Bang Bang...wins Best 1st Feature Award @ LA Asian Pacific Film Fest!

 

At the dazzling closing night gala for the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival last night it was announced that the flick "BANG BANG" (directed by Byron Q) got the nod for the Best First Feature by the Jury Awards Committee..

Frankly, the news came as no surprise to me!

As soon as the flick splashed across the screen earlier in the week at the trendy CGV Theatre complex in Hollywood, it was evident to me from the get-go that Byron Q possessed a rare gift - and a lot of raw talent - sure to catapult him into dizzying heights in the film business in the not-too-distant future.

If he keeps his nose to the creative grindstone, that is!

Although the low-budget project (which focuses a searing lens on an Asian street gang) was a bit ragged around the edges now-and-then - there were moments of brilliance which ultimately saved the film from disintegrating into mediocre bill-of-fare right before the filmgoers' eyes.

Needless to say, Mr. Q won this tough movie critique over, in a heartbeat.

For starters, there was an effective use of the RED camera, which set a dynamic overall tone which lent itself well to the gritty plot unfolding on the silver screen.

The unique way the 1st-time-out director weaved classical music into the sound track also bowled me over.

Sheer genius!

The haunting strains of strings strategically weaved in at an emotional arc in the storyline - at one point - resonated so sweetly that it caused a few members of the audience to weep.

Ah, powerful filmmaking that touches, resonates - and ultimately - heals!

"I love all music. That's why I tried to use hip-hop, rock, and classical in the mix," Byron Q responded to my query in the upbeat  Q &A  a few minutes after the curtain fell down.

His locales for the shoot were very natural, too.

"I was also the location manager," he fessed up.

"I scouted down locations (in San Diego) where I could shoot for free," he chuckled.

"One of the houses featured in the film is where I stayed when I was in town working on he project Bang Bang."

Uh-huh!

When a film director has a low-budget, he or she often ends up becoming chief cook-and-bottle-washer in the grand scheme of things.

The acting throughout the street-wise drama was first rate; in fact, a couple of the new faces on screen turned in performances which may launch their film careers, I expect.

Although the subject matter has been mined in the past by more-experienced directors - here - the director manages to rise above the obvious pitfalls and potential cliches to make his own distinctive cinematic mark.

I was particularly taken with the dialogue which was well-written and believable. 

Not stilted or phony, in the least bit!

When one audience member asked Byron Q how he accomplished that, he joked that the production team enlisted the aid of a sort-of "gang-speak" expert to ensure authenticity.

A bit of levity always goes a long way.

And, I expect that Byron Q will too.

Kudos!

Two PR folks on staff at the Asian Pacific Film Festival (Eseel Borasa and Abraham Ferrer) would be wise to take a cue from Byron Q when it comes to manners and effectively reaching out to filmgoers.

Their standoffish (aloof) manner tends to turn-off white folks - who can't help but feel that they are crashing the Asian Community's private party each year - whenever they attend the annual Festival in Los Angeles each year in Los Angeles.

Lighten up, eh?

Sorry, just an observation which may be worth looking into, David Magdeal (co-director).

http:www.thetattler.biz

THOR...studly Chris Hemsworth stars! Jay Leno audience squeals with delight!

 
Tomorrow, when THOR is released across the country, I expect that Chris Hemsworth's star will soar into the stratosphere!





And - If the reaction the actor received Jay Leno 's audience last night is any indication, the studly actor is bound to become the hunk flavor of the month, too!

When Jay dragged out an old clip of the star performing on Australia's version of the entertainment show - Dancing with the Stars - female fans erupted into wild impromptu squeals of delight.

Uh-huh!

When the Aussie shook his tight little butt for the camera - in revealing skin tight slacks (you could have seen a pimple on his ass as plain as day) - it was evident that he was going to give Ricky Martin (appearing in Concert on May 7th) a run for his money!

Personally, I loved his classy distinctive accent when he chatted up Jay on the hot seat.

But, can he act?

When you look that good, who cares!

Needless to say, it is worth noting that Mr. Hemsworth is trained actor, who does not necessarily rely on his looks to propel his career forward in fickle Hollywood.

In fact, his resume boasts that he actually studied the performoing Arts at the  "American Dialect at Screenwise Film & TV School for Actors" in Sydney Australia.

Currently, he is lensing "The Avengers".

Past credits are nothing to sniff at and include Star Trek and the Perfect Getaway.

Thor should be his break into more commercial spot-light-grabbing starring featured roles if he plays his cards right!

In a nutshell, Thor is an action adventure flick about a powerful arrogant warrior, who is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth (God forbid!) where he soon becomes one of their fiercest defenders.

Hooked already, how 'bout you?

Chances are the the big-budget fantasy venture will be fairly entertaining with a loft of delicious visuals since Director Kenneth Branagh was at the helm of this much-anticipated project.

The project is also boosted up by that fact is was written by Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz.

Of course, if you've been tuning in to the late-night talk0-show circuit, you're keenly aware of the fact the film also stars Academy-Award-Winning actors Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman (fresh off of the Oscar-winning project Black Swan).

Undoubtedly, once the flick splashes across the wide-screen at Theatres tomorrow, ticket-holders and film buffs alike will be swept up and enthralled as the action unfolds from the get-go.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

DOC U...Haskell Wexler & James Longley appear @ IDA Panel Discussion! Hollywood!

Doc U focuses on filmmakers!

In the wake of innovative new technological advances (where cameras are cooler, niftier, and more flexible in nature) - and in view of a proliferation of in-your-face reality-based shows on TV  touting gladiator-style entertainment programming - the role of the documentary filmmaker is being held up to closer scrutiny.

With that scenario unfolding in mind, three high-profile filmmakers were invited to attend a panel discussion last night at DOC U (under the auspices of the International Documentary Association) in Hollywood at the Silent Film Theatre on Fairfax Avenue to discuss the boundaries of the medium - if any - that exist today in an atmosphere where there appears to an "anything goes" or "take no prisoners" mentality.

The three panelists - at the top of their game right now (and as different as night and day in their approach to their scintillating projects) - openly discussed their roles with the aim of shedding some light on the kind of dilemmas that filmmakers face today.

Richard Pearce moderated the event as part of a DOC U series sponsored by ida (International Documentary Association).

In the old-world charm of the Silent Film Theatre (where publicity stills of Hollywood legends graced the dusty walls), Joan Churchill ("Dixie Chicks: Shut up and Sing"; "Role of a Serial Killer", "American Family"); Haskell Wexler ("Medium Cool", "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf") and James Longley ("Irag in Fragments") succeeded in rustling up a riveting cinematic event that ended up being upbeat, thought-provoking and inspiring to the packed house comprised mostly of aspiring young filmmakers interested in pursuing a mainstream career in documentary filmmaking.

When asked what were some of the ethical problems that documentary filmmakers faced today on the fast-shifting film terrain that has literally transformed the industry, the discussion became a lively informative debate.

For example, Ms. Churchill underscored that it was important to be "inside the circle" - and not outside of it - for a project to succeed.

After all, cementing a trust between filmmaker and subject is of paramount importance in the overall scheme of things.

The low-key down-to-earth filmmaker gave an example.

One day, an unexpected tragedy caused Churchill to shoot a handful of intimate personal scenes - that were highly sensitive, in nature - in respect to a subject featured in her documentary.

