Hollywood is paying the crisis and its stars are on the sunset boulevard. The last one is Nicolas Cage who will have to pay to the american Internal Revenue Service seven million dollars. http://www.inaltreparole.net/en/movies/hollywoodcrisi201109.htmlHollywood is paying the crisis and its stars are on the sunset boulevard. The last one... more
Mobile, Alabama based independent filmmaking group Fighting Owl Films is set to produce an independent feature in the city utilizing local talent. The feature, titled “The Night Shift”, is based on Fighting Owl Films' short film of the same name which proved an online hit, was positively reviewed in "Fangoria" magazine's online edition earlier in 2009 and has screened in several festivals across the United States.
A supernatural adventure-comedy, “The Night Shift” centers on Rue Morgan, the undead night watchman at Pinewood Oaks Cemetery. Rue, along with his buddy Herb, a limbless corpse, spends his nights trying to keep the cemetery’s cantankerous residents in, and his days dreaming of a date with hard-nosed day-shifter, Claire. It’s an okay afterlife until a scourge of supernatural occurrences leave Rue not only watching the cemetery, but also watching his back!
The short film’s positive reception coupled with the disillusionment with Hollywood’s current output of remakes and reboots encouraged the filmmakers to pursue their dream of turning the original “The Night Shift” into a feature length adventure film. Thomas Smith, the film’s writer/director and co-producer, is hoping to recapture some of the cinematic magic of the 80s Amblin films he grew up with that had a lasting influence.
“Growing up as a child of the 80s, the world depicted on film had a completely different atmosphere,” Smith says. “The films possessed a graininess and lived-in look that added an extra dimension of realism. There also seemed to be a greater emphasis on character and storytelling and less of the headache-inducing flash and sensory overload that’s become so commonplace today. It was the era of ‘Gremlins’, ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Indiana Jones’, films everyone could enjoy, not just children or adult audiences. That’s what we’re hoping to recapture with ‘The Night Shift’.”
The independent feature has secured its cast. Returning from the short to reprise their roles of Rue Morgan, Claire Rennfield and Herbie West are Khristian Fulmer, Erin Lilley and Soren Odom, respectively. New additions to the cast include Andrew Crider as Adramalech, the villainous vengence demon with an affinity for western wear, Jordan Woodall as Curly and Jonathan Pruitt as the mysterious Captain Roderick Blake. The film, currently in pre-production, is expected to begin shooting in May 2010.
Bored adults+ a little creativity+ a cold day, some dolls and a miniature iPhone= pure entertainment. Directed by Kenneth Andrew Williams.Bored adults+ a little creativity+ a cold day, some dolls and a miniature iPhone= pure... more
Definately one of my faves. This is so hauntingly beautiful. And the colors...oh the colors!Definately one of my faves. This is so hauntingly beautiful. And the colors...oh the... more
French photographer Guy Bourdin, one of my faves, was a master of composition and color, who not only took incredible still photographs of women but also transcended his visual art onto film using super 8s.
Bourdin's strong color contrast, highly sexualised photographs of beautiful girls is like soft porn with a dark and sinister edge. His other worldly creations are nothing short of being shocking, provocative and surreal.
His experimental films retain the same surrealism as his photographs but some offer a softer, more poetic character study of his subjects.
Bourdin is regarded as a highly influential fashion photographer whose work can clearly be seen resonating in many of the new and young fashion photographers of today.French photographer Guy Bourdin, one of my faves, was a master of composition and... more
This is a totally bad ass collab!
Film shot by one of my favorite photographers, Emma Summerton, for one of my fave London based fashion designers BodyAmr's S/S10 collection.
I love this video because it reminds me of Guy Bourdin's photographic work but its alot darker. This could be a product of Bourdin and David Lynch's sweet film love making. Sexy woman (check), eery (check), mysterious (check), surreal (CHECK!) And the music is spot on! So hauntingly beautiful. Its amazing how powerful music is in setting the right tone for a piece.
Emma has done a series of self portraits using polariods that span about 7 years , she has successfully developed a photographic style of her own but you can definately see the influence of Bourdin in her work.
Incidently, the sexy lady in the film is none other than Emma herself.
Watch the high quality video at www.bodyamr.comThis is a totally bad ass collab!
