Film Synergy

Film Synergy has now evolved into Film Courage

2009-12-19T13:37:00.001-08:00

I do not have enough time to do it all. If you are not already aware or you are randomly coming across this site. I would like you to know that my energy and resources that I used to put into Film Synergy are now being put into my blog www.filmcourage.blogspot.com and my radio show with the same name www.filmcourage.com. I hope to reconnect with you through those two sites.

My best to you in all of your endeavors,
David Branin

NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING TO BE 1ST FULL-LENGTH FEATURE PREMIERED AT HOLLYSHORTS

2009-07-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING TO BE 1ST FULL-LENGTH FEATURE PREMIERED AT HOLLYSHORTS

"The truth is that, ultra-indie or not, Branin's Night Before the Wedding is a complex and deep work that easily transcends any initial impressions its subject matter might give."
J.C. Macek III, World's Greatest Critic

"David's ability to direct a group in a totally real and naturalist way was daunting. It reminded me a great deal of Robert Altman."
Jamin Winans - Director, INK, 11:59, Spin

Hollywood, CA (July 8th, 2009)— After many months of great anticipation, the racy and funny film NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING will finally make its world premiere. The setting in which it is doing so has many talking, as NBTW becomes the first full-length feature to ever premiere at the prestigious HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF), a festival that, as its name suggests, is traditionally where the biggest short films in the world premiere.

“Hollyshorts has chosen to screen Branin’s gem of an independent film as a way to begin the process of showcasing our alumni growth, as Branin is a past Hollyshorts award winner, along with showcasing our growth as a festival to look out for” stated Theo Dumont, co-founder of HSFF. NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING will screen on August 11 at Laemmle Sunset 5 as part of the week-long events of the festival “I have long believed that NBTW would play best in front of a ‘live’ audience. Now that idea will be put to the test. I am so honored and humbled to be presented with this opportunity by HollyShorts, Theo Dumont, and Daniel Sol. Tuesday August 11th is going to be a night that I am going to cherish.” says David Branin, the film’s director.

The buzz around the film revolves around the topic of the film itself. NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING portrays a realistic look into what occurs at a bachelor party and how the celebration of a man’s “last night of freedom” can ultimately become the demise of his beginning. Film reviews have commented how this film has been able to set aside the “indie” judgment and make its way to the viewer’s eyes as a movie of great thought, superb plotline and strong realism. It is with that realism in mind that Branin decided to cast La’rin Lane, a real life porn star, as herself. The cast also includes John Keating, Gregor Collins, Christopher Guckenberger, Mopreme Shakur, Sarah Ronaghi, Kevin Deen, Chad Davis, Johnny Giordani and Kristen Sullivan.

For more information on the film please visit www.nightbeforethewedding.com

The 5th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival will be held Aug 6-13 in Hollywood, CA. For detailed schedule of events, tickets, location, or more information, please visit www.hollyshorts.com

Press Contact: 22 Entertainment
Isandra Gonzalez
isandra@22entertainment.net
818.668.4718

###

Filmmaker Jamin Winans on his 'INK' Hollywood Screening

2009-06-15T20:17:00.001-07:00

I am reposting this with permission from Filmmaker Jamin Winans (INK, 11:59). This is from Jamin and Kiowa's blog (http://doubleedgefilms.blogspot.com/) Just an extraordinarily honest, candid, and insightful look into the current state of distribution for today's independent filmmaker.

HOLLYWOOD

by Jamin

It was an intense, exciting, and bittersweet experience premiering Ink in LA this week. An amazing screening, turnout, and response at the Egyptian Theatre on June 10th. People were sitting in the aisles in the balcony, most stayed for Q & A and I've never seen digital projection and consequently our film look so good. Our cast, now family, were beyond wonderful to be with.

So where from here? This is what has happened; we premiered Ink and had an amazing response at the Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival. We opened in Denver immediately after and played 8 amazing weeks and could have kept going, we opened in Ft. Collins and are now on our 4th week, we opened in Greeley and are on our 2nd week, then we opened in Hollywood to a packed house of over 500 people and ongoing amazing responses. We have dates booked in New York and Portland, we have a cumulative 90,000 hits on our Ink trailers on YouTube alone and we've had amazing reviews from huge publications including Ain't It Cool News and Film School Rejects. Ink has been featured on numerous sites and blogs including JoBlo, Film Drunk, and the front page of Current.com, we've been contacted by three of the four major Hollywood agencies including UTA, ICM, and WME (we signed with UTA), and we've had screenings and meetings with all the major studios all excited about the film and what's next... but do we have a domestic theatrical distribution deal for Ink? No. And that is the "bitter" of the bittersweet.

For whatever reason we cannot interest a distributor in, what seems to be no-brainer, a theatrical deal for Ink. Why? Who knows. Maybe it's the fact that our cast is relatively unknown, maybe it's because Ink just isn't like a lot of other films, or maybe it's the bad economy and the fact that so many independent distribution arms have shut down. But I would guess it's most likely the fact that the distribution and Hollywood world are consistently more conservative and risk averse than the audience itself. If there's going to be something new and different you can be sure Hollywood will be the last to get behind it.

Hollywood is a complicated place where nobody knows anything (as William Goldman famously said) and the powers that be are constantly balancing commerce and art. During the week in LA I had the privilege of doing what's called "general meetings" with a number of huge Hollywood moguls that UTA setup for me. The intent of these meetings was to get me in front of big wig producers and development executives to form a more perfect union for our future projects. They had all seen Ink and either liked or loved it, thought it was unique, visionary and wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.

I had meetings on the Warner and Sony lots where huge films are being made and famous folks are everywhere. After parking our Honda Civic between BMW's, I sat down with a number of people asking what I wanted to do next, all trying to calculate how I can make them money. It becomes instantly evident how an indie filmmaker with a voice can promptly sell his soul. The fact is, indie filmmaking is brutal, pays nothing, and usually has a limited audience. So when sitting in Joel Silver's offices (producer of The Matrix, Die Hard, and Lethal Weapon among others) it's pretty tempting to want to do anything they say. But the truth is indie filmmakers like me never get final cut in a place like this. In fact they don't get final cut anywhere in Hollywood. Every company and studio operates in the same way; Hollywood films are films made by committee not by directors. And that is the choice every new filmmaker has to make. Are you willing to join the committee and get rich, or do you want to do something singular, different and potentially remain poor?

As I went from meeting to meeting it became more and more clear that not only would a larger theatrical release for Ink be a near impossibility, but that attempting to make future unique films within the Hollywood system would also be an unrealistic dream. Of course this was no surprise which is why we never chose to move to LA, but after reading about this for years, it was discouraging to actually see it with my own eyes. And to be clear, these guys know exactly what they're making and make no apologies for it. They're looking to make huge budget, four-quadrant movies that can ideally appeal to everyone and offend no one. That doesn't bother me. What bothers me is that they're not doing anything else.

The amazing thing is, Ink isn't exactly an unaccessible, non-commercial film. It's a sci-fi/fantasy action/thriller with makeup, effects, and so on. Yes it's a little more narratively complex and requires the viewer to think, but heaven have mercy on the filmmaker trying to make something non-genre like an indie drama or comedy or maybe something, dare I say it, slower-paced. In the past 20 years Hollywood has become a system that has grown homogenized trying to bank on the limited commonalities of the human race rather than celebrate the differences.

So what does this all mean for Ink? We've always been prepared for the "system" to not embrace the film, so we've had plan B, C, D and so on. As we move forward we're going to continue playing in Colorado, LA then NYC and then Portland. Simultaneously we're going to make a foreign deal and begin releasing Ink in the rest of the world. Our hope now all lies in our fans. Word of mouth is a powerful thing and has been the only reason for our success thus far. So we hope that our fans will continue to help us carry the film, with or without Hollywood.

Partners In Crime Films announces the Canadian Premiere of Knuckle Draggers at the ReelHeart Film Festival

2009-06-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Knuckle Draggers is on a roll, with a sold out World Premiere in Newport Beach California, and two “Rising Star” awards- Outstanding Feature by a New Filmmaker/Producer & Best Close-up in a feature film at the DelRay Beach Film Festival, Partners In Crime films is proud to announce the Canadian Premiere of the feature film Knuckle Draggers at the ReelHeART Film Festival as an official closing night film on Saturday June 27th at 7:15pm.

“Comes at us with an undertone that makes it relatable and compelling” – Screen Rant

“It's fun, clever, witty and well-acted” – Ramas Screen

“All in all a telling slice-of-life, well worth-watching” – Cult Movies

“The movies pacing is excellent, it moves from scene to scene seamlessly” – Crave Online

“A relationship roller coaster ride with funny highs and dramatic lows.” – Movie Vine

Written and directed by Alex Ranarivelo, produced by Paul J. Alessi, and co-produced by Amie Barsky and Baptiste DeRivel. Knuckle Draggers takes a humorous but very real look at the state of modern male/female relationships. Knuckle Draggers is the relationship movie from a male perspective.

The story follows Ethan, an all around nice guy who gets dumped because he wasn’t able to provide his fiancée with the plush, stable life her friends were living. Desperate to get her back, he seeks help from his older brother Kyle, a tough talking sexist who seems to have a way with the ladies. Kyle gives Ethan a crash course on women and dating much to the disgust of some of Ethan’s female friends. Just when it seems Kyle’s misogynistic theories are about to prove themselves true, things take an unexpected turn and force Ethan, Kyle and their friends to reassess their views on relationships.

In the spirit of movies like Swingers and Brothers Brothers McMullen, Knuckle Draggers gives us a unique point of view, a timely message, and a lot of heart. Not another indie film about friends hanging out, Knuckle Draggers provokes questions about what modern couples want versus what they need, and how their needs may not have evolved much from those of our caveman ancestors.

Scottish actor Ross McCall heads a dynamic ensemble cast in the lead role of ‘Ethan’. His credits include the HBO miniseries ‘Band of Brothers’ and most recently ‘Crash’, the Starz TV series. Paul J. Alessi, plays ‘Kyle’, Ethan’s sexist outspoken brother. His credits include the Ten til Noon and the TV series Desire. Omar Gooding plays Ethan’s best friend ‘Russell’. Omar’s credits include ‘Baby Boy’, the HBO series ‘Deadwood’ and he’s just joined the cast of the upcoming Jerry Bruckheimer TV series ‘Miami Trauma’. Amie Barsky plays ‘Patricia’, Ethan’s strong-minded female best friend. The film also includes Danielle Nicolet (‘The Starter Wife’), Justin Baldoni (‘Heroes’), and Jennifer Alden (‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’).

Knuckle Draggers features a musical score by Austin Wintory, whose credits include the multiple award-winning Captain Abu Raed. A dynamic soundtrack accompanies the score, including tracks by J Mello & Dave Navarro, Tyler Hilton, Marching Band, and Jennifer Love-Hewitt & Sophie B. Hawkins.

The Canadian Premiere takes place on Saturday, June 27th at 7:15pm, at Innis Town Hall, Innis College, 2 Sussex Street, U of T Campus, Toronto, M5S 1J5 http://www.reelheart.com/2009/festival/saturday-june-27/main-a-715pm/

For all inquiries please contact Paul J. Alessi at Paul@partnersincrimefilms.com.

See the trailer at www.KnuckleDraggersTheMovie.com

David Branin releases Night Before the Wedding Official Trailer

2009-06-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

You Are Invited to a Special Screening of Jamin Winans' Latest Feature Film:

2009-05-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

7:30PM Showtime

Director, Crew and Cast Q&A to Follow

Egyptian Theatre

6712 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY AT FANDANGO:
http://www.fandango.com/egyptiantheatre_aaofx/theaterpage?date=6/10/2009

Jamin Winans’ INK is an intricately woven distorted time drama set among a "Snow White meets Nine Inch Nails" original score and highly unique visuals. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see INK at American Cinematheque!

Winans’ urban fantasy film debuted at the 2009 Santa Barbara International Film Festival to rave reviews.

His short film, SPIN, has shown in over 80 film festivals and has won over 40 awards.

INK Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C5I1SavGyA

http://www.doubleedgefilms.com/

What others are saying:

"If you want to see something you've never seen before, INK is a must-see film." - Copernicus, Ain't it Cool News
http://www.aintitcool.com/?q=node/39874

"Epic in nature...it's a film that can stop your heart both with its story and with its look." - Cole Abaius, Film School Rejects

“Winans manages to morph the mundane and familiar into something utterly otherworldly, evoking the teeming atmosphere and dark imagination of everything from Terry Gilliam’s Brazil to Darren Aronofsky’s Pi.” – The Onion, Denver Decider

“Visually stunning…” – Santa Barbara Independent

Message from Actor/Producer Paul J. Alessi

2009-04-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Update for Thursday April, 30th 2009 Screening of Knuckle Draggers at the 2009 Newport Beach Film Festival.

Announcing the Film Courage Radio Show

2009-04-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

For the first time since my college years, I will be returning to the radio airwaves. This time it is going to take on a different dimension. The details follow.

This Film Courage Blog is about my personal filmmaking journey. The Film Courage Radio Show on LA Talk Radio.com will be Co-Hosted by my beautiful and talented life-partner Karen Worden.

Our radio show is going to focus on other Filmmakers and their journeys and experiences. Whether they be Producers, Writers, Actors, etc. my aim is to in depth

Here’s the show’s synopsis.

Film Interviews that Inspire. Hosts David Branin & Karen Worden explore the psychology and passion of filmmakers in their dealings with rejection, adversity, and the criticism they face on a daily basis. With the help of Film Courage, you will discover how filmmakers hone their craft, where they devote their time and why.

Of course making a film is only half of this courageous battle. Aside from discussing how their films were made, Film Courage also addresses how these filmmakers find their audience. It’s all covered from Film Festivals to Theatrical to DVD and Digital Distribution.

Listen Live Sundays at 11:00AM (PST) at http://www.latalkradio.com/Film.php

The Film Courage Guarantee – You will learn something from each show even if you aren’t a fellow filmmaker, because this show gets to the heart of the journey, at the process we all go through no matter what your passion. We invite you to join us.

Contact Information: For any questions, comments, bookings, advertising, business opportunities, and/or collaborations, David Branin and Karen Worden can be reached at filmcourage@gmail.com

Join the Film Courage Radio Show Message Board, please visit http://www.filmcourage.proboards.com/ to sign up and share your thoughts and reactions.

Are you on Facebook? Become a Fan!

Update from Filmmaker Jamin Winans

2009-04-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Dear fans and friends,

Check out this great 9News (NBC) piece on Ink by Kirk Montgomery:

Ink is going into the fourth and maybe final week of its theatrical run at Starz. You can catch the film in Denver until April 9th. Tickets and showtimes are available here: Starz FilmCenter

On the distribution front, Ink is currently being shown to major distributors by our representative UTA. If all goes well, Ink may be coming to the rest of you soon.

See you at the movies,

Jamin and Kiowa
Double Edge Films

Interview with Filmmakers Geetika Narang and Yasir Abbasi

2009-03-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

Filmmaker Geetika Narang

Tell us something about you that no one really knows.

Geetika Narang: It sounds funny but when I am really angry I clean my room, and sometimes a few things break in the process.
Yasir Abbasi: I can go on doing things at extremely long stretches. Whether it is sleeping, working, watching television, or reading, I can just go on and on.

How long have you been into Film?

Geetika Narang: It's been four years now. I began with a part time job with a production house and later assisted on different projects before I started out on my own.

Yasir Abbasi: I have been working as an independent cinematographer since early 2003.

Which filmmakers have inspired you?

Geetika Narang: There are so many of them, but it's actually the films that have inspired me more than the filmmakers and the list is long.
Yasir Abbasi: Among Indian filmmakers I’m really impressed by the films of Guru Dutt and Vijay Anand. Among contemporary international filmmakers, I would say Oliver Stone, Sam Mendes and Majid Majidi. I must also mention Conrad L. Hall whose cinematography in films right from ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ to ‘Road to Perdition’ has been simply phenomenal.

Cinematographer and Producer Yasir Abbasi

Which country do the best films in the world come from? Elaborate.

Geetika Narang: Most of the good films that I've seen have a very universal appeal. At the same time, cinema from different parts of the world has its own distinct flavour. There can’t be any guidelines that a country can set for making good films.

Yasir Abbasi: I don’t think there’s any country that consistently makes good films. But there’s definitely something special about the cinema of Iran. I think that telling a simple story without any frills requires a great deal of craft and the Iranian filmmakers excel in that.

Good Night, A Geetika Narang Film

Tell us about your film 'Good Night.' What is it about?

Geetika Narang: It is about a sleepless night in the life of a man in his late 60's. At its crux is a partially remembered song, his nostalgia and his mundane passions.

Yasir Abbasi: Good Night is the story of a night in the life of a retired engineer. As he hums himself to sleep, he realizes all of a sudden that he can’t recall the actual lyrics of the song that he is humming. This is a cause of great distress to him because he is a big movie buff and now engulfed with this predicament he can’t go to sleep. The film then follows his quest for the song that ultimately leads to a poignant moment of self-discovery for him.

What did you shoot on?

Yasir Abbasi: We shot on a Sony DSR-450P. Since a lot of the spaces that we were shooting in were relatively small in size, I had designed certain shots keeping the 4.5mm lens in mind. We were also shooting widescreen, so the 450P was our best bet.

How did you go about financing the film?
Geetika Narang: We put in our own money because we always knew that it’s almost impossible for a first time director to raise funds for a short film. So we didn't even try to approach any producers.

Yasir Abbasi: The market for short-films in India is still in its very nascent stage and hence there are practically no finances available. Geetika and I had to fund it ourselves, which in hindsight was a boon because we made the film our way and without any compromises.

Is 'Good Night' your first film? Please elaborate. What was it that compelled you to make this film?

Geetika Narang: It is my first short fiction. I have made a few documentaries before this and have worked in Delhi with other independent directors and production houses. I always wanted to try my hand at fiction and venturing into it on my own was the only way to go about it. And one day, I managed to get rid of my procrastination when I knew I had a story to tell. However, it was my co-producer and cinematographer Yasir's belief in the story that really kept me going, and it was also because of his sense of logistics that we could finish it in a reasonable time. He always believed in the film more than I did.

Yasir Abbasi: I’ve shot a lot of films for other people but this is my first foray in production. I was fed up of working with people who were either working for money or had no clue about filmmaking. I’d been toying with the idea of making a film for sometime and I discussed it with some friends of mine who are also into filmmaking. Everyone was keen but no one was willing to take the initiative. When Geetika narrated the subject of Good Night to me, I told her that we would have to make it ourselves because if we decided to wait for others to come in it with us, this film would never get made. And thank God for that decision! Despite all our fights and differences over the film we were essentially on the same plane throughout and made the film with no interference from others.

Geetika Narang directing Vinod Nagpal on the set of 'Good Night'

Will you both be collaborating again on upcoming projects?

Geetika Narang: Most definitely. I don't think I could’ve asked for a more committed cinematographer. This film, with minimal dialogues and characters, was really dependent on cinematography and Yasir has done complete justice to it. He was totally involved with the story which he almost handled on his own through his camera.

Besides, we would be producing more films together under our production company 'Also Ran Films'.

Yasir Abbasi: Of course! Geetika has been simply fabulous and arguably one of the best directors that I’ve worked with. I’m amazed at her ability to handle everything so efficiently. From re-writing the script to the last minute hunting of the props, she was incredible! I must also add here that, although she hasn’t taken the credit for it, she has edited the film as well, after our editors gave up on the film. She’s extraordinarily talented and I’m really looking forward to collaborate on more projects with her.

What are some of the important lessons you learned in the making 'Good Night?'

Geetika Narang: Since it was the first time that I was making a short fiction, there was a lot that I learnt, but one very basic thing which was reiterated to me was the importance of each department in the making of a film. Be it scriptwriting, camera, art, lights, sound, acting, or production control, just about each of them make a huge difference to the film. Nothing can be ignored or given lesser importance and that requires a lot of patience. Another important lesson to learn was that one can never learn enough.

Yasir Abbasi: The biggest lesson that I’ve learnt during the making of this film is that one should never give up. We were besieged with one problem after the other during the production. We were thrown out by the owner of the house that we were filming in right after the first day of shooting, one of the lead actors broke his arm on the set, once the shoot got over, one by one our whole crew did the vanishing act, but Geetika and I persisted. We were making a film that we believed in and never gave up.

Please elaborate a bit on your approach to making the film, including your influences (if any), as well as your overall goals for the project?

Geetika Narang: The only approach was to make a simple film, without too much of layering, sub layering or symbolism. Besides, we shared the story with a lot of people and the team was really competent. Different ideas from different people kept coming in at every stage and quite a few of them were incorporated. There was not much for me to do, as once the idea was conceived, the film got a life of its own.

The goal was to give our best shot and enjoy the process, and now the goal is to show the film to as many as possible.

Yasir Abbasi: As Geetika said, right from the very beginning we were extremely sure that we wanted to tell an uncomplicated story devoid of any layers or sub-texts. The idea was to keep the narrative as authentic and close to life as possible. It was a little tricky because there isn’t too much of spoken dialogue in the film. I guess our conviction in the story pulled it off for us.

On location of Geetika Narang's 'Good Night'

What makes 'Good Night' unique? What makes it something I have never seen before?

Geetika Narang: Good Night is a simple slice-of-life film. It’s probably not a unique story, but it has something that probably happens to everyone. I just tried to present it my way and tried to be as honest to the story as I could. It is really on the viewers to judge whether watching it was a different or unique experience.

Yasir Abbasi: We’ve been told that the biggest plus-point of Good Night is that it makes the audience identify with and relate to the story. I must add that to hear this response is slightly funny because at one level the protagonist of the film is neurotic!

How many festivals have you submitted to thus far? Are you going to continue your run on the festival circuit?

Geetika Narang: The film has been screened at three festivals, and we’ve got a good response from everywhere, so we'll definitely continue sending it to more festivals.

Yasir Abbasi: We’ve submitted the film to a few Indian festivals where the film has already been screened. We’ve been extremely fortunate that the film has won awards at all the three festivals where it has been screened. Beginning from the Best Cinematography Award at the Fulmarxx Shorts Fest (2008), the film went on to win the Silver Lamp Tree Award at the International Film Festival of India (2008), and the Best Short Film Award at the India International Women Film Festival (2008).

We are now in the process of submitting it to international festivals.

We will definitely try to send it to as many festivals as possible because the idea is to get maximum people possible to watch it.

What distribution channels are you pursuing?

Geetika Narang: Right now, the film is traveling to festivals only, and may be a little later we'll look forward to pursue distribution channels as well.

Yasir Abbasi: At present, none. Once we’re done with the festival circuit, we’ll look at the possibilities of distributing the film.

Is this a film that is available for viewing in the U.S.? Are there plans to make it available for us to see?

Geetika Narang: As of now, it is not available in the U.S. for viewing. We are hoping to have a screening there soon.

Yasir Abbasi: It is not commercially available in the U.S. as yet, but we’re in the process of sending it to a few festivals there, so hopefully very soon you might find it playing at a venue near you!

With the awards and acclaim you have earned on the Festival Circuit, what can we expect from you next? What projects are you working on? Is there a feature film in the works?

Geetika Narang: I have a few documentaries in mind and have started working on one already. I hope to a make another fiction after that, though I am not sure whether it would be a short or a feature. The story will really decide that and of course, it'll also depend on the availability of funds.

