Karen Wilson from cinecultist.com introduces When Brendan Met Trudy

When: Monday, January 17th, 2005 at 7:30pm

Brendan and Trudy is an unlikely relationship that forms between a Dublin schoolteacher and a free-spirited woman with a hidden profession. Brendan spends his off hours watching old movies and singing in a local choir. One night, he meets Trudy in a pub, and they agree to meet at the cinema later that week. When Trudy stands Brendan up, he tracks her down....

About Cinecultist.com: Karen Wilson is a film writer and editor living in the East Village of New York City. She holds a master of the arts in cinema studies from New York University. She started Cinecultist.com in May 2003 as a way to keep track of all of the movies she watches each week and as an easy reference for friends and family who asked "what have you seen lately?" When asked "what is your favorite movie?," she always answers, "Annie Hall."

Where: The Millennium Theater on 66 E. 4th Street, between 2nd and Bowery.

Next Event: On Monday, January 31st with AIVF.

(excerpt from Greg.org)

Or maybe it's greg.org: the videoblog. It's a veritable greg.orgy: everybody come! [uh...]

On Monday, January 10th, I'm presenting a program of short films (including one of my own), video art, scenes from features, and other stuff, as part of The Reel Roundtable's Film and Blogs series.

But more than an elaborate excuse to show and talk about my own work (don't get me wrong, it IS that), I'm interested in seeing how a weblog functions over time as a programming/editorial/curatorial venue. The program re-imagines the weblog as a movie, or as movie-like, an event that you experience in a movie theater.

There are several ways a weblog's video/audio content could be transmitted as a program: as you find it (serendipitously, or chronologically, as you read it (reverse chronologically) narratively, categorically, or thematically. If this had remained only a production journal, it'd become a DVD extra. I took the thematic path.

I sifted through every film, short, animation, video, video art, and TV reference on greg.org, looking for common threads and recurring themes. I narrowed the list down to the ideas--and the works related to them--that I thought would make an interesting, entertaining, and representative evening.

The update is no longer an update because it's nine days overdue. Let’s call it gloating, it was a live performance therefore I am allowed.

Spaghetti Night exceeded any expectations that I may have had regarding the new style reading series…well, new for The Roundtable. I have to admit that all of the work which went into the evening paid off; reading various screenplays, choosing screenplays, casting actors, contacting the actors, editing the screenplays, rehearsing for the reading, etc...

Being that I am my own worst critic, I had a most joyous evening and am grateful to the exceptional actors and writers who participated and made the event one of my favorite Roundtable events in all seven seasons. Not to mention, we had an incredible audience.

The very talented screenplays that were submitted and then chosen were:

Adam, Carissa & Lloyd by Mark Brewster Smith (drama)
The Push by Bryan Blatstein and Stephen Camelio (comedy/drama)
The Product of 3C by Michelle Pilar Hamill (drama)
Single Bullet Theory by Mike Bencivenga (romantic comedy)

The superb talent who participated in each of the readings:

Sarah Bloom
Jason Dietz
Mike Hall
Justin Henry
Julie Hera
John McDermott
John Pasha
Karyn Plonsky
Susan Stewart
Van Troung

Aside from the festivals in Park City....

This coming Monday at the Millennium (66 E. 4th St at 7:30pm), The Roundtable's first screenplay reading of the season.

Personally, I love everything about the readings, except that they're so much freaken work.

So, The Roundtable has chosen 4 screenplays to be read on Monday (12/20/04). Twenty minutes of each screenplay will be read by Roundtable actors (talented actors who have submitted headshots over the years).

It's called Spaghetti Night -- casual, fun, family-style.

The goal of Spaghetti Night is for the writers to hear their work read aloud by actors, hopefully give the writers some energy to move forward with their work, introduce the actors & writers to each other, introduce them to the audience and most importantly...have fun!

After Monday, we have two weeks off to recover from the readings and to celebrate the holidays.

Returning on January 10th with Greg.org - Part Deux. The first time around, we were given the introduction and inspiration of Greg.org...next time Greg returns for the kill. He's going to unleash his video blogs on the large screen!

On January 17th, we're having a special visit from Cinecultist.com (aka: Karen Wilson) (aka: lucky soul who just interviewed Wes Anderson for Gothamist.com). Karen started Cinecultist.com in May 2003 as a way to keep track of all of the movies she watches each week and as an easy reference for friends and family who asked "what have you seen lately?" When asked "what is your favorite movie?," she always answers, "Annie Hall."

