Article by George S. Mc Quade III @ MAYO Communications

“I believe it started at the Cannes Festival, but Slumdog Millionaire is a good example of how a little film with eight Oscars, received 87 other awards and 27 additional nominations can go a long way with a little buzz at the film festivals,” said Moderator Hallace Davids, senior vice president, Special Events, Universal Pictures. Davids joined an Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS) panel on film festivals and the publicity they can generate.

Film awards have become an increasingly important part of movie campaigns, particularly for independent productions. About 75 EPPS members and publicist learned how to explore new business opportunities for small films at the International Cinematographers Group Union Local 600 sponsored event.

“There are many film festivals such as Toronto, Canada, Tribecca to LA Film festivals are major markets, but Santa Barbara and Palm Springs film festivals are another push on the awards circuits where directors, writers and producers are given awards, “said Davids. “There’s a film festival in almost every city of the Universe,” explained Davids.

“The first film festival I ever attended was in 1963, Sebastian Film Festival with Columbia Pictures at the time,” said Leonard Morpurgo, vice president, Murray Weissman & Associates. Morpurgo just penned a new book entitled, “Of Kings and Queens and Movie Stars,” available for .95 at Amazon.com. “For more than 40 years I’ve traveled the world as an international film publicist, acting as father confessor, whipping boy, friend-and sometimes enemy to Hollywood celebrities.”"My most recent film festival, a couple of weeks ago was at the Newport Beach Film Festival, where we represented a small picture called ‘Follow the Prophet,’ which is looking for distribution. It is extremely hard for any film. We got a little, but I think it might become video on demand, maybe television, maybe theatrical, but don’t tell my clients I said that. I have been involved in award as well as film festivals. In fact we were talking about the film ‘Crash’ for Lions gate at Murray Weisman & Associates. One reason it was successful was because it came from behind. At the film festivals it was Brokeback, Brokeback, and Crash.”

“However, this year is was the other way around. We were on the film team of ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ which got a lot of buzz and had 13 nominations. And then this damn ‘Slumdog’ came along and took it all away from us. It was the opposite of what happened last year,” he said.

“A lot of these films end up self distributing, and go on video on demand (VOD – cable) and Online viewing,” said Alice Zou, account executive mPRm Public Relations, who has handled such films as Atonement and The Visitor for theatrical distribution and festivals.” “We’re are seeing more and more independent films head to VOD, Online viewing and DVD distribution is becoming more and more popular among independent films.”

“Film festivals don’t make a lot of money, and they do it because they love it, but it is really about relationships and a lot of prayer,” said Tanya Kersey, founder/executive directory, Hollywood Black Film Festival. “Universal and Showtime used to be huge sponsors, but festivals are struggling and many are going into debt. General Motors (which recently filed for bankruptcy) used to support Women in Film.”

Kersey is celebrating her 10th anniversary of managing an annual film festival market to buy and sell films that has been billed as the “Black Sundance” film festival. It draws big celebrities such as Forest Whittaker, Sidney Poitier and Densel Washington. Nearly 100 Film Screenings (features, shorts, student, documentary, animation, music video) occur annually in Beverly Hills. The conference also features 20+ workshops, panel and roundtable discussions with around 100 speakers.

“Filmmakers use the festival to really get their films out there to let the industry know about them. They look for agents, managers and other production deals. The studios use them to build additional buzz and the films are written and directed by African American filmmakers in a competitive program,’ said Kersey. She also noted that have been a lot of filmmakers, who are non-black, but have films that are black-themed and enter by invitational programs The Hollywood Black Film festival runs five days in June in Beverly Hills, CA.

“Different films have different reasons to be in these film festivals,” said Davids. “Since I work at Universal Pictures, we don’t have a lot of movies for the film festivals, because we have big popcorn movies that are not looking to go under the microscope of the film festival.”

“If a movie goes to a film festival that is not well received, it can kill movie. If the movie goes there looking for distribution, breaks out into distribution it’s on its way,” she said.

Morpurgo recommended the “Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide (Paperback) by Chris Gore (Author), who is more widely known as someone who writes about film and has been making films since he was a kid he said in his book that sells for .95 also on Amazon.com. Morpurgo has traveled the world from California to Cannes for more than three decades with many of the greatest movie stars and celebrities of those decades.

The London-born author and publicist gives touching, funny and insightful stories about such legends as Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, the Duke of Windsor, Charlton Heston, Warren Beatty, Nicolas Cage, Leslie Caron, Peter O’Toole, Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Alec Guinness to name a few.

