Scene and Heard

Mary Loss of Soul

There is no accurate description of the whirling dervish I met recently on the set of her soon-to-be- released film, Mary Loss of Soul. It was the last day of shooting, and the energy level and passion of this female director was boundless – and infectious!

The woman I speak of is Jennifer B. White. She is a writer, director and producer – but she’ll tell you she is first and foremost a storyteller. “I was ten years old. I’d never heard the term “folktale” – a narrated story to entertain a group of listeners. But, that’s exactly how I began my creative dream – as a storyteller in the woods. Back in the day of knock-on-door neighborhoods in the suburbs of Massachusetts, I’d gather with a group of wide-eyed kids along with my side-kick little sister. I told stories – often about ghosts, witches and anything spooky – making them up as I went along. I started writing novels at the age of 12 on my mom’s old IBM Selectric. As the family keeper of all things old and nostalgic, I held on to those precious works of fiction like they were a buccaneer’s booty.”

After college, Jennifer signed with her first literary agent, and went on to become a public relations professional heading up PR in Boston hotels and top agencies where she was published in hundreds of publications throughout the U.S. She continued writing novels throughout her career, and, through a series of fortunate encounters, began writing for Hollywood.

For Jennifer, her partner Stewart Huey and their production company Oak Ivy LLC, this is their first feature film – and from what I saw on set that day, it’s a winner. The movie centers on the disappearance of Mary Solis and her return to her family’s lake house without any memory of the traumatic events that transpired. She is also without one very important thing – a part of her soul. Even though a shocking mystery surrounds her disappearance and her disembodied soul begins a grim haunting, the Solis family mostly fears watching Mary’s true spirit wither away. When it’s soon revealed that two little girls, the same age as Mary’s sister Sophia, went missing on the lake the same night that Mary disappeared, the stakes are raised. Is Mary suffering from an ancient condition known as Loss of Soul? Or is it indeed something more nefarious at work? After enlisting the help of a Shaman, the Solis family embarks on a journey to the spirit worlds, hunting for a supernatural cure.

The film promises to take us on a ride, with its heavy symbolism and abundant metaphors. More importantly, it shows White’s commitment to plain old-fashioned good storytelling. She brought her team together to make this film in 16 days with the help of RI’s own Project 989, Anthony Ambrosino and Nicholas Delmenico. Add to that this mother of three’s passion and love for her own family, which is reflected in the guidance of her actors. “I was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, she doesn’t talk much – you make a much better director,“ said accomplished actor Nick Mancuso, who plays Detective Mark O’Hagan in the film. Diana Porter, who portrays Devra Brawnson in Mary Loss of Soul and is one of New England’s most sought after actresses, had this to say about working with Jennifer. “Jennifer is an amazing creative force who provided just incredible characters to portray and truly cared for actors as people by making sure we were completely comfortable so we could give our best performances.”

From my vantage point, I believe that part of Jennifer’s success is being able to switch hats between writer and director, and literally getting in the trenches with actors to evoke the depths she is looking for. It also helps that she has a master’s degree in psychology, researches the supernatural and grew up in a clairvoyant household. Her production company, Oak Ivy, is based in both Boston and Los Angeles, and she seems to be able to bring the best of both coasts together in her work. With partner Stewart Huey, Jennifer has over 20 years’ experience in Hollywood where they have cultivated relationships and partnered with people who are as committed as they are to quality storytelling. This bodes well for the dynamic White, who has four other scripts written. If this is any indication of what’s to come, get ready for some movie magic. She’s not about to stop here.

As an actor myself, I know there are no small film parts. White knows this and acts upon it with the utmost conviction. She expects that everyone will bring their very best to the process, as she does each time she steps behind the camera or pens each of her original stories.

When Mary Loss of Soul opens, I have a feeling that we will walk out of the theater as witnesses to the very best that filmmaking has to offer – especially if Jennifer B. White is at the helm.

Follow Jennifer’s first feature film on Twitter: twitter.com/MaryLossofSoul

You can also read about her work on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/OakIvy?fref=ts and for more production information, please check out their IMDb page at www.imdb.com/title/tt2904798/?ref_=sr_1 . You may also go directly to their website at: www.oakivy.com .

And Zombies!

Zombies learning how to talk? They will if Audrey Noone has her way! She is the creator of the new web series, “Amy Kidd, Zombie Speech Pathologist.” The zombie apocalypse decimated Amy Kidd’s speech therapy practice. How can she rebuild her business you say? Zombies can’t talk – she can teach them! Follow Amy’s adventures as she sees her first zombie client and starts her zombie charm school. (Somehow, I see merchandising here – Zombie Charms)?

Audrey Noone combines her 17-year career as a speech pathologist with her lifelong participation in the arts. She writes, directs, produces and edits “Amy Kidd,” as well as acts in others’ projects. She also has written several short films that other filmmakers are producing. When she’s not playing with live zombies, she writes and dreams about them. Thus, her dreams are coming true!

Also, look for the work of Shawn Manchester as he turns some of our local actors into the walking dead (and apparently the well speaking walking dead) in this spoof on zombie stories. I saw that first hand when I worked on his film The Next Step.

You can follow Audrey’s new series here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLc7pDeFKqw . And learn more about her here: www.audreynoone.com . We look forward to more hilarity from Audrey soon!

Scene and Heard

Mary Loss of Soul

There is no accurate description of the whirling dervish I met recently on the set of her soon-to-be-released film, Mary Loss of Soul. It was the last day of shooting, and the energy level and passion of this female director was boundless – and infectious!

The woman I speak of is Jennifer B. White. She is a writer, director and producer – but she’ll tell you she is first and foremost a storyteller. “I was 10 years old. I’d never heard the term “folktale” – a narrated story to entertain a group of listeners. But, that’s exactly how I began my creative dream – as a storyteller in the woods. Back in the day of knock-on-door neighborhoods in the suburbs of Massachusetts, I’d gather with a group of wide-eyed kids along with my side-kick little sister. I told stories – often about ghosts, witches and anything spooky – making them up as I went along. I started writing novels at the age of 12 on my mom’s old IBM Selectric. As the family keeper of all things old and nostalgic, I held on to those precious works of fiction like they were a buccaneer’s booty.”

After college, Jennifer signed with her first literary agent, and went on to become a public relations professional heading up PR in Boston hotels and top agencies where she was published in hundreds of publications throughout the U.S. She continued writing novels throughout her career, and, through a series of fortunate encounters, began writing for Hollywood.

For Jennifer, her partner Stewart Huey and their production company Oak Ivy LLC, this is their first feature film – and from what I saw on set that day, it’s a winner. The movie centers on the disappearance of Mary Solis and her return to her family’s lake house without any memory of the traumatic events that transpired. She is also without one very important thing – a part of her soul. Even though a shocking mystery surrounds her disappearance and her disembodied soul begins a grim haunting, the Solis family mostly fears watching Mary’s true spirit wither away. When it’s soon revealed that two little girls, the same age as Mary’s sister Sophia, went missing on the lake the same night that Mary disappeared, the stakes are raised. Is Mary suffering from an ancient condition known as Loss of Soul? Or is it indeed something more nefarious at work? After enlisting the help of a Shaman, the Solis family embarks on a journey to the spirit worlds, hunting for a supernatural cure.

The film promises to take us on a ride, with its heavy symbolism and abundant metaphors. More importantly, it shows White’s commitment to plain old-fashioned good storytelling. She brought her team together to make this film in 16 days with the help of RI’s own Project 989, Anthony Ambrosino (1st AD) and Nicholas Delmenico (2nd AD). Add to that this mother of three’s passion and love for her own family, which is reflected in the guidance of her actors. “I was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, she doesn’t talk much – you make a much better director,“ said accomplished actor Nick Mancuso, who plays Detective Mark O’Hagan in the film. Diana Porter, who portrays Devra Brawnson in Mary Loss of Soul and is one of New England’s most sought after actresses, had this to say about working with Jennifer. “Jennifer is an amazing creative force who provided just incredible characters to portray and truly cared for actors as people by making sure we were completely comfortable so we could give our best performances.”

From my vantage point, I believe that part of Jennifer’s success is being able to switch hats between writer and director, and literally getting in the trenches with actors to evoke the depths she is looking for. It also helps that she has a master’s degree in psychology, researches the supernatural and grew up in a clairvoyant household. Her production company, Oak Ivy, is based in both Boston and Los Angeles, and she seems to be able to bring the best of both coasts together in her work. With partner Stewart Huey, Jennifer has over 20 years’ experience in Hollywood where they have cultivated relationships and partnered with people who are as committed as they are to quality storytelling. This bodes well for the dynamic White, who has four other scripts written. If this is any indication of what’s to come, get ready for some movie magic. She’s not about to stop here.

As an actor myself, I know there are no small film parts. White knows this and acts upon it with the utmost conviction. She expects that everyone will bring their very best to the process, as she does each time she steps behind the camera or pens each of her original stories.

When Mary Loss of Soul opens, I have a feeling that we will walk out of the theater as witnesses to the very best that filmmaking has to offer – especially if Jennifer B. White is at the helm.