Yasir Abbasi: Well, till the time another exciting story comes along, I’ll be busy with my cinematography assignments. Have just wrapped up a series on environment and I start work on a travel-based documentary shortly. Hopefully, some interesting feature film will happen soon.

What are your long term goals in film? Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

Geetika Narang: To continue making films (in whichever form or format) and support good films. But, I do wish to make a full-length feature someday.

Yasir Abbasi: I do hope to improve upon my work and do films that I believe in. 10 years is too far away to give it a thought but I’d be really happy if I can sustain the enthusiasm for making films.

Jamin Winans INK set to Open in Denver 3/13/09

2009-03-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who 'Follow' this blog, you are aware of Jamin Winans INK. If you are new allow me to recap by saying that INK is a must see film. Here is the full review I wrote not too long ago, http://filmcourage.blogspot.com/2009/02/jamin-winans-ink-is-one-of-most.html

This magnificent film is now poised to open in two days in Denver, CO. My encouragement to anyone reading this who is going to be anywhere near Denver from 3/13/09 to 3/27/09 is you have to get out and see this film in the theater. It will be well worth your time. This film is building positive reviews across the board and is destined to gather a huge cult following.

INK premieres in Denver, CO this Friday, March 13th at the Starz FilmCenter at the Tivoli and will play through March 27th.

For further ticket info, please visit http://www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/detail.aspx?id=22444

For more on INK you can visit the official site, http://www.doubleedgefilms.com/

If for various reasons you cannot see this film during it's premiere run, yet are still interested in seeing this film, you can join the mailing list from the Official Site above and/or sign up as a Fan on INK's brand new Facebook Fan Page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ink/55404284537 That way you can stay up to date on when it becomes available in your area.

And just for good measure, here is the latest trailer if you have not seen it.

CineCore, A Pitch Worth Supporting

2009-03-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

This came my way via an email from an industry contact. Josh Ritcher has spent the past 5 years pushing CineCore into reality. Rather than me explaining it, I encourage you to click on this link and support the project yourself.

http://www.startupnation.com/elevator-pitch-2009/contestant/5063/index.php

TV Guide Network’s ‘Big Movie Premiere: Watchmen’

2009-02-25T23:51:00.000-08:00

Set Your Doomsday Clocks
and Wake Your Inner Vigilante for
TV Guide Network’s
‘Big Movie Premiere: Watchmen’

One-Hour Special Premieres Thursday, March 5 at 8:00p.m. ET/PT

WHAT: TV Guide Network delves into a dark world of vigilante superheroes, Doomsday Clocks, and Cold War-era confrontations when “Big Movie Premiere: Watchmen” debuts on Thursday, March 5 at 8:00pm ET/PT. Based on the acclaimed DC Comics graphic novel of the same name, Watchmen is a dark mystery adventure set in an alternate 1985 America where costumed superheroes walk amongst everyday people. A murder prompts a retired band of superheroes to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all superheroes.

TV Guide Network introduces viewers to the diverse cast, each of whom embodies a different adventurer, known as ‘Masks’, from the story. The one-hour special explores how the filmmakers adapted a beloved graphic novel for the screen and created CGI-heavy visual effects such as the character “Dr. Manhattan.” Musician Tyler Bates invites viewers into his studio and shares how he created two soundtracks for the film-- an orchestral and a pop soundtrack. Finally, the special takes viewers behind the scenes of WonderCon, where Watchmen fans got to meet the actors playing their favorite characters, and brings viewers front and center for the film’s exciting Red Carpet premiere.

TV Guide Network’s ‘Big Movie Premiere’ franchise showcases the most anticipated films of the season. Recent ‘Big Movie Premiere’ specials include one-hour features on Iron Man, The Dark Knight, Twilight and Quantum of Solace.

WHO:
Interviews with film stars Patrick Wilson, Malin Akerman, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Matthew Goode, Billy Crudup, director Zack Snyder and Watchmen graphic novel co-creator and illustrator Dave Gibbons.

WHEN: “Big Movie Premiere: Watchmen” premieres Thursday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on TV Guide Network.

WHERE:
TV Guide Network. Check local listings for availability and channel number.

CONTACT:
Chad Sandhas
TV Guide Network
(323) 817-4848
Chad.Sandhas@tvguide.com

Melisa Rodriguez/Miranda Gooding
Bender/Helper Impact
(310) 473-4147
melisa_rodriguez@bhimpact.com miranda_gooding@bhimpact.com

Porto 7 - Free Short Film Submissions

2009-02-25T23:44:00.001-08:00

Festival presentation:

“Porto7” – Oporto’s International Short-Film Festival, an unique event that will take place from 10th to 14th June 2009.

Festival Nickname: Porto7
Call for entry fee: FREE
Entry fee: Free

Film entry deadline: 05/05/2009
Festival Dates: 06/10/2009 - 06/14/2009
Festival Director Name: Francisco Lobo de Avila
Festival Director E-mail: francisco@avilajet.com
Web site: www.porto7.com

In Oporto - Portugal

Porto7 – Festival Internacional de Curtas-Metragens do Porto, has three competitive sections: International Short-Film Competition, International Video Clip Musical and Porto7 Short-Film Competition (Short- Films under the issue: Oporto);

This festival intends to promote the production and exhibition of short-films and to act as an intermediary among cultures and nationalities that participate in the Festival.

Porto 7 is a cultural event open to producers, directors, students, enthusiastic and people that enjoy the 7th art.

This Festival is an exchanging place between artists, directors, technicians, audiovisual business companies and audience, where different promotional activities will take place. (Film Screenings, Parties, Opening and closing Ceremonies, Products presentations, Books, etc.).

Further information is available at www.porto7.com

Festival Organization

Name: Porto7

Address: Rua Candida Sa Albergaria, nº 110
Zip code: 4150-183 Porto
City: Porto
Country: Portugal
Telephone: 0351 969076430 e-mail: porto7@avilajet.com

Website: www.porto7.com

On the Set - Night Before the Wedding

2009-02-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

On the Set Night Before the Wedding http://www.nightbeforethewedding.com/
Director David Branin provided a Mini-DV camera to his Cast and Crew saying they could film whatever they wanted while on the set of Night Before the Weddingjust not the sex scenes. Here are the results.

Night Before the Wedding Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Night-Before-the-Wedding/41419346181?ref=nf

Night Before the Wedding Myspace Page - http://www.myspace.com/nightbeforethewedding

Official Site - http://www.nightbeforethewedding.com

Alex Ferrari & Red Princess Blues Featured in MovieMaker Magazine

2009-02-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

Director Alex Ferrari

Indie Writer/Director Alex Ferrari (BROKEN, Red Princess Blues) has been featured in the current issue of MovieMaker Magazine. He has been working on bringing his latest project Red Princess Blues to the big screen for sometime now. He teamed up with Moviemaker Magazine and http://www.myproducer.tv, which has made it their flagship project. The Red Princess Blues property already has a video game trailer (http://www.redprincessblues.com/rpb_video_game.html), an animated prequel to the live-action film (http://www.numbrobot.com/animationstudio.html) and has a graphic novel in the works. They are currently looking for financing for Red Princess Blues.

For more info on RPB goto: www.redprincessblues.com

For a direct link to the article goto: http://www.myproducer.tv/CommonPages/Footer/MovieMaker.Winter09.pdf

Interview with 17 year-old Filmmaker Misha Vertkin

2009-02-05T17:40:00.000-08:00

Filmmaker Misha Vertkin

How long have you been into Film?

I've always loved the medium of film, it's fascinated me since I was about 10; however, I've only been into filmmaking for about 6 months. Vera City was my first venture into filmmaking.

Which filmmakers have inspired you?

All the filmmakers who stop at nothing to achieve their visual dream; and anybody who has a unique vision and take on the world. Robert Rodriguez especially inspired me, as whenever I hit a low I always thought: “he can do it, what makes me any different?”. Quentin Tarantino's writing has always been mind-blowing to me; and has helped me craft my own style of script writing; and the way in which he has built himself up is just incredible. Also, recently, I've been researching filmmakers on You Tube, and came across an amazing guy called Matt Brown: his style is incredible, and just seeing what he can achieve with a cheap £100 handicam is utterly inspiring.

You shot your first feature film at age 16, how does this happen? What was the inspiration? Did you ever doubt whether you would be able to finish this project?

Well, I wrote the script during my GCSE's, which was probably a bad idea; I often forgot that I had exams the next day! So, I finished the script, and was quite pleased with it; and contemplated sending it to the BBC writer's room, to try and get it produced professionally. However, in the end I thought, that as it was my first script it was unlikely to get through. So, I decided to produce it myself; I'd never made a film before in my life, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to teach myself, as I would learn gradually throughout the entire process.
I began to research heavily into equipment, and what I'd need; I then borrowed some money from my mum and bought everything I needed. Basic equipment, but I wasn't looking to make a blockbuster! I then decided to shoot in the summer, but as I was going away, I only had a timeframe of a month to shoot in. I planned meticulously, and thought it would be simple, and easily do-able! I scouted out friends who could act, and friends who couldn't and began to shoot. During all of this I was moving out of home (I moved twice during the shoot!), it rained 70% of the time (60% of the scenes were outdoors!) and one of my leads got kicked out of home half way during the shoot: there were so many challenges, that I won't go into too much detail! But I had about four mental breakdowns, and decided that I wasn't going to continue about five times; somehow, though, I finished everything in the month: I had 20 hours worth of footage and no idea how to edit. So, I began to learn.

I also started college, was in a couple of plays, and making more films; so, it took a lot longer to learn than I thought! I'm sorry I've written an essay! My inspiration was my motivation, and vision; I felt this message needed to be shown. I also wanted to show people,that you can do whatever the hell you want; as long as you have that sheer tenacity and sticking power.

Tell us about Vera City. What is it about? Who acts in it? What role did you play in making it? Who does this film appeal to? What audience are you going after?

Vera City explores the boundaries we set up in our lives, which hinder our movement and freedom. It's about encouraging a positive outlook in life, and establishing our values. This is all told through the eyes of a 15 year old girl, and her surreal journey through her own mental development. I don't want to give too much away about the story, as it's the shock, of seeing it for the first time; which drives the message home. However, I can say that it begins as a very ordinary story; following a girl, as she lives her teenage life, but it's how she begins to interpret things which eventually leads to this her world, being rocked a certain number of revelations; and looks at how she copes, and develops with all these new aspects in her life. On top of this, it's also a story of friendship; rebellion; drugs; violence; and a neurotic mother!

One major reason that I felt it necessary to produce this film, was that being part of this young generation, I felt that something needed to be done about the self-obsessive attitudes of young people in the urban world. It's about not taking life for granted, and seeing everything in it's true colours.

My role was, to put it simply: everything. I did absolutely everything production wise: I'm the writer, director, cinematographer, editor, grip, producer, etc! I also, act in it as well; I shaved my head entirely specifically for the role! No-one else wanted to do it for some reason, so I had to take it upon myself..

Acting is my other passion, so I knew a whole load of people who would be interested; however, during the shoot, a few people didn't turn up: which meant some very quick phone calls, and eventually finding stand-ins who'd never acted in their life! However, my main roles, were filled by brilliant actors; and they made this project possible. I also enlisted the help of my drama teacher, and mum: as I felt adults added a little credibility to the work!

This film appeals to everyone and anyone, as I think it's rare to meet someone who doesn't need a little boost in their life. A little film, to encourage them to see the beautiful things in life; not the shite!

However, mainly, my audience will be the 14-25 year olds: as I had to build a negative world for the story to work, therefore, there is a bit of swearing, drugs, and violence (a bit meaning quite a lot!). However, do not take this to mean it's not an intelligent film: I despise, unintelligent films; which only use sex, drugs and violence to sell their product; it's a ridiculous method, and whoever delves in it should be removed from society.

Tell us a little about your production. How much time did you spend in Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production?

Well, I planned everything precisely, as I didn't think I'd be able to cope otherwise. I planned every shot: about 1800 altogether (the finished film has quite a lot more!); I made about 10 different rehearsal schedules; I even contacted smarties about using their name in the film (they declined, but oh well!); I contacted a whole host of famous bands, hardly any of them replied and only one said yes! But planning, and writing the script took about a month. As I was the only crew, I bundled all my equipment into a big hold all, which I then carried around to every location (it weighed a ton!); the actors would then only learn the line that they were to say in the shot, as they hadn't had time to learn their lines! And due to the tight timeframe, I only ever really did one take for each shot. I would set up the mic, plug in the headphones and check all the levels; I would then set up my shot, direct my actors; make sure everything was ok, and shout “Go!”. Relying on myself, meant I got everything done extraordinarily fast; and all the actors were absolute stars. Post-production was a bit laborious; as I went through a lot during the process, and I felt my confidence dropping when I first started. However, it was so satisfying to see a finished scene that it always motivated me to go onto the next: I would often stay up till the early hours to try and finish another scene. It became an obsession, which I didn't really have time for!

What was the craziest that happened while making this movie?

Well, so many things happened that I eventually lost count; I resigned myself to just expecting the worst, and just getting on with it. My lead got kicked out of home half way during the month, so, we had to sort out a place for her to live; and deal with everything else; and then still carry on filming. She insisted, despite me saying otherwise! I moved out of home and stayed in one place for two weeks and then moved again, as the contract ran out! Another person, dyed their hair half way through the shoot, so her hair changes colour randomly in different scenes! We took a door to a graveyard, a ladder to a field in the middle of know where, broke into a historic castle: and the list goes on, and on!

What did you shoot on? How did you go about financing the film?

I spent a huge amount of time researching the camera, and didn't really have any money! However, I managed to secure 3CCD Panasonic MiniDv camera off ebay; the GS400. Brilliant camera, which shoots at 25fps, and is small enough to carry easily, and bulky enough to handle smoothly. It was perfect! The mic turned out to be my biggest problem, as I bought a Rode videomic, and then realised I'd be filming in huge number of outdoor locations; and didn't have enough money for a windshield! This made the outdoor shoots frustratingly long, as we would begin to roll when a huge gust of wind would come and ruin the sound; it once took 42 takes to do one shot! I did everything on a budget of nothing, I bought the equipment through borrowing money; but everything else, was paid for through the enthusiasm of my cast, and perseverance. My lead roll travelled in on the bus everyday! A brilliant actress, and a bloody lifesaver. When shooting in certain locations, such as friends houses, I would crash on a sofa; so, I could prepare early the next morning. It was a crazy month.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in completing your first feature film?

Becoming demotivated, and beating myself up about how it's not turning out the way I imagined. But then I'd experiment, learn more, and it becomes my vision. It's just those low times that I have trouble with.
Many filmmakers will live their whole lives and never make a feature. You finished your first at age 17. How do you feel about that?

I feel great that I've done it, and can't wait to make my next one, but I don't see why anybody else couldn't do it! The age doesn't matter, I've met people aged 13 more mature than people nearing their 40's; it's just about your how you live your life. I just love the feeling you get when you create something, it's like nothing else I've experienced and I want to keep on feeling that; until the day I die.

What are some of the important lessons you learned in the making of Vera City?

Film as much footage as you can, take your time with every shot, and make sure everything is perfect before you shoot; DIRECT your actors, realise the vision in your head, don't just let it go because you're under pressure; and see the film as a whole, not as separate scenes, this will help you connect everything together in post!

What are your plans for distribution? Is this a film you are looking to sell? Are you submitting to Film Festivals? Where will we be able to see the film?

I began to publicise my work at first, by the only way I knew how, at the time: by going to parties and telling everyone there! I then began to research it, and look into distribution; and contacted the local Picturehouse and Pheonix: who are both very interested in screening the finished film. I'm also going to get the local press involved, as they're always looking to promote young people. I then looked into duplication, and may eventually work with my cousin to create a website to sell DVD's. However, I' going to start by creating a shop on 'create a space', as then I won't have to worry about any inventory! I don't know whether I will submit the film to festivals just yet, as I still have so much to learn, most independent feature films are made by people with years of experience, and a budget, I have neither! I do want people to see this though, as it's an interesting story, and message; and also, it's interesting to see my learning curve as you progress through the film! I'll definitely send you a link, when I've sorted everything out.

What are your goals for this film?

To have it screened, and to make a profit, which will pay for any debts and contribute towards my next feature: which I should be shooting next summer.

Will you share Vera City with your Mom?

My mum was in it! She plays a neurotic mother, which she found incredibly fun. She's a drama teacher, so was excellent and definitely inspired everyone else on set.

What's next for you? Are you going to film school? Do you have plans to make more films?

Well, it all depends on my results; I hope to go university, to study drama; and then to do a post-grad course at Bristol Old Vic. However, during all this I'm going to be incessantly making as many films as I can; I've got four more finished scripts, and am working on a whole lot more. I'm not really a fan of going to film school, as I learn much faster via teaching myself, and I don't believe you can be taught the act of filmmaking. It all just comes with experience. You can be taught how to use a camera, of course; but you have develop your own style of story telling, and I believe I can do that while doing everything else in my life. So, I have a whole range of possibilities! I always have a main plan, and then branch my way off it; and if it doesn't work out, I just go back to the main plan: and it seems to be working so far!

What do you have to say to any filmmaker out there who has yet to make their first feature film?

Just keep going, and never stop. If you get kicked down, just get back up; dust yourself off, and keep going. Research as much as you can, and ultimately experiment! Write a script that you truly believe in, and as cliché as it sounds, just believe that you're capable of doing it.

Fancast celebrates Black History Month

2009-02-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

February is Black History Month and Fancast.com is celebrating by recognizing some of the amazing cinematic contributions that have been made by African-Americans.

Check out Fancast as they highlight some of the best talents of the sliver screen with a special selection of cinema including titles of yesterday and today such as “They Call Me Mr. Tibbs,” “AKA Cassius Clay,” and “Hoop Dreams.”

You can view the complete list of titles here: http://www.fancast.com/movies

Sand Creek Massacre Film Underscored

2009-02-05T17:08:00.000-08:00

“Dance With Life Magazine Underscores Sand Creek Massacre Film”

February 5, 2009 - Centennial, CO - "Dance With Life Magazine", an e-zine that highlights people who have joined the dance with life, highlighted the Sand Creek Massacre and award-winning writer/filmmaker/consultant, Donald L. Vasicek's award-winning documentary short, "The Sand Creek Massacre". Tomaca Govan, publisher, says, "It is with great sadness that we post this video. The Sand Creek Massacre was just one incident from the centuries-long genocide of the native peoples in America. And, it continues to this day. We commend Don Vasicek for his work in accurately documenting this historical event and for his work to bring attention to the atrocities that have and continue to face this entire race of people in America."

Vasicek says, "Ms. Govan and "Dance With Life Magazine" have joined our journey to inform, to educate, and to create awareness for America's indigenous people. It is with deep gratitude that I thank them."

Govan, singer, songwriter, entertainer and host to several Internet e-zines including "Dance With Life Magazine", with a production company and music label, says, "We highlight people who have joined the dance with life. They are living and growing. They respect and appreciate the impact their lives have on others. And, there's somewhat of an understanding of their purpose. We are all vehicles and conduits for something greater than ourselves."

Vasicek added, "There are those who have confronted me about 'dragging down' the Cheyenne and Arapaho people by focusing on what happened to them at Sand Creek. The profundity of perceiving ourselves as vehicles, conduits, or as I say, channels, to help each other out, helps strengthen the link all of us have to each other, a collective consciousness that powers our world. Sit and interview Cheyenne and Arapaho people, go with them to their activities. You will discover that giving them a channel with which to tell their stories is giving them an outlet for the heartbreak they continue to experience over what happened to their ancestors at Sand Creek. After one on camera interview, I gave a Cheyenne man a bag of tobacco and a serape, something the Chief told me I should do, as an expression of gratitude. The man was over six feet tall. He word a white Stetson. He had a booming voice. He folded the serape and placed it on the floor in front of my feet. He sat the tobacco on the serape. He got down on his knees facing me. He began bowing and singing in Cheyenne. The fine point of this is that he was grateful for the opportunity to relieve himself of his grief by giving us his truth. How do you feel if you are able to tell someone about your grief? This, to me, is helping Cheyenne and Arapaho move forward because it is giving them an opportunity to tell their truth about genocide, a first hand account of genocide, something that they have held back for nearly 145 years. If that's dragging them down, then so be it. I see the light in each Cheyenne and Arapaho person I have interviewed. That is solace enough for me."

"Dance With Life" Magazine is at http://dancewithlifemagazine.com, Ms. Govan at http://TGovan.com.

Contact:

Donald L. Vasicek Olympus Films+, LLC "Commitment to Professionalism" Writing/Filmmaking/Consulting
http://www.donvasicek.com
dvasicek@earthlink.net 303-903-2103

Filmmaker David Branin writes about Jamin Winans 'Ink'

2009-02-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

Where do I even begin? I hope you follow along because Jamin Winan’s, Ink, is one of the most inspiring films I have seen and I am excited to share my thoughts about it with you.

As I begin to write this, please note that I am not a Film Critic. I am just a Film Fan as well as a Filmmaker. I am a growing storyteller also, so please allow me set up the story which will help me convey my full thoughts to you.

Back in 2005 I came across Jamin’s short film Spin. I can’t remember exactly how I came across it but I thought it was one of the more creative and just plain cool shorts I have seen. I wanted to know more about the film and the filmmaker so I contacted Jamin and ended up doing an interview with him through my Film Synergy blog (Interview with Filmmaker Jamin Winans)

I thought it was a great interview and I liked Jamin’s style of filmmaking so I continued to monitor his work. Now this will probably get me in trouble, but I believe it is important for me to mention. As I have studied films in the indie world, I got around to seeing Jamin’s first feature film, 11:59. Though that movie does finish strong, I came away feeling let down. It’s not anything I am going to dwell on here. Yet there may be others out there who may read this who have seen 11:59 and may not be willing to give Ink a chance and I am here to let you know that would be a big mistake.

Most recently, Jamin emailed me the trailer to his second feature film, Ink and I was amazed. Want to see why? Click here Ink Official Movi e Trailer HD

Of course I had to follow up with a second interview via Film Synergy. Interview with 'Ink' Filmmaker Jamin Winans

For the full article, please visit Jamin Winan's Ink is one of the most inspiring films I have seen...

Interview Series - Night Before the Wedding - Actor John Keating

2009-01-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

Actor John Keating on the set of Night Before the Wedding

Tell us one thing about yourself that no one really knows?

I am a pretty open guy with those people I know and care about. But when it comes to something that no one knows about I draw a blank. I am pretty much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kinda guy.

How did you get your start in film?

My very first film role was the home movies that I shot with my Mom and Dad and my two brothers and three sisters. I was probably nine or ten and the films were shot on an old 8 mm silent film camera. They were pretty cheesy but my family indulged me and we had a lot of fun. Looking back on it they were corny, but cute 'cause we were all little kids.

I did two films while in college for the Kansas Dept. of Transportation. In the first film I played a drunk driver whose friend convinces him to let him (the friend) drive home. In the second film I played the supporting role of a mutual friend who is killed in an automobile accident. We filmed the aftermath of the accident in the automobile that we wrecked for the movie. It was very creepy being in a wrecked car playing dead when the accident was all for show. There was just kind of a weird “vibe” to being in that car. Hard to explain.

Have you worked with any name actors or directors?

I worked on an episode of Mind of Mencia for Comedy Central in 2006. The celebrity was Carlos Mencia. Although I did not spend much time with him, I had a blast doing the show and he was kind enough to introduce himself to the guest cast during rehearsal. Actually, the most time that I spent with him was during the shooting of the episode in front of the camera. But that was a fun day because I was "livin' the dream."

