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So u t h Fl o r i d a t eam f i l m s i n NY-" IM -M U-NI-TY"
MONTHLY
Chat with Cha Cha Tal k w i t h " Gr ease: Li v e" st ar
Journey into Stand-Up Comedy
Future focused: New M edi a Fi l m Fest
Nat i v e Reel Ci n em a
" Touched with Fire"
Trip to Sundance " I A m Fr an k i e" f i l m ed i n n ew M i am i st u d i o
Bi pol ar f i l m stars K ati e Hol mes
Su p er Geek Fi l m Fest i v al
Fi l m Carpet 6.0
Cel eb. Ch ef competi ti on www.independent st reakmagazine.com
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Magic City Comic Con?s Super Geek Film Festival (Feb. 15-17) was a success. A wide variety of films were shown and filmmakers had a chance to talk about their films and careers during several panels. Plus, there were awards given! (See picture collage on the next page). Congratulations to "All Girls Weekend", "Revan", "Flashback" and "Horizon: The Web Series" for having a full house attend their screenings. Winners: Best Short Film: ?Watch Over Me? Best Fan Film: ?Revan: A Star Wars Fan Film? Best Florida Short: ?The Perfect Dish? Best Internet Web Series: ?Surviving the Undead? Best Director: Lou Simon-?All Girls Weekend? Best Comedy: ?Flashback" Best Stop-Motion/ Live-Action: ?Star Wars: A Toy Story?
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Super Geek Film Festival will be back at FLORIDA SUPERCON: (www.floridasupercon.com) July 1-4 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Their Call Of Entries is up and their festival will feature films of all types, including documentary, narrative, animation, experimental and fan films. Films with a focus on geek, geek interest, geek culture, comics, gaming, animation, anime, manga, science fiction, fantasy, RPG, robotics, technology, fan films and more will be screened. Films will be presented from all kinds of filmmakers, both professional and amateur. The program will include panels, sessions in the Filmmaker lounge, parties, Q&A?s and more. Stay tuned for more announcements coming soon. Feel free to email them with any suggestions or comments to kurt@floridasupercon.com.
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Snapshot Super Geek Fi l m Festi v al
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Let t er f rom t he Publ isher I am so excited that this issue is longer than ever! There is so much going on in the film industry. It's February -- time for love. Spend some time away from the biz to be with a loved one. If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with. And remember the most important thing is to love yourself! A special thank you to all my contributors this month, including Kel Thompson, Bryan Hayes and Ben Clerveaux. Interested in submitting an article? Contact me at ravenprods@yahoo.com. We are always looking for sponsors and advertisers as well. Thank you, New Media Film Festival for coming back on board this year. --Rachel Gal vin Any times mentioned in the magazine are Eastern Standard Time (EST) unless noted otherwise. The publisher does not necessarily endorse any advertisements in the mag. 3
St ay i n -t h e-k n o w : - www.independent st reakmagazine.com
Want t o advert ise? Get an ad as l ow as $25! Cont act us at ravenprods@yahoo.com
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Based on the Aurora Award-winning Off-Broadway play Written by Shari Umanski, "IM-MU-NI-TY", set in 1942 in a small interrogation room at Auschwitz, follows a deadly game being played out between a Jewish teacher (Rena Sofer) and her former student (Stephano DaFre), now an SS doctor. The prize ... his soul or her life. Principal photography took place at Gold Coat Studios in New York in January and it is currently in post production. The film is directed by Alyn Darnay, who went with his team from South Florida to New York. [More about this film coming soon!] (Top): Stefano Da Fre & Alyn Darnay; (On left): Assistant Director John Hamblin and Director Alyn Darnay. (Below): Stefano Da Fre in front & Joseph A. Halsey; (Below, right): Gerry Glennon McKeever, Joseph A. Halsey and Alyn Darnay.
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New Media Film Festival Bringing A.I., Virtual Reality & 3D Content The New Media Film Festival (NMFF) has been named one of the "Top 25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" by MovieMaker Magazine. In its 7th year, the fest is 5 known for its wide array of genres (including a
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drone and virtual reality category) and ways of telling a story that are fresh from the future, from tablet media to 3D and beyond. The f est ival runs June 7-9 in Los Angel es CA. Oscar winner Nicholas Reed marvels at the festivals' innovative programming. He said, "The New Media Film Festival seemed like an outlier when it started in 2010, with their strange categories,web series, 3D storytelling, digital comics; now, all of a sudden, these phrases are the new normal. The NMFF is always looking to the future, challenging creators, the market and the audience to discover new storytelling. There are not many festivals pushing the limits - go NMFF!" The festival extends its forward thinking to promote a positive future and proudly honors luminaries with its Socially Responsible Conservationist Award. The festival honored Leonardo DiCpario with the award after his film "Worst Shark Attack Ever" premiered as part of the Socially Responsible Content Category in 2015. The Director of this film and International Surfing Champion, Veronica Grey,
accepted the award on behalf of DiCaprio. Judges at the New Media Film Festival include representatives from HBO, Marvel, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Television Academy and other pioneers in the entertainment industry. The festival also offers further screening opportunities to winning works on the newly launched New Media 2D & 3D channels and other distribution opportunities.
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FILM: "Years & Years: An Art if icial Experience Music Mot ion Pict ure" "The truest confirmation of the dawn of human consciousness occurred 49,000 years ago with the unexpected and simultaneous appearance of cave art throughout the planet. We are at another moment in the history of consciousness -- the spawning of Machine Consciousness through art. For the first time in the history of the man-machine interface, the Artificial Experience has been born. Humans and machines now share a consciousness and they both want to dream and make art," said Director Brian Harrison. FILM: "LIVYATANIM: Myt h" This film, which comes from Tel Aviv, Israel, is an interactive web based virtual reality short film, featuring the music of LIVYATANIM directed by Or Fleisher. FILM: "We Buil t A Ship 3D" Directed by Stefan Sargent, this film from the USA is about 150 volunteers In Sausalito, CA who are building a traditional wooden ship based on a 1891 brigantine design by a local shipwright.
Submit your films today. Deadline is April 20, 2016. For more information, visit www.newmediafilmfestival.com. Compet e t o win! There's even a competitive category for Sniplers速 ,30-second mini-trailers featured to garner attention for films not yet made. Filmmakers vie for a chance at $45,000 value in awards. Submit t hrough April 25, 2016 t o be considered t o screen t his year; programming locks May 1, 2016. Check out www.sniplers.com.
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Journey to ...
St and- Up Comedy By Kel Thompson
Kel Thompson at 2015 Brickel l Comedy Fest ival Phot o by JC Ridl ey Phot ography
Are you thinking of giving stand-up comedy a go? Are you nervous, but think you could be funny on stage? I?ve now been doing stand up for just over a year. Which is very little time in comedy. Over the course of this past year, I learned a lot of things I never understood about a near universal path that comedians travel to one day, hopefully,
entertain audiences. Like you (possibly) I had wanted to do stand-up FOREVER; at least ever since I became a grown up and considered the worlds possibilities. I never really considered stand-up as a ?viable?career for the same reason one doesn?t consider being an astronaut a viable career. Self-defeating thoughts always surrounded standing in front of an 7 audience and telling jokes. I, once, talked some
family and friends (I really have no clue who was with me at this show) to attend a comedy show in Houston, and I remember seeing an opening act ? sweating profusely and struggling like a mad man to get through his set. It looked like my idea of a night terror. This image stuck with me, through time and space of what it must look like to start off in comedy. And for some it certainly is, but it doesn?t have to be. I did attempt Toastmasters three times over the years, and, honestly, I find their system limiting, their meetings and dress codes to be stuffy [Editor's Note: Not all Toastmasters are like this... check around.] . Although some people find benefits. Nevertheless, I filed it in the back of my head as something I would like to try ? eventually. In my 20s I thought, maybe when I?m 30. My 30s flew by like fighter plane and, when I hit 40, I thought, man my chances are starting to dwindle of making this happen ? after all, I was busy, I had created a life around the stage, as an event guy, video engineer, camera operator. I was the tech guy in the back of the room at your conference. You didn?t notice me? That is because all your shit worked. I told myself I liked it and it beat digging ditches. I learned to shoot and edit and opened a studio, created, hosted TV shows ... Then, eventually, finally , I came up with an idea to create a TV show about comedy, called "Comedic-ness, The Quest for the Essence of Comedy". This was/ is essentially a pilot that I produced on-spec hoping it would get network distribution. We gained permission to shoot at a local Improv, and, while looking for directions, found that they
had classes offered on-site. It still took me a while before finally deciding to pull the trigger. But I did it, and so began one of the greatest adventures of my life (coming from a guy who has lived a little). If you are timid about getting on stage, public speaking, telling jokes; if you have concerns about stand-up, if you are dying to take the stage, but the thought scares the living shit out you? then a stand-up class is the prescription for your phobias. This is a six-week class, where a seasoned comedian will help you develop your set, so that you have some chance of saying or doing something that will get a laugh or two, or you might just kill it you never know. But, don?t worry, you have six weeks! You pay for [the class] and get to meet at The Improv. I enjoyed this class so much that I did it three times. Your class is made of a handful of people that share at least one thing in common, they think they might be funny. Not, that every person will agree with you on everything, but I can say that each class that I attended, if recorded, could have been one of the most epic, controversial, entertaining and fun two hours that I?ve had. Some do it for therapy, and I think it is effective. In the end, they will work you into a show that is a ?Bringer? show, where other comedians have all brought their friends and family out to The Improv. Consider running The Improv ...They have a monumentally high rent, I won?t give numbers, but I have heard them. This is a big theater in a high rent area, and, man, do they have bills ? the things no one ever really considers. Their rent is astronomical, and I suppose you can?t fill a theater every night of the week with headliners. That problem is your ticket to getting to perform there. A?Bringer? show is where comedians are required to bring
10 people for a free show, all those folks have to do is purchase a couple beverages and -- boom -- packed house. You can do the math, about 30 comedians would quickly equate to 300 people. [Since] you paid for the class, you can do as I did and invite nobody (really you should invite people). I really wasn?t sure how it was going to go, so bombing in front of 300 strangers seemed better to me than bombing in front of five friends. Hey, we?re all busy, but, over the six weeks, you take your funny stories and the teacher is there to help you craft your real life stories into proper jokes, and to help you begin to find your style, and everyone has their own style, or your voice. After the first class and performing my first set, which was arguably one of the worst in the class, then I thought 'now what'? I went and signed back up for another class. Now, here?s where I started getting into the meat of stand-up comedy. Throughout my class, I started hearing these war stories from open mics. Open mics are really where you refine yourself as a comedian and they are brutal. You can wait for two hours watching a dozen comedians practice their material in front of a room full of other comedians. Open mics are at establishments, much like The Improv in this sense, where they need patrons on a Tuesday to come in and have a couple drinks or an appetizer or dinner, so they give the space to the comedians and everyone practices their material. The comedic ladder to success starts to unfold here. This is like the first rung. All that glamour of The Improv is candy, the real sustenance is at the open mics, and if you are going to be successful in comedy, you will be hitting countless open mics. How do you find your open mics? Word of mouth, 8 Facebook, meetup.com. Open mics are where the
vast majority of your material will go to die. But the stuff that survives can turn into pure gold on stage. Open mics are where you meet other comedians working on their sets, and you will see how the majority will come in and get a few laughs; but, the heavy hitters, the headliners, can come in and sleigh an audience, no matter what. This is what you strive to do (I still don?t.) Just remember, the comedy legends in your town were once just like you; they just stuck with it, consistently, period. There is no shortcut here. You put in the time and you will improve. I set my goals one in front of the other. My goal is to host at The Improv. Why? Because the host gets to run material and the show, but hosting is no cakewalk. A host has a lot to coordinate, and, if he makes it look easy and fun, it is strictly because he has, again, put in the time learning the many nuances surrounding the job. The host gets to work with other big acts and learn from and be around the best, which could earn [the host] other valuable decorations for [his or her] comedic curriculum vitae. The performing hierarchy: You will start off at The Improv (if you take the class or do a bringer show); you will then ?get your heart ripped out? (quote from comedian Tim Hanlon) at open mics. Every show it gets easier; you make friends, you see others bomb. When I left the scene for a month or two during the year, and came back, I noticed that many of the comedians who were putting in their time had significantly improved. In comedy, you will improve or you?ll find out that it is another thing you might not want to pursue. Making money? Can you ? In my first year of comedy I was given a total sum of $105 which, I?d imagine, is doing pretty good.
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NEW pi l ot at M A PS 305 "The Chat" with comedic actor Carl Rimi Carl Rimi has been selected as the host of a new show called "The Chat," a sit-down talk show that had its pilot filmed at MAPS 305 on Feb. 4. For their opening show, the guests slated were Roberto Escobar, Carlos Villarejo, Guido Montesano and Marty-Romi Checo with music by Trouble In The Garden. Set also featured works by MagChop (a.k.a. Kenneth Ruiz). See pictures in the next issue! MAPS 305 studio is located at 4555 NE 6 Ave. in Oakland Park, FL For more information, call 786440-8450 or visit www.maps305.com.
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Chr is Tucker Actor/ Comedian comes to the Hard Rock Actor, producer and comedian Chris Tucker brings ?Chris Tucker: Live? to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Thursday, March 24, at 8 p.m. Tucker is an international award-winning actor and comedian best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the ?Rush Hour? film series. He became a favorite on ?Russell Simmons HBO Def Comedy Jam? in the ?90s and came to prominence in his first starring role, the 1995 film cult classic ?Friday? starring alongside Ice Cube.
In 1997, Tucker was an executive producer and co-starred in the hit movie ?Money Talks? with Charlie Sheen and then appeared in Luc Besson?s ?The Fifth Element.? In 2006, Tucker negotiated an unprecedented $25 million salary to appear in ?Rush Hour 3", which, at the time, made him the highest paid actor in Hollywood. He also co-starred in the 2013 Oscar-nominated film ?Silver Linings Playbook.? To date, Tucker has starred in films that have collectively grossed more than $1 billion in box office sales worldwide. Tucker?s latest project, ?Chris Tucker Live", was released in July 2015 exclusively on Netflix and marks the first project that Tucker has starred in and produced through his own company Chris Tucker Entertainment. Outside of comedy, Tucker is a dedicated humanitarian and spends much of his spare time traveling around the world doing philanthropic work through the Chris Tucker Foundation. Ready to see him live? Tickets cost $50 to $70. All seats are reserved and available at Ticketmaster outlets online at www.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: at 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one hour prior to show start time. Additional fees may apply. This show is for mature audiences only.
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hails from Coral Gables, FL and she has had quite the career, including playing "Kiki" on "The Fresh Beat Band" on Nickelodeon and being nominated twice for an Imagen Award for "Best Young Actress in a Television Series." She also has performed her R&B and Latin influenced tunes as her alias Ava Gold to sold-out crowds touring around the world, selling out Madison Garden four times. Gonzalez-Nacer has worked with everyone from Justin Bieber and Jason Mraz to Gloria Estefan and Wyclef Jean, among others. She recently signed to BMG Publishing and is finishing recording her debut album. When not performing, she is working with organizations like Global Green, Rock N' Roll Camp for Girls and with organizations working on research for Alzheimer's Disease, including her own, Creative Minds Care, which she founded in 2014.