Instead of swooping down like a vulture - in pursuit of her prey - Churchill was prompted to act ethically instead.

Once the shy soft-spoken director captured the unexpected turn-of-events on film, she turned the footage over to her subject, and left the matter in her hands.

Whether the footage would be included in the documentary would rest on a decision made by the young lady involved - not the director - Joan Churchill.

In this way, the filmmaker managed to establish a rapport with the individual after-the-fact - and ultimately - gained the woman's trust and respect.

In the end scenario, Churchill was given permission to use the thought-provoking material, which was not surprising in view of the way the filmmaker handled the issue.

In one hilarious moment, out-of-the-blue, Mr. Haskell took the mic and shouted out.

"What am I doing here?  What am I doing here?"

At first, audience members thought the legendary filmmaker was having a senior moment.

However, when Haskell continued, his message - which came across a little off-the-wall a few seconds earlier - ending up ringing crystal clear.

"As a filmmaker, I have to ask. What am I doing here?  What am I trying to accomplish?"

Then, there was the issue of putting creativity - and the artist's vision - on the line.

What sacrifices must be made, if any?

When John Longley's clip - "Iraq in Fragments" - was previewed last night, it was evident that he took risks - personally and professionally - in a nervy bold-faced effort to land his precious footage in the can.

Because of his sensitivity to the subjects - and his keen ability to instinctively tip-toe thorugh a potentially-volatile situation unscathed - he was able to pull a remarkabe coup off.

Film buffs in the audience - myself included - were astounded when the breathtaking stunning images he conjured up on film splashed across the screen with great cinematic style.

Unlike Joan Churchill (who said she didn't care what the film looked like because she was just concerned with the content) Longley's film turned out a remarkable work of art.

Which underscores the obvious.

Documentaries don't have to be boring accounts of mundane subjects thrown together with the express purpose of teaching and/or enlightening the masses.

Indeed, judging from the response of the audience at last night's panel discussion, it is evident that documentary filmmakers are not only breaking exciting new ground in the realm of documentary film, but garnering ia helluva-a-lot of interest to boot!
From the bottom up.

"You don't need a lot of money to make a film if you make it yourself. You just have to pay for your equipment," underscored Joan.

And, it didn't escape my attention, that there were quite a few advantages to working para-military-style with quality hand-held cameras in tow.

After all, the easy-to-use lensers are capable of zooming in, out, and documenting far - out-of-the-way - intimate places that 35 mm cameras can't begin to.

Even the lights can drag a cameraman down and hinder the shooting process as well.

Moderator Richard Pearce ("Hearts and Minds", "Food, Inc.") was a charming inquisitive host who carried off the challenge of fielding questions admirably.

Pearce began his professional career in the late 1960’s as a documentary cameraman.

His early credits as a cinematographer include four Oscar-winning films: Woodstock, Marjoe, Interviews with My Lai Veterans and Hearts and Minds.

Pearce made his feature directorial debut with the period drama "Heartland" which won the Golden Bear at the 1980 Berlin Film Festival and opened the New York Film Festival’s first “Showcase of American Independents.”

Haskell Wexler took home statuettes for his work on Mike Nichols' "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf" and Hal Ashby's "Bound for Glory".

Wexler has worked with Norman Jewison, George Lucas, Michael Moore, and John Sayles.

He directed two features, Medium Cool and Latino.

I caught a screening of Medium Cool earlier this year in San Francisco which was screened in tandem with a major exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Post: 03/03/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/03/san-francisco-museum-of-modern.html

Both films broke the mold of conventional story telling by using the immediacy of documentary-style filmmaking.

Wexler was  the first Cinematographer to every land a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Joan Churchill began her career doing camera work on a series of music films such as "Gimme Shelter" (Rolling Stones), No Nukes (directed by Haskell Wexler), and Barbara Kopple and Hail, Hail Rock and Roll, (directed by Taylor Hackford).

Churchill is probably best-known for her work on the cult series "An American Family "(which broadcast originally on PBS).

Early on in his film career, James Longley was honored for his work by prestigious organizations.

"Portrait of Boy with Dog" was awarded a Student Academy Award® in 1994 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

He made his first feature documentary "Gaza Strip" in the early months of the second Palestinian uprising.

In 2002, Longley began pre-production work on his second documentary feature "Iraq in Fragments".

The film was awarded jury prizes for Best Documentary Directing, Best Documentary Editing, and Best Documentary Cinematography at the Sundance Film Festival.

"Iraq in Fragments" went on to win the top documentary film awards at major national and international festivals, garnered an Emmy Award nomination for Best Documentary Cinematography, and an Academy Award® nomination for Best Feature Documentary.

After the panel wrapped - film buffs, the press, and invited guests - strolled back to the patio (under a romantic star-lit sky) to sip on wine, snack on delicious crackers and cheese, and chat each other up.

At this point, a couple of revelations overcame me, which are worthy of sharing.

For starters, steer clear of the talent's "handlers" wjhen mixing and minglimg - and, if possible - alight next to the guest star instead.

For example, when I approached Mr. Wexler and asked if he had any thoughts on Elizabeth Taylor (who he worked with on "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" many moons ago) a woman - who stuck like glue to the Director's side all night - pooh-poohed my query.

"That's not an appropriate question here," she snipped at me with a mean edge in her voice.

But, Mr. Wexler turned to me, and was inclined to follow up.

"What did he say," Wexler quizzed his escort pointedly, as he turned up the volume on his hearing aid.

At this juncture, the rude woman relented, and repeated my question to the honored guest.

Surprise!

The talented filmmaker was only too happy to respond.

"The one thing I will say about Elizabeth is this. When I won my Oscar that night, I accepted it in the name of Art and Peace. Later, Elizabeth came over to me, and thanked me for saying that."

Meanwhile, Joan Churchill - who was apparently choking over a whiff of garlic (?) - didn't have much of a personality to warm up to. She practically faded into the wall, that's how much charisma she exhibited backstage.

When I asked what project was on the horizon next, she stared at me blankly.

To lighten up an awkward situation, I persisted.

"Any scoops for me?"

"No scoops for you," she replied, with all the charm of a worm.

Eugh!

On that note, I waved my good-byes, and headed out.

For the most part,  the Doc U event was a dynamic entertaining one.

See 'ya there next month, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz



KIDS FIRST...film critic boot camp! Calling all E! Reporters!

Oh, I can feel the competition breathing down my neck already!

Nonetheless, I'm all for plugging the KIDS FIRST "Film Critics" boot camp which revs up in the next few weeks.

Do you think that your kid has what it takes to become a movie reviewer?

Or, at least a cub reporter along the lines of Lois Lane or Jimmy Olsen at the Daily Planet?

If your tween-aged child has a hankering to be the next Roger Ebert, there’s a camp where they can train to build a foundation of knowledge and skills to one day attain that goal.

KIDS FIRST is offering up its 2nd Film Critics Boot Camp this summer in four cities across the country - Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Annapolis and Santa Fe (June & July).

For those who are not familiar with KIDS FIRST, the organization has a web site for kids where they can log in and participate in every aspect of the film industry.

Smart intelligent children - keen on filmmaking - even vote on movies each year and give them a popcorn rating!