How did you get involved in “Night Before the Wedding”?

I work with the writer/director and several of the actors in the film and David wrote the film for us. I really felt honored when he asked me to be a part of the project.

What is your role in this project?

I play William Shay, reluctant honoree of a wild bachelor party. He unwittingly becomes entangled in a situation that he did not plan on and never imagined could ever happen.

What were your thoughts when you first read the script?

I knew that this role would be the most challenging of my career thus far and I was not mistaken. Playing this character took me to places that I do not visit within myself too often and challenged me to bring parts of myself to the role that I have never brought to any other character that I have played in theatre or film. I had to dig deep and really connect in a way that I had never done before.

Actor John Keating discusses an upcoming scene with Actor Gregor Collns. Director David Branin looks on.

What attracted you to working on this film?

I loved the idea of working with people that I know, love and respect. Also knowing that I would have input and an impact on the script was very attractive as well. This film truly was a collaborative effort.

What was the most challenging thing you had to face with this project?

As I mentioned in the earlier question, I had to bring a vulnerability and depth to this character that I was unaccustomed to bringing to other characters that I played. I really worked hard to try and bring to the project the vision that David Branin had and I really wanted to prove to him that he had made the right choice in casting me in this project. I hope that I succeeded.

What did you love most about being involved with this production?

The other cast and crew members. The challenge of the role was bitter and sweet. The sweetness comes from the range of emotion that I was challenged to convey. If I discuss the bitter too much I might tip my hand as to the contents of the film. And we wouldn’t want that.

I loved the fact that, like my episode of Mind of Mencia, I was "livin' the dream" each and every day of the project. I would get to the set early and excited to go and even though the days were long and the character challenging, I was doing what I loved with the people I loved.

Is this a film for women to see?

As long as they are over 18. I think that they will enjoy a peak into a side of life that they may not possibly ever experience. Besides, there are some handsome guys in this flick (and I do not include myself in the above category). And there are some terrific actors and actresses working their tails off.

Will you share this film with your Mom?

Most likely. My mom has always been supportive of my decisions and always seems to appreciate the projects that I have been involved in.

What does this film have that you will not find in a big Studio release?

This film has true camaraderie amongst the cast. The heart that is placed into this film is not easy to find in a big studio release. The way the film is tailored for each cast member shows an attention to detail on the part of the writer/director that is not found in larger films. A lotta love and effort at true story telling. No punches pulled, no holds barred.

What makes this a ‘must see’ movie?

The moral questions raised by the film challenge the audience to reflect on their own values and decisions that they make in everyday life and how they affect those around them. This movie will make an impact on you and in film, especially independent film, that is hard to come by.

2009-01-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

To my fellow filmmakers and artists, I would like to pass on this article, “Hope For The Future: Filmmaker and Exhibitor Collaboration” which was written by Ted Hope and published on indieWIRE. It is followed by commentary from Four-Eyed Monsters Filmmaker Arin Crumley. This is an article I have already read twice and will probably read a few more times.

http://www.indiewire.com/article/ted_hope_hope_for_the_future_filmmaker_and_exhibitor_collaboration/

Ted Hope also writes a tremendously informative blog that is worth subscribing to entitled Truly Free Film

Vasicek Links President Obama to Native Americans

2009-01-23T16:10:00.000-08:00

"Award-Winning Writer/Filmmaker Donald L. Vasicek Lauds President Obama''"

January 23, 2009 - Centennial, CO - Award-winning writer/filmmaker, Donald L. Vasicek says, "For the first time since I beganvoting for United States presidents, the first being John F. Kennedy, I have heard a U. S. President regularly mention Native Americans when he talks about United States minority people"

Vasicek, writer, director, and producer of the award-winning "The Sand Creek Massacre" and present writer, director, and producer of "Ghosts of Sand Creek", a feature documentary film, has been an advocate of Native American rights for several years. He is a board member of the American Indian Genocide Museum in Houston.

Vasicek added, "President Obama's sensitivity for community is even more evident when he mentions Native Americans, a race virtually ignored by former U. S. Presidents. I commend
President Obama for his perception and insight. Many native reservations in the United States are like Third World countries, or, is it "developing nations" these days? Development on U. S. native reservations I have visited amounts to others continuing their centuries long assault on native land for its resources. I am giving my total support to President Obama's efforts to help dissolve Native American anonymity in America and bring them to the forefront for change so that they will be looked upon as America's heritage, America's roots, and America's proud people. Anything less is and will globally be an abomination."

Contact:

Donald L. Vasicek
Olympus Films+, LLC
http://www.donvasicek.com
dvasicek@earthlink.net
303-903-2103

Interview with 'Ink' Filmmaker Jamin Winans

2009-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

On this awe-inspiring inauguration day where many of us feel a new hope, I am proud to unveil this new interview with a filmmaker that I admire, an artist who is passionate about his craft, and one who raises the bar for all of us in the world of independent cinema.

Jamin Winans has just completed his second feature film, Ink, a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action Thriller about the people who come out at night and give us dreams and nightmares. It is the allegorical story of good and evil and those trapped in between. No matter how safe you feel, evil may find you. But no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible. (To really understand what this all means, the Must See Movie Trailer is Below)

Ink premieres January 23rd, 29th, and 30th at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. It is one of a handful of films in competition. For screening information, please click here, Ink Showtimes

Filmmaker Jamin Winans on the set of Ink

Tell us one thing about yourself that no one really knows?

I really wanted to be a ventriloquist for most of my childhood, but I found filmmaking was a lot more versatile. No joke, I collected 5 or 6 very sophisticated ventriloquist dolls and got pretty good at it. Retired around 10 or 11 years old…okay, it was last week.

Are there any books you consider invaluable to your process as a writer and director?

Reading books and interviews of other filmmakers in general has been really helpful psychologically. They remind you that everyone struggles and that you’re not alone. My all time favorite is of course Rebel Without A Crew by Robert Rodriguez. It’s just a reminder that anything’s possible.

What area of filmmaking do you feel filmmakers often overlook? Something that comes back to bite you in the ass if you aren't careful?

From a technical standpoint, sound is often overlooked, but yet extremely important. I would argue that good sound is almost more important than a good picture. For some reason we’re a lot more annoyed when something isn’t audibly clear or strong. Yet new filmmakers almost always underestimate this.

But from a thematic standpoint, story is really overlooked. A film can be phenomenal from a technical standpoint, but if the story just isn’t strong, it’s all for nothing.

There is the creative side of film and there is the business side of film. From developing the idea, to final cut of the film, to getting people to be interested in your project and having them pay to see it, which has been the toughest phase for you?

Sadly, it’s all very hard. I think production itself is probably the hardest on me because of the ticking clock and overwhelming pressure. There’s a constant sense that any one mistake will ruin your film, which is sometimes true. Once the film is in the can, it’s definitely easier to relax, but I can’t say I never feel a real sense of contentment.

Often times in the independent movie world, we see a filmmaker make his first feature film, then we never hear from him again. What is your reaction to that?

More power to them. Filmmaking is a horrible endevour with varying degrees of pain and humiliation. The glamorous perception of filmmaking is nothing like reality, especially indie filmmaking. It requires unreal perseverance and huge sacrifices. I think a lot of filmmakers just realize they would rather actually live life than go through that process again. If I didn’t feel so compelled to keep going no matter what the cost, I would easily walk away and do something else.

Congratulations on completing your second feature film. What were some of the lessons you learned in making your first feature film that you carried over into the making of your second feature?

Thanks! I’m sure there were a lot of bits of wisdom I took from the 11:59 (my first feature) filmmaking process, but the most I learned was in the distribution process. Going through distribution, you realize how shady the industry really is. There’s countless bloodsuckers out there just waiting to take advantage of new filmmakers who are desperate for distribution. There are producer reps who will take advantage of you and there are distributors who will never pay you. I’ve found that shady distributors are almost the norm. Filmmakers have to talk to each other and check references on anyone they deal with. That’s the only way to avoid being screwed no matter how big and successful the film.

The-Storytellers - Eme-Ikwuakor, Jeremy Make, Jennifer Batter, and Shelby Malone

Taking a moment to reflect on both of your professional features, which of the two was harder to make, the first or the second? Why?

Ink, the second film, was definitely the hardest. We shot 11:59 in about 30-35 days, but Ink was 83 days. My feeling going in was that it would be so nice to have all that extra time to really shoot what I wanted, but it turns out Ink was so logistically complicated, it still didn’t feel like enough time. And shooting that long with such a small budget becomes a test of sheer will to just keep going. I was dying after day three and I realized I still had 3 months to go. Some of the crew started falling apart and people were getting pissed. It was hard physically, mentally, but most of all emotionally.

Was it easier to raise money for "Ink" with your proven track record of quality films and a successful feature already in the books?

It was easier. 11:59 helped a lot, and to my surprise our short, Spin helped a lot as well. We met a lot of people and made a lot of good friends on the path of those two films. A few of those people really supported us on Ink from the get go. It was still a task, but we weren’t looking for too much money, which certainly makes it easier.

How did you go about financing Ink?

We wrote a business plan and really thought through the film’s marketable attributes. We talked to our friends and contacts we had made from the other films and about half a year later, we had enough money to go.

The most important thing we did was set a date and commit to shooting the film no matter what. If we couldn’t get any money, we would shoot the film with a camera, no lighting and no crew. As it turned out, we did get a little money, and that just made the film a little easier. But committing to do it no matter was the key. When people know something is going to happen with or without their help, they’re more confident about getting involved.

Quinn Hunchar as Emma, Jessica Duffy as Liev, and Ink-travel to The Collector

With "11:59" you said it was tough on you because it didn't fit into one genre. It had a bit of everything. Looks like "Ink" is a clear cut Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller. Was this a conscious decision?

Ink is actually a hybrid of genres too, but it’s a lot more marketable than 11:59. It has a lot of action and suspense, but there’s also a deeper dramatic story at the root.

Ink was already in the works before 11:59 was out, so it didn’t really influence the decisions I made regarding story and genre. Regardless, I’m happy it is what it is because it’s already been an easier path than 11:59 on the festival and distribution route.

How long did you work on the script to Ink? What was the process like? What was the germinating seed? What was it about this story that drove you to make this film?

The story of Ink was in my head for years. It was all based on a creature I was convinced I saw in my bedroom when I was about four years old. After completing 11:59 I knew I wanted to tackle a more extravagant fantasy film, but I wanted to approach it in a grittier and more authentic manner than anything I had seen in regards to fantasy/sci-fi. I started with the memory of the creature in my bedroom and branched off into an idea of people who give us dreams and nightmares while we sleep. Thematically I was really interested in the idea of redemption and that became the core in which the story was built around.

I outlined the story heavily over the course of about a year. Ink has a very complicated structure and an unformulated build, which is always risky. So during the outlining and early drafts I focused more on structure than anything else. I probably went through six or seven drafts of the script before I really had the characters fleshed out. My wife and producer, Kiowa Winans and the lead actor, Chris Kelly, were really helpful with feedback and suggestions as I moved through the drafts.

Not only did you Write and Direct Ink, you also serve as Composer and Editor. Which of these is the most fun for you? Which is the toughest?

I would say both are the most enjoyable parts of the filmmaking process. Editing is really rewarding because you’re seeing the story and all the hard work coming together. Composing is probably the most fun because it’s something I don’t take very seriously. I never set out to be a composer and I’ve accepted I’m sort of a hack, so I haven’t ruined the process by trying to be perfect at it.

"The-Incubi" from Jamin Winan's Ink

What was the most challenging thing you had to face with this project?

The fear that I was somehow making something totally ridiculous and didn’t know it. It wasn’t until the last leg of the edit that I felt entirely confident with what we had created. We took a lot of risks and when you do that, you can bomb really hard.

What did you love most about being involved with this production?

It was a real team effort with my wife. We struggled a lot, but we struggled together which turned out to be a great thing.

You have released a kick ass HD Trailer for Ink, but what we really want to know, is the full length film better than the trailer?

I appreciate you saying so. It’s tough to compare a trailer to a film. One is an advertisement and one is a story. So the question really is, “Does the trailer represent the film accurately?” I would say it’s about 80 percent accurate. The feedback I’ve heard on the trailer is that it’s reading more horror/scary than I would like. The film does have it’s very dark elements, but it’s a dark modern fantasy, not a horror movie.

Personally, the film plays a lot stronger for me than the trailer because it’s much more complex, emotional, and rich. The trailer shows just a fraction of what the story actually is. But it will be up to the viewer to decide.

What are you hoping audiences take away from this film?

I hope they walk away thinking about the power of humility.

What are your goals for Ink?

I would love to make our investors money back and I would love for the right people to see the film. Beyond that, I’m happy with anything.

Will you share this film with your Mom?

Absolutely. There’s a lot of bad language in the film, but she forgives me for that.

What does this film have that you will not find in a big Studio release?

A story you won’t be able to predict the ending to in the first 20 minutes.

What makes this a 'must see' movie?

It’s totally unique, it’s moving, and it offers perspective on your dreams and the possibility of unseen influences in our lives. Well, that and there’s some guy with a huge nose running up an invisible staircase.

For the very latest on Jamin Winans, Ink, and Double Edge Films, please visit www.doubleedgefilms.com

You can also visit Jamin's brand new blog where he chronicles his journey www.doubleedgefilms.blogspot.com

kART Across America Movie Trailer

2009-01-19T21:36:00.000-08:00

On May 20, 2008, Jeremy Make and Andy Raney left California on a golf kart for a 108-day adventure around the country. After gathering hundreds of interviews with artists, they found America ... and so much more. Here is their movie trailer which they have just released.

New Interview with Filmmaker Jamin Winans coming Tuesday!

2009-01-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

Subject says it all.

Very excited with this upcoming interview we will be posting on Tuesday. To become familiar with Jamin and his work, visit http://www.doubleedgefilms.com/

2009-01-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

LONG SHORTS/SHORT SHORTS

An entertaining night of films & videos: Erika Yeomans, Ilya Chaiken, Andrea Staka & Meredith Drum.
GALAPAGOS ART SPACE
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 8 pm Tickets $10.00
Tel: 718.222.8500 |16 main street | brooklyn

Featuring: Juliana Francis-Kelly, Holly Ramos, Kristin DiSpaltro,Casey Spooner, Michael Abbott Jr, Jenny Bass, Cosmo Pfeil, Mot Filipowski, Ben Greenman, Tom Gorman, Julie Strong, Vesna Stanojevic and Nebojsa Glogovac......

Erika Yeomans pairs a night of her films with some of her favorite female directors. The program showcases engaging experimental narratives and compelling, edgy narrative work. The shorts are alternately funny, dark, melodramatic, absurd, poetic and personal.

Program Line up & Running time approx 88 minutes
Erika Yeomans

Chubby Buddy (Home Movie, Super 8, 13 minutes 2003). Meet Francis Howard, who gives up a career and a marriage to act upon some peculiar impulses.

Boo (Horror, HD, 4 minutes 2008). A suspenseful Halloween tale about a young man who gets roped in by a cat lady.

Grand Gorge: No God But Me (Melodrama/Western HD, 12 minutes 2008). A Pastiche of western clichés; where white men seek redemption and revenge in a cyclical fashion.

Fragments of Death Comes for Britney Spears! the Musical (Musical, HD, 8 mins, 2008). Based on McSweeney & New Yorker contributor Ben Greenman's "ripped from the tabloid headline" newsicals.

Bunny Boy (Music Video, Beta, 5 mins, 1995). A woman becomes a glittered man to the tune of 10-CC's I'm not in Love.

Meredith Drum

The Double (DV, 9 minutes 2008) is a quest story. The searcher is traveling through an undefined area, between city and wilderness, the landscape of the outsider.

Andrea Staka

Hotel Belgrade (35mm 13 min,1998) A couple makes love in a hotel. She lives in Switzerland, he in Belgrade. What has been destroyed by war will be resurrected in this hotel room.

Daleko (9 minutes, 2000). A young Yugoslavian woman trying to cope with her new Americanlife as bombs destroy her former homeland.

Ilya Chaiken

The 100 Lovers of Jesus Reynolds, 6 mins, 2004

A glimpse into the sexual misadventures of a woman named Jesus, as she reminisces about her many encounters and the day she almost missed the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.

Blackout, 8 minutes, 2004. Two strangers wake up in bed together on the morning after the Big Blackout of 2003. Through the sporadic flashes of memory that infiltrate their hangovers, they manage to piece together the events of the historic previous day.

FILMMAKERS BIOS

Erika Yeomans,Program Curator/Filmmaker. Over the years, Yeomans has created an extensive body of work in theater, mixed media and film. Formerly the Artistic Director of the experimental group DOORIKA (Chicago and New York), she has focused on video and filmmaking since 1999. Her work has screened at film festivals and art institutions around the world, including: London's ICA, Lincoln Center's New York Video Festival, LA Freewaves, Berlin's Transmediale, Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, Silver Lake Film Festival, Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum, Cinematek at the Danish Film Institute and New York's Anthology Film Archives. In 2006, she was awarded a New York State Media Arts Grant for her debut feature film POSE DOWN (90 mins, Super 16, 2007). In 2008,Yeomans completed 3 new video projects that continue to explore different film genres: Fragmentsfrom Death Comes for Britney Spears the Musical! (Musical, HD, 8 minutes, 2008), Boo! (Horror, HD 4
minutes, 2008) and Grand Gorge: No God But Me (Western, HD, 12, 2008). She lives in New York City. For info www.therestofyournaturallifeproductions.com

Ilya Chaiken's second feature film LIBERTY KID, received critical raves, has been broadcast on HBO and was released in November 2008 by Kino Films. Chaiken's acclaimed debut feature MARGARITA HAPPY HOUR premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001 and proceeded to many others before receiving distribution from Wellspring. She returned to Sundance in 2004 with the comedic short "The 100 Lovers of Jesus Reynolds." She studied filmmaking at SUNY Purchase and lives in Brooklyn. Chaiken is preparing to direct her third feature, AMERICAN ANGELS and will launch a webisode series in the Spring of 2009: 'The Unloveables'. www.libertykidmovie.com.

Andrea Staka was born in 1973 in Lucerne. She has received numerous awards for "Hotel Belgrad" and "Yugodivas", as well as Swiss Film Prize nominations. 2006 Awarded Golden Leopard in Locarno for her debut feature "Das Fräulein". 2007 Awarded Swiss Film Prize, Best Screenplay for "Fraulein". She lives in Zürich. In 2007, Variety picked Ms. Staka as part of their TEN TO WATCH list for Fraulein.

Meredith Drum creates experimental fiction and nonfiction video as well as journalistic short form. Her experimental work has screened at Anthology Film Archives, Participant Inc., Monkey Town and Ocularis. Her journalistic work has screened at Fales Library and Archive at NYU and has been published on the New York Times Tmagazine Online and Good Magazine Online. She is also a creative writer, with poems and stories published by Ploughshares, Pierogi Press and Insurance Magazine.

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SAVE THE DATE!
Long Shorts/Short Shorts
An evening of films & videos by Erika Yeomans, Ilya Chaiken, Andrea Staka & Meredith Drum
Galapagos Art Space February 4th 2009

Interview Series - Night Before the Wedding - Actor James Anthony McQuillan

2008-12-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

Actor James Anthony McQuillan on the set of Night Before the Wedding

Tell us one thing about yourself that no one really knows?

One thing no one knows about me is that I sleep on the right side of the bed.

How did you get your start in film?

I was a Sophomore in College when a third year NYU grad student saw me in a production the "Playboy of the Western World" and asked me if I would play a protagonist in one of his thesis films for acclaimed director Spike Lee.

How did you get involved in “Night Before the Wedding”?

It was a clear day in downtown Los Angeles when fabled writer/director David Branin informed me about a film he wanted to bring to fruition. This took place in the bowels of the Shrine auditorium during the 2007 Emmy's. 8 months later we had a full length feature film to sink our teeth into.

What is your role in this project?

I play the role of Corey Sullivan. He works in high finance and is married but with no kids and none on the horizon. He is a wonderful spirited gentleman who cares deeply about his friends and living life to the fullest. Corey is used to high pressure situations and finds himself in a morality battle that he may or may not win. Overall Corey enjoys his partying and thrives in positions that most people would crumble in.

I also handled the props for the film. There’s only one prop I couldn’t acquire, that being a plastic ass. One would think living in a town where pornography trumps all in terms of money and shear production that finding a plastic ass would be as easy as finding someone who works in porn. I was about 7 or 8 smut stores in on Hollywood Boulevard when I discovered this was a challenge. I usually do not frequent these places and all I can say is that there are some interesting people out there and they hang in the porn shops. Unreal.

What were your thoughts when you first read the script?

I was excited because the script contained all the elements of many past great films. Comedy, Drama, and a conclusion that will throw you for a loop. At first I thought it would be a difficult shooting schedule because of all the characters and it all takes place in large part in one room. You have to be doing some captivating stuff to keep the attention of the viewer. The more I read the script the more I felt this was going to be a minor issue due to how well it was written.

What attracted you to working on this film?

I have seen David's previous work "Shoot-Out" and "Honey I'm Home". I enjoyed both projects and felt as though Dave was on his way to big things in the film industry. Of course I wanted a chance to work with him and when he approached me about the 10-15 page script for a short to be shot in a weekend I jumped at the chance. A few days later that plan was scrapped because Dave's brain oozed 45 more pages and then another 45 that spawned a feature. Also, Dave was open to suggestions on flow and plot line not only for the entire plot but we also had a little say in how our characters panned out. I had been itching to get a feature done and this was my chance and I am glad it happened.

What was the most challenging thing you had to face with this project?

With so many characters in one room you have to be aware of how you fit in when you are not the focus of the shot. Keeping Corey true and as real as possible when acting in the background. It is easy to fade off and say I'm not the focus of this shot but you are just as important as anyone else in the shot. Working with so many different personalities was initially a concern but when I arrived on set the energy was electric and everyone had the same look in their eyes and that was a wave of relief. That and the heat. Must have been 125 degrees, maybe more in the garage scenes.

Ali-Reza Nusrat looks down on Actor James Anthony McQuillan
and Actress La'Rin Lane rehearsing a scene.

What did you love most about being involved with this production?

The fact that I was there from the infant stage of the project and saw it through to the end. Watching what Dave created unfold in front of me was both educational as well as exciting.

Is this a film for women to see?

Of course! There are so many characters to follow and women kind of want to know what really happens when their groom to be is going to his Stag party. I am not saying everyone gets down like these guys did but it gives you a great template as to what happens. There are great stories going on and women will be able to find redeeming qualities in this film.

Will you share this film with your Mom?

Considering my Mother had a Screening of "The Big Lebowski" at a convent, I would gladly sit down with her and watch this.

What does this film have that you will not find in a big Studio release?

A reasonability and a realness that allows you to let go of life's dilemmas and delve into the lives of these characters. I think anyone can identify with someone or something in this film.

What makes this a ‘must see’ movie?

The fact that this is the first feature for a lot of the actors so we all brought our A game to make this an interesting film. This is also as close as you can get to being at a bachelor party without attending one. "Night Before the Wedding" should be made available to all colleges and universities around the world as a survival guide to getting through the Stag party.

Films for January & February 2009

2008-12-22T23:50:00.000-08:00

La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley.

510-849-2568 - www.lapena.org

Films for January & February 2009

Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. Saturday and Sunday, January 3 & 4. 2009. Saturday, Jan. 3: Filmmaker Saul Landau summarizes 50 years of revolution, highlighted by his film clips of Fidel and Cuba from the 60s to the present. Local Cuba activists will have tables with Cuban literature, art and crafts and will take part in a Q&A panel; mayors of local sister cities will give messages of greetings, and more. Evening will conclude with Cuban music and dancing, featuring DJ Emiliano Echeverria. 7:30pm $10

Sunday, Jan. 4 Celebrate the 50th anniversary with taiko drums and a Shisa lion. Bay Area Japanese American group Tsukimi Kai challenges the blockade of Cuba. Their film, Under the Same Moon, chronicles their cultural exchange and interviews in the Japanese Cuban community. The evocative award-winning film, Man of Two Havanas (dir. Vivien Lesnik Weisman) will also be screened. Local groups will take part with tables and discussion. 7pm $8. No one turned away

Wednesday, Jan. 7
Last Chance for Eden. A documentary by The Color of Fear director Lee Mun Wah, about nine men and women who examine the impact of racism and sexism in their lives, relationships, workplace and communities. 7:30pm $5.

Wednesday, Jan. 28
The Twoness of Oneness. A companion video by Andrea Young from the latest book of epigram by the same title written by Thomas Farber. 7:30pm $10. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Thursday, Feb. 5
Verbobala Spoken Video & special guests. Hailing from Mexico City and Tucson, Verbobala combines Spanglish spoken word and multiple live video projections to create what national newspaper La Reforma calls "a poetry written without letters." Special Bay-Area guests will also perform. 8pm. $10 gen. $8 students w/ID

###

Interview Series - Night Before the Wedding - Actor Christopher Guckenberger

2008-12-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

Actor Christpher Guckenberger on the set
of Night Before the Wedding

Tell us one thing about yourself that no one really knows?

I spent 3 years in a Military School.

How did you get your start in film?

I was living in Florida, still trying to figure some meaning in my life, and took an acting class to kill some time. Everything in my life about my future that was foggy became crystal clear, and I knew I could do nothing else for a career.

Have you worked with any celebrity actors or directors? Elaborate.

Any director that gives me an opportunity to work with him or her, is a celebrity in my eyes. As for celebrity actors, none currently, but worked with some who I believe will be celebrity’s before it's all said and done.

How did you get involved in “Night Before the Wedding”?

I know the director David Branin and we had talked about doing something for many years, and when he got some funding for a script he had written, he was gracious enough to bring me on board.

What is your role in this project?

I play Adam Finkle in the film, and to me Adam is everything but normal. A guy who is nice to a fault and tries everything and everywhere to fit in, the more he tries, the more distant from normalcy he goes.

What were your thoughts when you first read the script?

I personally thought that there was a lot going on with sub-plots, and a lot of truth that goes on before people get married. That doesn't mean it's always bad, but in a way, you have to come to reason with your past before being able to move forward with marriage.

What attracted you to working on this film?

First the obvious, the story, then the character, I love characters that are complex, that people can't quite figure out. I feel that in me, and I love to bring understanding to roles such as "The Finkle." Sorry, that’s just my little pet name for the character.

What was the most challenging thing you had to face with this project?

I love the character, and I felt compelled to make him and everything he represents come to life. Adam gets rejected quite a bit in the script. I didn’t want him to feel like a victim. I wanted to somehow get the audience to empathize with him and hope that he can turn his circumstances around.

Actor Daniel Sol looks on as Actor Christopher Guckenberger
prepares for his next scene.

What did you love most about being involved with this production?

Working with friends who I respect not only as actors and directors, but as people. Nobody knows exactly how far you will go in this business, so you really have to enjoy the moments that you get to create and be in the presence of people that make you shine.

Is this a film for women to see?

This is a film for women to see if they want to see the truth of what a guy may be thinking of doing or doing. It resonates the change of life from a kid to an adult to responsibility.

Will you share this film with your Mom?

No. My step-mom probably won't understand this or may even disagree with it. It will open up a whole can of worms that I do not want to deal with.

What does this film have that you will not find in a Big Studio release?

Truth, it is a simple story brought to life by characters interacting and growing with each other. Big Studio's are blessed with great opportunities for special effects, but at times I feel the audience is watching the special effects, and not the story.

What makes this a ‘must see’ movie?

It's a must see story for the reason it may change the way you think about the affects of growing up and friends around you, and of course, what really happens the night before the wedding.

SCION ANNOUNCES THE 2009 EASY 10 FILMMAKER SERIES

2008-12-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

Scion Partners With 10 Trend-Setting Media Outlets To Present Emerging Talent

2009 Easy 10 Filmmaker Series Premieres In New York On Jan. 22, 2009 And Los Angeles On Feb. 3, 2009.

IRVINE, Calif. — December 16, 2008 — Scion today announced the screening schedule and line-up for the Easy 10 Filmmaker Series. For 2009, Scion has partnered with 10 tastemaking media outlets, from Giant Robot to XLR8R, to select emerging filmmakers to create fresh and relevant cinema. The 10 films will premiere in New York and Los Angeles.

“This year’s program includes 10 short films that feature icons, characters and topics often unseen in modern cinema,” said Jeri Yoshizu, Scion sales promotions manager. “Scion has partnered with select outlets to ensure that each film represents a cultural undercurrent of our time, whether it’s a documentary, animation, drama or work of fiction.”

Founded by Scion in 2007, the Easy 10 Filmmaker Series supports burgeoning filmmaking talent by providing a modest budget and numerous platforms to screen and distribute their creative work. Each filmmaker will be featured in the bicoastal Scion Easy 10 premieres and the Scion Easy 10 Compilation DVD, in addition to receiving individualized promotional materials and paid travel to two film festivals of their choice.

Easy 10 Filmmaker Series Premiere dates and locations:

· New York, NY - Jan. 22, 8:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Tribeca Cinemas at 54 Varick St.

· Los Angeles, CA – Feb. 3, 8:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Landmark Theater at 10850 W. Pico Blvd.

The 2009 Scion Easy 10 Filmmaker Series line-up:

AllHipHop.Com presents BDK

From growing up in New York, leading the Golden Era of hip-hop, and his lasting influence in urban culture, legendary Big Daddy Kane talks about his life in the rap game in BDK, a film directed by Anthony Marshall (co-founder of MTV’s “Lyricist Lounge”).

Frank151 presents More Is L.E.S.

From the Lower East Side, Max Perlich’s More Is L.E.S. follows a young man as he comes of age in the historic immigrant, working class neighborhood. Perlich, a filmmaker and actor, has appeared in Gummo, Blow, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Giant Robot presents The Dwelling

Baltimore native and graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Sheldon Candis presents an intimate portrait of the rarely documented realities of Tokyo’s homeless population. The Dwelling follows one man who has built a resourceful, imaginative, and functional home within the Japanese high-tech metropolis.

Juxtapoz presents Spare Paint

In a film directed by Alexander Tarrant and Shaun Roberts, San Francisco artists David Choong Lee and Brian Barncelo offer their talents to two homeless men they meet during rush hour. As they paint brilliant and vibrant cardboard signs for their new friends William and Joe, the former home-restoration specialist and Vietnam vet share their stories of life on the street.

RE:UP presents Boxed

A cardboard box is passed around as seven world-class directors and animators come together for an “exquisite corpse” project; where one artist ends, another begins. The two-minute short features the talents of Labour, EVAQ, Miguel Vega, Claire Carre, Akjak, and Destroy Rock Music.

Theme Magazine presents 2 Makes 1

Kenji Hirata, a New York-based painter from Nagasaki, Japan, plays with layers of color and motion to depict the core human acts of love, betrayal, inspiration and redemption. An original member of the Barnstormers art collective, Hirata’s minimal stop-motion film is guided by the Buddhist belief that emptiness is everything eternal.

Traunt/Daily Swarm present The Rock

Director Joey Garfield, known for his urban culture feature films and imaginative music videos for innovative acts like RJD2, The Count and Sinden, and Aesop Rock, presents the whimsical journey of a rock traveling through music’s past, present and future. As forward-thinking minds of the industry discuss musical history, the rock presents the hard and soft sides of the business.

VBS/Vice Magazine present Searching For Montauk

Two renowned filmmakers, Meredith Danluck and Jake Burghart, go on an unlikely exploration for the perfect wave. From the snowy streets of Manhattan to the desolate winter beaches of Long Island, Jake’s backyard adventure leads viewers through a surfer’s paradise.

Wax Poetics Magazine presents East Of Underground

David Hollander, an LA-born filmmaker, DJ, and record collector, tells the story of a U.S. Army funk band that came together to record an LP of soul covers at the height of the Vietnam War. Encapsulating hope in a time of military quagmire, the band’s guitarist recalls the history behind the recording and the significance of funk music during wartime.

XLR8R presents The Bus

Filmmaker Ryan Junell follows John Benson and his friends as they travel from coast to coast in a police street command unit that has been converted into a mobile performance space. Running on veggie-oil and solar power, the vibrant crew of nomads turns heads and melts minds across the U.S.A.

For more information on the films, filmmakers, and premieres, visit www.scion.com/easy10.

About Scion

Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., was developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind. Scion's mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three groundbreaking models. The xD is an urban subcompact five-door, featuring a muscular stance and accentuated wheel flares. The xB, an urban utility vehicle, combines remarkable interior space with iconic styling. And the tC sports coupe surprises the buyer with the convenience of a hatchback and the luxury of a standard all-glass panorama moonroof, complementing the usual wide array of features on all Scions. For more information, visit www.scion.com.

About mBF

malbon Brothers Farms (mBF) is a multi-media creative branding and marketing collective focusing on the art of Nuance Marketing. mBF organically cultivates brands and connects their products to a particular network of people by effectively identifying and utilizing societal cues and cultural nuances to establish brand relevance and authenticity; thus creating a more original and salient brand communication or marketing platform. mBF creates customized marketing campaigns, branded strategies, designs, events and experiences that connect brands to their core consumer. mBF’s headquarters are in the heart of New York City with satellite offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Tokyo, Paris, and London. For more information, visit www.malbonfarms.com

# # #

Jamin Winans and Double Edge Films Releases Official "INK" Movie Trailer

2008-12-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

We're very excited to announce that our new feature film "Ink" is finally complete and we have a trailer for you to see at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBGeErufQdY&fmt=22

We've been working on this film for two years, and yes, you will be the first to see the trailer. We hope you enjoy it and if you're feeling generous, please pass it along to friends.

Many of you helped us make this film and we want to say thanks again for all your support, especially to those who gave us your time.

We also have a new site for "Ink" at http://www.doubleedgefilms.com/ . So once you've watched the trailer on YouTube, come learn more about the film.

Thanks again for watching the trailer and helping us to get word out.

We'll keep you updated as we get closer to the release.

Jamin and The Double Edge Films crew

Interview Series - Night Before the Wedding - Actor Kevin Deen

2008-12-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

Actor Kevin Deen on the set of Night Before the Wedding

Tell us one thing about yourself that no one really knows?

I used to be a stripper.

How did you get your start in film?

One of my substitute teachers in high school said that she did extra work. I told her that I wanted to do it too. She told me to look in the yellow pages for talent agencies. I did. I signed with 11 agencies and started working.

How did you get involved in “Night Before the Wedding”?

My friend wrote the part for me and gave me the role.

What is your role in this project?

I play Norm Satyanaraya. Norm is an innocent, simple guy who tries his best to be moral and do the right thing. He can also be a little frugal with money. Norm does not have a lot of experience with the opposite sex. Ironically, his extreme respect for women sometimes turns them off.

What attracted you to working on this film?

The director is a good friend of mine and I've been in several of his past projects. Based on that, it was hard to turn down the part. I was also excited to work with the rest of the cast because I knew most of them and liked them all. I fell in love with the character of Norm. When reading the script, many ideas came to mind as to what I wanted to do with the role. I also have complete trust in how David Branin writes for me. He has a knack for bringing out my best performances.

What was the most challenging thing you had to face with this project?

It was very challenging running away from the set fast enough when I had to fart in order to protect the cast and crew from inhaling my toxic gases.

Actor Kevin Deen poses in a photo with Actress La'Rin Lane

What did you love most about being involved with this production?

I loved getting lost in the character of Norm.

Is this a film for women to see?

Some might enjoy it but I think this film is primarily geared for men.

Will you share this film with your Mom?

I still haven't decided. I think I will definitely tell my parents about it with a warning regarding its contents. If they're okay with that then I just might.

What does this film have that you will not find in a big Studio release?

I've never seen a man do a strip tease for a porn star in a Studio Picture.

What makes this a ‘must see’ movie?

This is a must see movie because it tells a great story and has a good message. Along the way you will also enjoy a lot of laughs.

Interview Series - Night Before the Wedding's Producer/Actor Gregor Collins

2008-12-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

Producer/Actor Gregor Collins on the set of Night Before the Wedding

Tell us one thing about yourself that no one really knows?

I used to be a really bad seed. Your average high schooler might TP a house here and there, maybe egg some cars, but I took it to levels I’m not proud of. I actually ended up in jail for doing something really stupid. But you can’t get to the top of a mountain without reaching the rock bottom of a valley, so I’m glad (and so is my mother, God bless her) I got it out of my system early. Not to say I haven’t hit rock bottom many times in other ways after that, and plan on doing it many times more before I leave this earth.

How did you get your start in film?

I majored in Media Production at Florida State, and I moved out to Los Angeles to be a television producer. After a few years of financial abundance yet creative deprivation, I stumbled into an acting class, did David Mamet’s “Sexual Perversity in Chicago”, was convinced I’d bombed, but the teacher insisted I had natural talent and to stick with it. The encouragement was all I needed to get serious. Stage is close to my heart but I soon realized film was where I ultimately belonged.

Have you worked with any name actors or directors? Elaborate.

I had the honor of working with Steven Soderbergh on “Ocean’s 13”. My scene with Brad Pitt was cut from the film, but I had 12 days with a guy I consider one of the most versatile directors of our time. He’s got everything in his head. He’s like this quiet genius. One day during lunch we had a nice, normal conversation, and I’ll never forget the joke he told me: How do you get 20 Canadians out of a pool? Hey, guys? Can you please get out of the pool?

How did you get involved in “Night Before the Wedding”?

David Branin and I share a day-job together. I barely knew him when one day he approached me and told me he had a role he thought I could sink my teeth into. Eight months later, here we are.

What is your role in this project?

I’m a producer, as well as one of the main characters. I play a guy named Bronco. His past is dark, his present, mysterious, his future, ambiguous. He has this persistent melancholy that no one can figure out, including him. He refuses to face his faults. But he is intensely loyal, has a big heart, and deep down is crying for help from someone.

What were your thoughts when you first read the script?

The first time I read the script I thought it had the potential of being ‘Blair Witch meets a bachelor party.’ David and I initially discussed this, and we figured we’d get real life porn stars and people might think it really happened. That soon got squashed, and we were pleased it took on a tone we hadn’t really planned on it taking.

What attracted you to working on this film?

Two things: Being offered a role, and working with a director I considered to be interesting, talented, and professional.

Actor John Keating, Director David Branin, and Actor Gregor Collins collaborate

What was the most challenging thing you had to face with this project?

The most challenging thing for me was to produce, as well as be a major character in the film. As it got close to shooting, I was fearful I wouldn’t be able to pull my weight. But David and Rose Coleman, the other producer, really stepped up and helped us finish it and be proud of it.

What did you love most about being involved with this production?

Seeing my first film from start to finish. I was on set one day, and I excitedly turned to David and I was like, “This is why we’re here!”

Is this a film for women to see?

I’d say the first half of the film is for guys, and the second half is for women, give or take a (racy) scene or two.

Will you share this film with your Mom?

The first TV show I worked on as a producer was ‘Blind Date.’ I sent her the first episode I was involved in, with a proud note that read, ‘Hey, Mom, this is what I’ve been up to!” She called me a week later and told me she didn’t know I was working for a pornographic organization. So I figure if she reacted like that to a fairly tame show, I’m definitely going to try my hardest not to have her see this film.

What does this film have that you will not find in a big Studio release?

Those subtle moments with friends we take for granted… the main character is thrown into a situation we can all relate to… a real-life porn star.

What makes this a ‘must see’ movie?

None of what you see feels recycled. It has an original tone. The entire film takes place in one house the whole time. Within this house we are flies on a wall to what really goes on at a bachelor party. And there are tender moments in the last half that should hit home with a lot of people.

Film Synergy to Launch Interview Series with “Night Before the Wedding” Cast and Crew

2008-11-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

Film Synergy is announcing today that it is launching an exciting new Interview Series with various members from the Cast of Crew of the upcoming indie feature film, Night Before the Wedding. This is part of Film Synergy’s initiative to provide top notch content in regards to Independent Filmmaking.

The premise of Night Before the Wedding is one that takes you inside a modern bachelor party. It’s not one of those over the top raunchy comedies. Not to say that the film doesn’t have a wild side.

Here’s the logline: “Before straight-laced William Shay weds his soul mate, he must get through one last wild night with his best buddies…but the party quickly turns serious when he finds himself alone with a real life porn star.”

From L-R - Actors Gregor Collins, John Keating, James Anthony McQuillan, Chad Davis, Frantz Durand, Zane Patterson, and Kevin Deen (on table) prepare for a scene in Night Before the Wedding.

The film was shot primarily in one location, a two-story house in North Hills, CA. It is an ensemble piece that features 17 actors and actresses, including a platinum selling rapper and an adult film star. The film is now in Post-Production and is expected to reach public audiences in 2009.

Interview with Filmmaker Sebastian Corbascio

2008-10-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Film Synergy: Why are you pursuing the film business?

Sebastian Corbascio: I got "touched" in 1989 after seeing "sex, lies, and videotape", "Drugstore Cowboy", and "Do The Right Thing" and have never looked back. These films spoke to me about life outside my front door, as opposed to life in outer space.

Film Synergy: Who are your influences?

Sebastian Corbascio: The usual suspects: Scorsese, Kurosawa, Kubrick, Hitch, Woody Allen.

Film Synergy: There's always the chance, on any project you work on, that the end product might not live up to your expectations. Is the quality of the work experience more important to you than the finished product?

Sebastian Corbascio: That is a very difficult question to answer. Jody Foster once said something along the lines of that if the shoot is bad, the film generally won't be any good. The general mileu on the set always ends up onscreen, so it's hard for me to separate the two. I've never been on a bad shoot which turned out a masterpiece after cutting, and vice versa.

Film Synergy: Tell us about your latest project, "Sarah Luger" What genre is it? What audience are you going after? What is it about? How far along is it? Where can we expect to see it?

Sebastian Corbascio: "Sarah Luger"is a murder mystery; I am basically going after women in their late teens early twenties and without, in someone's words "talking down to them." I am only six million dollars or so away from getting it off the ground.

Film Synergy: A little more on "Sarah Luger" What was the shooting schedule like? What was the budget, what did you shoot on, how large was your crew?

Sebastian Corbascio: The shooting schedule was brutal for me, since the cast were mainly teens, and myself, the camera man, and the sound person were the only people who had experience making films. The other folks were enthusiastic beginners; they were often heroic, but needed flexibility. We had about $3000, a majority of which went to pay the camera person; money well spent I might add. Our crew was about seven people. For what we got, you would never believe it.

Film Synergy: What has been your biggest challenge thus far, whether it be related to "Sarah Luger" or in the overall pursuit of your entertainment career?

Sebastian Corbascio: The biggest challenge has been finding people to work with; there is so much unprofessionalism in this business, at every level. Some of the fourteen year olds in Sarah Luger were ten times as professional as some of the people I have had to work with in the past. So the old adage of working with animals or kids in my experience is half true, I've never worked with animals, but I'm sure my neighbors dog is ten times the artisan/producer than some folks.

Film Synergy: What advice would you give a young filmmaker starting his career?

Sebastian Corbascio: John Mortisugu was once asked this same question and his answer was something along the lines of "Nothing. They are going to do it or not; nothing I say will change that." I think that is pretty profound.

Paul J. Alessi releases "Knuckle Draggers" Trailer

2008-10-14T01:24:00.000-07:00

This one is looking like an independent film that can make some noise.

$541 Feature Film?

2008-10-14T00:46:00.000-07:00

Think it can be done?

Here is the trailer for "Death of Michael Smith"

Filmmaker David Branin to start production of sexy new film

2008-06-13T13:37:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Filmmaker David Branin to start production of sexy new film
NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING
Introduces Pre-Order DVD Initiative

Hollywood, CA (June 12th , 2008)—Everyone—male or female—has either experienced first-hand or heard a crazy bachelor party story. For men, it is one of the marks of being a man. And just as a woman grows up with that fantasy of exactly how their wedding will look, down to the most intimate of details, men do the same with their bachelor party. That is the backdrop for filmmaker David Branin’s upcoming feature film NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING. The film is scheduled to begin shooting this summer.

The idea for NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING was hatched when Branin was approached by a friend to shoot an HD short in one location in one day. With his mind turning, and also wanting to work with several actor friends, Branin put the pieces together and pitched a bachelor party story. But because of the size and scale of the idea it wasn’t feasible to shoot it in one day. Believing he had something special, Branin pressed on, and in three weeks manifested a first draft not for a short film, but a feature film.

The film while comedic by nature, ultimately deals with the serious, life-changing moral dilemmas even the most straight-laced of us must face during this night. Both the comedy and the drama of the film hit home with equal truth and weight. The movie will be one men can watch with a knowing eye and women can have a truthful, firsthand account of what really takes place at a bachelor party.

NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING will be distributed on the 2009 Film Festival Circuit, theatrically in Los Angeles, and on DVD. Audiences have the chance to get their name in the film’s credits through a pre-order initiative through the film’s website. A donation of $15 allows them to Pre-Order the DVD and simultaneously enhance the film’s budget. In return, their name will appear on the film’s credits and on the official website.
For all the details and for further updates please visit www.nightbeforethewedding.com
For interview opportunities contact the press department.

Press Contact:
Isandra Gonzalez
22 Entertainment
818-668-4718
isag22@gmail.com

###

HollyShorts Film Festival '07 - Behind the Shorts hosted by Damon Campbell

2008-05-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

We just received this video from the folks over at HollyShorts. It was filmed and edited by Daniel Mercaldi and is hosted by Damon Campbell. This video provides a wonderful inside look to what it was like to be a part of last year's festival. It includes appearances from Festival Directors Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont, Actor Adrian Grenier, Writer Elliott Owen, Director Julian West, Actor Joe Lemieux, Actress Karen Worden, Director Justin Liberman, Host Viviana Vigil, Producer/Actor Chris Rice, Director David Branin, Director Alex Ferrari, Director Chris Wilson, and Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie.

DEATH ANGEL’S “DETHRONED” VIDEO TO PREMIERE ON HEADBANGERS BALL

2008-04-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

DEATH ANGEL’s video for "Dethroned," a track off their latest album, Killing Season, will debut online on Thursday, April 17th on Headbangers Blog and on-air on

MTV2's Headbangers Ball this Saturday, April 19th at 11 p.m. EASTERN / 8 p.m. PACIFIC.

