Monday, February 29, 2016

Capital City Black Film Festival Is Now Accepting Submissions For 2016

The Capital City Black Film Festival (CCBFF) today announced that it is accepting submissions for narrative features, documentary features, short films and music videos for the 2016 Festival taking place August 25th – 28th at the Austin Convention Center.

CCBFF, now in its fourth year, is one of the fastest growing film festivals in the region. The Festival provides screenings, special events and exciting opportunities to experience the brilliant works of African American artists and filmmakers across the globe.

The early submission deadline for entries is March 27th, the official deadline is May 22nd and the late deadline is July 17th.  Please visit www.capcitybff.com for more information about the submission process.

“We know that filmmakers who choose to participate in CCBFF are the heart and soul of our Festival, and we appreciate them sharing their work with us,” said Winston G. Williams, Founder and Executive Director of CCBFF. “That is why our Festival is about more than just the screening of outstanding films; we create opportunities for filmmakers to network with industry insiders, businesses and professionals to share ideas, make deals and enhance their creative careers.”

During the Festival, filmmakers will have access to companies showcasing filmmaking technology, products and services; one-on-one discussions with industry experts; as well as workshops and panels in the areas of film funding, production, distribution and marketing.

The Capital City Black Film Festival attracts a multicultural audience of filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and film lovers from around the world. This year, CCBFF expects to present a selection of 80 narrative and documentary feature films, short films and music videos – including regional, U.S. and world premieres – from emerging and established independent filmmakers.

About Capital City Black Film Festival

The Capital City Black Film Festival (CCBFF) presents programming that celebrates and showcases films that are written, directed or produced by African American filmmakers, films which prominently feature African American actors or films that address topics and issues relating to the Black community. CCBFF offers year-round programming for filmmakers and film lovers alike, including screenings, networking, educational workshops and special events. For more information about the Capital City Black Film Festival and its programs, please visit www.capcitybff.com.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Talamas Chosen to Be New England’s Freefly Systems Dealer

Talamas is New England's newest dealer for Freefly Systems. Now, in addition to rentals, Talamas offers the entire line of MOVI camera stabilizer for sale.

Talamas is now your premier MOVI resource for sales, rentals, training, and service.

The M15 was designed with the most demanding cinema packages in mind. And there’s no need to compromise mobility because it is still lightweight but perfect for large pro cameras, such as RED Cameras, ARRI Alexa Mini, and Sony F55. It features a full camera cage, has a majestic and inverted mode for more comfortable eye-level camera angles, dual pan tubes, professional cinema payloads, simplified full tool-less balancing, a quick release top handle for rapid adjustments, and is able to hold camera packages up to 15 pounds.

The M5 is a 3-axis digital camera stabilizer. Lightweight and agile, it can be taken just about anywhere. It pushes the boundaries of what is achievable with handheld camera movement. The M5 is the perfect option for small production teams that need lightweight, easy-to-balance, customizable, adaptable, and ready-to-go equipment. It is designed to hold a camera package of up to 5 pounds and features state-of-the-art software and hardware.

About Talamas:

Founded in 1979, Talamas is a nationwide, rental and sales supplier to the film, broadcast, and communications industry. Our dedicated, experienced staff offer highly specialized knowledge, premier technologies, and processes to assist our clients in bringing their creative visions to life. Learn more at www.talamas.com.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Jim O'Hare joins cast of soon to be released Filrm "Forgetting Sandy Glass"

Jim O'Hare joins cast of soon to be released Filrm "Forgetting Sandy Glass"

Available for Pre-Order:

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/forgettingsandyglass (https://vimeo.com/ondemand/forgettingsandyglass)

Jim O’Hare is an improv trained actor originally from Swampscott Massachusetts, whose work has mostly been in voiceover and commercials, except as a recent opportunity playing the “undead” in Greg Olliver’s suspense thrilled “Devoured”.