Creating the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Boot Camp was a natural next step for the 20-year-old organization, according to the organizers of the annual event.

In essence, the budding young stars are taught how to judge and critique media - and likewise - how to perform on-camera.

Kids ages 8 to 13 will get a chance to watch the latest films, meet film critics, and learn interview techniques.

In sum, the boot camp affords up-and-coming raw filmmaking talents (and critics) how to develop their creative skills.

And, they will do just that, under the tutelage of professionals in the field.

The goal is to help tweens build self confidence while they develop skills that will stay with them a lifetime.

A successful well-known 1st assistant director - Janet Davidson - is one of the teachers that will be at the helm at boot camp this summer.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

Warehouse 21,
1614 Paseo de Peralt
Sante Fe NM

June 13th – 17th

Quote…Unquote
519 Central N.W.
Albuquerque NM

June 20th – 24th

The Georgian Hotel
1415 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA

July 11th – July 15th

Filmsters
107 Annapolis St., Ste J,
Annapolis, MD

July 18th – July 22nd

Tuition $549
Early Registration $479
Materials, snacks, and lunches inclusive

Ages 8 - 13
Enrollment limited
Maximum 25 children per class
(some partial scholarships available)

Contact:

http://www.kidsfirst.org/

http://www.thetattler.com



Tribeca Film Festival...Brian Williams to interview Robert De Niro! Elton John documentary to screen! April 20th - May 1st in NYC!

To celebrate ten years of screening cutting-edge films, officials at the Tribeca Film Festival have announced they are introducing a thrilling thought-provoking "Talk" series to feature high-profile personalities in the industry.

Brian Williams, Alec Baldwin and Martin Scorsese are slated to conduct one-on-one interviews with the likes of - Robert DeNiro, Doug Liman and Souleymann Cissee respectively - at the much-anticipated Director series to be held in New York City.

The upcoming annual fest - which normally boasts packed houses - runs April 20th through May 1st in lower Manhattan.

In recent days, the organizers have also leaked out details about a handful of dazzling special events, causing a big buzz in show-biz circles.

For instance, Cameron Crowe's documentary on singer - Elton John - premieres at a free outdoor screening on April 20th at the North Cove at the World Financial Plaza.

Attendees will need TFF wristbands to be seated at the event which will be distributed to the public on a first-come first-served basis at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center on April 20 at 4 pm..

"The Union" is a behind-the-scenes snapshot of the "out" Diva - who recently recorded his latest album - as a collaborative musical effort alongside legendary rock 'n roller (and good friend) multi-talented Leon Russell.

Producers are hailing the flick as an extraordinary journey of the heart which captures a "candid portrait" of one of the world's most-treasured enduring artists.

“Cameron Crowe gives audiences unprecedented access to Elton John and Leon Russell’s artistic process in an emotional and realistic way," one festival biggie enthused at a recent press junket.

Award-winning T-Bone Burnett took on the role of studio producer and nurtured the eclectic recording project to completion in recent days.

Lyricist Bernie Taupin, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, legendary R & B organist Booker T. Jones, and steel guitarist Robert Randolph (in addition to a 10-piece gospel choir) are also showcased on the much-touted album.

At press time, it was announced that Elton will take the stage after the screening of the insightful documentary and perform a tune or two with celebrated friends in tow.

"It’s a special opportunity to open our 10th Festival in a distinct and unique way. Not only are we inviting the community to join us for the world premiere of Cameron Crowe’s film - "The Union" - but to have Elton, whose music transcends generations, perform after is an extraordinary gift to our Festival and more specifically the downtown community,” gushed Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival.

Crowe sang Elton John's praises, too.

"As a longtime fan of both artists, it was a pleasure to spend a year filming their collaboration,” said Cameron Crowe.

“We can't wait to show it to one of the greatest audiences in the world at the Tribeca Film Festival," Cameron crowed to all within earshot.

In addition, the "Tribeca Talks" showcase five new documentary titles, which feature lively discussion panels with a spotlight on the likes of actor/director Sean Penn and top vocalist Harry Belafonte, for example.

Five of the documentary titles are - "The Education of Dee Dee Ricks", "Love Hate Love", "Off the Rez", "Grandma, A Thousand Times", and "Sing Your Song "- all of which receive exclusive screenings as part of the Tribeca Talks "After the Movie” series.

Another one-of-a-kind world premiere event will be the screening (and in-depth examination) of the feature L.A. Noire  - which is a new interactive crime thriller being released in the spring by Rockstar Games.

A Q & A will follow a "L.A. Noire" live demonstration of the detective game (where players solve complex, historically-inspired crimes in a beautifully recreated and fully interactive rendition of 1947 Los Angeles).

Tribeca’s special events are rounded out by a handful of Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival screenings which include Alex Gibney’s "Catching Hell" (about notorious Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman), free “Tribeca Talks: Industry” panels (designed for industry professionals to explore the ways they can use new digital platforms to advance their film projects) and “Tribeca Talks: Pen to Paper” (which are insightful panels hosted by Barnes & Noble that focus on the artistic process of screenwriting.

“We wanted to celebrate our Tenth Festival by inviting some of the finest filmmakers, media artists and actors of our time to share their insights and experiences through the Tribeca Talks series," underscored Nancy Schafer, the Executive Director of TFF.

“We have over the years established a tradition of conversations that both engage audiences in the details and revelations of contemporary film making as well as offer a perspective as to the direction and the future of storytelling and the industry. This is so much a part of what festivals can do to enrich the viewing experience for their audiences and we are proud to present this special series."

There will be quite a few world premieres to keep film buffs clucking around the circuit, too.

The world premiere of "The Education of Dee Dee Ricks" is a documentary which demonstrates how a successful businesswoman and mother’s life changed when - after being diagnosed with breast cancer - she set out to make life easier for less fortunate cancer patients.

The stirring film is followed by a conversation with Dee Dee Ricks, producer Lisa Cohen, Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention founder Harold P. Freeman MD, and public health advocates.

The event is to be moderated by director Perri Peltz.

"The Beautiful Mind" screening examines the life of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr. and will be followed by a panel discussion puts the glare of the spotlight on director Ron Howard, producer Brian Grazer, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, the film’s math consultant, Dave Bayer, author Sylvia Nasar (whose book inspired the film) and theoretical physicist and mathematician Brian Greene.

The event is slated to be moderated by NPR’s Ira Flatow.

The North American documentary premiere of - "Grandma, A Thousand Times" - examines a family matriarch as she struggles to cope with the silence of her once-buzzing house and imagines what waits her beyond death.

Hosted by the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, it should be noted for the record, that the film won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Film (2010).

The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Mahmoud Kaabour on the experience of making films in the Middle East.

The world premiere of - "Love Hate Love" - is all about the difficult journeys of three families torn apart by three separate acts of terrorism - the attacks on the World Trade Center, the London bus bombing, and the Sari Club bombing in Bali - and is followed by a conversation with executive producer Sean Penn, directors Dana Nachman and Don Hardy (as well family members featured in the film which includes Liz Alderman, Steve Alderman, Esther Hyman, and Ben Tullipan).

The New York premiere of - "The Loving Story" - recounts the unknown love story of Mildred and Richard Loving (the couple behind the 1967 Supreme Court ruling overturning anti-miscegenation laws in the United States).

The stirring legal foray is followed by the appearances of director Nancy Buirski, attorney Phil Hirschkop (who represented the Lovings), Anthony Romero, and the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (who discuss the landmark case and current issues surrounding race and marriage equality).

"Off the Rez" - a world premiere event - tracks Shoni Schimmel (a Umatilla Indian and one of the best high school basketball players in the country) whose hoop dreams of being the first from her tribe to get a college scholarship are threatened after her family leaves the Umatillia Indian Reservation.

The screening is followed by a Q & A with executive producers Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, director Jonathan Hock, Discovery and TLC Networks president Eileen O’Neill.

The special event is moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist - and author of Friday Night Lights - Buzz Bissinger.

The world premiere of - "Revenge of the Electric Car" - is an up-close peak behind the closed doors of - Nissan, General Motors and Tesla Motors - at a time when the major auto makers race to develop the world’s first and most economically accessible electric car.

The screeners are promoting a panel discussion to be headed up by guest speakers director Chris Paine (President and Chief Executive Officer) Nissan Motor Co. Carlos Ghosn, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk, and Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal columnist Dan Neil.

The much-anticipated event is moderated by actor, writer, and director David Duchovny.

"Sing Your Song" - a New York premiere offering - is a stirring documentary that examines legendary entertainer Harry Belafonte’s continued humanitarian contributions to the arts, the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, the fight against Apartheid, combating starvation in Ethiopia, and so much more.

Harry Belafonte is scheduled to appear for a Q & A with the filmgoers who attend.

Moderated by Tavis Smiley.

To fill out the program, there will also be scintillating screenings of 11 short films which explore the contributions of women filmmakers in the canon of the American experimental avant-garde.

This program also celebrates 15 years of direct financial support for preservation of historically under-recognized films by women through the Women’s Film Preservation Fund of New York Women in Film & Television.

A discussion follows with an eclectic group of women filmmakers who helped shape avant-garde cinema.

"Digital by Design", meanwhile, focuses on a conversation with producers, filmmakers, SAP and industry executives about the emergence of online digital platforms and applications that provoke filmmakers to confront technology head-on including funding models, intellectual property management and distribution channels.

Sponsored by SAP.

Panelists that night include Richard Whittington, Senior Vice President of media and entertainment at SAP, and writer/director Edward Burns.

"Shooting Film on a Budget" is an interesting presentation on the subject of filmmaking which is understandably sponsored by Kodak.

One of the most important aspects of realizing your independent feature is determining the right look.

How will you capture your images and bring the script to the screen in a meaningful, visual way?

Filmmakers and cinematographers must consider many variables such as mood of the story, production restrictions, post work flow, etc.

Too often these important decisions are determined by the bottom line.

However, many filmmakers are able to get the most out of their budgets while still shooting film.

Kodak invites budding filmmakers to attend this event which features celebrity guests - Michael Cuesta (writer/director of Roadie) and producer Karen Chieto - to learn how they created beautiful and cost-effective cinematic narratives on film.

Also -the "Business of Entertainment" - is expected to draw large crowds.

The program will explore the trends that affect the economics of the film business and the broader entertainment industry.

This year's panel have invited leading CEOs, producers, financiers, media - and other industry leaders - who will focus on how to finance films in the 21st century.

"Are Documentary Films Changing the World?" focuses on - filmmakers, distributors and community groups - and the new trends in documentary filmmaking (such as collaborations between filmmakers and NGOs to increase distribution and influence public perception and policy).

Panelists include filmmaker Abigail Disney - and the Co-Founder of Impact Partners - Dan Cogan.

For the Internet crowd - "Amplify the Message: Social Media" - may be of particular interest.

The panel discussion focuses on how film producers and directors engage new interactive audiences through such networks as Twitter, Facebook, Tumbles, GetGlue and Foursquare (and how much of an impact social networking has on a movie’s success or failure on multiple platforms).

Moderated by Marc Schiller (the CEO and Founder of Electric Artists).

Panelists include Rider Strong, director/screenwriter of The Dungeon Master, Howard Tullman, President & CEO of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy, and others.

The conversation will be streamed live on the Tribeca Online Film Festival website.

http://www.tribecaonline.com

Finally - "Meet the Documentary Broadcasters" - is expected to be a spirited conversation with industry broadcasters about the type of nonfiction films they’re drawn to and their thoughts on where this genre is headed.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Nicole Kidman...San Francisco film shoot seeks Spanish-looking extras! March casting!



Producers for Nicole Kidman's new flick - to be shot in the San Francisco Bay area - are seeking Spanish-looking extras.

Beau Bonneau casting is seeking males 18 to 40 - with fair to medium complexions, dark hair and eyes, and lean physiques - to play soliders in the background.

The shoot dates are slated for March 11th, 14th, and the 15th.

Interested actors should contact the casting office.

INFO

Web Inquiries
www.beaubonneaucasting.com

Telephone
415.346.2278

Good luck, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Flick to be shot in Bay area!

Berlin & Beyond Film Festival...San Francisco!

Berlin & Beyond - a highly touted film festival featuring flicks from - Germany, Austria, and Switzerland - is currently underway over the next 7 days at the Castro Street Theatre.

The annual event is presented by the Goethe-Institut San Francisco and has been serving as a gateway for the American public to experience the diversity, history and progression of the German-speaking countries in Europe.

In the last 14 years, over 500 films have been presented to over 100,000 filmgoers and enthusiasts - of the film genre - as well as inspiring hundreds of guest artists in the celebrated duration.

For the 15th Anniversary, the eclectic program is unveiling 24 captivating feature films from seasoned masters - up-and-coming innovators - and six short films from bright new talents.

The impressive roster of luminaries includes - Michael Verhoeven, Benjamin Heisenberg, Feo Aladag, Florian David Fitz, and Donna Woolfolk Cross - who will appear on stage in lively Q & A interchanges with audiences.

Featured Films


*A Lost and Found Box of Human Sensation
*Animals United 3D (Die Konferenz der Tiere)
*Autumn Gold (Herbstgold)
*Draft Dodgers (Réfractraire)
*Edgar
*Home from Home (Endstation der Sehnsüchte)
*Human Failure (Menschliches Versagen)
*In the Shadows (Im Schatten)
*It's Me, Helmut (Ich bin's, Helmut)
*Julia’s Disappearance (Giulias Verschwinden)
*Krauts, Doubts & Rock ’n‘ Roll (Fleisch ist mein Gemüse
*Lebensadr
*Lola
*Men in the City (Männerherzen)
*Pianomania
*Pope Joan (Die Päpstin)
*Rock Hudson: Dar  and Handsome Stranger
*Run if You Can (Renn, wenn Du kannst
*Same, Same But Different
*Side by Side (Nebeneinander)
*Silver Girls (Frauenzimmer)
*Soul Kitchen
*The Last Giants - Oceans in Danger (Wenn das Meer stirbt
*The Last Wheel (Das letzte Rad)
*The Robber (Der Räuber)
*The Silence (Das letzte Schweigen)
*Vincent Wants to Sea (Vincent will Meer)
*Wedding Fever in Campobello (Maria, ihm schmeckt's nicht)
*The Welfare Worker (Der Fürsorger)
*When We Leave (Die Fremde)
*Will you marry us (Die Standesbeamtin)
*The Woman with the 5 Elephants (Die Frau mit den 5 Elefanten)

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

The Envelope...screening series! James Franco, Winona Ryder & Natalie Portman to appear!

