Attention Hollywood Writers!

From Nikki Finke reprinted in its entirety:

These days when so many Hollywood writers have lost their deals and/or jobs, they need a an outside workplace. Unfortunately, one of those is in danger of closing after 6 years because the current economy has taken its toll. It’s theOffice in Santa Monica. I have no financial or other relationship to this place except I know a bunch of scribes who work there on a daily basis. Its alumni include Paul Haggis, Sheldon Turner, Darren Star, Gigi Levangie, Justin Zackham, Jim Uhls, Ed Solomon, Joss Whedon, Paul Feig, Chris Henchy, Pete Chiarelli, and many more. (Supposedly, theOffice was inspired by JJ Abrams who used to write at various Starbucks in the area.) The guy who runs it is a writer and he recently emailed me and members, “Over the past 12 months, our membership is down 25%, and each month we are continually below break-even numbers. And when I say break-even, I’m not including a salary for myself, which I have never taken…

“The building landlord is unwilling to give me (or the cleaners next door) a temporary break on the rent. And the only other way I can keep this place going is by generating more income. That’s why I’m opening up this discussion with you and welcome any thoughts or ideas you may have. Are there untapped markets perhaps I haven’t thought of? Are their referrals that you can make? Industry players who may be able to get the word out to successful writers around town? I can’t afford to advertise so I need to be creative and think outside of the box. Moving is not an option. I have a 10-year lease and I cannot afford to re-open somewhere else. We have to make it work here.” I’m sure other places like this are having the same problem. Can’t we help them survive?

I believe this is the place just off San Vincente across from Brentwood Country Mart on 26th. Nice facility (I visited there once with Tom Benedek). Here is the original PR post when theOffice opened in 2004:

HOLLYWOOD CREATIVE DIRECTORYTM FOUNDER AND SCREENWRITER ALEKS HORVAT LAUNCHES theOfficeTM

 New Company in Southern California Takes Dramatic First Steps to Deliver an Inspirational Work Environment for Writers and Creative Professionals

 Flagship Location in Santa Monica, CA. Will be Quickly Joined by Additional Locations in Southern California, New York City and Beyond

 LOS ANGELES, CA — (January 2004) — In what will redefine the concept of a creative workspace, and change the coffee-house-as-office-paradigm, entrepreneur and screenwriter Aleks Horvat has founded a new company, theOfficeTM. A high-end private work environment supported with premium amenities and artful design, theOfficeTM provides creative and corporate professionals a setting free from the distractions of home and office where they can tune into their inspiration and get real work done. Horvat, who created the Hollywood Creative DirectoryTM, the entertainment industry’s premier resource directory of executives and creative professionals, will serve as Chairman of the privately held company. theOfficeTM is expected to open in March 2004.

 Interior designed by Serena Walther Leventhal, with furniture finishes by Tony Schubert and a good dose of Feng Shui by Master David Cho, theOfficeTM is everything a creative workspace should be and serves as the ideal backdrop for people who want to focus and feel inspired. Amenities include a reference library, state-of-the-art ergonomic furniture, including Aeron chairs and single seating tables and comfortable sofa chairs with writing tablets. In the library are copies of Dictionaries, Thesauruses, various reference books, plus Daily Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times and New York Times.

 Complimentary tech services include a T1 line for Wi-Fi and plug-in access to your laptop computer, a community computer for those who didn’t bring one and want to check their email or go on the Internet, and if you want absolute silence, or want to plug in to your own sound system, Bose Noise Reduction Headphones are available.

 There’s also an “It Was Written Here” wall (think Hollywood Walk of Fame) where future movies, television series, books, articles, and plays written at theOfficeTM will forever be enshrined with a plaque on the wall.

 Last, but certainly not least, theOfficeTM features an Acorto coffee machine, which, with the touch of a button, makes regular coffee, as well as incredible lattes, perfect cappuccinos and aromatic espresso. The best part, the coffee is also complimentary.

 “theOfficeTM is the perfect place for writers and creative professionals to get their work done, free from the distractions and interruptions of daily life,” stated Horvat. “Unlike coffee houses, libraries and airport lounges, theOfficeTM inspires creativity and productivity by offering premium quality services and amenities influenced by the familiar comforts of home.” Added Horvat: “The setting of theOfficeTM is serene. The furniture is comfortable. The service is uncomplicated. The location is convenient. The great tasting coffee is complimentary. The only thing you have to focus your energy on is the work you need to get done.”

 The cost to rent a table at theOfficeTM is $7.00 per hour with a two-hour minimum. A percentage of gross receipts from theOfficeTM will go to “Access Books,” a California charity dedicated to improving the quality of inner-city school libraries.

I know nothing about Horvat and this isn’t a recommendation. Just presenting info for any of you LA-based writers.