Director Robert Sexton had this to say about his ties to DEATH ANGEL:

“I’m excited about this video and I think D.A. fans are going to go nuts for it. It’s a great song and there are a lot of layers to the story and to the visuals. There’s something new to see every time you watch it, and DEATH ANGEL’s performance decimates. My band Genocide opened for DEATH ANGEL at an all-ages show in a Masonic Hall in Grand Haven, Michigan in the late ‘80s. Years later, I ran into Mark Osegueda at an absinthe party at Kirk Hammett’s house in San Francisco. Mark informed me that DEATH ANGEL were doing their new album, and I asked to be put in the mix to direct the video. Keep your eyes open for the ‘unclean’ edit that’s bound to surface somewhere… and keep watching the skies.”

DEATH ANGEL will launch a North American co-headlining “In Thrash We Trust” tour with God Forbid on May 1st in Michigan with support coming from Soilent Green and Light This City. The band’s first tour since 1990, guitarist Rob Cavestany says, “We couldn’t be more stoked! ‘In Thrash We Trust’ will be our first full-blown tour since we hit the road for Act III eighteen years ago and we are gonna bring it! ‘Killing Season’ has begun!!!”

To view tour dates, visit: www.myspace.com/DEATHANGEL

Headbanger's Blog Death Angel Permalink:
http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/2008/04/17/video-premiere-death-angels-dethroned/

---------------

Here is a link to to the aforementioned, "Unclean" version of the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKZ6TOksrs4

I hope this finds you all well.

Cheers,
RS

"THE FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY" presented by Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner's TRULY INDIE program . . .

2008-04-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

. . . opens nationwide this Friday, April 18th.

Here's what people are saying . . .

"ENGROSSING."
- Sports Illustrated

"RICH AND FUNNY."
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"WONDERFUL."
- New York Post

"RIVETING."
- Washington Post

"ESSENTIAL."
- Time Out New York

"STERLING."
- Newsday

Click below to watch the trailer . . .
http://www.thefirstsaturdayinmay.com/view-the-trailer/

Click below to find a theater near you . . .
http://www.thefirstsaturdayinmay.com/2008/03/11/opening-in-a-city-near-you/

Best,
The Hennegan Brothers
http://www.thefirstsaturdayinmay.com

EAST SILVER 2008 – CALL FOR ENTRIES

2008-04-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

New edition of East Silver – unique documentary market for Eastern and Central Europe is now open for submissions. Deadline is July 30, 2008.

East Silver has become the biggest internationally recognized database of creative feature documentary and television documentary films from Central and East Europe.

This specialized market will take place during the 12 th IDFF Jihlava (October 24 – 29, 2008). For East Silver, this will be the digital year 02.

The deadline for East Silver 2008 submissions is 30 July 2008. The submission is free for all applicable films (produced 2007 – 2008, English subtitled, with trailer + photos). Further information, guidelines and entry form are available at http://www.eastsilver.net/

Anna Kaslová, East Silver Assistant

Email: info@eastsilver.net/ Tel+fax:+ 420 222 214 858

gsm:+420 777 211 077/ skype: eastsilver2006

Address for submitting films and other material:

East Silver, Školská 12, 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic

About East Silver

Each year, about 350 films from more than 29 countries submit to the project. East Silver is the only market which supports producers and distributors from Central and East Europe. Filmmakers submit their new documentary and experimental films from the beginning of February up to the end of June. The project is traditionally implemented within collaboration of IDFF Jihlava and Institute of Documentary Film. East Silver 2008 and the East European Forum will form the industry section of the 12th Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival from 24th to 29th October.

East Silver Catalogue

East Silver offers a printed catalogue distributed to over five hundred film professionals, and an on-line database, in which directors and producers can present their films. The video library creates space for them to meet important distributors, television and festival programmers and important buyers. These can, through East Silver, systematically get to know not easily accessible documentary production from Central and East Europe and acquire selected films for further distribution. The video library, which catered for over 300 European film professionals in 2007, serves as a unique meeting point for the dialogue between film professionals from East and West.

East Silver Caravan

An inseparable part of the project is the East Silver Caravan. During the year you can encounter it at the most prestigious documentary film festivals and markets in Europe, USA and Canada. Documentary showcase travels with the selection of the best creative documentaries from East and Central Europe towards a wide international audience – not only towards film fans, but particularly towards professionals. East Silver partner festivals and markets strongly believe that the special quality and energy of East European documentaries will enchant festival-goers and television audiences all over the world. The Caravan can deliver its load of approximately 30 films to places such as Berlin (Berlinale 7/2 – 17/2), Prague (World Content Market 25/2 – 27/2), Kiev (IFF Human Rights Documentary Days in Ukraine 28/3 – 4/4), Toronto (Hot Docs 17/4 – 27/4, Nyon (Visions du Reel 18/4 – 24/4), Linz (Crossing Europe 22/4 – 27/4), Krakow (Krakow FF 30/5 – 5/6), Budapest (Discop 18/6 – 20/6), La Rochelle (Sunny Side of the Doc 24/6 – 27/6), Karlovy Vary (KVIFF 4/7 – 12/7), Marseille (FID Marseille 4/7 – 9/7), Kosovo (DokuFest 6/8 – 12/8), Sarajevo IFF (15/8 – 23/8), Leipzig (DOK Leipzig 27/10 – 2/11), Sheffield (DocFest Sheffield 7/11 – 11/11), Copenhagen (CPH DOX 9/11-18/11) and Amsterdam (IDFA 20/11 – 30/11).

East Silver TV Focus

Another activity of East Silver towards TV buyers and commissioning editors is recommendation of Eastern European docs made to fit broadcasters´ slots.

TRIPLE E PRODUCTIONS’ FILM GRAND PRIZE WINNER IN WEINSTEIN COMPANY’S “DIARY OF THE DEAD” FILM CONTEST

2008-04-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

Syosset, NY, April 7th, 2008: Triple E Productions won the grand prize in The Weinstein Co.’s Diary of the Dead DVD contest. Their film entitled, The Final Day, will now be featured on the DVD release of legendary filmmaker George A. Romero's new film, Diary of the Dead.

The contest was put together by The Weinstein Company and Mr. Romero, who is responsible for the American classic, Night of the Living Dead. The top twenty films were selected through user votes on the social networking site, MySpace, and through a special selective process by members of The Weinstein Company. The top twenty films were then screened for Mr. Romero, who hand-picked five films – four winners and one grand prize winner. The five films will be featured on the Diary of the Dead DVD and the Grand Prize Winner, The Final Day, will have its own featured section on the DVD.

“We’re elated that The Weinstein Company and Mr. Romero picked our film to be the Grand Prize Winner from among the three hundred and ten other films. That type of validation is simply just a remarkable experience,” states company owner and Director of The Final Day, Paul Del Vecchio. “We just hope this experience opens up a few doors and allows us to keep making films because we have a lot of ideas that we feel would be both entertaining for the fans and profitable for the studios.”

For more information on the film, contact Paul Del Vecchio or visit www.triple-e-productions.net. The Final Day can be viewed online for free at the following web address: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=29312335.

Triple E Productions is a film and video production company located in Long Island, NY. They handle all aspects of film and video production from concept to screen.

HOLLYSHORTS 2008 TO OPEN WITH JOSH BROLIN’S ACCLAIMED SHORT FILM “X”

2008-03-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Josh Brolin-directed short film X will have its Hollywood premiere Aug. 7 as the opening film of the fourth annual HollyShorts Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Festival co-organizers and directors Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont are thrilled to include the film. “We are delighted to kick off this year’s HollyShorts with the Hollywood premiere of Josh Brolin’s short film X, in conjunction with the American Cinematheque,” Sol said in a statement. Hollyshorts is scheduled to run Aug. 7-10.

X follows an inmate who escapes from prison to reunite with his daughter and search for her murdered mother’s body in order to give her a proper burial. The film stars Brolin’s two daughters — Eden Brolin and stepdaughter Eleanor Lambert — alongside Vincent Riverside as the inmate, Jack.

Brolin, who won a 2008 Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the No Country for Old Men ensemble and was nominated as part of the American Gangster ensemble, said in a statement, “I’m honored that HollyShorts has chosen my directorial debut film, X, to open their fourth annual festival. I’m proud of the stark nature of this film, how it explores the parent-child relationship, and appreciate the support of those willing to embrace my journey into filmmaking. We’re excited to show the film and be a part of this event.”

HollyShorts’ opening night will also feature other acclaimed short films from around the world, to be announced in late June. The complete festival lineup will be unveiled in the first week of July. The festival also features networking forums, receptions, and entertainment-industry panels.

Sol said the festival is designed to help filmmakers at all stages of their careers and he’s excited to expand the festival to four days: “We look forward to presenting a great slate of high-quality short-form content and continue creating platforms for filmmakers to advance their careers to the next level.”

For more information about HollyShorts, visit http://www.hollyshorts.com/

Partners In Crime Films Announces the cast for the feature film "KNUCKLE DRAGGERS"

2008-02-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

Knuckle Draggers STATUS: Post Production (Los Angeles)

Written and Directed by: Alex Ranarivelo
Produced by Paul J. Alessi

Paul J. Alessi and Ross McCall film still from Knuckle Draggers

SYNOPSIS: "Knuckle Draggers" takes a realistic, but comic look at how the behaviors of men and women have evolved very little since the caveman times. When Ethan, the needy nice guy, is dumped by his fiancée, he asks his misogynist older brother Kyle to help him win her back. Kyle tries to teach Ethan how to act like "a real man" and to never put a woman on a pedestal. Repulsed by his brother's harsh views on how to treat women, Ethan ignores his advice and ventures out into the dating world, where he slowly realizes that everything Kyle says seems to be true.

STARRING
Ross McCall as Ethan
Paul J. Alessi as Kyle
Amie Barsky as Patricia
Danielle Nicolet as Renee
Justin Baldoni as Gavin
Jennifer Alden as Heather
Sarah Dlaine as Erica
Brandon Olive as Matteo
and
Omar Gooding as Russell

Justin Baldoni, Amie Barsky, Brian Guest and Michael Marchand film still from Knuckle Draggers

Official Website: http://www.knuckledraggersmovie.com/
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1091228

SideShow Cafe, an open mic/american idol mutation

2008-02-21T01:01:00.000-08:00

SideShow Cafe, an open mic/american idol mutation now shooting in it's second season! Our next show will be Saturday, February 23rd from 6 - 10pm at the Cafe International in San Francisco’s lower haight district.

Our theme for 2008 is the Patriot's Re-Act Campaign and and we need artists of all kinds - musicians, poets, comics, drag queens. dancers, jugglers, flamethrowers, contortionists, or ANYTHING really. WHATEVER you consider to be your art you have five minutes to show it off in front of our audience, judges cameras. Admission is free, so even if you're not a performer and you just want to support the cause come out and help us celebrate the end of the Bush era.

For those in the bay area - Sign up is from 3-5pm OR signup electronically via signupsheet@supershakeproductions.com

For all my friends, nationally and internationally, I wish you a prosperous new year. If you have a chance, please check out the sideshow clips....and remember to support your local and global artists.

Agent Double E

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Thanks!
Maria Daskalakis
http://www.supershakeproductions.com/

Update from Filmmaker Jamin Winans

2008-02-18T23:52:00.000-08:00

Our Double Edge Friends,

It has been a while since we have given you an update, so here is a quick one. We wrapped production on our second feature film, "Ink" last October and are currently in the middle of post-production. The film is looking great and we are very excited about its potential and can't wait to share it with you all. There is no premiere date set, but we will certainly keep you posted as we get closer to completion.

"Ink" has some very exciting stunt and fighting scenes, which wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated and excessively talented Hybrid Crew (also featured in Spin and Go Fast), our stunt and fight team. One member of the Hybrid Crew, Lorin, has gone on to be selected as a finalist in the Ninja Warrior competition sponsored by G4TV. Ninja Warrior is an extremely popular show in Japan and has come to the USA to showcase athletes with extraordinary abilities. Kind of like an X-Games for extreme gymnasts and parkour enthusiasts. If you have the time and you want to watch an incredible athlete at work, please visit: Ninja Warrior Finalists and give Lorin a top rating. We hope to see him advance to the televised competition and continue to build his resume for stunt work in films.

We are so thankful for our outstanding cast and crew and everyone who came together to make the production of the film possible. It is the most exciting project we have put together to date and rest assured you will be the first to see the "Ink" trailer when it is out!

Jamin and the Double Edge Crew
www.DoubleEdgeFilms.com

Fragments from Death Comes for Britney Spears! the musical

2008-02-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

Fragments from Death Comes for Britney Spears! the musical
(HD video, 8 minutes, 2008)

Fragments from DEATH COMES FOR BRITNEY SPEARS! the musical
http://news.aol.com/newsbloggers/2008/02/05/britney-and-the-grim-reaper/

(NEW YORK, NY) - Ben Greenman and Erika Yeomans team up to create a dark parody on Britney Spears and the Industry of Gossip. New Yorker Magazine editor and author Ben Greenman originally wrote the celebrity musical Fragments from Death Comes for Britney Spears! the musical for media gossip website Gawker.com. It sketched out her fragile personality, her need for attention, and the way in which the media conspires to drive her even further out of her mind. Later, after she got into more trouble, Mr. Greenman updated it for McSweeneys. In between the original and the update, the filmmaker and writer Erika Yeomans adapted the piece into a short film.

Additional Bios

Writer Ben Greenman is the author of several works of fiction, including Superbad, Superworse, and the forthcoming A Circle is a Balloon and Compass Both. He is an editor at New Yorker Magazine and also contributes to a number of publications, online and off, including Moistworks.com, The New-York Ghost, McSweeneys.net, Gawker.com, and others.

Directed / Adapted by Erika Yeomans a filmmaker and writer whose films and videos: Chubby Buddy, In Search of Bas Jan's Miraculous, The Forgery, Paging Dr. Freud; work can be seen at galleries, museums and festivals in the US and Europe. Her feature directorial debut POSE DOWN (s16, 90 mins, 2007) is currently touring film festivals. More info on her can be found at myspace.com/therestofyournaturallife or myspace.com/posedownthemovie.

Producer/Editor Christine Giorgio has worked with numerous artists and filmmakers as both an editor and producer. She worked with Teddy-award winning filmmaker Daniel Stedman as both editor and associate producer on his short film MOTHER (12min, 35mm, 2006). As a producer, Christine collaborated with documentary filmmaker Maria Yatskova on the filming of a live performance of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis. She also served as an additional editor on Yatskova's feature documentary MISS GULAG (62 min, 2007). In early 2007, Christine joined with artist and film director Erika Yeomans to found the Sag Harbor Lab, a fiscally sponsored endeavor for developing short film/video projects. Through the Lab, Christine produced THE BITTER END (16mm short film) and BOO (HD short), a film directed by Yeomans. Most recently, Christine produced the feature film written and directed by Marlene Rhein, THE BIG SHOT-CALLER (90min, HD, 2008).

APPLESAUCE MINK
NEW YORK, NY

James DuMont's-The Cellar Door Opens in Theaters in 1/23/08!

2008-01-25T17:12:00.000-08:00

Here is an update from Actor/Producer James DuMont.

Dear Friends, Family & All,

I am happy to announce that, The Cellar Door will have
a Theatrical Release in select cities. Here is our
Trailer:
http://www.cellardoormovie.com/trailer/index.html

After some 30 features I finally nailed my first lead
role and co-produced it to boot. Please, Please,
Please forward this e-mail to as many people in the
below cities as you can.

Wednesday January 23, 2008-Houston, TX
http://www.drafthouse.com/westoaks/shows.php?id=141

Friday February 8. 2008- 7 & 10 pm-San Antonio, TX-
http://www.drafthouse.com/westlakes/shows.php?id=153

Friday February 22, 2008-Madison, WI
http://www.marcustheatres.com/theater.cfm?theater_id=2206

Thursday February 28, 2008-Ft. Lauderdale, FL
http://www.fliff.com/cinemaparadiso/schedule.html

It has been named "One of the best new horror films of
2007" by Pretty Scary.net & Horror Movies.com & being
compared to Saw, Slither & Open Water. We won the
Audience Award and I & my co-star won for Best Actor &
Actress at Shriekfest in Los Angeles.

It’s definitely a horror film of some substantial
terror, so not for kids, but Rated R so perfect for
teens and fans of psychological thriller/horror.
Surprisingly it's some of the best work I have done on
film. The DVD will launch on March 4th.

Thank you for your support.

James DuMont
Actor-Producer
DuMont Entertainment Group LLC

2008 HollyShorts Film Festival Announces Call For Entries

2008-01-16T10:57:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2008

2008 HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ENTRIES

Official Deadline is May 16 For All Short Films

Hollywood, CA - Today, the 2008 HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) announces the call for entries for short films. Submission forms can be completed directly online by visiting http://www.hollyshorts.com/ or by submitting on Withoutabox directly at www.withoutabox.com/login/4655. The 4th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival will be held August 7-10 with screenings, events and parties in Hollywood, CA.

All submissions must be 30 minutes or less. Deadlines to submit U.S. and International short films for the 2008 HollyShorts Film Festival are:

February 15, 2008 - EARLY SUBMISSION DEADLINE
April 11, 2008 - OFFICIAL DEADLINE
May 16, 2008 - LATE DEADLINE

Completed U.S. and international short films may be submitted and must arrive in office by February 15 for early consideration and a reduced submission fee. Complete information and eligibility requirements are available on HollyShorts.com. All films submitted for competition are also considered for participation in non-competitive categories of Opening Night Premieres, HollyShorts International Suite and the HollyShorts official closing event.

The third annual HollyShorts Film Festival awarded over $26,000 in products and services prizes to filmmakers.HollyShorts Film Festival awards prizes for short films in the following areas: Overall Best Short Film, Best Student Short, Best Cinematography, Best Drama, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Narrative, Best Comedy, Best International, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Thriller, Best Music Video, Future Filmmaker and much more. All films are eligible for Audience Choice.

The submission link and complete information regarding eligibility and entry rules for the 2008 HollyShorts Film Festival are available on the HollyShorts Film Festival website at http://www.hollyshorts.com/. Information is also available through the HollyShorts hotline at 818-760-9897, by email to staff@hollyshorts.com. For sponsorship information, please email admin@hollyshorts.com with your query.

About HollyShorts Film Festival
The inaugural HollyShorts Film Festival took place at The Space Theatre in Hollywood August 2005 and featured 23 short films from the U.S., UK, Poland, Canada and Thailand. The 2nd annual HollyShorts Film Festival took place at Cinespace in Hollywood, CA and featured 53 of the best short films from around the world. 13 different countries were represented. The third annual HollyShorts Film Festival took place August 10-12, 2007, drawing over $26,000 in prizes awarded. The festival featured three screening venues. Best Short film honors went to "Songbird" Directed by John Thompson. Thompson was awarded a one week audio rental package courtesy of Action Audio and Visual, featuring sound and communications equipment rentals to utilize for his next film project. The festival featured Actor Adrian Grenier's short film "Euthanasia," a DJ performance from the legendary hip hop DJ Biz Markie and 57 short films in competition; three days of screenings, parties, insightful panels along with a slew of networking platforms for HollyShorts participants. The 2007 HollyShorts Film Festival included the following partners: Ourstage.com, h Magazine, Showbiz Software Stores, Action Audio and Visual, Si-Mi.com, Stash DVD Magazine, UCLA Extension Department of Entertainment Studies, Dreamhouse Ensemble, LA One Stop, LBN E lert, Indiepix, Breakyourself, Choice Hospitality, Film Radar, Shortend Magazine, Sand Jewelry by Therese and Vice Hollywood. For more information, visit http://www.hollyshorts.com/.

About HollyShorts
HollyShorts is an organization devoted to showcasing the best and brightest short films from around the globe, advancing the careers of filmmakers through screenings, networking events, and various panel and forums. The HollyShorts Film festival showcases the top short films produced 30- minutes or less. For more information, please visit http://www.hollyshorts.com/. Filmmaker news available at http://www.hollyshortsfilmfestival.blogspot.com/.

For More Information, contact:
Erica Sardarian
HollyShorts Film Festival
e. staff@hollyshorts.com
p. 818-760-9897

Audition – Best Super Bowl Dance

2008-01-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

Post your video response to this Audition. Maybe they will contact you.

See what the girls have been filming lately

2008-01-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Times

See what the girls have been filming lately

The American Cinematheque's Focus on Female Directors

aims for a celebratory dynamic.

By Susan King

January 10, 2008

THE American Cinematheque's third annual Focus on

Female Directors tonight is more than just a screening

of shorts. It's a chance to empower women, especially

young women, to make movies.

"From the get-go, our idea was to create an event that

wasn't just a screening," says Andrea Richards, author

of "Girl Director," who organized the evening with Kim

Adelman (author of "The Ultimate Guide to Chick

Flicks") and the Cinematheque's Andrew Crane. "We

wanted to have some sort of celebratory dynamic -- to

get people in who had never made a film before and

say, 'Here is the process; it's not rocket science.' "

"So much of our perspective is overlooked in the media

and commercial films," says Mariam Jobrani, whose "The

Fighting Cholitas" -- an award-winning 2006 short

about female wrestlers in Bolivia -- will be shown. "I

think it's about time we got out there and just told

our own stories and put out the way we feel."

Richards, Adelman and Crane have balanced the evening,

alternating shorts by well-known filmmakers and

newcomers. "We are looking for name filmmakers that

people are excited to see their films, even if they

don't want to support female filmmakers," says

Adelman. " The first year we had a Sofia Coppola short,

and this year we have a Mira Nair short ["Migration"].

"The program also features Jennifer Aniston and Andrea

Buchanan's "Room 10," based on a true story made for

Glamour magazine's Reel Moments short film series;

Sophie Barthes' "Happiness," about a lonely woman

working in a condom factory who buys a box of

happiness; "Little Miss Sunshine" directors Valerie
Faris and Jonathan Dayton's 2001 music video "Sexual

Revolution"; Hilary Goldberg's twist on film noir, "In

the Spotlight"; Michelle Hung's exploration of

sisterhood, "Chinese Dumplings"; and Sarah Wickliffe's

animated "Art's Desire," which won a 2007 Student

Academy Award and is about a character in a painting

who decides to redraw his environment.

"The inspiration for this was wanting to do something

about a character having the power to change," says

Wickliffe. "You don't like what your surroundings are,

so go out and change it and make a new one foryourself."

Rounding out the evening is 1913's "How Men Propose,"

directed by Lois Weber, who was a head of production

at Universal nearly a century ago. "We were so excited

about the Lois Weber short [because] it makes a kind

of historical link in terms of community," says

Richards.

"And that it didn't all start with Sofia Coppola,"

echoes Adelman.

FOCUS ON FEMALE DIRECTORS

WHERE: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.,Hollywood

WHEN: 7:30 tonight

PRICE: $7 to $10

INFO: (323) 466-3456,

http://www.egyptiantheatre.com/

The Business of Being Born

2007-12-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

Film Screening followed by a panel discussion.The Business of Being BornSunday, January 06, 2008 $10-$20 sliding scale - 7pmAt La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley 510-849-2568For more information please contact: Eva Goodfriend-Reano 510-225-5615or LaPeña's Fernando @ 510-849-2568 x 15 or <fena@lapena.org>

Birth: it's a miracle. A rite of passage. A natural part of life. But more than anything, birth is a business. Compelled to find answers after a disappointing birth experience with her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to examine and question the way American women have babies.

The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal. Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency? The Buisness of Being Born makes a compelling argument for more humanistic approaches to birth, challenging ideals of our technocratic society which places absolute faith in machines and technology.

