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
Lunch Break Chatter
The first two time slots are finished, and we caught up with a bunch of festival attendees during lunch break at Daphne's Greek Cafe across from the El Portal.
"Crescendo blew my mind. It was so beautiful and so well done." -Somya von Eames, PW student
"In opening ceremonies they say not to be a critic, but so far from everything I have seen there is no reason to be. It is inspiring and clever and so well done." - Sara Tomko, PW student
"I really liked "Why bitches be crazy" because of the way it was shot between the two characters. And the ending was so cute! The acting in "Serial Love" was great too. I'm having a lot of fun!" -Actress Gabrielle Christian
"Crescendo blew my mind. It was so beautiful and so well done." -Somya von Eames, PW student
"In opening ceremonies they say not to be a critic, but so far from everything I have seen there is no reason to be. It is inspiring and clever and so well done." - Sara Tomko, PW student
"I really liked "Why bitches be crazy" because of the way it was shot between the two characters. And the ending was so cute! The acting in "Serial Love" was great too. I'm having a lot of fun!" -Actress Gabrielle Christian
Ask the Audience: Early Morning Short Shorts
We asked a few audience members to share their thoughts about the films in our first time slot this morning! Here's what they had to say.
Q: Which film made you laugh the hardest this morning?
"Tie: Dial M and Diners Club" -Josh Denhardt, PW student
Q: Did any of the actors stand out to you in particular from the 9am time slot?
"The lead in 'Pink Eye' and all the Gibbons guys in 'Ratchet.' It was nice to see them do drama." -Chris Liebe, PW teacher
Q: Which film made you laugh the hardest this morning?
"Tie: Dial M and Diners Club" -Josh Denhardt, PW student
Q: Did any of the actors stand out to you in particular from the 9am time slot?
"The lead in 'Pink Eye' and all the Gibbons guys in 'Ratchet.' It was nice to see them do drama." -Chris Liebe, PW teacher
Rise & Shine for Day 2!
We're back with lots more film fun today, folks! The 9am time slot is going strong with short shorts. Updates to come!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Friday Night Feature: SAL
The first feature of the PWFF weekend was "Sal," directed by James Franco. "Sal" chronicles the last day of the life of actor Sal Mineo, just before he was stabbed to death outside his LA apartment. What a great story filled with incredible acting-- an awesome way to kick off the festival!
The film was written, directed, and produced by almost all PW alums, and starred Val Lauren, former PW student. Sadly, James Franco couldn't attend tonight due to a film he is shooting, but he sent along an awesome, motivational video for the crowd. The Q & A after the film featured producer Miles Levy and actor Jim Parrack.
The film was written, directed, and produced by almost all PW alums, and starred Val Lauren, former PW student. Sadly, James Franco couldn't attend tonight due to a film he is shooting, but he sent along an awesome, motivational video for the crowd. The Q & A after the film featured producer Miles Levy and actor Jim Parrack.
Opening Ceremony
Tony Savant opened our film festival with a moving and inspirational speech. Then came Kylia, Robert Carnegie's goddaughter, to introduce him with an adorable poem about how much he means to him and all of us.
Next Mr. C took the stage to talk about how much of a family we all develop here at PW. Both Tony and Mr. C raved about how our school is the only one who can take pride in putting up a festival that features films all involving it's students. We have a lot to be proud of, folks, and will continue give inspired all weekend long!
Next Mr. C took the stage to talk about how much of a family we all develop here at PW. Both Tony and Mr. C raved about how our school is the only one who can take pride in putting up a festival that features films all involving it's students. We have a lot to be proud of, folks, and will continue give inspired all weekend long!
One on One: Andrea Dantas [PHW High]
We caught actress Andrea Dantas, who co-stars in (as well as wrote and produced) "PHW High" after she walked the red carpet. Here's what she had to say!
"It was a great opportunity to celebrate what our school is about since the film is a parody of Playhouse West. We had so many PW people involved and playing a girl obsessed with James Franco, who is an icon of our school, was a hilarious experience. The girls involved with this film have become my family, so I got so much more out of it than just the experience of making a film. I couldn't be more proud."
We loved chatting with Andrea and can't wait to see her in "PHW High" on Saturday in the 3:30pm time slot!
"It was a great opportunity to celebrate what our school is about since the film is a parody of Playhouse West. We had so many PW people involved and playing a girl obsessed with James Franco, who is an icon of our school, was a hilarious experience. The girls involved with this film have become my family, so I got so much more out of it than just the experience of making a film. I couldn't be more proud."
We loved chatting with Andrea and can't wait to see her in "PHW High" on Saturday in the 3:30pm time slot!
One on One: Kim Beavers [Karma's a Bitch, PHW High, Ratchet, and more!]
Kim Beavers was involved in so many of this year's films. We were so glad to snag her for a quick chat! Here's what she had to say.
"I know that I want to do this for the rest of my life. You learn who you want to work with again throughout this process. Being involved in all aspects of filmmaking helped me to learn what really does it for me-- I have had fun, but I just want to act. Helping friends is always great and at this stage of the game you kind of have to do it all, but my heart is definitely in acting."
Photo: Kim Beavers and her mother Connie
"I know that I want to do this for the rest of my life. You learn who you want to work with again throughout this process. Being involved in all aspects of filmmaking helped me to learn what really does it for me-- I have had fun, but I just want to act. Helping friends is always great and at this stage of the game you kind of have to do it all, but my heart is definitely in acting."
Photo: Kim Beavers and her mother Connie
One on One: Amanda MacLachlan [Dial M for Murder]
Here's a quick chat with actress Amanda MacLachlan about her film!
"It's a comedy but a horror spoof, and it made me realize being in a horror and screaming and being physical is muh harder than it looked. It gave me a new appreciation for them. Loved working with a new director and my co-star was great."
"It's a comedy but a horror spoof, and it made me realize being in a horror and screaming and being physical is muh harder than it looked. It gave me a new appreciation for them. Loved working with a new director and my co-star was great."
Chit-Chat: "The Diner's Club"
Narmar Hanna was the writer and star, and she chatted with us alongside actor Jared Ward.
"It was really fun. It was also funny how the idea came to be. I was hungover in an airport and missed my original flight, do to entertain myself I started to write. No, it never happened to me, but I thought it would be funny of it did. The whole thing was fun and we got accepted to another festival so we are really excited!"
Awesome job, Narmar!
"It was really fun. It was also funny how the idea came to be. I was hungover in an airport and missed my original flight, do to entertain myself I started to write. No, it never happened to me, but I thought it would be funny of it did. The whole thing was fun and we got accepted to another festival so we are really excited!"
Awesome job, Narmar!
One on One: Ingrid Clay [Somebody, Jingle all the Way, Withering Azalea, Karma's a Bitch]
We got a moment to chat with Ingrid Clay, who seems to be one of the queens of this year's festival! Here's what she had to say.
"I had a great experience this year. I love acting and I like writing too. Honestly, producing isn't my favorite thing, but at this stage of the game we have no choice but to do it all. I have loved learning all aspects of filming, because if you know everybody's job, it can only help you in the future. I think directing helps build you as an actor, too. The more you do with these projects the more comfortable you get, the better you will do on a set. If you can't do films with your friends, then why are you doing them at all?"
Thanks, Miss Ingrid! Check out Ingrid's films all weekend long!
Photo: PW founder Robert Carnegie and Ingrid Clay
"I had a great experience this year. I love acting and I like writing too. Honestly, producing isn't my favorite thing, but at this stage of the game we have no choice but to do it all. I have loved learning all aspects of filming, because if you know everybody's job, it can only help you in the future. I think directing helps build you as an actor, too. The more you do with these projects the more comfortable you get, the better you will do on a set. If you can't do films with your friends, then why are you doing them at all?"
Thanks, Miss Ingrid! Check out Ingrid's films all weekend long!
