Lights, Camera, Film Fest! http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com The official blog of the Newport Beach Film Festival. Join us – April 28th - May 5th, 2011 posterous.com Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:50:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Grant Wheeler http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-grant-wheeler http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-grant-wheeler

By Kelly Strodl

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Today Grant Wheeler, director of The Lone Jackal took a few minutes to answer some questions about his film that will screen as part of the Action Sports Shorts showcase this year. The documentary film follows motorcross freerider, Alastair Sayer on his return to his native African homeland after a successful European FMX tour. His journey home is chronicled through heart-felt narration while visiting friends and family and battling the weather to ride once again. The Lone Jackal documents a major turning point in Sayer's life, when he comes full circle, both literally and symbolically, preparing for the next stage of his life where he blazes a new path in his career and seals his legacy as one of Africa's most stylish freeriders.

Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

I found the festival on Withoutabox.com.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it. 

I've been a dedicated fan of motorcycle movies from an early age, and I've collected almost every single title released since Terrafirma 1. And I've seen the progression of dirtbike films over the decades, following in the footsteps of skate and surf movies. As the years progressed these films started becoming more narrative driven and focused on the athletes and their personal stories. I felt that dirtbike movies needed to evolve into that direction, and I needed to evolve my own filmmaking into that direction too. So I rounded up the most volatile and well respected African freerider, the bushcat from Botswana, Alastair Sayer. 

Alastair has a jam packed schedule traveling around Europe doing shows for Masters of Dirt and competing in the Night of the Jumps series, thus we had to plan our shoot for when he returns to South Africa between events. The premise of the film was to depict the rider 'helmet off', getting a deeper perspective of what it takes to live this rock-star lifestyle, yet still with a healthy dose of great riding sequences. Alastair moved into my house for his time back home, and so did most of the production crew. We followed him almost Cinema Verte style from the moment he stepped off the plane till he left again. 

Jakalas, as his fans know him by, was going through a huge personal battle at the time. He was at a turning point in his career, where he either had to progress to the next level, or quit completely. Each time he left home he risked his relationship with close family and friends. Being away from your loved ones for long periods takes its toll on the toughest of characters. Alastair beautifully narrated his journey and the choices he made. After five weeks of shooting, and an all night session in the voice over studio later, we said our goodbyes and he was off on another adventure. Days later he set the new World Record for set-up and was awarded the best African FMX rider. 

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

I grew up racing motorcycles, broke too many bones and had to find something else I could do creatively while healing up. Shooting my buddies ride was always my passion, and still is. After making some dirtbike movies, I completed my studies at film school and now I'm very fortunate to still be making motorcycle movies, its not really a job. Thats why I love it so much.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

The weather played a big role in the production of this film. We went into production during spring, just as the summer thunderstorms started rolling into Johannesburg. We planned an epic sunset freeride session but day after day we got rained out, and our time with Alastair was also running out. But eventually the bad weather turned into a metaphor for Alastairs personal struggles, so I wrote it into the film. On the second to last day of shooting, we headed out to his favorite freeride spot and the clouds magically parted for us to shoot the most epic sunset sequence. And in his own words, "Every day is a gift, that is why they call it the Present".

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

I try to ride my motorcycle as much as I can. I've just recently had most of the titanium plates and bolts removed from my body, and hope to be injury free for a while. Other than that I'm currently making Extreme Enduro movies for Throttle Entertainment and traveling the world in search of new stories.

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THE LONE JACKAL screens with two other films as part of the ACTION SPORTS SHORTS SHOWCASE Saturday, April 30 at 11 AM in the Triangle Square Theater 4.

To purchase tickets visit:

http://newportbeach.slated.com/2011/films/thelonejackal_jonathangrantwheeler_newportbeach2011

Watch the trailer for the film here:

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:08:31 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Lisa Gossels http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-lisa-gossels http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-lisa-gossels
By Kelly Strodl
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Today we talk with Lisa Gossels, director of My So-Called Enemy, the coming of age story of six Palestinian and Israeli teenage girls who travel to the U.S. to participate in a women's leadership program called Building Bridges for Peace and the transformative journey that follows both in the program and upon their return to their native countries. In July 2002, 22 women came to the U.S. to participate in the program, and during their time learned to reconcile their experience in the program with the realities of life back home in the Middle East over the next 7 years. What unfolds is an emotionally-charged film about the human consequences of all conflicts--as seen through the eyes of 6 young women who are thoughtful, intelligent and articulate beyond their years.

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

From Steve Shor, a Film Festival Advisor to the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

When I started making "My So-Called Enemy" in 2002, I had no idea how long it would take to make the movie, or how transformative the 8-year journey would be.  I did not make the film with any answers;  the process was all about asking questions. 

Right after 9/11, I remember engaging in heated political debates about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.  I came to understand how wars could be fought on words and how easy it is to reduce conflicts to black and white terms. 

Two months earlier, I had the privilege of meeting Melodye Feldman, the founder of Seeking Common Ground (and its Building Bridges for Peace flagship program), at a Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education conference (CAJE) in Denver.  Melodye shared the stage with some Palestinian and Israeli participants from her 2001 summer program.  I was so taken by the stories from the teenage girls about how the program had changed them that I knew I had found the subject-matter for my next film. "My So-Called Enemy" was never a film about an idea, but about young people. And, I loved the idea that those young people were women, because, as Nicholas Kristof once wrote, "focusing on women and girls is the most effective way to fight global poverty and extremism."

While the first act of "My So-Called Enemy" takes place in the emotionallly charged 2002 Building Bridges program, to me the film is really about what happens to the six participants when they return home to the Middle East over the next 7 years.

