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June 30, 2004
roundtable short doc night
time: 7:30pm where: 32 Second Avenue and Second Avenue admission: $5 symposium: Q&A with the filmmakers following the screening reception: at Dempseys on Second Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets
Nuthin' But The Blues by Rebecca Conroy (8 mins) Praise HA! by Wendy R. Corn & Andrew Guidone (30 mins) June 29, 2004
super size soundtrack party
when: Tuesday, June 29th time: 9pm-12am where: Sweet & Vicious rsvp: rsvp@reelroundtable.com (include "Super Size Me" in the subject) url: Super Size Me - http://www.supersizeme.com *Complimentary Red Stripe from 9pm-10pm ** Join us and meet Steve Horowitz, music composer for Super Size Me *** Sponsored by Roadside Attractions/ Samuel Goldwyn, The Reel Roundtable, Red Stripe, Kinkysour Recordings, the Manhattan Producers Alliance
June 28, 2004
good party, bad haircut
Wasn't out on the town with iW, but it sure felt like it. My friend David, a film producer, was hosting a little party on Saturday night at his humble abode...and I offered to DJ. For a few days prior to the party, David being a non-drinker, continued calling and asking questions such as; "how much alcohol should I have? what type of alcohol? where should I buy the alcohol? what kind of food? how much food?" David also wanted to hire someone to run the barbecue and bartend and could I recommend anyone? As if I know anything about hosting parties?? The party was a blast; it was my first attempt ever at DJing, the barbecue was a success, the bar worked out great, the people were a lot of fun, David had a wonderful time and what was supposed to end around midnight....ending up lasting until well past 5am. The very mixed crowd, which included the 6'8 Italian guy Vinnie, a couple of editors, producers, actors, my friend Cindy, etc...were dancing until dawn. Since the party was located on East Broadway, which is not near any traffic nor any subways, we all shared a car service going home. The first drop-off was in Soho and I was the second in the East Village. Said my goodbyes, got out of the car and was walking down my block when I was approached by a hairdresser from behind. He had mistaken me for his friend Sara and after realizing I wasn't Sara, he insisted that my hair was all wrong and suggested we go get some breakfast. A couple of eggs and potatoes later, Chen Lo and I went our separate ways and I finally arrived home at 7am. Posted to day to day at 02:49PM | PermaLink
June 24, 2004
the city that never sleeps
I was strolling by the Lowes in my neighborhood on Wednesday night and I noticed that Fahrenheit 9/11 was playing all through the night, every hour on the hour, so I dropped in for the 1am screening which ended up selling out. This was perfect because I had not bought tickets yet and a majority of my friends had mentioned they had tickets for the weekend, fortunately I was able to see the actual film before I knew the entire movie from hearsay. I was at the end of the line which looked like an exaggerated boa constrictor, winding around the escalators on the third floor of the theater. The audience's age was probably 75% 21yrs-26yrs, 20% 27yrs-37yrs and 5% other age groups. The main reason why there was such an overwhelming amount of students, for those of you who are not familiar with NYC, the theater sits in the middle of New York University's newly expanded campus, come to think about it...the entire city sits in the middle of the newly expanded campus. The audience was very inspiring and even though I had my book in hand, I simply couldn't bring myself to open it because of the surrounding excitement and positive energy. My 1am screening-guilt was short lived and their energy was quickly absorbed. The Lowes is not used to snake lines similar to those at the Angelika, the master of snake lines, and they let the tail end into the theater first which worked out well for me...I had my choice of seats amongst a sold-out house. Inside the theater was like a party; people were passing around and sharing assorted snacks and sodas, everyone was talking to one another, meeting new people and sharing their love. I kept wondering if the very idea of Moore's honest movement for a liberal and democratic country had made this audience so harmonious? But then I thought, maybe all of these people already know each other? Though they seemed to be strangers when we were waiting outside? Well, maybe they are all really high? They are eating a lot of candy? But they do seem very coherent and I don't smell anything. Either way, the excited audience was a breath of fresh air. Well, I really loved the film....as did the carefree students, the audience gave a lengthy and harmonious ovation. Moore did such a tremendous job, his film is extremely sobering and at the same time very comical. The star/villain GWB, is out-right hysterical and scarier than ever. I recommend Fahrenheit 9/11... two thumbs up, four stars and five apples! Hats off Mike! You have my vote!
