Livin’ the Dream (3/4)

Written By: Spurlock Sisters! Kim & Mai

Actors: Laura Campbell, Meng Ai, Geri-Nikole Love, Shannon Beeby, Erin Fritch, Samuel Douglas Clark, Annie Unold, Priya Anita, Laura Barbiea, Nick Ordway, Marianne Tatum, Katie Morrison, Olivia Costello, Todd Cerveris, Remy Germinario

Producers: Stavroula Toska, Byron Beane, Vassilea Terzaki, Erik Urtz

The Spurlock sisters have come up with an excellent 8 episode web-series highlighting the ups and downs of Indie film writing, directing, casting, and the type of tasks to achieve in order to make a film happen.  The genre is comedy.  The first few episodes easily do an amazing job with character exposition and setting up a climax to keep you wanting more.  Kit gets an award in Film school.  She is not exactly viewed as a confident hot-shot. Kit is nerdy, quirky, intelligent, and oh-so pretty at 35 years old.  This web series shows the triumphs, emotions, trial-and-error part of striving to be an Indie film director/writer. It highlights the entrepreneur, always-working side of the business.  It’s a reminder that there’s going to be barriers. There’s going to be people who are hard to work with.  There’s going to be stressful days.  I think this can be inspirational for any career path and entrepreneur to keep believing in yourself, your passion, and your purpose.  The genuine always win.  Do they? See this web series!

I recommend this web-series to anyone, whether it be a writer, performer, or someone not in the Entertainment industry. You never know what opportunity is around the corner…

Note: These ratings and review are personal opinion of the author.

FSLC, FILM COMMENT & INDIEWIRE announce call for entires for 4th NYFF Critics Academy

The Film Society of Lincoln Center, Film Comment magazine, and Indiewire has announced a call for entries for the 2015 New York Film Festival Critics Academy, a workshop for aspiring New York–based film critics that takes place during the festival (September 25 – October 11). 

The Critics Academy—the initiative by the Film Society, Film Comment, and Indiewire to assist aspiring film critics with the process of kickstarting their careers—was first launched at the 2012 Locarno Film Festival, and a local version was then produced that fall during the 2012 New York Film Festival. Later this month, the finalists will be announced for the next Locarno Critics Academy, whose participants will cover the 68th edition of the festival from August 5-15.

The fourth edition of the New York–based Critics Academy is scheduled to coincide with the upcoming NYFF, and will begin accepting applications today. Details for applicants can be found below.

For this year’s NYFF, six participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide variety of international cinema while dealing with the practical challenges of covering a festival at the epicenter of New York’s film culture. The participants will cover the festival with reviews of films in the selection, articles on sidebar events, in-depth reflections on the various program sections, or interviews with the festival’s guests.

The 2015 NYFF Critics Academy will begin several days prior to the start of the festival with roundtable discussions continuing over the course of the following   five days (participants will also have the option of attending press screenings earlier in the month). Participants will then work on covering the festival once it begins, with guidance from the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Eugene Hernandez, Indiewire’s Deputy Editor and Chief Film Critic Eric Kohn, Film Comment magazine Senior Editor Nicolas Rapold, and Film Comment Digital Editor Violet Lucca. The workshop will officially conclude on October 11, the last day of the festival.

In a very short amount of time, the multifaceted nature of the Critics Academy has allowed the workshop approach to have a direct impact on the way budding critics think about the opportunities to cover films around the world. In advance of this year’s NYFF, critics will engage in candid discussions with working critics, distributors, filmmakers, and others who come into direct contact with their work to bring a greater context to its ongoing relevance. They will then provide written work for Indiewire’s Criticwire blog (a part of their Criticwire Network) and Film Comment magazine, the official publication of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and other outlets to be arranged closer to the event.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center continues to innovate with its multiple ways of positively affecting contemporary film culture—from festivals to first-run theaters and various educational initiatives, including this one. The Critics Academy initiative is a natural fit for a partnership between the Film Society, Film Comment, and Indiewire, as it works toward assuring that New York’s vibrant film culture continues to benefit from talented critics willing to take advantage of the city’s cinematic riches.

The application process begins today; the deadline is Friday, July 31.

Accepted critics will be notified by August 10. Emphasis will be placed on a diversity of voices, backgrounds, and cinematic interests.

Requirements: Applicants must have completed a minimum of three years of undergraduate study or have no more than two years of experience creating critical and/or journalistic content about movies. They must demonstrate an interest in film criticism and/or film journalism as well as the ability to speak and write fluently in English. They must also live in New York City or the greater New York area.

Applications must include the following:
    •    CV: A basic one-page résumé
    •    Five writing samples about film. These can take the form of film reviews, scholarly papers, blog posts, college newspaper clips, podcasts, or any other work that you think demonstrates your skills.
    •    A 500-word statement of intent. Tell us about your background and why you would make an ideal candidate for the Critics Academy. Make sure to note any particular interests (genres, national cinemas, etc.). Passion, strong writing skills, and a deep knowledge of film history matter more than overall professional experience.

Please send applications to: CRITICSACADEMY@FILMLINC.COM
For more information, visit www.filmlinc.com

Terminator Genisys (3/4)

He's back. Watch the new Terminator Genisys trailer starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. http://TerminatorMovie.com

I'll be honest, I have been a fan of the terminator franchise. I didn't even mind the Sarah Connor Chronicles. Or T3, for that matter. So how could I hate this one? My honest rating would be 2/4, but my personal bias towards the franchise, makes it 3/4.

So, this is not a bad movie. It's well casted, well acted, well made with some interesting plot lines and great visuals. But it's not T1 or T2. The story doesn't tie, as well as you would like. Filled with usual cliches, and reminders of those 2 movies (even they ignored T3 & T4). But it's entertaining and fun! 

***spoilers*** 

Kyle Reese (Jay Courtney) is fighting te machines, for the resistance, lead by legendary John Connor (Jason Clarke). Both fit their roles, although there's lot more than usual, at least for Kyle. He's not just they'll image savior and hero, he's the ultimate destroyer and the villain. Sent to past in 2017 (future from 1984), to protect skynet. Whereas Kyle goes to 2017, from 1984, with young Sarah Conner (Emilia Clarke) with old Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger). You do get to see him young too. The fight between old and young Terminator is cool. The dynamics of Kyle and T1, is also cool. Like a girl's father and her boyfriend. Will they be able to destroy skynet and save humanity. Well, watch the movie. But of course they will. It's a movie!

***spolier ends***

Do watch this film, if you're fan of the franchise. If not, you can give it a shot. But I suggest, go watch T1 & T2 instead.

Note: These ratings and review are personal opinion of the author.

FIRST Periscope Peep Show with Actress Hannah Simone!

The first St-Germain Periscope Peep Show with Actress Hannah Simone is available to view for up to 24 hours via @StGermainDrinks (until 7PM ET tonight). More than 30,000 people have tuned in to view all six short films directed by Floria Sigismondi from 1-7PM ET, garnering over 50K likes, and 8.4MM+ impressions throughout the film series, nearly tripling St-Germain’s followers!

Actress: Hannah Simone (New Girl)

Wardrobe: Marjan Malakpour

Asst Wardrobe: Aisha Rae

Make Up: Kathy Jeung

Hair: Pamela Neal

RECAP

Yesterday, the St-Germain Periscope “PEEP SHOW” starring actress, Hannah Simone, and shot by award-winning director Floria Sigismondi was a first-of-its-kind collaboration between St-Germain liqueur and Twitter’s new streaming video app Periscope. “PEEP SHOW” is a series of six LIVE-streaming short films and were unveiled to the world for a brief moment in time via Periscope at 1p, 2p, 3p, 5p, 6p, and 7p EST.

Yesterday, viewers around the world were treated to six live “Peep Shows” starring New Girl’s, Hannah Simone, styled by Marjan Malakpour, and draped in vintage lingerie. Each of the six ‘shows’, shot and directed by Floria Sigismondi to celebrate “Vive the Daylife”, were two-min long and will remain on the Periscope platform for 24 hours before disappearing forever (until tonight -- Friday 7/10 @ 7PMEST). Viewers were not only able to watch the live action, they were able to help create the story by Tweeting live suggestions on the next scene, influencing what -- and how much – Hannah revealed! If you missed it, be sure to tune in and find out what happens before all six films disappear forever.

ABOUT

Exercising Periscope's ability to instantly stream live video content, this first-of-its-kind project allowed St-Germain to engage with its core fan base of “Bon Vivants” like never before -- offering users the unique opportunity to determine what transpires during each new session in real time. The “Peep Shows” and overall storyline were inspired by the Parisian vibe of the 1920’s and 30’s – the heart of St-Germain’s brand story – which includes a series of vintage postcards featuring beautiful French burlesque-style girls in various states of undress.  With the help of Periscope and Floria Sigismondi, St-Germain continued to transport that identity into the 21st century – bringing a seductive scene of beauty to life in a social channel that’s custom made for capturing a fleeting moment.

Peep Show is St-Germain's first foray into its “Vive The Daylife” campaign, reminding the world to stop and savor a moment of fleeting beauty before it passes.  The nightlife no longer corners the market on moments of breathlessness. The Daylife is full of artistry, beauty and moments worth bot remembering and savoring.** 

ST-GERMAIN PERISCOPE PEEP SHOW – TUNE IN DETAILS

WHO: Actress Hannah Simone, Director Floria Sigismondi, Artist Victoria Will

WHAT: Utilizing the latest in innovative technology, the St-Germain Periscope Peep Show will offer a social broadcast of a fleeting daytime moment, reminiscent of St-Germain’s historic French burlesque girls and reimagined for contemporary culture.

WHEN: Periscope users can tune in to watch the six live short films (approximately 2 min each), which will remain live on the platform for 24 hours before disappearing forever (until 7PM EST Tonight, 7/10). 

FOLLOW: