Exclusive: Range Media Partners has signed Jarreau Carrillo, the actor-filmmaker whose new short The Vacation has generated substantial buzz on the ground at Sundance 2023.
Carrillo wrote, directed and co-stars in the film, which follows a Black man who attempts to take a vacation. It was conceived as a proof of concept for his first feature, The Last to Survive in America, which Range will now help get off the ground. Julius Pryor and Marttise Hill of Pryor Hill Productions are attached to produce.
“I’m extremely humbled and grateful to have Range’s support on my debut feature film The Last To Survive In America,” Carrillo told Deadline. “Forging a partnership with a team of experienced industry representatives at this point in my career is empowering & exciting.”
Originally from Seattle and of Filipino and African American descent, Carrillo is a graduate of Morehouse College and has an Mfa in Directing from NYU Tisch.
Carrillo wrote, directed and co-stars in the film, which follows a Black man who attempts to take a vacation. It was conceived as a proof of concept for his first feature, The Last to Survive in America, which Range will now help get off the ground. Julius Pryor and Marttise Hill of Pryor Hill Productions are attached to produce.
“I’m extremely humbled and grateful to have Range’s support on my debut feature film The Last To Survive In America,” Carrillo told Deadline. “Forging a partnership with a team of experienced industry representatives at this point in my career is empowering & exciting.”
Originally from Seattle and of Filipino and African American descent, Carrillo is a graduate of Morehouse College and has an Mfa in Directing from NYU Tisch.
- 1/25/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has, ever since 1927, been giving out awards to the best movies, directors, actors, and other artisans throughout the industry. Or at least, they've been giving awards to the ones that can win an annual popularity contest.
Say what you will about the Oscars and their credibility — they were, after all, invented to bust unions, not celebrate the art of cinema — but for nearly 100 years they have done a great job of raising the visibility of motion pictures which, on a long enough timeline, were otherwise destined to fade into obscurity. For every "Casablanca" or "Titanic," blockbuster films that have seemingly permanently invaded the public consciousness, there's a "Cavalcade" or a "The Greatest Show on Earth," which haven't made nearly as much of a cultural footprint, and which are more likely to be seen by modern audiences specifically because they won the Best Picture Oscar,...
Say what you will about the Oscars and their credibility — they were, after all, invented to bust unions, not celebrate the art of cinema — but for nearly 100 years they have done a great job of raising the visibility of motion pictures which, on a long enough timeline, were otherwise destined to fade into obscurity. For every "Casablanca" or "Titanic," blockbuster films that have seemingly permanently invaded the public consciousness, there's a "Cavalcade" or a "The Greatest Show on Earth," which haven't made nearly as much of a cultural footprint, and which are more likely to be seen by modern audiences specifically because they won the Best Picture Oscar,...
- 1/18/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
It begins, like so many TV shows, with a missing girl poster. In the opening moments of Search Party, restless twenty-something Dory (Alia Shawkat) walks past a sign tacked to a phone mast in her New York neighbourhood, announcing the disappearance of a young woman named Chantal Witherbottom. A flash of recognition prompts Dory to make an about-turn, so she can better contemplate a face she seems to recognise.
So far, so generic crime story – until we cut to a Brooklyn brunch spot, where Dory shares the news with partner Drew (John Reynolds) and their friends Portia (Meredith Hagner) and Elliott (John Early) over mimosas and Bloody Marys. Chantal, it transpires, was on the outskirts of the group’s social circle at college, but Dory’s myopic pals are resolutely uninterested in her vanishing act. “She sucked… she had nothing to offer,” Elliott declares, speaking fluent, scathing hyperbole while tapping out an elegy (“In shock.
So far, so generic crime story – until we cut to a Brooklyn brunch spot, where Dory shares the news with partner Drew (John Reynolds) and their friends Portia (Meredith Hagner) and Elliott (John Early) over mimosas and Bloody Marys. Chantal, it transpires, was on the outskirts of the group’s social circle at college, but Dory’s myopic pals are resolutely uninterested in her vanishing act. “She sucked… she had nothing to offer,” Elliott declares, speaking fluent, scathing hyperbole while tapping out an elegy (“In shock.
- 1/8/2023
- by Katie Rosseinsky
- The Independent - TV
Click here to read the full article.
Lucie Arnaz and Gloria Calderón Kellett had very different upbringings.
The former was raised in Beverly Hills, daughter of TV comedy icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and would go on to become an actress and filmmaker herself, creating a documentary about her parents, Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie in 1993 and appearing in the 2022 Amazon doc Lucy and Desi, directed by Amy Poehler. Calderón Kellett, meanwhile, grew up in Portland, Oregon, as the child of Cuban immigrants, and now serves as a television creator, having worked as showrunner on the One Day at a Time reboot at Netflix and Pop and, most recently, creating the Amazon series With Love.
The women have a key inspiration in common: Desi Arnaz, Lucie’s father and a trailblazing pioneer in Latin American representation on television. What follows is a discussion between the two on how...
Lucie Arnaz and Gloria Calderón Kellett had very different upbringings.
The former was raised in Beverly Hills, daughter of TV comedy icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and would go on to become an actress and filmmaker herself, creating a documentary about her parents, Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie in 1993 and appearing in the 2022 Amazon doc Lucy and Desi, directed by Amy Poehler. Calderón Kellett, meanwhile, grew up in Portland, Oregon, as the child of Cuban immigrants, and now serves as a television creator, having worked as showrunner on the One Day at a Time reboot at Netflix and Pop and, most recently, creating the Amazon series With Love.
The women have a key inspiration in common: Desi Arnaz, Lucie’s father and a trailblazing pioneer in Latin American representation on television. What follows is a discussion between the two on how...
- 6/16/2022
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
From The Smashing Pumpkins to body-slamming: Billy Corgan has purchased the National Wrestling Alliance, according to PWInsider. The rocker and former Tna Wrestling president now owns the name, rights and trademarks to the Nwa — he also gets its iconic championship belt. Additionally, Corgan inherits a ton of history: the National Wrestling Alliance was formed way back in 1948, and its roots are even older. Since officially starting 69 years ago, the league has produced many all-time greats, like Buddy Rogers, Pat O’Conner, Dory Funk, Jack Brisco, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, Kerry Von Erich, Ric Flair, Sting, Ricky Steamboat, Ken Shamrock, Jeff.
- 5/1/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
“Hello Yank, welcome to a very merry little war. And now how about a wee drop for the King and Uncle Sam?”
The 1927 silent classic Wings will screen at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood) April 14th at 7:30pm. Wings will be accompanied by an original score by the Prima Vista Quartet. Tickets are $10.00
Ticket information can be found Here
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2844369
In 1927, the first Best Picture Oscar went to Wings, a thrilling silent WW1 drama from director William S. Wellman. Wings told the story of poor boy Jack (Charles Rogers) and rich boy David (Richard Arlen) who are in love with the same woman, which causes the two to become bitter enemies. When WW1 breaks out the two are thrown together and quickly become friends, although David is too nice to let Jack know that the girl back home doesn’t love him. Clara Bow...
The 1927 silent classic Wings will screen at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood) April 14th at 7:30pm. Wings will be accompanied by an original score by the Prima Vista Quartet. Tickets are $10.00
Ticket information can be found Here
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2844369
In 1927, the first Best Picture Oscar went to Wings, a thrilling silent WW1 drama from director William S. Wellman. Wings told the story of poor boy Jack (Charles Rogers) and rich boy David (Richard Arlen) who are in love with the same woman, which causes the two to become bitter enemies. When WW1 breaks out the two are thrown together and quickly become friends, although David is too nice to let Jack know that the girl back home doesn’t love him. Clara Bow...
- 4/4/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
TBS has given the go-ahead for a new mystery sitcom called Search Party. Alia Shawkat, John Early, John Reynolds and Meredith Hagner will star in the series about four twenty-somethings who reunite when a mutual friend goes missing.