Q.  What is the core message of your film? 

The central message of "My So-Called Enemy" is the transformative power of knowing  "the other," or "the enemy," as a human being.  Through the stories of the young Israeli, Palestinian and Palestinian Israeli women in the film, we see how creating relationships across emotional, ideological and physical borders is a first step towards resolving conflict.  Because "My So-Called Enemy" is an emotional journey, it opens hearts and minds and creates the space for dialogue about not only the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but issues that divide us in our families, schools and communities.  By watching "My So-Called Enemy," viewers will see the complexities of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict through a human lens--and the possibility and hope that comes from listening to each other's stories.

Q: Your take on the main characters in your movie (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

Adi, Gal, Hanin, Inas, Rawan and Rezan, the main characters in "My So-Called Enemy," were teenagers when I first started filming them.  Because they live in a conflict region, it took a great deal of courage for them to participate in the movie.  While we had some access issues of where we could film some of the girls, particularly the Palestinians, all of them opened their hearts, minds and lives to our cameras.  Because films can be very manipulative and will be seen by mass audiences, we have an awesome responsibility as  documentarians to not only convey the personal truths of our subjects, but to honor the trust they have bestowed upon us--with the understanding that will have to live in their societies with the final film.  We were always careful to respect not only the girls' dignity, but their personal safety.  We never created high drama, or humorous moments, at their expense.  The young women in "My So-Called Enemy" are my hope. They all have become my family.

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MY SO-CALLED ENEMY screens on Sunday, May 1 at 1 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 3. And Wednesday, May 4 at 3:30 PM at the Regency Lido Theater.

Click on link below to watch a sample of the film:

Click below to buy tickets for the film:

http://newportbeach.slated.com/2011/films/mysocalledenemy_lisagossels_newportbeach2011

Or for more information on the film and program, follow the links below:

www.mysocalledenemy.com

www.facebook.com/mysocalledenemy

www.s-c-g.org

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Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:37:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Curt Wallin http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-curt-wallin http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-curt-wallin
By Kelly Strodl

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Today we talk with Curt Wallin, director of Boys of Bonneville: Racing on a Ribbon of Salt. The documentary tells the story of unsung hero, David Abbott Jenkins, who set out to single-handedly break every existing land speed record on his beloved Bonneville Salt Flats, in Utah.

With an unshakable faith and integrity, Jenkins set out to break every existing land speed record and then establish several endurance records of his own. In remarkable vintage footage shot on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Ab can be seen piloting his own car in 24-hour endurance runs through vintage newsreels, photos, interviews and letters. Although suffering exhaustion, hallucinations, and injury, he never left the cockpit. His 24-hour records remain unchallenged for half a century. Seventy years later, the legacy lives on through his son, Marv, and his car - the now reconstructed 12-cylinder, 4800-pound “Meteor III.”

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

I heard about the Newport Beach Film Festival a few years back, when a short film called “Courage and Stupidity” won the Audience Award at NBFF.  I was the Assistant Director for the film.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

The film tells the story of Ab Jenkins, the first man with the idea to use the Bonneville Salt Flats as a location for endurance land speed racing.  After more than two decades of dreaming, Ab worked himself into position – seized his chance -  and as a result  broke all endurance land speed records and set the standard for this type of racing throughout the 1930’s and 40’s.  With the help of one of the world’s greatest automotive engineers,  Augie Duesenberg, he created the Mormon Meteor III race car, which remains one of the most iconic racing vehicles ever built.  Ab also attracted international racers to the salt flats thru his own tireless PR efforts, opening this unique speed venue for all the world to come and conquer.  

Originally, we were commissioned by the Price Museum of Speed in Salt Lake City, Utah, to produce a simple 20-minute account of the restoration of the Mormon Meteor’s original 1924 12-cylinder airplane engine.  While meeting with Marv Jenkins, Ab’s elderly, surviving son at his house in St. George, Utah, we found thousands of feet of archival motion pictures of Ab’s exploits from the 30’s and 40’s.  This seemed to be unique footage that had not seen the light of day for decades.  Intrigued, we arranged to have the film transferred and preserved - and the idea for “Boys of Bonneville” evolved around this copious mass of amazingly shot footage. 

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

I’ve been a director of photography for 15 years, and have been fortunate to learn about the craft by being around some truly great filmmakers as I worked on projects, ranging from wildlife documentaries to crazy TV series.  Through personal connections, I learned about this project and was brought on board early on.  It has truly been a dream project, being able to shoot, direct and after nearly 4 years produce this film that combines amazing history, phenomenal footage - both archival and modern - and a story that captures the emotions and the imagination of everyone, not just people interested in cars and racing.
Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

Our narrator Patrick Dempsey, the voice of Ab Jenkins, had to step out of the standard third person historical documentary narration and bring Ab to life as a living, breathing character.  He was extremely enthusiastic, hardworking, and did a fantastic job.  Patrick is an auto racer himself (his team took third at this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona race!) so he really got the story, and what Ab must have been going thru more than 75 years ago. 

It was also an untold pleasure to sit amongst Jay Leno’s stellar collection of world-class cars and “talk shop.”  His knowledge of cars and automotive history is deep.  He was very, very gracious. 

 Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film? 

I work on other people’s smash indie films.  

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BOYS OF BONNEVILLE screens Wednesday, May 4, at 6 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 7.

