This afternoon we talked with Matthew Leutwyler, director of THE RIVER WHY, the story of 20-year old Gus Oryiston. A Mozart of fly fishing, Gus leaves his big city home in rebellion from his family to live the simple secluded life on the banks of a river. Instead of the bliss Gus hoped for, his isolation drives him to a journey of self-discovery. Along this journey Gus comes in contact with a number of eccentric people who help him through his passage into adulthood. He finds friendship and love where he never expected it, and lives by the following observation: "The surface of the earth is 30% land and 70% water. A newborn baby is composed of 70% water and 30% everything else. I guess this means that life and water are inseparable."
Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?
A: I actually had a film there years ago. My first feature, Road Kill. I live in Los Angeles now so am familiar with the fest anyway.
Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.
A: Upon high school graduation, I left on a trek to Australia and took along with me a soft cover copy of THE RIVER WHY. It was my constant companion on an adventure that included working on a dairy farm and fishing the various rivers and streams of Victoria's high country. I must have read the book four or five times over the course of my journey, identifying closely with Gus's departure from his home in pursuit of happiness in the wilderness. The book remained a favorite of mine over the years since I returned, so naturally when the opportunity came to direct the film version it was a dream come true.
Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.
A: I studied film at The San Francisco Art Institue and then moved to L.A. to get into the business. A few years later I met Miranda Bailey (director of the doc Greenlit, also playing at the fest) and we formed our production company Ambush Entertainment. . Since then, Ambush has produced 2005's award-winning critically acclaimed drama The Squid and the Whale; the sexually charged comedy The Oh In Ohio starring Parker Posey, Paul Rudd, and Danny DeVito; the sci-fi horror Unearthed; and the comedy Lower Learning with Eva Longoria Parker, Jason Biggs, and Rob Corddry. Recent films include: Against the Current, with Joseph Fiennes, Mary Tyler Moore and Justin Kirk which Premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up by IFC Films; the Matthew Broderick and Sanaa Lathan drama Wonderful World, distributed by Magnolia Pictures; and Every Day, written and directed by Richard Levine (Nip/Tuck) and starring Helen Hunt, Liev Schreiber, and Carla Gugino which will make its World Premiere at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival. The company’s latest film, the action comedy Super starring Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, and Kevin Bacon just wrapped production and is expected to be completed in late Spring 2010.
My latest directing was the ensemble drama Answers To Nothing, starring Dane Cook, Elizabeth Mitchell, Julie Benz, and Barbara Hershey which recently completed principal photography.
I've also been doing some short form work with spots for Chevrolet and most recently a Coke Zero commercial that was a cross promotion with the film Avatar.
Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)
A: Working with William Hurt was an obvious thrill. He really challenges you to be your best. But working with Zach Gilford and Amber Heard was the most fun. I have a real fondness for both actors. Zach and I worked again recently on Answers To Nothing. They were game for anything and totally prepared. They also fit into the loose vibe but quick pace that we had on set. Zach especially had to endure a lot on THE RIVER WHY. Not only did he have to carry the entire movie, as he is in almost every scene but he had to do it while dealing with the elements. The climatic fishing sequence at the end of the film was shot over 16 hours straight - from day into night and then back into the early morning. And he had to do it while performing in 55 degree water. There was never a complaint, he really just wanted it to be authentic and it came out beautifully.
Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
A: Sleep. Its been a really busy few years for us at Ambush so right now that is all I have time for.
THE RIVER WHY screens at 6 PM on Friday, April 23 at the Edwards Island 7.
Buy tickets here for Friday:
By Kelly Strodl
How does one go about making a fun indie-rock-n-roll-vampire-spoof film? Mix in a hot chick, some misguided young men, loud music, lots of blood and body parts, a few cameos (Iggy Pop -clothed, Alice Cooper -weilding a knife, Moby - covered in blood, Malcolm McDowell - sporting an eyepatch, etc…), a quirky writer, and of course a vampire or two. That’s how writer/director of SUCK, Rob Stefaniuk went about composing this energetic romp through the world of vampirism and rock. In the film, a down and out band that will do anything for a record deal, including not ask questions when their bass player, Jennifer, disappears one night with a hip-looking guy who turns out to be a vampire. Suddenly, Jessica emerges with a sexually-charged charisma that drives the audiences wild, changing the bands humdrum image forever…
Hear what Rob had to say about himself, the making of his new film, and what it’s like to work with Iggy:
Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?
