Month: March 2016

March 2016 TV Pilot/Spec Screenplay Winners

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tvfestival's avatarTV Screenplay Festival. Submit Today.

Deadline for Television Pilot/Spec Screenplay Festival: http://tvfestival.org/

Watch the 2 TV Screenplay Winners for  2016:

TV PILOT: REC’D
by Chris Courtney Martin

SYNOPSIS:

Genre: Romance, Drama

n the pilot, we meet our hero Petey and her friends. Petey has to deal with training this guy who broke her heart. Her best friend, Leya, has to prepare an assignment while on her shift. We get sucked into this bizarre Twilight Zone that is work-study. It’s like a half-step between being a kid and an adult because you’re balancing school and work. When you’re a kid, school is always supposed to come first. When you’re an adult, other than your family, work is top priority. The pilot introduces us to that world.

CAST LIST:

NARRATOR – Sean Ballantyne
RYAN – Rob Notman
LEYA/PETEY – Alicia Payne
LINDA – Val Cole
DAMIAN – Kari-Michael Helava
GUY – Ucal Shillingford

—-

TV SPEC: MAGNUM P.I.

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Movie Review: VAMPIRAS (short film) Directed by Wesley Armstrong

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MOVIE POSTERVAMPIRAS, 5min, USA, Fantasy/Comedy
Directed by Wesley Armstrong

This is the story of two woman trying to save a secret in the city of Los Angeles.

Written by Bruna Rubio

Read review by Amanda Lomonaco:

At first glance, I was fully prepared to dislike this film. The very opening scene seemed far too cliché for me to expect much from this short, but perhaps that was exactly why I found myself enjoying it more and more by the end. In fact, it was certainly one of the few short films that I felt could have been better served with more time. I almost hoped Vampiras was its own TV series, rather than a film.

I’m sure many of you are rolling your eyes right now over yet ANOTHER vampire movie, and particularly over my suggestion of turning it into a TV series. I have to admit, I was a big fan of Buffy back in the day, but I haven’t been able to find many vampire shows and films that I’ve truly enjoyed since then. I suppose some of this sprouts from the fact that I’ve always appreciated horror films that know precisely how to make fun of themselves.

In Vampiras, director Wesley Armstrong has been able to perfectly achieve the elusive balance between horror and comedy. Though the audience seemed to have some mixed reactions over the main characters’ appearance and obvious objectification, I found Vampiras to be quite an empowering film. What I originally saw as a somewhat questionable beginning was quickly compensated by the evident strength and dominance of Armstrong’s female protagonists.

Something about Vampiras certainly feels unfinished, or incomplete. Though the film works quite well on its own, I found myself wanting to know more about the stories of its protagonists. Anyone with a sense of humour would easily appreciate this film, as would any horror-comedy lover worth their salt. Vampiras isn’t exactly the most original vampire film out there, but it’s certainly worth a viewing, especially for those of us needing a good Buffy fix. It might be missing Sarah Michelle Gellar, but all the other more important elements are definitely in there.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of VAMPIRAS:

Movie Review: F**KING WORLD (short film) Directed by William Mussini

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MOVIE POSTERF**KING WORLD, 1min, Italy, Experimental
Directed by William Mussini

Modern man lives his life in just under a minute and thirty seconds. Frustration, joy, and a sense of incompleteness jumping from one emotion to another, from a knowledge gap to a lack filled by media messages.

Read review by Amanda Lomonaco:

Cathartic, chaotic, confusing, crazy; F**king World is the definition of all these words. It might take a while to appreciate William Mussini’s masterpiece, but it is precisely in forgetting to think and just watching that you are really able to taken in all its wonder.

Mussini’s short is a quick, precise, and vivid description of our daily lives, of our innermost thoughts. It’s a photograph of our own psyche. F**king World doesn’t need a narrative, or a protagonist, or a story line. All of those elements sprout from the audience themselves.

F**king World is extremely fast paced, and hectic, and fun, and distressing. It’s a concentrated drop of serum of emotions dropped gently into each of your eyeballs. Whether it clears or fogs your vision is really entirely up to you.

If you watch this film, be warned, you should be ready and attentive for this one. F**king World is not a film to watch, it’s a film to feel. Don’t expect your every-day film from this one. It’s so unique in its existence that I can’t even describe it, or tell you what you should expect from it. F**king World, just like our own f**king world, is just something you experience.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of F**KING WORLD:

Movie Review: BURGLAR (Short Film) Directed by Hojin Kim

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MOVIE POSTERBURGLAR, 5min, South Korea, Crime/Action
Directed by Hojin Kim

A crime takes place inside of a child’s imagination.

Read review by Amanda Lomonaco:

If any film from the WILDSound Feedback Film Festival has ever tugged at my heart strings it’s this one. Yet “Drama” is probably one of the last words any one would use to describe Burglar.

Starting off as a beautifully choreographed crime thriller, Burglar leaves the audience intrigued on the edge of their seats. The whole scene is made all the more mysterious by the utter lack of dialogue throughout it. A silence that is precisely and perfectly complemented by the musical score. Finally all our intrigue and interest is wrapped up and resolved in such a surprising, yet comforting, and bittersweet manner that you can’t help but be affected.

There was the odd person or other who seemed a little perplexed by this film, which isn’t so surprising when you consider its style. Burglar is definitely more of a poetic, metaphorical, and suggestive film. While most films like to hold the audience’s hand and pull them along the story line, Burglar pushes you head first into a pool of warm water and walks away as you try to find your bearings.

Burglar may have garnered a few mixed reactions from WILDSound viewers, but that’s often to be expected from such experimental films. It’s not unlikely that some audiences will have slightly more emotional reactions to this short than others, but that’s precisely why Hojin Kim’s film should be praised for its uniqueness. Burglar seems to have been created to give audiences more insight into themselves, than into the characters within it. Maybe if you give this short a go you’ll learn something new about yourself.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of BURGLAR:

Interview with Production Designer Beth Mickle (Drive, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot)

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matthewtoffolo's avatarMatthew Toffolo's Summary

I was fortunate to get an interview with the very talented and very busy Production Designer Beth Mickle. She is currently in the middle of production on the highly anticipated film “Collateral Beauty”. We talked about that film and much more in our chat together:

Matthew Toffolo: You have been the Production Designer on over 30 films in the last 15 years. Is there a film or two that you’re most proud of?

Beth Mickle: I’m incredibly proud of so many films that I’ve been involved with—fortunate to have had so many great opportunities! One that I’m especially proud of is “Lost River”, Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut. It was such a special project from the very beginning—Ryan wrote such a beautiful script with so much imagination, so many fantastical backdrops to play with. It was a smaller movie, and we all lived and worked together in downtown Detroit, collaborated closely…

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Interview with Stunt Performer Adam Kirley (Batman Begins, Casino Royale, Grimsby)

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matthewtoffolo's avatarMatthew Toffolo's Summary

Adam Kirley is one of the best stunt performers in the world today. He has performed in over 60 films in the last 16 years, including: Iron Man 3, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,  X-Men: First Class, Terminator Salvation, and Munich. He was Daniel Craig’s stunt double in the landmark James Bond movie “Casino Royale”. He is also a Screen Actors Guild and World Stunt Award winner.

Interview with Adam Kirley:

Matthew Toffolo: The action/comedy “Grimsby” is currently playing at a a theater near you. What can we expect to see? How was your working experience doing stunts on that film?

Adam Kirley: Grimsby is a mix of a Bond/Bourne action mixed in a Sacha Baron Cohen comedy film. It was a challenge to do believable gritty action without loosing the SBC comedy elements.

MT: Have you suffered a lot of injuries doing stunts? If so, what has been…

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#StPatricksDay – Best of St. Patricks Day on Twitter

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See the best of St. Patrick’s Day reactions on Twitter:

Interview with Executive Director Mingu Kim (Toronto Smartphone Film Festival)

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The Toronto Smartphone Film Festival was created with the goal to encourage aspiring filmmakers to share their stories through film, without having to equip themselves with expensive video equipment, training or field experience. As the largest smartphone film festival in Canada, TSFF provides aspiring filmmakers, from all backgrounds, with an international platform to showcase their work and talent.

Interview with Mingu Kim

Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Mingu Kim: TSFF provides a unique platform for new, emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their films, not just locally but internationally. It’s another way for filmmakers to express their thoughts and ideas without spending thousands of dollars.

MT: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2016)?

MK: This year we are celebrating our 5th anniversary and after several trial and errors, we have stronger award categories for filmmakers and more quality films for people to enjoy than ever. We are also partnered with 2 other organizations, Raindance Canada and Autism in Mind. Raindance Canada is working with us to educate people on smartphone filmmaking and as well as getting local filmmakers to try something different from the norm. Then we have Autism in Mind (AIM) this year to help promote the awareness of autism through film with a separate award category.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

MK: Our regulations are very simple. All films must be 10 mins or less where all scenes must be shot on either smartphones or tablets. We also receive a lot of international submissions so English subtitles are required if the main language used are not in English.