Tell us about your character:

As a teenager, I worked many typical young person jobs, and was often given a bit of responsibility, so it was great fun to play a boss who manages mostly teen employees. Watching Jamie and Victoria approach their work as actors was interesting, because I didn’t start to work until I was a bit older, and just seeing them jump in and basically play characters not unlike themselves, yet make it real for the film was so much fun. For some reason, mouthy bad-ass types seem to find me, and playing a guy like Mr. Curry who has a lot on his plate was a fun challenge.

Experience working on the film:

I’m proud seeing a young guy like Jamie just throw himself into his first-time writing/producing project as well as focusing on playing one of the lead roles, and would love to cross paths with any of the “Sandy Glass” gang on another project.

Upcoming projects:

I have a fun role in the upcoming “The History of Love” directed by respected director Radu Mihaeleanu with Gemma Arterton, and Derek Jacoby, and always up for the next fun adventure in film or tv.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Jamie Dolan Actor, Writer, on the soon to be released Film "Forgetting Sandy Glass"

Jamie Dolan Actor, Writer, on the soon to be released Film "Forgetting Sandy Glass"

Order a copy today and support Indy Film available on Vimeo On Demand:

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/forgettingsandyglass

Jamie Dolan is an Actor, Writer, & Producer who was born and raised in Rockaway Beach, New York. Jamie is of Greek, Italian, Irish, and German decent. Jamie began climbing the ladder by starting out in short films, music videos, and then having small parts in a few critically acclaimed indie feature films. One film that won Tribeca Film Festival Grand Jury Award, and the film went on to later be nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. The most recent film that Jamie had a small, tiny role in is “Creative Control”. The film won SXSW for Visual Excellence, and went on to be picked up by Amazon Studios for a 2016 theatrical release. Jamie has a variation of theater performances under his belt as well. Jamie has performed at the historical Players Club (home of Edwin Booth) three different times. Recently Jamie has just started his own production company called "Sandy Glass Productions".

Talk about your experience working on this film:

It has been a blessing to work on this project. From every single aspect. Everyone on board this project is a great person, and all has something to offer. We have a gold mine of a film to be released! I suggest that you pre-order the film today, you won't regret it ;).

Tell us a little about your character:

Tommy Glass. Youngest of the 3 Glass brothers. My character is full of life. He finds the light of everything, he's oblivious to any bad, or he just doesn't seem to understand it, or to be quiet honest want to. Throughout the film, Tommy slowly starts to unravel and develop, building as a human and understanding the world more, as he is put on a roller coaster journey after his oldest brother is released from prison.

Talk about upcoming projects:

I just finished up a film called "Red Vette October", directed by David Williams and produced by "Dark Ash Films", which is set to be released in spring time. 80's style film, great project. Also, currently in the early stages of putting up 3 feature length films for pre production. Big things coming up, soon to be announced.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

What Sherlock Holmes and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Have in Common…

Plus Bob shares details about his new film ‘Forbidden’ which will soon be casting in
Chicago.
WGN Radio Personality, Nick Digilio & Bob Madia aired on January 27th at 2 am CST to
talk about what’s new in the world of Sherlock Holmes as well as his Screenplay FORBIDDEN that is set to go in production this Spring.

The Producer Claude Reid says if you missed WGN Radio Personality, Nick Digilio & Bob Madia, you can listen to the podcast by logging onto http://wgnradio.com/2016/01/27/what-sherlock-holmes-and-kareem-abdul-jabbar-have-in-common .

FORBIDDEN Logline: five college co-eds are trapped in their sorority house one stormy night
by an Internet demon the conjured up from a “forbidden”website.

Producer/Director Claude Reid of Claude Reid Productions will produce & direct the feature.

About Bob Madia

Bob Madia’s screenplay work has won awards and been praised by Tom Hanks, Dan Aykroyd and Dennis Dugan.

Bob was also a contributing author to the Writer’s Digest bestseller “On Writing Horror.”

