as at Dodger Stadium and starting April 21 at Best Buy and Costco.

Comments

[LABits]

I like this guy -- very sympatico. I'm excited to hear about what goes down at the Premier.

[Hollywood Joe]

I was like so over movie premiers 25 years ago, but this is one I would kill to attend

I also was at the LA premier for "Riding Giants" which was really cool too

Jon, I have this fear that if I ever got the chance to meet Vin, I might just surprise him with a hug and end up weeping on his shoulder. I hope I meet him, but skip the mauling

[Bluebleeder]

I was at the Rafael Furcal premier "Beyond the Bigs", very nice experience.

[Kevin Lewis]

When I first saw the title of this post, I had no interest in the DVD. After reading the Q/A, I can't wait to watch it.

[Tripon]

Is it just me, or is Mota already in Torre's doghouse?

[kinbote]

I'd like to offer my farewell to Pee Wee. I saw him in person in the minor leagues many times and always rooted for him to be a bench guy we could keep around or trade to a lower division team. Now that X. Paul has passed him, I don't fret too much over his departure. In fact, I wish him well. May his career be a little better than Victor Diaz's and a little worse than Cody Ross's. (I'll be curious if his new team even tries him at 2b again.)

[BHSportsguy]

No, I don't think Mota is in the dog house, the plan going into the year was for Broxton to close, Wade and Kuo to be primary set up guys, Ohman is the LOOGY, and Mota would have been the 6th inning guy. Beliasario has taken that role. So in close games, you will see those pitchers, with Mota filling in for Beliasario if he needs rest. Troncoso is the long man.

Now when Kuroda comes back, they could keep Stults in the rotaiton and move McDonald to the pen and send Troncoso down.

[Humma Kavula]

Here's hoping we see lots of playing time for DY on the Pirates. I'd love to see a Dodgers vs. Pirates game in which DY comes up big but the Bucs lose.

[kinbote]

"Now when Kuroda comes back, they could keep Stults in the rotation and move McDonald to the pen"

I think that would be smart. McDonald in the pen could be fantastic. We could use another shutdown arm out there. I like the potential of using McDonald for multiple innings, kind of like Juan Cruz throwing 2 shoutout innings last night for KC.

[jpg]

Can't wait, after reading your Q/A I'm quite excited to be going. Any dress code suggestions, my wife is already worried about what to wear?

[Jon Weisman]

Update: AP is reporting that "The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired switch-hitting outfielder Delwyn Young from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor league players or for cash."

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4070368

[Jon Weisman]

My wife made me ask about the dress code and I was told there was none. I might do a coat and jeans or khakis for myself, but I'll consult with Shimmin and D4P first.

[Old Dodger Fan]

If they go for the cash how much do you think he's worth?

[BlueCrewBruin]

Jon Weisman | April 15, 2009 at 09:36 AM

Ah, The Great Pleat Debates of aught seven. Memories.

[kinbote]

"Switch-hitting outfielder" makes him sound so exciting! Almost like "Pinch-hitting specialist" or "Left-handed side-armer" or "Late-inning defensive replacement."

[Humma Kavula]

I work a lot of big Hollywood premieres -- part of my job. If it's anything like the ones I work at, guests will be dressed from jeans-and-t-shirt to suits/cocktail dresses.

I would think that khakis/dress shirt/jacket for you and skirt/blouse for your wife would be more than sufficient and possibly (probably?) a little bit on the overdressed end of the spectrum. I tend to overdress, so that's how I'd go, but you may be different.

[regfairfield]

Old Dodger Fan, cash considerations are usually around $50,000.

[BHSportsguy]

Jon, are you going to review the DVD first so you can see yourself on the small screen. I think seeing yourself on the big screen would be quite strange at first.

[Jon Weisman]

I had that option, but honestly I don't have time to watch the film twice. So I'll see it for the first time Saturday night.

[underdog]

"Leave the player named Pee Wee in a large duffel bag under the water pipes in the 3rd level of the garage, and our man Mr X will hand you the briefcase with cash in unmarked bills. Midnight or the deal's off."

