Swoon Magazine Issue Release Party

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

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!

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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?"

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!

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

"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

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)

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

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.

Interview with Music Composer Aryavarta Kumar

FS: How early did you begin developing your musical talents? What role did your parents play if any?

AK: I started playing piano when I was 8 years old. But even before that, my parents have said that I used to create my own drum set and bang on toys to make sounds. They were very supportive of my music lessons. I never really asked to learn piano, they just signed me up just like everyone else does (haha). But after going beyond the more beginner lessons, I really showed an interest to continue playing the piano and they were always there to support my performances.

FS: How many instruments do you play? What styles of music do you make?

AK: I was trained on the piano to play Western classical pieces, but I also play the sitar and tabla (Indian Hindustani instruments).

One of the unique things about modern music composition and computers is that software synthesizers have created the ability for musicians to'play' instruments without ever actually picking them up. Let's take an example.

I don't play the violin, but if I buy the rights to a violin library that has been sampled over its entire range, I have every note in almost every type of stroke sampled. I can recreate a very realistic sound forming compositions and film scores as a result.

As far as style, I am always exploring new genres. I primarily stick to orchestral and underscore material, but if need be, I do write songs and source music (I'm doing this on an upcoming project). One of the joys (and to some the curse) of film score music is that it can be any genre of music - orchestral, rockabilly, Middle-Eastern ethnic, bluegrass, electronic, you name it. The main goal is for the music to amplify the audience's perspective of the media it is accompanying.

FS: Where does your passion for music come from?

AK: That's an interesting question. It can come from inspiration that I see everyday. A beautiful scene that I see outside my car window, a unique thought, anything. Creating inspiration leads me to think in terms of musical notes, harmony, and melody.

FS: You are turning your music from a hobby to a profession, what steps did you take along the way to make that happen?

AK: Great question. It's an interesting point that a lot of people ask. Everyone finds their own path towards where they want to go. I made sure I was sure of what I wanted to do, honed my skills, and then worked with some filmmakers on their projects. I really enjoyed it and those directors and producers were extremely happy with my results. Collaborations continued and my reputation grew. Something that is important is knowing the business of film scoring. I'm still learning a great deal about the process, but it's equally as important as the musicif you want to become a professional.

FS: You have studied music in different countries, have played in rock bands, and you are now composing music for film. Do you have an outlet you prefer? Is composing music for film the ideal situation for you or would you prefer to be part of a touring rock band?



AK: I would say that I prefer writing for film. I have always liked how music in film can really influence your mood, especially with powerful cinematography. It's been my dream to create music that suits that. Those are the movie experiences that people never forget. I occasionally do live performances of my work where I will do live improvisations. For example, I recently played at a Chinese Moon Festival and also at a wedding and at both places my music was well received.

FS: How many films have you scored thus far in your career? Tell us about some of these projects and your involvement with them.

AK: I would say probably around 14 shorts, features, and trailers, and that number is going to grow significantly over the next year.

Early on, I used to score films exclusively online. So I would find someone who needed music for their film and communicate via email and send samples online to them. It was strictly an online collaboration.

Then I found some local filmmakers here in Cleveland, Ohio and started collaborating with them. There is a superb independent filmmaking community here in Cleveland that is very supportive and I was pleasantly surprised to find it here of all places! My more recent collaborations have been a balance of online jobs and local jobs. The local ones such as A Joker's Card (http://www.mdifilm.com/joker), Killer Squirrel, Alone (http://www.twomartinis.com/), were fun to do because I could go on set and meet the cast and crew and be part of the production in process.



It also helped me get inspired when it came to scoring the piece. In particular one of the unique aspects of meeting one on one with a director is that you can have discussions about the music, and have scoring sessions in which the director can give you feedback on if he/she thinks the music is what he/she was thinking. With online collaborations that is still the case, but it's done via email.

FS: How does the scoring process happen for you? How do you go about making music for film? Do you work directly with the filmmakers? Can you take us through the first meeting all the way to the final note?

AK: Sure. The scoring process begins differently for every project. Usually I like to get involved early on, read the script, and discuss various inspirations for the script-writer/director. This helps me piece together a thematic outline of what the music should be. For example, which characters should have themes, what kind of main theme should there be, etc.

After that, it's all about writing non-synced demos (music that isn't linked to video) and getting approval from the director/producer. I don't really start scoring until I get a locked video file or DVD that will not change. Sometimes this happens in parts so I get only a few scenes at a time so I'm not overwhelmed with 90 minutes of footage.

Getting the right theme is of course quite important. I usually end up playing various themes and tossing out quite a few before arriving at one that I feel is a perfect fit. Sometimes this comes right away, other times, it's more work than I expect :)

Beyond that, it's using various musical devices to restate the theme, or create a certain mood. I watch the picture and usually I can already hear what the music should sound like.

Then I write the score, record and master it, and have a scoring session. After that I am done with the scoring job unless there is going to be a soundtrack release in which case I stay involved a bit longer to make sure the music is appropriate for the CD or for online sale.

I've sort of outlined the entire process and some directors approach me in post-production so I'm really only involved at the very end stage. It's all about working with various styles of directing, various work ethics, and with different people.

If the cast and crew is large, I can work with music supervisors (if there are any), directors, producers, and anyone else that has input into the selection of music.

More recently I've come across some films that use rock songs for example in transitions and I usually stress that it's important to maintain musical flow in the movie. Sure, a piece may sound great on radio and you may want to put it in your movie, but just make sure that you've got other reasons for putting it in so that it fits well.



FS: Is there a place where we can hear your music?

AK: Yes. Visit my website (http://www.aryavartakumar.com/) to hear some demos and see what films I am scoring. Some of those movies are available to watch for free online. So if you have time to kill, why not enjoy a free movie! Certain projects have soundtrack releases and if you're interested in buying a copy, there are links from my website. Also, if you happen to go to an event where I am performing, you can hear some of my live improvisations.

FS: What are the next projects you are working on? Where will we hear your music next?

AK: Right now I'm quite busy with several music projects in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Some of the next projects I'll be working on include Crops (Two Martinis Productions, Cleveland OH) tentatively out in April 2006, Batgirl (Chi Media, Nottingham, UK) tentatively out in December 2005, and Joker's Rapture (MDI Film, Cleveland OH) which will probably be released later in 2006 or early 2007. Those are some main features projects that I'm working on now, but there will be plenty more shorts and other projects that will fill my schedule.

I'm always looking for new interesting collaborations though.