June 23, 2004
summer movies - part I
_____________________ - full list * full list * The Corporation __________ * docs * "The Corporation" (release date June 30th) by Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott, Joel Bakan "Fahrenheit 9/11" (release date June 25th) by Michael Moore "Super Size Me" by Morgan Spurlock "The Hunting of the President" by Gene Lyons, Joe Conason "Bukowski: Born into This" by John Dullaghan "The Story of the Weeping Camel" by Byambasuren Davaa, Luigi Falorni "Control Room" by Jehane Noujaim __________ * not docs *
"Young Adam" by David Mackenzie "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by Alfonso Cuaron "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" by Rawson Marshall Thurber _____________ * coming soon * Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy June 22, 2004
a roundabout in your face
So, thousands of people were lined up in Midtown today to meet the former President Bill Clinton, buy his memoir "My Life" and have their book signed. I read that the former president's memoir has a first printing of 1.5 million, advance orders have already topped 2 million and even though the official release is today, it's been near the top of Amazon.com's best-seller list for the past month. According to the Associated Press, both Borders and Barnes & Noble stayed open past midnight last night in order to sell the book. A roundabout way to say "in your face Ken Starr" and "any thoughts Congress?" In all seriousness, aside from the book critics, has anyone finished the memoir yet? Any feedback on Bill's bio? Inquiring minds want to know! June 17, 2004
Super Size Me-usic!!
Morgan Spurlock's (co-blogger) soundtrack for Super Size Me is being released next Tuesday, June 29th! My buddy Steve Horowitz composed the music score for Super Size Me and asked the Reel Roundtable to host a CD Release Party!
Steve-o is an incredible musician, an extremely talented composer and he wrote a perfect and charming score for Morgan and for his movie Super Size Me. Steve-o also works with Joe Carroll at the Manhattan Producers Alliance and Joe, who I adore, is another incredible music composer. Joe has scored for many tremendous movies such as Muppets Take Manhattan, not to mention, has been a panelist on the Reel Roundtable's Music and Film panels...so we love Joe! If you are interested in meeting Steve and asking him questions about the film, The Manhattan Producers Alliance is hosting an evening with Steve-o, and Sound Supervisor, Hans Ten Broeke tomorrow night (Friday, June 19th). Again, that's (tomorrow night).... When: Friday, June 18th from 7pm-10pm
Aside from composing, Steve has a rockin' band, The Code International and they'll be playing this Wednesday, June 23rd at the Knitting Factory. I highly recommend them, awesome sounds and original style. When: on Wednesday, June 23rd from 8pm-10pm Last but not least, don't miss the Super Size Me soundtrack release celebration! When: on Tuesday, June 29th 2004 **Sponsored by Red Stripe, Kinkysour Recordings, Samuel Goldwyn, The Reel Roundtable, Manhattan Producers Alliance
June 14, 2004
an upsetting unveiling
On my way to a meeting this morning, I had put some time aside to have a cup of java with mi madre at her place. I turned CNN on and unexpectedly found a live shot of Former President Clinton, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton sitting in the East Room of the White House. I turned up the volume and heard the old familiar voice of George W Bush and realized it wasn't a dream...the nightmare continues. Glancing at the bottom of the screen, it read they were unveiling the official portraits of our Former President and First Lady for the White House. Bush continued to introduce Former President Clinton and Senator Rodham Clinton with hokey pokey gibberish which had been written down on a piece of paper and on the teleprompters before him; he spoke about the Clinton's childhoods, when the couple met each other, the Former First Mother and other meaningless information...regarding the unveiling, and ironically skipping over anything pertaining to Clinton's eight year term in the White House. Incidentally, Former President Clinton's first trip to the White House as a child is more important than any of these issues?? peace in the Middle East, Arms Control, Peace in Bosnia with NATO and installing peacekeepers, peace in Kosovo, nearly 23 million new jobs, moving record deficits to record surplus, protected 60 million acres of heritage forests, saving social security, adopted the most stringent air pollution standards, clean water act, safeguarded national wildlife refuge, created 84 million-acre coral reef ecosystem reserve, blocked harmful offshore oil drilling, act for the right-to-know about chemicals and toxins, expanded recycling of waste materials, the food quality safety act, education, crime, lowest federal spending as a share of the economy...etc...etc...etc... Then the Former President stepped up to the podium to speak about how it was a great honor and how it was "wonderful to be back in the place we called home for eight years." As he was speaking I was interrupted by my mother who was handing me tissues while patting my back and saying "don't worry, he was a once in a lifetime president."