[Alex41592]

Those with Gameday Audio they have added a rewind, fast forward and play option for archives.

Some vastly different lifetime numbers for tonight's game:

Andre Ethier OWNS Matt Cain and owns may be an understatement.

16 for 27 with a double and a triple

.593/.594/.704/1.297

But, almost as much as Ethier owns Cain is how much Cain owns Orlando Hudson.

0 for 18 with three walks

000/.143/.000/.143

[Hollywood Joe]

Anyone going to Thursday night? I will be seated in the infield reserve section enjoying my UCLA night seats

[underdog]

Rats, I just realized LOST is on tonight and conflicts with the game, and more importantly conflicts with my attempt to Tivo the game. Rats. Hopefully the Dodgers will either blow the Giants out early, or I could watch Lost online tomorrow morning I guess. Decisions, decisions...

[kinbote]

"But, almost as much as Ethier owns Cain is how much Cain owns Orlando Hudson."

Sounds like a good time start DeWitt. Too bad he's gone. Would Torre sit Hudson for Loretta? That wouldn't seem like a move he'd do in this circumstance. (Am I turning into Jim Tracy? I don't know.)

[jpg]

Humma - thanks

[fanerman]

Small sample size? Hudson is hot. Maybe he'll break through.

[fanerman]

That is, if you believe in hot...

[Phenomenal Smith]

As for underdog's problems, I may not get the MLB Network, but I've got a DVR that lets me record four signals at once.

I've only gone up to the max once and that was for about 5 minutes when some shows ran over.

[Kevin Lewis]

Ask Mr. Bonifacio if he believes in hot starts

[Kevin Lewis]

I think if someone makes recording 4 shows at once a regular habit, than it is probably time for them to step away from the tv and go outside.

[cargill06]

Sweet, on B-R now you can go to a player page click on a season than click on another season and it'll tally up the stats for you. For example, you want to know how a player performed from 2002-2005 you click on those years and it'll now tally up for you. Made my day.

[Tripon]

Padma Lakshmi of 'Top Chef' and Chelsea Handler of E! get naked

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/04/padma-lakshmi-and-chelsea-handler-bare-all-for-allure.html

Of course there are already naked pics of Padma on the internet.

[alex7]

Umm, I liked the Hudson hot discussion better than the Padma hot discussion.

[Tripon]

Xavier Nady out for the season.

Pegging Mr. Swisher. Pegging Mr. Swisher. The Yankees would like to use your services on an extended basis.

[underdog]

Phenomenal Smith | April 15, 2009 at 10:27 AM

I have a very simple-minded Tivo. And it's rarely a big deal, but every once in awhile, usually on a Thursday or a Sunday, there's a Tivo conflict. But so much stuff is repeated or shown online too that it's usually no big deal. I would guess the Dodger game tonight will be blacked out for me on MLBTV though if I wanted to go that route (and/or watch in the archives) since it's on local TV. Ah well.

[kngoworld]

Tripon, where did you see that?

[Jon Weisman]

Putting the content aside, I think I'll make Tripon permanent resident in my long URL doghouse :)

[cargill06]

Tripon,

What happened to X?

[Tripon]

Jon, its on your own website! :)

The Xavier Nady news just shown up on BTF

http://tinyurl.com/XavierNady

[jpg]

Such a dilemma, go to the Clipper game and watch two teams try to lose on fan appreciation night or go to a Dodger / Giant game on Jackie Robinson Night.

[Tripon]

I get the sick feeling that even if the Clippers win the rights to draft first, they'll just blow it on Tyler Hansbrough.

[jpg]

For the first time in years Cashman had some depth and it now pays off. Baseball players are such fragile creatures, Chris Carpenter is throwing lights out after missing almost two years and pulls a rib muscle. Maybe everyone should have a yellow - red light.

[Hollywood Joe]

fan @ 10:26

As a guy still playing the game at 41, I think I still believe in hot.

I don't believe in clutch intellectually, but sometimes hard to let go of that notion of "clutchness" emotionally.