The following week we're in Park City....

And we'll be finishing off January 2005 on Monday the 31st with the best of the best...AIVF and Every Mother's Son.

So thrilled with the film series this season, up until now....

we screened a night of amazing political films - all which were submitted at our 'political film party'

then Michelle Coe (Program Administrator) and Cindy Kridle (Marketing Manager) of Women Make Movies joined us and screened Girl Wrestler which premieres tonight on the PBS Series Independent Lens. Both Michelle and Cindy spoke to the Roundtable audience about projects which they are currently working on, how WMM chooses which films to help and their role in the indepdent film industry.

the following week Greg Allen joined the series and screened Hirokazu Kore-eda's After Life. Greg of greg.org spoke about his weblog and how he first viewed blogs as a vehicle to assist him in moving forward with his film career. Greg is a pioneer in the blogging world and is now writing for the NY Times, other well known publications, as well as producing video blogs which are compiled from films, videos, and works of art. They can be seen on greg.org.

This past Monday, Megan O'Neil - Director of Acquisitions for Atom Films, was kind enough to take time and hang out with The Roundtable. Megan, being a veteran of the short film industry had so much knowledge to share. Over the years, I've watched Megan persevere from starting out with her own short film company, Four Front Films, started by she and her husband which was later bought by Atom Films, then Megan was asked to work for Atom and was the nucleus of the short film-dot com explosion. Megan has stayed true to her strong belief in short films, still with www.atomshockwave.com she continues to buy shorts and is doing better than ever.

The focus of this season's Reel Roundtable's weekly film series is 'popular culture' and film...which includes the world of blogging.

Websites, emails and now...blogs are an extremely effective way in assisting the independent film community communicate and spread the word regarding films, festivals, and events.

We'll be taking a close look at the world wide web, the blogging community and the people behind the blogs.

On Monday December 6th, we are fortunate to have Greg Allen of greg.org join us.

Greg left his career as an investment strategy consultant in 2001 to write and direct films. Greg's weblog, greg.org, was then conceived as both a production blog and a documentation of the influences and inspirations for his work and ended up being named 'best culture' blog of 2003 by Slate.com.

After Life by Hirokazu Kore-eda is the film which Greg has programmed for tonight's event.

After Life, Hirokazu Kore-eda's second feature film, uses unassuming naturalistic and documentary techniques to tell a moving, supernatural story.

A group of bureaucrats in a heavenly way station have one week to help the recently deceased select their single most cherished memory, which they will hold with them for eternity.

Kore-eda's weaving of fact and fiction, interviews and narrative, and non-actor and professional in After Life exerted a significant influence on Greg Allen's Souvenir Series--twelve short films exploring different aspects of memory--and on his weblog, greg.org.

For more information about The Reel Roundtable's film series, check
ReelRoundtable.com - http://www.reelroundtable.com

Definitely check out Greg Allen's website
greg.org - http://www.greg.org

And for more information regarding the movie After Life, visit
kore-eda.com - http://www.kore-eda.com/w-life/afterlife/index.htm

This week has been devoted to Stage One. Stage One is The Reel Roundtable's screenplay reading series and this season our goal is to give writers & actors an opportunity.

Over the years we've received many submissions and just as many reasons why writers are interested in having their screenplay read aloud; in order to help with a revision, publicity, to hook up with producers and/or agents, etc...

After some brainstorming, we have decided to to break down the series into three different stages. I know it sounds confusing, but check this out.

The first is Spaghetti Night - 20 minutes of each feature length screenplay is read, four different screenplays are chosen, we cast, we produce, we direct, it's an informal reading, open to anyone, it's also free, it's fun, it's simple, there is no spaghetti but the atmosphere is similar to family style dinning.

The second is Maki-Mono - feature length script is read, it's raw, it's good, not every script goes on to Maki-Mono, it's the choice of The Roundtable but keep in mind we do take bribes, we cast, we direct, we produce, more attention to the writer and the script.

The final is the crème brûlée - a team of people are brought in to work on the feature length reading and its' details which include casting, directing, publicity, location, etc... Every situation is different, as is every crème brûlée.