About Claude Reid

Claude Reid is an actor, producer, director, and the founder of Claude Reid Productions. Ever since he was five years old, he

knew he wanted to be an actor. Claude started his career as a producer and director over ten years ago. The Producer/Director says auditions will take

place in Chicago for Forbidden in the near future, so feel free to log on the website peridically. You can learn more about the production by logging on to

Forbidden will star actress Kristy Karczewski.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Winter Film Awards Indie Film Fest to showcase diversity in Film

While Holllywood reels from ongoing accusations of homogeneity and the Academy Awards scrambles for a more inclusive overhaul, New York City’s rapidly growing Winter Film Awards Indie Film Festival, now in its fifth year, is establishing itself as a dynamic and exciting event in the heart of the City.  Winter Film Awards focuses on diversity in Independent Film, with a special emphasis on highlighting women and minority filmmakers. They showcase films from emerging filmmakers from around the world in all genres and seek to show our audience a dazzling array of entertaining cinematic content they would never have the opportunity to see otherwise.

Among the 86 Official Selections to be screened at Cinema Village in the heart of Greenwich Village (22 East 12th Street, New York, NY 10003), is a diverse mixture of 12 documentaries, 34 shorts, 10 narrative features, 9 animations, 7 music videos, 9 horror films and 5 web series, including 8 student films, 36 female directors, 40% of films by people of color and representation from 26 countries.  43% of accepted films pass the "Bechdel Test".  The majority of the films were made for a budget under $50,000.

Opening night for the 2016 Festival will take place February 18 with a filmmaker’s reception and kick-off party. The festivities continue February 18-27 with ten jam-packed days of film screenings, discussion panels, and networking events. The festival will come to a close on the evening of February 27th with a glittering Awards Ceremony and after-party.

Festival Founder George Isaacs says “Emerging filmmakers with low budgets and no connections are so often ignored in favor of the standard big budget generic action films. Diverse, exciting low budget films are created all over the world; it is critical for festivals to showcase them. Indie film festivals are often the sole means for the community to share personal stories from around the world, and WFA’s location in the center of the action provides our filmmakers with a dazzling chance to begin their careers in the film industry.”

Corporate and local support of Winter Film Awards plays an critical role in the life of the Festival and underscores WFA’s commitment to quality, adventure and diversity in the art of cinema. WFA is privileged to continue their collaboration with Gray Line New YorkRide of FameB&H Photo & VideoVideo Blocks/ AudioBlocks/ GraphicStockSony Creative SoftwareJungle SoftwareCyberlinkGlidecamJT TalentGotham Mini StorageMuseum of SexPSPrint quality and dependable online print services, Van Diemens NYC Restaurant & Bar, YelpZacuto film rigs and ProductionHUB, Inc. an online marketplace for broadcast TV, motion picture, pro video, live event, corporate & digital media production.

WFA is delighted to welcome new partners Carmel Car & Limousine Service, the official car service of Winter Film Awards, NYC Post GroupBig Apple ConBliss SpaCourseHorse.comDistribber – get 100% of revenues. Keep all your rights. Submit once for all stores, Film Collaborative,
IndiePix FilmsRhino Camera Gear, exclusive ticketing partner EventcomboWomen’s Film Critic Circle (WFCC), Shake Share Media and Success with Teamwork.

WFA is grateful for the support of Prof. Charles Lowry’s Marketing Class at Pace University, Prof. Viktor Koen’s Class at School of Visual Arts, and Dr. George Priovolos’ Public Relations Class at Iona College.

Winter Film Awards is an all-volunteer women and minority-run 501(c)3 organization founded in 2011 by NYC filmmakers and arts enthusiasts. It was built with the dream of making indie film more accessible to the public and providing driven, talented artists the opportunity to break through competitive barriers to establish meaningful careers in film. Some of the accepted filmmakers have years of experience; others are so new to filmmaking that the Festival is the very first time that they see their work on a big screen.