Film shot by one of my favorite photographers, Emma... more
If there is one man that understands the lust women have for shoes its this man himself.
Ask any female who is sitting right next to u now and prepare to witness how sexually charged she becomes (blood pumping, faster breathing) as she screams in orgasmic glory: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN!
His shoes are pure sexual beauties. Perfection. The cut is ALWAYS right. The man knows EXACTLY what to expose, how to elongate the legs, how to make you WANT to suffer in 6 inch pencil thin stilettos. Basically, LOUBOUTIN = SEX
And now, he's going behind the camera for his film debut which he wrote and directed inspired by Hitchcock's Psycho which 'tells the story of a young woman finding her ultimate fantasy... at the new Hollywood Boutique of Christian Louboutin.' HEAVEN!If there is one man that understands the lust women have for shoes its this man... more
"Pico works visual wonders on a low budget; the impressive combat scenes put many a mainstream production to shame"
- Gene Siskel Film Cente
FAREWELL DARKNESS
$16.99 SRP - 96 Minutes - Widescreen
Release Date: 11-03-09
After four years of military service, Michael Pasternak (Keith Compton) returns home to Chicago to confront his alcoholic father, Roman (Circus-Szalewski). Roman physically abused Michael's mother Teresa (Heidi Klefstad) to her breaking point of suicide. Michael enlists the help of his old friends Dougie and Paul (David Bianchi, Luis Segui) to aid in his plan for revenge against his father, but after reconnecting with his high school girlfriend Rose (BriAnna Weaver) he finds it hard to carry out his plans for vengeance. Michael must then decide to destroy the true terror of his life or leave the past as it lies."Pico works visual wonders on a low budget; the impressive combat scenes put many a... more
You may not find these heroes in the pages of Marvel of DC, but Captain Condor and Miss America, featured in Fighting Owl Films' short film "Not-So SuperFriends", are a loving homage to the ever popular characters and genre that have thrilled fans for decades. The 10 minute film is free to watch on the group's website (www.fightingowlfilms.com).
The low-budget short film follows the misadventures of Mega City's inept heroes as they fight the forces of evil. Captain Condor and Miss America are two of Mega City’s most famous crime fighters. Trusted by the people to put an end to evil and villainy, these two superheroes somehow manage to get the job done time and again. When called into action to stop the scheming Mega Brain, Condor and America are forced to work together for the greater good. But no one said these superheroes were super friends.
"SuperFriends” features actors Erin Lilley and Khristian Fulmer; with music by Soren Odom. The film was written and directed by Thomas Smith.
Fighting Owl Films’ past work includes the internet hit “The Night Shift”, which was featured in genre magazine Fangoria’s online edition earlier this year. The filmmakers are in pre-production on their first feature film which is based on their short “The Night Shift”. Filming is to commence in summer 2010. For more on Fighting Owl Films, to view the film, and support their feature film efforts visit www.fightingowlfilms.com .You may not find these heroes in the pages of Marvel of DC, but Captain Condor and... more
Hollywood is known for its excess, but it appears that several film studios are reigning it in, at least where the environment is concerned. A recent report from the Solid Waste Task Force claims movie studios diverted 63% of their solid waste to recycling plants instead of landfills. This ‘solid waste’ is classified as things such as sets, and that 63% easily translates to 40.2 million pounds of waste. That’s a lot. It means Hollywood reduced enough emissions to equal the removal of 7, 315 cars from the road.Hollywood is known for its excess, but it appears that several film studios are... more
Mobile, Alabama based independent filmmaking group Fighting Owl Films is set to produce an independent feature in the city utilizing local talent. The feature, titled “The Night Shift”, is based on Fighting Owl Films' short film of the same name which proved an online hit and was featured in "Fangoria" magazine's online edition earlier in 2009. The producers are currently seeking crew members and supporting cast.
Plot: What if you could live forever? What if you had to spend that eternity stuck in a cemetery with only a limbless corpse for a friend, and "residents" that were anything but resting in peace? That's the situation for Rue Morgan, night watchman extraordinaire. Rue, along with his buddy Herb, spends his nights watching out for zombies, and his days dreaming of a date with hard-nosed day-shifter, Claire. It's an okay eternity--until a scourge of supernatural occurrences leaves Rue not only watching the cemetery, but also watching his back!