Here's the press release and a video preview:
TBS Greenlights Mystery Comedy Series Search Party
Alia Shawkat, John Early, John Reynolds and Meredith Hagner Star in Series from Creators Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers and Michael Showalter
TBS has given a greenlight to Search Party, a dark comedy about a group of four self-absorbed 20-somethings who come together when a former college acquaintance mysteriously disappears. Led by Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development), the cast of Search Party features an ensemble of young comic actors, including John Early, John Reynolds and Meredith Hagner. The pilot was written and directed by Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers, whose...
Here's the press release and a video preview:
TBS Greenlights Mystery Comedy Series Search Party
Alia Shawkat, John Early, John Reynolds and Meredith Hagner Star in Series from Creators Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers and Michael Showalter
TBS has given a greenlight to Search Party, a dark comedy about a group of four self-absorbed 20-somethings who come together when a former college acquaintance mysteriously disappears. Led by Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development), the cast of Search Party features an ensemble of young comic actors, including John Early, John Reynolds and Meredith Hagner. The pilot was written and directed by Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers, whose...
- 11/2/2015
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Alia Shawkat is returning to TV with TBS giving a greenlight to “Search Party,” a half-hour sitcom on which the “Arrested Development” actress will star. The show follows four self-absorbed 20-somethings who come together when a former college acquaintance mysteriously disappears. John Early, John Reynolds and Meredith Hagner join Shawkat in the ensemble cast. The pilot was written and directed by Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers, and was overseen by Michael Showalter. Tony Hernandez and Lilly Burns will serve as executive producers alongside Showalter, Rogers and Bliss. Also Read: Fall TV Preview: 126 New and Returning Shows Premiere Dates “Sarah-Violet, Charles,...
- 11/2/2015
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
WWE.com
On April 25, 1963 the original “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers defeated Antonino Rocca in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to become the first ever WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Since then the title has (officially) changed hands on 119 different occasions, with the current champion Seth Rollins being the 45th WWE Superstar to hold the belt.
Among these 45 champions there have been some of the biggest giants to ever enter the ring such as ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane (7ft 0in), ‘The World’s Largest Athlete’ Big Show (7ft 0in) and the tallest champion of all-time, WWE Hall of Famer Andre the Giant (7ft 4in).
But who cares about the big guys?!
If there’s one thing that the WrestleMania XXX main event proved it’s that wrestling fans love cheering on the smaller underdog wrestlers. This article lists the 10 smallest of these wrestlers to have defied the odds and won the biggest prize in sports entertainment,...
On April 25, 1963 the original “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers defeated Antonino Rocca in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to become the first ever WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Since then the title has (officially) changed hands on 119 different occasions, with the current champion Seth Rollins being the 45th WWE Superstar to hold the belt.
Among these 45 champions there have been some of the biggest giants to ever enter the ring such as ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane (7ft 0in), ‘The World’s Largest Athlete’ Big Show (7ft 0in) and the tallest champion of all-time, WWE Hall of Famer Andre the Giant (7ft 4in).
But who cares about the big guys?!
If there’s one thing that the WrestleMania XXX main event proved it’s that wrestling fans love cheering on the smaller underdog wrestlers. This article lists the 10 smallest of these wrestlers to have defied the odds and won the biggest prize in sports entertainment,...
- 9/3/2015
- by Kevin Latimer
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Another wrestling legend has passed away too soon. William Ansor, better known as the “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel, passed on June 22nd 2015 following a car accident. Reportedly, he drove himself to hospital, left shortly after, and passed away at home from injuries directly related to the crash.
Of course, our thoughts are with his friends, family, and loved ones.
While modern day WWE fans may not remember him save for a brief run in the mid-90s and a handful of later appearances, Landel had a wide career outside the promotion and shared the ring with legendary names like Ric Flair, Bret Hart, Buddy Rogers, and others over the years. Following the news of his death breaking late yesterday, the WWE released a statement saying they were “saddened to learn of the passing of William Ansor, aka “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel and offered their condolences to his family,...
Another wrestling legend has passed away too soon. William Ansor, better known as the “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel, passed on June 22nd 2015 following a car accident. Reportedly, he drove himself to hospital, left shortly after, and passed away at home from injuries directly related to the crash.
Of course, our thoughts are with his friends, family, and loved ones.
While modern day WWE fans may not remember him save for a brief run in the mid-90s and a handful of later appearances, Landel had a wide career outside the promotion and shared the ring with legendary names like Ric Flair, Bret Hart, Buddy Rogers, and others over the years. Following the news of his death breaking late yesterday, the WWE released a statement saying they were “saddened to learn of the passing of William Ansor, aka “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel and offered their condolences to his family,...
- 6/23/2015
- by Jay Anderson
- Obsessed with Film
“Hello Yank, welcome to a very merry little war. And now how about a wee drop for the King and Uncle Sam?”
The 1927 silent classic Wings will screen at 2pm on Sunday March 8th at the St. Louis Scottish Rite Cathedral Auditorium (3633 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, Mo 63108) with live organ music by Dr. Marvin Faulwell.
In 1927, the first Best Picture Oscar went to Wings, a thrilling silent WW1 drama from director William S. Wellman. Wings told the story of poor boy Jack (Charles Rogers) and rich boy David (Richard Arlen) who are in love with the same woman, which causes the two to become bitter enemies. When WW1 breaks out the two are thrown together and quickly become friends, although David is too nice to let Jack know that the girl back home doesn’t love him. Clara Bow plays the girl who is madly in love with Jack but...
The 1927 silent classic Wings will screen at 2pm on Sunday March 8th at the St. Louis Scottish Rite Cathedral Auditorium (3633 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, Mo 63108) with live organ music by Dr. Marvin Faulwell.
In 1927, the first Best Picture Oscar went to Wings, a thrilling silent WW1 drama from director William S. Wellman. Wings told the story of poor boy Jack (Charles Rogers) and rich boy David (Richard Arlen) who are in love with the same woman, which causes the two to become bitter enemies. When WW1 breaks out the two are thrown together and quickly become friends, although David is too nice to let Jack know that the girl back home doesn’t love him. Clara Bow plays the girl who is madly in love with Jack but...
- 2/27/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
WWE.com
The WWE Championship dates back to 1963 and is the symbol of success in pro wrestling. If you carry the belt, it basically means you carry the company. Certainly back in the old days, the champion was picked on their ability to boost TV ratings, pay per view buys and ticket sales. Even today the same still rings true, the main event spot is nearly always built around Championship matches.
With this in mind, we can accurately judge a wrestler’s success in the industry by how long they reigned as champion in combined days of their title runs. Those trusted with the most time as champion were the guys who the promoter felt were draws. Whether it was fans paying to see the heel champ finally lose, or fans paying to cheer on a babyface champion, what matters is that the champion brought people in. If you were a successful wrestler,...
The WWE Championship dates back to 1963 and is the symbol of success in pro wrestling. If you carry the belt, it basically means you carry the company. Certainly back in the old days, the champion was picked on their ability to boost TV ratings, pay per view buys and ticket sales. Even today the same still rings true, the main event spot is nearly always built around Championship matches.
With this in mind, we can accurately judge a wrestler’s success in the industry by how long they reigned as champion in combined days of their title runs. Those trusted with the most time as champion were the guys who the promoter felt were draws. Whether it was fans paying to see the heel champ finally lose, or fans paying to cheer on a babyface champion, what matters is that the champion brought people in. If you were a successful wrestler,...
- 8/21/2014
- by Grahame Herbert
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The WWE Championship is the most prestigious prize in all of sports-entertainment. Since 1963, the best and brightest Superstars have held the gold, serving as the top attraction in World Wrestling Entertainment. “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers was the first and John Cena is the latest but in between, there have been several industry giants who have laid claim to the belt. Whether it was Hulk Hogan or Randy Savage, Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin or The Rock, anyone who is anyone in the professional wrestling industry has, at one time or another, strapped the gold around their waist. It is the symbol of excellence, the validation of one’s hard work and the universally recognized stamp of approval from Vince McMahon. Winning that title, regardless of the era, means you have made it.
With such a rich history, there are sure to be several instances of champions...
The WWE Championship is the most prestigious prize in all of sports-entertainment. Since 1963, the best and brightest Superstars have held the gold, serving as the top attraction in World Wrestling Entertainment. “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers was the first and John Cena is the latest but in between, there have been several industry giants who have laid claim to the belt. Whether it was Hulk Hogan or Randy Savage, Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin or The Rock, anyone who is anyone in the professional wrestling industry has, at one time or another, strapped the gold around their waist. It is the symbol of excellence, the validation of one’s hard work and the universally recognized stamp of approval from Vince McMahon. Winning that title, regardless of the era, means you have made it.
With such a rich history, there are sure to be several instances of champions...
- 8/13/2014
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
The highly anticipated WWE 2K15 roster has allegedly leaked online. The big news is that Cm Punk is in the game, alongside a range of Nxt stars. There’s 92 wrestlers in total, including Mick Foley who had been in doubt after not signing a WWE legends deal earlier this year.
The leak surfaced on GameFAQs, where it was claimed that the list came from the August edition of Game Informer Magazine. The post has since been removed.
The official roster reveal will be on August 16th in Los Angeles. 2K will be working in partnership with WWE’s SummerSlam event which takes place on the same weekend. That timing ensures maximum publicity for the video game’s content.
Is there any validity to this apparent leak ahead of time? The list certainly looks plausible. Punk’s contract may have expired, but he would have been under a deal when production of the game started.
The leak surfaced on GameFAQs, where it was claimed that the list came from the August edition of Game Informer Magazine. The post has since been removed.
The official roster reveal will be on August 16th in Los Angeles. 2K will be working in partnership with WWE’s SummerSlam event which takes place on the same weekend. That timing ensures maximum publicity for the video game’s content.
Is there any validity to this apparent leak ahead of time? The list certainly looks plausible. Punk’s contract may have expired, but he would have been under a deal when production of the game started.
- 7/30/2014
- by Grahame Herbert
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
This Sunday in Boston, WWE will crown a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. This time, they’ve been pushed into such a choice by circumstance- Daniel Bryan’s neck injury proving to be too severe to pass the test of time- however, usually, such new champions being crowned are very cerebral choices, made for a variety of reasons. Long term story-lines concluding, a snap-reaction to a sudden rise in popularity, transitioning from one long-term champion to the next or, perhaps, something as simple as an attempt to freshen things up a bit; the motivations behind such decisions tend to be the subject of debate and scrutiny.
The WWE World Heavyweight Championship is the latest incarnation of the organisation’s oldest and most prestigious title. First awarded to Buddy Rogers on April 25th 1963, to this date the WWE has seen 45 different men hoist the belt above their head over...
This Sunday in Boston, WWE will crown a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. This time, they’ve been pushed into such a choice by circumstance- Daniel Bryan’s neck injury proving to be too severe to pass the test of time- however, usually, such new champions being crowned are very cerebral choices, made for a variety of reasons. Long term story-lines concluding, a snap-reaction to a sudden rise in popularity, transitioning from one long-term champion to the next or, perhaps, something as simple as an attempt to freshen things up a bit; the motivations behind such decisions tend to be the subject of debate and scrutiny.
The WWE World Heavyweight Championship is the latest incarnation of the organisation’s oldest and most prestigious title. First awarded to Buddy Rogers on April 25th 1963, to this date the WWE has seen 45 different men hoist the belt above their head over...
- 6/25/2014
- by Liam Johnson
- Obsessed with Film
Nwa Wrestling is now available for free viewing on FilmOn. Wrestling fans will love this channel, which was created by the National Wrestling Alliance. Nwa Wrestling was founded in 1948 and is the world’s largest and oldest professional wrestling sanctioning body. The Nwa has produced some of the biggest wrestling stars in the world today, including Pat O’Connor, Buddy Rogers, Loy Thesz, Bobo Brazil, Jack Brisco, Ricky Steamboat, Ron Killings, Naoya Ogawa, Dan Severn, Ken Shamrock, Rob Conway, Kahagas and plenty more. Need some wrestling right now? Take a look at what Nwa Wrestling has to offer below the post. You can watch Nwa Wrestling’s channel on FilmOn as well, [ Read More ]
The post Watch Nwa Wrestling for Free on FilmOn appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Watch Nwa Wrestling for Free on FilmOn appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/19/2014
- by monique
- ShockYa
Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers’ comedy earned the narrative feature competition grand jury prize while Margaret Brown’s Deepwater Horizon disaster film The Great Invisible prevailed in the documentary section.
The awards were handed out at the festival’s ceremony on March 11 in Austin, Texas.
Actor and screenwriter David Dastmalchian earned special jury recognition for courage in storytelling in the narrative competition for Animals and Natalie Tena and David Verdaguer garnered special jury recognition for best acting duo for 10,000Km (Long Distance).
In the documentary special jury recognitions, Vessel director Diana Whitten was cited for political courage and Print The Legend directors Luis Lopez and Clay Tweel were praised for editing and storytelling.
In the short film awards, Quelqu’un D’extraordinaire director Monia Chokri won the narrative shorts strand as Person To Person director Dustin Guy Defa was cited for special jury recognition and Krisha director Trey Edward Shults earned special recognition for cinematography.
Kehinde Wiley: An Economy Of Grace director...
The awards were handed out at the festival’s ceremony on March 11 in Austin, Texas.
Actor and screenwriter David Dastmalchian earned special jury recognition for courage in storytelling in the narrative competition for Animals and Natalie Tena and David Verdaguer garnered special jury recognition for best acting duo for 10,000Km (Long Distance).
In the documentary special jury recognitions, Vessel director Diana Whitten was cited for political courage and Print The Legend directors Luis Lopez and Clay Tweel were praised for editing and storytelling.
In the short film awards, Quelqu’un D’extraordinaire director Monia Chokri won the narrative shorts strand as Person To Person director Dustin Guy Defa was cited for special jury recognition and Krisha director Trey Edward Shults earned special recognition for cinematography.
Kehinde Wiley: An Economy Of Grace director...
- 3/12/2014
- by [email protected] (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
(William A Wellman, 1927; Eureka!, PG)
In the mid-20s, Hollywood's movie moguls were always on the lookout for grand projects to head their annual schedules, and in 1926 Paramount (then the major studio) bought Wings, a Great War flying story by John Monk Saunders. A wartime training instructor who, to his enduring chagrin, never got to France, Saunders devoted his Hollywood career to flying movies, creating what became a dominant adventure genre of the 30s. A little-known B-movie director, William A Wellman, was hired as director because of his active service as a pilot in the war, and the film was shot in Texas with the Us army providing 220 planes and hundreds of skilled extras.
A mixture of melodrama, sentimental romance and heavy-handed comedy, Wings was superbly choreographed with skilfully photographed stunt flying and aerial combat. It tells the tale of two small-town boys (Richard Arlen, Charles Rogers) undergoing flight training...
In the mid-20s, Hollywood's movie moguls were always on the lookout for grand projects to head their annual schedules, and in 1926 Paramount (then the major studio) bought Wings, a Great War flying story by John Monk Saunders. A wartime training instructor who, to his enduring chagrin, never got to France, Saunders devoted his Hollywood career to flying movies, creating what became a dominant adventure genre of the 30s. A little-known B-movie director, William A Wellman, was hired as director because of his active service as a pilot in the war, and the film was shot in Texas with the Us army providing 220 planes and hundreds of skilled extras.
A mixture of melodrama, sentimental romance and heavy-handed comedy, Wings was superbly choreographed with skilfully photographed stunt flying and aerial combat. It tells the tale of two small-town boys (Richard Arlen, Charles Rogers) undergoing flight training...
- 2/2/2014
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
We are always glad to see Fests close to L.A. in new places and the desert outside of L.A. is also one of our favorite places. And ... the Dennis Hopper award personally moved me. In UCLA film school in 1967 Dennis was in a somewhat notorious movie I photographed and we remained friends. He was, to say the least, a very interesting guy. New Coachella Valley Festival Amfm (Art, Music, Film and More) wrapped its inaugural outing with an awards ceremony held at the Buddy Rogers Theatre in Cathedral “Cat” City on June 17. Festival organizers Rich Henrich and Rob Galarza of Film 4 Change gave awards in several categories from among the 108 total entries in the festival:
Best Film went to Gary King’s film How To Write A Joe Schermann Song and the festival accepted on his behalf.
Best Documentary Award went to American Road, directed by Kurt Jacobsen and Warren Leming. The film, which “delves into the artistic, musical and literary resonances of the mystique of the road – and especially of veering off the beaten track - in American lore,” made its world premiere at the Festival. Accepting the award was Ed Asner who narrated parts of the film. He said, “I am truly honored they chose it--particularly because it’s in a festival Viggo won an award in—and I am a great admirer of his. As for American Road, take a lesson from it. It is a beautiful piece of work.”
Best Feature went to Slamdance award winner Joy De V, by Nadia Szold.
Best Short went to Jason Guy McLagan for Elegy For Eden, which also screened at Slamdance. Accepting the award, he said “Thank you for being here. I don’t have anything else to say. Thank you."
Best Music Video was, Loneley, by Alethea Root for the artist Azhia. She said, “I really won an award? Thanks y’all, it was locally produced and shot here in the desert.”
Best Director went to Tony Glazer, director of Junction, which also world premiered at the Festival. He said, “Thanks for the honor of this award and for having the film in this festival; this is everything indie filmmakers want to be a part of. They say it takes a village. Well, it takes a small nation army to make a film and I am indebted to them—the actors, the crew, and even the financiers. This film would not be what it is without their involvement.”
Matthew Millan’s We Win Or We Die won the award for best short documentary. He remarked, “Thanks for having us. Thanks to the Libyan people and to my own stupidity for going there. People are still suffering there in Benghazi and that’s what this is all about.”
Special Jury Award was presented to Joseph Laraja’s comedy about a Northeastern seafood cook-off, The Golden Scallop. Laraja said, “This is a complete thrill all the way around—everyone has been lovely and it’s a tremendous honor."
The Wally Award for is given by a panel of judges to San Diego State University students. Students come in and pitch a film idea. Winners get an award and cash but most of all they gain the confidence to make it in this industry. The award is conferred by UltraStar Cinemas VP Wally Schlotter.
For Spring 2013 the award went to Plain White Tee. Director/ Producer Devin Dolan said, “What a great learning experience. A good experience our first festival. Thanks to our actors and crew and friends and family.”
The Festival presented a Best No-Show to His Own Poetry Reading to actor Michael Madsen—who was of course unavailable to receive it. His schedule reading at the Ace Hotel Saturday night didn’t deter the audience, who rose up and turned the evening into an impromptu poetry slam—reading their own work as well as Madsen’s and other poets’. Amazingly, about half the audience had their own material handy, including Junction’s Neil Bledsoe, and director Alex Kleinert, who read a poem about wild horses based on his Festival film Wild Horses And Renegades.
Johnny Dowers, FX’s The Bridge star, presented two awards. First was the Cinephile Award. It went to the individual who went to the most events, who volunteered and assisted and who generally “helped make it happen.” This award went to David Gardener. He received a bag of Festival swag labeled “I Got Swag.” “He said, “I have no idea what I am doing up here but I am happy about it.”
The Film 4 Change Humanitarian Award went to Ellen Jefferson for her immigrations documentary The Second Cooler. She said, “I am so excited I want to cry. Thanks to the festival for including me, thanks to Tyler Snyder (her web designer) for encouraging me. Corporate greed…I can’t go into all of that now. I hope this film can give a lot of people so much hope. People who are waiting to make that crossing, people who have been deported, a lot of hope for those that have had to follow their deported loved ones into exile and want to be reunited. “
Film 4 Change recognized a photographer with the Film 4 Change Photographer of the Year Award, which went to Craig Semetko. Henrich said, “His work captures moments in the American spirit. Wherever he goes in the world, his lens follows it and captures it.” Semetko in turn thanked the organizers. “They worked tirelessly, sleeplessly. Now it’s officially a tradition. I think about how I got started taking photographs. It was a desire to tell people’s stories. As an actor, I have been a people watcher my entire life. Maybe with a camera I can tell stories in a different medium.” He exhorted the crowd, “Be true to yourself and remember that kernel of passion that started you on your path to creativity. Keep that thing that fed your soul to begin with. Be authentic.”
Finally Henrich and Galarza honored acclaimed actor and artist Viggo Mortensen with the Dennis Lee Hopper Award.
Mortensen is the fourth artist to receive the award, named for (and originally presented to) renegade renaissance man Dennis Hopper. Film 4 Change previously bestowed the award to Dean Stockwell and Alex Cox at the Albuquerque Film Festival. Amfm embraces the sprit of Hopper and the Festival’s motto: hip, cool, funny, strange, social change. “We are a community of artists committed to having pride in what we do and dedicated to making our country great through artistic and creative innovation,” Henrich said.
Here’s some excerpts from Mortensen on accepting the award: “it’s a hell of an honor due to its connection to Dennis, with that it couldn’t be more meaningful to me. “I’ve been to some awards programs that are a load of self-important crap compared to this. Thank you. I look forward to future festivals—this is a great idea and it will grow and grow, I am sure it will. Thanks to Jared Davis, Hugh Millstein, and Digital Fusion Los Angeles; more is going to be inflicted on you on screen [in a montage of art and poetry that followed the presentation].”
He continued, “[It was] kind of hard to pick from thousands of images, something that was concise enough that feels the connection that comes across that that I have with Dennis and his work. There’s something about Dennis and what he means to lots of artists.
“Dennis Hopper was not generally thought to be a recluse or hermit. He managed to share moments of creativity and wild excess with others. He was socially active by nature, and always curious about people. But he also emphasized that to be an engaged, conscious artists is to essentially be alone, to come to terms with mysteries we all have to face. The absurd side of being alive can be the source of joy. He used laughter; he used it as an important weapon against darkness. The joke was always on him, with laughter—he looked for a joke to make one and to be one, but valued fearlessness and curiosity in others.”
Mortensen concluded by reading a poem read when Hopper got his star on Hollywood Boulevard, a poem by Hopper’s fellow Kansan William Stafford: For My Young Friends Who Are Afraid.
There is a country to cross you will
find in the corner of your eye, in
the quick slip of your foot–air far
down, a snap that might have caught.
And maybe for you, for me, a high, passing
voice that finds its way by being
afraid. That country is there, for us,
carried as it is crossed. What you fear
will not go away: it will take you into
yourself and bless you and keep you.
That’s the world, and we all live there.
Amfm Fest ran June 13 -16, 2013 at the UltraStar Mary Pickford Theater, the Cathedral City Town Square and other select desert venues. Film 4 Change’s mission is to bring communities together through the power of story and the art of laughter while showcasing the best emerging talent and thought leaders in art, music, film, photography and comedy. The Festival features six world premiere films (more than 50 in all), dozens of live shows, comedy, fine art, spoken word, seminars, a Celebrity Indy Kart Race and more. Other celebrity guests ranged from Ed Asner, Jason London, Jason Mewes, David Zayas, and Tinsel Korey to filmmakers Monte Hellman, Adrian Belic, Gary King, Jesse Baget and even the Coachella Valley’s own Christian Sesma.