“A publicists helps maneuver the waters filmmakers, and build up buzz for first time filmmakers who are going out to the festival circuit,” said David Magdael, David Magdael & Associates, who works mostly independent films and documentaries and runs the film festival circuit as much as other publicists. “Every film festival is a little bit different, and every film is different, so we try to tailor what our attack and strategy is in working with the sales team and producers,” he said.

“I personally like to get into the head of the filmmaker -why did he or she make this film- what are their expectations. Documentaries and independent films are not having a theatrical life right now, so the question always comes up, ‘what do you want, what do you see,” because the documentaries are not making money at the theatrical level at the moment. Back in the old days it was ‘Fahrenheit 9-ll, ‘Super Size Me’ and others. It was a different time, and now it has changed, so those days are all gone. We work from the beginning from the time they get accepted into a film festival and sometimes through to the theatrical following,” said Magdael.

Sundance is such a crazy festival, and it’s more of a marathon than it is a sprint. And you’re there for nine days with these newbies and it is just managing a lot of those expectations and making sure they are okay and working together with the sales team. You must make sure that the right people see the film, and that the trade reviewers see it in the right context, whether it be with an audience screening or press and industry screening. Several years ago we stood back and watch how the audience responded to ‘Super size me’ and we were turning away 250 at the door,” said Magdael.

About the Author

George McQuade, V.P., MAYO Communications International, is a national award-winning entertainment and corporate communications multimedia expert, and is often quoted on nationally on trends, campaigns and breaking stories. McQuade has been behind and in front of the camera/microphone for more than 15 years, 10 in the LA Market. Mc Quade is past president of Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS) NY/LA Chapters.

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards��, including Best Picture, this stunning epic��ve story stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy and is hailed by critics as “a��vishing romance.”
Video Rating: 0 / 5

Watch Gnomeo & Juliet online free

Romeo & Juliet is probably the most famous play written by William Shakespeare and it has been adapted several times, but not always successful. Now, Walt Disney Pictures will bring the end of the story after a blind rage and blind love for the whole new age group with Gnomeo & Juliet. A film’s success, but it really depends on the viewer. Younger audience to find a cute enough movie, but did not appreciate any references to Shakespeare, and probably confused by the many gags. Older audiences, who have studied the Bard is smiling at all the references, but probably most of the characters annoyed. Either way, all the leaves the theater a bit what they are looking for, although not quite as much as they want.

Street in Verona, Mr. Capulet and Montague are the feisty Miss in the neighborhood and loves gardening and stick to one color – red or blue. Their competition reaches down to the ornamental gnomes with which they decorate their gardens. Lord brick (Michael Caine) is the patriarch Red side and keep an eye on his willful daughter Julia (Emily Blunt), who wants to prove he is worthy of snatching a rare flower, next to abandoned garden. On the other hand side of the fence, Lady Bluebury (Maggie Smith) to encourage her clever son Romeo (James McAvoy) is a threat to the Reds. When he out of the raid of his friend Benny (Matt Lucas), a disguised covert Juliet meets Romeo and the two fall in love with each other, do not realize that one is part of a competitor’s color. When they find each other’s true identity, a couple of allowing a flamboyant pink flamingo, decide that their love is more important than any feud, but both parties to accelerate the attacks, to keep their love safe, and will challenge for a secret that could destroy both of them.

Gnomeo & Juliet is difficult to assess without at least a loose understanding of the source material. For example, it is important to know which films are correlated to specific characters to play, like Featherstone (Jim Cummings), who takes the place of Friar Lawrence. This was a very special character, plot related to the role of the play, but the film he seems to guests, such as Comic Relief. A handful of plot elements may also seem arbitrary and without knowing the story. For example, it is important to know that Romeo is expelled from Mantua after killing Tybalt, because the penalty is death and murder of the Prince of Verona is after him. Gnomeo also kill this version’s Tybalt and is temporarily flee the country because the Reds are out in force and out for blood, but there is no reason to stay away from Gnomeo except for a cute reason is the meta-debate, a statue of Shakespeare. Does not know the original game does not prevent anyone from enjoying Gnomeo & Juliet, but the moments when the film tries to stay true to the original work, without offering the same context may seem strange.

Concept of the movie is very stylish and fully realized. Although the garden enthusiasts will kick the most out of your lawn to see everyday accessories come to life, even those who only a vague idea of garden gnomes appreciate the irony. The artwork looks great and is easily comparable to the modern animation. Rules for the garden gnome of the universe is also set up some humorous bits, such as plaster needs to release the fish, but can not swim or merge with gnomes, that does not seem to “stop each other”. Fun works best when subtle.

