NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Paul C. Barranco

By Kelly Strodl

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Today we talk with Paul C. Barranco, director of two action sports shorts showing at this year’s festival. The films SURFING THE SILVER DRAGON, and CONFISKATE, will screen at the Actions Sport Shorts section of the festival.

SURFING THE SILVER DRAGON: The program is based around China’s Qiantang River Tidal Bore where surfers Jamie Sterling and Rusty Long take on the beast, a.k.a. “The Silver Dragon” and surf it for miles through the city of Hangzhou.  In addition, we get an inside glimpse of Jamie and Rusty’s experiences on and off the tidal bore in China.

CONFISKATE: Confiskate features pro skater, Josh Campos along with a handful of his closest friends as they session a handrail. The FUEL TV Network ID is a comedic narrative that toys with the synergies between street skaters and a security guard.

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

I live in SoCal so when the festival happens I always hear about it and track its happenings. I just want to stress that’s it’s an honor to be involved this year.

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

On CONFISKATE… it was an idea I thought of a long time ago, maybe 5 or 6 years ago and just jotted it down in a journal that I keep for ideas.  I was always interested in the synergies between security guards and skaters so I came up with this concept.  Well a few years passed and I got busy with other projects but in the back of my mind I knew I should be carving some time out to build up my director reel. My Co-producer Celina Meites basically loved the spot and ended up pushing me forcefully into making it.   Then we gathered a small crew ran out and shot the thing with the help of her and my cast.  So needless to say, I’m glad she shoved me. 

On SURFING THE SILVER DRAGON I was approached to go out to China in 2009 with a group of surfers and a few good friends that I work with. We were welcomed by the Chinese officials and treated like royalty. Every meal and activity was planed for us down to the hour.  The food was something I wasn’t used to, from duck tongue to the ants but I soon found out we we’re being treated to China’s finest cuisine.  It took a little getting used to but after a few sittings it was all good; we not only ingested the food but also to all the culture around us and were guided by some of the most humble people ever.  When it came time to get to work, our guides started off by showing the river in which I’d be shooting from, showing us some of the potential pitfalls it offered, so when the wave turned “on”, we’d be well prepared and we were just that.  On game day when the wave hit, the surfers got on their skis and I jumped on the boat while the editor Dave Gallegos was captain and driver of the boat.  We outran the tidal bore wave for upwards of 10 miles down the river taking us around 45 minutes to complete our run.  The surfers would have to line up with a good part of the wave and we’d need to be close to them in the boat to shoot it.  It was tricky to say the least; I was shooting handheld off a boat doing at least 20 mph with a giant wave coming at us.  Just a little nerve racking.  Anyway we made it out unmarked and to this day I am grateful for the memories it offered. 

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

Well my Pops shot stills professionally and so I got a lot of insight to the craft just watching him in is meticulous ways.  I shot stills leisurely for many years all while I was at heart, a surfer.  If I wasn’t in the water, I was shooting or at Costco getting my film developed; it was then that I knew I had a deep affinity for photography.  A few years later, my dad bought a video camera. It was a full size VHS camera and I can honestly say that purchase changed my life. I became beyond hooked on video.   I shot everything and anything I could taking my knowledge from stills on over to video.  I made everything from surfing experimental films on down to comedies on makeshift sets to weird abstract shorts.  I’d edit from camera to VHS Deck and even tied in an audio channel as well, usually Jane’s Addiction or Soundgarden.  Anyway, after freaking out my family, cause I still lived at home, I finally jumped into SDSU film school program got my diploma and headed to LA.  Over the years I’ve worked at Fuel TV on their weekly action sports news show for 2 years and was at Globe Int Ltd as their Media Marketing Manager for 3 years creating and producing their global surf and skate event TV programs from Fiji, Oz & Micronesia as well as their commercials all for Fuel TV.  More recently, I have gone independent with my production company Fluid Films Productions Inc. where we create media for core and mainstream categories specializing in commercials.