Now that I think about it, I am not sure about I feel about hot intellectually. But experientially I have felt hot and seen hot and know when I am hot. When I am hot I tend to feel good physically, feel confident mentally, and always seem to stay mechanically sound/focused during the at bat (and yes, I get that the first person perspective is not always the most accurate).

...and since we are talking hot, now a word about slumps, I am increasingly convinced that some slumps are nothing more than players compromised by injuries not severe enough to allow them to sit, but severe enough to hamper performance. I have no data to support this and will not be doing any research, but it works for me.

I think that there are plenty other slumps which really aren't slumps but just small sample size variations. Finally, I think that there probably are true slumps that are non-injury induced where a player might find themselves in bad form or habit for a period of time.

[kinbote]

The prevailing thought on Nady's injury is that it won't affect them short-term, as Swisher had "won" the job from Nady; but, it will affect them later on, both when Damon & Matsui need days off and when the trade deadline rolls around. Any way you slice it, it's a substantial loss for them.

[KG16]

Well, I hope Young has a good run of it in Pittsburgh. I really do think he's one of those guys that needed the change to reach his potential.

[fanerman]

Hollywood Joe,
I think it's perfectly fair to look back and think "man this player was hot from this time to that time." But, it's impossible to predict when someone's hot or cold streak will end while they're in the middle of it.

[jpg]

I always like the baseball player who says the ball looks big when he's hot and looks small when he's cold. For me the ball always looked big against lousy pitchers and looked small against the elite pitchers. When the ball started looking small all the time I switched to softball and solved that problem.

[jpg]

Tripon - no chance of that and really no chance we would win the lottery for Blake Griffen. Things don't work that way, we will have the 2nd pick where the drop off between the 1st and 2nd pick will be as wide a chasm as the difference between the Scarlett Johansson and Tina Fey.

[underdog]

Maybe we should've traded Young to the Yankees instead. :-/

As long as they stay away from our own Xavier.

That is a big loss, not only for depth purposes but also because Nady is one I could've seen them trading in a few months.

[jpg]

I remember a Red Sox fan telling that when Manny is in a slump and starts driving the ball into the right field gap to look out because he's going to bust a move. With that in mind and remembering his two shots Sunday, tonight will be a MannyWood night because Cain must be scared to death of Ethier after looking at those numbers.

[Tripon]

Pirates comment on the DY trade.

""Delwyn Young is a young, switch-hitter with some defensive versatility who will give John Russell another weapon off the bench," general manager Neal Huntington said. "Delwyn's strength is his bat, but with defensive improvements he has the ability to expand his role. We are pleased to add Delwyn to our Major League team.""

http://tinyurl.com/PiratesandYoung

[KG16]

jpg - I don't think this draft is Blake Griffin or bust. Rubio, out of Spain, looks pretty good. The center from UConn has some potential. They may not, at present, be as complete as Griffin, but that doesn't mean that they are busts.

[Tripon]

Good thing that Mike Dunleavy traded for Zach Randolph and his non expiring contract for the next 2 years.

[berkowit28]

"Pegging Mr. Swisher." (Tripon) Pegging? First time I've seen that. Paging, maybe?

[Tripon]

Yes, Paging. Pegging is something else entirely different, and I wished I didn't google it. Jon, can you delete the original post, if you can?

[Hollywood Joe]

"But, it's impossible to predict when someone's hot or cold streak will end while they're in the middle of it."

I certainly agree with that

Mentally I am always scared to acknowledge that I am hot, because I think it will bring on a consciousness at the plate that I don't want which will result in poor decisions or mechanics (overswinging, chasing pitches)

I also never admit a slump until I am out of it, I think that might be more voodoo than science, but what I don't want at the plate is fear of failure. If I think of slump, and negative outcomes ("I don't want to make an out", rather than "I am going to hit this ball hard") that can turn me tentative and non-agressive in a bad way

JPG - thanks for the interesting Manny example, it makes sense to me. I know a big swing flaw for me is when I am early on pitches, which either means I am swinging at balls out of the zone and/or letting my front shoulder fly open and pulling my head. Result is weak ground balls to short hit off the end of my bat or Ks on sliders in the dirt. How I correct this "slump" is by closing my stance and really try to go the other way, I do this for a number of at bats and at the batting cages until I consistently drive the ball to right. Once I feel comfortable that I am waiting and seeing the ball, I resume my normal stance and swing for the entire field.

[oshea2002]

Have there been any Kuroda updates?

[Hollywood Joe]

"Pegging is something else entirely different, and I wished I didn't google it"

Line of the day thus far - really made me laugh

[jpg]

kg16 - I don't consider Tina Fey a bust so maybe you misunderstood my comment. I'm sure the 2009 draft will have plenty of useful NBA basketball players but the one guy you want this year is Blake Griffin.

[berkowit28]

Actually, I wasn't even aware of that meaning of the word, honestly. (I just googled it myself.) I don't think I would have said anything if I had.

[Hollywood Joe]

berk - I didn't know what it meant either and obviously neither did Tri

Just another reason to be proud to be a part of this community

Dodger Thoughts: Where naivete is virtue and RBI is a dirty word

[Phenomenal Smith]

And remember you can't spell naivete or virtue without "VET".

[LogikReader]

Ever listen to the lyrics for "Jessie's Girl"? If you think about it, the guy in this song is pretty pathetic. :D

[regfairfield]

I couldn't think of anyway to break the news to Tri without breaking some kind of rule.

[natepurcell]

From Rosenthal Re: Belisario
____________________
Dodgers right-hander Ronald Belisario, signed out of the Venezuelan winter league by scout Ron Rizzi, could prove to be one of the best finds of the offseason.

"He throws 95 mph bowling balls," one scout says. "When guys hit the ball, it looks like the bats vibrate in their hands."

Belisario, 26, struck out eight in his first 4 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits and one walk. He had never pitched above Class AA before this season, and joined the Dodgers as a minor-league free agent after spending the past two years in the Pirates' organization.
_______________________

[Tripon]

I'm still trying to figure out why the Pirates cut him in the off season, if he could throw 95 MPH bowling balls.

[Marty Leadman (LAT)]

But does Bellasario roll on Shabbos?

[68elcamino427]

Please put that "peg" in the trash can.

This year you may feel free to move the trash can about the clubhouse as you see fit.

[Craig88USC]

With 30 losses in the past 2 seasons, Cain may be both unlucky & overrated. Tonight's game will be fun.

[68elcamino427]

#42
Tonight it will be great to be in Dodger Stadium again.

[Phenomenal Smith]

This talk of bowling balls and speed made me wonder what the top speed of a bowling ball is. The fastest recorded speed is around 25 mph.

A 95 mph bowling ball would probably do some serious damage to the pins.

And the back of the alley.

And the bowler's arm.

[Humma Kavula]

Dan Savage was responsible for introducing the word "pegging" into the culture. It's unfortunate, he says, because he has an Aunt Peg.

Me, whatever floats yer boat, I say.

Dan Savage also introduced the other meaning of santorum (small "s"), and that shouldn't be googled, either.

[fanerman]

I missed Bowling Thoughts?!?!

Where please?

[El Lay Dave]

Tina Fey is intellectually hot and Scarlett Johansson is emotionally hot?

[jasonungar]

Do u guys prefer baseball on TV or radio. Vin is announcing either way so things are equal. Every other sport i'd say TV in a landslide... Dodger baseball i'd call it a tie. My best historical viewings where I really recall have been on Radio. I'll never forget the stoplight down the street and Gossage vs Garvey. My mom was more than cool with hangin in the driveway till it was over. We didn't even want to run inside to turn on the TV. I recall saying, what if dad is watching something and runs interference. My mom said, yeah lets stay in the car. She's a bigger fan than me. Still is. She's like how could you not call me on opening day. I remember Parkers Cycle. End of Jason thoughts.

[Old Dodger Fan]

If he's throwing 95 mph bowling balls we should give Russell the night off.