Best Film went to Gary King’s film How To Write A Joe Schermann Song and the festival accepted on his behalf.
Best Documentary Award went to American Road, directed by Kurt Jacobsen and Warren Leming. The film, which “delves into the artistic, musical and literary resonances of the mystique of the road – and especially of veering off the beaten track - in American lore,” made its world premiere at the Festival. Accepting the award was Ed Asner who narrated parts of the film. He said, “I am truly honored they chose it--particularly because it’s in a festival Viggo won an award in—and I am a great admirer of his. As for American Road, take a lesson from it. It is a beautiful piece of work.”
Best Feature went to Slamdance award winner Joy De V, by Nadia Szold.
Best Short went to Jason Guy McLagan for Elegy For Eden, which also screened at Slamdance. Accepting the award, he said “Thank you for being here. I don’t have anything else to say. Thank you."
Best Music Video was, Loneley, by Alethea Root for the artist Azhia. She said, “I really won an award? Thanks y’all, it was locally produced and shot here in the desert.”
Best Director went to Tony Glazer, director of Junction, which also world premiered at the Festival. He said, “Thanks for the honor of this award and for having the film in this festival; this is everything indie filmmakers want to be a part of. They say it takes a village. Well, it takes a small nation army to make a film and I am indebted to them—the actors, the crew, and even the financiers. This film would not be what it is without their involvement.”
Matthew Millan’s We Win Or We Die won the award for best short documentary. He remarked, “Thanks for having us. Thanks to the Libyan people and to my own stupidity for going there. People are still suffering there in Benghazi and that’s what this is all about.”
Special Jury Award was presented to Joseph Laraja’s comedy about a Northeastern seafood cook-off, The Golden Scallop. Laraja said, “This is a complete thrill all the way around—everyone has been lovely and it’s a tremendous honor."
The Wally Award for is given by a panel of judges to San Diego State University students. Students come in and pitch a film idea. Winners get an award and cash but most of all they gain the confidence to make it in this industry. The award is conferred by UltraStar Cinemas VP Wally Schlotter.
For Spring 2013 the award went to Plain White Tee. Director/ Producer Devin Dolan said, “What a great learning experience. A good experience our first festival. Thanks to our actors and crew and friends and family.”
The Festival presented a Best No-Show to His Own Poetry Reading to actor Michael Madsen—who was of course unavailable to receive it. His schedule reading at the Ace Hotel Saturday night didn’t deter the audience, who rose up and turned the evening into an impromptu poetry slam—reading their own work as well as Madsen’s and other poets’. Amazingly, about half the audience had their own material handy, including Junction’s Neil Bledsoe, and director Alex Kleinert, who read a poem about wild horses based on his Festival film Wild Horses And Renegades.
Johnny Dowers, FX’s The Bridge star, presented two awards. First was the Cinephile Award. It went to the individual who went to the most events, who volunteered and assisted and who generally “helped make it happen.” This award went to David Gardener. He received a bag of Festival swag labeled “I Got Swag.” “He said, “I have no idea what I am doing up here but I am happy about it.”
The Film 4 Change Humanitarian Award went to Ellen Jefferson for her immigrations documentary The Second Cooler. She said, “I am so excited I want to cry. Thanks to the festival for including me, thanks to Tyler Snyder (her web designer) for encouraging me. Corporate greed…I can’t go into all of that now. I hope this film can give a lot of people so much hope. People who are waiting to make that crossing, people who have been deported, a lot of hope for those that have had to follow their deported loved ones into exile and want to be reunited. “
Film 4 Change recognized a photographer with the Film 4 Change Photographer of the Year Award, which went to Craig Semetko. Henrich said, “His work captures moments in the American spirit. Wherever he goes in the world, his lens follows it and captures it.” Semetko in turn thanked the organizers. “They worked tirelessly, sleeplessly. Now it’s officially a tradition. I think about how I got started taking photographs. It was a desire to tell people’s stories. As an actor, I have been a people watcher my entire life. Maybe with a camera I can tell stories in a different medium.” He exhorted the crowd, “Be true to yourself and remember that kernel of passion that started you on your path to creativity. Keep that thing that fed your soul to begin with. Be authentic.”
Finally Henrich and Galarza honored acclaimed actor and artist Viggo Mortensen with the Dennis Lee Hopper Award.
Mortensen is the fourth artist to receive the award, named for (and originally presented to) renegade renaissance man Dennis Hopper. Film 4 Change previously bestowed the award to Dean Stockwell and Alex Cox at the Albuquerque Film Festival. Amfm embraces the sprit of Hopper and the Festival’s motto: hip, cool, funny, strange, social change. “We are a community of artists committed to having pride in what we do and dedicated to making our country great through artistic and creative innovation,” Henrich said.
Here’s some excerpts from Mortensen on accepting the award: “it’s a hell of an honor due to its connection to Dennis, with that it couldn’t be more meaningful to me. “I’ve been to some awards programs that are a load of self-important crap compared to this. Thank you. I look forward to future festivals—this is a great idea and it will grow and grow, I am sure it will. Thanks to Jared Davis, Hugh Millstein, and Digital Fusion Los Angeles; more is going to be inflicted on you on screen [in a montage of art and poetry that followed the presentation].”
He continued, “[It was] kind of hard to pick from thousands of images, something that was concise enough that feels the connection that comes across that that I have with Dennis and his work. There’s something about Dennis and what he means to lots of artists.
“Dennis Hopper was not generally thought to be a recluse or hermit. He managed to share moments of creativity and wild excess with others. He was socially active by nature, and always curious about people. But he also emphasized that to be an engaged, conscious artists is to essentially be alone, to come to terms with mysteries we all have to face. The absurd side of being alive can be the source of joy. He used laughter; he used it as an important weapon against darkness. The joke was always on him, with laughter—he looked for a joke to make one and to be one, but valued fearlessness and curiosity in others.”
Mortensen concluded by reading a poem read when Hopper got his star on Hollywood Boulevard, a poem by Hopper’s fellow Kansan William Stafford: For My Young Friends Who Are Afraid.
There is a country to cross you will
find in the corner of your eye, in
the quick slip of your foot–air far
down, a snap that might have caught.
And maybe for you, for me, a high, passing
voice that finds its way by being
afraid. That country is there, for us,
carried as it is crossed. What you fear
will not go away: it will take you into
yourself and bless you and keep you.
That’s the world, and we all live there.
Amfm Fest ran June 13 -16, 2013 at the UltraStar Mary Pickford Theater, the Cathedral City Town Square and other select desert venues. Film 4 Change’s mission is to bring communities together through the power of story and the art of laughter while showcasing the best emerging talent and thought leaders in art, music, film, photography and comedy. The Festival features six world premiere films (more than 50 in all), dozens of live shows, comedy, fine art, spoken word, seminars, a Celebrity Indy Kart Race and more. Other celebrity guests ranged from Ed Asner, Jason London, Jason Mewes, David Zayas, and Tinsel Korey to filmmakers Monte Hellman, Adrian Belic, Gary King, Jesse Baget and even the Coachella Valley’s own Christian Sesma.
- 7/4/2013
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Over the last few weeks, Raw has been very entertaining to say the least. With the rise of Daniel Bryan, the disintegration of the Punk- Heyman relationship and Kaitlyn and Aj battling it out, the show has felt more vibrant. However, even with all those elements still in play the show felt a little lackluster then in previous weeks.
The show begins not with a recap of last week as has been customary for the last few months, but with a cold open with Vickie Guerrero. The managing supervisor announces the champion versus champion main event with Alberto del Rio and John Cena.
This would lead to a showcase of great WWE and World Champions of their perspective eras. I like the pomp and circumstance of it all, but I think more often than not, regardless of how you hype the match it just doesn’t matter like used to.