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

On CONFISKATE the forces were definitely on our side that day of shooting.  We shot gorilla and no one hassled us and no one was hurt the same.  Josh Campos had to kickflip a 12 stair, which had me a little concerned since he was padded up to look plumper.  But he killed it.  In fact, all the dudes this day were insane to work with.  Andrew White the lead skater isn’t an actor but he listened to and trusted me & he pulled it off with flying colors.  

On SURFING THE SILVER DRAGON Jamie Sterling and Rusty Long were absolutely on point.  Rusty had been there the previous year so he knew the wave and Jamie jumped right in with no hitches as well.  Both surfers were taking some risks by surfing this natural phenomenon and they were professional and considerate which is key to making any project work.  

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

When I’m not shooting, I’m usually doing a few things.  I surf, swim laps, snowboard, I try to skate the Glendale park from time to time but I suck pretty bad, I hang out with my daughter & lately we’ve been racing go karts at K1 Speed every other week religiously, now that’s a good time. 

CONFISKATE and SURFING THE SILVER DRAGON both screens Thursday, May 5 at 3:30PM at the Triangle Square Theater 8, as part of the  Action Sports Shorts 1 showcase. Other films showing at that time will be:

The Physics Of Surfing | Greg Passmore 2010

Surfing The Silver Dragon | Paul C. Barranco 2010

Calling on Others | Scott LeDuc, Andrew Matthews 2010

Surfing With The Enemy | Adam Preskill and Scott Braman

Solo | Jason Ryan 2010

To purchase tickets follow the below link:

http://newportbeach.slated.com/2011/films/confiskate_paulcbarranco_newportbeach2011

CONFISKATE – VIDEO LINK

SURFING THE SILVER DRAGON TEASER  - VIDEO LINK

 

Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Tanner Beard

By Kelly Strodl

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Today we hear from Tanner Beard, writer and director of THE LEGEND OF HELL’S GATE: AN AMERICAN CONSPIRACY, how 'Hell's Gate' at Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas came to have it's name. Relive the story of how three outlaws expeditions and encounters through historical 1870s Texas were remembered for a lifetime. James McKinnon, an Irish thief roaming the American frontier in search of easy riches, finds himself on the lam with Will Edwards, a bounty hunter prepared to lie, cheat, and steal to replenish his lost fortunes. While attempting to escape the lawmen on their tails, McKinnon and Edwards encounter Kelly, a young man who has stolen the secret cache of a man who claims to be John Wilkes Booth. The three outlaws set out on an adventure to be remembered for generations.

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

Feels like forever ago now but I used to come up to the Newport area lot with an old DJ-ing job years ago and even then knew it was one of the most popular festivals globally. So, I was stoked when I heard our Reps and Producers had entered us in. I found out we made the cut from them.

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

 

 

Man, we had so many moving parts where do you begin. Ha, first of all our cast and crew were amazing, but based on real events our story takes place in 1876 Texas mostly around Central and West Texas. We shot the film in and around the land, towns and cliffs where it actually took place which gave the production a very historic feel. Many of our actors played real characters of the West as you'll see when our central characters have their brushes with the infamous Doc Holliday (Jamie Thomas King), John St. Helens (Henry Thomas), the killing of the White Buffalo, encounters with Comanches and the elements of the untouched Texas terrain.

 

 

We follow three outlaws on the run, Will Edwards (Eric Balfour), Kid Called Kelly (Lou Taylor Pucci) and James McKinnon (Tanner Beard) each running from haunted past now with bounties on their head. A chase movie shot in Texas with a mostly Texas native cast: (Jenna Dewan, Summer Glau, Kevin Alejandro, Glenn Morshower, Henry Thomas) made the production fell like we were a bunch of neighborhood kids getting to play “Cowboys and Indians” in the backyard. As sometimes it was a difficult shoot with the terrain, our cast and crew made it an absolute joy to be a part of. 