" Ch a-Ch a" ch ats "Grease: Live" star talks to Independent Streak By Rach el Gal v i n You may have seen Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer strutting her stuff in "Grease: Live" on TV on Fox Jan. 31. This sultry singer, musician and actress joined an all-star cast, including Julianne Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, Jessie J, Carly Rae Jepson, Mario Lopez and special guest star appearances by Boyz II Men and Joe Jonas. 11 What you may not know is that this triple threat
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Independent Streak Magazine had a chance to ask this talent a few questions. Q: How l ong did it t ake t o rehearse f or "Grease: Live" and what was t he most chal l enging aspect ? A: This was definitely a very ambitious project. We shot the entire film live, did things that hadn?t been done before and pushed the envelope by even having a live studio audience. The most challenging aspect is that it is live and there will, inevitably, be factors that you can?t control. For example, the day of the show, there was a torrential downpour in Los Angeles so we basically had to stage an alternate opening number an hour before the show, just in case the weather blew down the set. As far as the rehearsal process, the principals rehearsed for a month before everyone else joined and then it was about five weeks of rehearsing and camera angles and all kinds of technical stuff. It's interesting how the rehearsal process was similar to that of a regular Broadway show, except, instead of doing the show for months or years, we did it for one night! Q: What inspired you t o get int o singing and act ing in t he f irst pl ace? How ol d were you when you f irst perf ormed? A: I always loved to sing, write songs, act and write plays for my sisters and I to be in, put on shows and perform wherever I could.
When I was 1, I used to sit at the piano and plunk the keys for my family and I had the great fortune of learning to play the violin when I was 3 years old. I suppose that was my formal introduction to music. My family is Cuban, and music and the arts are a very big part of the culture, so, growing up, they were always a very integral part of my upbringing and something that just came really naturally to me. I think being on stage is where I feel the most comfortable.
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Q: How l ong was t he audit ion process f or t he show? A: I actually auditioned back in February for the role of Patti and then they kept bringing me back for Frenchy. Cha Cha was actually more of a last minute audition. But, altogether, I was seeing the team for about six months. Q: What woul d be your advice f or someone new t o t he business? A: Know who you are, what you want and why you want it. Then, work harder than anyone else and always, always, always believe in yourself. That last part is sometimes the hardest thing to do, but it is, without a doubt, the most important. Q: What ?s next f or you? A: My single ?Classy? under my artist project, Ava Gold, was just featured on ESPN and is now on iTunes. I?m in the studio now finishing up my EP and I have a new music video coming out next month for one of my songs! I also have some upcoming shows in Los Angeles and a couple of really exciting projects that I can?t talk about quite yet, but I?ll be posting updates on my social media. Q: Anyt hing el se you woul d l ike peopl e t o know about you or your causes? A: I started a non-profit organization last year called Creative Minds Care and my vision is to see a world without Alzheimer?s disease. Our first undertaking is to put on an epic benefit concert to raise money for Alzheimer?s research.
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11th A nnual A f ri can A meri can Fi l m Festi v al Feb . 15-19 The 11th season of the Kravis Center?s African American Film Festival, founded by James Drayton, kicks off Monday Feb. 15. The festival celebrates African Americans who have made their mark in film. It opens with A Tribute to Sidney Poitier hosted by AnEta Sewell, followed by the film "Lilies of the Field". For more information, visit www.kravis.org.
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Concours D' Elegance Friday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 21 The Concours kicks off on Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. with the duPont Registry? Live Hangar Party at Boca Raton Airport. On Saturday night, there will be a Gala Dinner & Show with Jay Leno performing at Boca Raton Resort and Club from 5:30 to 10 p.m., including reception and silent auction. On Sunday, 200 of the finest collector cars and motorcycles from around the country will gather on the show field at the famed Boca Raton Resort & Club from
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10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy fine food and wine from 30 of South Florida?s finest restaurants. The event, in its 10th year, benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Automotive Lifetime Achievement Awards will be given to Rita and Rick Case, Rick Case Automotive Group and Stephen Cannon, former president/CEO of Mercedes-Benz, USA and Current CEO of AMB Group
For more information, visit www.bocaratonconcours.com.
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"Touched with Fire", directed by Paul Dalio, uncovers bipolar disorder in a unique way, uncovering the roller coaster ride that those suffering with it can experience, as shown through the emotional extremes involved in this pair's relationship after they meet each other in a treatment facility. They ride the wave from the highest heights of mania to the depths of despair and their families are left to try to get them under control. It also stars Griffin Dunne, Christine Lahti and Bruce Altman. Phot o by Joey Kuhn.
Film Review: "Touched
wit h Fir e"
By Rachel Gal vin Mesmerized by the moon, Marco (Luke Kirby) attempts to frantically scrawl out rhymed messages to make sense of a nonsensical world as he hopes to escape and go to his "true home". Meanwhile, Carla (Katie Holmes) tries to get a grasp on where things all went wrong in her life, trying to put together the puzzle of her past and better understand her illness. Feeling mocked by the masses, this pair, who meet up in unusual circumstances, wish to drop out of the system.
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The film is produced by Jeremy Alter and Kristina Nikolova and executive produced by Spike Lee.
One of the repeated themes in the film is something talked about in the Kay Redfield Jamison book by the same name -- the relationship between art and madness. Vincent Van Gogh, Lord Byron, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe, Sylvia Plath, Percy Shelley and others dealt with these sorts of ups and downs, perhaps suffering from the same disease but utilizing their emotions to fuel the fire of their creativity. Through the peaks and valleys, the audience comes along for the ride in this production. Prepare to feel exhilarated, empty, claustrophobic, energetic and crazed and end up feeling exhausted. The film takes the audience on quite a journey and has a satisfying resolution. The performances by Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby are heartfelt and deep.
"Touched With Fire" opens Feb. 19 in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
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and Connecticut, Jamie?s musical and theatrical background brought her to South Florida, where she embarked on a ?One Woman? Show.
Sandi Grecco
The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) & Sublime Talent Show held auditions on Jan. 31. Now, the winner will be revealed at a show on Feb. 7 at 5;30 p.m. at Sublime Restaurant and Bar, 1431 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304. The show will feature guest judge Casting Director Lori Wyman. The three performers selected were Kelly Harris, Jamie Danger and Sandi Grecco. Winners, announced at 7 p.m., will receive $200, $100 and $50, respectively. Public is invited. www.facebook.com/sublimerestaurant.
Subl ime Tal ent Show Final ist s Jamie Danger Brooklyn-born, Jamie graduated with a B.A. degree in Communications from Hofstra University, and studied at The Lee Strasbourg Acting Institute in New York City. After having spent years working in the Tri-State areas of New York, New Jersey
Originally from Chicago, multi-instrumentalist Sandi Grecco has worked with bands like Halcyon, Twinkle, Paul Duffy , Shirley King, Amy Steinberg and Rebekah Pulley but has worked solo as well. She is skilled on guitar and bass, as well as drums,.
Kel l y Harris Kelly has played the role of Little Ti Moune in ?Once On This Island Jr.?, Ariel in "The Little Mermaid", Jojo in "Seussical Jr.", Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz"and Marie in "the Aristocats Kids" just to name a few. Kelly was cast in the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theater "Soundwave Show Choir" and performed at Downtown Disney in Orlando. Her additional training in theater, dance and music include Broadway Artists Alliance Summer intensive program and Broadway Dance Center in NYC.
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Fi l m Car pe t 6.0 By Rachel Gal vin On Jan. 28, Alexandra Bello did it again with Film Carpet 6.0. With a virtually sold-out Cinema Paradiso in Ft. Lauderdale, the event was packed with entertainment and was an excellent place to network on the red carpet. VIP TV did interviews inside a limo and other red carpet interviews were being done by representatives of ABPTV, WEI Network and others. Other associated press was on-hand to get some snaps for various publications. Legendary actor David Winters and "The Voice's" 17 Laura Vivas attended, as well Grammy Award
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winner Don Mizell, Cesar Ricardo Nunez with Film Miami Fest, Joe Rubbo from "The Last American Virgin" , artist Kenneth Ruiz, from MagChop, and members of the Blu.Line Band. Laurence Gartel, termed the father of digital art, was the keynote speaker. The night began with a brilliant performance by violinst (and also actor) Steven Aronson with ballet performance by Kaory Desole with a movie in the backdrop. The event hosted the first annual ?305 Film Competition Rally? created by Rose Warner, showcasing all 11 teams? five minute submissions. Three awards were given at the end of the night for this contest, selecting ?Code Words? as Judge?s Choice and ?For the Sake of the World? as Best use of theme and Audience Choice. Alexandra Bello was the Host and Maria Salamis Master of Ceremonies. Arlyn Guzman was the Red Carpet Host. Christina Rodriguez was the official photographer. Independent Streak was happy to be one of the Associated Press in attendance. In addition to watching films and networking, as well as trying some yummy goodies (thanks to Samuel Gbadebo from ?The Plan B Project?), guests could participate in raffles. There was over $1800 in prizes handed out! Sponsors included Do?Or Dye Salon, Caron Barr, Mia?s Spa, 1st Class Pressure Cleaning, MAPS 305 and Alexandra Bello Productions.
SNAPSHOT Fil m Car pet 6.0
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" I am Frank i e" seri es t o be f ilmed in Miami Nickelodeon has announced the first series that will be produced in the new state-of-the-art Viacom International Studios in Miami. The studio which includes two 15,000 sq. foot stages and was completed in late 2015 will serve as a multi-platform production hub for all of Viacom's brands. I Am Frankie, originally produced as "Yo Soy Franky" by Nickelodeon Latin America in Colombia, was created by Argentine writer Marcela Citterio. The English language version, I Am Frankie, is now being adapted for global audiences by Catharina Ledeboer, who has written multiple Nickelodeon hits, including Every Witch Way and Talia in the Kitchen. I Am Frankie, is the story of "Frankie", an experimental android, who navigates the perils and wonders of being a teenager. Frankie looks like any other girl, but functions like the newest computer, complete with Internet access, extensive memory and a hard disk. Frankie goes to school and no one but the members of her family know her secret. She adapts to the real world quite well, despite having no feelings or emotions, but all that changes when she begins to experience family life, make friends and have a boyfriend. Already in development, production on I Am Frankie will begin in the second half of 2016. Nickelodeon has ordered
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20 thirty (30) minute episodes, which will be distributed to Nickelodeon's global audiences Pierluigi Gazzolo, president of Viacom International Media Networks, Americas, said, "Viacom's commitment to top quality productions is greater than ever before - as audiences continue to demand more and more content. I am delighted that this innovative new show is among the first to be produced in this new turnkey facility."
Pierl uigi Gazzol o, president of Viacom Int ernat ional Media Net works, Americas
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A ct o r t al k : Get t ing a j ob By Bryan Hayes Two of the hardest jobs there is ... either trying to get a job or trying to fill a job. If you have been on either side of the fence, you realize how difficult it can be. Finding the right person to fill a role or being the person trying to get the role can both be much more difficult than the role itself. You can probably relate, unless you are one of those very fortunate ones who has always had jobs or as a hiring manager had very little turnover rate. For the rest of us, especially in acting, much of our lives are spent attempting to get hired. The entire process from start to finish can be stressful and even overwhelming. In the world of entertainment, being an actor really means being a full-time job seeker. That, more often than not, means going from one audition to the next. While the world outside of acting only sees the glitz and glamour, what they do not see is the endless hours of practice and dedication that leads up to the performance. They also do not get to witness the countless number of auditions attended in order to book the part. Trying to book a part is very similar to looking for a ?normal? job. The process is much the same from getting the resume together, getting a call from the recruiter (talent agent) to going to the interview 21 (audition) dressed appropriately.
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A key difference for an actor is that, once they are hired, a majority of time, the job is not going to last for years as it would if they were being hired for a ?normal? job. Thus, most of their career is not spent working, but rather searching for work. The same level of stress and anxiety exist for both, but constantly going to auditions can be especially so. How someone handles that stress is different for everyone. Some may calm their nerves through everything from alcohol, drugs, exercise, meditation, prayer, the support of a friend or other means. For myself, I actually enjoy going to both auditions and interviews. Part of what makes it enjoyable for me is I look at it from the point of view that it is fun. Throughout my professional career, I Bryan Hayes. Phot o by Bob Lasky. have never "auditioned for a
role" or "interviewed for a job". In my mind, I am, instead, auditioning for an opportunity. If I am put on tape, I may not get the role that I came into the audition for but they may find one better suited for me, maybe even a larger part. I am also not competing against anyone else. As long as I do my best, there is nothing further I can do. Even if I stumble, how I react to that stumble can make all of the difference. During the audition, I know going in that I can only control what I can control. I also do not take it personally. I cannot change my physical appearance, for example. If they are looking for someone who is 6?7?, that is not me nor is it ever going to be me. There are many times when I have thought I did a great job and never got a callback. On the flip side, there was one audition with a very specific, simple action. All I was asked to do was run from one corner of the room to the other starting from left to right. At ?action? what did I do? Exactly the opposite. I have no idea why, but I went from right to left and, while doing so, looked over my shoulder at the camera man, who had this incredibly confused look on his face and motioned me to exit left. Another time, the same cameraman jumped up and down screaming, ?Wow that was great!? And, I never got a callback. On this one, though, I booked it. Back when I was auditioning regularly, friends would ask me the next day how I felt my audition went and, most of the time, I had forgotten about it. Once I leave, no matter what, I will find something positive that I can take away from it and celebrate it in my mind. Sometimes, it is simply that I showed up. Then, I let it go. I detach from the outcome and let the cards fall where they may. Really, the hardest job there is not letting our thoughts
control us. Unchecked, they can drive us crazy wondering why we were not booked or why someone else was. What did they do better? Were they better looking? Did they know someone? The stories we create in our heads can be endless. Controlling our emotions as part of our performance is a function of the job. In doing so, we must concentrate our thinking. When we shift our thinking, everything looks differently. The same is true really for life in general. Like any aspect of acting, it?s all about the choices we make.
Hol l yw ood Fi l m Festi v al Feb. 10-14 Did you know t here is a Hol l ywood Fil m Fest ival here in Fl orida? In it s f irst year, it wil l incl ude: various f il ms, seminars, soirees, red carpet phot o opps. and more. Check out t he f ul l schedul e and det ail s at www.hollywoodfloridafilmfestival.com. 22
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #2
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?Nat ive Reel Cinema Fest ? Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. & Feb. 6, 5 p.m. Seminol e Hard Rock Hot el & Casino One Seminol e Wy. Hol l ywood, FL 33314 The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Seminole Paradise, and the Historic Stranahan House Museum, present South Florida?s first ?Native Reel Cinema Fest? during the Annual Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow. The free screening of Steven Paul Judd?s film ?Ronnie BoDean,? starring Wes Studi, will be presented in conjunction with an interactive session with the director. This event will help provide the platform 23 of showcasing Native American talent through film.
