After a whirlwind of a festival weekend, Playhouse West students were left feeling exhausted but incredibly inspired. There's so much more to recap about the weekend, and we promise to update the blog soon with details about the last few films that were screened (including the feature film that received the most awards-- "Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed," co-written by and starring our very own Lincoln Hoppe), as well as a full list of festival award winners.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
One on One: Kylia Azevedo-Jones [Jingle All the Way]
We stopped to talk to one of the film festival's youngest participants, Miss Kylia! She wowed the crowd with her motivational words during the Q & A of "Jingle All the Way." Here's what she had to say about the film.
"My experience was good because I actually got to work with Ingrid. It was also cool because I got to act like a bad kid. And I really liked the festival last year so I was happy to be in one of the movies. I want to do it again next year, and the year after, and probably 20 more years."
Photo: Director Ingrid Clay, Kylia, and her best friend Arianna
"My experience was good because I actually got to work with Ingrid. It was also cool because I got to act like a bad kid. And I really liked the festival last year so I was happy to be in one of the movies. I want to do it again next year, and the year after, and probably 20 more years."
Photo: Director Ingrid Clay, Kylia, and her best friend Arianna
One on One: Holly Gagnier [Sarah's Wish]
We were so glad to catch up with actress and beloved Playhouse West teacher, Holly Gagnier! Here's what she had to say.
"I am more proud of this film and the projects this year than just about my entire thirty year career combined. I think that the films were so good, and the quality was unbelievable. I couldn't be happier."
Thanks Holly! We love you, and congrats on your amazing film.
"I am more proud of this film and the projects this year than just about my entire thirty year career combined. I think that the films were so good, and the quality was unbelievable. I couldn't be happier."
Thanks Holly! We love you, and congrats on your amazing film.
One on One: Tony Savant [Director]
Ladies and gents, the man himself-- film festival director Tony Savant is here to share a few words of motivation.
"I think what people are seeing this weekend is the result of this collective artistic community that has been growing for years. Playhouse West has a viable community of filmmakers that, for the first time, rivals any film school in the country. I'm excited about that because that was one of my goals 14 years ago when I became the director of the festival. It's so exciting to see the quality of the work all weekend long. The quality alone shoud be so inspirational to every aspiring actor, writer and director at Playhouse or anywhere! And I know that it is, because I have heard over and over, even from outside filmmakers, that this is the highest quality of work that anyone has seen at any film festival. There isn't a bad film this weekend! Not one. And most film festivals cannot say that."
Couldn't agree more, Tony! Hope everyone is enjoying the final day.
"I think what people are seeing this weekend is the result of this collective artistic community that has been growing for years. Playhouse West has a viable community of filmmakers that, for the first time, rivals any film school in the country. I'm excited about that because that was one of my goals 14 years ago when I became the director of the festival. It's so exciting to see the quality of the work all weekend long. The quality alone shoud be so inspirational to every aspiring actor, writer and director at Playhouse or anywhere! And I know that it is, because I have heard over and over, even from outside filmmakers, that this is the highest quality of work that anyone has seen at any film festival. There isn't a bad film this weekend! Not one. And most film festivals cannot say that."
Couldn't agree more, Tony! Hope everyone is enjoying the final day.
One on One: Bruce Shetler
We caught up with Bruce Shetler this morning, who co-wrote and starred in "Broken" this weekend!
"The one thing I would say is that making a film is a lot of work, but it's not as hard as everyone thinks. I was really inspired last year and getting intimidated can slow you down, but if you work a little bit everyday you'll make it happen. And don't be afraid of how it's gonna turn out. We're students, we're not making 'Citizen Kane' quite yet, so let it be what it's gonna be."
Thanks for checking in with us Bruce, and for your inspiring words. We're all so proud of you!
"The one thing I would say is that making a film is a lot of work, but it's not as hard as everyone thinks. I was really inspired last year and getting intimidated can slow you down, but if you work a little bit everyday you'll make it happen. And don't be afraid of how it's gonna turn out. We're students, we're not making 'Citizen Kane' quite yet, so let it be what it's gonna be."
Thanks for checking in with us Bruce, and for your inspiring words. We're all so proud of you!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Afterthoughts: Blue Like Jazz
Here are some anonymous thoughts on tonight's feature!
"It is a movie that I have not seen in a long time and that I haven't felt in a long time. It makes you think. I don't know if that is good or bad, but I liked it. I am not religious, but my mom is, and it made me think that I should look at things a little differently in order to appreciate what someone I love believes in. It made me think."
"Marshall was solid, as always. It was a very creative take on the memoir."
"Aww man, it was awesome! It was just super passionate and heartfelt. You could tell the four years they put into it really meant something."
"Marshall is hot!"
"It was good, I liked it. It hit me hard."
"It is a movie that I have not seen in a long time and that I haven't felt in a long time. It makes you think. I don't know if that is good or bad, but I liked it. I am not religious, but my mom is, and it made me think that I should look at things a little differently in order to appreciate what someone I love believes in. It made me think."
"Marshall was solid, as always. It was a very creative take on the memoir."
"Aww man, it was awesome! It was just super passionate and heartfelt. You could tell the four years they put into it really meant something."
"Marshall is hot!"
"It was good, I liked it. It hit me hard."
Michelle Coyle [Co-Director of PWFF; Make Like A Tree, All You Need, Grow A Pair]
It has been a long but inspiring day at the festival! Despite her busy agenda, we got a quick chat in with the wonderfully talented Michelle Coyle. Here's what she had to say about today's films.
"I am amazed at the quality this year. Everyone is getting so good at filming that it is impossible to pick a favorite. It's beautiful. My advice is to find people who are willing to help you and take advantage of it. You can't do everything. I've tried! It's hard to watch your own stuff because you see all the flaws but I am really happy with how they turned out. People laughed at the right times and have had a great response, so I'm proud."
We are so proud of you, Michelle! Congrats on all your hard work!
Photo: Marilyn Heidecker and Michelle Coyle
"I am amazed at the quality this year. Everyone is getting so good at filming that it is impossible to pick a favorite. It's beautiful. My advice is to find people who are willing to help you and take advantage of it. You can't do everything. I've tried! It's hard to watch your own stuff because you see all the flaws but I am really happy with how they turned out. People laughed at the right times and have had a great response, so I'm proud."
We are so proud of you, Michelle! Congrats on all your hard work!
Photo: Marilyn Heidecker and Michelle Coyle
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