Buy tickets here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=355266

Or watch the trailer on YouTube, here:

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Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:49:08 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Richard Gabai http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-richard-gabai http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-richard-gabai

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By Kelly Strodl

For today’s edition of Filmmaker’s Five I spoke with Richard Gabai, director of Insight, a thrilling story of altered states of mind and messages from beyond! While ER nurse Kaitlyn attempts to resuscitate a critically wounded stabbing victim, she is accidentally electrocuted with a defibrillator and nearly killed. After recovering from the shock, Kaitlyn starts to experience memories that are not her own. Haunted by visions of a crime that ended an innocent woman's life, she takes it upon herself to try and solve the grisly murder and unravel a terrifying mystery that threatens her own sanity. 

Teaming up with the detective on the case, Kaitlyn begins to weave her way through the victim's past – discovering as much about herself as the crime she’s seeking to solve.

Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

Adam Gentry from the Festival called inviting me to submit the film - telling me that they'd "heard about it" - very mysterious...

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

The film follows Kaitlyn (Natalie Zea from TV's "Justified") as she tries to unravel the mystery behind a seemingly random murder. Over a dozen witnesses saw the crime but nobody called the police. Kaitlyn is having visions of the grisly murder and also dealing with her mother's illness; the pressure of it all is getting to her and she thinks she may be losing her mind. Kaitlyn teams up with Detective Peter Rafferty (Sean Patrick Flanery) and discovers the crime might not be as random as it seems. There is a slew of potential suspects including the creepy neighbor (Christopher Lloyd), the ex boyfriend (Thomas Ian Nicolas) or her former therapist (Adam Baldwin)


The script was brought to me by my Dp Scott Peck. I read it in one go which for me is rare. Right away I wanted to make the film - it's much more than a murder mystery. The writers I think really succeeded in exploring some of the questions we all have a bout life, death, what is real, and what isn't.

We shot the film in 15 days, so the art department, lead by my super talented designer Gabor Norman, and Scott and the camera/lighting crew really had to bust it out.

Post was no easier. Jeff Murphy my editor and Otis Van Osten and our post sound department worked tirelessly.

Film is arguably the most collaborative art. If not for everybody's complete dedication, the movie wouldn't have worked.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

I was born in New York but raised in Southern California. I started my career as an actor but quickly figured out that I wanted to make movies. I directed my first film (Assault of the Party Nerds) 22 years ago which starred me and my friends and featured music recorded by my high school rock band "The Checks". As ridiculous as that film seems to me now - that is what got me in the business and I've never looked back. All I've ever done for a living is make films, act, and record music. I am extremely lucky. I have a normal middle class life with a wife and 3 kids. Needless to say it is extremely difficult (like almost impossible) to make a living and the business seems to be getting harder for independents every year.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

I am very lucky to have this group of actors and actresses in my film. My casting director Billy DaMota did a brilliant job helping me put the cast together. I had worked with Christopher Lloyd last year on "Call of the Wild 3D," and we had become friends so when I read the script I sent it right over to him.

It is incredible to me that I have the honor of calling a gentleman like him my friend. My kids knew him as "someone that worked with Daddy" but after they saw "Back to the Future" that all changed :)

We didn't read anybody for the film we just made offers to people that we felt were right for the roles. One by one the cast fell into place like it was meant to happen. The script I think is what attracted them - I can promise you it wasn't the money :)

The performance that Veronica Cartwright delivers in this film in my biased opinion is award worthy. She is just wonderful as Patricia, Kaitlyn's ailing mother.

Truthfully I don't think any of the performers missed a beat. Sean and Natalie are so compelling and believable - I really think the audience will take the ride with them. We are all excited to see the film with an audience for the first time.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

I am making non-smash indie films :)

INSIGHT screens on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 2. And Thursday, May 5 at 7:30 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 6. Cast and crew will be at the screening for a Q&A following the film.

Buy tickets for Saturday’s showing here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=355330

Buy tickets for Thursday’s showing here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=355331

Or watch the trailer on YouTube, here:

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:03:00 -0700 The NBFF 2011 Official Line UP http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/the-nbff-2011-official-line-up http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/the-nbff-2011-official-line-up
The time has come film-frienzied followers for the 12th annual Newport Beach Film Festival. Boasting yet again, a slew of high-quality film, fancy fare, and pimped-out partying, it's sure to be an event for the books. 

Eight days and nights filled with more than 350 films, many starring big names the likes of Lucy Liu, Michael C. Hall, Peter Fonda, Colin Hanks, Harvey Keitel, and more... Spotlight parties that have earned their own reputations as high-quality industry networking events and just a plain good old fashioned time. Food from more than 30 of this international destination's most illustrious eateries. Old friends and new – plus, dancing, drinks, the Southern California sun await the thousands expected to visit this April 28th through May 5, 2011.

With less than a month to go before Opening Night, there will be a ton of giveaways, deals and special announcements to be found right here: 

For starters...

Right now you can sign up to win a pair of ALL ACCESS Passes to the fest through OC Weekly. Valued at $450 each, these laminated golden keys will gain you entrance to all parties, films, social events, free food, drinks, networking and special events you can imagine.

Make sure to get started planning your week, to catch the best of the best in film, fun and entertainment. With several than 350 films and 10+ evening events planned, plus a slew of workshop and the the like there's a lot to pack in to eight days. 

Flip through this year's NBFF Program e-booklet for a peek at all the happenings. (No trees were harmed in the making of this program).