The show begins not with a recap of last week as has been customary for the last few months, but with a cold open with Vickie Guerrero. The managing supervisor announces the champion versus champion main event with Alberto del Rio and John Cena.
This would lead to a showcase of great WWE and World Champions of their perspective eras. I like the pomp and circumstance of it all, but I think more often than not, regardless of how you hype the match it just doesn’t matter like used to.
- 7/2/2013
- by Paul Jordan
- Obsessed with Film
Deanna Durbin ‘saves’ Universal (photo: Deanna Durbin in Three Smart Girls) [See previous post: "Deanna Durbin: Remembering One of Hollywood's Top Stars."] During the Great Depression most Hollywood studios were in dire financial straits, until, as the story goes, one (or more) lucky star(s) made them once again solvent. Mae West is credited for "saving" Paramount; Shirley Temple "saved" Fox; the Busby Berkeley, Ruby Keeler, and Dick Powell combo "saved" Warner Bros.; and the curious mix of King Kong, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers "saved" Rko. So, did Deanna Durbin truly save Universal from bankruptcy? Well, Charles Rogers’ investment company came to the financial rescue of Universal in 1936, but the success of Durbin’s movies surely helped the new management get the studio back on its feet. For instance, according to author David Shipman, Three Smart Girls cost $300,000 — its budget doubled after studio bosses realized they had a hit in their hands — and earned Universal a hefty $2m. (An unspecified...
- 5/4/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Deanna Durbin dies at 91: One of the top stars of Hollywood’s studio era (photo: Deanna Durbin in I’ll Be Yours) According to Hollywood lore, teen star Deanna Durbin saved Universal Pictures from bankruptcy in the mid-’30s, when her movies earned the Great Depression-hit studio some much-needed millions. The story may seem like an exaggeration, but in fact future Universal players such as Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Maria Montez, Rock Hudson, Doris Day, and even Jaws‘ Bruce the Shark and the assorted dinosaurs found in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park partly owe their film careers to the pretty, bubbly, full-faced, soprano-voiced Deanna Durbin, the star of immensely successful Universal releases such as Three Smart Girls, One Hundred Men and a Girl, and That Certain Age. Universal should be in mourning this week. Late this past Tuesday, April 30, it was announced that Deanna Durbin had died a...
- 5/4/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
My Best Girl
Directed by Sam Taylor
Written by Allen McNeil & Tim Whelan
USA, 1927
Tsff made its merry way up to Casa Loma on Monday night for a special screening of Mary Pickford’s final silent film on the occasion of the star’s 121st birthday (the organizers even served birthday cake during the intermission). Despite an interminable, bone chilling rain (which looked rather cozy sliding down the other side of the hundred-year old Gothic Revival castle’s windows), there was a packed house on hand to experience an authentic presentation of the film as it would have been shown at a cinema palace of the era, complete with accompaniment by the irrepressible Clark Wilson on the Toronto Theatre Organ Society‘s justly celebrated Wurlitzer organ. This magnificent instrument, which once enlivened screenings at Shea’s Hippodrome on Bay Street, was designed to put the power of an entire orchestra...
Directed by Sam Taylor
Written by Allen McNeil & Tim Whelan
USA, 1927
Tsff made its merry way up to Casa Loma on Monday night for a special screening of Mary Pickford’s final silent film on the occasion of the star’s 121st birthday (the organizers even served birthday cake during the intermission). Despite an interminable, bone chilling rain (which looked rather cozy sliding down the other side of the hundred-year old Gothic Revival castle’s windows), there was a packed house on hand to experience an authentic presentation of the film as it would have been shown at a cinema palace of the era, complete with accompaniment by the irrepressible Clark Wilson on the Toronto Theatre Organ Society‘s justly celebrated Wurlitzer organ. This magnificent instrument, which once enlivened screenings at Shea’s Hippodrome on Bay Street, was designed to put the power of an entire orchestra...
- 4/9/2013
- by David Fiore
- SoundOnSight
WWE have released a statement this afternoon finally confirming to the world that the legendary Bruno Sammartino will be inducted into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame
The statement is cited as coming from head honcho Vince McMahon himself, a man who Sammartino has openly criticised at every opportunity over the years. WWE made no attempts to hide this fact clearly realising that getting Bruno to say yes at last is a pretty big scoop for the company.
The full statement can be read below:
Stamford, Conn., February 4, 2013 – WWE announced today that Bruno Sammartino will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Madison Square Garden.
Sammartino, nicknamed “The Living Legend,” is a two-time WWE Champion and the longest reigning WWE Champion in history, holding the title for a combined 11 years. His first title reign began on May 17, 1963, where he defeated “Nature Boy...
The statement is cited as coming from head honcho Vince McMahon himself, a man who Sammartino has openly criticised at every opportunity over the years. WWE made no attempts to hide this fact clearly realising that getting Bruno to say yes at last is a pretty big scoop for the company.
The full statement can be read below:
Stamford, Conn., February 4, 2013 – WWE announced today that Bruno Sammartino will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Madison Square Garden.
Sammartino, nicknamed “The Living Legend,” is a two-time WWE Champion and the longest reigning WWE Champion in history, holding the title for a combined 11 years. His first title reign began on May 17, 1963, where he defeated “Nature Boy...
- 2/4/2013
- by Matt Aspin
- Obsessed with Film
This new era of re-releases has definitely got its perks. Whether it’s seeing a modern classic like Jurassic Park return home to theaters or a movie from out of the mist of the past, it’s the kind of cash-grab that should be celebrated. What other time in your life would you be able to see the 1927 silent flick about pilots in Wwi bravely battling (and kissing each other) as it was meant to be seen? Cinemark Theaters will play Wings – the first Best Picture Oscar winner – in select theaters on Wednesdays May 2nd and 16th. Those participating theaters can be found on the Cinemark website. The print has been completely restored. What’s crazy is that they’re showing in their Extreme Digital auditoriums, which means they much have restored the hell out of it. The movie itself is one of William A. Wellman‘s masterpieces. It also represents big budget studio thinking in the...
- 5/2/2012
- by Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Cinefest is a feast of rare silent and early-talkie pictures, with three rotating pianists (all of them gifted) providing accompaniment. If the only surviving print of a film is incomplete, like the appealing Clara Bow-Buddy Rogers romantic comedy Get Your Man (1927), directed by Dorothy Arzner, we’re happy to see what remains. If the only way to watch an early silent feature from theatrical producers Klaw and Erlanger is in a 16mm version copied from a paper print (originally deposited at the Library of Congress for copyright purposes), we’re curious. That particular film, Classmates (1914), turned out to be an interesting one, too, featuring Blanche Sweet, Henry B. Walthall,...
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- 3/22/2012
- by Leonard Maltin
- Leonard Maltin's Movie Crazy
Chicago – By today’s standards, “Wings” would be more expensive than any movie ever made. That’s what an undertaking this legendary film was for Paramount in the ’20s. The biggest studio in the world set out to make the biggest film in history, presenting viewers with things they had never seen before and pushing the boundaries of what was capable on celluloid. Sadly, “Wings” has somewhat become an answer to a trivia question and the remarkable quality of the film itself has been underappreciated by time. This glorious Blu-ray restoration should help fix that oversight.
Blu-ray Rating: 4.0/5.0
As the Blu-ray version of the film opens, the Paramount logo cycles back through its different iterations, arriving at what it was in 1927 when “Wings” was released. It’s a brilliant overture, taking us back in time. A sepia-tinged plane flies overhead and the gloriously-reconstructed score, which was rerecorded by a modern...
Blu-ray Rating: 4.0/5.0
As the Blu-ray version of the film opens, the Paramount logo cycles back through its different iterations, arriving at what it was in 1927 when “Wings” was released. It’s a brilliant overture, taking us back in time. A sepia-tinged plane flies overhead and the gloriously-reconstructed score, which was rerecorded by a modern...
