Look What I Found
In our initial research we have found a very compelling lead.
George an old man of 74 lives alone in a flophouse at 106 Bowery.
The current owners are waiting him out.
George will be the first subject of this documentary, which is still in search of a title.
Here’s the article we found: George
Now we only need a Greek translator to speak with George. Shouldn’t be to hard to find, we’re based in Astoria.
As research continues, we’ll make an impromptu list of potential subjects and flophouses to document.
We’ve already gotten the go ahead to shoot at The White House Hotel. It is a beautiful old building that doubles as a youth hostel and a flophouse. The “permanent” residents stay for $10 a night on the somewhat seedier first floor. The second and third floors are reserved for the freshfaced European tourists.
As far as I can tell there are eight, count’em eight flophouses in NYC.
1) The White House Hotel (340 Bowery) Founded 1918
2) The Sunshine Hotel Founded 1922
(There are two documentaries made about this hotel. The first, a radio documentary The Sunshine Hotel
This piece we find to be brilliant. The use of sound to fuel the listener’s imagination is remarkable. It is a triumph of journalistic and artistic work. The second documentary is The Sunshine Hotel a documentary film. It was inspired by David Isay’s radio documentary and has been well received. We, as of yet, have only seen excerpts of the film.
3) The Grand Hotel 143 Bowery
4) Providence Hotel 125 Bowery (founded 1895)
5) Prince Hotel 218 Bowery (soon to be luxury condos)
6) The Andrews Hotel 197 Bowery founded in 1909 Recently purchased by Common Ground to be improved for its residents.
7) The Stevenson Hotel 106 Bowery This is where George is the final occupant.
8) The Prince George 28th St. (This is also owned by Common Ground. A “modern” flophouse.)
If you know of any others, or know of anyone who may be a good potential subject for the film.
Feel free to contact us at graham@moose-productions.com.
Here’s our website: Moose Productions