?Native Reel Cinema Fest? will spotlight native short films by Kiowa/ Choctaw director and writer Steven Paul Judd. Wes Studi stars as the eponymous Ronnie BoDean, a larger-than-life outlaw who must shake off an epic hangover and use his considerable street knowledge to take on his greatest challenge yet ? babysitting. Judd?s film presents the first Native American ?anti-hero? allowing for a new opportunity to explore the culture?s representation in films. The film was financed by a successful Kickstarter campaign. Judd is known primarily as a filmmaker; yet he?s also a prolific visual artist whose mashups of Native experiences and disposable American pop culture are sly and often downright funny. His creations include paintings, prints, poster art, photography and T-shirt designs. The evening will include the presentation of the film accompanied by two of Spencer Battiest?s music videos, also directed by Judd ? ?Love of My Life? and ?The Storm?. Battiest is an American Indian singer-songwriter, musician, producer and actor from Hollywood, FL. In 2013, Spencer became the first American Indian artist to sign with Hard Rock Records. Battiest will join Judd during the Q&A session. The event is coordinated by Seminole Tribal Members and film co-producers, Everett Osceola and Oliver Wareham, with the support of April Kirk. Osceola serves as the Cultural Ambassador for the Seminole Tribe and is an educator sharing the importance of the Seminole culture as instilled by his family. Wareham serves as an Official Commissioner for Seminole Gaming and is a photographer and storyteller. Kirk is the Executive Director of the
Historic Stranahan House Museum and a painter. The team envisions bringing a larger multi-day Native American Film Festival to South Florida in the future which will become the only one of its kind on the southeastern coast. The portrayal of Native Americans in film has been fed by stereotypes, however, a growing number of pictures have portrayed indigenous peoples of the Americas in a more historically accurate light. In recent years, the growth of Native Americans in all avenues of the film industry has been substantial. There are only a few Native American film festivals in America, all of which take place in the mid and west coast of the country, with the exception of the Native American Film and Video Festival. The ?Native Reel Cinema Fest? goal is to focus on films that can provide an in depth look into Native cinema in America. Last year, the Seminole Tribe and Stranahan House partnered under the leadership of Osceola and Kirk to bring ?Seminole Cinema Night? to the Historic Stranahan House Museum. This was the first-ever local screening of the 1958 film, ?The Exiles? produced by director Kent MacKenzie. The documentary, which was lost for nearly 50 years and restored in 2008, follows three Indian Americans who have left their reservations to live in downtown Los Angeles? Skid Row. The film reveals the complex social issues faced by these young teens and highlights many challenges that still exist today. "They say pictures are worth a thousand words,? said Everett Osceola. ?Native Reel Cinema Fest gives you the opportunity to experience our journey through our words and images.?
For information, contact Everett Osceola, Seminole Tribe of Florida Cultural Ambassador at 954-393-7757 or e-mail EverettOsceola@semtribe.com, or contact April Kirk, Historic Stranahan House Museum Executive Director, at 954-524-4736 or email director@stranahanhouse.org.
A TASTE FOR THE ARTS Benefit for Lake Worth Playhouse This Wine Tasting Fundraising Event for The Lake Worth Playhouse is sponsored by and held at The Station House Restaurant . It features expertly selected wines with thoughtfully chosen hors d' oeuvre pairings. When: Feb. 6, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. Where: The Station House Restaurant 233 W. Lantana Rd., Lantana, FL Ticket s: $40 per person and can be purchased by calling 561-586-6410 or by visiting http:/ / lakeworth-playhouse.ticketleap.com.
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Tr ip t o Sundance By Ben Cl erveaux As we descended into Park City, I could clearly see the grandeur of the mountains that framed the light of the city. How they held a white-blue glow from the tint of the moonlight. I then realized that I was entering a city much larger than I had first presumed. Arguably, a large colony on a frontier with a perspective of the heavens. Traveling at hundreds of miles an hour than coming to a complete stop, I thanked God for a safe landing. It was my first time in Utah. My first time at Sundance. From the sky, I saw picturesque mountains as I remember seen in photos as a child. Going to Sundance has always been a dream, and from the plane looking down below, I could see a dream coming true. The drive 25 from Salt Lake airport to Park city was short and
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enjoyable and I had no idea what to expect. Great wide roads ... The mountains of Utah are quite remarkable and unforgettable, like permanent clouds in the sky, from a long time Floridian's perspective. I turned off my lights to find an array of yellow and red charging lights mixed between the ambience of street lights through the bedroom window. Only then could I see what had become of me .... and of power distribution in the room in which I stayed. It was all in preparation for the next four days. The four most abundant shooting days in a long time. To patiently watch light shine in the darkness, sometimes small, sometime silent. But always present, always glowing. Always emanating power presence from the source. Sundance. DAY 1 - PENN & TELLER By the grace of rock solid public relations and publicists, the EyeOn South Florida team was able to have an interview scheduled with the interesting and mysterious magical group turned Hollywood stars, Penn & Teller on Jan. 21. [They were in a film called "Director's Cut",
Pict ured: Host Max Tucci, direct or Adam Rif kin and magicians Penn & Tel l er. directed by Adam Rifkin] and it made impressive raves in the crowdfunding circuit. They raised well over one million dollars in order to "see Penn play a bad guy." We had a chance to interview the stars of the film and did a three person interview with Penn, Teller and the director of the film, Adam Rifkin. The film stars Missi Pyle and co-stars Harry Hamilin and Hayes McArthur. We had captivating moments interviewing Pyle and Hamlin, which is released on EyeOn South Florida with more than 20 other interviews during my stay in Park City, Utah for Sundance 2016. For more information/ videos, visit www.eyeonsouthflorida.com.