For more information on tickets, schedules, sponsors, film descriptions and more, please visit www.WinterFilmAwards.com and find us on Facebook.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

NAUGHTY, Teen/Horror Film about KRAMPUS Penned by Mortal Kombat X Writer, Shawn Kittlesen

Cult favorite Director/Writer/Producer Gina Lee Ronhovde kicks off 2016 with “Naughty” an Indie special effects heavy Horror/Fantasy creature film on KRAMPUS. Giving a more realistic and fantastically horrifying spin on the recent studio releases this indie movie is sure to inspire the fear factor in KRAMPUS fans worldwide.

Recently completing her festival winning run with BoudoirMs. Ronhovde has teamed up with Geoffrey Plitt (“The Hero Super” starring Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s Rachel Bloom) to combine forces with a Co- Company deal under the Co-Label of “Paradoxw“Naughty” is slated as their first combined project. This feature leads the audience down a twisted and frightening quest with two role-playing geeks hunting down a real life blood thirsty creature who has abducted their classmates.

“Naughty, is a TEEN HORROR film about KRAMPUS.  There are other KRAMPUS films, but ours has the most appeal for the teen/adult horror-genre market with big horror and SFX payoff for the audience goer,” stated Geoffrey Plitt.

KRAMPUS, a monster rooted in Germany folk tales, was first mentioned in 4th-century stories detailing St. Nicholas; which we know as the one and only Santa Claus.  But the Legend of KRAMPUS is what real nightmares are made of since the beast is known to awake in the winter and punish all the bad little children. Still celebrated today, Krampusnacht festivals are celebrated all over Europe in December where men dress as devils and demons capering through the streets in celebration of the holiday season. Legends tell of the creature that carries a barbed whip and a trident, with one hoof and one human foot, and carries all naughty children to his lair in a basket on his back (the origin of the phrase “to hell in a hand basket”).  The script was recently featured in the Black List’s Horror Genre section.

Gina Lee Ronhovde (Producer) is a graduate of LA Film School.  In addition to her own award-winning original short films, she gained film production knowledge on such productions as Kevin Smith’s Red State and helped produce over 15 comedy specials for cable and network television including Weird Al Yankovic Live!:  The Apocalypse Tour and Aziz Ansari: Dangerously Delicious.  Her film BOUDOIR, won the Silver at The Spotlight Short Film Awards, was screened at the HollyShorts Monthly Screening in October 2015, won Best Dramatic Short, Best Cinematography and People’s Choice Award for Best Short Film at the 2015 Hollywood Reel Independent Film(HRIFF) 2015, was an Official Selection in the 2015 Chicago Horror Film Festival (CHFF), and was an Official Selection of the 2015 Fargo Fantastic Film Festival (FFFF). Ms. Ronhovde’s feature screenplay "Family Reunion" was a finalist in over 6 screenplay competitions including Creative World Awards, Columbia Gorge International, and Scriptapalooza.

Geoffrey Plitt (Story, Producer) is a standup comic, screenwriter and sketch comedy director, whose videos have garnered millions of views online. He’s created content for Fox TV, DirecTV, Comedy Central, Netflix, Cracked, FunnyOrDie, CollegeHumor, and The Huffington Post, and in 2013 he co-wrote “Paranormal Whacktivity” which released on iTunes, Netflix, Redbox, and in Best Buy stores.

The additional production team includes: Shawn Kittelsen (Writer) a former executive at DC Comics who worked on the blockbuster “Arkham” franchise, and the “LEGO Batman” series.  His most recent work was "Mortal Kombat X," a bestselling digital comic series from DC Comics.   Derek Taylor Kent(Writer) a horror author and screenwriter who has a three book deal with HarperCollins for his series “Scary School.”  His most recent script “Cupids,” was optioned by Liberty Films (“Source Code,” "World of Warcraft").   Shooting is planned for third quarter 2016, in Canada.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Hollywood and China come together to produce the Chinese version of "Avatar" called "Before Earth" (天地前传)

Chinese culture, one of the world's oldest and most documented cultures dating back thousands of years, has become the center of attraction worldwide for a country that has seen explosive rates of development in economic and political influence. Naturally, such impressive growth has catapulted the Chinese movie market to become the second largest in the world. Looking to leverage this new-found presence, Hollywood and China come together for a joint movie project helmed by the Chinese movie producer Mr. Huang Heng-tai (黄恒泰) who is a syndicated author of "Before Earth" (天地前传).