MT: Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

MK: I think every film festival has its own colour and designated audience members to a certain degree, which can affect film selections. Therefore, filmmakers should also do a thorough research on various film festivals around the world to find a festival that best targets the type of films they produce. But then, it doesn’t hurt providing more room and leniency for new and emerging filmmakers, which would bring a broader spectrum of creativity and messages shared.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

MK: I believe our motivation comes from doing what we enjoy. Many of us are independent filmmakers and we are constantly thinking from the filmmakers’ point-of-view to make TSFF a more inclusive festival. Every year has been a challenge but we feel rewarded knowing that filmmakers enjoy watching their films on big screen and viewers enjoy the difference of our festival compared to others.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

MK: Well, to make the long story short, we began the festival within the Korean-Canadian community in Toronto 5 years ago under a different name. It started as a marketing strategy for my TV program on OMNI (Korean language programming). However, I saw the potential growth of the festival which needed to include anyone and everyone, so we changed our name into TSFF the 3rd year and became more global than what I had expected.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

MK: I am hoping for TSFF to become one of representing smartphone festivals in the world. We want to grow with the development of new technology so that our films are not only creative but also innovative.

MT: What film have you seen the most times in your life?

MK: It’s a touch question to answer because there are so many films. I love watching films in general, but I always tend to come back to Terminator 2.

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

MK: A great film comes from one’s perseverance, dedication and believing in oneself.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

MK: I think Toronto is one of the best cities representing the film scene. We are so spoiled with hundreds of film festivals that can be enjoyed throughout the year. There’s a film festival for everyone in Toronto!
torontosmartphone

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go tohttp://www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Shari Carlson (Best Actors Film Festival)

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Held in the San Francisco, California Union Square District. A tribute to the performers and directors of your film. Best Actors Film Festival is created to entice film makers to reward the performers in their film in a way that truly acknowledges their work.

Interview with Festival Director Shari Carlson:

Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Shari Carlson: The Best Actors Film Festival, established in 2010, rewards Actors in Independent Films. Every filmmaker works hard at casting their project, directing the actors, and relies on the actor to portray their vision to the audience. An Actors’ performance determines the effect your film will have on an audience and how well it will be received. With hard working, talented performers your film is successful. Rewarding the Talent s an overlooked experience in the Film Festival circuit. Film festivals traditionally reward the film and its crew, and the director. By acknowledging the contribution that the Actors make we are insuring great quality filmmaking continues to excel.

MT: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2016)?

SC: A heartwarming experience seeing new and seasoned Actors accepting awards for their work. We have become known as the festival that really knows the Actors and Filmmakers personally. A win here means you really did your job, and did it well.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

SC: Great acting!. Your film goes through several stages of screenings by judges and must rise to the level of excellence in the craft of acting. You must have a believable presence onscreen and create a believable relationship in your scenes.

MT: Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

SC: My goal is to insure that every film that is submitted to our Festival is watched in its entirety. No exceptions. That is our commitment. That way we are sure we are awarding fairly and without prejudice.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

SC: The Best Actors Film Festival was created to acknowledge Actors. As an Actor and a Filmmaker myself, I understand how difficult it is to be acknowledged for really great work.

We are motivated by the talent we see around us.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

SC: Mostly the poster has changed. We have Cityscape Artist Veerakeat do our posters now and we are so proud of them. We are also better at giving the awards. Last year we periscoped our ceremony and plan to do the same this year. We are also going to hold a screening in LA, in addition to SF.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

SC: Bigger, better screening rooms, better appetizers.

Jeff Carlson is the Director of the Festival, and Larry Mahaffey is our Advisor. We have a staff that screens films and volunteers who help us put on our Festival.

MT: What film have you seen the most times in your life?

SC: The Girl In The Cafe. As a filmmaker, I would love to create something that excellent. Shari Carlson, Film Festival Creative Director.

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

SC: A great story, script, and Actors who can create relationship.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

SC: San Francisco seems to be the Independent Film Capital in the US. This city loves independent Films.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go tohttp://www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Kimberly Bush (DC Shorts Film Festival)

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Voted “Coolest Film Festival” by MovieMaker Magazine, DC Shorts Film Festival and Screenplay Competition is one of the largest short film events on the East Coast.  Last year, they screened 135 films from 25 countries in 18 unique showcases over 11 days to audiences of more than 9,000 people.