Spaghetti Night takes place on Monday, December 20th at 7:30pm. The readings will be held at the Millennium Theater on 66 E. 4th Street, between Second & Bowery in NYC.

We have selected four screenplays and 20 minutes from each script will be read aloud. Join us and find out what's on the market.

Part I

Title: The Product of 3C
Writer: Michelle Pillar Hamill
Genre: Drama
Synopsis
A red-hot ad executive, his hopeless romantic assistant and a striper on the edge are linked by a traumatic event from childhood. Now it will take a sleazy tabloid journalist and an ambitious Vanity Fair editor to unleash their secrets, unraveling the mystery of their attachment and forcing them dowm a road ultimately leads to their salvation.

Part II

Title: The Push
Writer: Stephen Camello & Bryan Blastein
Genre: Comedy
Synopsis
The Push is the story of aspiring actor Will Vecchio, who is given the ultimatum – marry me or it’s over – by his long-time girlfriend Allie right before she leaves for a friend’s wedding in Los Angeles. Having only the weekend to figure out what to do, Will’s best friend Keith enlists some of Will’s eclectic group of almost-thirtysomething buddies to connect at old-school New York City night-on-the-town that will allow Will to relive his glory days as a bachelor and help him determine whether or not he is better off marrying Allie or going back to the single life.

Part III

Title: Adam Carlissa and Lloyd
Writer: Mark Brewster Smith
Genre: Drama
Synopsis
A window into the serendipitous meeting of three strangers, this is a story about the intangibles that draw people together and keep them connected long after they’ve parted ways.

Part IV

Title: Single Bullet Theory
Writer: Mike Bencievenga
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Synopsis
A romantic comedy about conspiracy theories and the true nature of love in the modern world. It's the story of Ben Denbo, a 30 year old paranoid public defender, who must sift through the wreckage of his life to unravel the mystery of why his long time love, Katie, suddenly up and left him. Along the way he makes some startling realizations about his role in the break up, love at first sight and who killed JFK.

An evening of political films, all made independently and all completed within the last six months.

The filmmakers will be present for the event this evening, Wednesday October 27th at 7:30pm.

The Political Film Series is taking place in the very appropriate East Village at the Millennium Theater on 66 East 4th Street, between Second Avenue and Bowery.

The evening will kick off with "Voting Machine" produced by the political organization Billionaires For Bush and was submitted by Allan Greenspend.

"How Long" a short film by Mike Williams.

"Divided We Stand" a short film by Trish Dalton & OHMS Media.

"The Dreams of Sparrows" a feature length film by Aaron Raskin

and finally..."Citizen You! Helping Your Government Help Itslef" a short film by Mike Lowe & Joe Garden of The Onion, and Randy Ostrow...better known as the The Better Citizenship Bureau.

The Reel Roundtable has a monthly screenplay reading series, Stage One.

Stage One is a collection of scripts which were submitted to the Reel Roundtable and selected by the Roundtable's Selection Committee.

The actors are cast by various well-know casting directors and from headshots which were submitted to the Reel Roundtable.

The Reel Roundtable does one to two readings a month. The writerssubmit for different reasons, whether to hear their script read aloud, to have their screenplay produced and/ or to attain a manager.
-----------------------

Here is the information of our first reading of this season:

It's on Monday, November 8th at 7:30pm

At the June Havoc Theater on 312 West 36th Street.

We will be reading Public Lives by Thomas Moore.

The screenplay is about Love and its' contradictions. Sometimes, the couple who lies is the one who stays together. Sometimes, the couple who faces the truth
is the one who breaks up.

Public Lives is a Semifinalist at American Accolades 2004, awarded a CineStory
Screenwriter’s Retreat Award and was a Quarterfinalist at New Century Writer’s Awards.

We have four separate series in New York City and we are screening films in other select cities.

The Reel Roundtable's Weekly Film Series takes place every Monday night.

Screening an independent film, participating in a discussion with a special guest
and afterwards, enjoy the company of the film community. All are invited to attend.

The Reel Roundtable put a call out for 'political film' submissions in July and the films which were submitted exceeded all expectations!

We will be screening each of the films submitted in October and on the eve of Election Day, November 1st.

The filmmakers and other special guests will be attending the screenings and will participate in a Q&A.