- @kelly4nia your film fest corespondent

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:59:00 -0700 OCPAC Presents: Free for All MOVIE MONDAYS http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/ocpac-presents-free-for-all-movie-mondays http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/ocpac-presents-free-for-all-movie-mondays

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:01:19 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Nicolas Simonin http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-nicolas-simonin http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-nicolas-simonin

By Kelly Strodl

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Today I spoke with Nicolas Simonin, director of the short film DERAILED. The film, part of a collection of short films called DETOUR.FR, a project that will take the watcher into a dark side of Paris. In DERAILED, An anonymous man finds himself lost on the no man's land of railways in a strange train station at night, in Paris, as he tries to help a woman. A woman who is not all that she seems. 

Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

I heard about the New Port Beach Festival few months ago in France while I was searching for Festivals to submit my movie to. I found the previous selection of movie interesting and the place really great. New Port Beach is a really nice set for Networking and for enjoying movies.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

DERAILED is part of a collection of short stories I wrote a year ago. My goal is to make one or two shorts per year. All the stories share the same concept: “a dark story happens the same night in a large western city like Paris, London, or Sao Paolo”. What’s important is, it always starts with a simple situation that turns to scary life-to-death situation. I am currently working on the feature version of the short ‘DERAILED’.

Making an Horror movie on real locations was very challenging but it worth it. With DERAILED I had to deal with a lot of elements: the weather, the windy cold, the security of the set and of the actors. My first DA fainted the second day of the shooting. I had no choice but to continue shooting the movie without DA. But at the end, we had amazing images and a really scary atmosphere…as scary as it was on the real set.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.
DERAILED is my second short movie. I am a ‘traveling’ film maker. I did my first short in Argentina few years ago. Then with DERAILED I moved to the United States. I am originally an Engineer who switches 8 years ago for a career in the movie industry.

I have been working as a producer assistant in France for 3 years, then as a professional screenwriter for the French TV networks for 5 years. Now I am moving my career toward the Feature movie industry with a first movie in development in France and a lot of projects here in the US. DERAILED is my first success with already 5 official selections since January and two Awards (Honor Award at the NPB Festival and “Best Foreign Film” at the Fearless Film Festival Forth Worth, Texas).

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

Hubert Benhamdine is a well known actor in France. He has done lot of TV shows. His physical performance on the set was so great. He did all the stunt performances. He was so involved physically on the set, that the last day Hubert’s legs were almost paralyzed by the cold.

Julie Louart who plays the Creature of the rail tracks, did an amazing job. We did a lot of rehearsal to built the Creature gestures and movements. She stayed incredibly resistant to the cold. We filmed the movie during 4 cold winter nights in Paris and she was wearing almost nothing during the whole shooting.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

By day, I work as a social media consultant and graphic designer. Internet has always been my thing since 6 years now. I also work as a professional TV screenwriter for France.

THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE FILM: www.DETOUR.FR I suggest Internet users have a look to www.detour.fr : we’re building an Interactive game that will allow Internet users to try to save the main character of the short from his curse. The game will start in late summer on this website. You can Join us on Facebook.

JOIN the film's Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=72869249417&ref=ss

Or check out the film's official blog www.aboutderailed.com

Find Simonin on IMDB:  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2144991/resume

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Fri, 07 May 2010 19:26:30 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Jason Victor Everett http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-jason-victor-everet http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-jason-victor-everet
By Kelly Strodl 

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Today I spoke with Jason Victor Everett, director/writer/producer of the Sitdown, a short film showcased in the “Find Your Voice” set of films that screened the final day of the 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival. This short film asks the question: How do concerned foster parents cope with today's generation of violent wayward youth? What guidance can be offered to the adopted offspring of abusive homes and troubled streets? Perhaps delivering a few stern words is still the best place to start...

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A:  We've been hearing good things about the festival from various sources for a while now, but the Newport Beach festival was portrayed in an especially good light in the documentary entitled "Official Rejection," which we saw about two months ago.  After attending this year, we can happily attest to the festival's rave reviews.  They really care a lot about the filmmakers and audiences at NBFF.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: THE SITDOWN is a short comedic piece we put together in early 2009.  It's about a concerned foster parent providing advice to a troubled wayward youngster.  We shot it over the course of two weekends in my living room.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: Seems like it's been a long road, since I had sort of an unfortunate detour along the way known as law school.  While working in the legal world in the years since graduation and trying to pay down huge student loans, I attended film classes at night and started up a small production company named Sound & Fury Productions.  We were lucky to start playing the festival circuit with THE SITDOWN in late 2009, which was the first short film out of that venture.  I also want to acknowledge the efforts of Olivia Lee, a very talented graphic designer by day, who helped immensely with THE SITDOWN in terms of both the production and promotional process.     

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A:  Hmmm ... well given that the lead performance was from a non-actor (unfortunately yours truly), I'd have to say the acting was especially weak!   

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: Well, as I have a very very long way to go before ever making a "smash indie film," I'd say in my spare time (what is that? some kind of foreign concept?) I'm doing my best to hopefully make semi-competent short films.  But most of the time I'm working the non-film day job, which is both a blessing (glad to be working in this economy) and maybe a curse, since it takes up so much time and energy.  In sum, I truly believe I have consumed enough 5-Hour Energy over the past two years that I could be their official spokesperson by now.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Wed, 05 May 2010 15:35:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with David Orr http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-david-orr http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-david-orr By Kelly Strodl

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Today I spoke with David Orr, director of Refresh, a sci-fi thriller about Roger Dean, a successful businessman, who has been clinically depressed for years, to the point of suicide. He has attempted a range of remedies, some prescribed, some radical, but none have worked for him. At the end of his rope, he approaches PDLAS, a mysterious private company that promises an effective - but irrevocable - solution. All he is told is that he will emerge 'completely refreshed.'

Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: Through a colleague of mine, Stuart Shook of Shelter Post. He works with our editor, Christopher Willoughby, and suggested we submit to Newport Beach. I'm really glad I did - I saw some great stuff here.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: REFRESH was based on an experience of mine at a sleep study lab - where they monitor sleep patterns during an overnight stay, although in the film that experience is taken to an extreme! I wanted to address the idea that some people would do anything to utterly change their life. We shot on a DSLR with video capabilities, the Canon 5D mark II in May of last year. We were the first narrative piece ever shot with that technology (at the time only Vincent Laforet and Shane Hurlbut had used the camera as a production tool: Vincent for a montage titled 'Reverie' and Shane for some viral packages for Terminator Salvation). Canon had no idea that people would take the 5DmkII seriously as a production tool (the video function was really intended for photojournalists to grab clips on the fly), so had not developed refined controls for filmmakers. As pioneers, we were figuring out a lot of fixes and workarounds on our own. For instance, this was before you could even set the exposure on the camera itself; we'd establish what the exposure should be, point a light in the lens, then move it off the center until the exposure was correct. Then we'd hit the exposure lock and shoot. The week after we wrapped, Canon announced an upgrade to allow setting exposure! Since the production, I've been invited by Canon to consult on hardware and software development.

The results are astonishing. I showed clips of REFRESH at a symposium on emerging technologies at the Directors Guild of America. This was Theater 1 - one of the best screens in the world - and it held up! It looked better than the RED footage we saw there.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: I am a commercial director and fine art photographer. I had done some experimental works quite a while ago (FAIRCHILD and NOCTURNE), which did well in festivals, and were shown repeatedly on PBS here in the states and Channel 4 Britain. This is my first narrative piece, and is a teaser for a feature I'm developing. 

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: I knew that Andrew (Turman, cinematographer) and I could make it look great; but I was adamant that we get great performances. In fact, the production was designed to accommodate faster setups to allow ample time with the actors.

Casting was, by far, the most critical aspect of the production (as it should be), and I have to give thanks to Anthony Krauss, our Casting Director. Luckily everyone: Anthony, actors we approached, and their representation, liked my reel, and really responded to the script. Steven Culp loved it - he's a big 'Twilight Zone' fan - and signed on quickly. That was a game changer - suddenly our calls to Endeavor and CAA were being returned quickly! Scott Michael Campbell signed on after that, and we were good to go. Both, of course, are excellent and accomplished actors, so were a significant asset on a project like this. They were both enormously sympathetic to the rigors and realities of an indie flick, and both worked very, very hard.

Their working styles were different, of course: if pressed, I'd say that Steven works more from the inside out and Scott from the outside in. In order to work more effectively with actors, I'd studied acting at Playhouse West, and had taken the Judith Weston (acting for directors) course, so was able to navigate both styles fairly well. The most exciting moments by far were seeing what a talented actor brings to character and a story. Not only seeing the words come to life, but the nuances that are brought into play - the 'inner life' of the characters and situations. That's gold, especially when those things are something you may not have thought of initially, but seem so dead-on, furthering the story and bringing additional layers to it. Both Steven and Scott have the presence and charisma that makes you want to watch them constantly - especially on a big screen.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: I’m also a fine artist. Lately, the main medium has been photography. I love the collaborative nature of filmmaking, but it's nice to be able to create something without needing access to thousands of dollars and a crew! I've had some success with it - I'm in collections with Ansel Adams, John Baldessari, Jim Dine, David Hockney, and Edward Weston, and have shown all over the country and in Europe. I had originally tinkered with still cameras to become more fluid with the mechanics of lenses, exposure, composition etc., but now also love it was a means of expression. I do artists talks and presentations, and have been a guest speaker at UCLA on several occasions. The print work is fairly large, 20x30 inches to 40x60 inches. I will most likely be integrating motion into my artwork as time goes on. In my view, still and motion picture photography are merging quickly so one medium very much feeds and informs the other, both technically (look at my film!), and aesthetically.

Watch the film’s trailer here:

http://www.refreshfilm.com/trailer.html

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Mon, 03 May 2010 10:31:15 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Todd Giglio http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-todd-giglio http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-todd-giglio

By Kelly Strodl

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The festival may have come to a close, but we’re still talking with a number of the filmmakers whose work showed at the 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival. Stay tuned there are many more interviews to come.

Today I talked with Todd Giglio, director/writer/star of DRAWING WITH CHALK a film about a mid-life coming of age. Jay and Matt are two 40-year-old musicians who want to jump start their stalled careers. As Matt's middle-age anxiety sets in, Jay struggles to find a balance between his music and family, all while negotiating the minefields of friendship and marriage when the two worlds don't fit together. The film was written by Giglio and Christopher Springer and became a family affair, featuring Giglio’s own son, Brennan Giglio playing his film son.

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: We first heard about the Newport Beach Film Festival from a documentary about Film Festivals called OFFICIAL REJECTION (which I highly recommend btw). Oh yeah, the NBFF has it's shining moment in the doc.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: DRAWING WITH CHALK is a film about dreams and responsibilities and what happens when the two collide.

Based loosely upon our (Christopher Springer and myself) own struggles with the entertainment business, DWC is a story of two near 40 year old friends trying to give their dreams of being rock stars one last chance. We shot the film with a very small crew and basically wore every hat in the production: from writing to directing, acting to the music.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: Chris and I were great friends back in college (we were both theater students). Later we moved to NYC and shared an apartment together as we hit the streets looking for acting work. Eventually I strayed away from the acting seen and tried my hand at a more lucrative career: being in a rock band :). Chris continued to pursue acting work (via voice overs). I got married and moved out of NYC, and Chris married my wife's sister and also ended up moving out of NYC. Years later we really reconnected and started hanging out watching movies and listening to music in my basement. One night we were discussing how quickly time had passed and what had really happened with our 'careers'. Determined to not give up, we decided to write a story (originally based off of a song I had written years earlier ironically called NOWHERE). Our story (and the film) proves that you should never give up on your dreams. 

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: Ah, the performances!! Yes, they all ROCKED! (of course I have to say that... we played the main roles :)). Seriously, we were very pleased with all of the performances in the film. Since we basically cast ourselves (and my son Brennan) as well as some other working actors (all trying to gain a name for themselves) we had to make sure that all performances were authentic, charismatic and memorable. It's hard enough to make a film with known actors, but to make one with unknowns? You better damn well believe in the characters or you'll never get out of the gate. 

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
A: What do we do? Do we really have to say it? Just kidding. We are both waiters during the night and we raise our kids during the day. All other hours are spent trying to get this film out there. Believe us, our wives can attest to this!

Watch the trailer to DRAWING WITH CHALK here:

http://www.drawingchalkpictures.com/

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Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:43:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Seth W. Owen http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-seth-w-owen http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-seth-w-owen

By Kelly Strodl

Peepers-1sheet-797930

Today I spoke with Seth W. Owen, director of Peepers, an interesting film about a rag-tag group of peeping toms, led by the eagle-eyed Steve, who take to Montreal's chilly rooftops under cover of night to get a vantage of people in their most intimate, within their homes. They're on the prowl for the perfect peep desperate to glimpse a "hottie hookup," a "panty party" or a "big booty buffet" through un-shuttered windows. But their lives are about to change. Enter Annette, a brazen academic who turns the tables by setting her sights on the peepers themselves. Soon it's a Battle Royale for rooftop supremacy will these die-hard obsessives manage to defend their turf, or will peeping as they know it never be the same?


Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?
A: Met a fine fellow at Cinequest who recommended it. Then, looking into it, we may have heard something about yacht parties. At that point it became really clear we had to make it to Newport.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.
A: The story does not stem from any illicit yoyeuristic experiences in my own life, surely! But Montreal is a city conducive to peeping, in all its many guises, and spending a lot of quality time on Montreal’s glorious rooftops – for purely non-peeping purposes! - sparked the initial idea. Later, when I was writing the film with Dan Perlmutter and Mark Slutsky, our writing room had these big, big windows that looked out at an opposing apartment building’s bathroom windows. There were a lot of hard-to-ignore showers going on over there. So that fed into the script, to be sure, and maybe slowed us down, too, because it took us a few years to finish the thing. Then Andi State came on board as producer, and it was damn the torpedoes full steam ahead right to production. We shot predominantly on the chilly November rooftops of Montreal. We were a little army of peeping toms, making it - under cover of night! With nudity! But it was cold, cold, cold, and we had to hustle. We were shooting like crazy to get the thing done in two weeks, and it was an ambitious little production for the budget and time that we had.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.
A: For over a decade, I’ve been making underground films under the umbrella of Automatic Vaudeville Studios, and screening them at our boisterous live events. We’re somewhere between a comedy troupe and a major motion picture studio. We’ve shot every genre under the sun – monster pictures, westerns, musicals, Germanic art films. All for around ten bucks. Peepers was an amazing opportunity to make a film with a real budget, and all the perks that come with it. Now I may have to stay above-ground for a little while longer. That having-a-budget thing – I fear it’s gotten its bejeweled claws in me.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)
A: Automatic Vaudeville has a nice little repertory of friends and actors who’ve been in a lot of our films, and our producer Andi State also happens to be a talent agent, so we kind of brought those two houses together to create the ensemble. Montreal is a city with a lot of amazing, undiscovered talent, and I’m so happy we managed to get so many great folks in the film, even in the smaller roles. The actors had it pretty rough on this one. It’s tough to be funny when you’re freezing your ass off on a windy rooftop in the middle of the night. And they all rose to the occasion.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
A: I spend most of the time on the couch, wondering when I am going to be able to make another smash indie film. The couch is also a great place for finding change, and the perfect vantage point from which to indulge my appetite for an unhealthy amount of reality television programming. When it’s nice out, I may even take a walk.

 

PEEPERS screens at 8:15 PM today, Thursday, April 29 in the Edwards Island theater 4.

 

Click here to purchase tickets for shorts showcase:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256887

 

Watch the film’s trailer here:

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Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:20:00 -0700 NBFF Wednesday Night Lineup http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-wednesday-night-lineup http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-wednesday-night-lineup

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Take a gander at what we have lined up for tonight at #NBFF.

Plus the Asian and Irish Spotlights hit tonight with:

Asian Spotlight: SOPHIE'S REVENGE screens at 8 PM in Edwards Island Theater 5. With an after party at Ten, 4647 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92660-1946

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256917

Dumped by her fiance just two months before their wedding, comic strip writer Sophie hatches an elaborate plan to get her Jeff back and punish the movie star, Joanna, who seduced him away. She finds herself a partner, Gordon, an ex-lover of Joanna's. The two start on a comic adventure full of laughs and tears, aided by Sophie's two best friends, Lucy and Lily. At the eve of her success, Sophie suddenly realizes that she has been so focused on revenge that she has not heard her own change of heart...

Irish Spotlight:A SHINE OF RAINBOWS screens at 8 PM in the South Coast Village Theater. With and after party at Muldoon's Irish Pub - 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256753

Tomas, a frail, shy eight-year-old boy, has been living a solitary life in a drab orphanage - sad, friendless and alone. Then a joyous burst of colour comes into his world: Maire, whose smile and spirit light up the darkest room - and Tomas's heart. Soon, Tomas is on a boat, sailing to wind-swept Corrie Island off the coast of Ireland, where he meets Alec, her reticent husband who cannot hide his disappointment with the boy. Undiscouraged, Maire introduces Tomas the wonders of his new world.Slowly, Alec too begins to see in Tomas what Maire always has. But when tragedy strikes, Tomas is faced with his greatest challenge yet, for he'll lose everything unless he can find, and share, the magic that's inside him.

 

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Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:54:00 -0700 NBFF Screener CHRISTINA Wins awards at BNFF http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-screener-christina-wins-awards-at-bnff http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-screener-christina-wins-awards-at-bnff

Christina

CHRISTINA, the thrilling drama from director Larry Brand, raked in the awards last week at the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival on the other side of the states, winning Best Director, Best Actress (Nicki Aycox), Best Actor (Stephen Lang), and Best Picture.The film showed there as the closing night feature, and drew audiences in with it's powerful story about the destructive power of secrets, and finding a future with the after experiencing a horrifying past.

Inspired by a true story about a young German woman prepares to leave her war-ravaged city to begin a new life in America with her G.I. fiance. But standing between her and a hopeful future is a relentless police inspector, determined to prevent her from escaping her past. He pushes her to face the truth about a child, whose secret the woman has kept all this time. Before she can leave for her new life, she will be forced to confront the past she's been trying to leave behind.

CHRISTINA screened Friday, April 23 and will be showing again, due to raving response, at 1:15 PM on Thursday, April 29 at the Edwards Island Theater 4. Cast and Crew are scheduled to attend the event.  

 

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Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:49:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Marco Amenta http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/17474025 http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/17474025

By Kelly Strodl 

The-sicilian-girl

Today I talked with Marco Amenta, director of The Sicilian Girl, a film about a young girl who is raised within the mafia. Motivated by a combination of idealism and revenge after the murder of her father and brother, both members of La Cosa Nostra, 17-year-old Rita Atria went to Palermo's legendary anti-mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino and revealed all she had written in her diary since she was seven years old. The contents of that diary unlock a hunt against the mafia with details that can ruin the organization. The magistrate takes the girl under his wing and offered her protection against the sure-to-come retribution. Based on true events.


Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: The US distributor of my film got in contact with the festival. The us distributor is showing the film in many festival before the official US theatrical distribution that will start August 4th in NY (Film Forum). Only 2 Italian films have US distribution this year! So I am so happy abut this. Us audience love the film ! go to the Facebook page "The Sicilian Girl" and become a fan !

 

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: My sister Simonetta is the producer of the film. We have a family business !!! She got money to produce the film from Italy and France. And the film has be sold and theatrical released to many countries - Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

 

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: It is the story of a young Sicilian girl who grows up in a mafia family. She believe mafia is good! And that her father is a good guy, like robin hood! Growing up mafia will kill his father.. and she will go against the mafia... the first girl against the mafia ! a big fight for a young girl.. against powerful and strong godfathers...

 

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: It was very difficult to choose the lead actress, Veronica D'agostino, who plays the girl against the mafia. I auditioned hundreds of actresses and non actresses.. but in the end I was sure : she was the girl! The right one! No doubts! She is perfect in the role. she has the strength but also the tenderness of a young 17-year old girl, and she felt so natural and real in the role since the first audition.

A she has a great energy. We rehearsed a lot before the shooting, exploring the context, I look to do this with all the actors. and it is the moment where we change sometimes the lines, to adapt to the characters. And after, during the shooting we don't need to talk a lot, because they know exactly what i want from them. Veronica was so "inside" the character, that we almost didn’t need to talk...

 

For the role of the prosecutor, because it is based on a famous anti-mafia Italian prosecutor, I wanted that he looked like the true character. and also I wanted a new face. not an actor that everybody knew... So I chose a very famous French actor that in Italy is not famous.

Then the role of the father, the mafia boss, Don Vito, is Marcello Mazzarella a great actor, who is also a friend of mine. he felt do much inside the character, that during the days of the shooting he wanted to go around the village with the motorbike of the character in order to continue to be him... even out of the shooting. I like actors that "do not act,” meaning that feel their emotion. They don't play the emotion in a fake way. During the shooting days "they are the character" and they feel like him/her. They are actors that play with "guts" not with the head. Even if the study and prepare a lot, then they are able to be instinctive and true.

 

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: I work full time in film. While not filming a lot of working is for writing the films and also in financing the films. I have a production company together with my sister, so we produce also other filmmakers and we are trying to grow also a s a film company.

 

THE SICILIAN GIRL screens at 7:30 and 7:45 PM today, Monday, April 26 in the Edwards Island theaters 1 & 5.

 

Click here to purchase tickets for shorts showcase:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256843

 

 

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Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:00:00 -0700 UPDATE! Burzynski - 2nd Screening Added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-burzynski-2nd-screening-added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-burzynski-2nd-screening-added
Due to high demand for the documentary filmm Burzynski, we've added a second screening at 8:30 PM, Sunday, April 25 in South Coat Village Theater.
Burzynski
Ph.D biochemist, Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, won one of the largest legal battles against the Food & Drug Administration in U.S. history. Dr. Burzynski and his patients endured a treacherous 14-year journey in order to obtain FDA-approved clinical trials for a new cancer-fighting drug. His groundbreaking medical and legal battles have brought revolutionary cancer treatment to the public. Upon completion, his treatment will be available the world over - sending a shock wave through the cancer industry.