 

 

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

Getting to play a character in front of the camera has always been such a joy to do, but also can be a rare opportunity especially if you didn't grow up near the business. Making a film on the other hand can happen any place, any time if you can pull enough people together to put on a show, no matter how big or small. So, starting at a very early age I was lucky enough that my parents had on old video camera to test out and we had a video store that had more than just the new releases in my home town. So grabbing some friends and writing some skits while watching great movies to learn a thing or two, it wasn't hard to fall in love with every aspect of film making from griping to acting to booming, it's all important.  

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

Our cast showed up to work and they worked hard, I thought everyone in our large ensemble cast did an amazing job. I definitely came to learn set backs will happen on a set, it's just part of it. I know one day we lost a lot of great deal of momentum from our cast when our river shoot got rained out. We lost time and money, actors lost scenes but as a film maker sometimes you can create your way out of problems and our cast was great about jumping into scenes with out much rehearsal time. Lou Pucci and Summer Glau had to endure more of the elements more so than most of the cast and their attitude and dedication to their characters were definitely good, but not a surprise they are pros.

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

Jumping in front of the camera is keeping me busy at the moment, I also have another project I'm writing and directing with Suzanne Weinert to produce, so other smash indies are keeping me busy, ha ha.

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THE LEGEND OF HELL’S GATE: AN AMERICAN CONSPIRACY screens Tonight (Wednesday), May 4 at 7:30PM at the Triangle Square Theater 4.  

To purchase tickets follow the below link: 

http://newportbeach.slated.com/2011/films/thelegendofhellsgate_tannerbeard_newportbeach2011 

 

Watch the trailer for the film here:

http://filmpunks.com/ProjektorLHG/LHGTeaserv1/

Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

NBFF Filmmaker's 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

Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Alison Mason

By Kelly Strodl

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Today we talk with Alison Mason, director and writer of Finding Jenua, a tale of love, loss and finding your place in the world. A drama with mystery that's told in an unconventional way, unraveling like a memory and tying us back together with the simple beauty of human connection.

Edie chain smokes, bites her fingernails, smashes her foot down on the gas pedal – she lives life fast. And as life whirls by her she likes it that way. Jean sits at the kitchen table for hours. She can still smell the Christmas tree, and hear the faint sounds of her husband and child, but they’re gone. The house is empty. She wanders in search of something familiar and finds it when Edie blows into town. Cal works at the local diner and motel. Squirming under his overbearing mother's thumb, Cal dreams of leaving town and making new memories.

When their lives intersect, the past finds them all and forces them to face their truth.

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

Well, the festival has such a great reputation, so that proceeds this story for sure.  But, last year I volunteered at the Feel Good Film Festival in Hollywood and so there I was working the red carpet and of course, a bird poops on my head.  The irony, right?  At a feel good festival.  So, I was laughing about it and so were a bunch of other people around me; two of which happened to be from the Newport Beach Film Festival.  Once I got over my embarrassment, I told them about my film and they told me to submit.  You know, a slew of people told me that getting pooped on by a bird was good luck.  I now believe it.  

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

I wrote the script over ten years ago while living in North Carolina with my husband, Brian.  We moved into a house that an elderly woman owned and subsequently we had to put all of her belongings into one room of the house so we could move our things in.  We came across her pictures, letters... bits of her life that seemed to be amazing.  I couldn't help but think of her sitting in one room of a nursing home while her memories sat in another, just out of reach -- literally and figuratively -- she had dementia.  Circumstances prevented us from visiting her and our stay there was brief, but the whole experience really affected me and, well, I guess the story was born from that.  And when the first draft of FINDING JENUA was optioned by a Hollywood director, we sold everything we owned and headed West... with big, big dreams and only a few thousand dollars.  

