50 Free Open Courses for Movie Lovers

Going to college can be pretty costly. It can be even more costly for aspiriing filmmakers. The production equipment along can do some damage to your wallet. However, a list has been composed of the top 50 free open courses for filmmakers through schools such as Columbia University and the Massachusetts Insititue of Technology.

To see the list of courses click here!

NewFest 2009

21st Anniversary Call for Submissions

Film/Video Submissions now being accepted!

NewFest has been NYC's premier forum of international LGBT film since 1988. Each year, NewFest provides a professional and public context for the presentation of innovative and challenging films from over 30 countries and reaches a dedicated audience of NYC's film lovers, filmmakers, industry representatives, and journalists!Submissions of films/videos of any length and in any genre that are by, about, or of interest to LGBT people are now being accepted for NewFest 2009: The 21st Anniversary New York LGBT Film Festival, which will take place June 5-12, 2009.!
Deadline: January 1, 2009
Final Deadline: February 15, 2009

For PDF versions of the Submission Form and Guidelines, click here.
For text-only versions of the Submission Form and Guidelines, click here.

Lesli Klainberg
Board Member
NewFest

submissions@newfest.org
718-923-1950 718-923-1959

Early Review: Milk

The film Milk is the biographical story of Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected into a public office. The movie stars Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco and Emile Hirsch. The film takes place with Harvey and his partner Scott Smith opening up a camera shop in the Castro District. The neighborhood was the hub of homosexuality in the 70's. Harvey Milk started as a community organizer in raising awareness about discrimination against gays in the neighborhood, which later led to him running for city supervisor.

During Milk's time in office, Prop 6 reared its ugly head. Prop 6 was a law would have made firing gay teachers—and any public school employees who supported gay rights—mandatory. The film ironically is relevant to what is happening today with Prop 8 which bans gay marriage. Another stunning performance by the flawless Sean Penn and a quirky, yet delightful performance by Emile Hirsch. This movie is a must see for anyone, regardless of sexual orientation. One of the major undercurrents of this story is about hope for change and fighting for what you believe in. Which is certainly a principle we all can relate to and wish to follow.

Tribeca Goes International!

QATAR MUSEUMS AUTHORITY AND TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
TO LAUNCH “TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL DOHA” IN NOVEMBER 2009

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Festival Founders Sign Strategic Alliance Agreement and Announce Long-Term Cultural Partnership

Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art to Host Film Festival

Doha, Qatar, Nov 23 2008: Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), the organization dedicated to developing the cultural resources of this Arabian Gulf state as a platform for international dialogue and understanding, has announced a groundbreaking agreement with New York’s world-renowned Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), to launch a world-class international film festival, Tribeca Film Festival Doha. The first festival will take place November 10 – 14, 2009 and be presented at Doha’s celebrated new Museum of Islamic Art and in cinemas across Doha.

The announcement of the cultural partnership was made at a special ceremony at the new Museum of Islamic Art, which was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority Board of Trustees, and Abdullah Al Najjar, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Museums Authority. Joining on behalf of the Tribeca Film Festival were the co-founders, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff.

H.E. Sheikha Mayassa expressed her confidence that the Tribeca Film Festival Doha will bring together people from around the globe and help to build international awareness and understanding of Arab culture and the Arab world.

“I invite film enthusiasts from every country to share their passion for this art by visiting the Tribeca Film Festival Doha,” Her Excellency stated. “In today’s increasingly globalized world, creative initiatives like this Festival can play a truly inspirational role by bringing cultures closer together.”

Tribeca Film Festival Doha will be modeled after the annual Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, which is going into its eighth year. Like the New York event, it will welcome the community, diverse audiences and the global filmmaking industry. As a result of an extensive collaboration between TFF and QMA, the Festival has been designed to showcase the local Qatari community, as well as the broader Arab culture.

Tribeca Film Festival Doha will feature new work from established filmmakers, alongside film debuts from newly discovered directing talents. The program will include approximately 40 films, as well as special events. The Festival will launch “The Doha Conversations”, thought-provoking and insightful dialogues between icons of world culture set in intimate environments, with the goal of fostering discussion in Qatar and around the globe. Full details of the festival program and guests will be announced at a later date.

“The Tribeca Film Festival Doha is destined to become a major annual event in world cinema,” stated Abdullah Al Najjar. “The Festival will include a wide range of programming, from outdoor screenings to movies for children, from documentaries to new Hollywood releases and from independent films to showcases of the very best works by Arab filmmakers.”
“We are honored to create an enduring cultural partnership with QMA and to announce the launch of the Tribeca Film Festival Doha next November. Qatar’s transformational vision for the 21st century with its emphasis on culture and education is uniquely consistent with the goals and aspirations of the Tribeca Film Festival,” said TFF co-founder, Jane Rosenthal.

“We hope that film will not only be used as a form of entertainment at Tribeca Film Festival Doha but play a role in bridging cultures closer together. By learning each other’s stories, we can see how much we share in common as well as explore and better understand our differences,” said Robert De Niro.

“In addition to the positive cultural implications, this initiative underscores the enormous potential of the entertainment market in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the region to the future of the film industry,” said TFF co-founder Craig Hatkoff. “We think the key to success will be understanding and respecting one another’s cultures and traditions. We believe this Festival will lead to many other important and educational initiatives in Doha and beyond.”

"The Tribeca Film Festival has become a world-renowned event, and its new partnership with the Qatar Museums Authority will leverage that success and help further its mission of introducing films and filmmakers to a global audience," said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "The Festival's substantial cultural and economic impact in New York City is unequivocal, and our hope is that Doha will reap similar benefits. The expansion of a New York institution like the Tribeca Film Festival to Doha is a sign of the international significance of New York City cinema and will help foster new relationships between our two cities."

Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2001 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in response to the events of September 11. The festival’s initial purpose was to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of Lower Manhattan through an annual celebration of film, music and culture.

Up to date festival information can be found by visiting the official Tribeca Film Festival Doha website – http://www.tffdoha.com/

Were The World Mine

Are you in the mood for a whimsical story about homoerotic love? How about a movie that weaves in elements and dialogue from the classical Shakespearean play "A Midsummer Night's Dream'? Or better yet, Love Potion No 9 for the gays and lesbians?? Were The World Mine tells the story of Timothy who is an awkward gay teen trying to come to terms with his sexuality. He escapes the pressures of trying to be "normal" in school by confiding in his eccentric drama teacher who helps Timothy find himself. His teacher, Ms. Tebbit, casts him as the lead in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

In the film Timothy concocts a love potion and anoints the eyes of his subjects with it. In turn, the subjects look into the eyes of the first person they see after rubbing out the love potion, and fall in love with them. The twist here is that Timothy coincidentally anoints subjects who fall in love with the same sex. In his small town of 10,000 people, he soon turns everyone into gay lovers. It's an interesting concept and quite intriguing.

The movie is also a musical. There are moments when the film becomes more fantasy than romance and suddenly every character in a scene breaks into song and dance. It was a bit jarring at times, but the musical numbers were really good and fun to listen to. One of my favorite lines in the film was by Frankie, a rock singing hipster who looks like she just stepped out of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Frankie says, "I'm a homflexible. I'm straight, but shit happens." Classic!

The film opens tomorrow in limited release in New York and California.

Check out the trailer below:

16th Annual African Diaspora Film Festival

Every year the Annual African Diaspora Film Festival, brings an exciting line-up of international and local films that depict the global black experience - and more.

Some of this year's highlight include:Giancarlo Esposito's directorial debut, Gospel Hill, a movie that takes us to Julia a small town in the south where racial tension still dictate people's interactions. Starring Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Nia Long and Giancarlo Esposito.The End of poverty, a very insightful documentary that explores the Whys and Hows of poverty in our capitalist society.The Black List Vol.One a beautiful documentary by photographer Timothy Greenfield Sanders that presents prominent African Americans in a new light.and Angels can't help but laugh with multi talented actress Terri Vaughn. Angels can't help but laugh takes an intense and revealing look at the life African American women in the movie industry.

The festival takes place Nov 28th- Dec 14th

Click here for a full schedule of the upcoming festival

Angeldoce

Angeldoce.com is an online fashion boutique, dedicated to bringing you the latest in women’s swimwear, fitness suits, lingerie, apparel and accessories. Our aim is to gather the most unique and sought-after swimwear, fitness suits and lingerie designs that appeal to every group of individuals with different tastes and lifestyle. Women’s swimwear has evolved from simply being clothes worn during water activities to clothes that speak of one’s individuality and lifestyle. One-piece suits, two-piece bikinis, and cover-ups have become fashion statements for women with varying personalities and preferences. A lot of women have also started being fashion conscious when it comes to the clothes they wear to the gym. Fitness suits now come in a wide variety of colors and textures designed for vigorous physical activities. Lastly, intimate clothing like bra, panties, and corsets continue to be more and more chic. Angeldoce.com is your ultimate source of the most stylish and fashion-forward swimwear, fitness suits and lingerie available in the market today.

Big Apple Film Festival Starts Today!

Each year, the Big Apple Film Society will host the Big Apple Film Festival. The festival will screen a variety of specially selected film from the New York City independent film community, as well as additional selections from across the country and around the world. The festival includes New York City premieres, interactive panel discussions with industry professionals from the New York City film community, honorary award presentations to individuals who have played an influential role in independent filmmaking in the New York City area, networking parties and events, as well as a closing night awards ceremony in which awards will be presented for achievement in filmmaking, screenwriting and acting.

The festival is Nov 19th -Nov 22nd

Check out the 2008 festival program schedule here

Filmmaker Don Hertzfeldt comes to NYC

AN EVENING WITH DON HERTZFELDT: Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00, 9:15 and 11:15pm at IFC Center Don Hertzfedlt comes to New York's IFC Center on Wednesday, November 19th to present three screenings of his work. The highlight of the program is the New York premiere of I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, the sequel to his Sundance winning short Everything Will Be Ok. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU was funded in part by the Rooftop Filmmakers Fund. Read More about the Rooftop Filmmakers Fund below and at http://rooftopfilms.com/produce.html. Tickets are on sale now and quickly selling out - $15 general admission/$12 for IFC Center members. You can purchase tickets on the IFC Center Website

ABOUT THE SCREENING:An Evening with Don Hertzfeldt, a special event with the Academy Award-nominated animator in person to present the New York premiere of his newest film, takes place Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00, 9:15 and 11:15pm at IFC Center. Mr. Hertzfeldt will screen his latest, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, featuring his trademark hand-drawn animation, along with a selection of his earlier films. The evening also includes a on-stage interview and Q&A session with the audience.Hertzfeldt’s longest piece to date, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU is the eagerly anticipated second chapter to Everything Will Be OK, which screened at Rooftop Films in 2007 and was the winner of the Sundance Film Festival's Grand Jury Award in Short Filmmaking and named by many critics as one of the "best films of 2007". Like all of Hertzfeldt's films, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU was single-handedly animated and photographed by hand without the use of computers. It was shot entirely on an antique 35mm animation stand, one of the last remaining cameras of its kind left in America.

The film's special effects were meticulously created directly on film, using traditional double exposures, in-camera mattes, and innovative experimental techniques. The 22-minute film was nearly two years in the making. Mr. Hertzfeldt’s appearance at IFC Center is part of a national tour, with additional screenings scheduled for Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Seattle and other cities. Find out more at http://www.bitterfilms.com/About the Rooftop Filmmakers Fund:Rooftop Films commits $1 of every ticket sold and every film submission fee to fund new productions, an innovative approach to the exhibition/production cycle which uses the support of our community to produce dynamic films. T

This year, Rooftop Films screened a number of films we co-funded, including PJ Raval's documentary Trinidad, Benh Zeitlin's award-winning short film Glory at Sea, a post-Katrina shipwreck epic; and an excerpt from Fabio Wuytack's upcoming feature Persona Non Grata, about his father, a radical left-wing missionary working in Venezuela in the 1970s. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU will likely screen outdoors as part of the 2009 Summer Series (dates announced in the spring). In 2007-8, Rooftop Films gave away over $12,000 in cash and more than $10,000 in services to help produce work by filmmakers whose works have shown with Rooftop Films previously.Read more about the fund at http://rooftopfilms.com/produce.html

AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

On Saturday, November 15th
6:00pm

AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL,
in conjunction with the Margaret Mead Film & Video Festival,
PRESENT:

TODAY THE HAWK TAKES ONE CHICK
(Jane Gillooly, Swaziland/USA, 2007, 72min.)
The Lubombo region of Swaziland suffers from the world's highest prevalence of HIV and a life expectancy that has dropped to 32 years. In this small, landlocked country in southern Africa , a generation of parents has died, leaving the grandparents in charge of the children as well as responsible for retaining the threads of the fraying traditional life. Presented without an overt narrative structure or narration, the film's drama emerges from the steady accumulation of details that tell a greater story of family in a world dictated by AIDS.

Margaret Mead Film & Video Festival
November 14-16, 2008

American Museum of Natural History
Entrance for screenings on 77th Street
(between Central Park West & Columbus)


13th AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL
TRAVELING FILM SERIES 2008 - 2009
For over a decade, the Traveling Film Series of African and Diaspora cinema has given audiences the unique experience of watching African films often difficult to discover elsewhere. This film program travels to cultural institutions, museums and universities in different cities in the US , Puerto Rico and abroad.
AFF is proud to launch our 13th Annual Traveling Film Series, which will commence in November.


TRAVELING FILM SERIES SCHEDULE

NOVEMBER
5-College Consortium
Amherst College
Hampshire College
Mt. Holyoke College
Smith College
UMASS Amherst

JANUARY
Pacific Film Archives
Berkeley, CA
FEBRUARY
Arizona TRADOC Cultural Center
Fort Huachuca, Arizona

Baltimore Museum of Arts
Baltimore, MD

Goucher College
Baltimore, Maryland

Museum of Fine Arts , Boston
Boston, MA

MARCH
Washington University
St. Louis, MO

APRIL
Maine African Film Festival
Portland, Maine

Wayne County Community College
Detroit, MI

MAY
Brooklyn Academy of MusicBrooklyn, NY

FILMS IN THIS YEAR’S TRAVELING SERIES:
Feature Films
Heartlines
Kinshasa Palace
Paris Selon Moussa
Shoot The MessengerShort FilmsMeteni: The Lost One
Le Clandestin Come Back To Sudan
Awaiting For Men
This Is My Africa

For more information on participating venues, film synopses, interviews and more please check our website: http://www.africanfilmny.org/

The 2008 New York City Horror Film Festival

The 2008 New York City Horror Film Festival kicks of Wednesday, November 12th, 2008, at Don Hills Nightclub, located at 511 Greenwich St., at Spring Street, in New York City. Residing over the evening’s festivities will be legendary sideshow performer Harley “The Lunatic” Newman, featured in director Nick Basile’s documentary “American Carney. In the early 80's, Harley began to create a performance that combines escapes and traditional sideshow stunts. But he's taken some of the stunts much farther than his predecessors. Harley also has two world records: minimum number of nails in a bed of nails (four nine-inch spikes), and weight on top of someone on a bed of nails, over 1,700 pounds.

In addition to a large selection of special short films and trailers, the opening night celebration will feature several live musical performances by critically acclaimed macabre musician Voltaire and the heavy metal band M-16, who sing in Latin!

This year’s festival showcases several premiers, including the North American premier of Resident Evil: Degeneration. The Thursday, November 13th is close to selling out so don’t delay in reserving your tickets. Other spotlight screenings quickly filling up are director Daniel (Blair Witch Project) Myrick’s The Objective, The Lifetime Achievement Presentation for director Frank Henenlotter’s Bad Biology, Jennifer Chambers Lynch’s Surveillance, and director Nacho Vigalondo’s critically acclaimed Timecrimes. For a complete screening schedule listing at ticket availability please visit www.NYCHorrorfest.com.

The New York City Horror Film Festival (www.NYCHorrorfest.com) was established in 2001 by Festival Director Michael J. Hein. The festival is dedicated to the international genre film community. There are no restrictions on the films that are screened at the festivals. The program includes films screened both in and out of competition. The Festival jury presents awards to films in the categories of Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Cinematography, Best Special Effects, Best Actor / Actress, Best Screenplay for films showcased, and Audience Choice. The NYCHFF also presents an annual Lifetime achievement award. Past recipients include director George A. Romero, Special Effects Artist and Director Tom Savini, Producer and Director Roger Corman, and Producer and Director Mick Garris.

Don Hills Nightclub511 Greenwich St., at Spring Street8:00pm (21 to enter) $10 COVER

An hour free beer (9-10) and some of our friends from The Coney Island Freak Show will perform some outrageousness on stage!!

Voltaire performs live!!!! Over 15 great short horror films, one hour of free beer, and live performances by :Voltaire (The one and only)M16 (Latin Death Metal) The Ross Byron Band (old school Rock)

The Features:

Tribeca Cinemas
54 Varick @ Canal

Resident Evil: Degeneration (Feature / USA - Japan) genre: Horror

The Resident Evil franchise gets a brand new addition this winter with Resident Evil: Degeneration. It's the first full CGI Resident Evil movie and it picks up seven years after the destruction of Raccoon City by the US government after the first zombie outbreak caused by the Umbrella Corporation. It's set in a US airport where the T-Virus gets released once again and the airport is locked down, giving the counter-zombie fighters four hours to solve the problem before the virus is spread to the whole of the US.
Directed by Makoto Kamiya, staring Alyson Court and Paul Mercier



Alien Raiders (Feature /USA) genre: Sci-Fi /Horror

It's the end of yet another night at Hastings Supermarket, an idyllic family grocery store in Buck Lake, Arizona. But the normal monotony of rounding up shopping carts and settling out the cash drawers is broken at 11:07pm, just before closing when a group of masked and armed-to-the-teeth militants invades the store, immediately killing several of the employees and shoppers and holding the rest hostage. Though the hostage-takers at first appear to be robbers or terrorists, they reveal themselves to be a cadre of rogue scientists that has discovered and tracked an alien infestation to THIS STORE on THIS NIGHT, and they are determined to find out which of the survivors are extraterrestrials and end the invasion at any cost. Directed by Ben Rock, stars Mathew St. Patrick & Carlos Bernard


Surveillance (Feature /USA) Thriller

Two FBI Agents track two twisted serial killers with the help of their would-be victims in this twisted tale that one best feature at Sitges. Directed by Jennifer Chambers Lynch and Stars Bill Pullman & Julia Ormond. Produced by genre legend David Lynch


The 7th Hunt (Feature / Australia) genre: Horror /Thriller

The five victims of the 7th Hunt never knew they were being watched... Files were being built on them, on the eligibility to die. This innocent prey must fight for their lives against sociopaths who know their environment intimately, becoming increasingly outnumbered as their friends are killed. Directed by Jon Cohen, stars Imogen Bailey and Jason Stojanovski


From A Place of Darkness (Feature / USA) genre: Horror

A documentary filmmaker finds himself drawn into the seedy world of a snuff filmmaker with a mysterious dark side. Soon what is real and what is otherworldly become increasingly blurred.
Directed by Douglas A. Raine and stars John Savage and Travis Schuldt


How To Be A Serial Killer (Feature / USA) genre: Horror/Comedy

The story of Mike Wilson, a charismatic, educated, and articulate young man who has found his life's purpose in exterminating people. Mike is determined to spread his message about the joy of serial killing and recruits a lost soul named Bart to be his pupil. Mike leads Bart through the ethics of serial killing as well as teaching him various lessons in disposing corpses, balancing work and play, methods of killing, and many many more. Mike and Barts curriculum is interrupted when Mikes girlfriend discovers what's beneath her boyfriend's charming exterior and Mike and Bart must kill their way out of being discovered by the cops. Directed by Luke Ricci, Stars Dameon Clarke



Bad Biology (Feature / USA) genre: Horror
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Frank Henelotter

Driven by biological excess, a young man and woman search for sexual fulfillment, unaware of each other's existence. Unfortunately, they eventually meet, and the bonding of these two very unusual human beings ends in an explosive and ultimately over-the-top sexual experience, resulting in a truly god awful love story. Directed by Frank Henelotter



Bonnie & Clyde vs. Dracula (Feature / USA) genre: Horror/Comedy

Bonnie & Clyde vs. Dracula combines the rough and tumble world of 1930's era gangster movies with the violent gothic atmosphere of a classic horror film. When a robbery goes bad and one of their companions is shot, Bonnie and Clyde are forced to seek help at a nearby mansion, home to the twisted Dr. Loveless (Allen Lowman) and his imprisoned sister, Annabel, but Loveless has a secret. Deep in his cellar, the recently revived Dracula awaits...Directed by Timothy Friend. Stars Tiffany Shepis and Trent Haaga



Timecrimes (Feature / Spain) genre: Sci-Fi /Horror
(Los Cronocrimes )

A man accidentally gets into a time machine and travels back in time nearly an hour. Finding himself will be the first of a series of disasters of unforeseeable consequences.
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, stars



Devils Grove (Feature / USA) genre: Horror/ Grindhouse

In 1999, nine family members are found brutally murdered in the family-owned Denville Grove Amusement Park. Police convict a transient working at the park for the murders. Now…a group of high-school students become the first people to go back inside the park. The purpose is to shoot a documentary about the murders, but they soon learn that certain things should be left alone! Directed by Zoe Judd & Michael J. Hein, Staring Kimberly Magness, Susie Silva, and Chris Cochran.



The Objective (Feature / USA) genre: Horror/Supernatural

A group of Special Ops Reservists on a mission in the harsh and hostile terrain of Afghanistan find themselves lost in a Middle Eastern "Bermuda Triangle" of ancient evil.
Directed by Daniel Myrick, stars Jonas Ball & Matthew R. Anderson

Patrik, Age 1.5

here! Films, Regent Acquire U.S. Rights for "Patrik, Age 1.5"

TIFF, AFI Favorite Set To Hit Theatres in Summer of 2009--- here! Films, the theatrical distribution and worldwide sales division of here! Networks, announced today it has acquired North American distribution rights to "Patrik, Age 1.5," the latest film from acclaimed Swedish director, Ella Lemhagen. here! Films acquired the film from Svensk Filmindustri, and its sister company Regent Releasing will distribute the film in select U.S. cities during the summer of 2009.Directed and co-written by Ella Lemhagen, "Patrik, Age 1.5" made its US premiere at AFI Fest on November 3rd ArcLight Hollywood.

"Patrik, Age 1.5" had it world premiered as an official selection at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival. The film is based on an original play, "Patrik, Age 1.5" written by Michael Druker.Lemhagen made her debut as a feature film director (also original screenplay) in 1996 with the highly praised "The Prince of Dreams," which was nominated for a Guldbagge Award (Swedish academy award) for Best Director and also nominated for the Norwegian Amanda prize for Best Nordic Film. "'Patrick, Age 1.5' was delightful discovery for Regent as we continue our commitment to showcase the best in gay cinema," said Mark Reinhart, West Coast General Manager and Executive Vice President Distribution and Acquisitions. "Ella does an amazing job portraying the sentiments and trials of these two loving men trying to build a new home and family together." "Patrik, Age 1.5" centers on a married gay couple who move into a picture-perfect suburb outside of Stockholm, Sweden with hopes to adopt a baby boy.

When they receive notice that they are to expect Patrik, age 1.5, they are elated. However, a little mistake made at the adoption agency turns their world upside down. A decimal point had been misplaced in the agency's records and a 15-year-old homophobe shows up at their front door. Even worse, they discover that he may have a criminal past. "We are so thrilled that here! Films and Regent Releasing will be handling our film in the U.S.," said Ann-Kristin Westerberg, Senior Vice President, International, for AB Svensk Filmindustri. "We are confident they understand this market and are pleased they love the movie." The acquisition deal for "Patrik, Age 1.5" was negotiated by Quinn Coleman, Vice President of Acquisitions for Regent and Ann-Kristin Westerberg, Senior Vice President, International, for AB Svensk Filmindustri. For more information, please visit

www.regentreleasing.com.

Gigs In NY

DP'S, CAMERA OPS, SOUND MIXERS - Harris Publications, NYC.

Starts: TBD (Projects of various size)

Looking for talented and hungry cinematographers, camera operators and sound technicians for several upcoming projects of various sizes and duration. Looking for experience in music video, commercial, short-form and documentary work for a variety of media outlets.
Please e-mail links and/or send reels with examples of work to the below address.
Experience in music industry new media a plus.
Excited and looking forward to seeing examples of your hard work.
Thank you for your time.
Click here to apply


STEADICAM OPERATOR - Tisch NYU Grad Student Film, New York.

Starts: Nov 12 (Nove 12-14th and 17th)

Steadicam Operator needed for NYU Grad student short film.Salary negotiable.
Click here to apply


CAMERA ASSISTANT - Documentary, New York, NY.

Starts: November 5th, 2008 (1 day)

One day PAID job for camera assistant. Job includes assisting director and camera operators in all activities on a 3 camera shoot. Hauling cable, assisting with lighting, and any other misc tasks needed.
Please email with your previous experience in the body of the email if you are available and ready to work November 5th for one day.
It is a fun crew working on a documentary project. We will be interviewing 2 very interesting high profile individuals in their field.

Who Should Play Barack Obama??

According to the Hollywood Reporter and Variety, Edward Norton’s production company, Class 5 Films, approached Barack Obama two and a half years ago with a proposal to document the events of his campaign. Obama agreed, and the filmmakers were given extensive access to the candidate, his staff, his family, and associates. With Obama’s victory, interest for the project has skyrocketed and HBO has now closed a seven-figure deal for U.S. rights to the film. The film was directed by Amy Rice and Alicia Sams and is being edited by Sam Pollard, who worked on Spike Lee’s masterful When the Levees Broke. In fact, footage is still being captured, and filmmaking will continue through the inauguration.

Source: /Film

So we wanna know here at NYIndieSeen, if there was a film made about Barack Obama who would be the best candidate for the role of our new President-Elect?

Will Smith- The guy looks alot like him. There would be no need to create prosthetic ears to the sides of his face. He was born with em!

Jeffrey Wright - He may not look like Barack, but he's a chameleon! The man can play an 86 year old white woman and would totally win over viewers and shock all of us that it was a hunky black man playing the part instead.

Terrence Howard - Just put in some brown contacts and drop about 50lbs and he could do it. No crying though...it seems like in almost every Terrence Howard film he's always crying.

Tyler Perry - I know we may be going out on a limb here...but he could do it right? He would need to also drop some pounds, but they both come from humble beginnings. Not much research would be required in prepping for the role.

Denzel Washington - The quintessential powerful black man in cinema. He played Malcom X, Hurricane Carter, and Harlem mobster Frank Lucas. He's not only easy on the eyes, but he nails every role he's in and would completely be convincing as President Obama.

Just our opinion. What do you think? Anyone missing from our list whom we should include??

Short Cutz:Act 1- Exploring Extremes

Our premier ACT in what will be TAPt.’s signature original one act series. The plays in this evening may seem extreme in nature, however they were not selected for shock value but for their creative, artistic integrity and exploration of the human psyche. The intent is that these plays leave you exploring the truths around us: extreme darkness, extreme decisions, extreme laughter. When: *November 16, 17, 18th (Curtain call is 8PM) Where:Manhattan Theatre Source77 Macdougal St. (btwn 8th & Waverly)New York, NY 10011(212) 260-4698Directions: A, B, C, D, E, F, Q at W 4th St. Tickets: $15Space is limited and Tickets are going fast!For tickets and information, please visit http://www.theartistsplayground.org *

Each night of the Short Cutz production there will be a cocktail hour/ fund raiser from 7-8pm, with all proceeds going to the Manhattan Theatre Source Writer's Forum to support their January Production “In-genius. We are proud to say that 3 of the four writers chosen for our production hail from this Forum. It is an amazingly talented group and if your heading out for drinks before the show, come on in and buy them here! A joint TAPt & Free2BU Production About TAPt.TAPt., The Artists' Playground Theatre, was created to bring talented artists together to create a community and a network.

The goal always, is to recognize, utilize and appreciate the talent that surrounds us, for those who have knowledge to share knowledge and to support each other in what ever way we can. TAPt believes we can all succeed, but we cannot do it alone. Support is necessary and positiveity is contagious.

Tonight's workshop: yes we can

Tonight, Wednesday, 6:30-9:30pm, is my free screenwriting workshop: "Story Structure & Creative Exploration". Be guided through writing exercises that free you to explore as you lay the structural foundation of your story.

In addition to the usual program, we will have the opportunity to celebrate what is a momentous event in human history. Regardless of who you voted for or would have voted for, you are welcome to join in the celebration as we are reminded of the critical role that artists play in shaping the course of human events. (Past and current students just wanting to convene and celebrate are especially invited to attend!)

Location, and RSVP at: http://thierproductions.com/free_workshop.html (Reservations not accepted by email. RSVP through website only.)

Your name will appear on the reservations list if you RSVP by 4pm. After that, you are welcome to attend as a walk-in. Participants with reservations will be seated first. At 7pm, all reservations are forfeited and seats will be given to stand-by attendees.

WEEKEND SEMINAR: Story Structure & Creative Explorations

New and experienced writers will gain a battery of effective tools to help bring both skill and inspiration to every draft:
Maximize the emotional impact of your work: Tell memorable stories and learn how to evoke the emotions you intend in your audience. A dozen film clips shown to demonstrate the concepts.
Dissolve writing blocks: Jump-start the creative flow
Ease and simplify the development process: Rather than battling a script for years, learn how to break down the process into small, manageable, and effective steps.
Study story structure: Learn how to keep a story engaging from start to finish by focusing on characters rather than plot
Network: Gain specific tools to building a network of support and marketing your work.
Saturday, Nov. 15, 10am-6:00pmSunday, Nov. 16, 10am-5:00pm
Cost is on a sliding scale of $285-485 (you choose the fee, payment plans possible). Partial scholarships are available on a financial-need basis; see site for details.

Sloppy Drunk Girl Reviews: The Election

Woohooo, the hot guy won!

We partied like crazy last night. I don't even know how many Chocolate Martini shots I had in honor of Bams, but every time they handed me a shot and I felt like i was getting alcohol poisoning or that I was gonna black out again or that my liver was trying to jump out of my body to get as far away from me as possible. I just kept thinking about those 3 inspiring words...
YES I CAN!
long story short: an alcohol poisoning induced coma is not as relaxing as it sounds.

Let Me Tell You Bout Yo' Self: Barack O'Bama

Boy you better do the DAMN thing!.... wit ya fiiine self!

OBAMARAMA!

NYIndieSeen would like to extend a congrats to Barack Obama for becoming the new President-Elect of the United States. History has officially been made in America and we salute and wish the best to Obama and his family and look forward to progressive change in this country.

SEEN O' The Day: Don't Vote For Me!

Since today is Election Day, what better film to show than the 1999 flick Election?? This movie is one of my faves. Below is a scene of Tammy Metzler's campaign speech urging her student government to vote for her...or don't vote her.

Job Openings

JOB OPENING: DIR, PROGRAM LICENSING & ACQUISITIONS/iN DEMAND/NYC: Oversee licensing/acquisitions, programming & packaging of content. Degree + 4-8 yrs exp in TV. Apply: resume@indemand.com

(11/11)JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, ANIMATION PROGRAM SALES: Resp for coordinating prgrm sales to domestic, internat'l free-TV & pay-TV broadcasters as well as home entertainment distributors. Resumes to: directorofanimationprogsales@hotmail.com

(11/8)JOB OPENING: DIR PRODUCTION OPERATIONS/National Geographic Television: Oversee the production management of documentary programs. To apply, visit http://enews.cynopsis.com/c.asp?3/blUQtVLL7GxYcoomZkdAuzjYU7HcTzEZEPAE3bh0yQ Job ID 3676. EOE

(11/8)JOB OPENING: MGR, NEW MEDIA INVENTORY/DISCOVERY/NY: Mng stewardship/optimization of dig. accts. Frcst inventories, analyze site activity, work closely w/ad sales client to guarantee deliverables. Apply: http://enews.cynopsis.com/c.asp?pzSGRmVbDJ+AWZGD0iMsRguzjYU7HcTzEZEPAE3bh0yQ Req#8394

(11/8)JOB OPENING: DIR/PROG DEV/TLC/SS: Communicate/Coordinator w/Ind. Producers-Prod, other Companies/Depts outside of Discovery; serve as network liaison btw prod/dev. Apply: http://enews.cynopsis.com/c.asp?YBcl70mIwDI40f0mVY4r2AuzjYU7HcTzEZEPAE3bh0yQ Req#8335

(11/7)JOB OPENING: DIR RESEARCH/NY: Min 5 yrs exp in TV/Digital research, primary research(banners &tabs), exp w/Comscore, Nielsen's, strong written & analytical skills, BA/BS or equiv exp, Rez: http://www.mylifetime.com/about-us/jobs

(11/7)JOB OPENING: SERIES PRODUCER/Chorion/NYC: Experienced show runner with children's animation experience needed for upcoming TV series. Send resume to csljobs@chorionsilverlining.com Must be based in NY

(11/6)JOB OPENING: CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST/NY: Liaison between clients & tech. suppt & dev. groups in co. for software defects, user q's, tracking, advert. or media indust. exp. DealMaker exp. a + Resumes to: Rosalie@Hrinnovations.us

(11/6)JOB OPENING: SALES MKTG MGR/Univision Online/NY: Resp for creating/mngng mkt prgrms/materials that will enable Bus Dev to enlist new websites to Ad Ntwrk, in addition help sales close new client bus. adnetwork@correo.univision.com

Christian Baleman Begins

This trailer is pretty impressive. What happens when you take Batman Begins and blend it with American Psycho??

Check out the trailer trash below:

CMJ FILM FESTIVAL 2008 INAUGURAL CINEMINI CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

November 4, 2008 - New York, NY –CMJ Film Festival, the cinema division of the annual CMJ Music Marathon, marked its 15th year by hosting its first Cinemini Short Film Contest last week during the festival. The festival has grown to become a leading event among tastemaker movie fans, hosting over a decade of premieres and advance screenings.

In search of the freshest new voices, the CMJ Film Festival launched the inaugural CMJ Cinemini Short Film Contest. Narrowing the field of entries down to six short narrative and six documentary films, the Cinemini’s competition awarded two grand prizes in each category. The winners received a prize package with essentials for their next shoot from partners Avid, JVC, Media Services, Manhattan Edit Workshop, and Tekserve.

I Met The Walrus, written and directed by Josh Raskin, won for short narrative film. The film is an animated illustration of a 14-year-old's interview with John Lennon in 1969. “I'd like to thank CMJ for this massive honor. I'd also like to thank John Lennon,” commented Raskin.

In Bed With A Mosquito, winner for documentary, was directed by Sarah Frank. The film is an intimate portrait of activism and aging in New York City focusing on the life of Betty Brassell, a 78-year-old anti-war activist living in Manhattan's Lower East Side. “It was a total joy making this film with Betty, and I was thrilled that she could finally see it on a big screen,” stated Frank. “Being a part of the CMJ festival in the heart of the city … was truly an honor.”

Legendary film producer David Picker (The Jerk, The Crucible, A Hard Day’s Night) chaired the narrative jury alongside Emmy winning documentarian Mark Marabella (FBI Files, Grounded on 9/11) who chaired the documentary jury.

They were joined by Producer Lydia Dean Pilcher (Darjeeling Limited); feature film producer Brian Peter Falk (The Loomis Gang, Embassy Row Pictures); Vice President, Non Fiction and Alternative Programming for A&E Elaine Frontain Bryant; documentary and feature film Executive Producer John Schwally (Frontline, Dateline NBC, Nature); Executive in Charge of Production for BBC Shirley Escott; and international documentary producer Tanja Medding (Sally Gross: the pleasure of stillness, The Gates).

“I am extremely proud of the winners selected for this year's CineMini Short Film Contest,” said CMJ Film Festival Director, Rachel Klein“It was a very difficult decision for the jury as we had six tremendous documentary and six amazing narrative finalists. The general feel of excitement in the room during the screenings and impressive winning films made for a fantastic launch to the CMJ CineMini Short Films Contest.”

This year’s CMJ Film Festival also included several New York City premieres such as Kevin Smith’s new film, Zack And Miri Make A Porno, Johnny Cash: Live at Folsom Prison, American Swing, and the US premiere of AC/DC: No Bull. The film festival also featured independent films What About Me?, Pressure Cooker, and Israeli film For My Father.

GET OUT AND VOTE

Today is Election Day and you better get up off your ass and vote! Only you can determine the outcome of our future by casting your vote!

Day Dream Reading Next Monday

NewFest is pleased to present the first staged reading in our NewDraft series: Day Dream, a new script by Rodney Evans, featuring Andre Holland, Marc Damon Johnson, Lonette McKee, Adriane Lenox, and Aunjanue Ellis, as well as a live jazz quartet with musical arrangements by Aaron Diehl!Monday, November 10The Theatres at 45 Bleecker St(Bleecker at Lafayette)6:30-9:30PMTickets: $20 General / $15 NewFest 2009 Member Discount In Day Dream, gay African-American composer Billy Strayhorn travels to New Orleans to investigate the life of Buddy Bolden, the forefather of modern jazz, who spent his last 24 years in a mental institution.Rodney Evans is the recipient of the Independent Feature Project's Gordon Parks Award for Screenwriting and the 2004 Sundance Film Festival's Special Jury Prize in Drama for his first narrative feature, Brother to Brother. He is a Creative Capital Grantee and a Guggenheim Fellow for 2008/09.

NewDraft is NewFest's Screenplay Competition & Reading Series, dedicated to discovering and fostering LGBT feature screenwriters and/or LGBT feature screenplays. Day Dream was one of the two winners of the inaugural competition at this past June's festival. Before NewDraft was formalized as a new program, NewFest presented screenplay readings of Another Gay Movie, Were the World Mine, and Another Gay Sequel, all of which went on to be made into films!

Purchase tickets now!
DATE: 11/10/2008
TIME: 6:30-9:30PM
LOCATION: The Theatres at 45 Bleecker St (Bleecker at Lafayette)
FOR TICKETS: click here!

We need a few volunteers who can help the evening of the event by maintaining the RSVP list, selling tickets, handing out programs, crowd control, and generally helping staff. You will be able to watch the performance as soon as the attendees have been seated. We would need you to be at the theatre, which is The Theaters at 45 Bleecker St (Bleecker at Lafayette), right off of the 6 train, from 6-10PM. If you can help, please reply to this email ASAP, and I'll send you a confirmation with more information. Thanks!

Basil Tsiokos

Artistic Director

Indie Pick O' The Day: New York Lately

Loosely connected characters living in New York City trying to find out who they are. Yes, the genre has been done a number of times, but somehow New York Lately makes us realize that each obstacle a character faces is one that we all inevitably face in our lifetimes. The film is about a group of New Yorkers who have specific burdens in their lives they have to come to terms with.