The movie to be produced in solidarity is aptly titled like the novel it is based on, and the Chinese media drew strong resemblance to the Hollywood film "Avatar" for its grand Chinese mythological setting and top-of-the-line visual effects that are to be orchestrated by China's best 3D-VFX specialists. Mr. Huang himself is an expert in Chinese mythology, a CGI specialist, and a member of the International Management Organization, China Artist's Association, and the Chinese Script Writer Organization. Prior to making contact with key members from the Hollywood film industry, Mr. Huang had attended Chinese National Congressional meetings as well as the China People's Great Hall meetings to facilitate the project that had its sights on further exposing the Chinese culture.

Responding to his rallying call was Hollywood movie executive producer Mr. Don Cho of 'Hollywood Tribute', a representative of the Hollywood movie industry, whose meeting with the novelist and script writer on January 24th, 2016 resulted in the proposed collaboration with Academy Awards winning directors such as Scott Ross, James Cameron, and Paul Pastorelli and producers from movies Titanic, Spider-man, Terminator, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Mr. Don Cho plans to set up a Hollywood inspired visual effects studio with Chinese movie directors and producers appointed by Mr. Huang for this project.

With the movie release being tentatively set for next year, or 2017, the partnership of this collaboration and joint effort between Hollywood and China will be made official this spring. The official unveiling of this project in the U.S. will be made at the Celebrity Centre International, Hollywood, California on March 5th, 2016, amongst an audience of hundreds of Hollywood movie directors, producers, actors, and U.S. dignitaries. The movie will be released in many different languages, starting with Chinese and English, with the distribution to be handled by Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, or other major distribution partners. With many of the best Chinese actors and the instantly recognizable Hollywood actor Billy Zane from Titanic fame already onboard, the movie is expected to become another historic milestone in the film industry.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Stefan Kapicic Seen At Troy Liquor Bar During "Deadpool" NYC Press Tour

Stefan Kapicic & Ivana Horvat

Stefan Kapicic (Colossus in "Deadpool") & Fiancé, Croatian actress Ivana Horvat celebrated the release of his film Deadpool at NYC hotspot Troy Liquor Bar with publicist, Melanie Marquez of M4PR and close friends fashion week, including, Editor of Marie Claire Jenna Blaha, actor Keith Collins, execs from Marvel and other comedians and filmmakers. Exclusive photos by celebrity photographer Derek Storm. http://derekstormnyc.blogspot.com/2016/02/stefan-kapicic-seen-at-troy-liquor-bar.html