Follow Jennifer’s first feature film on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryLossofSoul

You can also read about her work on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/OakIvy?fref=ts and for more production information, please check out their IMDb page at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2904798/?ref_=sr_1 . You may also go directly to their website at: www.oakivy.com.

Double Feature! A Bouyea/Manchester double feature is set to hit Showcase Cinemas on July 18. This is a one night event that will be like no other. Brian Bouyea and Shawn Manchester, two indie filmmakers from North Kingstown, RI, have each written and directed a short film (in one, The Next Step, I had the pleasure of playing a government agent), which they will present at the screening. Along with the screening, Brian and Shawn will host an after party. There will be a short Q&A session with the cast and crew of each film, free buffet, cash bar, raffles and more! Brian and Shawn want to make you feel like you’re a celebrity – take a photo on the red carpet against a specially designed Bouyea/Manchester Double Feature backdrop. Get your interview on and have your photo taken all night. What’s better than that?

Get your tickets at http://shop.bmdoublefeature.com

Brian Bouyea’s Famous:

Julia Turner (Meg Perry) is about to be offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Wilbur Lusk (Rick Owens), a man she has never met, has claimed he can grant her instant fame. All she has to do is … say yes.

Famous explores the desire within humanity to become more than who we really are and how there are those who would throw away all that they know about themselves just to have their name up in lights. Famous stars Meg Perry, Rick Owens, Nick Jorgensen, Jose Gonsalves and Eric Walsh.

Shawn Manchester’s The Next Step:

Hank (Shawn W. Manchester) and his partner Jack (Michael Dubuc) are two experienced mercenaries hired out by the Virus Protection Agency during a virus outbreak. Agent Grant (Patrick Keeffe) has become concerned about how humanity is reacting to this virus, which is turning them into bloodthirsty monsters. It is up to Hank and Jack to exterminate them. Hank and Jack soon discover the horrifying secret behind the outbreak and decide to take matters into their own hands.

The Next Step stars Shawn W. Manchester, Michael Dubuc, Patrick Keeffe, Brian Bouyea and George Manchester Jr.

And Zombies! Zombies learning how to talk? They will if Audrey Noone has her way! She is the creator of the new web series, “Amy Kidd, Zombie Speech Pathologist.” The zombie apocalypse decimated Amy Kidd’s speech therapy practice. How can she rebuild her business you say? Zombies can’t talk – she can teach them! Follow Amy’s adventures as she sees her first zombie client and starts her zombie charm school. (Somehow, I see merchandising here – Zombie Charms)?

Audrey Noone combines her 17-year career as a speech pathologist with her lifelong participation in the arts. She writes, directs, produces and edits “Amy Kidd,” as well as acts in others’ projects. She also has written several short films that other filmmakers are producing. When she’s not playing with live zombies, she writes and dreams about them. Thus, her dreams are coming true!

Also, look for the work of Shawn Manchester as he turns some of our local actors into the walking dead (and apparently the well speaking walking dead) in this spoof on zombie stories. I saw that first hand when I worked on his film The Next Step.

You can follow Audrey’s new series here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLc7pDeFKqw . And learn more about her here: www.audreynoone.com. We look forward to more hilarity from Audrey soon!

Scene and Heard

Hotter than July – that would be an accurate statement for the world of indie film in Rhode Island right now. All of New England actually. Dramas, web series, supernatural thrillers, love stories and documentaries are all being made. More than a few interesting and talented filmmakers live and work in Rhode Island and I want to tell you about them because small films are radiating like the July sun with some big, hot talent. Waiting

“You have to walk into places and tell them, ‘I’m Hutch. I rule. And you need me.’” This statement was made by none other than the former boss of Providence’s own Mark Hutchinson. Hutch, as he is known, has crewed on five of Richard Marr-Griffin’s films and is a former Avid editor, a video go-to guy in Boston, and a talented filmmaker. Hutch’s first film, Waiting, has hit the internet. The film centers around a couple that has become bitterly disappointed in each other and their relationship. They are at a crossroads, but have yet to realize it. The film stars Nat Sylva and Elyssa Baldassari in two very fine performances. When Hutch isn’t making films, he’s working full time as a virtual database engineer, but you can find him doing more fun things like DJ’ing on the first Thursday of the month at E&O Tap and the 3rd Thursday of the month at Trinity Brewhouse, putting on metal/punk/oi/ska shows with The Gentlemen Soundsystem. This dude also likes to make hip-hop music in his basement and he contributes to New Noise Magazine. I’m looking forward to more of Hutch’s work on paper, in film or with the turntables. He’s a well-rounded, truly talented gent. Please check out his film Waiting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LzFZ_BecJg. I give this one a thumbs up.

News from Newport!

Newportant Studios, in association with Ship to Shore Media and with cooperation from Aquidneck Media, is pleased to announce the world premiere of the first Newport RI: The Series original song and music video. The series that is inspired by William Heydt’s art and his “Newportant People Series” finished the pilot episode and is in post-production with the music video “Paint Your Picture,” with music by John Monllos, vocals by John “Papa” Cunha and lyrics by Jeremy Harple and Tom C. Erb.

The world premiere will take place on August 1, the closing night of the Newport County Arts and Cultural Alliance Bridgefest event, with a live performance by the composer John Monllos at Queen Anne Square at 8:15 pm followed by the premiere of the long-awaited music video at Seaman’s Institute on Bowen’s Wharf.

Newport RI: The Series, coming in 2013, will bring to life the paintings of world-renowned, local artist William Heydt who has produced hundreds of watercolor paintings of the local people and landscapes of Newport. The series pilot has many local and Rhode Island actors including Tom C. Erb, Michael Healy, J. Daniel Knerr, Richard Hatch, Louie Stravato, Ellen Becker Gray, Kristin Gorman and Ken Goyette. For more information contact Tom C. Erb at 401-207-4812 or email [email protected]

Pizza Pizza!! Nope, that’s Pizzer Pizzer. Yep, “Pizzer Makers.” This is that wacky web series created by actor, writer, director and radio DJ, Chris Palermo, and starring Robert ( Bob) DiCicco, former East Greenwich resident, Frankie Imbergamo, and Chris himself. The story centers around Frankie (Imbergamo) and Louie ( DiCicco) at Frankie and Lou’s Pizza Palace, which happens to be a front for a mob operation run by Tony, (played by Chris Palermo, who grew up in the pizza biz). Well, let me tell you – deez guyz ain’t foolin’ around. We all had lunch together at Joe’s in Dedham, and I fit right in with them as all of our last names end in “O” ( except for my sidekick that day, Pat O’Hara. She may be Irish, but she fit in anyway). Between the three of them, they‘ve got some history in the film biz. All three are union actors, and Palermo has been in radio and voiceover for 20 years. He’s now at the helm of his own radio show. He’s casting roles for the “Pizzer Makers” series, and is involved in a short film that he is writing and directing. Imbergamo has 33 films under his belt, including The Heat, GU2, American RIPD, and American Hustle, which just came through Boston, among others. DiCicco works in films, but the love of his life is music. He has performed in a variety of musicals including, Anything Goes, Mame and Company. Bob spent the last 10 years pursuing work in movies, and had the pleasure of working on such films as Mystic River, 21, What’s Your Number, Knight and Day and his most recent, God Only Knows with Harvey Keitel. His latest film, Conned is out on DVD and can be ordered through Amazon.com or BestBuy.com and can be seen on NetFlix. Like I said, deez tree guyz got it goin’ on. The series also stars Laura Pizzutti as Danni and Kathryn Shasha as the bartender. Connect with Pizzer Makers online at www.youtube.com/pizzermakers, www.twitter.com/pizzermakers or www.facebook.com/pizzermakers

Hollywood East Actors Group

Hollywood East Actors Group had its first networking event on Friday, June 21, and it was a huge success. The brainchild of actor, host and producer Erica Derrickson, this group now exceeds 2,500 members. She planned this party with partner Ben Maitland-Lewis at NAGA in Cambridge, and let me tell you, folks, this was a smashing success! There were raffles, interviews by casting director Jodi Purdy, A-list actors on board, directors, and filmmakers of every sort. I ran into so many people there that the time flew by before I had a chance to reach everyone. HEA, as we actors call it in the Northeast, is a veritable treasure trove of insights, education, workshops, helpful advice, networking, and best of all, new friends! The community is very welcoming and encourages members to give advice as well as seek it, and to pay it forward to fellow actors. Erica is a fine example of this philosophy, having produced her own how-to videos, organized meetings of union and non-union folks, encouraged actors to grow and learn as much as they can, hosted workshops and seminars of industry professionals and produced magazine articles on professional actors and crew. She even has become one of Boston’s premier photographers, as she can produce some of the finest headshots around. A social media guru and networker extraordinaire, she has become extremely well-known throughout Hollywood East both for her give-back positive attitude and her acting abilities. Learn more about Erica at www.ericadactress.com and www.ericaseye.com. And if you’re not a member of HEA already, check it out and follow HEA online here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hollywoodeastactors/. Go here to see pics of HEA’S first networking event http://bit.ly/HEAgroup or follow our girl Erica on Twitter @EricaDactress and do join the conversation by using #HEA. There’s no better place to be if you‘re in the film biz in New England.

Lungs

This is one web series I am looking forward to. Angelwood Pictures will premiere a new web series titled “Lungs” in December 2013 with Kimberly Mae in the lead. The series is about a woman who walks the Hope Trail, which goes from Westerly to Manhattan, to find herself again after being lost within her chaotic life. Created by Seth Chitwood, this will be his fifth web series. More news to come at www.angelwoodpictures.com.

In Memory of You

Bryan Casey of BC Films Releases has just wrapped his film called In Memory of You. The film is about a young woman who returns to a special place from her childhood and reminisces about the single father she lost to cancer, who she honors by keeping a family tradition alive. Chris Esper served as the DP and the film stars Ali Robins, Talli Clemons and my NE Kids Actors Group member, Tovah Duffaut. We look forward to the release of this film and will keep you updated.

As always, please join Nick Iandolo and me for the latest episode of “Take Two.” Next, we will review Martha Marcy May Marlene, which is about a young woman who is held captive by a cult, and eventually finds her way back into society. But what is real and what is paranoia? You’ll have to watch it and see.

That’s it for now, folks. Remember, film is rolling.

Scene and Heard

Swoon in June? If it’s up to the boys at Scorpio Film releasing, you will. Multiple award winning film director, Richard Griffin of Pawtucket, RI, is well-known for his internationally distributed feature films in the horror genre. However, Griffin has been inspired once more by his love of William Shakespeare’s stories. Griffin is in pre-production for his screen adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scorpio Film Releasing’s 15th feature film.

“Earlier in my filmmaking career, I did a number of Shakespearian films,” says Griffin. “It’s only now that I’ve been drawn back to that influence.” Griffin’s adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy, is a return to the classics for Scorpio Film Releasing after a 12- year hiatus. Ted Marr will produce.

Midsummer will begin its production shoot in September 2013. “We have a powerhouse of actors lined up,” says Griffin. The players include Elyssa Baldassarri, Patrick Keefe, Nat Sylva, Shannon Hartman, Ryan Hanley, Rich Tretheway, Michael Thurber, Christopher Ferreira, Erin Olson, Kevin Killavey, Jesse Dufault, Johnny Sederquist, and many more.

Scorpio Film Releasing creates works that are highly imaginative and often anarchistic. The project will be cast, filmed and edited almost completely in Rhode Island.

Griffin and Marr set up an indiegogo.com fundraising account at: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-midsummers-night-s-dream-the-movie. Their goal of $25,000 will help to cover pre-production, production and post-production costs. Donating also will allow Scorpio to continue giving many people their first shot at their dream of working in a motion picture – not only cast members, but also the hard-working and dedicated crew.

For more information about Scorpio Film Releasing, please visit www.scorpiofilmreleasing.com. Check out their FB page at: https://www.facebook.com/AMidsummerNightsDreamTheMovie?fref=ts

Provoked

The team behind the feature-length independent horror film Provoked is excited to announce the launch of their official website, ProvokedFilm.com

ProvokedFilm.com went live early this week and has been met with nothing but compliments . The site’s designer, Paul Flebotte, spent countless hours building this site. In the site, Paul (who is also an executive producer on Provoked) created a Provoked community where members who sign up (free of charge) have the opportunity to communicate with the film’s cast and crew.

When asked about the website, Provoked director Jordan Pacheco said, “The site is beyond my expectations. It’s talent and dedication like Paul’s that will bring this film to the next level.”

Provoked producer David Langill worked with Paul a few years ago and is beyond thrilled that Paul and he get to work together again.

Visit ProvokedFilm.com to view pages full of exciting content, and enter to win your chance to receive two tickets to the premiere screening of Provoked.

Provoked follows a group of amateur investigators who, despite investigating for months, have never found any proof of the paranormal. During the group’s most recent investigation, like many times before, they come up empty. At this point, team member Matt (played by Chris O’Reilly), losing faith in the existence of the paranormal, performs risky attempts to provoke the spirits. At first, Matt’s taunts appear to go unanswered but while on his way home, the investigating equipment starts to register at its highest level. The spirit answered Matt’s taunts and followed him home. Terror quickly escalates for Matt, and his girlfriend, Jamie, (played by Nicole LaSala) who attempts to defend his house from the ghostly intruder.

We’ll keep you updated on the premiere and what’s next for Langill and Pacheco and the rest of Team Provoked – stay tuned!

Angelwood Pictures

He’s at it again. Seth Chitwood of Angelwood Pictures never stops. I’ve worked with him in one short, The Women of Harry, due out in July, and currently “Red Circles: The Final Season,” and I still don’t know how he does it. Right now, he’s in production for Season Two of the web series “Family Problems.” Marie Brandt, Alex Pires, Paula Delatte, Sean McPherson, Lorrie Bacon, Michael Thurber, Scott Shekerow, Jen Lynn, Lisa Coleman, Alexander Hauk, Evan Clinton, and Susan Waletkus joined the cast. Wendy Hartman (Detective Ellison) joined the cast at the end of Season One. “Family Problems” is about a family covering up a murder and stars Theresa Chiasson, Peter Morse, and Natasha Hatalsky. The second season has yet to announce a premiere date. www.angelwoodpictures.com/familyproblems

“Red Circles: The Final Season” also started production. Nicholas Dimaio, who plays partner to my Detective Gretchen Lewis, recently joined the cast as Detective Walker. Eilis Quinn was also announced to be the new Officer Penny Jones (replacing Season Three’s Thais Vieira). The series premieres October 13, 2013, at 9 pm EST. www.redcircles.ws

The web series “World’s Worst Director” will air the season finale on Sunday, June 30, 2013, at 8 pm EST. The series will return for a third season in March 2014. Seth Chitwood (Moses), Mary C. Ferrara (Katie), and Erica Derrickson (Penny) plan to return along with most of the cast for the next season. Catch new episodes every Sunday at 8 pm EST. www.worldsworstdirector.com

Angelwood Pictures also started production for the short A Single Intervention. Casting has begun for the ensemble piece about a family and friends who throw an intervention for Charlie, a single gay guy who needs to get a date and stop complaining about being single! Johnny Sederquist will play Charlie. Paul Kandarian and Jeanne Lohnes will also co-star. Lorrie Bacon and Pat O’Hara have also been cast. If you want to submit for a role, e-mail [email protected]. Looking for all types. The series will be filmed in August and premiere in December 2013.

If all that is not enough, Angelwood Pictures announced a new web series called “Lungs,” starring Kimberly Mae, Dave Sackal, and Ellen Levenson. “Lungs” is about a woman (Mae) who hopes to find meaning in her life by walking on a trail that runs from Westerly, Rhode Island, to Manhattan, New York. She meets Daniel (Sackal) and Saree (Levenson) while on her journey. The series will air a 10- episode first season on Sundays at 8 pm EST in December. www.angelwoodpictures.com/lungs

To the Edge Recently, I had the pleasure of appearing on a TV show called “To the Edge” with another guest, Seth Chitwood. This show pays homage to indie filmmakers and their projects, along with the local talent that appears in these projects. The show’s host, Roland Khorshidianzadeh and his sidekick Mike Messier interviewed us about “Red Circles” and other upcoming projects, including that fabulous publication Motif Magazine.

In 2011, Roland began producing “To the Edge” for BTV Access Corporation. At first, the series focused on pop culture and current events and he was not the host. In 2012, he radically changed the series and after guest-starring on an episode, Mike Messier, an independent filmmaker, became the co-host, and Roland then jumped in front of the camera and became the host. From there, “To the Edge” began to focus on spotlighting independent films, web series, publications and the film industry in general. This is when the series found its niche, and because of “To the Edge,” he has become involved in independent films projects as well.

Episodes of “To the Edge” can be found on the BTV website and on YouTube. With an online presence, “To the Edge” can raise awareness and bring exposure to independent projects throughout New England. It gives the audience an appreciation of what it takes to put together a production and all the effort that goes into it. Thanks, Roland. This is a great service to indie filmmakers and we love you for it!

48 Hour Film Project

Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate? 48! 48 Hour Film Project that is. Yes, I know this was quite possibly the corniest opening to anything I’ve ever written here, but it rhymed. I just had to. With that piece of prose out of the way, many film folks in New England have just gotten over the Boston 48 and the New Hampshire 48. Guess who’s next?

That would be our fair city of Providence. I did my first one last summer and have not looked back since. It’s what got me back into acting! We had a blast, and we’re gearing up for another one on the weekend of July 12. I’ve joined Laura Pepper’s team again, and who knows what wacky farce she will pen this time? Last weekend Pepper was at it again with team member Jennifer Scharf and cutie pie Deirdre Robins from the NE Kids Actors Group. They headed up to NH for a wild weekend of furious filmmaking, and we are awaiting the results of that particular 48 project with bated breath. Bravo Laura Pepper for taking on all five 48s in the New England area!

HEA

Okay folks – if you haven’t heard of HEA and you’re in the film biz in New England, then you’re not in the film biz. Hollywood East Actors group, otherwise known as HEA, is a multi-layered group that facilitates the networking, connections, projects and talent from all over New England. It originates on Facebook and is the brainchild of Erica Derrickson, a talented actress, host, photographer, producer and cheerleader extraordinaire. HEA is having its first Meet and Greet on June 21 at NAGA in Cambridge, MA. I’m hosting this shindig with Erica and Cailey Kilpatrick, and we want to see you there. Seriously guys, I’ve never seen a group more helpful than this one – for actors, singers, musicians, directors, writers, you name it. I even run a spin-off group called the New England Kids’ Actors group with Natasha Colonero. Come to the event, and I guarantee you will walk away with all or some of these things – friends, connections, new projects, alliances and inspiration! You can’t beat this group on Facebook for information on how to, where to, who to, what to, and why. I’ve made great friends here and worked with some of the finest talent New England has to offer. Be there or be square – Cambridge Square that is – and head over to NAGA on June 21 from 6:30 pm to 10pm. I’m sure you can hang out and party longer if you wish! Please visit the page here for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/656037554423251/

As always, stay tuned for Nick Iandolo and me on the next episode of “Take Two” as we review a chick flick – probably a really sappy one. (Sorry Nick, gotta get you back for Star Trek Into Darkness).

Remember folks, film is rolling.

Scene & Heard

June is a month for events! Present, twist, animate! Check it out below, and make sure you get involved – it’s gonna be good. 2013 Pell Awards Trinity Repertory Company announced recently that screen and television actor John Krasinski will be honored with the 2013 Pell Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts. Krasinski is a Massachusetts native, known for his work on NBC’s hit comedy “The Office,” and the recent film Promised Land with Matt Damon. Krasinski will be honored alongside recently announced Honorees Kate Burton (Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts), Tony Estrella (Rhode Island Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts), Joseph A. Chazan, M.D. (Pell Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts), and Martha Douglas-Osmundson (Charles Sullivan Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts). The 17th annual Pell Awards will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013, at 7 pm at Trinity Repertory Company with a cocktail reception to follow next door from 8 – 10 pm at the Grand Hall in the Providence Public Library. Before the ceremony, a VIP reception will be held at 6 pm in the Ship Room, Providence Public Library, 225 Washington Street, Providence. Tickets for the full event, including the VIP reception cost $500. Tickets for the ceremony and post-show reception cost $250. Keep in mind that ticket availability is limited. Corporate sponsorships are also available. For more information, visit trinityrep.com or call 401- 453-9237. Twistflix Twistflix? Does it bear any resemblance to that other company with the “flix” in it? Why yes! Read on and find out why it’s gonna be good for all you indie film makers out there (and actors, directors, writers and anyone else in the film biz). Boston native Joel Greenberg graduated from Emerson College and currently resides in the Los Angeles, CA, area. During his career, he has directed two feature films and produced four. His films touch upon many genres from drama to thriller to comedy and horror. But, it’s his latest venture put a halt to his filmmaking career so he could help other filmmakers all over the world. Greenberg is the founder and creator of Twistflix. After being offered several so-called “deals” from Hollywood-based companies to distribute his own works, Greenberg soon realized that the offers Hollywood had to present him were – in his words – “disgusting … bogus … all for them, nothing for me. Nobody cared that I had name talent in my film. Nobody cared that I shot my film on the red camera. No one cared about anything that filmmakers always think will help them land their big deal. Bottom line is that I made all these movies, and I have no way to show anyone what I’ve made, unless I print a large number of DVDs and sell them myself, which really is a huge risk and most likely, financially, a losing battle,” Greenberg said. Thus, Twistflix was born. Greenberg moved to Los Angeles in search of the right people who could help him make his vision come alive. Having the bandwidth to be able to do this was just one obstacle he had to overcome, but after about nine months in LA and a ton of meetings, he found his team to help create his vision to make Twistflix a home for independent films, where anyone could see the trailers and subscribers to the network could watch all the available features and shorts. Greenberg said he believes that all quality films are someone’s baby, and as long as they don’t look like or sound like they were made by a second grader with a camcorder, they all deserve a home. And that is the mission of Twistflix – to be THE home for indie films. The site is fully functional, but Greenberg says it’s only in its infancy, and new content is constantly being added. Filmmakers can submit their work directly to the site through the link on the bottom of the homepage (www.twistflix.com). The site offers a unique compensation plan where the film content contributors own a piece of the site’s revenue and are paid by subscriptions. The more subscribers the site gets, the more each filmmaker makes. Greenberg recently was contacted by some music writers and producers who are behind many of the pop songs you hear on the radio. They ended up writing “The Twistflix Song,” which was recorded by an up-and-coming singer they are currently developing, and it is due to be released this summer. That in itself, Greenberg says, will be a huge marketing push for the company. He also created a coded coupon system that will allow anyone the opportunity to make some extra money. “Anyone can do this,” he said. “A restaurant owner, a police officer, a teacher… anyone who comes into contact with people will be great for this!” With the coded coupons, you simply hand them out and tell people about the great indie films Twistflix offers. When someone goes to the site, enters your coupon code into the computer, and subscribes to Twistflix, you get paid a commission. The customer has the incentive to enter your code because when they do so, they get free subscription months. And the codes are tracked so that Twistflix knows exactly who to credit for the sale and pay. Greenberg will be in Boston on June 13 for a Twistflix Dinner Presentation night. For more info, e-mail Greenburg at [email protected] or check out the event on Facebook at facebook.com/events/135542643303372. I am Woman – Hear Me Roar! And, Hear Me Create! Animate! The 2013 edition of Womanimation!, now in its fifth year, comes to the Cable Car Cinema and Café in Providence on Sunday, June 22. Toni Pennacchia, Creative Director of MergingArts Productions, explains the festival concept. “As the name implies, the festival is a celebration of women in animation, presenting acclaimed animated short film stories created by women from around the world.” With a vivid mix of styles and techniques – from oil on painting to ink on paper to stop motion – the festival presents whimsical tales of coming of age, kinship, love and loss, nostalgia and journeys into the unknown. It’s a spirited blend of narrative and emotion, both with and without dialogue. Pennacchia elaborates, “We want to both entertain and challenge the audience, regardless of what films we’re showing. Animation is naturally sort of an experimental style, but these women are really engaging storytellers offering a unique perspective. On the other hand, it’s not agenda-driven. The films are more personal than political.” The diverse stories in the program include: Isabel Herguera’s Bajo La Almohada, from Spain, a bittersweet animated documentary made with voices and drawings from a group of children who live in a clinic in India showing the treasures and dreams the children keep hidden under their pillows. Bao, from Sandra Desmazières, a French animated short about a boy and his sister who take the train every day and always have a fabulous adventure. But today will be their final journey together. The Other Side, by Jing Li, a surreal Chinese anime-style tale about unawareness of one’s own identity transitioning to the awakening of a stronger ego. The German animated short, Keller Kind, from Julia Ocker, a Bergmanesque tale where after a woman gives birth to a child, she hides him in the basement. In Vino Veritas, by Czech animator Aneta Zabkova, a wry look at a woman preparing for a reunion with her girlfriends after 25 years, when everything seeming to go wrong. Screenings take place throughout the day on Saturday, June 22, along with DJ Madame B spinning tunes from women around the world in a pre-show set prior to the screenings. Screening times are at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 pm, and festival organizers will be in attendance to introduce the program. Due to some mature content and themes of the films, the program is recommended for ages 14 and up. MergingArts Productions is an organization dedicated to cultural programming encompassing film, music and media, reaching out to communities both locally and globally. For more information, contact Toni Pennacchia, Creative Director of MergingArts Productions, [email protected], 401-359-2576. As always, stay tuned for more film news and Motif’s film review show called “Take Two” starring Nick Iandolo and me. I get to pick the next one, folks, so look out Nick – this won’t be a sci-fi flick! That’s all for now, folks. Film is rolling.

An Opportunity to Support “These Three Words”

These three words — nope, not “I love you.” These three words happen to be more along the lines of something more unpleasant, and terribly frightening. They are, “You have cancer.” These Three Words is also a film exploring how the heart and soul are changed when a life threatening disease takes over.

The film will feature five individuals in various stages of brain cancer, facing the medical and emotional repercussions of diagnosis, including the all too real human will to survive and the challenges of research, clinical trials and insurance, all from some surprising perspectives.

“There is no better time to educate the world about brain cancer. Coming at the end of Brain Cancer Awareness Month, this is a fitting time to celebrate the research, the doctors and clinicians who help those with this deadly disease,” says Executive Producer Paul A. Roselli, who will lead the production team.

The Rhode Island Film Collaborative (RIFC) will act as the fiscal sponsor for the film. Donations to the film are made to the RIFC. Those funds are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by IRS rules and regulations.

These Three Words, LLC in association with the Rok Bar ‘N’ Grill will also hold a fundraising event and celebration to support the film. The evening will feature a clip from the movie and an original song produced and performed by brain cancer survivor Ace Diamond and Amber Betz.

Rok Bar ‘N’ Grill owner Brandon Sweet will provide the venue and food for this event. “We care deeply about the impact this disease has on the individuals and their families. We are honored to do our part,” says owner Sweet.

A buffet featuring vegetarian and vegan foods will be among the offerings. A cash bar and valet parking also will be available. The restaurant is handicap accessible for wheelchairs. So, save the date! It’s Tuesday, June 4, 2013, Rok Bar and Grill, 11 Main Street East Greenwich, RI. The event runs from 4:30 – 9 pm.

