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

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"

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!

http://playhousewest.net/2012-pwff-tickets/

Please feel free to leave comments and thoughts on the blog throughout the weekend. We can't wait to see you there!

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??

Word of the Week: COURAGE

To help further inspire your creative mind, we thought we'd share a Word of the Week with our blog readers. The first word may seem a bit obvious, but as an absolute necessity when it comes to filmmaking, we thought it was an appropriate way to kick of this series. Last year's PWFF theme was "Inspiration Strikes," but what happens after you get that first jolt of energy is an essential part of the creative process. It takes courage to transform the initial idea into reality, and we're so proud of everyone who submitted films to this year's festival for sharing that level of fearlessness with all of us!

***

cour·age [kur-ij, kuhr-], noun. 1.the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

Official Press Release!

Press Contact: Valerie Henderson
(678) 644 - 2127
vthenderson@yahoo.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 23, 2012

North Hollywood Film Festival looking for those with the “Courage to Create” 2012 Playhouse West Film Festival at El Portal Theater, June 8-10, 2012.

North Hollywood, CA - April 23, 2012 –While waiting for Hollywood to knock on your door, are you being proactive? Have you considered creating your own projects? What’s stopping you? Come to the 2012 Playhouse West Film Festival, June 8-10, 2012, at El Portal Theater in North Hollywood, and get inspired as you view film submissions from past and present students of the Playhouse West Repertory and Theater. Sal, a film written and directed by, and featuring PHW alum and long-time student James Franco, will open the festival Friday evening. Sal chronicles the final hours of the life of actor Sal Mineo, and stars Val Lauren as Sal. This event will provide participants with a variety of networking opportunities, as well as unique Q&A sessions after each screening. Tickets for the three day festival go on sale, May 1st at www.playhousewest.net. Get inspired and find the “Courage to Create” by connecting with others who share similar goals and interests.

This year’s event is being sponsored by Kiwaii Water “the purest, best tasting water in the world.” (http://www.kiwaii.com/) and Final Draft, the leader in script writing software, (http://www.finaldraft.com/).

Follow the 2012 Playhouse West Film Festival on Twitter (@PWFilmFest) for an inspirational “Word of the Week” beginning April 23, 2012. And for up to the minute details on the event, like the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Playhouse-West-Film-Festival/111252845560947.

Playhouse West School and Repertory Theater is an acting school in North Hollywood, CA, focusing on the Meisner Acting Technique. Previous students include James Franco (Sal, 127 Hours), Ashley Judd (Missing, Kiss the Girls), Heather Morris (Glee, Fired Up), and Scott Caan (Hawaii Five-0, Mercy).

The Playhouse West Film Festival is sponsored by the Playhouse West Film Foundation, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to the inspiration, education and development of motion picture and theater artists of independent vision, and to the exhibition of their work. Their goal in sponsoring programs such as the Playhouse West Film Festival, is to also educate the public about the art of filmmaking, while introducing them to the work of aspiring new film artists of the future.

###

24 Hour Play ENCORE

If you missed the incredible performances in our first annual 24 Hour Play Festival, you're in luck! We will be presenting an encore show featuring all of the plays on Sunday, May 6th at 7pm at Studio 1 [4250 Lankershim, NoHo]. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds support the Playhouse West Film Festival.

We'll also be announcing the winner of the PWFF Promo Video Contest during the event. And don't forget, the late deadline for PWFF entries is THIS SATURDAY, April 21st! Visit the website for more details on submitting your film.