Friday, February 12, 2016

A PLACE CALLED HOME celebrates its 10th Annual STARS & STRIKES

A PLACE CALLED HOME (APCH) celebrates its 10th Annual STARS & STRIKES Celebrity Bowling & Poker Tournament on March 10th, 2016 from 7pm-11pm at PINZ Bowling and Entertainment Center, located in Studio City.The event is a fun-filled, celebrity-spotting benefit that raises funds and awareness for APCH’s free programs in education, the arts, athletics and vocational preparation for youth in South Central Los Angeles.
Over the past 23 years, APCH has directly served more than 18,000 youth, ages 8-21, and tens of thousands of their parents and neighbors through community outreach and food distribution activities.
APCH’s programs and services include five core areas focused on educational services (including college scholarships), health, nutrition and well-being, teenage services, creative expressions (the arts) and community engagement and volunteerism. Over the past nine years, Stars & Strikes has raised more than $1,000,000 for APCH’s free programs.
Previous years’ celebrity ambassadors and supporters have included: Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Mark Wahlberg, Pete Wentz, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, Jonah Hill, Howie Mandel, Penny Marshall, Nick Cannon, Keke Palmer, Jason Derulo; and many more.
This year’s Stars & Strikes event will be even more exciting than years past, with the return of the bowling tournament, a larger than life poker tournament, exciting prizes and some of today’s biggest celebrities from the entertainment and sports world. Special thanks to our official media sponsor iHeartRadio/KIIS-FM, official food sponsor Whole Foods Market, and major sponsors CBS, Midnight Radio (a TV and film production company) and Signature Estate and Investment Advisors, LLC.
Media check-in begins at 6:00pm. Red Carpet Arrivals begin at 7pm. Doors open at 7pm for the general public with the bowling tournament starting at 7:30pm and the poker tournament starting at 8:00pm.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. Get in on the action and register now as space is limited and the tournament is expected to sell out!
For more information on ticket and sponsorship purchases, please visit http://www.apch.org/StarsAndStrikes

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Leading African Animation Entrepreneur, Multi Award Winner & 2 Time Africa Movie Academy Awards Winner Ebele Okoye Reveals Plans For A Feature

 Every woman in a man’s profession struggles to prove her worth and Ebele Okoye’s case hasn’t been different. The multi-award winner and 2 time Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner, has invested years to build a profession in the film industry as an independent animation director and producer.

Ebele remembers she was 7 when she knew she wanted to become an animation filmmaker but it was almost 30 years before she could realize that dream.

“The Legacy of Rubies” (2015 Germany/Nigeria/USA), Ebele’s recent short took a while to produce but has been gathering one award after another in film festivals despite some reviews which most film makers would find discouraging. In response to her critics, Ebele says; ”Critics are there to ‘criticize’, so I take it as feedback and use it to my advantage”

In her acceptance speech at the 2015 Africa Movie Academy Awards AMAA - South Africa, Ebele said: https://vimeo.com/142603800




“I did not make this film to chase awards. I made this film, to inspire every African animator who wants to make animation films. […] It is possible that we can make quality animations that can compete with works from other parts of the
world.”


Watch the Award winning film "The Legacy of Rubies [Full Length]  Not available in all regions

Ebele strategically places the film in African Festivals not only to make a statement of what is possible but also to increase an awareness for Animation, a genre which is not always present in such festivals.

From the moment “The Legacy of Rubies” script was finished, ARTE, the biggest cultural channel of Europe acquired the first screening rights for the film.
The film which was part of the Focus Features Africa First Short Film Programme also boasts to be the first ever Nigerian/German Animation co-production. In a short festival run period after production “Rubies” has won the best Animation in numerous festivals among which are the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) Lagos and the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF)
Another of Ebele’s short film “The Lunatic” made history in 2008 as the first ever Animation to be entered for the Africa Movie Academy Awards. The film was given the honourable mention award being the only Animation to enter that year.
Asked what further plans she has for the “The Legacy of Rubies”, Ebele said that aside the film still being open for acquisition and distribution, she has finished with it and is focusing on other projects. In the pipeline is a feature film however; she did not want to disclose the title yet.

The upcoming feature is a 60 minutes 2D Animation set in a fantasy planet rich with the rare mineral ‘Atumi’ inhabited by two warring species and controlled by the mystical sacred eagle. For your imagination it’s like Chronicles of Narnia and Pocahontas put together.
With the emphasis on bridging the cultural gap between Africa and the rest of the world through productions, this feature will predominantly have an African team. Just like “Rubies” it will also be produced by Shrinkfish Ltd Abuja, Nigeria.