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Sundance Awar ds
Audience Award Jim: The James Foley Story
U.S. DRAMATIC Audience Award Birth Of A Nation
Direct ing Roger Ross Williams Life, Animated
Grand Jury Prize Birth Of A Nation Nate Parker
Special Jury Award ? Vérit é Fil mmaking he Bad Kids
Direct ing Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan Swiss Army Man
Special Jury Award ? Writ ing Kate Plays Christine Robert Greene
Wal do Sal t Screenwrit ing Award Chad Hartigan Morris From America
Special Jury Award ? Social Impact Fil mmaking Trapped Dawn Porter
Special Jury Award ? Individual Perf ormance Melanie Lynskey The Intervention
NEXT Audience Award First Girl I Loved Kerem Sanga
Special Jury Award ? Individual Perf ormance Craig Robinson Morris from America
WORLD CINEMA DRAMATIC Audience Award Between Sea and Land Directors: Manolo Cruz, Carlos del Castillo
Special Jury Award ? Breakt hrough Perf ormance Joe Seo Spa Night
Grand Jury Prize Sand Storm / Israel Director: Elite Zexer
Special Jury Award As You Are
Direct ing Award Belgica Felix van Groeningen
U.S. DOCUMENTARY Grand Jury Prize Weiner
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Special Jury Award ? Unique Vision and Design The Lure Director: Agnieszka Smoczynska
Special Jury Award ? Screenwrit ing Mi Amiga Del Parque Screenwriters: Inés Bortagaray, Ana Katz
The Procedure
Special Jury Award ? Act ing Vicky Hernandéz, Manolo Cruz Between Sea and Land
Short Fil m Jury Award: Non-f ict ion Bacon & God?s Wrathn
WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY Grand Jury Prize Sonita
Short Fil m Jury Award: Animat ion Edmond
Direct ing All These Sleepless Nights Michal Marczak
Short Fil m Special Jury Award f or Out st anding Perf ormance Grace Glowicki Her Friend Adam
Special Jury Award ? Best Edit ing We Are X Editors: Mako Kamitsuna, John Maringouin Special Jury Award ? Best Cinemat ography The Land Of The Enlightened DP: Pieter-Jan De Pue Special Jury Award ? Best Debut Feat ure When Two Worlds Collide Al f red P. Sl oan Feat ure Fil m Prize Embrace of the Serpent SHORT FILM PRIZES Short Fil m Grand Jury Prize Thunder Road Short Fil m Jury Award: U.S. Fict ion
Short Fil m Jury Award: Int ernat ional Fict ion Maman(s)
Short Fil m Special Jury Award f or Best Direct ion Peacock Director: Ondrej Hudecek, Screenwriters: Jan Smutny, Ondrej Hudecek
Sundance was held Jan. 21- 31. For mor e inf or mat ion, visit www.sundance.org.
Ca lling a ll home cooks Cooking cont est brings in Cel ebrit y Chef Derrick Pel t z Festival Flea Market Mall is searching for the best home cooks in South Florida for a chance to compete for prizes and glory in the Festival Foodie Feud on Feb.20 f rom 12 t o 2 p.m. For this special event, Festival has teamed up with MasterChef Season 6 runner-up Derrick Peltz to test the culinary skills of four lucky contestants. The contest will include three rounds of cooking ? appetizer, main course and dessert ? using a selection of mystery ingredients that can be found throughout Festival Flea Market Mall. One contestant will be eliminated after each round. Peltz will act as host, mentor and judge. Additional judges include WSVN anchor Belkys Nerey and "Sun-Sentinel" columnist Doreen Christensen. Comedian and Festival Flea Market Mall spokesperson Lisa Corrao will MC the event. The grand prize includes two tickets to the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village featuring MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents &
KitchenAid速 Culinary Demonstrations at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival速 on Feb. 28 and $500 in cash. Festival Flea Market Mall will award gift certificates to the other contestants: $250 to the runner up, $100 to the third place contestant and $50 to the contestant who takes fourth place. Each contestant will also receive a branded apron and cutting board to commemorate the challenge. Furthermore, the audience will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with Peltz before, during and after the competition. There will also be an audience giveaway of a pair of tickets to the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village at the SOBEWFF速 . Entrants must submit a video or photo with their favorite home cooked dish and explain why they should be chosen to compete. All entrants must be 21 or older, and an amateur or home cook. For more information, please visit http://Festival.com/Foodie-Feud. The deadline to enter for a chance to compete is Feb. 14, 2016.
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