For more information, contact Paul A. Roselli at (401) 447-1560 or [email protected]

Admission is $20 per individual or $35 per couple.

Scene and Heard It’s an a-MAY-zing month for the film industry – actually an amazing time in general for the local film world, especially indie film. There’s so much going on that I have to take a deep breath and really think about what I want to tell you first. The process of talking with people, visiting sets and interacting with these visionaries is exhilarating (and exhausting!). Rhode Island is a hotbed of activity of right now. Never thought that about Little Rhody? Well think again – we’ve got everything from soup to nuts here – and what an inimitable smorgasbord in between.

Soup, nuts … and apples? Remember the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Good, because you’re about to get a serving of those sweet, delicious fruits in a documentary designed to educate you about their origins in RI, from sunny orchards to right there in your retro lunch box. For the past several years, Americans have been turning away from highly processed foods in favor of fresh whole foods picked when they are ripe, tasty and at peak nutritional value. Informed consumers are buying produce from farmers markets and local produce stands, and availing themselves of seasonal pick-your-own opportunities.

Vanishing Orchards: Apple Growing in Rhode Island tells the story of how Rhode Island farmers continue to succeed in a business that is inherently risky and fraught with economic uncertainty. Growers have to balance the traditional approaches that were handed down to them from their parents and grandparents with the realities of today’s business climate. The film follows apple growers over a 10-year period to show how this historically significant way of life in Rhode Island, which seemed on the brink of extinction, has managed to survive. Watch as Rhode Island farmers respond to changing technology and markets with resourceful adaptation. Get your sneak peek of the story about the apple in Rhode Island at the Jane Pickens Theatre in Newport, Rhode Island, on May 23, 2013. See the trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBo0_P6-1mw. Doors open at 6:30 pm, the film is at 7:30 pm, and there is a Q&A after the film. Contact producer, Alex Caserta, at [email protected] or 401-943-5228, or the director, Rocco Michaluk at [email protected]. For more information, visit their website at vanishingorchards.org.

Hmm … apples and now baseball? Is this an Americana edition of Scene and Heard? Nope, it’s RI’s documentary about that lovable pastime we call baseball. The Balls to Prove It is a documentary film about a baseball fanatic who catches piles of foul balls. Eric Sutcliffe’s deep and unquenchable life-long love of baseball and his uncanny ability to predict where a foul ball will be hit garnered him a haul of 224 balls last year while attending a mere 32 games at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. You do the math! This is a rare treat for anyone passionate about our national pastime, and even baseball haters will enjoy this film about a real guy with an simple passion taken to a level of analysis and fandom unseen before! The film is scheduled to premier after a game at McCoy Stadium this summer, and we’ll let you know exactly when to go see it. Meanwhile catch the trailer here: vimeo.com/59858349. The film was produced by Muriel Productions, LLC, Dan Becker and Murray Scott, and stars Eric Sutcliffe. The music in the film is provided by Torn Shorts, that awesome band that just won the WBRU 2013 Rock Hunt!! Congrats guys, you deserve it. Clamcakes, chowder and film? YES! Well, I for one can’t think of a better combo than that. Films, food and fun is to be had at Rhode Island’s first South County Film Festival. Films from all over the world in all genres will be served up by founders of the festival, Ann Mulhall, Skip Shea and William Smyth. Mulhall is a well-known casting director and owner of LDI, and has been casting both principal and background performers for feature films, independent films, television, corporate video and commercials for the past 11 years. Shea is an award-winning, well-known talented filmmaker, writer, director, artist and actor from Uxbridge, MA, and has just taken first place for Microcinema in the Jersey Gore Film Festival, Best New England Film at the Mass Indie Film Festival for Choices, and Audience Award for best Regional Short for Children of the Asylum. Smyth is also a seven-time Emmy award-winning filmmaker and photographer, with over 15 years of experience in television production. His work has appeared on Discovery Health, The Hallmark Channel, MTV and TV Nation. He also shot the critically acclaimed horror-short Microcinema for director Skip Shea.

FILMMAKERS – deadline for entry is June 15, 2013. Join the filmmakers and the film aficionados after the last screenings for a traditional RI style clambake. Yum! Can’t think of a better way to spend the evening. All info is available here for both filmmakers and attendees: www.so-coriff.com. Hope to see you there!

Okay people – you all know the 48 Hour Film Projects are all over the universe right now. Boston just had theirs (saw some hilarious RIers/Bostonians in those) and now it’s Providence’s turn. I’ve done it with Peppered Productions, and last year it was a blast. This year, the 48 runs from July 12 through 14. For those of you who don’t know what a 48 is, beware. Participants receive their genre, tag line, and prop on one evening, and then commence to write, cast, shoot, edit, score and hand in their films all in 48 hours. The films are then shown at a local theater venue complete with Q&As with the filmmakers and awards. If you have never joined a 48 team, I suggest you’ve got to ride that roller coaster at least once and experience the thrill! Check out the website for the Providence 48 here www.48hourfilm.com/en/providence and view the teams. Join up either as cast or crew – it’s a hoot!

Box(ing) office draw – famed director Martin Scorsese has reportedly agreed to help produce a movie about the life of Rhode Island boxer Vinny Paz. Scorsese will be an executive producer on the project, which is being spearheaded by East Greenwich native Chad Verdi of Woodhaven Films. Verdi bought the rights in 2009 to make the movie about Paz, the boxing champion who overcame a broken neck suffered in a car accident, to again fight for a world title in 2002. Scorsese directed the acclaimed 1980 boxing film Raging Bull, about the life of former middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta. Verdi says the working title of his movie, which is scheduled for release in 2016, is Bleed for This: The Vinny Paz Story. The film is slated to be shot in RI and possibly will star a RI a-lister. We’ll let you know more as the story develops.

RIers winning awards all over the place! A native Rhode Islander who studied creative writing and film at the University of Rhode Island won a film festival contest for screenplays focusing on the state. Rachel Smith’s Fix You Up is the winner of the Rhode Island International Film Festival’s ‘‘Spotlight on Rhode Island’’ competition.

Her screenplay tells the story of a workaholic transplant surgeon who cares more about the organs she operates on than the people they belong to. When an injury sidelines her from work, she meets a musician who prompts her to question aspects of her life.

Smith was raised in Scituate. She developed the screenplay while at The London Film School. This was the second year screenwriters were invited to submit works that feature Rhode Island’s geography and demography as main characters. Congratulations to Rachel, and we look forward to the production of Fix You Up.

Enter Michael Reed all the way from LA – to appear on the set of Normal – the amazingly creative script by Lenny Schwartz and directed by Richard Marr-Griffin of Scorpio Film Releasing. Former RI A-lister, Reed is definitely someone who has the chops and looks of someone who could be a future favorite genre actor, as you can see in his earlier films, such as The Disco Exorcist, Nun of That and The Dark Feed. The film just wrapped last week, and I wanted to chat with Michael, who appears in the lead role in the film. The character Reed plays in Normal is “Jim” a darkly depressing chap who appears normal, but is anything but. This is Reed’s sixth feature film with Scorpio Film Releasing and director Griffin, but it’s the first time they had to fly him out from Los Angeles to work on a film. He relocated to the west coast about a year and a half ago with his wife Sarah Nicklin (also a co-star in Normal), and subsequently missed several of Richard’s films. Reed was thrilled to come back and work with familiar peers on cast and crew, but also some new faces as well, such as Ben Royer, Patrick Keefe and Elyssa Baldassari. He knew for a few years that Normal was written with him in mind.

”I was so happy that the script got green-lit and I was able to reconnect with so many great people and work on an amazingly creative script by Lenny Schwartz,” Reed said. He added, “Shooting a feature film in 10 days has it challenges. Typically when one hears that you’ll be shooting a feature in a short amount of time, it’s a slightly scary feeling – especially when you’re in almost every scene. A lot of work and preparation goes into shooting a feature, and we were lucky to be working the majority of scenes on a sound stage where we built our own apartment building set. This allows for a lot of material to be shot in one day without lugging a ton of gear and people around from location to location. Another daunting task was the amount of dialog I had in this picture. Extensive dialog doesn’t typically frighten me, but this was the first time I had to keep a laser focus on what I was doing at all times. Also, I’m not the type of actor who reads the script a thousand times and rehearses extensively. I like to keep things fresh and not kill the character with over-rehearsal or script memorization. Because of the professionalism of the cast and crew, their incredible readiness and most importantly, being backed by a wonderful director who knows exactly what he wants, I was able to remain focused and relaxed during the entire shoot.”

Thanks, Michael, for sharing your experience with us at Motif Magazine! We wish Michael and Sarah safe travels back to LA and we look forward to the release date of Normal for its RI premier. We will keep you updated on that event as well. You can also learn more about Michael and his work at michaelreedactor.com.