[Ebele's  in Arts 21 Deutsche Welle TV] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwE4_JixrQw




With the current challenge of finding funders and investors for Animation production in the African market, Ebele explained there are certain strategic approaches which would help facilitate a successful animation production in Africa. She also hinted that coproductions with other countries always function better than sole dependence on African resources which are hardly made available for Animation production.
Nevertheless, she is very positive that 2016 will bring a remarkable change in the face of African animation. According to her, this is because the past few years have seen a good number of emerging talents who, with coaching will set out to do “wonders” as she put it.
Asked if she would engage any of these talents in her upcoming feature, Ebele confirmed that she has her eyes on some of them.

Watch Ebele's Appearance in "Insight Germany" Deutsche Welle TV


About Ebele Okoye

Ebele has been active as an independent animator since 2006, consistently pushing animation both in Europe and Africa. Within and outside of the film festival constellations, her works in Animation have received numerous prizes amongst which are
“The Robert Bosch Promotional Prize for Animation” for the self led German/Bulgarian co-production "Anna Blume" which won numerous prizes including the Ritter Sport Award at the 2010 Zebra Poetry Film Festival
“The DEFA research prize for animation”, for a co-operation between Germany and Estonia.
She also has received a “Recognition for outstanding media work in human rights issues” by “Redefreiheit”, an arm of Amnesty International.
She has been given the “Certificate of special recognition of outstanding service” by the United States Congress as well as by the California State Legislature twice.
Ebele Okoye is the Founder & CEO of Shrinkfish Media Lab (smedLAB), an audio visual training initiative for talents from the Sub Saharan African region as well as the founder of  The Animation Club Africa, dedicated to Animation coaching and mentoring. She is also an active media artist and gives workshops on animation as well as production management for creative and independent artists.
Driven by her passion for animation and the need to contribute to the African animation industry, Ebele Okoye holds a key position as an animation expert and consultant with the (AFC) Pan African Film Consortium


[A short codumentation of the smedLAB Animation Course 2013]


Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Los Angeles Based Film Production Company Asca Films Announces A New Web Comedy Series Finalization

 Independent American, French, Spanish and Ukrainian filmmakers gathered to produce the show that can set a trend for higher quality scripted comedies released on YouTube.

The series creators Anna Skrypka (Ukraine), Charles Ancelle (France) and Adrian M. Ramos (Spain) believe that “BEHIND THE BLINDS AKA FILMMAKING 101” will attract more TV audience to YouTube.

“BEHIND THE BLINDS AKA FILMMAKING 101” follows two Eastern European mobsters who decide to produce an independent film to launder money. Lacking experience, they hire egotistical cast members and an inexperienced crew who focus on everything but the actual film. Meanwhile the writer tries to maintain coherence and stay alive.

The 1st season of the web series is set to premiere in February, 2016 on YouTube.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h4khvAVUVQ

Also, creators have already published two characters vlogs:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf6Abq7o2lmfSkNMWFc0pYg

1. Sergey's Filmmaking 101 - is a vlog hosted by a seasoned Executive Producer, Sergey Bogdanov, who wants to spread his wisdom and knowledge of how to make a professional movie.

2. Destiny's Book Club - is a vlog hosted by a seasoned Actress, Destiny, who is discussing all popular books in her own way.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

The 3rd Annual “women In Horror” Guest Series On “the Horror Happens Radio Show” Returns

 Heard streaming on four different stations weekly, the program welcomes more than 25 new women of horror including filmmakers, actresses, writers, makeup/FX, journalists, promoters, artists and more. The conversational series will run for 6 Tuesdays straight (January 26th, February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and March 1st), each of the episodes will be live on HGRNJ.org starting around 4:00 PM EST.

The previous two radio celebrations of Women in Horror, have brought many first time guests to the show and nearly 60 women in horror to the critically acclaimed radio program now nearing its 150th show, close to 1000 guest conversations and over 700 first time guest in just 46 months.