Soundtrack offers Elton John, are a few originals, including a duet with Lady Gaga, but most of dipping deep into his vast catalog. While his music fits the scenes, it is decorated with mostly good, the movie seems to make the point that John work so hard. John himself makes a brief cameo in the film, which is a strange choice because he does not have anything to do with the story and will probably be read into some sort of political metaphor. However, fans of Elton John’s music will definitely love it feels completely new setting. Cast also does a good job bringing their characters’ lives and the public is welcome to hear familiar sounds, which are not generally hear the animation, that is Jason Statham, and Ozzy Osbourne. It’s a wonder why these two do not have more say in the work.

Families looking for films that everyone can appreciate the worth the time to find Gnomeo & Juliet. It is a funny movie, with excellent creative vision and wonderful production value. Unfortunately, the story seems too much hampered by catering to its source material. The film could have been better by being written entirely in the original work instead of writing to satisfy clever title. Overall Gnomeo & Juliet does not replace anyone’s favorite animated movie, but it’s still a pleasant means of interference with friends.

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For more information and to watch the movie :

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Hooman sits down with James McAvoy during press for “Atonement”. www.hooman.tv
Video Rating: 4 / 5

The story of Hassan and Amir, one a Shi’a and another Sunni, respectively, is told with powerful and ruthless force in The Kite Runner. One is born in a wealthy family and the other is a servant, and both the best friends grow up in Afghanistan and then everything changes on one fateful day. The relationship between the boys is changed forever with consequences that follow them all their life.

Afghanistan to USA and Then Back

The novel The Kite Runner starts its journey in Afghanistan and the readers are then taken to San Francisco where a new life begins for Amir and his father. Amir has to go back to a changed Afghanistan due to a phone call to her father from his old friend. In the new Afghanistan, the streets are now being patrolled by Taliban soldiers and people are stoned to death or hung at public places (on the streets or during soccer games). Amir has to face the uncovering of betrayals and other secrets here and face his demons.

Powerful and Simple Writing Style

In this book by Khaled Hosseini, several themes have been explored at once, these include religious divisions, war cruelty, the power of love and family loyalty. The writing style of the author of The Kite Runner is powerful yet simple. The violence depicted in The Kite Runner is painful and the readers need to watch out for the graphic scenes involving child rape. The Kite Runner is Khaled Hosseini’s first book, hence the mistake such as some unbelievable plots twists may be overlooked. There are some other portions which appear contrived as well.

Impressive First Book

All said and done, this is an impressive first book, which is very effective in expressing what is happening in Afghanistan and the extent of the horror. The Afghanistan government has banned The Kite Runner due to its graphic scenes and ethnic tensions highlighted. The book has faced challenges in the US as well, probably due to the lasting impression it leaves on the readers. The Kite Runner even has the potential of leaving you in tears at times as it strikes a chord with you.

Narrative in First Person

The book The Kite Runner has been narrated in first person from the eyes of the character Amir, mostly talking about the childhood. Amir failed to save his friend from being sexually abused and the story traces his redemption as he atones for his sins after his friend falls victim to the Russian mercenaries. Some statements are especially poignant such as the one which describes the undying affection that Hassan has for Amir.

Moving Images

The scenes which depict the interaction between the children and Amir’s brutality as he drives Ali and Hassan out of his home are extremely moving. Amir’s behavior is due to his own guilt pangs and the silence of Hassan really moves the readers.

A first and exclusive look, courtesy of www.pretty24-7.com at the new commercial for Chanel Coco Mademoiselle with Kiera Knightly
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Article by marciano guerrero

Superfreakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner reminds me of the series of entertaining mysteries by Sue Grafton: A is for Alibi, B is for Burglar, C is for Corpse-with titles all the way to Z. Which makes me wonder where will the two authors of Superfreakonomics end milking the title?

While the first book Freakonomics was fresh, irreverent, informative, and filled with serious research, the sequel is short of exploitative. Telling and exposing human foibles is fine except when some of the exposition is presented as scientific research; much of it unrigorous.

I’m a movie buff. I’ve seen a lot of artistic pieces of cinematic achievement that made me laugh, cry, feel disgusted and rave about. I’ve also seen a lot of celluloid trash that deserves to be kept in the vaults of Hollywood or whatever depository from whichever independent film company they were produced from. But never, and I mean NEVER, have I heard of such a crazy implementation of a widely known classic (and tragic) love story to be ever translated in celluloid. Are you ready? Here it is… Garden gnomes intertwined in a romance.

*pauses for a bit*

Did that make you chuckle for a bit? If so, read on.

Now, I understand that a large portion of moviegoers belong to the kiddie demographic, and they deserve to have some entertainment just as much as the comic book movie geeks and Twi-hards do, but come on… garden gnomes? It’s either an ingenious idea or one doomed for failure, in an adult perspective. Still, it’s gotten me interested to watch Gnomeo and Juliet movie online.

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“Wait, did you say online?”

Yes, I did. I said “watch the Gnomeo & Juliet movie online.” Now you might be wondering where in the world can you find the latest movies made available for your viewing pleasure. Well, there are a number of video sharing websites, such as LetMeWatchThis.Com, OVGuide.Com, StageVu.Com and DediTv.com, among others. They feature the latest releases from all over the world, and you can watch all these for free, and this includes you being able to watch Gnomeo and Juliet movie online.

Let me break down the plot to you, just in case you might be interested to indulge in a bit of child-friendly fare: Gnomeo (voiced by James McAvoy from “Atonement” and “Wanted”) is a garden gnome who is hopelessly in love with another of his kind, Juliet (Emily Blunt of “The Wolfman” and “The Devil Wears Prada” fame) and they both engage in a romantic relationship, despite the constant bickering and feuding of their owners, who happen to be neighbors with a passionate hatred for one another. They both encounter challenges from plastic pink flamingos and engage in lawnmower races, all in effort to save their seemingly doomed relationship and live happily ever after. Sounds familiar? Well, that’s because it’s an animated and modernized take on William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, but only loosely based since we can’t expect kids to come out crying from the movie theatres and feeling all depressed now (though when you think about it, that’d be an interesting twist). So, feeling like you want to watch Gnomeo and Juliet movie online yet?

Also featuring an assorted cast of voice talents courtesy of Jason Statham, Ozzy Osbourne, Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, Matt Lucas, Stephen Merchant, Jim Cummings, with Seth Green andSeth MacFarlane, this just might be the escapist fare you’d need to watch after a long and hard day at work. Or, it could be the extra nail in the proverbial coffin for you, if you take movies so seriously. Either way, give it a shot and watch Gnomeo and Juliet movie online; it just might make you smile.

Watch Gnomeo and Juliet Full Length Movie Online Free

[BlackTree TV - New York] Shawn Edwards sits down with James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender to discuss their pivotal roles in X-Men: First Class. Without a doubt, X-Men: First Class gives a new look at the characters Xavier and Magneto, and these ‘first class’ actors bring the story to life. —- I Love Black Movies Production Produced by Shawn Edwards www.blacktree.tv
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Article by Nathaniel Peters

Are you searching for a film whose theme is a lot more willing to become sensible than it is fictitious? You then just might need a historic film to watch over the long weekends. And if you feel tired or lazy enough to never leave your homes only to head to shopping malls as well as the theatres, you can now enjoy enjoying all of your popular past and forthcoming movies online. To begin with, why not The Debt Free Stream and get the chance of feeling another component in mankind’s history once again. The Debt is a movie aimed at the gatherings that transpired during the Holocaust and elaborates over the events which happened and the people included behind the curtains of this awful event in the past. It concentrates on 3 leading casts who were key players in the situations of that specific period in history. Three former Mossad agents assigned to seize the man liable for the findings which left hundreds and possibly thousands either deceased or deformed and carry him back alive relives their times during the mission during the course of the whole movie. With them they carry a top secret of history that will continue to hunt them forever. Virtually any movie lover who’s simultaneously a history enthusiast might surely value the movie after they can Watch The Debt Online Free Megavideo. As the story’s sort would make anybody to expect a rapid twist from the account or even a sudden discovery by a lead cast at the end of the movie, it would be more fun when you The Debt Free Stream instead of watching it in cinemas together with total strangers. Some movies are now made to be enjoyed privately because their testimonies move deeper and needs more comprehension for the viewers. The Debt is among those films on this type, provided that the film’s story depends on ancient truth and events which it really demands anyone who watches it to get a simple background about the Holocaust, which is the main theme of the film’s storyline so that they can understand the whole film better. Since the film has some traditional significance, some history teachers and professors, particularly those that are talking over the Holocaust as part of their subject topics need to let their students view the film to see a glimpse of what it was like during those times and just how the situation had affected the existence of many people. These students who’re hesitant to spend excessively for one subject requirement may The Debt Online Streaming and possibly appreciate it together with the whole family members or perhaps a group of friends. Since many pupils are getting to be a lot more atoned to visual learning rather than lecture learning, then the film is a good start for talking over about subjects like the Holocaust. If you watch the film however you must not over expect specifics of actual events which have happened because the film is overall still a product of the author’s imagination, however as the movie is largely depending on facts, it could be a great review of the subject at hand.

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