Monday, June 29, 2009

Win 2 Free Copies of Cookies & Cream on DVD!

In celebration of the film's World Premiere on July 5th at the Anthology Film Archives in NYC, MovieRoom Reviews is running a DVD givaway of Princeton Holt's critically acclaimed, debut feature film Cookies & Cream. Winners actually have more than one chance of winning a free DVD from our Naked Series Release of Cookies & Cream, as there are 2 up for grabs.

All you do is drop a comment under the contest (more info and the contest HERE).

Cookies & Cream is having its World Premiere in NYC on July 5th, 2009 at 9 pm at the Anthology Film Archives as part of the NewFilmmakers Summer Series, followed by a Q & A with the cast and the director, and an afterparty to be announced at the screening. This is your last chance to catch the film before it heads on its run to Los Angeles, and on to Australia in October!

COOKIES & CREAM is about a bi-racial single mother who accepts an adult entertainment job to take care of her daughter and herself. The film also features a first-time dramatic performance from popular comedian Ardie Fuqua (HBO's Bad Boys of Comedy, Die Hard 3, BET, VH1), and features the talented, highly praised new leading lady, Jace Nicole.


The movie is playing on: Sunday, July 5th, 9:00pm at Anthology Film Archives

The theatre is located at:

32 Second Ave, New York, NY 10009

Tickets are only $6!

For more info on the movie check out the official website:

www.cookiesncreammovie.com

Win your free DVD copy HERE:

J. Lynn Menzel Wins Flyer of the Week!



Check out what S. Pajot in Flyer of the Week had to say about the Mary Jane Monday's flyer designed by J. Lynn from ART.THENTIC.

"A minute ago, still buzzing from the twin highs of payday and a certain psychotropic substance, I had the sudden realization: Green is a very good color. For a second, it seemed like a weird kind of intellectual smoke that meant precisely nothing, just floating past. Then, the rest came: Green is the color of money and green is the color of ganja. And all seemed right with the world until James Brown popped out of a fifty-dollar bill, screaming: "Go unto Mary Jane Mondays, son!!!"

See the full blog posting here.

See more of J' Lynn's work here, or join her Facebook Fan Page to see it all!


Turtleneck Films Reviews Carter



Turtleneck Films' Tom Russell has reviewed Carter in a very thorough, contemplative piece. Here is a snippet of it below:

"A more straightforward narrative might have given us more insight into Sminch, might have gotten us past the glasses and the moustache, might have deepened the mystery and the irony behind his vow, might have explored his complexities in a more satisfying manner. And yet, had it gone that route, the film wouldn't have accomplished the things it does; it might have been a work of "quality" (in Truffaut's sense of the word) but not nearly as interesting or as memorable."

Read the Full Review HERE.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Last Chance to RSVP!



Our friends RoseMary's Garden (whose music is featured in both Uptown and Cookies & Cream) is coming to NYC to perform. The long days of summer mean hot nights of rock and roll... join us for an eclectic lineup of rockers with something for everyone - a night of good music, drinks, and fun. Here is the info below:

Line Up:
9:00 - the Morning Code
11:00 - the Latters
12:00 - Ellis Ashbrook

Resident DJ Bastard spins all night to keep you rocking out......



Party Details - open bar & drink specials, free & reduced admission

The show is at CRASH MANSION at 199 Bowery at Spring St.

The party is called Between (a Rock and a Hard Place) and is free to get in on the UNDERBELLY list from 9-11, reduced to $5 admission afterwards. It's $5/$10 otherwise, so make sure to RSVP here. We also get OPEN BAR from 9-10 (free rum drinks this month) so our friends probably want to get there early to have a few freebies... From 10 pm til late we have some drink specials. ($12 buckets of beer).

Make sure to email HERE to RSVP. rsvp@newyorkunderbelly.com

Check out RoseMary's Garden's music HERE.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Lalo Screening in Texas



Award-winning short filmmaker Daniel Maldonado's latest short film Lalo is playing in Texas at the 15th Annual San Antonio Film Festival tomorrow. (Thursday 25th 2-5pm) For those in the San Antonio area, make sure you make it out to catch this artistic, fun filled film!

Several One Way or Another Productions staff worked on this, one of Daniel's several wonderful and acclaimed shorts.

LALO tells the hilarious story of a NYC Mexican food delivery worker, who's been given one last opportunity to save his job.

A film by Daniel Maldonado. 12min

You can also go to HERE for more info.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The UK and Indie Film digital policy

This is a total repost from TRULY FREE FILMS. The UK is ahead of the game, when it comes to the new world of digital indie film distribution and the future. Interesting stuff. Thanks to Ted hope for posting such great stuff.

The New Rules: An Indie Film Digital Policy

Over in the UK they have a state-backed initiative to try to figure out this new digi-film culture universe. Here in The States of course we are asked to sink or swim on our own.

Luckily we can crib some of the insights The Brits generate.

The UK Film Council and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) is calling on the film industry to expand digital distribution, seek new sources of funding and work with online audiences as publishers not just viewers, as part of series of findings from their digital innovation programme.

Some of their initial recommendations are:
  • Film companies should see online audiences as participants, authors, contributors and publishers as well as just viewers, and use this to their advantage
  • Directors, writers and actors should be encouraged to write a blog or Twitter, to engage audiences in the film-making process
  • Free tools such as Google Blog Search and Twitter should be used to track the performance of campaigns by monitoring site visits and bookmarks. But popularity should not be mistaken for financial success.
  • Companies should be wary about giving away potential revenue in return for digitisation costs, and instead look into getting it done themselves.
  • The aim should be to sell content to as many platforms as possible and to keep the deals non-exclusive or for short exclusive periods.
  • Film-makers should look to new sources of funding. Brands and content creators are potential sources, as in the case of Shane Meadows’ Somers Town, which was financed by Eurostar.
  • Companies should think about what would make audiences pay for content, and the principle of ‘added value’ in the form of quality of experience.
  • The whole industry is still learning and there is no perfect online campaign, so experimenting is the key.
If you aren't following these recommendations, you are not living in the world of today. Indie Film culture's survival depends on the majority getting with the program.


PLEASE COMMENT any thoughts, reactions, ideas! Progress comes from a dialogue, not a monologue!

Spike Lee Party in Brooklyn June 25-28!



A group of Brooklyn-based artists and film folk have organized a multi-part, multi-venue tribute to BK’s finest, Shelton Jackson “Spike” Lee. The tribute includes art and photo exhibits, a panel discussion at the Brooklyn campus of Long Island University, a poetry reading, a “He Got Game” father/son basketball game, and (coming in August) a block party. Go here for the details.

Also, on June 30, Lee’s masterpiece, and one of the great NYC films, Do The Right Thing, turns twenty years old. Lee was recently quoted as saying that in the age of Obama, the movie belongs to a historical period that’s now over and done with. But if the racial rhetoric and news headlines referenced in the story are dated, the film itself feels more than ever like an enduring classic.

—Nelson Kim

Thanks to HammertoNail for the link.

Clifford Kiyabu Interviews Princeton Holt

TCW Reviews conducted a full interview with Princeton Holt, director of Cookies & Cream, in preparation for its world premiere on July 5th here in NYC. Here is some of it below:


TCW’s Editor in Chief Clifford Kiyabu sits down with Cookies & Cream director Princeton Holt for an exclusive interview. Princeton E. Holt has worked on several projects since graduating from the New York Film Academy in 2000 and launching his own film company called One Way or Another Productions LLC. He wrote and directed a 20 minute short called Phish in 2006 which gained him an “Official Selection" at film festivals including the National Black Media Conference Film Festival in Philadelphia, he is the writer, producer, and director of the upcoming flick Cookies & Cream, a film that I personally had the pleasure of reviewing not so long ago, but with all that I have already said about him, there is still much more to be said from the man himself.

CK: First off let me say thank you for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to have this little interview session with me, you must be very busy with the film’s premiere just around the corner?

PH: Well first of all, I dig your interviews so thank you for having me. We are getting a little busier for the Cookies premiere on the 5th of July at the Anthology Film Archives in NYC as part of the NewFilmmakers Film Festival Summer Series. For those in the in the NY area, make sure you come see it while it’s still in NY before it heads to LA. Ryan Balas, who co-produced the movie, is the one doing most of the work. He says he just wants me to be able to enjoy the screening as a director this time, and not have to do the producing part of it when it comes to preparing for the screening. That’s a huge luxury, one I don’t get enough, and I’m grateful to Ryan for handling everything.

CK: Alright, before for we go into talking about your film, I think its best my readers get a chance to learn, just who is Princeton Holt?

PH: I'm the 34 year old son of a non-denominational, Brooklynpastor/playwright/author with an honorary PHD, and an English professor/book editor/author with an academic PHD. My younger sister is a professional top model. Growing up with a family like that, ambition isn't a thought or even something we even consider an attribute. For us, constant ambition is like breathing. It’s something that also isn’t all positive at times, because when you realize you don’t know what it’s like to quit or slow down, you still aren't able to do much to change or alter it. So while the ambition "curse" of my family has been rewarding and you get a ton of things accomplished, you look around and realize that people around you may be living life a little more than you are. I'm also a professional unicyclist that fights crime on weekends.

CK: WOW, so you come from a family of hardworking career people?

PH: Yes Sir.

CK: So how does your family feel about you getting into filmmaking?

PH: They've been pretty supportive. My father and sister at times have helped me finance some projects including this one. I guess they are happy because I'm happy. My father is the "voice of purpose" you hear in the scene where Jodie comforts Carmen after their breakup, and my sister plays a cameo as the woman who sets up the whole online webcam business. She's in another film I have coming up. My mother still hasn’t seen it, and I'm curious as to whether or not she will be able to appreciate my determination to not judge any of the characters.

Read the Full interview HERE.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Charlie Rose Interviews PT Anderson

Here is a great retro interview by Charlie Rose with Paul Thomas Anderson right after he directed his breakthrough film Boogie Nights. Lots of wonderful theories about directing actors as well as several revelations, from the always refreshingly honest director. Throwback Sundays remembers a classic decade in American Cinema.

Part 1


Part 2

Jon Ashby Interviews Ryan Andrew Balas



Jon Ashby from commonfilm.org just conducted a great interview with writer/director of Carter Ryan Andrew Balas. Check it out here.

http://www.commonfilm.org/

Saturday, June 20, 2009

The Lionshare-watch it online for FREE!

Click the poster, to watch the entire film for FREE!

The Lionshare is the debut feature from writer/director Josh Bernhard. Shot with consumer equipment and a “do-it-yourself” ethic, the movie is being shared with its audience in the same spirit.

“The Lionshare” has the capability of becoming a quiet college sensation.

-Claire Wilson, Binghamton Free Press


The filmmaker has registered the film under the creative commons license and asks that you spread the link and share the film with as many people as possible. If you believe in the work, then you are able to support it with a donation here.

I enjoyed the film and found it to be realistic, funny and photographed beautifully.
-Ryan
ryan@ryanbalas.com

Thursday, June 18, 2009

50 Cent Offers New Album As Free Download



There is a lot of hype these days encouraging filmmakers to offer content for free online. Not sure how much I'm buying into it all at this point, although there are several people who have already done it. I definitely don't think that the net at this point is the best exhibition format for feature length movies, but if you are a short filmmaker (I'm not a big shorts guy anymore but several others are), maybe you can take a page out of the book of 50 Cent in promoting a future release by giving away legit content for free first. And during the music business' current total deconstruction, this is the latest way musicians are seeking to find new ways to successfully release music. If you are a big believer that the film industry is currently going through what the music industry recently has, this Rolling Stone recent news may sound interesting to you.

As promised, 50 Cent dropped his new mixtape LP "War Angel" as a free download last night on his ThisIs50 Website. The mixtape is the first of three that 50 is plotting to release before his oft-delayed "Before I Self Destruct" comes out in September. War Angel includes the gritty “Redrum” and a sequel of sorts to Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M,” fittingly called “C.R.E.A.M. 2.”

50 himself boasted that War Angel is “the best body of work I put out in the mixtape circuit, period,” and even if you’re not a fan of the Queens MC, you have to admit that the rapper brought his best to an album that’s being given away for free (65,761 people have downloaded the album through ThisIs50 at press time). 50 Cent also has his ’90s-music-based Sincerely Southside Part 2 due out on the Fourth of July, plus a G-Unit mixtape in the works.

Check it out for yourself HERE. Something to think about and at least consider on your own.

Monday, June 15, 2009

You wont Miss me


A reminder...

the NY premiere of YOU WONT MISS ME is at BAMcinemaFEST
this Friday, June 19th and next Tuesday, June 23rd.

There will be a Q&A after the screenings and drinks at a german joint nearby.

You can get tickets to the screenings here..
http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=1218

Also, in case you haven't seen the trailer..
http://www.vimeo.com/3284181

See you at BAM!

Family Tree

Here's a new short film by Director Kentucker Audley (Team Picture).



Experiment. Exploring dynamics for upcoming feature film. Made by Kentucker Audley, Timothy Morton and Lena Dunham Featuring Timothy Morton, Lena Dunham, Greta Gerwig Shot by Sara Rossein


I'm a big fan of Audley's "Team Picture" which also stars Timothy Morton.
It's available on dvd through Benten films, and I highly recommend you give it a look.
http://www.bentenfilms.com/

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Classic Scenes (2 of 20)

Throwback Sundays this week celebrates great performances from classic scenes, not just the classic scenes themselves. This week its Brando in Apocalypse Now.

Marlon Brando, one of the greatest actors of the last half century, and some say THE greatest, portrayed Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now. In the film, he is a highly decorated officer who went mad, killed many, and shacked up in Cambodia, miles from where the action was in Vietnam. Martin Sheen plays Capt.Willard who is sent to kill him. Sheen's trip up river to find him occupies most of the film. Brando is only in it for the last 45 mins or so.

This is his final monologue in the film, describing "The Horror". Simply brilliant acting. His expressions are as sharp as can be. Allegedly, he was told he could improvise the description of the story he tells Willard of what he had seen at the camp they had to go for innoculation of children, so, thats pretty wild for him to make up what he did as he went along. Truly a great actor of our time.



www.amazon.com

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Jen Johans Reviews Uptown



In easily one of the most thorough, well-written, and comprehensive reviews we have read in a long time (from among both our films and others), Jen Johans from Film Intuition has just written a glowing piece on Uptown. This one leaves us, well, rather speechless (for once). Here is some of it below:

"Easily relatable and filmed with a reverence for naturalism, Uptown is heightened by the fact that it comes from a true story and is also co-written by first time filmmaker Ackley along with his lead actors Hampton and Riquinha. Likewise, making the most of the picturesque beauty of autumn in New York-- Uptown is a gorgeous work that seems like it relishes in shooting during magic hour for the most exquisite effect.

And while on the surface it's easy to classify the film as being in the same realm as similarly themed or structured works including Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Once, and Quiet City with a few nods to Woody Allen's Manhattan and Annie Hall as well as some of the inspirations for those movies like Louis Malle's My Dinner With Andre and Eric Rohmer's My Night at Maud's-- overall, Ackley's film is especially unique as the events unfold in a realistic, logical, and emotionally heartbreaking (yet still satisfying) way."

Wow.

Read the full piece HERE.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Jon Ashby Reviews Uptown



Jon Ashby from commonfilm.org has recorded his podcast review of Uptown. We downloaded the mp3 and made a photo video out of it so we could post it. Besides struggling with our names, as he tends to do (we do have some strange names I guess), it was a pretty good review with some interesting points.



www.uptownfilm.com

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Shining Star Begins Production



The second film in our new slate of 10 projects has begun early. Production kicked off on Cassandra Riddick's debut feature film Shining Star recently. Read more about it while they move day to day now at http://riddickandfriends.blogspot.com/

Official Trailer for Uptown



Here is the Official Trailer for Uptown, the debut feature by Brian Ackley. We wanted to celebrate the wonderful reception the film has been receiving in such a short amount of time. Make sure to drop by the website for DVD and screening info.



www.uptownfilm.com

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Francis Ford Copolla Joins Self-Distribution Movement



Here is the incredible, fascinating and honest interview that has Hollywood talking. Yesterday, one of the best interviewers of all time - none other than Howard Stern interviewed Francis Ford Copolla - the great director of Godfather 1 and 2, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now, and many others wonderful pieces of work. He came into the Stern universe to talk about his latest feature, Tetro, starring Vincent Gallo, and discusses the fact that he not only financed it himself, but will also self distribute it as well.

A way cool interview for film lovers of all kinds, lovers of The Godfather and its sequel, and bright-eyed future film artists alike. Enjoy!

part 1 of 7



part 2 of 7



Hear the rest of this interview HERE.

Monday, June 8, 2009

David Lowery reviews the mysterious "After Last Season"


I'd like to preface all of this by saying---whatever they did to get the blogosphere so interested, is brilliant! This movie hasnt gotten an incredible amount of press.
David Lowery (Dir. of 'St. Nick') wrote a very interesting review of the mysterious film 'After Last Season'. The production and the director of 'After Last Season' has the blogosphere confused and waiting for the "GOTCHA!"...and some may fear, the "GOTCHA" may never come.
In the review, David simply asks "WHY?"...

Check it out: (Repost from HAMMER TO NAIL)

(After Last Season is currently enjoying a presumably one-week release through Cinemark theaters. Showtimes, locations and the infamous trailer can be found at the official website.)

I still don’t know that I buy it.

Which is to say that, having driven 90 minutes to see Mark Region’s After Last Season at a Cinemark megaplex in the middle of the desert, having uttered the title at the box office with the same nervousness by which young men of old might have purchased a ticket to their first adult film, having sat down in the theater, having watched all 93 minutes of the film itself projected on 35mm and then driving 90 miles back home afterward, I feel no more convinced that it’s real than I did when I first watched (and watched and watched) the trailer after it surfaced online three months ago. The cards just don’t line up.

Read the rest of the article HERE!

Ribbons of Song in a POOL!

RIBBONS OF SONG, featuring music from CARTER, has a new record coming out soon.
Check out this amazing live video they did, recorded in an empty pool.

Ribbons of Song: The Swimming Pool Sessions from Chuck Peterson on Vimeo.

Getting An Agent, Joining SAG, and Everything Else That Drives Actors Nuts



We conducted an exclusive interview with LA-based actress Naama Kates (Cookies & Cream, My Normal, NCIS). We got to discuss everything acting related from her vantage point of an actress who is getting that much-coveted TV work, has an agent, and is a member of the Screen Actor's Guild. She not long ago made the move from NY to LA, and has continued working hard just the same (if not harder).

This is just one in a "service" we are trying to provide for the tons of actors out there that are looking to expand their visibility, join the union, and get to the point where acting becomes their full time life. We had a great time working with Naama on Cookies & Cream, and like all great collaborators, she continues to support, promote, love, and push the film - even after the film has been completed. Thats just one example of how she has become a favorite over here at One Way or Another Productions.

This advice and interview is for not for the actor that casually enjoys working on the occasional film with only their friends. Instead, this is for those actors looking for TV work, representation, and to crack the all-time, seemingly silent code of becoming a union player - something that till this day, seems a mystery. And why should it be? It's like someone telling you that in order to get into a party, you have to know what the front door password is - except the password seems to be a secret, and no one really knows exactly what it is. It can be frustrating, but Naama will try to navigate at leasst some of this and shed some light on "the biz" from her perspective, to our increasingly actor-friendly blog community.

Naama also wanted to preface the interview with this message to the readers:

"I am no expert! I am not 'there' yet. I'm just saying what I've done and what's felt like it's worked for me, but I am just starting out and it's a long, steep climb. So I'd like to pass on some advice from a friend of mine whose career and work I really admire... Know what you're worth... If you can sincerely look at yourself and your acting and assess that there's no difference in quality between you and the actor making 2 million dollars an episode, then command that, and everyone else will see it too. And if you can't, then do whatever you need to do to get there, take classes, take care of yourself. Get motivated. Suit up, it's a weird life."

Here is the full interview. Please take notes, save it, favorite it, and most of all, enjoy.

OneWayTV: Once and for all, if Im an actor trying to find more work, how tha hell can I get representation?

Naama: "First of all, it sounds like a cliche but find as much work as you can without representation in the meantime... www.actorsaccess.com and www.lacastings.com and Craigslist. Plays, student films, indie films, whatever level you're at... sometimes it's important to keep doing this even after you get an agent. Work to get into SAG- it doesn't mean all that much in some ways, but most legit agents don't look at non-union actors. People you meet, something to put on a reel, all really important. And get into class... it's non-negotiable...you'll be working on your craft so you don't feel like you're stuck or like you're DESPERATE. Find a way to support yourself, financially and emotionally. Being desperate is a huge turn-off to reps and gives vibes off to the world to stay away. So, once you do all that, you'll have some people, some connections, some work to show when the opportunity actually does fall in your lap. I met my manager through an actor friend after already having done a handful of films, so after just connecting on a personal level, I could direct her to my material and give her something to see... She sent me on auditions and meetings with agents, and that's how I got my agent... I've never blind-submitted to agencies, and I don't know anyone who's gotten one by doing so, though I'm sure it happens... Inviting agents to showcases or screenings yourself is a good strategy too, though I know in LA especially agents rarely go to these... Oh, and before any of this I should start with this huge pointer: You have to be local to a city with an actual market. You have to make sure you're available to go out tomorrow if you get an audition or a meeting, so you can't be living in Podunk, PA, and you have to decide for yourself when you're ready to make that move. Classes are available everywhere, as well as community theatre and more and more now local indie films and some tv, so work at home as long as you need to be comfortable... But the bigger roles in the bigger projects are in New York and LA. Work. Take class. Meet fellow actors and directors... they can point you the right way."

OneWayTV: What are the main differences between low to non paying gigs/productions, and fully-paid, larger stuff (full honesty encouraged)?

Naama: "The main difference is money!!! Organization, amenities, and protection follow with that... SAG seems like a bully to productions sometimes, but it does guarantee us actors a lot of things that you can't expect on non-union shoots, though the difference between SAG ultra lows and non-union projects are sometimes non-existent. Often times if a production is signatory, it's likely the producers are taking it pretty seriously, but not always. The other huge difference is exposure. A higher budget project is less likely to run into scheduling problems, disorganization, and complete disintegration, so it's more likely to get finished and be seen. With standard SAG paid projects you probably won't be working more than 8-12 hours, call times will be accurate, you'll get your breaks on time, sometimes a trailer bigger than your apartment and a full wardrobe closet inside. A lot of money is being poured into these projects, so they're going to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible, facilitated by the crew, spaces, and equipment that money can buy. ORGANIZATION is the real main difference for these projects. But regardless of budget, if you're working on a film just trust your gut about the people and the project. If it feels like the people at the helm are most focused on the final project, its a good one; if it feels like people are just messing around, they probably are. This is true across the board, and across the board there will often be personal conflicts on set. We are dealing with artists here."

OneWayTV: We're quite curious as to what the differences between the LA film community and the NY film community are...

Naama: "The main differences between the two markets and communities are like the main differences between the two cities. There's more in LA, but somehow it feels smaller. Since it's completely movie-town EVERYONE is aware of everyone else. I could launch into an endless diatribe about the differences between NY and LA in general, but you've heard it all before and it's a matter of personal opinion. The types of films, the types of personalities; these reflect the cities themselves.. which are what they are because of their history, their culture, their climate. That topic is a monster. Judge for yourself. But there is MORE in LA, and it's more connected on every level, whereas in NY the film community only becomes connected toward the top. It's all anyone thinks about here."

OneWayTV: TV or movies? Which pays better? Which is your favorite?

Naama: "TV is getting better and better all the time, more cinematic, the cable dramas are excellent and even the networks, the line is getting blurred. But ultimately TV is more for mass consumption. It does have to follow a formula to keep viewers hooked. In a lot of network series the characters remain fairly consistent for years and the actors remain with them. There are tons of great shows though- Mad Men, The Sopranos, Lost, Friday Night Lights, you know I could go on forever, with very complex characters- but still. I'm a film actor. I like escaping into a different life for a month or two each time... Film has a different nature. TV is more like pop art. TV is the bread and butter for almost everyone in this industry except for the very top stars and directors, it is good money (stupid good), it is consistent money, there are sponsors and networks and even big screen actors now are going small screen... I've never been paid nearly as much for film as I have for TV, but hey, commercials pay even more. Know who you are- how commercial you are, how easily someone can market you... Film is more likely to take a chance with someone unique and commercials need someone really palatable. I'm much more suited to film (smile)"

OneWayTV: Could you tell us once and for all, what advantages happen when an actor becomes SAG, and how tha HELL does one become a part of it???

Naama: "Ah, SAG, advantages are huge: basically, for whatever reason (because the processes of becoming SAG doesn't make sense to anyone I know) people take you more seriously. You can audition for bigger projects, you will be paid a lot more and treated like some kind of Roman emperor with Craft Services catering flying at you from every direction. But if you become SAG really early on you may miss out on a lot of great opportunities... If you are SAG-Eligible you should hold that status as long as possible and stay open to non union work. My reps would not be happy if they found I went for non-union work unless it was some regional commercial in Thailand that paid 5 grand, and SAG has gotten really strict, though your chances of being caught before you have a name are rather low... I DON'T understand how you can become SAG. Sorry. But I really don't get it. You have to be cast on union projects and then if you become upgraded to a role which is only for union (like feature or guest star as opposed to background) you get some kind of waiver. Or something. I don't know. I was upgraded like that. I joined at 17, so I don't really know the ins and outs."

OneWayTV: What you are working on now?

Naama: "Hmmm well obviously Cookies and Cream is available on the films site for purchase and is premiering in LA this summer; so is a film I did called "My Normal," on Tuesday in fact at Dances with Films! I expect it'll be available soon too. My first film, fantasy "Nothing Sacred" is being retitled "Twilight of Magic" and recut to be PG 13 to suit the market.. Keep you updated on that. "Firefly and the Bride" is in post; my episode of NCIS (season 6 episode 6) is in syndication on CBS and you can find it on youtube, a movie I just filmed "Orgy of Blood" is in post... They're all pretty much lead roles and they're all dark and sexy, and I like them all... There's a bunch of other stuff, music videos, web tv, theatre, shorts... They're around somewhere. "

To see more of Naama, her work, and see her updated blog on what she is up to, check out her Myspace Page.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Classic Scenes (1 of 20)

We kick off our Classic Scenes feature this Sunday, with a wonderful and emotional one from a great film. Throwback Sundays remembers a classic scene from One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.

Nicholson is brilliant as Randall McMurphy in the mental ward pretending to watch the World Series on a blank television, after Nurse Rached wouldnt allow the game to be watched.This is one of the greatest of all time. So many great moments. Unheralded acting performances by Danny Devito, Christopher Lloyd, and the debut of Brad Dourif as the stuttering Billy Bibbit. Dourif is more famous now for his role as Doc on Deadwood. All the patients in the ward were brilliant. Even Vincent Schiavelli, who played the science teacher in Fast Times.



www.amazon.com

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Win a Free Uptown DVD!



Learn now how you can win a free, brand new DVD of Uptown! Go here for more details:

http://www.uptownfilm.com/

MovieRoom Reviews Uptown



Here is another really cool review of Brian Ackley's Uptown. The review was written by none other than Neil from Movie Room Reviews. Through word of mouth, an approaching festival premiere, and really good reviews, Chris Riquinha and Meissa Hampton's leading role debuts are quickly gaining momentum. Here is a quote from it below:

"The characters are real and raw. Uptown is a great example of solid indie film making."
- MovieRoomReviews

Read the full Review HERE.

www.uptownfilm.com

Friday, June 5, 2009

Away We Go.





I adored this movie!
It's seems so conventional in over all style, but the subject matter was very fresh.
I think it was one of the first films I've seen that featured a bi racial couple but didn't really mention race. It also seemed equally generation-less, and totally of the time. It deals with a bi-racial, unmarried (but totally committed for life) couple, trying to figure out where to raise their child, in a time of total economic upturn. Very moving themes. Please go see it for yourself.

It should be noted, every single character was fantastic but Miss Maya Rudolph had a stand out performance. She was incredible!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Rosemary's Garden in NYC!



Our friends RoseMary's Garden (whose music is featured in both Uptown and Cookies & Cream) is coming to NYC to perform. The long days of summer mean hot nights of rock and roll... join us for an eclectic lineup of rockers with something for everyone - a night of good music, drinks, and fun. Here is the info below:

Line Up:
9:00 - the Morning Code
11:00 - the Latters
12:00 - Ellis Ashbrook

Resident DJ Bastard spins all night to keep you rocking out......



Party Details - open bar & drink specials, free & reduced admission

The show is at CRASH MANSION at 199 Bowery at Spring St.

The party is called Between (a Rock and a Hard Place) and is free to get in on the UNDERBELLY list from 9-11, reduced to $5 admission afterwards. It's $5/$10 otherwise, so make sure to RSVP here. We also get OPEN BAR from 9-10 (free rum drinks this month) so our friends probably want to get there early to have a few freebies... From 10 pm til late we have some drink specials. ($12 buckets of beer).

Make sure to email HERE to RSVP. rsvp@newyorkunderbelly.com

Check out RoseMary's Garden's music HERE.

One Hour 2 Live on DVD!


One Hour 2 Live is now available on DVD. The 20 minute short film from director Marco Esquivel is based on a play written and adapted by Reverend Princeton H. Holt. It stars our resident actresses Gabrielle C. Archer, and Shannone Holt, and also stars Marbel Melendez, Phaon Spurlock, Vanessa Stewart, and Peter Pugliece.



This is the film version of "ONE HOUR 2 LIVE" - a dramatic play designed to curtail GANG RELATED MURDERS. It is a fictional dramatic performance that's an all-too-real revelation of what happens behind the scenes when you take another person's life.

The play takes place in the head of the gang member on death row, with one hour to live before his execution, for the murder to two neighborhood acquaintances. The dead people who he murdered appear in his jail cell to both haunt and expose him to the consequences of his violent actions.

Purchase DVD for $15 HERE.




www.onehour2live.com
www.1wayoranother.net

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Rogue Cinema Mentions Uptown



Brian Morton from Rogue Cinema mentioned Uptown yesterday. Here is a quote from it:

"I won't give away the end, but it'll make you rethink your relationships and give you a renewed hope in humanity."

Read the write up Here.

http://www.uptownfilm.com/

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

PulpMovies Reviews Cookies & Cream



We got a very well written, detailed review of Cookies & Cream from Paul Pritchard of Pulpmovies.com. Here is some of it below:



"Carmen (Jace Nicole) is a pretty unexceptional person. She’s a single mother trying to support her daughter and herself and make her way through life in New York. Her ambitions are modest and revolve around a desire for stability and a loving relationship similar to that enjoyed by her room-mate, Jodie (Naama Kates). In fact, the only thing about Carmen that is particularly notable is her job.

Carmen works in the adult entertainment industry. Specifically, she is an actress in porn films and – for want of a better word – a web-cam celebrity.

Cookies & Cream establishes very quickly what Carmen does for a living and the sort of films she appears in. The film establishes this, though, in a remarkably unexploitative way that makes it quite clear that the nuts and bolts of Carmen’s profession are not going to be particularly focussed on. Writer/director Princeton Holt is clearly much more interested in the character of Carmen herself, her decisions and how these affect the direction she is taking through life.
The film, therefore, is very much a slice-of-life drama that follows Carmen as she ends one relationship and embarks on a new one with a man who, she hopes, will eventually love her for who she is, and not for what she does for a living."

Full Review HERE.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Making Digital Look Cinematic

Here is a great, informative video from Cookies & Cream colorist Jorge Arturo Arzac whose first feature Rooftop will soon be available in our catalog. For more info about Rooftop, go HERE.

Color Correction Tutorial - Making Digital Look Cinematic
For Sony Vegas with tips for Final Cut Pro
by Jorge Arturo Arzac



www.1wayoranother.net

Away We Go



Official trailer to another kick-ass Jeff Daniels movie (we like him), that you should go see in exactly 4 days (it opens on June 6th). Its actually a Maya Rudolph movie, but we like the sound of "Jeff Daniels Movie." Their website is really awesome too. Wouldnt be surprised if its a typical NY/LA limited release, then (cross fingers) a slow roll-out to wider release and more cities soon. We shall see.

Clifford Kiyabu Interviews Brian Ackley



Clifford Kiyabu at TCWReviews.com just conducted an at times hilarious, fully informative, and overall fantastic interview with Brian Ackley - writer/director of his debut feature film Uptown.

Read the full interview HERE.

Restraint can be a strength!

Thank you Ted Hope!
Reposted from HAMMER TO NAIL.

/Qualities Of Better Film #25 of 31: RESTRAINT

Posted by Ted Hope
06 / 01 / 09

Some many films feel like a recitation of just the high points. These movies live at a peak emotional level and there is no ebb and flo to them. The audience is not given any room to breathe. It is as if the filmmakers felt the audience had no imagination and that everyone is a sensation junky. As much as clarity is something to be praised, an ambitious filmmaker leaves room for an audience to make their way through a film. Whether it is the pleasure of getting to complete a thought on your own and not needing to have it spelled out for you, or the delight in the avoidance of the grandiose, holding things back can be equally as powerful as displaying other things.