Photo: PW founder Robert Carnegie and Ingrid Clay
One on One: Alice Walker [Causality, Valley of Death]
We caught up with Alice Walker, star of "Causality" and "Valley of Death." here's what she had to say!
"The effort of making a film with a small budget and small timeline serendipitously only added more to the films than if we had more adequate support. I really enjoyed working with both directors and learned a lot, and hope to work with them both again."
Cheers to Alice! "Causality" plays Sunday at 10:30am and "Valley of Death" is Saturday at 9am.
"The effort of making a film with a small budget and small timeline serendipitously only added more to the films than if we had more adequate support. I really enjoyed working with both directors and learned a lot, and hope to work with them both again."
Cheers to Alice! "Causality" plays Sunday at 10:30am and "Valley of Death" is Saturday at 9am.
One on One: Virginia Crawford [PHW High, In June]
We caught up with actress/director/writer Virginia Crawford before she hit the red carpet to ask her about her overall experience with the films she has in this year's festival.
"I had a ton of great learning experiences with the films I worked on this year. "In June" I wrote, directed, and cast and was there for every moment from the beginning, so it was very much my own from day one. With "PHW" I had a week of pre-production, and the writers and producers hired me after they had a concept in mind. I had to find my reason for doing it, and my voice in it even though it was written by other people. Victoria Park, my DP and close friend, was instrumental on this. She and I have a different relationship than most directors and DPs, I think-- and that means the world to me."
Thanks for sharing with us, Ginny! "PHW High" plays in the Saturday 3:30pm slot and "In June" plays in the Sunday 1pm slot.
Photo: Virginia Crawford and Victoria Park
"I had a ton of great learning experiences with the films I worked on this year. "In June" I wrote, directed, and cast and was there for every moment from the beginning, so it was very much my own from day one. With "PHW" I had a week of pre-production, and the writers and producers hired me after they had a concept in mind. I had to find my reason for doing it, and my voice in it even though it was written by other people. Victoria Park, my DP and close friend, was instrumental on this. She and I have a different relationship than most directors and DPs, I think-- and that means the world to me."
Thanks for sharing with us, Ginny! "PHW High" plays in the Saturday 3:30pm slot and "In June" plays in the Sunday 1pm slot.
Photo: Virginia Crawford and Victoria Park
One on One: Sean Crampton [Ratchet]
Sean Crampton took a moment to share his experience writing, directing, and starring in the short film "Ratchet." As a member of the sketch comedy group Gibbon's Tail, the heavy tone of this short was a bit of a different turn for Crampton. We asked him what inspired the script.
"I was listening to the song 'Monster' by Kanye West, and I wanted to write something that went along with that song. I actually have written a lot of dramatic stuff, too, but people see me more as comedic because of Gibbon's-- but really I think I'm more 50/50. And I like exploring both sides of myself, especially because I think y look is more suited for drama. It's all fun."
Thanks to Sean for stopping by! "Ratchet" is playing in the 9am time slot on Saturday.
Photo: Devin Crittenden and Sean Crampton of "Ratchet"
"I was listening to the song 'Monster' by Kanye West, and I wanted to write something that went along with that song. I actually have written a lot of dramatic stuff, too, but people see me more as comedic because of Gibbon's-- but really I think I'm more 50/50. And I like exploring both sides of myself, especially because I think y look is more suited for drama. It's all fun."
Thanks to Sean for stopping by! "Ratchet" is playing in the 9am time slot on Saturday.
Photo: Devin Crittenden and Sean Crampton of "Ratchet"
Festival Kick Off!
Though tonight's red carpet gala and screening of James Franco's film"Sal" is sold out, it's not too late to get tickets for the rest of the weekend!
Please feel free to leave comments and thoughts on the blog throughout the weekend. We can't wait to see you there!
Please feel free to leave comments and thoughts on the blog throughout the weekend. We can't wait to see you there!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Tomorrow!
We're so excited that the big night is almost here! Be sure to check back with us for live updates from the red carpet, as well as the film screenings all weekend long. If you haven't gotten your weekend pass yet, what are you waiting for??
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