Once again, the much-anticipated film screening series - The Envelope - is slated to kick-off at the Landmark Theatre in West Los Angeles (CA).

The high-profile red-carpet-style event - sponsored by the Los Angeles Times - is scheduled to run November thru December.

At press time it was announced that - James Franco (127 Hours), Winona Ryder (Black Swan) & Natalie Portman (Black Swan) - have committed to appear at the popular Q & A sessions to follow the screenings (which I expect will play to packed houses).

Director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy are expected to put in appearances as well much to the delight of theatre-going fans.

Last year, I attended the thought-provoking film presentation, and was fortunate to sneak peak a handful of top-notch flicks (Fantastic Mr. Fox, Hurt Locker, Crazy Heart, District 9, and Young Victoria)  before their wide release later in the year.

Entertaining interviews with Jeff Bridges, T-Bone Burnett, Kathryn Bigelowr, and Jeremy Renner were thoroughly enriching moments which I captured in posts in the days that followed.

Post: 12/04/09  (Young Victoria)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/young-victoria-duchess-of-york-julian.html

Post:  12/02/09 (Crazy Heart)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/jeff-bridgesrobert-duvall-maggie.html

Post:  11/19/09 (Hurt Locker)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/11/hurt-lockerintense-flawed-film-director.html

Post:  11/09/09 (District 9)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/11/hurt-lockerintense-flawed-film-director.html

The feature film line-up this year is just as dynamic and exciting as last year's phenomenal success.

The Envelope
Feature Film Screenings
Q & A

Toy Story  3 (Pixar)
November 3
7:30 pm
Q & A
Director Lee Unkrich
Producer Darla K. Anderson
Writer Michael Arndt
Actor Jeff Garlin

Moderator John Horn
Los Angeles Times
127 Hours (Fox Searchlight)
November 4
7:30pm
Q & A
Actor James Franco
Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy.

Moderator John Horn
Los Angeles Times

Another Year (Sony Pictures Classic)
November 15
7:30 pm
Q & A
Actors Lesley Manville & Jim Broadbent

Moderator Mark Olsen
Los Angeles Times

Black Swan (Fox Searchlight)
November 16
 7:30 pm
Q & A
Director Darren Aronofsky
Producer Scott Franklin
Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey &  Winona Ryder.

Moderated by Steve Zeitchik
Los Angeles Times

Ticket Info:

http://www.latimes.com/extras/events/envelopescreeningseries/

http://www.thetattler.biz

Michael Douglas..."Money Never Sleeps" premieres! Actor upbeat & in good spirits!

In spite of the recent announcement that he has been battling cancer - and the respected actor has been attending frenzied red-carpet premieres to promote his new flick - "Money Never Sleeps" (the sequel to Wall Street) - Michael Douglas (starring) has been pretty low-key about the season ahead at press junkets this past few days.

"Tennis has never been better, college football just started and it's been a great weekend of college football," he joked to a National magazine, off the cuff.

No bluesy moments for the A-list star who has - not only been optimistic and upbeat about his chances for survival - but straightforward about the fact he is undergoing intensive radiation and chemotherapy. 

Although the treatment has left Douglas exhausted on some days - and he has a difficult time speaking, eating and swallowing - he has kept a stiff upper lip and refused to be a downer to his circle of supportive friends.

"I've got a Monday-night game coming up with the Jets, so sports looks really good. And to top it off, we have a picture that's rocking," he said.

"So, what's not to like?"

The film - which features Charlie Sheen in a cameo role - opens in wide release on Sept. 24th.

The much-anticipated follow-up pic also stars Shia LaBeouf and Carey Mulligan,.

Oliver Stone helmed the intense drama which picks up where "Wall Street" left off.

Douglas plays a trader who is released from prison trying to heal wounds with his estranged daughter.

A review will follow.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Twilight...frenzied fans swarm Theatre! The Kiss! Red carpet correction!

I stand corrected!

A few days ago when I posted a press clip on the premiere of  "Eclipse" - the 3rd Vampire tale in the ongoing saga - I referred to the glitzy unveiling  tonight at a local theatre as a Red Carpet Event.

Not!

The producers pulled the rug out from under moi!

Those sly dawgs.

In keeping with the Vampire theme, the set decorators were instructed to roll out a black carpet, instead.

Black is tres chic, after all.

All the twi-hards were issued black wrist bands - a coveted blessing - because if a fan was lovingly caressing one, it meant he or she were in like Flynn.

A  gaggle of giggling girls straining forward amidst the crush to inch along the packed queue  have adorned themselves with a riot of Twilight accessories.

Now, the die-hards wait breathlessly for a nod from the ushers.

Psssst!

Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart get intimate.

The muscle-bound actor (who plays Jacob) chuckled heartily when he was asked by an interviewer about the "kiss" that unexpectedly unfolds in a surprise storyline twist.

"We're friends, so it was a bit awkward," he noted in so many words.

"After the kiss, Kristen suddenly realized what happened," he added sheeplishly.

"Do you realize that we just kissed," she uttered in an OMG! moment.

Then, what of Edward?

The ecstatic fans at the Nokia will find out first-hand a few hours from now.

Lucky blood-suckers, all!

A Hunka-Hunka burning love!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Cobacabana...day I talked back to director! OMG...

Last night I woke up at about four o'clock in morning and found myself drifting back in time to the olden- golden days when I used to scurry around town to nab bit parts in the Film & Televsion industry.

For some inexplicable reason, a brief stint on the TV Movie - "Copacabana" (an adaptation of Manilow's hit song)- flooded my mind with hilarious memories.

Like "Lucy" - who was always trying to break into show biz - I was always get rooked into some fly-by-night production, or scam, which I can reflect on now and laugh heartily about.

If you recall, Manilow - who started out as a back-up pianist for chanteuse Bette Midler at the Men's Continental Baths in NYC - wrote the lyrics and music for "Copacabana" with partners Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman (a catchy tune which debuted on Billboard's Magazine's Top 40 Chart on July 7th, 1978).

"Copacabana" is also known as "Copacabana (At the Copa)".

Manilow nabbed a Grammy Award for "Copa" in February 1979.

The popular crooner was approached one day - although I am not familiar with the specific background details (how the project came about)  - to produce  a televison MOW based on the storyline of the song.

Just like in the pop hit, the TV production featured  two main characters - Lola (her name was Lola, remember?) - and Tony (her lover).

Manilow and his co-writers -  Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman - expanded the idea with additional songs and intriguing plot twists suggested by the song.

If you recall, at a climatic moment, a character is shot.

This is where I come in!

I was cast as a glorified extra (in a special bit!) - along with another actor - to dash out  on the dance floor and apprehend the gunman.

The scene was rehearsed quite strenuously and required exact timing that evening for two reasons.

For starters, the scene was being shot with dazzling special effects (and a stop-action camera) that was difficult and costly to set up.

But, there was a bigger dilemma looming on the horizon.

The production was fast-approaching "golden time".

When a company shoots long hours beyond the regular schedule - and the actors are not fed - they are entitled to steep overtime pay.