 Kimberley Bush Photo.jpgInterview with Executive Director Kimberly Bush

Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Kimberly Bush: DC Shorts Film Festival provides a robust venue for short film filmmakers to present their films. We are successful at being a 11 day full/well rounded experience for filmmakers. Filmmakers are able to not only screen their films but we invite them to the festival to spend authentic time with the audience in Q&A/panel discussions. The filmmakers can enhance their craft in our filmmaker workshops/classes as well as celebrate their presence at the festival at one of our celebrations including our Filmmaker Awards Brunch.

MT: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2016)?

KB: As an attendee you can expect to see poignant, riveting, multicultural, diverse and groundbreaking films in every genre from all over the globe. There are many opportunities for attendees to share dialogue with filmmakers in our Q&A/panel discussions/roundtables or at one of our celebrations. We also offer free workshops/classes for attendees interested filmmaking as well as free film showcases for youth and free lunch time film screenings. During the last weekend of our film festival, attendees can experience our Screenplay Competition. During this event, attendees will hear a table reading of approximately 6 different screenplays that have been previously selected by a juried panel. After the table readings they will be able to vote for the best screenplay. That screenwriter will be awarded a cash prize and their completed film will gain entry into the following year’s film festival. The Film Festival is truly 11 days of nonstop engaging fun and film.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

KB: Our main judging criterion is story. We screen all genres and styles of film. All films are 30 seconds to 20 minutes in length. We look for interesting and original stories with developed and well-written characters.

MT: Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

KB: I do think that there is a film festival/film competition for every kind/genre of film. It’s up the filmmakers to find the best festival for their film. However, we appreciate the difficulty of rejection, and so have created a “second chance opportunity” program within DC Shorts. DC Shorts’ Take 2 screens films that didn’t quite make the cut for the festival selection, allowing the audience to choose 2 films to make it back into the festival. This takes place over two days in May.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

KB: Every year we receive feedback during the film festival (as well as months after) stating how much of a life-changing event it was for the filmmakers. They enjoyed all the opportunities to commune with the attendees and other filmmakers as well as the educational programming we provide. They felt well taken care of in regard to the housing/hotel accommodations we organize for them as well as the city tours and our Feed A Filmmaker program. What gives us the energy and motivation to create DC Shorts Film Festival year after year is knowing that our year round efforts make such a huge, positive impact on our filmmakers and the community. We do believe that film changes lives and we are charged with responsibility to provide the space that can bring film to the eyes and ears of the community.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

KB: The Festival has grown exponentially! In 2003 we were a 3 day film festival screening in only one location. We now have a screenplay competition with a cash prize award. We have had screenings in up to 5 different locations. During the film festival, we offer patrons who may not be able to attend the festival in person, our Online Film Festival where they can view 90% of the films that are actually in the festival. We host epic celebrations as well as free children’s film showcases in libraries throughout Washington DC as well as free filmmaker workshops and beginner/master classes.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

KB: I am relatively new to DC Shorts…I came aboard as the Executive Director in 2015. 2016 has brought more exciting changes to my staff. I have hired an amazing programming team. Joe Bilancio, our Director of Programming and Derek Horne, our Programming Lead, both with extraordinary track records/experience and insatiable passion for film. With this new team we will begin planning for DC Shorts’ future which may include new and exciting partnerships and collaborations that will provide even bigger and better opportunities for filmmakers.

MT: What film have you seen the most times in your life?

KB: That is an impossible question to answer…so suffice it to say that I have watched repeatedly –not in any particular order—any Steven Soderburgh, Lisa Cholodenko, Spike Lee, Stanly Kubrick, Pedro Almodovar, Alfred Hitchcock, Coen Brothers, Wes Anderson, Todd Haynes, or Quentin Tarantino film. #GloriousFilmMakers!

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

KB: If a film has the ability to REALLY make you think, feel, laugh, contemplate your own thoughts/way of being/existence or just create some level of change…however microscopic…I think that is what makes a great film.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

Washington DC probably hosts the largest variety of film festivals/film screenings in the country….culturally…politically…socially. Old movie house are being salvaged. New movie houses are being constructed. Film Festivals that were defunct are being resurrected. The DC film office has been making strides over the years. The film scene is vibrant, growing and ever present. There are over 100+ film festivals in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area with stellar and diverse film screenings/events year round.

PHOTO: DC Shorts Screening in 2015. Photo courtesy of DC Shorts:

dcshortscrow
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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go tohttp://www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.