And the roller coaster ride began immediately.  A list stars signed on and then the funding would fall through -- it was the same old Hollywood sob story -- but this one lasted for ten years!  We don't know how to give up and decided it was time to make FINDING JENUA ourselves.  So, a with a few really good friends (Jack, Holly, Ben) and a bank loan, that's what we did.  Our parents co-signed said bank loan, wrote loaner checks and ultimately believed and invested in us, otherwise this wouldn't have been possible.  So armed with our micro-budget, we just kept inching forward (begging a lot and learning as we went) until we were actually filming.  I'll never forget yelling" action" on the first day.  I think I cried.   

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

I was born in Philly and grew up half in a small town in PA and the other half in a small town in North Carolina.  I was raised by my amazing mother who gave me a strong work ethic and always told me that I could do anything.  And she gave me books -- lots and lots of books.  I think that small town, can do attitude and an imagination ignited by reading set my foundation and not only allowed me to dream, but to put stock in those dreams.  It wasn't a cake walk, I worked really hard, usually working two or three jobs while pursuing acting, but I kept my eye on the prize.  And when I met Brian, well, let's just say that two dreamers can be dangerous!  He was a musician and we just fueled each other... we still do.  He believed the most when I didn't and he just never let me give up.  So, after ten years of waiting for someone else to give us permission to make our dreams come true, we green-lit ourselves. My husband produced FINDING JENUA with me, made his acting debut and he even wrote music for the trailer, not to mention craft services, production accounting, etc.  It took us another two years to actually finish the film, but we did!  And now we're paying a mortgage on our movie while living in a one bedroom apartment.  Who says independent filmmaking isn't glamorous?!?!   But, we're incredibly grateful that FINDING JENUA is really starting to get noticed and that all of our hard work is starting to pay off!!  Honestly, we couldn't be happier! 

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

Gayle James and Leigh Rose.  Wow.  These two women astounded me. They really did.  I had known Leigh for about five years and she had followed along on the FINDING JENUA roller coaster ride, hearing about stars who were attached to play "her part," as she used to put it.  I secretly dreamed of directing it and she... well, it was no secret that she wanted to play Jean, but for years we both just watched the project as it seemed to have a life of its own.  I'll never forget calling her and telling her that we were making the film and that I wanted her to audition with Gayle.  Leigh has the greatest laugh and just kept saying "fabulous."  And I have to say that the audition was magical.  In fact, they're the only two that I audidioned for the roles.  I knew right away.  Okay well, if I'm honest, when I met Gayle she was blonde and I struggled to see the Edie in her.  But, there was something about her that I couldn't shake, and if you know Gayle, you know what I'm talking about, she's infectious, but the polar opposite of Edie.  So, I called her back.  And she really brought it.  The part was hers.  Then I asked her to dye her hair, bite her fingernails off and live in her car.  And she did.  She was so open and honest... it broke my heart (in the very best way).  And as for Leigh.... there really are no words for that kind of talent.  They're both pros and now part of our family.

And that goes for Jordan Mantell and Christine Kellogg-Darrin, too.  I can't tell you how amazing it was to work with them.  When they met at the audition, they hugged like they had known each other forever.  Incredible, those two.  The scene they did with the file rocked our little crew... we all needed to hug afterwards.  And I can't forget Brian Mason, who got the part because our reader didn't show up.   He read opposite Jordan and their chemistry was ridiculous.  I figured well, it's one less mouth to feed on the set!  In all seriousness, they are all extremely talented and generous and brave and I really couldn't be more proud of them and their work.  I have to say that one of the greatest gifts of my life was to see the characters that I created so long ago come to life through Gayle, Leigh, Jordan, Christine and Brian.  How do you thank someone for that?        

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

I'm a screenwriter and I teach an advanced acting class at AFI for the SAG Conservatory. I also do private acting coaching/workshops. I also produce films, edit and sell blood and plasma when necessary. Kidding.  It hasn't come to that yet thanks to Brian's day job.  He's my hero.   

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FINDING JENUA screens Sunday, May 1, at 5:30 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 2.

To watch the trailer and buy tickets follow the link below: 

http://newportbeach.slated.com/2011/films/findingjenua_alisonmason_newportbeach2011

Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

NBFF Filmmaker's 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:

Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

NBFF Filmmaker's 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:

Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Kevin Van Hagen and Drew Pierce

Screen_shot_2011-04-11_at_9

By Kelly Strodl

Yup, you know what this means... We're back with the 2011 edition of NBFF Filmmaker's Five a quick and quirky Q&A with independent filmmakers showing their films at the festival each year. For our kickoff edition, I talked with producer Kevin Van Hagen and director Drew Pierce – of DEADHEADS, a postmodern take on the buddy flick, where the two friends just happen to be two inexplicably coherent zombies!

Reminiscent of such 80’s-epics as Goonies, TeenWolf, My Best Friend’s a Vampire, and the like, the story follows two slackers, Mike and Brent, who find themselves surprisingly un-dead amid a disastrous zombie outbreak. After discovering an engagement ring in his coat pocket, Mike enlists his new found zombie pal, Brent, to embark on a quest in search of his lost love. So they’re undead, that doesn’t mean the two can’t embark on a road trip adventure of Goonies proportions – full of high jinks, awkward reunions,  and a search for lost love, unaware that they are being pursued by ruthless, zombie-killing bounty hunters!

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

It had been recommended to us and we'd read an article about the 10 best fests that were worth the price of submission and Newport was up there. Advice to any new filmmakers like ourselves, budget for festival submission costs and do your homework about which ones are worth it. 

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

It's a zombie/buddy/road trip/action/adventure/romantic comedy. Say that three times fast! It's about two zombie pals newly risen from the dead, Mike and Brent, whom embark on a cross country road in search of Mike's lost love as they are pursued by a team of ruthless bounty hunters. After moving to LA to pursue our dreams we quickly entered the lovely world of production assistant employment. Drew came up with the idea of a zombie buddy film andI chimed in with the lost love angle and we started burning the midnight oil on draft after draft of the script out of fear of becoming permanent PA's. 

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

Drew and I grew up amid the production of EVIL DEAD as kids, our father was the visual FX artist on it. Watching Sam Raimi and the guys spin out their crazy horror/comedy flick got us itching to do the same. We made some zero budget indie films with our friends back in our home state of Michigan and that was our film school. Every weekend someone was shooting something and if you didn't show up to lend a hand (or your camera) you weren't pulling your weight. 

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

Our cast is amazing. Michael McKiddy and Ross Kidder are our zombie comedy duo and it kills me that others haven't picked up on these two yet. Mike and Ross are the type of actors you pray you get. They never flinched that we shot 10 weeks/6 days a week, covered them in fake blood, and rigged them with explosive squibs. Truth is, they wanted to be there just as much as us, they believed in us and the movie. I remember one night we we're setting up for this beautiful wide shot of an old creepy barn with encroaching zombies, and there's Mike next to me in full makup and costume. He looked at me and said with a smile "I can't believe we're doing this!" That makes me smile even to this day. 

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

I'm a production coordinator on a reality TV series and my brother is a freelance animator. After work it's still a full time job on DEADHEADS. The battle for distribution is an entirely different monster and applying to fests can be very up and down emotionally but you just keep moving forward. Making movies is a series of insurmountable problems but it's also the most fun we've ever had in our lives.

DEADHEADS screens on Friday, April 29 at 8:15 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 1. And Tuesday, May 2 at 7:45 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 6.

The Friday show has already sold out, but there are still tickets available for the Tuesday screening.

Purchase tickets here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=358115


Or watch the trailer on YouTube, here:

Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

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
Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Brooks 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:

Posted by Kelly Strodl
 

UPDATE! The Four-Faced Liar - 2nd Screening Added

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
Posted by Kelly Strodl