Once the regular hours have elapsed - the performers start receiving time-and-a-half - then double-time - also known as golden time.

So, it was imperative that the cast and crew get the shot in one take!

In Hollywood that's generally impossible (unless Clint Eastwood is at the helm).

So, the big moment arrived, and everyone on the stage was all keyed-up and waiting for the director to yell "action".

Unfortunately, because the camera was running, the director was forced to give a visual cue to the two of us (in the wings).

Once the director's hand gave the signal, we were supposed to dart across the stage, and drag the shooter away.

Unfortunately, shortly after the shot was rolling, I suddenly noticed that the director changed his position on the sidelines on the sound stage.

A large exotic palm tree was now blocking him from view.

In a panic, and unable to alert the director, I elected to keep my eye on my partner in the scene - and take my all-important cue - from him.

Suddenly, he lurched forward onto the stage, so I assumed the cue had been given.

Wrong!

He was so nervous that he jumped-the-gun.

And, the director was forced to scream "cut".

At this point there was quite a bit of cursing - and ranting and raving - falling on my virgin ears!

On the heels of that tirade, a slew of nasty comments followed, obviously intended for my partner and me.

I don't know whatever possessed me, but all-of-a-sudden, I cried out from my position across the room.

Sir!

Suddenly, there was  dead silence, as an eerie pall fell over the set.

I could imagine what everyone in that room was collectively thinking at the moment.

OMG!

He talked back to the director.

I continued unscathed.

"You changed your position, Sir. That palm tree was obscuring my view, so I wasn't able to visually catch your cue."

The silence was so load that it was deafening.

"Surprisingly, I wasn't tossed off the lot on my a**."

Without skipping a beat, the director shifted gears.

"Okay. Let's go for another take."

Whew!

I thought I would never eat lunch in this town again!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Fairfax Theater...future in jeopardy! Art Deco Society up in arms!

A couple of weeks ago when I sauntered up to take a gander at the features running currently at the Fairfax Theatre, I was taken aback to encounter a hastily-written note informing theatre-goers that the movie house - a mainstay in the community for over eighty years - was shut down due to water damage.

Unfortunately, the owner was a sly devil, who wasn't being entirely on the up-and-up with the community at large.

The Property owner - Alex Gorby - announced recently that the Fairfax (which was being operated by Regency Theatres) would remain closed indefinitely after suffering major damage during rainstorms this year.

"The landlord did not want to make the necessary repairs, so we had to terminate the lease," said Andrew Golin (VP of Regency Theatres).

"We are saddened by the closure."

In fact, the owner had no intention of throwing open the Theater doors, at all.

Gorby has proposed a mixed-use retail and residential project that would include 71 living units and and  224 underground parking spaces.

He has attempted to smooth the waters by asserting that he intends to maintain the theater's qaint historic Art Deco facade.

"The design is absolutely exquisite," his slick spokesman assured the media recently.

To some, that is not good enough.

John Thomas, of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, said vigorous efforts underfoot to save the  Fairfax are not just about architecture.

The Fairfax Theatre is woven into the fabric of the community, after all.

"We view the Fairfax not only as a historic treasure, but as a social and cultural treasure, given the role it has played in the Fairfax District for the past 80 years," said Hillsman Wright (who is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Historical Theatre Foundation).

Inside the classic revival movie house, there are exquisite Art Deco flourishes in all three theaters, that reflect the ture elegance and style of the era.

"It's much more than a physical structure," Wright added.

I suffer from insomnia, so I often took in screenings at the Insomniac Cinema.

The wild fun raucous events - packed to the rafters - are some of my most memorable moments in the neighborhood over the years.

Here's a sampling of a handful of posts on the midnight screenings at the witching hour.

The Big Lebowski screens at Insomniac Cinema

Post:  01/29/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/big-lebowskiscreens-at-insomniac-cinema.html

Ed Wood's Plan 9 to screen at Insomniac Cinema

Post:  05/08/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/05/insomniac-cinemaplan-9-from-outer-space.html

Dazed & Confused to screen at Insomniac Cinema

Post:  03/05/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/03/insomniac-cinemadazed-and-confused.html


One of my foster mothers (who gave me shelter in her perch on Point Grey in Vancouver when I was a teenage run-a-way) actually took in screenings there (and munched on popcorn) when she was a toddler.

Jeannie Kamins resided on Kings Road with her parents (her father was a respected doctor in the Los Angeles area) in the heart of picturesque West Hollywood at the basin of the Hollywood Hills long before I discovered the gay mecca in the seventies and before it was an Incorported gay city.

Jeannie actually played in the street in front of the famous Shindler house (which still stands today amid a tony configuration of upscale condos).

She'll be devastated to hear the news!

Neighbors joined preservationists and community activists in recent weeks to collect petition signatures and to celebrate the cinema's 80th birthday.

During World War II, the theater served as a rallying point for information, and fundraising for the district's thriving Jewish community.

It was often used for religious services and political and social events.

"It's in many ways part of the heart and soul of that neighborhood," one neighbour poignantly noted to a reporter.

"We came here as children. We had our first dates here. We courted our spouses here. We brought our children and grandchildren here," said Cliff Cheng (head of the West of Fairfax Neighbors Society).

The Fairfax has been nominated to become a Los Angeles historic-cultural monument.

Until then, the landlord's ambitious plans are on hold.

Stay tuned!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival...splashy cinematic event kicks off April 29th!.

Probably one of the classiest film festivals to hit town each year is the Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Word from a top honcho at Festival headquarters is that the annual event (one of the longest-running in Los Angeles) is slated to run this year from April 29th through May 8th (2010).

The popular fest - which sold out many screenings last year at the Director's Guild and other venues - will feature 170 films represented by 20 countries (including world premieres, sneak previews, you name it).

As usual, in addition to the daily screenings, there will be a big splashy event or two difficult to pass u, psuch as a Bruce Lee 70th Birthday Celebration.

Together with Bruce Lee Enterprises, the festival will highlight the life of this legend with special high-profile screenings.

A free outdoor screening of Lee's classic film  - THE CHINESE CONNECTION - is slated for April 30th at Madang the Courtyard in Korea Town (Western & Wilshire Blvd).

There will also be a special showing of -  ENTER THE DRAGON - on May 1st at Noon at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theatres in West Hollywood.

In addition, there will be gala events, Industry Panels, and compelling line-ups of Documentaries and Narratives which focus on the Asian Experience from around the world.

Arvin Chen’s Debut Feature - “AU REVOIR TAIPEI” (produced by Wim Wenders and Fest Alum In-Ah Lee) - will rev up the 10 day circuit event.

Hong Kong Box Office Smash “BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS” - starring Tony Leung and Donnie Yen - will close out the fest at a tony gala event.

Visual Communications (VC) - the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts center - announced that screenings will be held at a handful of exciting venues around Los Angeles.

The Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) boasts previews at the Director’s Guild of America (DGA), Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theatres, the Downtown Independent Theatre, The Tateuchi Democracy Forum @ the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, and the Aratani/Japan America Theatre.

In addition, the LAAPFF will launch Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

Arvin Chen will open the festival on Thursday, April 29th at the DGA with a screening of the much-anticipated AU REVOIR TAIPEI.

The filmmaker and cast are scheduled to attend the Los Angeles premiere.