[Craig88USC]

Jackie Robinson tribute, Giants in town, Trojan's spring football & the economy on the rebound. All good.

[kinbote]

Garland's getting knocked around a bit. It's 5-0 Cards in the 3rd. I feel like we'll be comparing him to Wolf all year long. Both seemed to be mentioned in the same breath this offseason.

[cargill06]

Thank goodness we didn't sign Garland he really really stinks.

[kevin lewis]

I wish I had not typed it into google

[Marshall]

I would have preferred signing Garland to Wolf. 2 starts into the season is not enough to make me change my mind.

[cargill06]

The only thing Garland does better than Wolf is stay away from teh DL. I'll gamble on Wolf starting enough games to override that "talent" Garland has.

[underdog]

Even separate from Wolf, I never wanted the Dodgers to have anything to do with Garland. He just seems so hittable. And yes I'm on record as preferring Wolf. The latter will certainly have his poor starts this year, and agree that 2 starts is not enough to prove anything, but Garland seemed clearly worse of the two.

[blue22]

If you're keeping track of Wolf and Garland, the 3rd member of that rumor triumverate was Braden Looper.

[skybluestoday]

Very interesting game going on up in Oakland this afternoon...

[cargill06]

Greg Miller 0.2 IP 2K's 0BB's, is this a large enough sample size to get excited?

[BHSportsguy]

I don't mind the Lakers on the radio, I think years of Chick made it pretty easy to follow the game.

And often, even with TV, I have got my head turned another direction.

Still nothing beats VIn on the radio in a tight pitching duel. Magic.

[fanerman]

HDTV on mute, Vin on the radio.

[blue22]

54 pitches, 42 strikes so far for Wakefield today. Pretty good control for a knuckleball.

[Marshall]

To my thinking, a guy who can give you 200 innings of league-average pitching is nice to have around, and Garland has pretty consitently done that in his career. Wolf, on the other hand, really has not done that since 2002.

There may have been something in the scouting reports to suggest that Wolf would likely be better this year, but I don't see anything from their respective track records that would indicate that. Also, Wolf is 3 years older, which does not do Wolf any favors in the comparison.

[Hollywood Joe]

I bowled at an alley a few weeks back that gave you the MPH of your bowling ball when it hit the pins

This new feature of electronic scoring must be the diabolical brain child of some demented orthopedic surgeon.

I consistently threw the 16 pound ball someone in the 17 mile per hour range, when I figured out there was a speed gun I lost all sense of sense and immediately brought it up to the mid 18's by grunting while I tossed. My arm 4 inches in the course of an hour and I couldn't lift the spoon to eat my cheerios the next morning

How many more have to suffer this fate before someone does something about this?

[BHSportsguy]

I'm stumped with the last comment about Vin on the radio unless you are viewing an NL West Road game with that team's tv feed and then getting Vin off of Gameday audio.

[blue22]

cargill: I never saw the news that LA was able to retain Miller; that's good to see.

What would a team have been obligated to do with Miller had they signed him off waivers this spring? Unless they were required to carry him all year on the ML roster, I'm surprised no one thought to even take a flier on him.

[fanerman]

Okay, if you're going to nitpick, I wouldn't be able to hear Vin on the radio anyway since I don't live near LA. But ideally, I'd watch a game on TV while listening to a feed on mlb.tv. The feed can either be audio or video, but I'd be listening to that out of the computer. While watching TV.

[cargill06]

Mike Lowell starting to get a little bit nervous.

[regfairfield]

The speed gun at the bowling alley is the greatest invention of our time. There is no better burn than saying someones girlfriend bowls harder than them.

[Alex41592]

Nick Green makes a great catch in Oakland. That box score is worth looking at if you have a minute.

[BHSportsguy]

I have never done this but I guess others do mute their TVs and listen to the radio. I know this was something that people did with Lakers games back in Chick's day but do others do this even now.

[Phenomenal Smith]

MLB.com is letting everyone look at the Oakland-Boston game online for free.

For the time being.

[Phenomenal Smith]

I think you only get to look in for free though when Oakland is at bat.