Director's Statement

When my friend Ricki Lake approached me about making this film, I admitted to her that I was afraid to even witness a woman giving birth, let alone film one. I had never pronounced the word "midwifery" and I thought Ricki insane, as she planned the birth of her second child, for passing up an epidural in a hospital delivery.

But as I did the research, I discovered that the business of being born is another infuriating way medical traditions and institutions - hospitals and insurance companies - actually discourage choice and even infringe on parents' intimate rites, ultimately obstructing the powerful natural connection between mother and newborn child.

As I began to shoot the film, I saw that nowhere does the tension between technology and nature play out more dramatically than birth. The film became an unexpectedly personal journey when I hesitantly turned the camera on my own pregnancy and became my own subject. Initially making choices based on faith and intuition, I had to contend firsthand with all the issues and politics I had been exploring from a comfortable distance, until my choices were put to the ultimate test. The birth of my child and this film will remain forever intertwined, and both continue to surprise and thrill me every day. Abby Epstein, April 2007

http://www.lapena.org/

http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/

Bikini Bloodbath - Campy Splatterfest Ignites Onto DVD

2007-12-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

PLAINVILLE, CT – 11 December 2007 - Bikini Bloodbath, a campy splatter-fest, in the vein of Scream and Scary Movie that pays homage to 80’s horror movies is available on DVD December 11th 2007. The film was written and directed by Jon Gorman and Thomas Edward Seymour.

“It’s Superbad meets Fiday the 13th,” comments Sheri Lynn, the movie’s producer and Middletown resident. “It provides a debut for a lot of young female actors in very funny roles,” says Sheri, “It’s one of the few films being released with a predominately female cast that’s not labeled a ‘chick flick’.”

Leah Ford makes her on screen debut as Jenny the movie’s heroine. The film also debuts, Anna-Karin Eskilsson, Katie Gil, Natasha Nielsen, Olja Hrustic, Dana Fay Ensalata, and Maggie Champagne. The film stars Debbie Rochon, Leah Ford and Russ Russo. Rochon is cult legend having starred in over 150 films. She is also the co-host of Fangoria Radio on Sirius Satellite along with Dee Snider. Russ Russo is known for his work in the locally filmed movies A New Wave (John Krasinski, Lacey Chabert; ThinkFilm 2007), and Land of College Prophets (York 2005). Bikini Bloodbath was filmed all around Connecticut including in: Southington, New Britain, and Plainville.

Bikini Bloodbath is the story of Jenny who on her last day of high school decides to have a slumber party to celebrate her friends going away to college. Across town, a maniacal chef goes on a killing spree. Their gym coach (Debbie Rochon) attempts to the rescue of the bikini clad group, but when Chef Death (Robert Cosgrove) shows up at the party, hilarity ensues and the blood bath begins.

“The soundtrack is also something I’m proud of,” says Seymour. “It’s a compilation of local musicians, many from local label Sling Slang Records. Other songs were written for the movie and recorded at Aliehn Studio’s of Bristol, CT. We think that indy film is the perfect medium for indy music.”

Bikini Bloodbath was an attempt to create a film that was purely entertaining and fun. Inspired by the films of Mel Brooks, Roger Corman, and Loyd Kauffman, “It’s an absurd comedy,” says Gorman, “if you’re looking for meaning, look elsewhere.” Bikini Bloodbath is available through online retailers and can be downloaded via most major online streaming sites. It is available wholesale through MVD, VPD, Ingram, B&T and will be available at finer retailers. A trailer is available to view at http://www.bikinibloodbath.com/

About Blood Bath Pictures

Blood Bath Pictures is an independent production company specializing in teen horror features. BBP is comprised of a group of prolific and creative filmmakers: Thomas Edward Seymour, Jonathan Gorman, Sheri Lynn & Bruce Seymour. BBP producers have won dozens of awards for their features and shorts. Blood Bath Pictures is located in New Britain Connecticut and was founded in 2005.

View the New Trailer:

There's also a new trialer at http://www.bloodbathpictures.com/ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pskWI5sd_1Y

Store Links:

Another Bookstore.com

http://www.anotherbookstore.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=229

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Bikini-Bloodbath-Debbie-Rochon/dp/B000WS4S9O/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1197389354&sr=8-1

Additional Press Info:

There's updated press info at http://www.bloodbathpictures.com/press

For More Information Contact:

Bruce Seymour

bruce@brightlyentertainment.com

Brightly Entertainment18 Grant Avenue Plainville, CT 06062

860.628.1787 phone 860.223.7558 fax

Electronic Copy & Hi-Res Pictures Available At:

www.bloodbathpictures.com/press

Message from Performing Songwriter Jordan Allen

2007-12-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody. Wanted to let you know I would be honored if you would go to the website and download some songs for free. Then, share them with friends and net buddies. And let me know if there is anything else you would like to see on the site...

Warm regards, Jordan Allen
http://www.jordanallenmusic.com/

Message from Dream Regime Productions

2007-12-10T21:04:00.001-08:00

You can now purchase our award winning short film, "Shoot-Out" easily and securely via PayPal, Google Checkout, or your Credit Card. Thanks to our new trusted partner, Cruxy.com

In our most recent review, Film Maniac Tony DeFrancisco had this to say,

"Shoot-Out" is just over at fifteen minutes, but that's just enough time to get the movie going. It moves at a steady pace and packs punches that your grand-mom can't even dodge. Even after "Shoot-Out" is over, you have to keep watching it. The directing angles are so fantastic that I thought I was watching a Spike Lee movie. David Branin, writer and director, creates a short-film that can be described as an amazing accomplishment to the Independent Cinema."

After you download to own, "Shoot-Out" please let us know what you think. Would love to have your thoughts. Here is the direct link.

Purchase "Shoot-Out" easily and securely through Cruxy.com

What we love about Cruxy.com is how seamless they make the process not only for us the filmmakers, but for you the consumer. Using Paypal, Google Checkout, or your Credit Card is quick, easy, and most importantly secure. After your purchase, you download the file and "Shoot-Out" is yours to watch over and over again. It's really that easy.

Project Direct- Beneath the Surface

2007-11-28T18:35:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again

2007-11-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family -

This holiday season, Amie Barsky will again organize the Christmas Party for the Maryvale Orphan's. For the past two years Amie has successfully organized this charitable festivity.
This year the Orphanage has 88 young girls who have no home or loving parent to provide them gifts.

We are asking for sponsors for these unfortunate girls. Each girl lists 3 gifts they would like for Christmas and we hope that with your generosity we can again brighten some hearts this Christmas. To date ONLY 33 Girls have Sponsors that leaves 55 girls without a Sponsor and without any Christmas gifts.

Our goal is to have all 88 girls sponsored by the end of the week. If you or any of your friends, family members or associates would like to sponsor a Maryvale Orphan, please contact me immediately or visit the Maryvale Angels website for details http://maryvaleangels.com.

Anything you can do to help give these girls a Christmas would be greatly appreciated.
Their Christmas party is December 13th, that leaves us 17 days to search out 55 sponsors. We would like to have all gifts received by December 7th. If you would like to Sponsor a girl, but do not have time to purchase and ship your gifts by December 7th you can simply make a cash donation and myself or another organizer will buy the gifts.

Please contact Amie at donate@maryvaleangels.com as soon as possible!

I thank you all in advance for your generosity and immediate support. Happy Holiday to you and your family.

Paul J. Alessi
Producer/Actor
paul@pauljalessi.com
www.pauljalessi.com

[aditudeadvertising.com] ADitude Advertising - NEWSLETTER & Filmmakers Arsenal

2007-10-16T11:18:00.001-07:00

The International Film School, Europe

2007-10-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn how to produce and direct movies for Film, TV and the internet at The International Film School, Europe
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next 6-month intensive course starts on April 1st 2008, in Valencia, Spain.

If you enroll before February 1, 2008 you qualify for a Euro 1000 discount.

To enroll, email us with your details at enroll@film-and-television.com

Interviews will take place in March 2008.

Visit: http://www.film-and-television.com/ for more information.
The six month intensive programme offers the following courses:
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- Producing / Directing for Film, TV & the Internet
- Cinematography, Film & Digital
- Acting
- Screenwriting for Film, TV & creating content for the Internet
- Location Sound & Sound Design for Film, TV & the Internet
- Post-production Management
- Raising Funds for your project
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To successfully pass this course, students must either produce or direct a short-film
on film or in HD, or work as a crew-member on a final student film project.
All of our tutors are professional practitioners who have worked in the industry for decades
on major Feature Film, TV projects as well as Media Streaming on the Internet.
Student services also offer:
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Career services: industry placements
Housing services: access to low-cost housing
Immigration: support to obtain your visa
Festival submission: we help you submit your film to major film-festivals
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Sandeep Mohan's HDV Short Film "Bomber Briefs"

2007-09-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

A new short film from India finally breaks the taboo and asks the controversial question: "What role does a persons' sexual confidence play in the creation of a Suicide Bomber?"

"Bomber Briefs", a 38 minute HDV short film tells the story of such a Suicide Bomber who has serious complexes about his lovemaking prowess.

It is written and directed by Sandeep Mohan, a former Assistant to Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Despite its uncoventional take on Suicide Bombing, this 38 minute HDV short film has been praised by those who have seen it at select previews.

Shot guerilla style in and around the Arambol Beach in Goa, the short film has an interesting take on how to fight the war on terror.

All those who enjoy offbeat shorts will find something to take home, and get excited, after watching this phenomenally low budget, yet exciting short.

If this is what the makers of this film can do for Rs.48,000/-, wonder what they can do if they were backed with more money.

You are invited to visit the Bomber Briefs space at http://www.myspace.com/bomberbriefs
To know more about the writer-director, you can also visit http://www.myspace.com/sandeepmohan

On Camera Intensive

2007-09-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Our Intensive is just that-Intense. This is a practical Nuts & Bolts approach to Crafting your work for the Camera.

We liken Tim's Audition class to going to the gym, so consider On Camera like Personal Training. It is more One on One. You also have the opportunity to see Playback and get Feedback on your work, which allows you to be more competent and confident in your Auditions and working On Camera. Our focus begins with Script Interpretation & Character Analysis.

Tim will teach you how to introduce yourself to the script through his process of "Sherlock Holmesing" of the text. This includes Crafting of the First Moment, Relationships to Persons, Places, Things & Events, and Using Clichés & Social Dictates.

The Camera Already Knows, if you are not clear and specific in your work for the camera, this is what the intended audience sees, general unfocused work.

Classes are On Going Wednesday Evenings from 7 pm till 11 pm

60 Second Clip of Tim's On Camera Class

Tim Phillips Brief Bio: Mr. Phillips worked as an actor with Meryl Streep, Robert Duvall, and Klaus Maria Brandauer, and he ignited the careers of Wendy Malick, Nancy Travis, and Richard Schiff, to name a few. He was one of the acting teachers of famed five-time Oscar-winning coach Larry Moss. His 'Sherlock Holmesing' of the text was developed through his 24 years of coaching actors in NYC and grew out of Meisner technique but goes much further. Mr. Phillips has Coached over 25,000 Auditions Himself.He also currently works Privately with Actors, Screenwriters and Directors to "fine tune" their material & performances from early on in Development to Pre Production to On Set. No one can evoke a more Clear, Specific and Impactful performance from their actors than Tim Phillips.

Tim Phillips Studio
2124 S. Redondo Blvd.
LA, CA 90016
(310) 772-8262
e-mail: tphillipsstudio@yahoo.com
http://www.timphillipsstudio.com/

Now Casting Lead Actress for Upcoming Jordan Allen Music Video

2007-08-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

Dream Regime Productions/Def Films are now taking submissions for singer/songwriter Jordan Allen's Debut Music Video.

We are seeking an actress/model between 21-30 for the lead role.

Shooting days are Monday September 10th, and Tuesday September 11th. Must be available for both days.

We would like to work with someone who is committed, responsible, and professional. Don't worry, it's going to be fun as well. We just do not want any flakes.

Audition dates are September 4th and September 6th.

There is no pay up front. Compensation will be in the form of credit and copy along with meals for each day. You will also receive your fair share of exposure. Your name and face will be put out there. We will promote you being in this video.

We are true independent filmmakers making a true independent music video. We will need you to supply your own wardrobe and make-up.

Are you curious about us? You are welcome to look at some of our work.

To listen to Jordan Allen's music, please visit http://www.myspace.com/jordanallenebbs

Our cinematographer Vincent Martinez is a talented photographer as well. You can trust that you will look great in the video. You can view some of his work here http://www.freewebs.com/deffilms/photography.htm

You can learn more about Director David Branin's films here, http://www.myspace.com/dreamregimeproductions

Submission E-mail

If you are interested in working with us, please submit your photos and resume to jordanallenmusicvideo@gmail.com We wiill only notify those who are being called in to audition.

Thank you for your interest and we wish you the best as you move forward with your career.

Announcing the Making of Jordan Allen’s Debut Music Video

2007-08-17T09:58:00.001-07:00

Hollywood, CA August 17, 2007 - Simplicity Records announced at the HollyShorts Film Festival that an agreement is in place to have Dream Regime Productions and Def Films produce singer/songwriter Jordan Allen’s debut music video for “Extraordinary” off of his latest album, “Mistakes, Regrets, and Coffee”

Jordan Allen (http://www.jordanallenmusic.com/) hails from the deep south and brings with him a bit of that songwriting tradition. His new album, "MISTAKES, REGRETS AND COFFEE", combines his tried-and-true songwriting approach with an emotional, in-the-moment sound. His music springs from his own life experiences. A busted relationship, a friend in need, the hope of finding the perfect girl, the search for self. People can relate to his songs because the topics are timeless: Love, loss, inadequacy, pain, struggle, joy, hope...all of these things are universal.

“Extraordinary” will be directed and produced by rising independent filmmakers David Branin and Vincent Martinez. The same duo behind this year’s ‘surprise’ short film, “Honey, I’m Home” which won the HollyShorts Audience Choice Award in its premiere festival.

In making the announcement, writer/director David Branin said, “It’s an honor to be involved with this project in any capacity. Jordan is one of the most gifted and talented musicians that I know on a personal level. Hopefully this video will play a small part in helping Jordan showcase his music to an ever growing mass audience.”

Jordan Allen added “With David’s work, every movement has a meaning, every word a responsibility. Our collaboration on this music video is quintessential, for I too believe in such significance--that every single lyric and every single melody must hold some importance, no matter how slight or small they may seem. I look forward mightily to our conspiracy. This is gonna be downright substantial!"

In addition to Jordan Allen, the video will also feature his band mates, accomplished drummer Kenwood Anderson, and in-demand bassist Keith Eaddy.

About Jordan Allen (http://www.jordanallenmusic.com/) – Now based in Los Angeles, Jordan was born and raised in Georgia. He has recently been featured on ABC 7 special report, “Up and Coming Musicians in Hollywood” by news anchor Phillip Palmer. He has performed in front of crowds of thousands of people all the way down to intimate house concerts which have spanned North America. They include LA, GA, FL, NY, NJ, Vancouver BC, South Carolina, North Carolina, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Boston, The Berkshires, Minneapolis and Alabama. His music has received distribution through a multitude of internet sites in addition to internet radio.

About Def Films (http://www.freewebs.com/deffilms) - Def Films started as Definition Magazine back in 1996 and has since become Def Films. 2007 film releases include “Too Late for Tears” and “Harlem Sunset.” The production company helmed by Vincent Martinez has also produced promotional videos for Pepsi/Milk Chillers, Alley Cat, and E-21 BMX. This past year has also seen the expansion of Def Films still photography division adding eight models to its list of credits.

About Dream Regime Productions (http://www.dreamregimeproductions.com/) - A collaborative team of business minded professionals encompassing all forms of entertainment. The film division has produced the internet sensations, “Religious Freaks Gone Wild” and “Bodywash Spoof” which have been added to countless online sites worldwide and have been viewed by millions. Recent film title “Shoot-Out” is an award winning short film which has appeared in over 20 international film festivals and has garnered a lot of critical acclaim.

Christopher Guckenberger's "Olivia Dawn" to screen tonight (FREE) at 6pm

2007-08-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Actor Christopher Guckenberger has a role in the indie film "Olivia Dawn" which will screen tonight at the New Beverly Cinema. The film is directed by Tom Beaver and stars Regan Talleh and Tom Beaver.

From the website:

FREE screening at the New Beverly Cinema on Aug. 16th at 6 p.m.! OLIVIA DAWN - It's an Indie film in every sense of the word. Anyone and everyone is invited to see it!

Here is the link - http://www.newbevcinema.com/index.cfm

Upcoming Premiere of Michael Knowles "One Night"

2007-08-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

One Night has gotten into its first film festival! The Port Townsend Film Festival, September 28th through the 30th, has accepted the film. Michael was there last year for Room 314, and he can attest that it's a great, well-run, filmmaker-friendly festival. If you happen to be in the Seattle area on those dates, come check it out and say hi -- Michael will definitely be there again!

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We've now got a date for the fundraiser we're doing for our documentary Nikki -- Tuesday, October 16th, which just so happens to be Rett Syndrome Awareness Day. More information will follow on ticket prices and purchasing information, but all proceeds will go toward Rett Syndrome research, so we encourage you to attend! Also, if you're interested in helping out in any way, please let us know!

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Last chance for the rooftop screening series!

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If you haven't made it to our roof for a screening, you've got one more chance -- this Monday, August 20th, at 8:30, we'll be screening Nikki under the stars. Please RSVP if you can come to see this incredible girl's story!

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Other One Night news: Aaron Staton, who played Leroy in One Night, is a series regular on the critically acclaimed series MAD MEN, on Thursdays at 10PM on AMC. The series was created by Matthew Weiner, one of the executive producers and writers of The Sopranos, and is some of the best TV you'll see around. Set your DVRs! You'll also be able tp catch Aaron in The Nanny Diaries (release date August 24th) and August Rush (release date November 21st).Be well, be merry, be peaceful.

Sincerely,

Michael Knowles & John Ramos

7A Productions

POSE DOWN WOLRD PREMIERE at LONDON'S PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL

2007-08-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

POSE DOWN (90 mins, super 16, 2007) premieres at London's Portobello Film Festival August 2007 and features emerging young talent including ADAM NEE (Filmmaker Magazine's "25 to Watch 2006", The Last Romantic), BRIAN SLATEN (The Tourist), CHRIS STACK (Rodger Dodger, The School ofRock), COSMO PFEIL (Descent), KRISTIN DISPALTRO (Transit, Margarita Happy Hour) and RICH SOMMER (Mad Men, The Devil Wears Prada).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (NEW YORK – NY) POSE DOWN is a dark comedy set in Southwest Florida revolving around three former high school classmates –THE BODYBUILDER, THE GOOD OL' BOY and THE HOMECOMING QUEEN - whose lives become entangled after the airing of a tabloid news program.

It's 1995; cellphones, email and i-chat have yet to change the channels of communication. A tall Southern tale involving a doppelganger, 'roidrage, remembrances of things past, murder and beauty pageants. POSE DOWN's twisted journey begins with a MacGuffin about a Killer Bodybuilder Brian Deck and slowly shifts into a story about his high school sweetheart, MARLENA GATE, who returns to her hometown to buryboth her estranged mother and her past. POSE DOWN – one element of a bodybuilding competition where all the competitors face off against one another simultaneously - becomes a metaphor for the characters living and working in a small Southwest Florida town, particularly for our main protagonist, Marlena, who must literally "pose down" her pastin order to look to a better future.

POSE DOWN continues along a similar thematic journey with writer/director ERIKA YEOMANS' other short films and videos (Paging Miraculous). Ms. Yeomans creates a world that is both familiar and foreign - constantly shifting between humor and pathos.

The soundtrack for POSE DOWN blends alt-rock indie artists of the 80'sand 90's (Maria McKee, Beggar Weeds and Charlie Pickett) with alt-rock indie artists of today (Earl Greyhound, Smog, Six Organs of Admittance and Corn Mo) to create a rocking tapestry of music that further underscores the film's thought-provoking imagery.

Over the years, Ms. Yeomans has created an extensive body of work in theater, mixed media and film. As the co-founder and artistic director of the performance company Doorika, she collaborated with various artists (Casey Spooner of Fischer Spooner, Jon Langford of The Mekons and award-winning experimental filmmaker Ken Kobland of the Wooster Group) to create multimedia and theater projects in Chicago and New York. Since 1999, Yeomans has focused primarily on filmmaking. Her videos and films have won grants and screened at film festivals and art institutions around the world, including: London's ICA, Lincoln Center's New York Video Festival at the Walter Reade Theater, Los Angeles' Disney Hall/REDCAT Theater, Berlin's Transmediale, Silver Lake Film Festival, Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum, Cinematek at the Danish Film Institute and New York's Anthology Film Archives. In January 2007, New York City's THE TANK programmed an evening of herfilms and her newest art video PAGING DR. FREUD (16_mins, 2007) ispart of the official selection of the 20th Annual Dallas VideoFestival 2007.

POSE DOWN was shot in 22 days on Super 16 mm in the spring of 2006.An ultra low budget production, POSE DOWN is Ms. Yeomans feature film directorial debut and was produced by AARON S. LEVINE.

The production garnered tremendous business and community support from the city of Fort Myers, Florida and its residents. The production had the full office, the Lee County School District and the Lee County Sheriff's Department, who even allowed the production to cast real deputies asthe police officers in the film. The project was awarded a pre-production grant from New York State Council on the Arts.

POSEDOWN was photographed by award-winning cinematographer BENJAMIN KASULKE (Walking to Werner, Guy Maddin's Brand Upon the Brain, 2006 Slamdance Kodak Vision Award Winner) and edited by SANDRA MONTIEL (MTV's Laguna Beach, The Martha Stewart Story, Punch Drunk Love).

For the latest information on POSE DOWN, please visit

Official Site: http://www.fortherestofyournaturallifeproductions.com/main.html

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/posedownthemovie

Swoon Magazine Issue Release Party

2007-07-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday
July 22, 2007
111 Minna Gallery
111 Minna Street @ 2nd
SF. CA 94105 415-947-1719
111minnagallery.com <http://111minnagallery.com>

Swoon Magazine (NYC) issue release party
I HEART SF
Fashion Show (7pm) and Reception (6-9pm)
Alisha Trimble presents a collaboration with SF artists;
+ Flower Frankenstein & Bikini Kat (bikinikat.com <http://bikinikat.com> )
+ Rebecca Miller
+ Meryl Theo Press

FREE, 21+, RSVP - rsvp@alishatrimble.com

David Branin's "Honey, I'm Home" to Premiere at HollyShorts Film Festival

2007-07-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

We are tremendously excited to report that "Honey I'm Home," our brand new short film was accepted into this year's HollyShorts Film Festival. It was the first festival we submitted it to, and it becomes our first Official Selection.

Honey I'm Home is written and directed by David Branin while being shot and edited by Vincent Martinez. It stars Jacob Magnuson and Karen Worden. "Shoot-Out" composer Rudy Mangual reunites with Branin to complete the original musical score.

This film tackles the topic of being unfaithful and having to confess the truth to one's companion. Never before has infidelity been explored in the way that Branin does in this five minute masterpiece.

Honey I'm Home will make it's World Premiere at the HollyShorts Film Festival on Sunday August 12 between 4:20 and 5:20 at the CineSpace Digital Superclub located on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

More about the festival:

The opening night Hollywood premiere of Adrian Grenier's ("Entourage") acclaimed short film "Euthanasia" will take place at Nacional in Hollywood on Friday, August 10.