“We are proud to celebrate the achievements and the horror created by women all year long but it means so much to be included in this celebration via live and uncensored conversations. We really get into detail with those who do the meat the work by focusing on all aspects of women within horror, I mean all…” – Host Jay Kay

The last two years of Women in Horror, have brought such worldwide names and talent deep in the bunker including WIH Founder Hannah Forman, Actresses Barbara Crampton, Adrianne King, Heather Drew, Allison Egan, Caroline Williams, Cerina Vincent plus more / Filmmakers Jen & Sylvia Soska, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Jen Lynch, Izzy Lee, Patricia Chica plus more / FX and Makeup Artists Michele Mulkey, Juli Hapney, Lindsey Serrano / Writers, Educators and Journalists Monica Benson, Lisa von Biela,  Christine Bucci-Caprilozzi, Aviva Briefel plus more /Promoters LC Macabre, Denise Gossett, Andrea Amanda, Jennifer Cooper to name only a portion of the lineup.

“Horror Happens Productions as a Brand, encompasses many aspects of horror culture, media and conversation not found anywhere else. When you have a powerful and evolving movement like Women in Horror, you see that impact it makes and the empowerment it releases to the many out there no matter the fan you are. That love and art is found not only during Women in Horror Month but all year long whether the live conversations on Horror Happens Radio, the film showcase or Horror Happens Productions found at Horrorhappens.com.” – Award winning Film maker Patricia Chica

This year lineup will be nothing short of smart, versatile, talented and focusing on original visions in all of horror’s dark corners. The official Women in Horror guests and schedule announcement will be on Monday, January 18th starting at 8 AM EST on the show’s Facebook page Facebook.com/horrorhappensrs, Twitter @HORRORHAPPENSRS and on the main website page at HORRORHAPPENS.COM. Thank you for supporting and LISTEN LIVE IF YOU DARE!

Friday, February 5, 2016

Documentary Focusing on Jobs for Adults with Autism Coming to Atlanta

"Amazing", "Wonderful", "Brilliant", "A whole different view of autism", and "Everyone needs to see this movie!"

That’s what parents of adults with autism around the country are saying about an inspirational new documentary coming to Atlanta's Landmark Midtown Art Cinema on Wednesday February 10th.

The film "Programming Hope" features an inside look at the nonPareil Institute — a Texas-based nonprofit technology company that’s providing technical training and jobs in video game design for individuals who have been diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum.

Jack Creamer, the director of "Programming Hope,"says, “There is an employment crisis facing adults with autism, 90% are unemployed or underemployed – without a career they’ll need to be supported by family the rest of their lives. NonPareil (NPI) is doing something to address that problem.”

NonPareil is the creation of former professional race car driver and technologist, Dan Selec. When his youngest son was diagnosed with autism, he was inspired to put his technology skills to work in a personal way — to help create a future for his son. The company he started in his kitchen with just a few students has now grown to a staff of almost 200 — learning and working at locations in Dallas and Houston.

Creamer says, "Nonpareil means 'unparalleled, without match, or unequaled', and that's what these students and employees are. They’re creating amazing apps that are being sold in iTunes and Google Play stores.”

Initial screenings of the film have drawn large audiences interested in the film’s uplifting story. Diane Thomas has an adult son on the autism spectrum. She and her husband drove almost 4 hours from Indianapolis to see the film in Columbus, Ohio. "This film is a must-see for others to understand the hope that we have been looking for. It gives an honest glimpse into the struggles and victories these adults and families like ours face every day," says Thomas.

Creamer says, “These are gifted and intelligent people who face often misunderstood communication difficulties or other issues related to living with autism. When those differences are recognized and accepted – it makes all the difference in the world. And that’s what this film depicts.”

As far as his personal take on nonPareil and documenting their journey, Creamer sums it up simply – “This place is truly changing people’s lives -- and that’s a great story to tell.”

The February 10th Atlanta premiere of "Programming Hope" will be at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema at 7:30PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the link below.
Tickets: https://www.landmarktheatres.com/Booking/midtown-art-cine...


Watch The Trailer: https://youtu.be/9ZujWUSVR0M



For more information:

www.facebook.com/ProgrammingHope
www.programminghope.com