This past week also featured student screenings at all levels. The annual GiveMe5 event, a teen filmmaker showcase produced by the State Film & Television Office in cooperation with numerous local film and educational institutions (see www.giveme5ri.com for details). The teen work was, overall, refreshing and interesting. Work from schools all over the state was screening, including Portsmouth, Westerly, Woonsocket and Providence. Highlights included fun time-lapse work by Portsmouth HS, an intriguing film that explored what you would do if you could stop time, comic ruminations on the perfect way to dispose of a dead body, one woman’s jump into Parkour, and a striking silhouetted dance performance. Kudos to all the talented teens around RI who made that happen!

RISD also showcased the work of its intrepid seniors. RISD’s FAV (Film, Animation, Video) showcases are reliably stunning when it comes to animation, and this one did not disappoint. Whimsical and striking images were presented and brought to life. These ranged from explorations of intimate moments to musings on quantum theory and its ramifications for the universe. But when it came to storytelling, the live action pieces took the night, with a few gentle musings about choosing your future (Pussyfooting by Jess Paek, Santulna by Namrata Desai), creepy horror (13akers dozen by Paul Bertolino), and a rousing homage to canibalism (Donner Party: The Musical by Andrew Migliori). Congrats to the FAV graduates on their hard work and mesmerizing results.

By the way, don’t forget to catch me with Nick Iandolo, who usually disagrees with me, in our film review show for MoTiV. We will review Star Trek Into Darkness this week on Take Two.

That’s a wrap.

Additional reporting by Mike Ryan

Scene and Heard

I love May. I love the name, the flowers, Mother’s Day, (yes, I’m a mom), and the sunshine. To my DISmay, I missed the deadline on the paper edition of Motif, so I am going to put it all in my weekly update right here. Come what may (there it is again), you will hear about the film news in RI, if I have anything to do with it – one may, er, one WAY or the other.

Let’s start with GiveMe5 – the RI Teen Film Festival. It’s free and open to the public, and you get to view the “Make a Minute” movies that teens from all over the state of RI put together in ONE afternoon back in March of this year. I participated in this event as an actor and it was great fun and very educational – for us, too! Fellow actors Andre Boudreau, Pat O’Hara, Angela Ryding, Michael Ryan, Motif‘s publisher (this time as mentor) and Theresa Dern all came down to participate in the program, all of us bringing assorted props and to be available to act in their short films. Now, On May 18, the teen filmmakers from around Rhode Island will showcase and discuss their 5-minute (or less) films, and receive feedback from a professional panel. Featured films this year will be selected from students at Beacon Charter School (Woonsocket), Bishop Hendricken High School (Warwick), Everett Company (Providence), LaSalle Academy (Providence), Metropolitan Career & Technical Center (Providence), Portsmouth High School, Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts (Providence), and Westerly High School. This year’s discussion panel will include Steven Feinberg (Director of the RI Film and Television Office), Rob Gray (Screen Actors’ Guild), Josephine Sittenfeld (RISD faculty), and Alex Watrous (former GiveMe5 participant and now of Watrous Brothers Productions). I got a chance to view the film I was chosen to be cast in that day in March, and I have to say these kids are impressive! They ate lunch with us, chose a prop, wrote a script, cast the film, shot and edited it all in one day, and turned it in by 5 pm. Can’t wait to see the rest of the films! Join us for a fun FREE afternoon at the Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence from 12:30 to 5 pm – you can’t help but be inspired by these kids!

Oh boy. I’ve got something CREEPY for you all. I live right next to a town that houses an old abandoned hospital for the mentally unstable. Back then, the hospital was called the Ladd School of the Feeble Minded, in Exeter, RI (no, they were not politically correct back then when naming such facilities, e.g., Bellevue Looney Bin in NY state). The premise of this film rests on the fact that back in the summer of 2012, actors Meredith Prunty and Ashley Tramonte were on the set of Marcus Nispel’s Backmask, on location at the former Ladd School. During the long night shoot in the creepy buildings and deserted grounds, the girls experienced eerie paranormal phenomena and unexplained feelings of terror. They’ve made this experience into a film, based on an original story by Suzanne Prunty, and produced by Ann O’Leary Tramonte and Prunty. The film also stars Jennifer Gjulameti, Arthur Wahlberg, Adam Teper, Gwen Kosak,Colin Mackey and Richard Meehan. Toddlers & Tiaras star Paisley Dickey also appears as a super-creepy ghost alongside Addison LaFountaine. Wow, impressive cast and producers – can’t wait to view this one. Here’s the trailer – do NOT watch it alone! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnWL3Z8TQYI

Surprise, Surprise!!!, a new romantic comedy feature film starring our very own Mike Messier of Blood!Sugar! Sid!Ace!, by first time writer, producer and director, Crosby Tatum, will makes its anticipated big screen debut on Thursday, May 30, at Kendall Square Cinema, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, starting at 7 pm sharp. Tatum also plays the lead character, Crosby Taylor, in this film, from his own company, Triceptus Studios. They will hold a special red carpet photo op session with the cast and crew starting at 5:30 pm before the screening. Following the screening, the cast and crew will hold a special Q and A session and an after-party at a location in the Boston/Cambridge area, to be announced in the upcoming weeks. We look forward to Crosby’s debut film and another great performance from Mike Messier!

The Surprise, Surprise!!! Red Carpet Screening after-party will be held at NAGA, 450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 in the front lounge area. All ticket holders who purchase their tickets at Kendall Square Theater and http://www.surprisethis.com must present their ticket stubs at the door to attend our after-party and receive a special “reduced rate” of $10 to attend the nightclub area before 11pm sharp. Make sure you save your stubs. Hhhhmmm. The work of two landscapers is interrupted when a radio signal triggers a series of mysterious events – I’d say this is a timely premise for a film. The Signal, written and to be directed by Court Fisk, is having a fundraiser dinner for the movie on May 10 at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 15 Bassett Street, North Providence, RI 02904. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They will have a silent auction, meeting of the cast and crew, and entertainment by four local comedians, Mike Murray, Tom Stewart, John Morris, and John Perrotta. Also appearing will be belly dance entertainment (ooooohh) by Holly and the Sacred Flame. All proceeds will go to the production of the movie. We hope to see you there.

People just continue to amaze me. For instance, take the folks behind the company Atlantian Films. Atlantian was formed in 2012 by Brian Spectre, to produce high-quality, honest, and thought-provoking theatrical motion pictures to be experienced by a wide variety of audiences. Brian’s team is made up of extremely talented cancer survivors and supporters who have donated their time and talents, as well as Steve Emirzian who is producer, actor, writer and VP of Public Relations for Atlantian Films. This group clearly demonstrates that people who have, or have had, cancer can and do lead creative, productive and meaningful lives. Collectively, they have participated in over 34 films as producers, and their mission is to produce motion pictures that will entertain, surprise and refresh in the true spirit of action/adventure filmmaking.

A portion of the profits realized from movies created through Atlantian Films will be donated to cancer research or to someone dealing with cancer who may need help with the exorbitant costs associated with treatment. They are in production now on their film titled Mindscapes, a feature-length action adventure fantasy film, and are also looking for volunteers to assist with advertising, marketing, fundraising, technical support and area locations. Please contact them if interested at phone 860-404-0429, mobile 860-803-5105 or email [email protected]. I am definitely keeping tabs on them to see just when this film will debut as it promises to be quite a feat!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 11, to come and celebrate The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theater (TRIST). They will be premiering a brand new documentary film by David Eliet on Bob Colonna and the 42-year history of TRIST. Plus, the irrepressible musician and performance artist Rick Adam, one of the earliest TRIST company members, will present his own version of the TRIST story in a wacky one-man show called “Shakin’ Up Shakespeare.” The evening’s celebration and fundraiser (tickets $20) will be held at the brand new Artists’ Exchange theater at 82 on Rolfe Square, Cranston, Rhode Island, at 7 p.m. Space is limited, so reserve your seats now by emailing [email protected]

Chad A. Verdi, an extremely successful filmmaker, and his Rhode Island film company Woodhaven Productions had two big announcements recently. Not only has Woodhaven begun filming its newest production, Army of the Damned, but the picture has already been sold to Screen Media. The film was written and directed by Tom DeNucci and boasts a unique cast, including horror legends Tony Todd and Michael Berryman; singer/actor Joey Fatone; Godsmack frontman Sully Erna; former professional wrestlers Tommy Dreamer and Thea Trinidad; a man who knows a thing or two about horror, Nick Principe; David Chokachi; Jackie Moore; and our own talented RI’er, Tom Paolino. Filming will be done in East Greenwich, Warwick, Cranston and Providence, RI. Army of the Damned tells the story of a hit reality TV crew following a group of local cops in a sleepy town. Things go horribly wrong for the cops when they respond to a call that brings a whole new meaning to the term “domestic disturbance.” Faced with life and death situations, these officers are forced to throw the rule book out in order to stay alive. With the help of a reclusive hermit and a petty criminal, the lawmen do all they can to serve, protect and avoid joining the Army of the Damned. Verdi’s latest films, Infected and Self-Storage, are also being released through Screen Media and will each reach over 100 million homes through Universal’s VOD platform starting this month.

World class films by the youth of TAPA! What’s TAPA you say? It’s Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts – an academically rigorous, arts-integrated public charter school for students in grades 7 through 12. TAPA is a community of practice, where culture, the performing arts and an expanded learning time are all fundamental components of a rigorous academic program. TAPA is woven into the diverse and creative fabric of the city of Providence, fostering engaged, well-rounded artistic leaders. On May 16, at the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, Brown University, 154 Angell Street in Providence, TAPA will screen world-class films. Doors open at 5:30, screenings begin at 6 pm, and there is a catered reception to follow. Dress up people, this is red carpet attire! Tickets are $35 each or $50 for two. Contact: www.tapaprovidence.org or 401-432-7881 Right here, there is a silent film being made! It’s called Right There. It promises to be a great piece of filmmaking by Nathan Suher and his co-writers, Gregory Capello and Ian Taylor, for Suher’s company, IM Filmworks. They will be going into production the weekend of May 18 with the ultimate goal of producing a short film that is worthy of acceptance to esteemed film festivals like Sundance, SXSW, Toronto and Tribeca. The film will star Ryan Hanley; Lauren Ashleigh; welcoming back to film after some time off, Alexandra Cipolla; Andre Boudreau; Danielle Mayer; Chris Ferreira; Bernie Larrivee; and Kelly McCabe. Here’s the link to all info: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2065153744/right-there. Do donate if you can to make this film a reality.

Ever wonder what kind of impression you made at your audition? What could you have done better? This month we have Actor’s Spotlight, spearheaded by the lovely actress Jami Tennille, for the Rhode Island Film Collaborative. This event will be members-only and offers our actors an opportunity to perform a 2-minute monologue of their choice in front of an invited panel of local directors, casting and media professionals. In addition, industry professionals will attend to provide services and information that benefit the actor. Becki Dennis Buchman and her company, Talent Tools, will offer a mini-resume critique. Red Nose Films will have demo reel information. Designs by Keri will provide information regarding business and comp cards for the working actor. A stylist from Magnolia Salon will provide style tips and complimentary hair + make-up touch-ups. Reno Venturi, casting director, acting coach and personality-galore guy, will be available for actors to receive immediate feedback and personalized coaching regarding their performance, and Kaitlyn Bouchard Photography will offer actors one complimentary digital head shot. ACTORS, PLEASE BRING A MINIMUM OF 15 HEAD SHOTS/RESUMES. Are you a member of RIFC? If so, the event is free! If not, go to www.rifcfilms.com and click on MEMBERS then join. Membership costs $20 dollars annually. The event takes place on May 18, from 2 to 6pm. See you there!

Hey Hey – I’ve got some news myself! A film that I star in, called Collected Souls, has premiered online for the production company Providence Lyceum. Karen and Michael Iacobbo, the producers and writers behind Providence Lyceum, produced the short sci-fi thriller in response to Alex Jones’ prompt on infowars.com after their other film, The Unproductive, made news on that same website. They had less than three weeks to do it and pulled it off thanks to cast members Suzanne McCormick, Kevin Cahill, Malcolm Cameron, Tony Demings,(and for his Brooklyn Coffee Tea House location) Rosemary Pacheco, (yes, me), George Alford, Josh Passarelli, Pat O’Hara, Gwen Kosak, and awesome crew Jill Poisson, Chris Esper, Nathen Shorte-Pouzieux, Mark Sweberg, makeup person Morgan Duffy, and folk singer Chuck Williams. And last but not least, Ms. Laura Pepper who did a fine job editing with not much time and under a very tight deadline. Thank you Laura for making us all look good. I totally enjoyed playing an evil, black-hearted soul-sucking femme fatale. See the film here and help us get as many views as we can to win the contest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXzxiTO3Wmw

That’s it for now folks. Don’t forget to catch me with Nicholas Iandolo for MoTiV’s “Take Two” film review once a month. Our next film to review is Star Trek Into Darkness. See you at the movies.

Scene and Heard

Anthony Demings, owner of the Brooklyn Coffee Teahouse in Providence, Rhode Island, is pleased to announce his film Children of the Asylum (COTa) will have its world premiere at the Columbus Theatre on Broadway on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 5:30 pm along with other great short films at the SENE Film, Music & Art Festival. The talented and accomplished Skip Shea directed the film, and Mary Kelliher DeBerry served as the multi-talented producer on this film working on all aspects of it, including wardrobe, research, running auditions, catering, and appearing as the mystery woman in the opening scenes. She even has been asked to write the stage adaptation for the story as well. We salute Tony, Skip and Mary for their extraordinary efforts in bringing this film to reality.

Newport: The Series – Tom Erb’s series based on the paintings of artist William Heydt happens to star three of my favorite Massachusetts ladies: Paula Dellatte, Mary Yezukevich Wright, who I have had the pleasure of working with, and Jeanne Lohnes, who I will work with in Red Circles for its final season. This series promises to be a good one, and it also stars Susan Wyoral from right here in RI. Congrats ladies!!

Anthony Ambrosino and Nick Delmenico of Project 989 just took on the job of helping RISD senior Carolyn Colton produce her newest film New Shoes. The film stars Jami Tennille and David Carpenter as the parents. It also stars one of our own from the NE Kids’ Actors Group, Nicky Gem ( Sarmiento) who plays their young daughter. It is a dark film about the child’s happiness and innocence lost as she witnesses the disturbing exchange between her parents. Colton works in both video and traditional 16mm film, and draws influence from well-known directors Michael Haneke, David Fincher, and David Lynch. She is originally from the Washington, D.C., area, and aside from her film work she is an accomplished classical pianist, having played Carnegie Hall at age 12. She writes and directs all of her films, and is currently in pre-production for her next short film, Blue Devil, about a young girl with insectophobia.

A film with no violence, sex or blood that is 99 percent profanity-free? You bet! 50’s B&W comedy spoof film, Transsexuals from Space, produced, directed, and written by Brina Healy, is complete. Careful, however, as you may die laughing! Starring local talent, casting includes several a-listers from Rhode Island. Think Ed Wood meets Tim Burton, directed by Mel Brooks. This spoof features a brand new storyline, silly props, crazy situations, great acting and a rockin’ soundtrack! Transsexual troublemakers from Transmotivia are crossing the galaxy being pushy, pugnacious and prissy while pissing off nearly everyone they meet. When they reach Earth, they get more than they bargained for from the dwellers of the water-covered planet. As this film breaks new ground, the premiere will be extra special. Please stay tuned for details of a late spring debut. Mike Murphy, a local actor out of Cranston, is appearing in an upcoming film to be released May/June called Eternal and filmed in Providence. Here is the link to the trailer in Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1115211600/eternal-1. He also appeared in a film called Here, which shot April 13 at Kingston Station in Kingston, Rhode Island and Providence’s Prospect Park in the evening. Here’s the link for the latter film: http://hereproduction.tumblr.com/cast

Last fall, when I first started acting again, I worked with a couple of very young talented dudes who were very hard working and totally determined to get the word out about their films. One is Brian Bouyea of Root Beer Studios. For the past couple of years, his focus has been horror. His last feature film, The Network, which premiered at the Avon Cinema in Providence, RI, is currently the movie of the month on http://www.twistflix.com/! The other is Shawn Manchester of SM Entertainment who is another very talented guy and a fantastic FX makeup artist. They both invite you to join them for their big back-to-back premiere on July 18 of Famous ( Root Beer Studios) and The Next Step, by Shawn’s company, SM Entertainment. Follow the links below for more info or to get involved!

RBS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootbeerstudios

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/RBSOfficial?feature=mhee

Double Feature Premiere: https://www.facebook.com/doublefeature1

RBS Site: http://www.rootbeer-studios.com/

Director Julian Marshall, fresh out of RISD, had his film debut online April 15. His narrative film titled Obey the Giant is an interesting look at the life of the artist Shepard Fairey. Marshall said, “We moved heaven and earth to make this film,” as he talked about the ambitious project, for which he raised $65,000 through Kickstarter last spring. “Pre-production was about six weeks. We had to build an army of people, elaborate sets, a 27,000-pound billboard, and pull together an insane amount of props from the 1990s. It was an amazing time though. My crew and I truly became a family.” The Washington, D.C., native, is now based in NYC and at the helm of his own film production company. Check out the film here at http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/shepard-faireys-obey-origins-made-into-a-movie-meet-the-22-year- old-director_b28119

We are extremely excited for the debut of the Gathr Preview Series: Tomorrow’s Indie Film Hits In Your Local Theater Today. Gathr Films has partnered with the leading Independent film distributors to build this unique and innovative film program. Initially opening in 20 markets, Gathr Previews will allow film fans the opportunity to view the best of independent cinema before its theatrical release anywhere in the country. Consider it a year-round film festival that takes place right in your local theater. Gathr Films has curated a film series that covers a variety of genres, both foreign and domestic, including hand-selected first-run feature films representing the best in documentary and narrative film making. Beginning on April 29, the Cable Car Cinema & Cafe will be featuring the first film of the series. Tickets for our first feature will be free with RSVP, and registration for the series will open on April 22 at Gathr.Us. We invite you to share this exclusive invitation with members of your organization and all the film lovers in your community. The goal is to allow amazing films the broader audiences they deserve and they hope you will partner with them in their vision. Our first two features of the series are listed:

4/29/2013 THE ICEMAN Starring: Michael Shannon, Ray Liotta, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans and James Franco http://theiceman-movie.com/

5/6/2013 THE DEEP Starring: Olafur Darri Olafsson, Johann G. Johannsson http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1764275/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3

Calling all filmmakers! Here’s a link to the open film submissions for the CyberHum: Spring Into Summer Film Festival that’s taking place on Friday and Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend @ AS200 Black Box Theater in Providence. Invite your fellow filmies to join and submit! Film submissions are now open for CyberHum: Spring Into Summer Film Festival taking place May 24 and 25 and celebrating sci-fi, animation, documentaries and music video works from local and international filmmakers and artists. The submissions deadline is May 7. https://cyberhum.com/film_submissions.html

Announcing Difficult Tales, by Frank Difficult, which is an anthology of short films of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, all told in a bold experimental style. The show will span psychedelic gothic horror, pop-art space action and Lovecraftian terrors. I saw this trailer, folks, and I can’t wait to see the finished product. Hell, I even asked him if I could be in one of these tales! Difficult wound up in Providence, Rhode Island, the birthplace of cosmic horror as the hometown of H. P. Lovecraft, from whose work Frank has drawn much inspiration. He owned and managed an underground video store for a time, and has worked in nearly every aspect of film, video, theatrical and music production. He also has recorded and performed with many musical groups, including V.Majestic, Barnacled, Alec K. Redfearn and the Eyesores. The project is currently being funded on Kickstarter. View this mind-bending, awesome trailer here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/144586706/difficult-tales

Chris Esper ‘s next film will be a short comedy, Please Punish Me. It’s based on a story by local actor Tom Paolino, with the screenplay written by Rich Camp. It tells the story of Scottie, a businessman, whose life is too good. Every time good things happen to him, people around him get the negative effects of his positive. Feeling as though he doesn’t deserve any of it, he seeks to be punished for his curse. The film is being produced by Macremi Productions along with founder/producer Creusa Michelazzo. They will be announcing a date for a casting call soon and hope to be begin shooting this summer. Bravo, Chris, for moving right into your next film and with the success of Still Life, which is now available to stream for $1.99 or download for $3.99. Just go to twistflix.com. Ten-year-old Alex Dhima won best actor last weekend for Wishbone at the Campus Movie Fest and will be part of the LA Campus Movie Fest competition. Yay, Alex! Alex was cast in this film by our friend and long-time casting director Jodi Purdy, and he is a very active member of the group I run with Natasha Colonero, The NE Kids’ Actors Group. Here is the link to Wishbone for viewing: http://www.campusmoviefest.com/movies/19147-wishbone. Alex also is in Red Circles, the cop drama with a supernatural spin by Seth Chitwood. I hope I get to film at least one of 14 episodes with him this summer! Rock on, Alex!

Two of our kids from the NE Kids’ Actors Group, identical twins Uatchet Jin Juch and Nekhebet Kum Juch, have been theater and film goers all of their lives, but a chance encounter with a leading lady at an installation about human rights in Burma changed their early years. They went to that young lady’s show during Harvard Arts First 2010 festival and got inspired. Since then, the twins have been very busy in local theater in Massachusetts and also have started to venture into film. They played sisters Lee & Sara in an independent feature film, Wander My Friends by Raz Cunningham of small GIANT media (see info here: http://www.wandermyfriends.com/p/whos-crew.html), and now they will again play sisters Ali & Kim on the big screen as principal roles in a Hollywood movie — Infinitely Polar Bear written and directed by Maya Forbes and starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana, which will be released in 2014. Way to go, girls!

Look for Nick Iandolo and moi, in a film review once a month called “Take Two” on MOTiV, our new on- camera news clips feature. We’ll face off on current films and try to be nice to each other in the process. Just kidding, this will be fun and informative, as well. Nick usually hates everything I like, based on our experience as members of the RIFC committee who chose this year’s short film script to be produced. Look for us on MoTiV, and don’t change that channel!

Scene and Heard

Actually in this particular case, it is NOT heard. It is Right There – a silent film in pre-production at the moment, written by Nathan Suher and Ian Taylor at IM Filmworks. Nathan is currently very close to choosing his leads, but there are a couple minor roles that they need to fill as well, so they would still appreciate headshots and resumes. Please send your reel and resumes to [email protected]

Congratulations! Skip Shea’s horror flick Microcinema just won first prize for best short in the Jersey Gore Film Festival, shared with another film called 3 A.M. Quote from the folks at Jersey Gore, “Both were so good, we couldn’t pick one!” This is a wild ride, and a philosophical one at that, folks. When a young rich dude, with a lot of time on his hands and a penchant for snuff films decides to cross the line from observer to participant, you’ll find the twist in this tale to be quite, uh … bewitching. Congratulations again! This time to Providence Lyceum for their film titled The Unproductive, which made news on one of the top 500 websites in America called infowars.com. The film is a provocative look at the effects of the euthanasia debate on a relationship: how it can divide and devastate, as well as create a sense of helplessness at having to make a life or death decision. The story also touches upon the ever-increasing competition between independent and established news media and the conflict it causes between two cousins whose perceptions of reality are shaped by quite different news media sources. The Unproductive was somewhat influenced by the Terri (Schindler) Schiavo saga, which occurred in 2005.

Congrats a third time? Yep! This time for Michael Shawver and his work on the film Fruitvale. Shawver, a RI native, edited this film about the real life story of the death of a young man killed at a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station in the Fruitvale district of Oakland, CA. This film took home the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The movie also won the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film. Fruitvale is the first feature-length film from USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate Ryan Coogler, 26. Actor Forest Whitaker served as a producer on the movie, which stars Michael B. Jordan.

OK. Once more. This time it’s congrats to the father and son team, John Martin and Seth Chitwood. Dad, John Martin, along with web-based stories by Jody McPhillips , reported on, produced, directed and narrated AARP Rhode Island’s multi-media exploration of senior hunger in Providence’s West End community. It was one of the official selections of the LA Web Series Festival top picks for 2013. View the series here at http://bit.ly/11jmizY. Son Seth Chitwood picked up three awards at the same festival for his cop/supernatural drama, Red Circles for Best Series, Best Director (Chitwood) and Best Lead Actress (Corey Lynn Arruda). Bravo, father and son!

The 989 Project and those boys behind it, Anthony Ambrosino and Nicholas Delmenico, just signed on to a new gig: In Plain View – the first webisodic cop drama to come out of Boston, created and produced by Joe Conforti. Nick will take on the role of First Assistant Director, and Anthony will take the helm as Production Manager. Actors Tom Kemp and Kati Salowski will star in the series, but keep your eyes open, actors, for another round of casting coming soon. Visit their Facebook page to follow any new developments here: https://www.facebook.com/InPlainViewSeries?fref=ts

Speaking of cop dramas, I just signed on to star in the fourth and final season of Red Circles (this police training is killing me folks, but hey an actor’s gotta do what an actor’s gotta do). Anyone wishing to build up a resume and take this training (yes, that would be you, writers, directors, and actors, especially) Angelwood Pictures is offering a Detective Training Day! Yup, that’s right – join former Massachusetts State Troopers Charlie and Mel Alejandro for a day of training (more like ass-kicking – I know, I’ve done it).The one-day training seminar will cover the following areas: crime scene investigation and evidence collection, tactical room clearing and gun simulation handling, (my quads hurt for days), the four types of interrogation and queues of body language, preparation for court testimony and legal lingo, and marching drills and basic march commands. If you gotta play a cop, lawyer or tactical officer, this training’s for you. Writers and directors – get away from the computer and the cameras for a bit and go for it – this’ll help ya’ get REAL. It’s worth the 99 bucks and is taking place April 21st from 9 am to 5 pm in Barrington, RI. For more info, go here: http://www.angelwoodpictures.com/events.phpand and to sign up or ask questions, go here: [email protected]

Don’t forget to check out our fellow filmmakers’ work in this year’s SENE Film Festival running from April 23 through April 28: Christian de Rezendes’ films Cat Scratch and Memories for Sale, Richard Marr-Griffin’s A Date with your Family, Tony Demings and Skip Shea’s Children of the Asylum, Genevieve Belcher and Eclipse Neilson’s documentary Uproar in Pawtucket – The Story of Fanny the Elephant, and many, many more. Visit the site for more info on festival events, including the Rock ‘n’ Reel entries, here: http://www.senefest.com/

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those RI’ers who helped make my NE Kids’ Actors Group first networking event in Whitman, MA, on April 7th a huge success. Laura Pepper of Peppered Productions photographed the festivities and educational seminars for us (amidst her shooting her Rock ‘n’ Reel entry, no less), and last but not least, Pat O’Hara, who acted as my faithful co-pilot and event set up/ take down person. Casting directors from CT and MA, industry professionals, veteran moms ( and dads), marketing gurus, social media experts , photographers, editors, and filmmakers all shared their expertise with the parents while enjoying good food and lively conversation. We all made some new friends and learned a thing or two. We are hoping to have an event like this in each New England state – so if you are interested in coordinating and/or hosting a fete like this, please contact me at [email protected] and put “NE Kids’ Event” in the subject line.

Remember, people, film is rolling. Especially in Rhode Island.