The film opens up with introducing us briefly to each of our characters at a New York bar. The first crisis starts with Mark, who just broke up with his girlfriend Andrea. He can't break away from his past with her and every girl that comes within his sphere of influence, looks and speaks just like Andrea. He turns a blind eye to anyone who isn't Andrea and has to decide if he wants to stay living in the past, or move on to living in the aftermath of a long term relationship.

Jared works in the human resources department at his company and tends to have a soft spot for his employees. After an employee abuses company phone policy, Jared feels hesitant to fire him, but knows that it has to be done. As a result, he offers the employee and opportunity to extend his benefits to make the termination less harsh than he intended.

Jared meets Truly a cute aspiring folk singer who works at a coffee shop and resembles Corinne Bailey Rae, is saved by Jared by an oncoming bicyclist. They meet and are instantly attracted to each other and have great chemistry.

Truly's friend Veronica is an aspiring actress who also works at the coffee shop. She is waiting for her big break, but lack a great deal of self esteem in her image and confidence in her career. She questions whether or not becoming an artist is truly what she wants and if its worth fighting for.

Ringo Barnes who is a close friend of Jared's finds himself in compromising situations with women---he likes to pay for them! He also has a warped sense of who and what women really are. However, his friendship with Jared is threatened when Jared is forced to make a business decision that that his boss chooses for him.

Elliot George is a down-on-his-luck writer, who has given up his craft--and whom also suspects that his wife is having an affair. He decides to hire a P.I. to investigate. His P.I., a lovely woman named Samantha, becomes more than just a detective for Elliott and teaches him to trust himself again as a writer and stop giving up on himself.

The film has an interesting style and at times can be jarring using jump cut edits and loops that look more like a music video than a movie. However, it's not overdone and it's used in just the right places that allows the scenes to make some sense. Need to see a New York Indie flick?? Check out New York Lately.

NEW YORK LATELY will hit the film festival circuit in 2009 for more info go to this link

Here is the trailer for the film below:

Craptacular Flick: Dark Floors

Most people on Halloween go out to costume parties, trick or treating, or crazy parades. However there is a certain number of folks like myself who prefer to stay home and watch a horror movie marathon with friends. The movie of choice was Dark Floors directed by Pete Riski. I have to say it was pretty "risky" for Mr. Riski to make this film. The script wasn't very good. The film is about a father treating his autistic daughter for a brain condition. He sees that the hospital is not very successful in treating his daughter Sarah, so he decides to leave the hospital.

Sarah's nurse Emily, insists that the little girl stay for some further "experimental procedures". At that moment, Emily, Sarah, and her father Ben get on an elevator with three other passengers. The elevator suddenly stops and they find themselves stuck. Several moments later the elevator resumes down to the 4th floor and as the elevator doors open...no one is in the hospital! I mean...nobody! Pretty scary right?

Well here's the thing, the movie takes an awful turn from this point, because we are first led to believe that they have arrived in another dimension of time---which we presume is quite possibly the future. However, all the sudden ghosts appear out of nowhere haunting the floors of the hospital and monsters dressed like members of the band Kiss come out attacking the 6 hospital patrons.

This movie just got a little weird and its ending was soooo ambiguous. I mean it actually lacked any logic and I was very dissapointed that I invested 2 hours into a film that had an ending that meant absolutely nothing. After doing some research, I found out this film apparently was the most expensive Finnish horror film to be produced. Ever. Wow...I'll hold my tongue and not insult the entire country of Finland, but they need to take some tips from American horror films...or better yet Japanese horror films.

Anyways, maybe you should check out Dark Floors and judge for yourself. Maybe you'll like it. Or maybe you'll agree and think that it sucked major monster's balls. Either way, this is being archived as a shitty indie. It may not necessarily be an "indie" per se, but it's still shitty.

The New York City Horror Film Festival

America's largest and most recognized genre film festival focusing solely on Horror and Science Fiction. Each year the NYCHFF celebrates both the horror classics we grew up with and the new horror films & filmmakers who created them. the NYCHFF fills the city with special screenings, parties, celebrity guests and free giveaways. The New York City Horror Film Festival is the Halloween time event not to be missed. So, keep your eyes peeled right here for full festival information, submission info, lineup, tickets, details about the huge, open-to-the-public kickoff party, and info on all the cool events the NYCHFF does throughout the entire year to support genre films and filmmakers!

11th Annual African American Women In Cinema International Film Festival 2008

African American Women in Cinema in partnership with Save Africa Concerts Foundation is proud to celebrate it’s 11th Annual International Film Festival on November 12-15, 2008 in New York City. This four-day star-studded event celebrates and highlights the work of aspiring and prominent women filmmakers of African, Latin and/or Asian Descent throughout the Diaspora.

For over a decade, AAWIC mission is to expand, explore and create business opportunities for minority women filmmakers while providing a platform and showcasing amazing bodies of work. We are pleased to announce the history making event program which includes the Kick-Off Reception hosted by Power 105 FM On-Air personality Malikha Mallette on Nov. 12th, a Special Red Carpet Screening, November 13th, International Day at the United Nations, November 14th, Special Forums on the Artist&Financing and the debut Actress/Actors workshop hosted by Hollywood Actress-Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, November 15th and the Closing Award Ceremony, which include the following honorees, Hollywood Actress--Tamara Tunie, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney and Nollywood Superstars Patience Ozokwo (Mama G) and Ini Edo.

Come meet and greet some of the industries most powerful women in entertainment today! Seats are very limited!!

Life As I See It

Take a minute out of your day and check out this blog:

Life As I See It

"Life as I see it, the blog is about lifestyle, love and relationship, home and garden, travel etc, everything that is happening in life."