The romantic comedy was an audience fave at the Berlin Film Festival

"We are excited to present the Los Angeles premiere screening of AU REVOIR TAIPEI as our opening night film,” noted  Abraham Ferrer (Exhibitions Director at VC & Film Festival Co-Director).

“We have been following director Chen’s career since we produced his USC thesis film MEI at the 2007 LAAPFF. We are honored to have him return and present his latest effort."

Another LAAPFF alum - filmmaker Quentin Lee (Drift, Ethan Mao, Shopping for Fangs) - brings his hit sex comedy (THE PEOPLE I’VE SLEPT WITH) - to the fest as the American Centerpiece film on Saturday, May 1st at the DGA.

Director Lee, screenwriter Koji Sakai and the film’s stars - Karin Anna Cheung (Better Luck Tomorrow), Archie Kao (CSI, Desperate Housewives), and Wilson Cruz (He’s Just Not That Into You, My So Called Life, Noah’s Arc) - will be in attendance.

“Quentin Lee is one of our VC family members and is perfect example of what the organization does for Asian American filmmakers,”  David Magdael (Festival Co-Director) noted for the record.

“Since his arrival to VC in 1991, he has participated with us in utilizing the training, resources, networking and fiscal sponsorships that we provide. We have seen his career grow throughout the years, and we are extremely proud. With this film, one can see how Lee has become one of our strongest filmmakers. And now tackling comedy, he continues to evolve.”

Le Thanh Son’s action-packed film the "CLASH" - Vietnam’s current box office smash - is slated for the LAAPFF International Centerpiece premiering on Sunday, May 2nd at the DGA.

CLASH reunites the team behind the LAAPFF 2007 closing night film "The Rebel" and stars Johnny Tri Nguyen and Veronica Ngo in what is being described as a hard-hitting thriller.

Incorporating stylish action sequences and stunning cinematography, the film continues to propel the current Viet Wave Cinema, according to Festival organizers.

 Cast members will join Director Le Thanh Son at the LA premiere for a Q & A.

The 2010 LAAPFF is proud to also present - THE MIKADO PROJECT - from Festival alum Chil Kong on Saturday, May 1st at the DGA.

The comedy centers on an Asian America troupe - The Angry Buddha Theater Ensemble - as they try to mount the popular theater piece after they lose their leading male star.

Director Kong and his all-star cast of actors including - Tamlyn Tomita, Erin Quill, David McInnis, Allen Liu and Ryan Yu -  are slated to attend the gala event.

This year, the LAAPFF will present the North American premiere of the hit South Korean comedy - THE ACTRESSES - from director E. J-yong in the Special Sneak Preview slot on Saturday, May 8th at the Downtown Independent Theater.

Shot as a documentary, this comedy send-up is an inside look at the dramatics of six of the most famous actresses in Korean film who were gathered together by Vogue Korea for a photo shoot on Christmas Eve 2008.

The multi-generational cast play themselves and worked without a script, as they acted out the varied facets of their respective private and public personas.

"With 'THE ACTRESSES' - it’s always about the drama on-and-off screen for stars Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Mi-sook, Choi Ji-woo, Ko Hyun-jung, Kim Min-hee and Kim Ok-vin,"  officials underscored in their press release yesterday.

Closing out this year’s fest is the Southern California premiere of the current Hong Kong smash -  BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS - from director Teddy Chen (featuring an all star cast which includes Tony Leung, Simon Yam, Donnie Yen and kickboxer/MMA fighter Cung Le).

This blockbuster action film will be presented Thursday, May 6 at the Aratani Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles with actor Cung Le at the gala.

“We are excited about BODYGURADS AND ASSASINS as our closing night film,” states Shinae Yoon, VC Executive Director.

“It’s been a while since our festival has closed with such a Hong Kong blockbuster film. It’s a great way to cap off our celebration.” .



In addition, two special panel discussions are scheduled as follows:

Enter the Dragon (May 1st)

Filmmakers Reginald Hudlin and Brett Ratner, President of Bruce Lee Enterprises (Shannon Lee), and actor/martial artist Bob Wall are scheduled to attend at press time.

Guests will discuss the impact of Bruce Lee on world-wide pop culture.

Bruce Lee Panel Discussion DGA (May 2nd)

The Lee Family (including wife Linda Lee, daughter Shannon Lee, and God-daughter/actress Diana Lee Inosanto) - and friends - discuss Bruce Lee the man, the father, the husband, and the friend.

“Bruce Lee was not only an icon for many of us as Asian Americans, but for everyone from around the world,” says Magdael.

“This special celebration of his life and the discussion around him as a person, a friend, a family man and a martial artist and actor will definitely be moving," festival staff assured me.

This year marks a strong year for non-fiction works at the LAAPFF with submissions up in numbers this year.

The 2010 documentary line-up includes award winners, premieres events, and a special spotlight on Academy Award® winner/LAAPFF alum Freida Lee Mock.

Some of the films featured are:

•LAST TRAIN HOME (Lixin Fan) • ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE (Rob Lemkin and Thet Sambath) • ONE VOICE (Lisette Marie Flanary) • STATE OF ALOHA (Anne Misawa) • A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILES (S. Leo Chiang) • IN THE MATTER OF CHA JUNG HEE (Deann Borshay Liem) • MAMACHAS DEL RING (Betty M. Park) • BEIJING TAXI ( Miao Wang) • AOKI (Ben Wang and Mike Chang) • MACHO LIKE ME (Helie Lee) • MY TEHRAN FOR SALE (Granaz Moussavi) • LT. WATADA (Freida Lee Mock) • SING! CHINA (Freida Lee Mock).
The Festival is proud to be partnering with Toyota as the Official Vehicle Sponsor.

Toyota once again will bring their cutting edge style to the Festival in their car displays.

In addition, Toyota is making possible the music video showcase - Cinema Musica! - amid the rooftop after-party.

They're also hosting the free outdoor screening of  "THE CHINESE CONNECTION".

The Festival is also proud to partner with the Directors Guild of America as the main screening venue during the Festival’s Opening Weekend.

This state of the art theater is where the Festival will screen its opening night film as well as both Centerpiece Films.

Visual Communications (VC) is the nation's premier Asian Pacific American media arts center and was established in 1970.

The organization has established a lengthy track record of pioneering achievements in producing, presenting, and preserving more honest and accurate representations of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in America.

Visual Communications is also recognized as an incubator of emerging Asian Pacific American cinematic talent.

The organization's works have been exhibited in numerous venues and broadcast outlets around the world.

The mission of Visual Communications is to promote intercultural understanding through the creation, presentation, preservation and support of media works by and about Asian Pacific Americans.

Ticket Info:

www.vconline.org/festival

Visual Communications
(213) 680-4462 (ex 68)

http://www.thetattler.biz

Miley Cyrus...star's credibility problems & The Last Song! Stolen chickens...

 

Miley Cyrus has been making the rounds of talk shows this past week - to tout her new release (The Last Song) - which is being released today (March 31st) in tandem with her feature film release.

After catching a couple of the chats she engaged in with high-profile talk-show hosts over the past week - on the tonight show and the today show respectively - it appears that Ms. Cyrus has a nasty habit of fibbing (embellishing the facts to romanticize her life a tad) or in the conveninet alternative just has a foggy memory!