For more #nbff festival updates, celeb spottings, esclusive photos from the parties, filmmaker interviews and more... visit us on our Facebook Fan Page and/or Twitter

- Kelly Strodl @kellyl4nia

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Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:28:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Brooks Branch http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-brook-branch http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-brook-branch By Kelly Strodl

Multiple-sarcasms

Today I talked with Brooks Branch, director of MULTIPLE SARCASMS, a film about a successful architect who decides to become a playwright – to cope with his mid-life crisis, and finds he does some of his best writing on the john. Gabriel is a man who on the surface has it all-successful professional life, a beautiful wife, and a devoted young daughter. But slowly it dawns on him that he is not really happy. So, he decides that he wants to write a play about the sorry state of his life. He quits his job and starts writing. However, the struggle of composing the play becomes a catalyst in his life, pushing away those close to him and testing his resolve to complete the work that will ultimately change his life forever.

The film screens tonight as one of our Spotlights. 

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: From our PR Gang (MPRM) -- they spoke highly of festival and so we're excited.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: It's a drama which the tone was inspired by quirky late 70's relationship dramas like An Unmarried Woman, Starting Over and other Hal Ashby and Woody Allen type films. This era of film had characters that seemed very real and relatable, but at the same time were in films that were at times imperfect and funny. In Multiple Sarcasms, the lead character, Gabriel (played by Timothy Hutton) is a man who's path to happiness is not cut and dry. Unlike other films, he does not have a cancer to point at for his unhappiness and so (like those of us in real life) has to work hard to figure out what the problem is in an otherwise seemingly happy life.    From the talented crew right through the amazing actors -- everyone was on the same page to try to bring the down-to-earth elements of this story to life.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: I grew up a painter in the incongruous locale of Salt Lake City. Then became a graphic designer and ultimately Creative Director and went into publishing -- then I shifted into entertainment and ran a creative division of Paramount Pictures -- only to then leave and have my own branding company where I have strategically helped heads of most all the studios (as well as other highly visible companies) to produce, launch and leverage their brands and other projects.  While I have written many books, and other projects, Multiple Sarcasms is the first feature film that I have directed. Aside from my professional background, I have been seeing films since I was a little kid and so I'm a true lover of film -- which is my main credential in terms of making a film.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: I was lucky to work with amazing actors who shared a vision that I helped to set with the script.  Once they bought into that, then the rest was just a healthy collaboration. Casting is a long process and boring real life issues enter into it like finances and schedules, but at the core of the process is a chemical chain reaction that you have to both start, and know how to control. Set backs are part of that process and to be expected. And triumphs come in many shapes and require risk, so don't be afraid to try new things or to let the actors. Each actor has a unique set of gifts and also some insecurities... so try to figure out their specific language and then speak it as best you can.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: Experience life enough to try and create more and more.
Oh, and watch other people's smash films.

MULTIPLE SARCASMS screens at 6 PM on Saturday, April 24 at the Edwards Island Theater 5.

Buy ticket here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256900

Watch the trailer for WE WERE FEARED here:

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Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:57:48 -0700 UPDATE! The Four-Faced Liar - 2nd Screening Added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-the-four-faced-liar-2nd-screening-adde http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-the-four-faced-liar-2nd-screening-adde
Due to high demand for THE FOUR-FACED LIAR - The first screening has already sold out! - we've added a second screening at 3 PM, Monday, April 26 in Edwards Island Theater 5.

Fourfacedliar

When Molly and Greg, an adorable couple, become intrigued by Trip and Bridget, their loveably raunchy best friends, Molly finds herself falling for Bridget. As her attraction toward Bridget becomes more intense, she's faced with a life-altering question. Which is most important: passion or consistency?

For more #nbff festival updates, celeb spottings, esclusive photos from the parties, filmmaker interviews and more... visit us on our Facebook Fan Page and/or Twitter

- Kelly Strodl @kellyl4nia

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Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:50:38 -0700 UPDATE! Burning Palms - 2nd Screening Added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-burning-palms-2nd-screening-added http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/update-burning-palms-2nd-screening-added Hey Newport Beach Film Festers! 

Due to high demand for BURNING PALMS - The first screening has already sold out! - we've added a second screening at 5:45 pm, Saturday, April 24 in Edwards Island Theater 4. (This screening will replace the Saturday showing of SOLOMON KANE which was canceled due to the volcanic activity in Iceland last week.)

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Starring Adrianna Baraza, Dylan McDermott, Jamie Chung, Lake Bell, Nick Stahl, Paz Vega, Robert Hoffman, Rosamund Pike, Shannen Doherty, and Zoe Saldana -  this subversive comedy takes a stab at satirizing the well-known stereotypes of varying Los Angeles neighborhoods. The stories of five interlocking characters who must their own varied, darkly funny fates, are followed in this entertaining film boasting an ensemble cast large enough to leave Hollywood reporters joking about being out of breath at the end of the litany of names. In this daring romp no taboo is left unexplored.

For more #nbff festival updates, celeb spottings, esclusive photos from the parties, filmmaker interviews and more... visit us on our Facebook Fan Page and/or Twitter

- Kelly Strodl @kellyl4nia

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:06:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Matthew Leutwyler http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with By Kelly Strodl

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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:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256931

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl
Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:30:00 -0700 NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Rob Stefaniuk http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-rob-stefaniuk http://newportbeachfilmfest.posterous.com/nbff-filmmakers-five-with-rob-stefaniuk

By Kelly Strodl

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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:

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099933/IMG_0777.JPG http://posterous.com/users/36PsItgOJPm9 Kelly Strodl @kelly4nia Kelly Strodl