Listening to Former President Clinton speak while reading the ticker below "Baghdad bomb kills 13 -- 4 British soldiers face Iraq abuse charges," was surprisingly more emotional than I would have thought, especially since similar headlines occur everyday. Only it was different today, because I was reminded that if our former leader was still in office, I would not be reading these tragic headlines and those 13 people killed by a bomb in Baghdad...those fathers, mothers, sons, daughters would still be alive, as would thousands of others. So, I had to quickly wash my face, wash away my teary eyes and head off off to my meeting. June 13, 2004
20 Tips for screenplay readings
1. less is more 2. don't be a director, be the writer 3. tell it like a story, leave out words such as cut to, interior, exterior, fade 4. the same actor can play any ethnicity, any race and any age - the more roles the actors are given, the more enthusiastic they will be 5. full rehearsals for readings are not always necessary, I find that explaining the character's background, upbringing and mood is much more important 6. always feed the actors, take care of them like they are taking care of you 7. have endless amounts of water for actors 8. feed actors with vegetables, fruits, snacks...nothing too heavy because you don't want them hitting a wall in the middle of your reading 9. always provide the audience with programs, and try including pictures and contact numbers of the actors -- they are providing a service, so it's only right to service them as well 10. casting directors and agents should always be acknowledged and thanked, their services and telephone calls take more time than anyone can imagine 11. if you're confident with the characters which you have developed, it's your job to trust the actors to bring them to life 12. allow the audience the freedom to envision the colors and specific details of imagery 13. understand that with readings, there are expenses; programs, food, water, copies of scripts, location...but hearing your work read aloud in front of an audience is priceless 14. with readings comes a lot of trust and you should trust the experience of actors, casting directors and the audience...you can always benefit from the experience of others 15. stage directions is so important, make sure you cast someone who's voice will compliment your script -- if you have a talented actor-friend who is normally upbeat, it may hurt a a script that is dramatic 16. invite as many people as possible, the larger the audience the more reaction you'll receive and you may be surprised to see at what points they laugh, gasp, etc.. 17. invite development companies, agents, managers, investors, friends etc... 18. try to cut the script down, a perfect length for a reading is 100-110 pages at the most 19. try to keep your scripts timely, for example; if you finished the script a few years ago and you have a scene with a walkman, replace walkman with iPod 20. tape record the reading, this will allow you to focus on the reading instead of watching the audience and how they react June 12, 2004
lunatic-nic 2004
Aside from the Reel Roundtable's film series and reading series, we also have a party series, it's called Now Playing. Although it is a party series and we are a film organization, the parties are not to be mistaken with your average film party... - there are no sponsors So, why would anyone waste their time? I do know that I always have a blast. good people So, we had our first annual picnic on Sunday, I awoke in the morning to find rain and although I was disappointed, I had no problem falling back to sleep on a rainy Sunday morning. After receiving a few telephone inquires regarding the outdoor event, I began to question the turn-out of a possible not-so-picture-perfect picnic. Then Jason and I decided to meet and head up to the beautiful spot in the park on 106th Street and Central Park West, and to my surprise...the picnic was in full force. Not only was the picnic in full force, there were jugs full of free-flowing cosmopolitans, baskets of sandwiches, coolers of beer, bags of chips, desserts, utensils, plates, napkins and the picnic tables were covered with those colorful picnic table coverings. It turned out to be a wonderful picnic, the temperature was just right, there wasn't any humidity, and the park was greener than one could ever imagine. Not to mention, the park was so quiet and peaceful up on 106th Street, it's a perfect picnic spot. We played bad mitten, pass the pigs and occupied the area until 8:00pm when the picnic was actually set to end at 5:00pm. Even at 8pm we didn't want to leave, but the temperature was getting a bit cooler and none of us were prepared with our sleeping bags. A good time was had by all and I simply can't wait to do it again! June 11, 2004
suburban 911
On Saturday afternoon, my friend Cinful and I were relaxing outside Cafe Mogador in the East Village when Cin's cell started ringing, it was my cousin requesting our assistance in an ongoing situation in the West Village. We paid the bill, walked over and met up with my cousin and her out-of-town friends (a couple and their kid). They were spending the day together and my cousin was in need of quick relief. My cousin used to party with them before they settled and had a kid, so obviously their habits have changed, but so did their language? But I do know parents who still speak the same as they did prior to parenthood..just not this couple. Now they speak a little slower, a little louder and their sentences always end with positive reinforcement. Not just when they speak to their adorable kid, but to everyone...even each other? So, we decide to head over to a bar to watch the Belmont Stakes and they asked me to choose the destined watering hole. We arrived at Kettle of Fish where they continued to tell me over and over how pleased they were with my choice. (a little slower and a little louder than your average person) I kept thinking any minute they were going to reward me by sticking a little gold star on my shirt or maybe even a doggie treat. No stars or treats, but I was rewarded, I was rewarded with a nice cold drink. After watching the quick demise of Smarty Jones at the Belmont Stakes, Cinful decided to take off and although I was tempted, I didn't have it in me to leave my cousin alone with the suburban couple, so we all continued on to dinner. While at dinner, I was looking at the other tables, most of which were occupied by Saturday night dates...tables and tables of people searching for the life which was seated to my left and to my right. It was funny because at our table my cousin and I were being asked "So, what are you two ladies doing tonight? Are you going out dancing? You'll be hitting the clubs, right? What time do you girls usually go out at night? Are you going to meet some guys tonight?" The suburban couple was kind and really entertaining, but our goal was to simply get out alive. Posted to day to day at 03:40PM | PermaLink
June 08, 2004
helicopter party
If I didn't know better, I would think there was a helicopter party going on right now and since I don't have a helicopter...I wasn't invited. Actually, the raucous is due to a huge labor rally (FDNY, NYPD and the teachers' union) which started at 4:30pm at City Hall Park. This is the NY which I know and love!! If you don't agree, take it to the Hall! So, tens of thousands of teachers, police officers and firefighters are demanding fair labor contracts with the Bloomberg administration. The teachers' union has been without a contract since last year; city contracts with the firefighters' and police unions expired in July 2002??? Come on Bloomberg...get off your behind and give the Finest, the Bravest and the Brightest what they need!
Posted to day to day at 05:37PM | PermaLink
June 07, 2004
down to the wire
The writer Barry Brown (Spike Lee's editor) and Karla Brown have quite a production planned for this evening. Love their casting choices; Fisher Stevens, Ranjit Chowdhry (Autumn in New York, I'm Not Rappaport), Silvestre Rasuk (Raising Victor Vargas, Men Without Jobs), Tony Serpico (Cop Land, Donnie Brasco, Hannibal), Manny Perez (Washington Heights, Party Monster, Crooklyn, Courage Under Fire), Ronald Gutman (The Believer, The Hunt for Red October, Green Card, Avalon) and 14 other talented actors! I know...20 actors...can you imagine? This is the first time I've worked on a reading with more than 14 actors, so it should be quite an experience. Aside from the actors, Barry is using projection for still images and music! I love it! We're meeting at the theater in a couple of hours...at 3:30pm for a run through with the actors, to set up the projector, the screen, test the images, the music, the sound levels, set up the stage, pick up the programs for the audience, etc... So far everything is under control and running smoothly, but still nervous...always a bit nervous. Will check in tomorrow! June 02, 2004
All About Readings These Days
My cohort Van and I attended a reading last night at the Zipper Theater (336 W. 37th St), which is where the Roundtable's reading series takes place. Although I love readings, last night my primary goal was to check out a reading which was taking place on the set of the Zipper's new production Here Lies Jenny, starring Bebe Neuwirth. Since our readings are this Monday, June 7th and next Monday, June 14th, it was a good opportunity to watch another reading and make sure the props from Here Lies Jenny would not interfere with our reading or distract the audience. Aside from that, it's always a pleasure seeing the very awesome and accommodating folks at the Zipper, the lovely and talented casting director Caroline Sinclair and the phenomenal kid-casting director Kerry Lea.
As the reading began, it was a pleasant surprise to see some familiar faces on stage; a few of which who have participated in prior Roundtable readings and then a few who were simply familiar, such as Ron Rifkin.
Following the reading, we stopped in at a bar down the street only to bump into the Naked Angels/ Tuesdays @ 9 crowd, which is one of my favorite reading series in the city. Tuesdays @ 9 has cold readings of scenes and their premise is to have writers hear their new text read aloud by actors in a public forum. The unique and special aspect of Tuesdays @ 9 is the strong community which they have built made up of primarily creative writers and talented actors. So, we were fortunate to run into some of our friends from Tuesdays; actress Stephanie Brooke, actor Randy Ryan, Joe Hurley of the Irish Echo, and Joe Danisi of Tuesdays @ 9. (www.nakedangels.com/tuesday.asp)
Posted to day to day at 06:58PM | PermaLink
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