- 2/3/2012
- by [email protected] (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Welcome to another installment of Straight Shoot, where we pull on our boots and bounce around the ring with some of professional wrestling's most fascinating issues. If you haven't already, catch up on this week's Raw with our weekly WWE Monday Night Raw recaps. Then follow writer Aubrey Sitterson on Twitter and make sure to check back every Thursday afternoon for a new Straight Shoot.
As I type this, WWE has no less than six championship titles: WWE, World Heavyweight, Intercontinental, United States, Divas and Tag Team. The truly shocking thing is that's not even a huge number for the promotion, as you only have to go a few years back to find two women's belts and two sets of tag team championships. Go a little further back and you'll find even more - in fact we even did a feature last year on some of our favorite defunct wrestling titles.
As I type this, WWE has no less than six championship titles: WWE, World Heavyweight, Intercontinental, United States, Divas and Tag Team. The truly shocking thing is that's not even a huge number for the promotion, as you only have to go a few years back to find two women's belts and two sets of tag team championships. Go a little further back and you'll find even more - in fact we even did a feature last year on some of our favorite defunct wrestling titles.
- 1/26/2012
- UGO TV
It’s a phrase out of the music industry: one-hit wonders. Those bands that come out of nowhere, hit the top of the charts with a catchy – maybe even impressive – single, or have one chart-topping album, and then never seem to be able to hit that sweet spot again. Anybody remember Boston’s second album? Another hit single after “96 Tears” from Jay and the Mysterians?
But they’re not alone. There’s not an area of entertainment where the phenomenon doesn’t exist. Rod Serling never topped The Twilight Zone, and Chris Carter never came up with another series as good as The X Files. Fitzgerald wrote a lot of impressive stuff, but never matched The Great Gatsby, and drank himself to death over it (well, Zelda being crazy didn’t help). Michael Cimino copped an Oscar for The Deer Hunter (1978), and then began a long, spectacular flameout.
It happens.
But they’re not alone. There’s not an area of entertainment where the phenomenon doesn’t exist. Rod Serling never topped The Twilight Zone, and Chris Carter never came up with another series as good as The X Files. Fitzgerald wrote a lot of impressive stuff, but never matched The Great Gatsby, and drank himself to death over it (well, Zelda being crazy didn’t help). Michael Cimino copped an Oscar for The Deer Hunter (1978), and then began a long, spectacular flameout.
It happens.
- 1/26/2012
- by Bill Mesce
- SoundOnSight
If Oscar buzz is any indicator, Hollywood is on the brink of making Academy Awards history. For the first time, silent films may bookend the best-picture category.
The first, and only, non-talkie to win the motion picture academy's top prize was director William A. Wellman's high-flying 1927 drama Wings, starring Clara Bow and Buddy Rogers.
Now, the 2011 silent film The Artist is gathering some serious award-season momentum as a best picture favorite at the 84th annual Oscar ceremony on February 26. The silent-period valentine from French director Michel Hazanavicius has won numerous honours, including best comedy or musical at Sunday's Golden Globes.
Meanwhile, in a touch of silent symmetry, an extensively restored version of Wings thrilled celebrities and regular folks alike this week at special screenings sponsored by the motion picture academy. And next week, the restored Wings will be released on DVD.
The first, and only, non-talkie to win the motion picture academy's top prize was director William A. Wellman's high-flying 1927 drama Wings, starring Clara Bow and Buddy Rogers.
Now, the 2011 silent film The Artist is gathering some serious award-season momentum as a best picture favorite at the 84th annual Oscar ceremony on February 26. The silent-period valentine from French director Michel Hazanavicius has won numerous honours, including best comedy or musical at Sunday's Golden Globes.
Meanwhile, in a touch of silent symmetry, an extensively restored version of Wings thrilled celebrities and regular folks alike this week at special screenings sponsored by the motion picture academy. And next week, the restored Wings will be released on DVD.
- 1/19/2012
- by Cineplex.com and contributors
- Cineplex
Part of a series by David Cairns on forgotten pre-Code films.
Trawling through Hollywood musicals before Gold Diggers of 1933 is a fascinating job. Asides from Lubitsch and the operetta-film, the most salient feature of films like Sunnyside Up (1929) and Follow Thru (1930) is the slenderness of their plots, which are willowy and attenuated in the extreme. Of course one expects musicals to have rather lightweight, simplistic storylines, but these movies extend rudimentary narrative conceits farther than one would think possible, coasting on pure charm.
In today's cinematic world, the art of the musical looks hopelessly difficult: how do you maintain enough story tension to keep the audience hooked, while suspending plot for minutes at a time to indulge in musical numbers which tend to capture the mood of a moment, extending it well past any narrative requirement? In the 30s, they not only did it regularly and effortlessly, they didn't...
Trawling through Hollywood musicals before Gold Diggers of 1933 is a fascinating job. Asides from Lubitsch and the operetta-film, the most salient feature of films like Sunnyside Up (1929) and Follow Thru (1930) is the slenderness of their plots, which are willowy and attenuated in the extreme. Of course one expects musicals to have rather lightweight, simplistic storylines, but these movies extend rudimentary narrative conceits farther than one would think possible, coasting on pure charm.
In today's cinematic world, the art of the musical looks hopelessly difficult: how do you maintain enough story tension to keep the audience hooked, while suspending plot for minutes at a time to indulge in musical numbers which tend to capture the mood of a moment, extending it well past any narrative requirement? In the 30s, they not only did it regularly and effortlessly, they didn't...
- 12/22/2011
- MUBI
Back in February of this year I completed my journey into watching all of Oscar's Best Picture winners when I caught the 1927 World War I feature Wings on Turner Classic Movies' "31 Days of Oscar", a gem of a month for anyone looking to catch films that are hard to find or are unable to find entirely. At the same time I also caught Cavalcade, a film that actually is on DVD, but only as a part of Fox's 75th Anniversary Collection, which will run you $389.99 based on [amazon asin="B0041T4LZQ" text="current pricing"]. No thanks. Wings, however, is about to become more readily available. Just as Paramount did when they released African Queen on March 23, 2010, which, at the time, was probably the highest profile studio feature not available on DVD and Blu-ray, the studio will now release Wings for the first time on DVD and Blu-ray on January 24, 2012 with a brand new restoration, which was detailed...
- 11/15/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Paramount Home Entertainment kicks off the studio’s centennial celebration in 2012 by releasing the inaugural Best Picture Academy Award® winner Wings for the first time ever on Blu-ray. and DVD January 24, 2012. Meticulously restored to give fans the chance to view the visually stunning epic in pristine condition, the 1927 World War I drama explores the devastating effects of war through the story of two men who go off to battle and the woman they both leave behind. Featuring groundbreaking aerial dogfights and epic battle sequences, Wings is both a cinematic spectacle and a compelling story of love and sacrifice that effectively dramatizes the bitter wages of war. The historic piece of cinema stars Clara Bow, Charles “Buddy” Rogers and Richard Arlen, and also features Gary Cooper in one of his first feature film roles.
The filming of Wings was a major undertaking for Paramount Pictures when it began shooting in September...
The filming of Wings was a major undertaking for Paramount Pictures when it began shooting in September...
- 11/15/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Big News: Mark Henry finally became a World Champion some fifteen years after his WWE debut when he pinned Randy Orton following a world’s strongest slam. Meanwhile John Cena became the New WWE champion after he made Alberto Del Rio tap to the Stf and Triple H maintained his position as COO when he defeated Cm Punk in a match laden with interference.
Opening video package highlighted the build to the nights big matches whilst asking some key questions about the competitors:
“Will the Viper lose his power to Mark Henry”
“Will Del Rio lose control of his destiny to John Cena”
“Will Triple H lose his control of his command at the hands of the outspoken Cm Punk.”