Principal photography will commence in summer 2010.Mobile, Alabama based independent filmmaking group Fighting Owl Films is set to... more
Come join the fun with the Los Angeles Outreach Reps from Current TV as we throw an awesome networking event on September 2nd at The California Independent Production Center! This event is great for tips on your HP VCAM, and networking with other great producers, editors and filmmakers. We will have free food, drinks, and Current swag.
What: HP VCAM Networking Event
When: Wednesday September 2nd at 7:00PM
Where: The California Independent Production Center
4119 West Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
Call Tania Rashid if you have any questions: 310-408-3624Come join the fun with the Los Angeles Outreach Reps from Current TV as we throw an... more
Ah, parody truly is amazing, especially as sequels for Bad Boys and Rambo are being announced in development. And since they are the exact same movie.
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BIG FAT REPEAT: Vardalos & Co. Prep For My Big Fat Greek Wedding Remake
In what appears to be an industry first, the entire cast and crew behind the 2002 indie breakout phenomenon My Big Fat Greek Wedding, from writer/star Nia Vardalos to director Joel Zwick to co-star John Corbett to cinematographer Jeffrey Jur to assistant head carpenter Tim Ovans to boom operator Thomas Hayek to production assistant David Zikovitz, has signed on to remake the exact same film.
Wedding is one of the decade’s most lucrative success stories. Budgeted at five million dollars, the movie went on to rake in almost 350 million at the worldwide box office. However, since that time, Vardalos hasn’t been able to recapture the same magic that made her such an unexpected household face. Though her directorial debut I Hate Valentine’s Day has reportedly done well through the IFC’s OnDemand service, it barely made a dent at the box office, earning only $10,000 in its first two weeks of release. When asked to provide statistical evidence of the film’s small screen success, IFC Films VP of Marketing & PR Ryan Werner replied, “We don’t do that. But trust me, it did, like, amazing.”Ah, parody truly is amazing, especially as sequels for Bad Boys and Rambo are being... more
Another one from Lagos Mosquito straight from "Agbo Malu". Still doing his thing and representing the slums of Nigeria.Another one from Lagos Mosquito straight from "Agbo Malu". Still doing his thing and... more
"We're talking here about 'wild' film-makers. They come from all decades and places, but prick up your ears to them in the kineopolis and you start to notice some trends. Think of the production values of the films of Cecil B. DeMille, Marcel L'Herbier, Erich von Stroheim, Giovanni Pastrone in Cabiria or Buster Keaton in The General and you realise that the 1910s and 1920s were years when there was a flight from tameness in cinema. Notice the megaphone passion of Ritwik Ghatak, the intensity of longing in Gulzar (who got a Best Original Song Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire after decades of writing and directing great films) and the fact that many Indian films derive from what were called 'mythologicals' - and can't resist lifting off the ground of realism into the gulf stream of musical fantasy - and you clock that most of Hindi (what's called Bollywood) cinema has a wild excess of expression.
But do these film-makers have anything in common beyond the fact of their attention grabbing? I think they do. First, they are mostly impatient with the Aristotelian unities of time and space - bugger that. They prefer their settings to be baroque, extended into multiple realms. Second, they're not ones for categories - think of the bisexuality and populism of Paul Verhoeven, or Baz Luhrmann's masala of disco, Shakespeare, Bollywood and Sergio Leone. Third, they're all people for whom the birth of an idea in the mind's eye is basically a violent or feverish event. Unlike the great movies of, say, Cukor, Ford, Hawks, Rouch and the great Indian director Tapan Sinha, who died in January, form is not servile to content for them. Rather, it is monstrous - “exploding, like the eruption of Mount St Helens”, as David Lynch once told me in an interview. Each of these 'wild' directors has a psychic energy that is manic to a degree and might well be fuelled by sexual rage, or colonial exploitation, or a Marxist hatred of consumerism, or a fear of modernity or the body (Tsukamoto Shinya, we salute you) - or by historical events such as Partition. But that energy in turn fuels a will to form that is so feral it makes the act of film-making look feverish - and makes fairness to content seem like an anaemic propriety.
Such energy makes for electrifying moviegoing, but if these Mr Hydes have in common the energy of their mental activity or the intensity of their reaction to society, then it should be made clear that neither of these things is purely filmic. Pasolini's writing is just as hysterical as his film-making; our hallucinated cage rattlers have much in common with R.D. Laing, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Edvard Munch, Wilhelm Reich, Vincent van Gogh and Mishima, to name just a few. If Aeschylus could watch a Bresson and Paradjanov double bill, he'd easily recognise the spirit of Apollo in the first and Dionysus in the second. The idea that the creative act is also a violent one occurs throughout human thought, nowhere more than in Hinduism. Kali, the goddess of both creation and destruction, would be a fitting patron saint of the 'Wild Bunch'. (She could be impersonated by Kenneth Anger in slap.)""We're talking here about 'wild' film-makers. They come from all decades and places,... more
With so many amazing VCAM submissions for each assignment, we want to recognize excellent submissions that our sponsors didn't select for air. Check out our Current Picks for the PC Hook Up assignment.With so many amazing VCAM submissions for each assignment, we want to recognize... more
Hi, my name is Alan Andrew Taylor, here is my showreel for the year 2009. I am a filmmaker currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland.Hi, my name is Alan Andrew Taylor, here is my showreel for the year 2009. I am a... more
Of all the films you saw last year, it's statistically likely that fewer than 10 percent were directed by women. According to the president of the not-for profit group Women in Film, 9 percent of the 250 top-grossing domestic films were directed by women in 2008. And that was a good year, with women helming such cinematic juggernauts as Twilight and Mamma Mia!
It's worth mentioning that no woman has ever won an Oscar for directing. A grand total of three have been nominated during the award's eight decades of history.
All that said, an unusually high number of films made by women are in distribution in theaters around the country right now — which is to say, there are seven.
They include the summer's biggest romantic comedy, The Proposal, and a critically acclaimed super-macho movie about U.S. soldiers in Iraq, called The Hurt Locker.
The latter film has one thing in common with another movie that opened July 10 — a modest independent endeavor by newcomer Lynn Shelton.
"They both are looking at the male psyche, but from completely different angles," Shelton says.
Shelton's movie, Humpday, is about a couple of straight guys who decide to make a gay porn movie together. Shelton jokes that her unusual premise counts as "high concept" in Hollywood. But then she filmed it far off the Hollywood map — in Seattle, land of the handmade, DIY ethos.
Contrary to most expectations, Humpday is hardly a broad "bromance." It captivated reviewers, who've described it as delicate, subversive, even sweet.
Shelton made Humpday with friends on a minuscule budget, and she was as shocked as anyone when a bidding war broke out for her little movie at the Sundance Film Festival.
"If it hadn't worked, nobody needed to be the wiser," she says. "It [would have died] a quiet little death off in the hinterlands of Seattle."
And precisely because the stakes were so very low, Shelton said, her cast could improvise, get loose and have fun. She financed Humpday with grants, sponsorships, even tax-deductible contributions — all tricks learned during her previous career as a visual artist.
Before Shelton was an artist, she was an actress. But she found acting did not satisfy all her creative needs.
"I also found the powerlessness of it a little bit bad for my mental health," she reflects. "Just ... waiting around to be chosen."
Wielding Power From Outside The System
When women direct, they're in control. And major Hollywood studios cannot exactly bask in their legacies of female empowerment: Historically, female directors tend to work outside the traditional studio system.
Director Kathryn Bigelow is part of that tradition. Like Shelton, she came to movies from the art world. Bigelow is known for making taut, stylish action movies like Blue Steel, Point Break and Strange Days. Those might seem like big studio flicks, but all were financed independently, then distributed by major studios.
Bigelow's new war film, The Hurt Locker, is one of the best-reviewed movies out in theaters right now. It's gorgeous, pretty much perfectly acted and almost unbearably suspenseful.
Bigelow says that, despite what some might assume, being a woman filming a nearly all-male movie in the Middle Eastern country of Jordan was simply not a big deal. She says you don't think about being a lady while you work.
"You've got a four-story-high explosion taking place along an avenue, on which on any given day there are 250,000 cars, so ... " she pauses, "that begins to take precedence."
Bigelow says she has no idea why even now so few women are trusted to direct major films.
"You'd have to sit somebody down here and ask them," she says, with the slightest edge to her voice.
{more at link}Of all the films you saw last year, it's statistically likely that fewer than 10... more