The film festival and panels take place at Cinespace Digital Superclub August 11-12.

"We are thrilled to be back in Hollywood to showcase 60 of the best and brightest short films from around the globe," said Daniel Sol, HollyShorts Film Festival Director. "This year's festival will feature an action packed schedule of short film screenings, industry panels, networking events and receptions; it's an honor to bring the industry and the next generation of great filmmakers together for three days."

HollyShorts received over 500 submission for this years festival. Along with a strong domestic presence, the 3rd annual HollyShorts Film Festival will feature a slew of shorts from the international community, with films from Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Romania, Spain and Singapore.

13 selections are in competition for the Best Student Short Film category. HollyShorts has chosen student projects from: The School of Visual Arts in New York, Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, AFI, NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Ohio University School of Film, BYU, Columbia University, Temple University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, University of Miami, and USC.

For more on the festival you can visit http://www.hollyshorts.com/

No Budget Film School - Next Class!

2007-07-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Filmmakers,

My two-day no-budget filmmaking class, "The Art & Science Of No-Budget Filmmaking," is back in Los Angeles, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 25th and 26th at Raleigh Studios' Chaplin Theater. I'm excited to announce that I was able to team up with Axium Entertainment again and will be giving free copies of their Scheduling and Budgeting software to all paid attendees.This class represents an incredible value. If you're a prepaid member of a qualifying film organization, you'll get the two all-day classes, two free lunches, and both Axium® Scheduling™ and Axium® Budgeting™ software packages (together worth $400), all for only $225! If you can only make it to one of the days, you will be able to register for one day only and still receive one of the software packages of your choice, absolutely free.

Guest speakers include Craig Zobel, director of "Great World Of Sound," which premiered at this year's Sundance and was picked up by Magnolia Pictures and will be released theatrically in September; Ti West, director of two successful no-budget horror films, ("The Roost" - picked up by Showtime and "Trigger Man," which just premiered at the 2007 LAFF) and the upcoming sequel to "Cabin Fever"; Matt Radecki, co-director of "TV Junkie" (which premiered at the 2006 Sundance) and co-founder of Different By Design (a production and post-production house serving independent filmmakers); Daniel Casey, director of the $540 feature "The Death Of Michael Smith," an award-winner at this year's Slamdance; and Peter Broderick, President of Paradigm and one of the most sought-after consultants in the area of alternative distribution strategy.

Immerse yourself in two days of no-budget filmmaking instruction and ambience, learn cutting-edge techniques from experienced professionals, network with other no-budget filmmakers, and walk away with free, powerful tools to help you effectively plan and execute your next production. If you're through talking about being a filmmaker and ready to become one, this will be the most practical filmmaking class you will ever take.

THE ART & SCIENCE OF NO BUDGET FILMMAKING

A Two-Day No-Budget Filmmaking Immersion

August 25 & 26, 2007

Raleigh Studios - Chaplin Theater

DAY ONE - Saturday, August 25th:Course 101: "The Art of No-Budget Filmmaking"

DAY TWO - Sunday, August 26thCourse 201: "The Science of No Budget Filmmaking"

For more information and to register, please visit the website:

http://www.nobudgetfilmschool.com/

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Best,

Mark Stolaroff

Quotes from Filmmaker Michael Bay

2007-07-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

"The press don't like to say nice things because nice is boring. It's much better to label me the devil. What we do is not brain surgery. We are entertainers, plain and simple, and we're responsible to bring that money back, to make a profit."

"We don't make movies for critics. I've done four movies; there's millions upon millions upon millions of people who've paid to see them. Somebody likes them. My greatest joy is to sit anonymously in a dark theater and watch it with an audience, a paying audience."

"What I look for in a script is something that challenges me, something that breaks new ground, something that allows me to flex my director muscle. You have got to think fast in this business, you've got to keep reinventing yourself to stay on top."

HOLLYSHORTS 2007 ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL LINE-UP

2007-07-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

Short Film Fest Takes place August 10-12 in Hollywood, CA
13 Films in Competition for Best Student Short Film Award

July 2, 2007 Hollywood, CA—The organizers of HollyShorts announced today the official selections for the 3rd annual HollyShorts Film Festival (http://www.hollyshorts.com/), which takes place August 10-12, 2007. The opening night Hollywood premiere of Adrian Grenier’s (“Entourage”) acclaimed short film “Euthanasia” will take place at Nacional in Hollywood on Friday, August 10. The film festival and panels take place at Cinespace Digital Superclub August 11-12.

“We are thrilled to be back in Hollywood to showcase 60 of the best and brightest short films from around the globe,” said Daniel Sol, HollyShorts Film Festival Director. “This year’s festival will feature an action packed schedule of short film screenings, industry panels, networking events and receptions; it’s an honor to bring the industry and the next generation of great filmmakers together for three days.”

HollyShorts received over 500 submission for this years festival. Along with a strong domestic presence, the 3rd annual HollyShorts Film Festival will feature a slew of shorts from the international community, with films from Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Romania, Spain and Singapore.

13 selections are in competition for the Best Student Short Film category. HollyShorts has chosen student projects from: The School of Visual Arts in New York, Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, AFI, NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Ohio University School of Film, BYU, Columbia University, Temple University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

Two additional short films will be added to the lineup from the Ourstage.com monthly film contest and three additional short films will receive automatic entries from the Si-mi.com HollyShorts Online festival which is currently in progress. Advanced tickets are available now and can be purchased by visiting: www.acteva.com/go/hollyshorts.

Below is the official slate of short films for the 2007 HollyShorts Film Festival:

The 1,000 Sides of the Moon
Directed by Varda Hardy
USA│2:20│Drama
This poetic evocation calls us to see the depth of reality in our everyday world.

3 Pes Acima da Terra (3 Feet Above the Ground)
Directed by Andre Doria
Brazil│6:35 │Thriller
A Sexually disturbed behavior of a married woman is captured by a camera 3 feet above the ground.

5:55
Directed by Illegal Artists
Mexico│8:32 │Drama
Jorge and Javier Aguilera, are brothers from Mexico City, who have been
co-directing films and television commercials for the past eight years. They are the founders of the directing collective Illegal Artists. 5:55, is the second of two short films they have directed together. Last year, the brothers completed a ten-minute film called “Round 5” which was a festival favorite and the opening short film for the 2nd annual HollyShorts Film Festival. Their first feature film together is a live action adaptation of the Japanese Anime “Kite”, which is set to go into production in Fall 2007.

69 Cents
Directed by Michael Fitzgerald
USA│5:00 │Student: Comedy
When two men having bad days collide in a liquor store, comedy ensues.

A.W.O.L.
Directed by Jack Swanstrom
USA│22:00 │Drama
A twist of fate can be torture.

Alex Scott: A Stand For Hope
Directed by Larry Mendte
USA│23:40 │Documentary
Thousands of children may live cancer free one day because Alex Scott lived. A little girl with a dream and a lemonade stand can do amazing things.

Anonymous
Directed by Cristian Pozo
Spain│20:00│Drama
An underground love story.

Aquarium
Directed by Rob Meyer
USA│17:00│Student: Comedy
For a kid growing up in the suburbs, the truth can lie at the bottom of a fish tank.

Blackbird
Directed by Kirsten Strom
USA│16:16│Student: Drama
On a stormy afternoon, Avis dreams of becoming a blackbird.

Cyn
Directed by Alex Ferrari
USA│5:00│Thriller
Cyn is a trimmed down version of a longer script writer/director Alex Ferrari created for his upcoming feature film project called “Red Princess Blues.”

Dandelion
Directed by Jackie Liao
USA│5:20│Student-Animation
For a kid growing up in the suburbs, the truth can lie at the bottom of a fish tank.
Life is just like dandelions. When the wind comes, they leave, but they won't disappear. They are just going to a new place to start a new life...

Dartsville
Directed by Tony West
USA│22:40│Comedy
When a young dart prodigy upstages his daddy days before the big tourney, a conflict is born the likes of which Dartsville ain't ever seen.

Der Ostwind
Directed by Kohl Glass
USA│10:40│Student: Drama
In search of a worthy opponent, a German WWI ace accepts the challenge of a mysterious and seemingly invincible American pilot—only to discover the true price of honor.

Downwinders: The People of Parowan
Directed by Jake White
USA│25:30│Documentary
An intimate look at the effects of nuclear weapons testing. The resulting damage and deaths have become a legacy for many southern Utah towns - including Parowan. The strength and will of the people to restore their community is an inspiring testament of the human spirit.

Euthanasia (Official Opening Film)
Directed by Adrian Grenier
USA│17:00│Dark Comedy
A coming of age dark comedy, which tells the story of Sam and Becky, an unfortunate accident forces them to grow too quickly and make some hard decisions about life and death.

The Drill
Directed by Joel Davenport
USA│14:59│Student: Drama
During a 1950's citywide nuclear drill, three gradeschool boys learn to come to terms with the era in which they live.

The Fifth
Directed by Ryan Levin
USA│14:00│Comedy
Four friends struggle to find a fifth player for their weekly poker game.

The Frank Anderson
Directed by Dave Perkal
USA│12:53│Comedy
Frank Anderson (Richard Riehle) has man-boobs. Insurance agent John Simon (Stephen Root) denies Frank’s reduction while approving Bobbie Lynn (Elena Lyons), enlargements. Dr. Brice (Jane Lynch), explains to John why he should approve the procedure, while strongly admiring his man-boobs. Frank and Bobbie hook up, pushing John to consult with Dr. Seales (Romy Rosemont) into getting a set.

Fission
Directed by Kun-I Chang
USA│5:00│Student: Animation
A film which utilizes captivating motion graphic images to tell a sparse yet lush story about a man who sees himself as wall graffiti.

Fortune Hunter
Directed by Thom Harp
USA│20:00│Comedy
When Arthur, a writer at a fortune cookie factory, accidentally sends a love letter to his ex-girlfriend into the printing press, suddenly every cookie at every restaurant reveals a piece of his broken heart.

Freaks of Laughter
Directed by Jim Grollman
USA│23:00│Documentary
Life can be serious business in some of the tougher sections surrounding LosAngeles. Some turn to drugs, others to crime and still others turn to Stand-Up Comedy. FREAKS OF LAUGHTER tells their story and the students who turned their life around. Cerritos Community College is the only Community College in California to offer an accredited class in Stand-up Comedy.

Girl Stars: Anita the Beekeeper
Directed by Vikash Nowlakha
India│7:30│Documentary
Anita Kumari is a beekeeper in Bihar, India. When Anita was young, her parents did not want her to go to school, but Anita longed so much to go to school that she knew she had to find a way to pay for her education. Anita saw men in her village-keeping bees and decided to give it a try.

He Works in a Suit
Directed by Robert Davies
Australia│7:00│Thriller
Two strangers meet on the open road, both harbouring a different objective but unknowingly sharing the same destiny.

Honey I’m Home
Directed by David Branin
USA│5:34│ He cheated, she knows.

I Hate Musicals
Directed by Stewart Schill
USA│20:00│Comedy
A guy who hates musicals, is cursed to sing them.

Joseph Henry
Directed by Phil Allocco
USA│12:30│Drama
Thoughts are only as real as you think they are.

Kabul Girls Club
Directed by Johnson McKelvy
USA│25:16│Documentary
The brave young women of Kabul struggle to form Afghanistan's first women's soccer league.

The Killer
Directed by David Nelson
USA│8:31│Comedy
The Killer may have finally found a place to rest.

Last Day of December
Directed by Bogdan Apetri
Romania│15:00│Student: Drama
A man returns home to confront his past in this chilling tale.

Live Love Work Play
Directed by Thomas Atanazio
Brazil│5:00│Comedy
You have the power to change. Do what you believe and you will end up where you belong.

The Maxwell Multiple Climax
Directed by Brandon Maxwell
USA│29:36│Experimental
The Maxwell Multiple Climax is an epic instructional film with a mod retro-style that teaches men how to achieve multiple orgasms.

Morbid Curiosity
Directed by Cindy Baer
USA│5:30│Comedy
What would happen if your deepest, darkest thoughts came true, just by thinking them? In this dark comedy, a woman's videotaped confession reveals a lifelong struggle to control her deadly ability.

The Oates’ Valor
Directed by Timothy Cahill
USA│13:30│Drama
Fourth chair trombonist, Boyson Oates, bends to his father’s will and quits the marching band to join the high school ROTC squad. After a failed attempt to run away with his neighborhood girlfriend, Boyson rolls the dice at reconciliation with his father.

Once Upon a Christmas Village
Directed by Michael Attardi
USA│15:00│Comedy
timeless tale of love, a leap of faith and transformation, featuring various village characters that embody the archetypes of good and evil battling over what force will control their village and save the magic of Christmas.

The Red Balloon
Directed by Michael Olesen
USA│3:34│Student: Drama
A young boy enlists the help of a balloon seller to send birthday wishes to his Mom - in the only way he knows how. A simple story of loss and longing.

Red Balloon
Directed by Justin Liberman
USA│15:00│Drama
World Premiere of acclaimed director Justin Liberman’s latest project. Liberman studied under acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann for two years before making his award-winning directorial debut with “Y Nada Mas,” which opened the first annual HollyShorts Film Festival in 2005. “Y Nada Mas” was selected by Tribeca, swept Best Cinematography at the 2006 Malibu International Film Festival, and was an Official Selection to eight other international film festivals. Heavily influenced by such filmmakers as Francois Truffaut and Terrence Malick, Liberman’s sense of realism and portraiture was felt in his French New Wave cinema-influenced “Pretty Dead Flowers” which was featured at last year’s HollyShorts Film Festival.

Sam and Piccolo
Directed by Adam Walker
USA│14:53│Animation
Everything is perfect in the isolated world of two friends until one is overcome by blinding greed.

Sarah & Dee
Directed by Karen Dee Carpenter
USA│19:47│Drama
When you’re a kid they tell you that you can be anything you want. They lied.

Sexy Thing
Directed by Denie Pentecost
Australia│14:00│Student: Drama
On a dry suburban day, a 12 year old is caught between the conflicting worlds of fmaily, friendship and imagination. Struggling to endure a confusing love, and longing simply to be seen, the child survives by transforming pain into beauty.

Small Jeans
Directed by Julian West
USA│16:00│Dramedy
'Zoe discovers that before you can save the world, you probably have
to save yourself.'

Songbird
Directed by John Thompson
USA│6:00│Drama
A Gothic tale about a trapped housewife who breaks free from her overbearing husband with a very dull meat cleaver.

Stomping Grounds
Directed by Rob Schroeder
USA│22:00│Documentary
the story of a pioneering emcee, the Diabolical Biz Markie, and the places that made him…him. Spanning his childhood and early recording years, Biz takes us on a tour of his Stomping Grounds, showing us his favorite spots and revealing the many geographical influences and personalities that made this artist truly a one of a kind individual.

Stone Savior
Directed by James Martinchek
USA│2:00│Student Animation
Devotion Will Forever Overcome Destruction.

Tell-Tale
Directed by Jason Roberts
USA│12:55│Thriller
An adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic short story 'The Tell-Tale Heart'.

The Sandman
Directed by Rich Ragsdale
USA│5:05│Drama
This short is a re-telling of E.T.A. Hoffman's tale of 'The Sandman', and how the story inspired Sigmund Freud's theory of 'The Uncanny'. The film was created in the style of early German expressionist cinema.

The Shift
Directed by Chuck Parker
USA│21:00│Drama
Who does a 9-1-1 Operator call when he has a problem? Jimmy Callahan is having a bad night in the Police Communications Center, his ex-girlfriend is stalking him, his Supervisor is threatening to fire him and the phone won’t stop ringing. Jimmy feels like he is drowning, but finds comfort in the voice of one caller. The Trainee
Directed by Craig Rosenthal

Tomoko’s Kitchen
Directed by Shawna Baca
USA│17:15│Dramedy
When an apartment building's security doors malfunction, a group of disparate residents discover how oven-fresh cinnamon rolls can change destinies.

Twitch
Directed by Leah Meyerhoff
USA│10:00│Drama
A young girl fears her mother's disability is contagious. Slamdance Grand Jury Prize winner and Student Academy Awards finalist.

Two-Eleven
Directed by Velvet Andrews Smith
USA│18:50│Drama
There are thieves among us... and then there are expert thieves. A charismatic criminal is on his way to becoming the most prolific bank robber in history. But a brilliant detective is determined to catch him. It's only a matter of time before the two find themselves face to face - and they finally meet their match.

When I Grow Up
Directed by Michelle Meeker
USA│6:39│Animation
Juxtaposes the boundless ambition of youthful expectations with the unpredictable, and sometimes tragic realities we end up living. An international team of 12 artists each bring their unique visions to a series of interviews with children and elders.

When We Were Bengs
Directed by Alaric Tay
Singapore│12:00│Comedy
Two mischevious brothers. One very suave bad gangster. Somebody is going to get a good beating...

Who Makes Movies?
Directed by Christopher Luccy
USA│4:44│Student: Comedy
continuation of the MPAA's campaign against the illegal piracy of movies. In this installment, fluffer Randy Palmer discusses what piracy means to man with Hollywood in the palm of his hand.

Women Against Domestic Violence
Directed by Jennava Laska
USA│1:30 │Student: Educational
A PSA that shows the side of domestic violence that may not be seen to the naked eye.

Wilbur
Directed by Dago Rodriguez
USA│20:01│Student: Comedy
In an off-centered town north of London, In an orb about ten feet above ours, exists Wilbur. Baker extraordinare. Stutterer supreme. Unfortunately, for this thirty-something man, women are not flocking Love is his only escape… will he ever be free? In comes a little green package… in it, “the bean”…not just your ordinary bean, but a mail order bean that grows into something that promises to make Wilbur’s dreams come true…

Y Que Cumplas Muchos Mas
Directed by David Alcalde
Spain│13:00│Thriller
Horror in disguise of a social drama, a lot of blood and some birthday cake!

About HollyShorts
HollyShorts, Short Film Festival is an annual short film festival showcasing the best and brightest short films from around the globe. HollyShorts is devoted to the advancement filmmakers through screenings, Q&A sessions and networking events. The HollyShorts, Short Film festival showcases the top short films produced 30-minutes or less. For more information, please visit www.hollyshorts.com.

Contact:

John Brooks
HollyShorts, Short Film Festival
Holly Hotline: 818-760-9897
web: http://www.hollyshorts.com/
email: staff@hollyshorts.com

blog: http://www.hollyshortsfilmfestival.blogspot.com/

CALL FOR ENTRIES - BIG BANG FILM FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 17 - 21, 2007

2007-06-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the Big Bang Film Festival, a celebration of exciting and inventive films in the Action, Adventure, Suspense and Asian Action Cinema genres. We’re also looking for exciting documentaries of sports and athletic events and activities. Extreme sports enthusiasts have contributed some of the most entertaining video of death defying speed, skill and daring. BBFF will showcase amazing films, some classics, some classics in the making. Every submission is featured as a rotating highlight on the front page of the BBFF website and on our 2007 Submissions page so that all of our filmmakers can link to their listing.

We are calling for submissions. Visit our website for more information on the festival, our submission process, special events, and opportunities to join our team!

Big Bang Film Festival

Philadelphia, PA

October 17-21 2007

Action, Adventure, Suspense and Asian Action Cinema.

http://www.bigbangfilmfestival.com/
www.myspace.com/bigbangfilmfestival

Update on Filmmaker Alex Ferrari

2007-06-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hello guys,

It's Alex Ferrari [ Director of B R O K E N - http://www.whatisbroken.com/ ] and I have a new "twisted" short film that I want to share with you called "Cyn." I think you will get a big kick out of it. Cyn was made on a 6 day schedule [ from script to final output ] for under $1000 and boosts one of the craziest end title sequences ever created for a 5 min short film. Think of throwing an atom bomb on a roach, completely over the top ; )

What the press is saying:

"Cyn is what GRINDHOUSE should've been!!!"
- Entertainment Insiders

"Visually, Cyn is utterly dazzling...I was in awe by the sheer visual luster of the film."
- Cinema Crazed

"Cyn," above all else, is ultra-hip, sexy & dangerous!"
- Guerilladephia Entertainment News

Here is a link to the teaser trailer: http://www.alittlecyn.com/trailer.html

Web Docs: http://www.alittlecyn.com/webdocs.html

A quick synopsis: "Cyn is a twisted tale by writer/director Alex Ferrari about Cynthia, a young woman who is taken away by two psychopaths (Mr. Sugar and Otto) in the middle of the night to an old abandoned kindergarden. Cyn quickly turns the tables on them and soon the night becomes a cat and mouse mind game. While this drama is unfolding a lone figure watches from a close circuit monitor. Who is Cynthia and what the hell is going on in this twisted tale?"

Thanks again for you time.
Best,
Alex Ferrari
The Enigma Factory
http://www.enigmafactory.com/

On Camera Intensive

2007-06-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

Our Intensive is just that-Intense. This is a practical Nuts & Bolts approach to Crafting your work for the Camera. We liken Tim's Audition class to going to the gym, so consider On Camera like Personal Training. It is more One on One. You also have the opportunity to see Playback and get Feedback on your work, which allows you to be more competent and confident in your Auditions and working On Camera. Our focus begins with Script Interpretation & Character Analysis.Tim will teach you how to introduce yourself to the script through his process of "Sherlock Holmesing" of the text. This includes Crafting of the First Moment, Relationships to Persons, Places, Things & Events, and Using Clichés & Social Dictates.The Camera Already Knows, if you are not clear and specific in your work for the camera, this is what the intended audience sees, general unfocused work.Classes are On Going Wednesday Evenings from 7 pm till 11 pm

60 Second Clip of Tim's On Camera Class

Tim Phillips Brief Bio: Mr. Phillips worked as an actor with Meryl Streep, Robert Duvall, and Klaus Maria Brandauer, and he ignited the careers of Wendy Malick, Nancy Travis, and Richard Schiff, to name a few. He was one of the acting teachers of famed five-time Oscar-winning coach Larry Moss. His 'Sherlock Holmesing' of the text was developed through his 24 years of coaching actors in NYC and grew out of Meisner technique but goes much further. Mr. Phillips has Coached over 25,000 Auditions.Referral & Interview required for all classes.

Tim Phillips Studio
2124 S. Redondo Blvd.
LA, CA 90016
(310) 772-8262
e-mail: tphillipsstudio@yahoo.com
http://www.timphillipsstudio.com/

Update on Storyboard Artist/Animator Craig Gilmore

2006-05-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Latest press release on Craig Gilmore and his Film Shots Studio whom we interviewed last August. Here's a snippet.

"With the continuous and ever apparent merging and crossing over of story and visual art content in the motion picture, television, comic book, and video game industries; there is a growing need for creative out-sources"

Click here for the full release, "Film Shots Studio" Bridges The Gap Between Entertainment Industries

Update on Actor/Producer Daniel Sol

2006-03-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

We have just received this press release from Daniel Sol whom we just interviewed in January. For fun we even entered the contest.

Announcing upcoming release of “Shoot-Out” DVD

Dream Regime Productions has completed DVD assembly for their Independent basketball film, “Shoot-Out.” Director David Branin comments, “We’re ecstatic that the DVD will soon be available. We’ve been getting requests daily for it, and we believe people will love the finished product.” In addition to the film, the disc contains over an hour of DVD Exclusives which include Director/Producer Commentary, Outtakes, Premiere Footage, Never Seen Before Test Footage and much more. To learn more about Pre-Ordering your copy, please contact dreamregime@gmail.com

To celebrate the upcoming release of the DVD, Dream Regime Productions is embracing this year’s Men’s March Madness Tournament with a contest through ESPN.com entitled “Win Shoot-Out the DVD.”