Great job here of creating dramatic intrigue surrounding these key clashes.
Tag Team Titles: Air Boom defeated Awesome Truth via disqualification
Kofi and Miz locked up with Miz getting...
Opening video package highlighted the build to the nights big matches whilst asking some key questions about the competitors:
“Will the Viper lose his power to Mark Henry”
“Will Del Rio lose control of his destiny to John Cena”
“Will Triple H lose his control of his command at the hands of the outspoken Cm Punk.”
Great job here of creating dramatic intrigue surrounding these key clashes.
Tag Team Titles: Air Boom defeated Awesome Truth via disqualification
Kofi and Miz locked up with Miz getting...
- 9/19/2011
- by Laurent Kelly
- Obsessed with Film
"Greg La Cava is, to my mind, the No. 1 director of these great and grand and glorious United States of ours. I have many friends, Directors, and I hate to have to expose my hand like this." —William Claude Dukenfield.
W.C. Fields, celebrated this month at the Film Forum in New York, might possibly be the greatest of the talking clowns, eclipsing even the Marx Bros, even Laurel & Hardy. It's easy to forget he had a substantial silent career before talkies, so crucial does that distracted drawl seem to his star identity. While Chaplin, Keaton and Lloyd seemed somewhat diminished when audible words emerged from their lips, like Stan and Ollie, Fields blossomed in talkies. But, though they truly excel when offered the gift of speech, their silents are nothing to be sneezed at either.
Although Fields' talkies often had gifted comedy directors at the helm, notably former Keaton collaborator Clyde Bruckman,...
W.C. Fields, celebrated this month at the Film Forum in New York, might possibly be the greatest of the talking clowns, eclipsing even the Marx Bros, even Laurel & Hardy. It's easy to forget he had a substantial silent career before talkies, so crucial does that distracted drawl seem to his star identity. While Chaplin, Keaton and Lloyd seemed somewhat diminished when audible words emerged from their lips, like Stan and Ollie, Fields blossomed in talkies. But, though they truly excel when offered the gift of speech, their silents are nothing to be sneezed at either.
Although Fields' talkies often had gifted comedy directors at the helm, notably former Keaton collaborator Clyde Bruckman,...
- 4/21/2011
- MUBI
Gene Siskel and I were like tuning forks. Strike one, and the other would pick up the same frequency. When we were in a group together, we were always intensely aware of one another. Sometimes this took the form of camaraderie, sometimes shared opinions, sometimes hostility. But we were aware. If something happened that we both thought was funny but weren't supposed to, God help us if one caught the other's eye. We almost always thought the same things were funny. That may be the best sign of intellectual communion.
Gene died ten years ago on February 20, 1999. He is in my mind almost every day. I don't want to rehearse the old stories about how we had a love/hate relationship, and how we dealt with television, and how we were both so scared the first time we went on Johnny Carson that, backstage, we couldn't think of the name of a single movie,...
Gene died ten years ago on February 20, 1999. He is in my mind almost every day. I don't want to rehearse the old stories about how we had a love/hate relationship, and how we dealt with television, and how we were both so scared the first time we went on Johnny Carson that, backstage, we couldn't think of the name of a single movie,...
- 2/21/2009
- by Roger Ebert
- blogs.suntimes.com/ebert
The 13th annual Kansas Silent Film Festival will be held on February 27th and 28th, 2009 and will play host to both the U.S.A. Premiere of a restored ‘lost’ feature film and the Kansas Premiere of a new documentary on silent film star, Mary Pickford. Sponsored by Washburn University, this event will take place at White Concert Hall on campus. Admission is free and open to the public. For more current information, check out our website at www.kssilentfilmfest.org.
The U.S.A. Premiere is Barelys the Magnificent, a previously ‘lost’ MGM feature film from 1926 starring John Gilbert in a swashbuckling romantic adventure based on a novel by Rafael Sabatini. It’s a sumptuous, exciting tale set in 17th Century France with a cavalier lover who steals women’s hearts, but cannot find the words for the woman he truly loves. There’s a rousing climax that outdoes...
The U.S.A. Premiere is Barelys the Magnificent, a previously ‘lost’ MGM feature film from 1926 starring John Gilbert in a swashbuckling romantic adventure based on a novel by Rafael Sabatini. It’s a sumptuous, exciting tale set in 17th Century France with a cavalier lover who steals women’s hearts, but cannot find the words for the woman he truly loves. There’s a rousing climax that outdoes...
- 1/29/2009
- by [email protected] (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Academy Award Sale To Be Banned
A jury in Los Angeles has ruled in favour of blocking the sale of two Oscars awarded to silent movie legend Mary Pickford.
Three female heirs, descended from a woman who married Pickford's third husband, Buddy Rogers, wanted to auction the star's two coveted statuettes, including the Best Actress Academy Award, which she scooped for 1929 movie Coquette in her first speaking role.
The trio also wanted to sell an honourary Academy Award handed to Rogers in 1986 for his humanitarian work.
The unnamed sellers hoped to raise money for charity from the sale - but Academy bosses argued that Pickford signed an agreement in the 1970s barring the trophies' sale.
In the 1950s, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences implemented a rule against selling Oscars in a bid to preserve the awards' unique value. According to the agreement signed by Pickford, the academy has the right to buy back Oscars for up to $10 (GBP6.80) before any statuette can be sold.
And a jury in L.A. decided on Monday that the current owners of the statuettes are bound by the agreement.
The ruling paves the way for a judge to officially block the sale in a hearing due to take place next week (beg22Dec08).
Three female heirs, descended from a woman who married Pickford's third husband, Buddy Rogers, wanted to auction the star's two coveted statuettes, including the Best Actress Academy Award, which she scooped for 1929 movie Coquette in her first speaking role.
The trio also wanted to sell an honourary Academy Award handed to Rogers in 1986 for his humanitarian work.
The unnamed sellers hoped to raise money for charity from the sale - but Academy bosses argued that Pickford signed an agreement in the 1970s barring the trophies' sale.
In the 1950s, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences implemented a rule against selling Oscars in a bid to preserve the awards' unique value. According to the agreement signed by Pickford, the academy has the right to buy back Oscars for up to $10 (GBP6.80) before any statuette can be sold.
And a jury in L.A. decided on Monday that the current owners of the statuettes are bound by the agreement.
The ruling paves the way for a judge to officially block the sale in a hearing due to take place next week (beg22Dec08).
- 12/16/2008
- WENN
The fate of Mary Pickford's 1930 Oscar for best actress soon will be in the hands of a Los Angeles jury as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences heads to court Monday to stop the sale of the statuette.
The Oscar was awarded to "America's sweetheart" for her performance in 1929's "Coquette," the first best actress honor given for a performance in a "talkie." The statuette is in possession of the estate of Beverly Rogers, the second wife of Charles "Buddy" Rogers, who was married to Pickford for 40 years until her death in 1979.
When Buddy Rogers died in 1999, Beverly Rogers inherited his estate, which included the 1930 Oscar as well as an honorary Academy Award given to Pickford in 1976 and Buddy Rogers' 1986 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
At the center of the dispute is a handwritten will ordering that the 1930 statuette be auctioned off, with proceeds donated to charity...
The Oscar was awarded to "America's sweetheart" for her performance in 1929's "Coquette," the first best actress honor given for a performance in a "talkie." The statuette is in possession of the estate of Beverly Rogers, the second wife of Charles "Buddy" Rogers, who was married to Pickford for 40 years until her death in 1979.
When Buddy Rogers died in 1999, Beverly Rogers inherited his estate, which included the 1930 Oscar as well as an honorary Academy Award given to Pickford in 1976 and Buddy Rogers' 1986 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
At the center of the dispute is a handwritten will ordering that the 1930 statuette be auctioned off, with proceeds donated to charity...
- 11/30/2008
- by By Leslie Simmons
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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