Tuesday, December 23, 2008

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

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.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Films for January & February 2009

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


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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Interview Series - Night Before the Wedding - Actor Christopher Guckenberger

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

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

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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

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

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.

Monday, December 01, 2008

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

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.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

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

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.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Interview with Filmmaker Sebastian Corbascio


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.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Friday, June 13, 2008

Filmmaker David Branin to start production of sexy new film



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

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Friday, May 09, 2008

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

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.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

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


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

Friday, April 18, 2008

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


. . . 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

Thursday, April 17, 2008

EAST SILVER 2008 – CALL FOR ENTRIES

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.

Monday, April 07, 2008

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

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.

Monday, March 24, 2008

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


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/

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

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


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

Thursday, February 21, 2008

SideShow Cafe, an open mic/american idol mutation

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/

Monday, February 18, 2008

Update from Filmmaker Jamin Winans

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

Monday, February 11, 2008

Fragments from Death Comes for Britney Spears! the musical

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

Friday, January 25, 2008

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

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

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

2008 HollyShorts Film Festival Announces Call For Entries


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

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

Thursday, January 10, 2008

See what the girls have been filming lately


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,