Scottsdale, AZ -- LIGHTS...CAMERA...ACTION! Those are words heard around the Hotel Valley Ho this week as a new drama series "Hidden Palms" films various scenes at the legendary hip hotel. The drama is about a troubled 16-year old teenager who relocates to Palm Springs with his mother and stepfather after his dad's suicide, and slowly uncovers the dark secrets of his pastel, stuccoed neighborhood. The show's main stage takes place at Hollywood Phoenix Studios in Avondale.
"Producers liked the Valley Ho as it resembled the 'Palm Springs' ambiance," said Jesse Thompson, director of sales and marketing at the Hotel Valley Ho.
Another reason the crew is filming in Arizona, not California is the state offers tax incentives to filmmakers reported by the Palm Springs Desert Sun newspaper. Filmmakers also do not have to comply with union restrictions in Arizona, which is a right to work state. The show will film at the heart and center of the property, at Oh Pool Bar + Cabanas Wednesday, September 6 and September 7th through the early morning of September 8th.
"Hidden Palms" will start mid-season on the new CW network (UPN + WB combined). Kevin Williamson, creator of "Dawson's Creek," is one of the show's executive producers. Stars of the show include Taylor Handley playing the rebellious teen character Johnny, the mother is played by Gayle O'Grady and character Tess is played by Sharon Lawrence. Handley was recently featured in Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, September Dawn, and could be found on TV shows such as "The O.C." and "Dawson's Creek." Grady is known for her character Donna Abandando on "NYPD Blue" and Lawrence played the mother in Little Black Notebook and has been featured in television series such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Monk."
Hotel Valley Ho has links to Hollywood that date back 50 years and has hosted guests from Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh to Bing Crosby and Betty Grable. The hotel re-opened last year after an $80 million restoration that makes it one of the best-preserved mid-century modern landmarks in the country. Now home to the VH (Vitality + Health) Spa -- ranked one of the best new spas in the country by Conde Nast Traveler -- and the iconic Trader Vic's, Hotel Valley Ho mixes the glamour of old Hollywood with the modern amenities of 21st century, like WIFI access throughout the entire hotel and large flatscreen TV's in every room.
About Hotel Valley Ho: Hotel Valley Ho is the legendary hip hotel in Scottsdale celebrating its 50th year in business. Reopened in December 2005, following an $80 million renovation, this 194 room urban retreat blends the old with the new: classic mid century modern architecture and modern conveniences like complimentary wireless Internet access throughout, flat screen televisions, a state-of-the-art exercise facility and the VH (Vitality + Health) Spa. Long known for its connection to Hollywood glamour, the Hotel Valley Ho has been a resting stop for Bing Crosby, Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood, Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, Jaime Foxx, Jane Seymour and countless weekday road warriors and weekend dropouts.
For media information only please contact Kristin Heggli at 480.421.7734 or kheggli@hotelvalleyho.com.