Stay tuned for a listing of screenings and guests similar to previous years...

Distribution Companies - Magnolia, Samuel Goldwyn, IFC Films, United Artists, ThinkFilm

Networks - PBS, IFC, Sundance Channel

Film Festivals - Atlanta Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Hamptons Film Festival, Montreal Film and Video Festival

Animators - Bill Plympton, Odd Todd

Production Companies - Emerging Pictures, Content Film

Acting Studios - Stella Adler, Vincent D'Nofrio

Film Organizations - NewFilmmakers, CineWomen, Film Movement, Filmmaker Magazine, Village Voice

Music - BMI, Cherry Lane, Atlantic Records

Like most festivals and markets, there's no such thing as "stopping by".

On Tuesday morning, I was on my way to the Apple Store on Prince Street and had intended on stopping by the Market afterwards, but since the Puck Building (location of the Market) is directly between my apartment and the Apple Store I decided to "stop by" the Market first.

As soon as you walk through the door, the kind volunteers are there to escort you to registration. I assume registration is normally a quick procedure, but because I was listed under "Sponsor" and "Industry" registration became a bit more confusing. Which badge should they give me? Do the badges effect events/panels/discussions which I am entitled to? Do they need to take another picture? All in all, they were pretty basic questions which can be confusing...and I am familiar with the questions from my volunteering days with the Slamdance Film Festival. You just want to do the "right" thing.

Twenty minutes later, I had my badge, walked around, and was able to catch up with various Roundtable participants.

The Market seems to be doing well this year. Their program has improved and there are many shorts, rough cuts and panels which I'd really like to attend.

After about an hour of catching up with the filmmakers, I was on my way over to the Apple Store when a few friends noted that they, too, had intended on going to the Apple Store.

Fast forward after the Apple Store, we continued on to some more IFP events, on and on until basically I was sleeping on my feet.

It was really nice to catch up with a lot of friends/ filmmakers from around the country who came in for the Market. Many are currently working on new projects which are screening this week and it was great to see so many of these talented people out and working on new projects.

On Tuesday evening, we hosted a "Political Party" for filmmakers to submit their political films. The doors were open to everyone and fortunately we had a wonderful turn out.

A variety of political organizations were in attendance, most of which brought submissions.

The evening was extremely successful with a great crowd and a total of eighteen film submissions. There was also a handful of people who were in attendance because they were interested in attending the upcoming screenings.

We received submissions from organizations such as The Better Citizenship Bureau, Billionaires for Bush, OHMS Media, Green Party Office Committee, Resist, Vomitorium 2004, NYC Indy media Center and more.

The Reel Roundtable's weekly film series takes place every Monday night beginning on September 27th and running through April 25th. During the last week in August we'll be announcing the schedule for our Fall season.

The political films are scheduled to screen on Monday, October 25th & Monday, November 1st. By the middle of next week, we'll post the line-up of political films as well as some photos from Tuesday's event.

Speaking of political films....here is another hilarious short.

Will Ferrell's hysterical - http://whitehousewest.com/

Join us on Tuesday, August 3rd for the Reel Roundtable's first ever Political Party!

When: Tuesday, August 3rd at 8:30pm

Where: Sweet Vicious Bar - 5 Spring St, btwen Elizabeth St & Bowery

Why: to have a good time & we're taking political film submissions

Who: sponsored by The Reel Roundtable

RSVP: rsvp@reelroundtable.com

Also, if you or someone you know has made a feature film, a short film and/ or a music video regarding politics then attach your business card to the DVD or VHS screener and bring your submission.

The political films will be screened with the Reel Roundtable's film series The Film Medley on

Monday, October 25th & Monday, November 1st

Remember it's a theme party, so dress accordingly.

Wear your creative political t-shirts, pins, hats, underwear, etc...

...before you do...

LEARN YOUR LEGALESE

An informational session on your rights and responsibilities as
a filmmaker: what you need to know and do before you sign
anything, send anything or agree to anything.

~~~

Speakers: Peter Fields, Esq., Partner &
Daniel Hank, Producer

Peter Fields, Esq., from Phillips Nizer Entertainment Practice

Daniel Hank is a New York based producer and production manager for over 15 years. He's worked on studio/ independent features/ network television series, over 500 television commercials and is currently developing an independent feature with the director of "The Blair Witch Project." Daniel is also in pre-production on a new series for the F/X network with Eric Schaeffer which will be shooting here in New York.