A: I heard about it from a future version of myself. I said it went really really well. (actually my Producer told me about it, but he was dressed a lot like me)
Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.
A: SUCK took five years before someone was willing to make it. After a very slow start, the film suddenly became a "little film that could". We began with a million dollar budget and no stars, and thanks to a great team and a little luck, we ended up with a 3.5 million dollar film and some of the coolest people in rock (Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Henry, Alex, Moby etc). Sometimes it's better to wait.
Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.
A: I began as an actor and had my first screenplay made when I was twenty three (The Size of Watermelons starring Paul Rudd). After that I produced, did some editing and directed some rock videos. I made my first short in 2004, followed by my first film PHIL THE ALIEN, a film about an alien that crashes in Northern Ontario and becomes an alcoholic. Then I went down to the crossroads and made a deal, which brings us to Suck.
Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)
A: All of the actors came to the table ready rock. We have some very talented up and coming actors who put in extra rehearsal time and really delivered on the day. Biggest surprise...Iggy wore a shirt.
Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
A: Get smashed and watch indie films.
SUCK screens at 8 PM on Friday, April 23 at the Edwards Island Theater 1, as part of the Friday Spotlights, and includes admission to a party after the film – with filmmakers, celebs and VIPs. Live DJ. Food prepared by some of OC’s top restaurants. OPEN BAR by Absolut and Stella Artois.
And at 9 PM on Monday, April 26 in Edwards Island 4.
Buy tickets here for Friday:
http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256920
Buy tickets here for Monday:
http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256921
Watch the trailer for SUCK here:
Today we talk with Mark Claywell, director of AMERICAN JIHADIST, a documentary that explores the life of Isa Abdullah Ali, an African-American Muslim from the ghettos of Washington, DC. Ali has been labeled a 'known terrorist' by the U.S. Defense Department, though he's never been charged with any crime. The film documents the spiritual coming of age of Ali – a young man, growing up without a father, searching for meaning amid the violence and racism of America's inner city - a young man who turned his personal quest for justice into an international struggle. He served for five years with the Amal militia as a sniper and street fighter, barely survived an assassination attempt in Beirut, and suffered post-traumatic stress and depression as his marriage of ten years unraveled. Later, he found himself on wanted posters throughout Bosnia, labeled a 'known terrorist' by the Pentagon. AMERICAN JIHADIST is Claywell’s first feature film project.
Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?
A: I heard of the Newport Beach festival through our film rep Circus Road films. They spoke highly of the festival while we were attending Slamdance 2010 and the vibe sounded exactly like something I wanted to be a part of.
Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.
A: We arrived in Lebanon just a few days after the Bush administration declared that anyone helping or aiding Hezbollah were considered enemy combatants and would feel the full brunt of the American military. This made an already tense situation even more so. This was early in 2007, just a few months after the war between Hezbollah and Israel. Everyone was on edge as we set off to interview several key players in Hezbollah and the Amal militias in and around Beirut. We plastered our production van with huge signs that said TV CREW. Don't shoot. Our fixer who arranged our interviews insisted that the entire country knew we were there but most were skeptical of our motivations. The subject of the film, Isa Abdullah Ali, is well known within the various Shia militias and several people said they were convinced we were part of a CIA hit team. After a few days our fixer insisted we get Isa Ali out of the country. A few months after our shoot the fixer fled Lebanon after several death threats. He now lives in Detroit.
Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.
A: I am a commercial TV director who is use to shooting advertising campaigns that are fairly well defined and controlled. AMERICAN JIHADIST was a complex story to tell. It had to be shot in many different countries including a couple that don't like Americans very much. Also, the subject of the film, Ali, has worked on many different sides. It was impossible to know who was telling the truth. Can you trust a "known terrorist?" How about the CIA? But the goal was to let the man tell his story without the filter of the Western news media. We want the audience to make up their own mind where in the commercial world we are trying hard to influence the audience's opinion.
Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)
A: ISA Abdullah Ali was clearly not an actor but he had some well rehearsed sayings and stories that he would hide behind – short sound bites that he would use to avoid certain questions and answers. He is a very smart man who has spent years maneuvering through difficult situations. He would charm me one minute and intimidate the next. But the entire time we spent with him his main goal was to make the crew smile. Not what I expected from a man who has admittedly killed hundreds of people.
Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
A: Mostly I direct TV commercial campaigns and have shot all over the world. This is my first film and the difference between the two worlds are smaller than I ever imagined. When not working I spend as much time on the beach just outside of Savannah Georgia, with my two adorable children.
AMERICAN JIHADIST screens at 6 PM on Sunday, April 23 at the Edwards Island Theater 3.
Buy ticket here:
http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256759
Watch the trailer for WE WERE FEARED here:
I took a moment to talk with Daryn Tufts, director/writer of MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND, a fun rom-com about Jesse, a sassy, intelligent woman who has yet to find "Mr. Right." That is until she bumps into Ethan, a writer pushed to the edge of despair after having another novel rejected by publishers. For Jesse, the encounter offers more than a chance to inspire the artist in Ethan again. It also opens a new, romantic chapter in her life... with one huge complication. Moments after meeting the perfect guy for her, Jesse meets Mr. Perfect – Troy, a confident and successful advertising executive who makes almost every moment elegant and romantic. Soon Jesse is in over her head and grappling with the ultimate romantic paradox: what does a girl do when she meets "Mr. Right" after already meeting the right guy?
Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?
A: Being local to Salt Lake City, I attend the Sundance Film Festival every year, which made me interested in other festivals. I first heard of the Newport Beach Film Festival a couple of years ago when I was attending some other festivals with another movie I was involved with. When it came time to submit MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND to film festivals, our distribution partners strongly encouraged us to submit it to Newport Beach, having nothing but tremendously positive things to say about that festival. So we did, and this will be the first time I’m coming to NBFF to experience it for myself.
Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.
A: I wanted to write a love story that did something surprising and unconventional. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many loves stories follow a very familiar and predictable story structure. I thought, wouldn’t it be interesting if a movie presented itself as a conventional love story, and then turned into something very different and surprising? Essentially, I wanted to write something that had a twist – a smart, funny love story that had heart, but also did something I’ve never seen in this genre before.
We shot the film entirely in Salt Lake City, with local crew, producers, etc. We wanted to shoot Salt Lake in a way that brought out the charm and interesting aspects of that city, hopefully in a way we haven’t seen done before. All of the main cast came from Hollywood, and we cast some of the smaller parts out of Salt Lake City.
Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in film-making.
A: I’ve always been passionate about film. Nerd, geek passionate, in fact. But I didn’t set out to be a filmmaker. I began my career as a copywriter, working for ad agencies and production companies. During and after college, I also enjoyed writing and performing sketch and improvisational comedy with a couple different comedy troupes. Those experiences were incredible, and indirectly led to some opportunities to write and act in some small independent films.
Originally, I didn’t foresee anything happening with those movies, but they each went on to find success in theaters and DVD. Once I had some experience in filmmaking and I was already working as a professional writer, I thought I’d see what I could do with it. I started writing my own screenplays and decided to produce a couple of small documentaries. And things sort of grew from there. Writing led to opportunities to act, direct, and produce. Through it all, I’ve discovered that writing and directing is what I definitely enjoy the most. I haven’t performed live comedy in a long time and while I still do a little bit of acting, writing and directing is definitely what I see myself continuing to do.
Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.
A: I guess the biggest surprise is that these actors wanted to be in the movie in the first place. I know that might seem a little cliché, but it’s really true. As independent filmmakers in Utah, we didn’t have any connections to any of these actors. All we had was a script and a business plan to throw at these actors and say “Hey…ummm… wanna be in it?” When I first heard that Alyssa Milano was interested in the film, I half-expected that the person telling me was just yanking my chain.
Making a movie is a huge process that involves a lot of people, so there are always set-backs. But we were very fortunate that things went as smoothly as they did. Alyssa really dug in and helped shape and polish the story and production of the movie, and all of the actors brought some surprises. For example, some of Chris Gorham’s best and funniest dialogue was stuff Chris came up with for his character. And our crew was incredible. I’m proud to say that on a limited budget, we have a film that looks amazing and much bigger than its budget constraints – and that was all because of the people behind the scenes.
Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
A: Reading, writing, watching movies and great TV shows, traveling, spending time with my family and friends, and forcing myself to get to the gym once in a while. And thanks to Alyssa Milano’s influence, I’ve been twittering for the past year. Follow me! @DarynTufts
MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND screens at 7:45 PM on Saturday, April 24 at the Edwards Island Theater 1.
Buy tickets here:
http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256875
Watch the trailer for MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND here: