Joelle Sokolic Becomes New President of A.C. Cinefest

  The Atlantic City Cinefest Board of Trustees announces that Joelle Sokolic has succeeded William Sokolic as president of the annual non-profit film festival. A graduate of Richard Stockton University and a Communications major, Joelle has been part of the festival since its inception and most recently, served as vice-president.

            "The Atlantic City Cinefest is a family-run operation. It was only right that when William decided to step down, that I take over. This festival means so much to so many people and Atlantic City. I am proud to continue my father's legacy and bring another strong 10 years to this amazing city."

            William Sokolic remains chair of the Board of Trustees and will stay active in festival operations.

            "Joelle has been an important player with Atlantic City Cinefest from its founding in 2008," William said. "She earned the elevation to president."

Atlantic City Cinefest holds its 11th annual festival Oct. 12 to 14. Submissions are now open on withoutabox.com and filmfreeway.com.

Presented by Downbeach Film Festival, the Cinefest celebrates the art form of independent moviemaking. The Cinefest screens movies at Dante Hall Theater, 14 N. Mississippi Avenue and the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue. Both venues are managed by Stockton University. The festival has hosted Kevin Smith, Terry Winter, Robert Downey, Sr., Blanche Baker, Scott Rosenfelt, William Forsythe, Dominique Swain, Scott Schwartz, Al Sapienza and Brian O'Halloran, among others in ten years. 

            For more information on the festival, visit www.atlanticcitycinefest.org

Canadian Star Jassen Charron Arrives in Hollywood

As a child actor, Jassen Charron quickly gained the respect and admiration of Canadian film producers and fans.  This incredibly talented young man was a "natural."  He possessed an unstoppable work ethic, an infectious enthusiasm, true rare professionalism, and wisdom way beyond his years.

From a young age, Jassen has been recognized and acknowledged for the value that he brings to feature film and television projects.  More than one producer has said that Jassen's participation "took the project to a whole new level."

Jassen Charron's extraordinary talent has resulted in numerous significant film and television roles for the handsome young man.  Jassen's exceptional acting and incredible focus on his work has allowed studios to make multi-million-dollar feature films such as "Gerry," a two-time award-winning film; and "When We Were Boys," a feature film that garnered three film award nominations

We had the opportunity to talk with Jassen Charron at a film producer lunch in Burbank, California.  We asked him if he had outgrown the Canadian market.  The look on his face clearly read, "Really?  You want to start out with a 'trick' question?"

He smiled.  "Actually, I have not turned my back on Canadian projects at all.  I'm grateful for every one of them and I'm sure I will do many more amazing projects for the Canadian market.  The only difference is that I have grown a lot as an actor.  I've simply branched out and Hollywood is now my new home base."

We reminded Jassen that several of the producers he worked with in Canada encouraged him to move to Hollywood and "share his talent with the world."  He smiled – almost grinned – as he stared at us waiting for the next question.

Although displaying facial hair for an upcoming movie, it was obvious to all there that Jassen has the ability to play young roles.  "How old are you, about fifteen?" asked one of the "don't identify me by name" producers.  Jassen responded with, "No, I'm actually an adult – but I can certainly play fifteen."

"Ah, youth market!  We need to talk," responded the deliberately unnamed producer.

Two of those producers said they eagerly want Jassen Charron to star in their upcoming feature films.  "With Jassen Charron's truly extraordinary acting ability, our feature films will achieve incredible success."  Three other film deals have already been signed.

Jassen Charron, coming soon to a theater near you!

Website - IMDB - Demo Reel

Festival Winner "Fear, Love, and Agoraphobia" Gets Wide Release on iTunes, Amazon and GooglePlay

 Alex D'Lerma's dramedy, Fear, Love, and Agoraphobia is "a love letter to a part of society often overlooked, and it's not to be missed," (SpoilerFreeMovieSleuth.com) According to VillainMedia.com, the film features "pitch-perfect performances" by Dustin Coffey, Linda Burzynski and Orange is the New Black star Lori Petty. The film opens in VOD wide release Friday April 13 on iTunes, Amazon, and GooglePlay. Pre-orders are available on iTunes.

When he set out to make Fear, Love and Agoraphobia, (F.L.A. for short) Writer/Director D'Lerma ignored savvy Hollywood friends' advice to "make a horror movie" and "cast big names." D'Lerma wanted to make a character driven film that was entertaining and would have something to say.

Approximately 3.2 million, or about 2.2%, of adults in the US between the ages of 18 and 54, suffer from agoraphobia. And nearly everyone, at some point in their lives, has been lonely and felt trapped in their circumstances. D'Lerma decided that F.L.A. would be about an agoraphobic man (someone who fears going outside) and a volatile female Marine who are lonely people trapped in prisons of their own making. When these two lost souls come to each other's aid for their own survival, they form a unique connection. The result is a thoughtful and heartfelt study of two people you otherwise might never get to know.

After a year of touring film festivals F.L.A. has been honored 20 times, mostly with "best actor" awards given to the two unknown leads, Coffey and Burzynski. Now, audiences worldwide can enjoy the film that Curt Wiser of Operation Condor described as follows: "Fear, Love, and Agoraphobia is one of those rare indie gems you are pleased to uncover. It has a comedic narrative infused with naturalism and heart."

Fear, Love, and Agoraphobia is distributed domestically by Leomark Studios, which also handles international sales. Leomark Studios is a Los Angeles-based film production and distribution company with a catalogue of more than 200 titles. Recent Leomark releases include Harold Buttleman: Daredevil Stuntman, starring Oscar nominee and SAG award winner John Hawkes (The Sessions, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Anita Barone (Curb Your Enthusiasm), and Karen Black (Easy Rider) and Living Room Coffin, starring Jennifer Prediger (Apartment Troubles), Linas Phillips (Rainbow Time, Manson Family Vacation), Johnny Pemberton (Ant-Man, 21 Jump Street), Blake Berris (Breaking Bad, Highway), and Rémy Bennett (The Wolf of Wall Street, Newly Single).

"The Pathological Optimist," the New Documentary About Controversial Anti-Vaccine Doctor, Andrew Wakefield, Now On DVD/VOD Worldwide

Cinema Libre Studio is releasing Miranda Bailey's documentary THE PATHOLOGICAL OPTIMIST on PAL DVD, On Demand and Streaming in territories outside of North America starting March 27, 2018. The film documents Dr. Andrew Wakefield, the man behind one of the most highly controversial, intensely debated topics in modern medicine: the anti-vaccination movement.

Released theatrically in the U.S. in 11 cities, "Miranda Bailey's documentary focuses on Andrew Wakefield delivering a personal profile that shies away from taking a stand on his controversial theories," writes the Hollywood Reporter. Awarded Best Director for a Documentary Feature at the 2017 Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles and Best Feature Documentary at the Manhattan Film Festival, Gravitas Ventures, is handling domestic rights (U.S. and Canada) while Cinema Libre Studio, the company behind the release of the controversial Andrew Wakefield directed "Vaxxed: From Cover-up to Catastrophe, is handling all other territories. The film is set to screen theatrically in Australia and the UK this Spring.

With THE PATHOLOGICAL OPTIMIST, director Miranda Bailey brings us a character study of Dr. Andrew Wakefield, one of 13 co-authors of a notorious 1998 paper in the UK medical Journal The Lancet, but who became the very public face of what has come to be known as "The Anti-Vax Movement." An expat from Britain who currently resides in Austin, Texas, Wakefield allowed Bailey and her team to follow him and his family for five years beginning in 2011 as he fought a defamation battle in the courts against the British Medical Journal and journalist Brian Deer. The results of that case – and the self-reflection, pronouncements, and observations of Wakefield, his legal team, wife, and his children – create a complex and incisive look at one of our era's most fear-provoking and continuingly provocative figures. THE PATHOLOGICAL OPTIMIST takes no sides, instead letting Wakefield and the battles he fought speak for themselves.

THE PATHOLOGICAL OPTIMIST is the sophomore directing effort of prolific indie producer Miranda Bailey, whose debut GREENLIT premiered to critical acclaim at SXSW in 2010. In a 15-year filmmaking career, Bailey has distinguished herself by producing over 20 films, among them the Oscar-nominated THE SQUID AND THE WHALE.

Follow:

Instagram: @ThePathologicalOptimistfilm

Facebook: @ThePathologicalOptimist

Website: http://www.PathologicalOptimistFilm.com

DVD (PAL format) TECHNICAL DETAILS:

Available:		March 27 2018
Territories:		Ships worldwide, but only works in DVD players with PAL specifications
Genre:		Documentary
Run Time:		92 Minutes
Rating:		Not rated
SRP:		$19.95
Format:		16.9
UPC:		881394126428

Special Features: Interview: Andrew Wakefield Deals with Allegations, "Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe" teaser (20 minutes)

STREAMING DETAILS:
Available on Vimeo (video on demand) in all territories except U.S, Canada and Israel and on Amazon in the U.K.

Public Performance licenses for outside of the US and Canada available here: http://cinemalibrestudio.com/PathologicalOptimist/screenings.html

For information on the U.S. & Canadian release visit: http://www.thepathologicaloptimistfilm.com

'MBF' (Man's Best Friend) Moves Into Pre-Production Announces Collective Development

There are two key elements that basically define the inner-workings of the entertainment world. A project - whether film, TV, theater, music – does not exist 'until somebody writes something.' And once an intellectual property is written, copyrighted, pitched, developed and nurtured on both the business and creative sides of the equation, it must get the 'Green Light' for production on the strength of full financial backing and distribution options.

The next 'Green Lighted' feature on the slate for arguably the most prolific film production company in Michigan, award-winning Lansing-based Collective Development Inc. (CDI), will roll cameras this spring in mid-Michigan.

'MBF' (Man's Best Friend) is a unique and engaging story that shows parallels between the treatment of wounded military veterans and 'last chance' shelter dogs. Written by DJ Perry (who also stars as former Marine Corps K-9 handler Paul Landings, who suffers from TBI and PTSD after an IED blast in Afghanistan), 'MBF' touches on an array of societal issues, many not unique to just veterans.

PTSD; emotional/psychological challenges; physical
wounds/burns/amputations; homelessness/suicides; animal abuse/mistreatment; troubled teens; and, the arrogance of 'perceived privilege' by those in positions of power, are among the topical points explored in the film.

"What drew me to the story was the depth of the characters as they try to navigate thru real-world challenges and issues in their daily lives," said the film's director, longtime CDI colleague Anthony Hornus ('An Ordinary Killer,' 'Outside the Wire: The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan,' 'Chasing the Star').

"Every day, people are reaching for balance in their lives, even redemption in some cases," added Mr. Hornus. "The lines between right and wrong, good versus evil, are oftentimes blurred. In the eyes of the beholder, if you will. We'll expose the darkness of man's inhumanity to man (and beast), yet we also embrace the goodness in the hearts of others," he concluded.

'MBF' follows Gunnery Sgt. Landings (Mr. Perry, 'Wicked Spring,' 'Forty Nights,' 'Wild Faith') his working K-9 and companion 'Bart' and the Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) team from a fateful mission in 2008 Helmand Province, Afghanistan, to his struggles trying to make a meaningful life for himself in his small Michigan home town.

This contemporary action/drama, to be filmed entirely on location in Mr.Hornus' home town area of mid-Michigan, offers layered storytelling with an ensemble of interesting, compassionate, damaged and eccentric characters. It's twisting and turning narrative is a study in cautionary tales, faith, hope and the understanding of the 'role' dogs (and pets overall) play in our lives as family, as pets and service/therapy companions.

Casting is winding down for 'MBF.' Some of the talented artists tentatively on-board include:

Tim Abell ('We Were Soldiers,' 'Circus Kane,' 'NCIS,' 'Criminal Minds'); Tony Becker ('Tour of Duty,' 'Little House On the Prairie,' 'Justified'); Garry Nation ('Polycarp,' 'Chasing the Star,' 'Legends & Lies,' as Robert E. Lee); Sammy A. Publes ('Shameless,' 'Chicago Fire,' 'Chicago PD'); Dean Teaster ('Forty Nights,' 'Figure in the Forest,' 'Wild Faith'); Melissa Anschutz ('Bestseller,' 'The Christ Slayer,' '7 Stones'); Shane Hagedorn ('Ashes of Eden,' 'Wild Faith'); Greg Mason ('An Ordinary Killer,' 'Small Town America,' 'Wild Faith'); Walker Fairbanks ('Age of Ice,' 'Garroter'); Austin 'Two Feathers' ('Dean Teaster's Ghost Town,' 'Wild Faith'); Christine Marie ('The Spirit of Mumbai,' 'The Christ Slayer'); David Gries ('The Lost Within,' 'Mimesis'); David Michael Reardon ('Knight's End,' 'Taneycomo'); Donovan Rogers ('Smokey Robinson,' 'The Wiz'); and, Bobby Henline ('Shameless,' 'Sophie and the Rising Sun').

'MBF' will be a 2019 release by Bridgestone Multimedia Group (BMG).

Social Media Link:
https://www.facebook.com/WildFaithMovie/

v3® Glasses-Free, Three-Dimensional Technologies Comes to Movie Theatres Nationwide

Vision III Imaging Inc. announced today that it has entered into a sales promotion agreement with Screenvision Media, a national leader in cinema advertising. Together they will make the revolutionary v3 glasses-free, three-dimensional imaging technologies available for advertisers to engage moviegoers nationwide.

Vision III is a Reston, Virginia based company that has developed unique parallax visualization technologies that enhance the three-dimensionality of commercial and military imaging. Vision III has pioneered the concept of "parallax over time" to create spatially enhanced viewer perceptions on standard displays like theatrical screens and in-lobby monitors. The Vision III technologies are marketed under the v3® and Real Shot™ brand names (collectively the v3 technologies).

Real Shot is a patented technology that creates a dramatic three-dimensional appearance with picture elements "POPPING" off the screen. Real Shot advertising and promos can be distributed, displayed and viewed as easily as any standard video imagery without the necessity of any additional software, special glasses/screens or other equipment.

Vision III has also developed patented v3 optical technologies for capturing and displaying three-dimensionally enhanced, live-action imagery. v3 creates a three-dimensional "window" appearance with enhanced shapes and textures. Similar to its companion Real Shot, v3 imagery can be distributed, displayed and viewed as easily as normal video.

"In the competitive landscape of differentiating your brand, we are enthusiastic about the prospects of providing a frictionless and glassless experience for consumers to engage with brands within 3D," said John McCauley, chief strategic development officer, Screenvision Media. "The v3 technologies are perfect for differentiating brand advertising from all the surrounding 2D content. We're excited to offer advertisers this opportunity starting within our exhibitor lobbies, and are interested in the potential future possibilities to utilize this technology on the big screen."

Screenvision Media plans to make the v3 technologies available in-lobby to advertisers across the company's 2,300+ theater network starting in the 2^nd quarter of 2018.

https://vimeo.com/260771289          v3 Intro (:45 sec)



https://vimeo.com/260919751          Mobile video of Real Shot advertising display (1 min)



https://vimeo.com/260835371          Real Shot Demo (2 min)



https://vimeo.com/260885599          v3 Live-Action Demo (1:30 min)

ABOUT VISION III IMAGING INC.

Vision III Imaging, Inc. is based in Reston, Virginia and is the developer of the v3® advanced, immersive three-dimensional, visualization solutions that create spatially enhanced video content (programming and advertising) viewable on any regular screen or display, without the need for special glasses/screens or additional software.  Vision III has focused its R&D efforts on an area of human perception that is unique and been largely overlooked by the imaging industry.  The v3 technologies have so far received 24 issued US patents and numerous foreign patents.  More information on Vision III Imaging, Inc. can be found at www.inv3.com.

ABOUT SCREENVISION MEDIA

Headquartered in New York, N.Y., Screenvision Media is a national leader in cinema advertising, offering on-screen advertising, in-lobby promotions and integrated marketing programs to national, regional and local advertisers and providing comprehensive cinema advertising representation services to top tier theatrical exhibitors presenting the highest quality movie going experience. The Screenvision Media cinema advertising network is comprised of over 14,950 screens in 2,300+ theater locations across all 50 states and 94% of DMAs nationwide; delivering through more than 150 theatrical circuits, including 6 of the top 10 exhibitor companies. For more information: http://screenvisionmedia.com/.