OK, being from SoCal doesn't exactly mean I'm from Wilshire Boulevard, so it might not be fair to say that today's short (documentary) film is actually connected to my geographic roots in any meaningful way. But I did drive past that general area every night for a couple of years and I am from a few hours above LA, so at least we're getting close(er), right?
Lest I bury the lede under an avalanche of self-interest, though, today's short isn't actually about me. It's about Ruben Pardo, a charming and energetic 75-year-old elevator operator who's as full of life and joy as anyone could hope to be at that age. Or at any age, actually.
Seventy-five year old Ruben Pardo is the oldest elevator manual operator in Los Angeles. For six days a week over the past 40 years, he has helped the patrons of the Art Deco marvel at 5514 Wilshire Blvd “up and down” while enlightening them with positive musings on the simple joys of life.
Seventy-five year old Ruben Pardo is the oldest elevator manual operator in Los Angeles. For six days a week over the past 40 years, he has helped the patrons of the Art Deco marvel at 5514 Wilshire Blvd “up and down” while enlightening them with positive musings on the simple joys of life. Congrats on 40 years Ruben!
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Starring: Ruben Pardo
Produced and Directed by: Dress Code (dresscodeny.com)
Executive Producers: Dan Covert + Andre Andreev
Producer: Tara Rose Stromberg
Cinematography: Andre Andreev
Edit: Mike Cook + Dan Covert
Color: Andre Andreev
Assistant Camera: Herbie Wei
Production Cordinator: Nick Stromberg
End Titles: Rasmus löwenbrååt, Dan Covert
Music + Sound Design: YouTooCanWoo
On Set Sound: Matteo Liberatore
Shot on Location in Los Angeles on a Red Epic
Special Thanks: Ruben Pardo, Ace Gallery, Kasey Taylor, Douglas Chrismas
Attribution(s): All artwork, publicity images, and stills are the property of Dress Code and all respective creators and/or distributors.