Register for Free! Fill out your bracket and compete against the Film’s stars Tyshawn Bryant, Daniel Sol, and Filmmaker David Branin.

Simply visit http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/group?groupID=2744&password=dreamregime
Password: dreamregime

The Top 5 Winners will receive their own DVD copy of “Shoot-Out.” Slots are filling up fast. Tyshawn Bryant responds, “No matter how many people enter, I CAN”T BE BEAT!”

Deadline to enter the Contest and be eligible to win the DVD is March 15th, 2006.

“Shoot-Out” is the story of two men playing a basketball game of one-on-one…to the death. Written & Directed by David Branin, it stars Tyshawn Bryant and Daniel Sol. It features cinematography by Ivan Rodriguez and an original musical score by Rudy Mangual. The film has been embraced by critics and has recently screened at the Eureka Springs Digital Film Festival. For more, please visit www.dreamregimeproductions.com

As always, we appreciate your support and will provide further updates as they become available.

Dream Regime Productions
www.dreamregimeproductions.com

La Peña and SF Latino Film Festival presents Habana, Havana

2006-03-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

La Peña and SF Latino Film Festival presents
Habana, Havana
Wednesday March 15, 2006. 7pm / $6
3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley. 510-849-2568 www.lapena.org

Habana, Havana. 2004 dir. Alberto Arvelo. Venezuela, Cuba. 80 min. Spanish w/English subtitles.

Venezuelan director Alberto Arvelo subtly captures the lives of two Cubans in a fictional film with a strong documentary style. Raúl Eguren gives a commanding performance as the mature gentleman from the Cuban countryside who journeys to Havana on a quest to buy elegant shoes for his young daughter while the other main character, a woman, goes through her daily routine, walking in the city. Havana reveals itself as a big city in which everything good and bad is possible. The paths of the two protagonists cross by accident in an unexpected way when a third person, a confused and aggressive young man, assaults the old gentleman when heís walking on the Malecón. After that, the man and the woman are together for only an afternoon and an evening. A few precious hours of compassion and tenderness preludes an unforeseen tragedy. All around them is Havana, perhaps the strongest and most important character in the film.

Doors Open For Cast of Feature Film "JAM"

2006-02-16T23:50:00.000-08:00

Writer/Producer/Director Craig Serling announced today that Jeffrey Dean Morgan, a member of his ensemble cast in his directorial debut, Jam, will appear in upcoming episodes of the hit series “Grey’s Anatomy”. Morgan also plays the role as Mary Louise Parker’s deceased husband on the hit Showtime series “Weeds” and as John Winchester in the WB’s “Supernatural”. In Jam, Morgan plays a single father attempting to connect with his children and show them that his love remains through distance and change.

Another Jam cast member, Amanda Detmer, will also be appearing in an ABC series set to air in February entitled “What About Brian”. She will also be co-starring in You, Me and Dupree along with Michael Douglas, Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson. In Jam, Detmer plays a young woman on her way to her wedding. As the story unfolds, she is confronted with issues that make her question her relationship with her fiancée as well as her own ideas about life and love.

Jam takes place in the midst of a standstill traffic jam on a country highway during Father’s Day. Stuck on the road with no end in sight, the ordeal becomes a life-changing experience for this diverse group of travelers. As each of their stories unfold in the unrelenting heat, Jam captures how unchecked needs and desires can lead to friendship and self-realization.

Jam was shot during the fall of 2005. It wrapped September 23 and is currently in the final stages of post-production. Jam features an outstanding ensemble cast that includes two Academy Award nominees, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Tess Harper, as well as some of independent film’s favorite faces, such as Jonathan Silverman, Alex Rocco, and Gina Torres. Jam was also a festival favorite in 2003 when it appeared as a short selection at film festivals all over the world.

Several other cast members also have projects in the works. William Forsythe will be co-starring along with Samuel L. Jackson and Julianne Moore in Joe Roth’s Freedomland, and Dan Byrd will be appearing as John Travlota’s son in the upcoming Lonely Hearts.

For further information regarding Jam, please visit the website at www.jammovie.com or contact Alison Turner at 323.336.7175.

Interview with Actor/Producer Daniel Sol

2006-01-19T19:20:00.000-08:00

Film Synergy: Where are you from and where are you now?

Daniel Sol: I am from Miami, Florida born and raised, I moved to LA 5 years ago...So I obviously live in Los Angeles, Ca. North Hollywood to be exact. Allow me to add that my parents are from Los Angeles, as are my two older brothers, and one of my brothers lives here in LA, he is an actor, so I have always liked Cali, and I lived here for a few years as a child, and our family always visited LA, so I have had ties to this area for some time...

FS: What are your beginnings with film?

DS: Well, its hard to say. I have worked with Director Dave Branin for the last three years on various short film projects, some for fun, some with a budget. We collaborate on everything from scripts to ideas on new films to business ideas...we are close friends both working on the same things, one can say we are in this together, learning new things about our abilities and about what we want for a career...Anyhow, before anything I have done in Los Angeles, my friends and I used to make home movies, skits and things like that, with a Hi8 video Camera. It was a blast! We played crazy characters, dressing up in my grandmother's old clothes she had from the garment company she worked for, so she had old trench coats and blazers and stuff from the 70's and 80's, it was like a vintage store in our own home, and with these clothes we would make up characters and film improv short films all night...My mom hated it! We would wake everyone up shooting scenes at 5am, we would be whispering lines. I guess that is where I realized how much I enjoyed the idea of creating characters and stories. It was an escape.

FS: We have seen the wide variety of characters you play, from an unknown dark character with basketball skills in Shoot-Out to a Spanglish pimp in What Happened to the Toilet Paper? How do you come up with such characters? Take us through your preparation as an actor.

DS: Well, it depends, I am not a trained actor so I don't use a Strasberg Method or anything like that, I just try to let myself go with a character. I think the key to any acting is one thing: You must let go. Any fear or apprehension must be let go. With "Shoot-Out", I let Dave direct me, and I trusted that, because normally I am a laid back person, and in this film I had a character with a purpose, who is very stern, a man on a mission. For other films like "Toilet Paper", I just got lost in the fun of playing a man who is basically like a car salesman, sleazy and friendly but untrustworthy. I know some Spanish, and for the pimp character I used what Spanish I knew combined with what I have seen from my Spanish side of my family, the machismo dialogue, the loud life of the party types like my Uncle Jose, he is like that, so I used those elements to come up with the character.

FS: Tell us about your movie "Shoot-Out." The buzz for this movie is building. What has happened so far with it and what do you have planned next?

DS: Ah, Shoot-Out. Well, right now we are building the website for Shoot-Out, to go along with the trailer (located below), and then the DVD, which is to be sold through the website. This all should be ready in the very, very near future. The plan is to sell a lot of DVDs! We are confident in this project, so we believe this is the best way to get ourselves out there. We believe we can expose the DVD, as well as gain exposure for ourselves, by any means necessary. Especially through internet promotion, which has become a bigger factor in film distribution on an indie level. This way, we can gain an audience that would otherwise have to come only through film festivals or a distribution deal, which would be a much slower process. The film is still in the process of making it through the film festival circuit, but we won't sit around waiting for that, we want to keep on pushing. The film recently screened at the Eureka Springs Film Festival.

^To see the "Shoot-Out" movie trailer click on the Poster above^

FS: You are also the co-founder of the HollyShorts Film Festival. How did that happen? You had your inaugural festival this past August. Tell us more about it. Are you planning another one?

DS: HollyShorts Film Festival came about from our desire to make a difference, to have a say in this business and town. In LA, alot of people are big talkers, but they do nothing. So my good friend Theo Dumont and I decided we would put together this festival, knowing we had many resources and contacts in LA and NY and Miami. Our first goal was to get as many submissions as possible, which we did by contacting all and any filmmakers we knew or saw online. The demand is out there, I think what we learned most from all this is that people want to screen their films in front of an LA audience. Anyhow, once we received the submissions, we booked a small theatre in Hollywood and bought a projector and sound equipment. Once everything was in place we set a date, contacted the press about our event, selected the films and the rest is history. The event was great. We sold out both days, we had industry presence, and we had Q and A sessions with directors and casting directors, which worked well because the Space Theatre is intimate, so the sessions were involved. We also coupled the event with a press party at the Bungalow Club on Melrose in LA. We have over 200 industry people at the event, which was a big goal of ours, to have fellow directors of short films discussing their respective projects with each other, etc, etc. Plus, Theo is a publicist, so he was able to bring some press to our event, so we have a few write ups on websites and a write-up in the Studio City Sun. Since the event was so positive, we are planning on next years event right now, with goals of a bigger venue, more prizes... www.hollyshorts.com is our website which we are building right now, and we will be selling "The Best of HollyShorts 2005" DVD coming soon. The winning film was "DICK the short" Directed by Rufus Dorsey, check out his website www.dicktheshort.com for more...

FS: With all you have done, what have you enjoyed the most?

DS: Well, whether it has been doing extra work on the set of THE AVIATOR or making a short film like SHOOT-OUT, I have always enjoyed the element of surprise I can get when working around and or being around the making of a film. The feeling that we are or I am seeing something new being born, something fresh or new, like a set decorator creating a 1950's scene or running lines with an acting partner and finding a moment where we get lost in the moment and create something. It all comes back to the fact that only here, in Los Angeles, with all these creative minded individuals around, anything can be possible, and when working making a movie, acting or working on a crew, I have been able to get surprised every time. That is not always possible in life, certainly not at some 9-5 job. The filmmaking process, and especially acting, helps me, and I think others, cope with all of realities boring harshness. The time I have spent making a movie or acting in these films I have felt myself escape everything and get peace through being creative...If that makes any sense! Basically, the experiences have been worth it.

FS: Where can we expect to see you next? What are your upcoming projects?

DS: Other than helping promote and sell Shoot-Out through www.dreamregimeproductions.com, I am heavily focusing on The HollyShorts Film Festival, which will be taking place at CineSpace in Hollywood August 11-13th. We are excited to be hosting a big event at such a prestigious and known independent film location, one which supports underground films and shares our thoughts on giving filmmakers a platform to show their work, along with a place to mingle with individuals in the industry. Right now we are working on our early bird Call for Entries, which will be at or around the end of Jan. For more on that, and for those interested in submitting your short films, go to: www.hollyshortsfilmfestival.blogspot.com That is where one can get our contact information and find out more about our website, which will be www.hollyshorts.com. We are looking to make this festival bigger and better, with more sponsors (Writer's Store, New York Film Academy, etc.) and more prizes for the best films, as well as an added screenwriting competition, that is in the works. All that coupled with more industry involvement, this years festival should be a great event for young filmmakers and people just interested in good short films! Not to mention live music, as we will have numerous bands on hand for an added experience. That is it, oh and I can't forget our HollyShorts Best Of 2005 DVD, which we will be distributing through indiepix.com. We selected our 6 best films from the past festival to be on our distributed DVD. The DVD is currently being built as we speak, and should be ready for purchase in the next few weeks. To purchase, just check our site out or email us at hollyshorts@hotmail.com What we want, what we envision, are when filmmakers discuss which film festivals they want to submit their films to, they mention the HollyShorts Film Festival in that category, annually.

Thats it, Film Synergy, thanks so much for the time, and everyone,
thanks for actually reading this, and please continue to support Indie film!

Are you "America's Next Top Model?"

2006-01-13T21:56:00.000-08:00

BIG NEWS - America's Next Top Model is again holding castings all over the country. They will be starting auditions in NYC next week. If you live in the New York Area & think you are appropriate, please feel free to send us an email. You MUST INCLUDE FULL LENGTH PHOTOS, your age, contact information, name, height,weight, where you live and info about yourself. You MUST be 18-27 yrs old and you MUST BE over 5'7 to be considered-no exceptions. If we DO NOT not get back to you via email or you do not live in the NYC area, please attend the auditions in NY and those being held around the country. We have listed the locations below. We have NO FURTHER INFORMATION at this time regarding the locations or audition process. You must keep checking the website to find updates on the exact locations and audition information. Thanks so much Lisa and Debbie Ganz.

Here's our website: www.twinstalent.tv

EMAIL US ONLY AT: Twinsworld1@aol.com

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL
www.upn.com
Saturday, January 21 - New York City, NY
Wednesday, January 25 - Wichita, KS
Saturday, January 28 - Phoenix, AZ
Tuesday, January 31 - Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, February 4 - Dallas, TX
Tuesday, February 7 - Memphis, TN
Saturday, February 11 - Miami, FL
Tuesday, February 14 - Cleveland, OH
Saturday, February 18 - San Francisco, CA
Saturday, February 25 - Los Angeles, CA

Happy New Year from Film Synergy!

2006-01-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

We have been away for the holidays. Thank you for checking back with us. We wish you a wonderful 2006 and we will be back with you shortly!

Update on Filmmaker Jamin Winans

2005-11-22T20:28:00.000-08:00

"Spin" Fans,

"Spin" is finally available on DVD! You can finally see it on a screen larger than a credit card. Yes, I know what you're thinking, "What a perfect Christmas gift for everyone I know!" Well don't be shy. For just a limited time (several years) we have the "Spin" DVD available with amazing bonus features like:

- A pointless director commentary from writer/director Jamin Winans
- Less than impressive behind the scenes stills of the production
- Shameless plugs for our other films
- And the new extended and long awaited trailer for "11:59" (That's right, see it here first)

Wow, what does all this cost? For just one easy payment of $12.99 (US) plus shipping and handling "Spin" can be yours, just click below to order. ORDER HERE "Spin" will soon be on its way to your house, or friend's house, or enemy's house if you really don't like the movie.

Don't forget, "Spin" is also a great stocking stuffer as well as shelf decoration, coaster, door jam, paper weight, serving dish, and our favorite, wallpaper when you buy hundreds of copies.

The Double Edge Films Folks Double Edge Films

TONIGHT!!! La Peña Cultural Center presents El Velo de Berta / The Veil of Berta

2005-11-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

A film by director Esteban Larraín about the Mapuche resistance to the Ralco Dam on the Bio Bio River in Chile. Jeannette Paillán, Mapuche filmmaker and producer of the film will be at the screening for a Q&A period. Wednesday, November 16, 2005. 7:30pm. Suggested Donation: $5 - no one turned away for lack of funds. At La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley, CA. 510-849-2568 www.lapena.org

The Veil of Berta, is a delicate narration of the story of Berta Quintreman, an elderly indigenous women who at the age of 88 lead the last group opposing the constrtuction of the Ralco project, a gigantic dam that will stop the flow of the Bio Bio River, and flood the land where her native Mapuche Pewenche community, Ralco Lepoy, have lived for centuries.

A woman with a strong personality and a unique blend of humor and energy, Berta lives alone on her small pieces of land, and observes all the traditions of her people. On a daily basis she greets the trees and the sun, takes mate (a typical herbal tea) with her dead and says her prayers. But at the same time she confronts the authorities of Endesa and the government, manages to halt the machinery and works together with other families to prevent the flooding of their land.

Awards
Joris Ivens Competition IDFA 2004- Holland
Ramsar - Award, Best Documentary
V Festival Ecofilms, Greece
1st Mention of the Jury 3 Continents Film Festival, Italy

Jeannette Paillán, Director of the Mapuche community organization Lulul Mahuida, is a Mapuche filmmaker and journalist. She served as festival coordinator of the 7th Festival of Indigenous Film and Video (2004, Santiago, Chile). Her films have been screening internationally since 1994, and her documentary Wallmapu, the first documentary entirely directed and produced by Mapuche, was awarded at the 2003 Human Rights Film Festival in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

STORM (Saturday, November 19th)

2005-11-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

Chillin Productions and Effection Presents:

STORM
Raising funds for Habitat For Humanity and Rebuilding Together

Featuring:

100 Fashion Designers
+ 20 Fashion designers on a 60 foot runway
60 Artists

Film by Microcinema International (www.microcinema.com)

Music by
DJ Jax, Dirtyhertz, Dave Madix, Kerowack, Splice (www.Throwdown.com)
Lars (The Slanted Door) + More

When: Saturday November 19, 2005
From 8:00pm- 1:30am
Where: Fort Mason (Enter at Buchanan and Marina then go to Herbst Pavilion Pier 2) www.fortmason.org

$10 minimum Donation (100% of the money will go to Habitat For Humanity and Rebuilding Together for those effected by the recent Hurricanes.

Must be 21+
For more info about the show go to:
www.chillinproductions.com
www.effectionsf.com
Sponsored by the SF Weekly

Interview with Filmmaker Jamin Winans

2005-11-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

FS: What are your beginnings in pursuing film? What made you get started? What keeps you going?

JW: I was interested in filmmaking since I was 10. We didn’t have a television most of my childhood, so naturally I was very interested in it. I started making movies with friends and by the time I was 13 I was hooked. Like a lot of kids I made a lot of really fun and really bad short films by shooting VHS and editing on two VCRs. But by the time I was 17 I was attempting a lot more dramatic work and made my first VHS feature film.

I’ve kept going because there’s nothing I enjoy more than storytelling and the art of filmmaking. Almost every part of the process is painful, but there’s something incredible about making your dreams a reality.

FS: Storytellers know that great stories are found in drama. Before we move forward with everything exciting you have going on right now, take us back to the times where you were struggling. What adversity have you overcome? What obstacles do you still face?

JW: That’s pretty funny. Back when I was struggling… you mean now? I would say the struggle now is as prominent as ever. The first big struggle is raising money, it took us 5 years to get a very small amount of capital to make our first feature, “11:59”. We handed out business plans to every breathing soul we knew, and everyone in the world laughed in our face. So in the meantime we made short films that ended up getting us some critical acclaim and press and helped us to secure financing for “11:59”.

------------On the set of Jamin Winan's "Spin"

FS: Your latest film, a short project entitled "Spin" (One of the more creative short films we have seen) has blown up all over the internet. It's been seen by more viewers than we can count and isn't slowing down. For those unfamiliar with it, can you tell us what it is about? How did you come up with the idea?

JW: “Spin” is an 8 minute film about a DJ who has the power to fix tragic events with his turn tables. I was at a hip hop show to see my friend Hayz II scratching records. Hayz played a part in “11:59” and we had gotten to be friends. When I was at the show, I became really interested in the emotional power a DJ has at the tip of his fingers. The idea started there and I played with it for a couple months before I came up with the script for “Spin”. I asked Hayz if he would play the lead and we were off.

--------------------

FS: What was the shooting schedule like? What was the budget, what did you shoot on, how large was your crew?

JW: I made “Spin” completely out of pocket. Generally short films don’t make any money, so it’s very hard to get investment. So we only spent a little over $500 making it. I have a couple of very good producers and a lot of very good friends with resources. Everyone donated their time for a couple of weekends and we got it done.

We shot the “film” on the new Sony HDV camera which is a high definition camera. Our crew was made up of about 7-10 people depending on the day.

FS: What we find fascinating is that you made "Spin" after your feature film, “11:59” as a way to generate more support for "11:59." Did you imagine before you shot "Spin" that it would generate as much buzz as it has? It appears that "Spin" has accomplished what you wanted and then some. What is the very latest news with Spin?

JW: Yeah, we shot “Spin” as a way to generate attention for our work, primarily “11:59”. It’s taken a very long time to finish and release “11:59” so we wanted to give our fan base something to watch in the meantime. We released “Spin” on our site thinking that maybe around 10,000 to 30,000 people would watch it. Within a week of it’s release, at least a half million to a million people watched it and crashed our server. There was a point where you couldn’t get on our site because 300 other people were watching “Spin” at the same time. It was ridiculous.

Fortunately AtomFilms was more than happy to take some of the traffic and soon after we released it on Ifilm. We have no idea how many people have watched it, but we think it’s probably between 5-10 million by now. So yeah, it definitely did more for us than we ever expected.

FS: You completed your feature film, "11:59" in 2005, it premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival, won the Narrative Feature Audience Film Festival Award at the Kansas International Film Festival and will play at the Annapolis Film Festival in November. Was this your first feature film? What is its premise?

JW: “11:59” is about a jaded young TV photojournalist who has just broken one of the year’s top stories. He’s at the top of his career when suddenly he wakes up in the middle of nowhere and has no idea how he got there. It turns out he’s been missing for the past 24 hours and now he has to piece together what happened in the lost time.

“11:59” is my official first feature. I made two other “features” as a one man crew on VHS and two VCRs when I was 17 and 19, but I don’t think I can really count those.

--------------------
---------------Click on the Poster to view the 11:59 Movie Trailer

FS: It was a 7 year journey to complete "11:59." How does it feel now that it is completed and to have it receiving positive response from the audiences who have seen it? Which is more important to you, completing the project or it receiving praise?

JW: To have the film completed is a relief, but all new pressure begins once your film is completed. The distribution struggle begins and that’s almost more exhausting than the filmmaking itself.

Receiving praise is always nice though I never expect it. I try as hard as I can to not worry about the audience and just make the film I want to see. Once that’s done, I’m always happy if it’s the film other people want to see too. If not, well at least I still got to see a good film.

FS: What is the very latest on “11:59”? What is happening with it and what do you have planned?

JW: Currently we’re trying to get a few different distribution deals. It’s a tough sell because it’s considered a no-name “hybrid”. In other words, we have a film with no big name actors and no specific genre. Our film has elements of action, drama, and suspense, but it doesn’t fall into any one genre. Most distributors are looking for name actors and horror, action, or erotic genre films. They want something they don’t have to work hard on or spend a lot of money to market. They want to throw the film into a bloody looking box, throw a star on the front and walk away.

I don’t think the distributors are wrong in doing this. Filmmaking is a very high risk business and the only sure things are stars and genres. However, there is a huge thinking audience out there that wants to see something different and non-formulated and that’s what a lot of us independent filmmakers are trying to give them.

If we don’t get the distribution deal we want, we plan to 4-wall the film, meaning we’ll distribute the film ourselves one theater at a time starting in Denver, probably in February or March of 2006.

FS: What kinds of films do you aspire to make? Please elaborate.

JW: I love films that don’t spell things out. The problem with a lot of the current blockbusters is that they totally underestimate the intelligence of the audience. I like films that you don’t totally understand until you’ve gone home and thought about it for a while, or you have to watch more than once. So I hope to have that quality in all the films I make.

FS: What are your upcoming plans? Future projects?

JW: For the next couple of months we’re focusing on exhibiting “11:59”. We have a couple of shorts we’re planning to make, but not for a few months. Our big project is another feature that we’re currently calling “Ink”. It’s a fantasy/drama about the nature of evil. It’s not like anything I’ve ever seen so stay tuned.

FS: Please leave us with your thoughts to young filmmakers who cannot get themselves out of neutral. What advice can you give, what experience do you have that you can pass on?

JW: The first advice I would give other new filmmakers is to be absolutely sure this is something you want to dedicate your life to. Filmmaking isn’t like pursuing a normal career, it’s highly competitive and if you don’t pursue it 200% then you’re wasting your time. If you like making fun little movies with your friends, keep it at that. But if you want to make a career of it, jump in with both feet and persist, because it’s not something you can be lukewarm about.

Aside from my disclaimer, my overall advice (as if I’m in the position to give it) is to be persistent, live as clean a life as you can, and never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. They’re all wrong.