~~~

*** food & refreshments will be provided, space is limited

Learn how to....

make a simple email an official document
read and translate a contract
avoid being taken advantage of

You'll also learn the meaning of such phrases as....

"favored nations"
"right of first refusal"
"pari passu"
"to be recouped"

~~~

when: Wednesday, July 14th
time: 6:30pm-830pm, doors open at 6pm
where: Phillips Nizer, 666 Fifth Avenue, entrances on 52nd or 53rd Sts/ 28th floor

Super Size Me - Soundtrack Release Party

Tuesday, June 29th 2004
9pm - midnight
Sweet Vicious Bar
5 Spring Street, between Elizabeth Street and Bowery

Sponsored by The Reel Roundtable, Red Stripe, Roadside Attractions, Samuel Goldwyn and Kinkysour Records

** Look at more pictures from the party on www.reelroundtable.com.

Reel Roundtable Short Films on Wednesday, June 30th

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

LOOK TWICE by Max Frankston (30 mins)
Look Twice focuses on the relationship between the ultimate Pesci and DeNiro look-alikes.

Nuthin' But The Blues by Rebecca Conroy (8 mins)
Nuthin' But The Blues shows how an old fashioned guy can survive in the big city with the right sort of attitude, even if it is a bit depressing.

Praise HA! by Wendy R. Corn & Andrew Guidone (30 mins)
Praise HA! explores the healing effects of laughter. This is illustrated through peoples’ personal accounts of how laughter and a sense of humor has been the 'grease of God' to slide through when life is a 'bummer'.

Super Size Me Soundtrack Release Party

when: Tuesday, June 29th

time: 9pm-12am

where: Sweet & Vicious
5 Spring Street, between Elizabeth & Bowery

rsvp: rsvp@reelroundtable.com (include "Super Size Me" in the subject)

url: Super Size Me - http://www.supersizeme.com
Reel Roundtable - http://www.reelroundtable.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

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
Where: The Remote Lounge, 327 Bowery - between 2nd & 3rd Sts
RSVP: donhenze@manhattanproducersalliance.com
Cost: $5 (free if you mention The Reel Roundtable)

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
Where: the Knitting Factory - 74 Leonard Street

Last but not least, don't miss the Super Size Me soundtrack release celebration!

When: on Tuesday, June 29th 2004
Time: 9pm-12:30am, free beer from 9pm until 10pm
Where: Sweet & Vicious Bar - 5 Spring Street, betwen Elizabeth & Bowery

Join us and meet Steve Horowitz, composer of the music score for Super Size Me.

**Sponsored by Red Stripe, Kinkysour Recordings, Samuel Goldwyn, The Reel Roundtable, Manhattan Producers Alliance

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
- there isn't any free alcohol
- there are no chic gift bags
- there aren't any festivals to celebrate
- no film premieres
- no celebrities
- networking is not the focus

So, why would anyone waste their time?
Actually, I don't know, I really don't know.

I do know that I always have a blast.

good people
good times

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!

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!

The 2004 Columbia University Film Festival kicked off its' 17th anniversary on Saturday, May 1st. Some of the more recent notable accomplishments of Film Division alumni include the 2004 Oscar nomination for American Splendor (Best Adapted Screenplay), written and directed by Shari Springer Berman ('95) and Robert Pulcini ('94). Other important releases include Cold Mountain, produced by alumnus Alber Berger ('83), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, on which Michael Hausman (faculty) and Scott Ferguson ('96) both served as Assistant Directors.

The festival is held at the DGA Theater on 57th Street, between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue. The festival has two programs daily (5:30pm and 8:30pm) and is running through Tuesday, May 4th.

On Thursday, May 6th, they are hosting a faculty select screenplay reading series at 6pm at the McGraw-Hill Theater on 1221 Avenue of the Americas.

The Reel Roundtable and Magnolia Pictures will be hosting A Tribute to Charles Bukowski on Monday and we'll be screening Bukowski: Born Into This. It's the first comprehensive documentary of this extraordinary man. Following the screening, their will be a Bukowski party across the street at Patio, sign-up at the bar to read your favorite Bukowski poem at the open mic. For more information about the screening, check out the Reel Roundtable's website.