Maybe, she's just living in a fantasy world, starring a delusional Miley Cyrus?

For example, after a chat with a teen-bopper rag, other media hounds were inclined to spread the juicy scuttlebutt she generated about the casting of current boy-toy Liam Hemsworth  in the lead role opposite Miley.

With a lot of fanfare, she boasted that she gave the nod,  because "he showed he was a gentleman when he opened the door for her one day."

The juicy tidibt triggered a surge in good manners 'round Tinsel Town with a posse of actors keen on currying favor with someone with clout to land 'em a part (even if it meant flirting with a spoiled self-centered star with some kooky notions about life).

And, the presses spilled ink all over kingdom cum - and the internet, too - about the infectious  puppy love blossoming in their midst.

Then, last night, Miley twisted and distorted the facts a bit.

For example, when Jimmy Kimmel attempted to confirm how Liam came to land the romantic lead in the film, she suddenly blurted out that it was her mother who was actually responsible for the casting.

"She had headshots of three actors on the kitchen table.  But, she kept staring at Liam's photograph for hours."

Looks like Mom had the hots for Liam, first.

In fact, Miley confessed she wasn't that keen on him, initially.

Hope they're sharing the spoils of their studly find, at least!!

So much for the fairy tale meeting, and her little white lies, spread out over a week rife with promotional burps.

Needless to say, her credibility was "blown" in this corner of the Universe.

At that juncture in Kimmel's  interview, I found it difficult to take her at her word, when she ran rampant at the frothy mouth about this 'n that throughout the rest of the gab fest.

Did she really steal a few chickens from an unsuspecting farmer in California?

And, if we're to put any stock in what amounts to a tall tale - in my estimation - she would have us believe that her and Dad (Billy Ray Cyrus)  smuggled the chicks into the passenger area of the airplane by simply stretching the truth.

"These are special chickens," they assured the other passengers, who wondered aloud why they weren't below in "cargo" where all of God's other lowly creatures were stowed (cats, dogs).

As to the ratty Willie Nelson Doll she hauled around everywhere when she was a tot?

A fan took some publicity photos for posterity's sake and now they have been rustled up to haunt the young starlett (who must feel like a total fool right about now).

And, how was your day?

Miley needs shower after stink she's caused with media!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Corey Haim...death certificate deferred! Monkey on back kept actor down...

Although it has been widely reported that Corey Haim died from a drug overdose, the Los Angeles Coroner's office has stopped short of that conclusion, until a full autopsy report is in.

According to city officials, the cause of the child star's death is still unknown.

Pending the completion of a thorough investigation by the book, the Coroner's office was inclined to issue a death certificate at the end of the week, with a footnote that underscored that until further notice the immediate cause of death was deferred.

In the early hours of dawn on March 10th (2010), Corey Haim complained of flu-like symptoms, before collapsing at the Oakwood Apartments in the Valley.

Investigators found four perscription medication - Valium, Vicodin, Soma and the antipsychotic Haloperidol - in the  month-to-month rental he shared with his mother Judy.

While no illegal drugs were found that fateful day, sources have confirmed that Haim illegally obtained written perscriptions for drugs such as OxyContin, which added a mysterious twist to the tragic events.

As of this date, for instance, it has not been established if the troubled actor ever used the drug previously, or if he intended to have the prescription for the one in his possession filled.

The question as to whether or not the former drug addict's past and/or previous addictions led to his death in the prime of life still remains up in the air.

It has been confirmed with certainty, though, that Haim was suffering from pneumonia (which has firmly established that he was under the weather that evening with a legitimate ailment that needed attending to).

The  L.A. County Coroner's Office is waiting for toxicology results to determine if there were fatal levels of drugs in his system, which could have stopped Corey's heart from pumping healthy on the eve in question.

Prescription drugs such as - Valium, Vicodin and Soma - all slow  down the respiratory rate and could stop a person's breathing when taken while pneumonia is present.

With that in mind, investigators may be able to wrap up the report, in the near future.

Meanwhile, it should be noted for the record, that Haim's mother was informed that Corey suffered from pulmonary congestion and an enlarged heart.

But, no explanation was given as to what triggered the death, for the aforementioned reasons.

Haim starred in a string of teen-oriented box offices hits in the 1980s.

In "Lucas", Corey Haim crafted a stand-out performance, which I reported on just recently after a tribute screening at a Revival House (New Beverly Cinema) in Hollywood.

Post: 03/13/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/03/corey-haimspooky-night-at-lucas.html

Unfortunately, Haim's promising movie career was derailed by an addition to drugs, which was widely reported in the press.

Although Haim struggled to regain ground in the form of a sizzling comeback, Hollywood-style, the monkey on his back fought back and kept him down.

Understandably, Corey Haim fans mourn the untimely demise of a gifted actor.

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Corey Haim....spooky night at Lucas midnight tribute screening!

Stand-out role of lifetime!

On the dozens of occasions I've attended movie screenings at the New Beverly Cinema in Hollywood, not once has the celluloid failed to spring to life on the screen once the projectionist was given the green light.

Not so last night at the midnight tribute to Corey Haim!

When the footlights went down, instead of crisp crystal clear images, filmgoers were a little startled to encounter swirls of light (and undistinguishable objects floating just out-of-reach on screen) before the house went dark and the lights went up.

A few seconds later, when the projectionist started up a second time, ghost-like apparitions filled the screen for a minute or two before the popular cinema went dark once again.

No picture!  No sound!

I whispered, "it's Corey's ghost."

I might not have been far off, since I personally believe that there is a curious "energy" (or other-world force) that permeates the old Revival House on Beverly Boulevard in Hollywood.

Last year, some eerie events unfolded at the theatre, which support my theory.

Shortly after the theatre screened "Wild Strawberries" (a film about death) - and the work of a  second foreign filmmaker that week - both directors (and the owner of the theatre) passed to spirit within days of each other.

Eerie!

Something to chew on, folks!

Last night, the programmer - Julia - prefaced the screening with a lovely tribute to the Corey Haim who tragically passed away a few days ago before his time.

"Corey was one of my favorite actors. He was quite talented.  And, I knew that if the right director took him under his wing, he would have made a big comeback," she asserted with a tinge of emotion in her voice.

The flick the theatre chose to screen - Lucas - was the perfect choice because it really showcased Haim's marvelous acting talents and mesmerizing onscreen persona.

In fact, out of all the Haim films, this is certainly right up there in the category of award-winning performances.

The former child star was probably overlooked  - and not taken seriously - because he was thrust amidst a cast poplulated by young brat-packers of more renown (like Winona Ryder & Charlie Sheen trying their best to steal his thunder).

Good luck!

In this role, as Lucas, Haim crafts a fleshed-out character that knocks filmgoers out, in what amounts to a stand-out performance of his generation.

Who'll ever forget this fourteen-year old kid from the wrong side of the tracks - in floppy hat and nerdy wide-rimmed glasses - who touches the heart (and at times brings a tear to the eye).

His characterization of  "Lucas" was so precise - so bang on - that the onscreen image will remain forever etched in my own memory - without doubt.

If you have the opportunity to attend a screening or to rent a DVD or catch it on the old boob tube: do!

It will be a precious memorable movie experience!

Erotic moments with Charlie, too!

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