Wednesday, April 12, 2006
EVENT REVIEW: MALIBU FILM FESTIVAL CLOSING PARTY 2006
by Don Rose
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Brett Ratner should've won Best Raconteur. Let me explain.
Fade In: The Malibu Film Festival closing night gala. Wonderful drinks and conversation have flowed on this Monday night, just outside the main tent, right on the sand, adjacent to the host eatery: Gladstone's famous fishhouse at the corner of Sunset and PCH. I have chatted with fine friendly folks, such as William Sadler, one star of one of the buzz films that screened at the fest, called "Jimmy and Judy", an indie film directed by Jonathan Schroder that also starred Edward Furlong and Rachael Bella (more info at www.jimmyandjudymovie.com).
Cut to: all have migrated into the tent and applauded several awards for the best fest films, like "The Hamiltons", directed by the Busher brothers -- and "Sloshbox", directed by a couple who actually met several years back at this very festival -- and even a film whose makers were introduced by superhot (in box office, buzz and body) Jessica Alba.
Now cut to: standing ovation as the legendary Robert Evans takes the stage, a man whose pic is still in the dictionary under "dashing" and "suave"; he gushes praise upon Brett Ratner, who is about to accept a special award. Bob reminds us how highly grossing the "still-a-big-kid" Ratner's movies have been.
Then Brett took center stage... and proceeded to steal the show from the emoting Evans with his own engrossing speech, the heart of which was the story of how he got into film school.
Long story short (sorta), Brett the budding director (short films and enthusiasm in tow) was told an emphatic NO by NYU admissions due to his less-than-subpar grades -- but after young Ratner walked out, crushed, devastated, he made an instant monumental decision that changed his life: to not let that admissions person decide his future. So back in the building he went, going above admissions, marching right to the NYU film school dean's office (actually, I do this kinda thing when I dont get service, too -- as in "Please get me a supervisor" when getting terrible customer assistance on the phone -- and you know, I ALWAYS get more satisfaction doing this). Without an appointment, Brett met resistance again, but he insisted it was life or death, as I'm sure it must have seemed at the time, and so Ratner got his one minute on the spot with the dean, who wisely saw the passion in the kid, which sometimes trumps grades, and so the dean promised to look at Brett's file, and voila, a few weeks later his admission letter came.
The rest is box office history. All because Brett saw and loved Martin Scorcese movies growing up, decided he had to be a filmmaker at the same school Martin attended (NYU), and decided HE would decide when his options to get into school were exhausted. But now, my typing fingers are exhausted, so I will stop the tale here, but man, this Ratner has a future in public speaking and teaching if he ever tires of filmmaking.
Back to planet Malibu. All the awards were given in rapid succession, very efficient, which was good, since the seated crowd couldn't help eyeing the boffo buffet awaiting them, which did not disappoint: a wonderful assortment of gourmet grub that included salmon, chicken, rice, veggies, salad, bread, and later, killer chocolate cake dessert and coffee and even more lively networking.
All in all, a wonderful evening on the beach, a memorable close to a great festival you are well advised to attend next year. Kudos to the Malibu Film Fest for yet another great job this year. Special thanks to David Katz for starting it all, all those years ago. Despite the super speech by Brett, the best is yet to come, I'm sure.
And remember: never take no for an answer when it comes to your dreams.
# # #
(April 10, 2006: Malibu/SantaMonica, CA)
#
Brett Ratner should've won Best Raconteur. Let me explain.
Fade In: The Malibu Film Festival closing night gala. Wonderful drinks and conversation have flowed on this Monday night, just outside the main tent, right on the sand, adjacent to the host eatery: Gladstone's famous fishhouse at the corner of Sunset and PCH. I have chatted with fine friendly folks, such as William Sadler, one star of one of the buzz films that screened at the fest, called "Jimmy and Judy", an indie film directed by Jonathan Schroder that also starred Edward Furlong and Rachael Bella (more info at www.jimmyandjudymovie.com).
Cut to: all have migrated into the tent and applauded several awards for the best fest films, like "The Hamiltons", directed by the Busher brothers -- and "Sloshbox", directed by a couple who actually met several years back at this very festival -- and even a film whose makers were introduced by superhot (in box office, buzz and body) Jessica Alba.
Now cut to: standing ovation as the legendary Robert Evans takes the stage, a man whose pic is still in the dictionary under "dashing" and "suave"; he gushes praise upon Brett Ratner, who is about to accept a special award. Bob reminds us how highly grossing the "still-a-big-kid" Ratner's movies have been.
Then Brett took center stage... and proceeded to steal the show from the emoting Evans with his own engrossing speech, the heart of which was the story of how he got into film school.
Long story short (sorta), Brett the budding director (short films and enthusiasm in tow) was told an emphatic NO by NYU admissions due to his less-than-subpar grades -- but after young Ratner walked out, crushed, devastated, he made an instant monumental decision that changed his life: to not let that admissions person decide his future. So back in the building he went, going above admissions, marching right to the NYU film school dean's office (actually, I do this kinda thing when I dont get service, too -- as in "Please get me a supervisor" when getting terrible customer assistance on the phone -- and you know, I ALWAYS get more satisfaction doing this). Without an appointment, Brett met resistance again, but he insisted it was life or death, as I'm sure it must have seemed at the time, and so Ratner got his one minute on the spot with the dean, who wisely saw the passion in the kid, which sometimes trumps grades, and so the dean promised to look at Brett's file, and voila, a few weeks later his admission letter came.
The rest is box office history. All because Brett saw and loved Martin Scorcese movies growing up, decided he had to be a filmmaker at the same school Martin attended (NYU), and decided HE would decide when his options to get into school were exhausted. But now, my typing fingers are exhausted, so I will stop the tale here, but man, this Ratner has a future in public speaking and teaching if he ever tires of filmmaking.
Back to planet Malibu. All the awards were given in rapid succession, very efficient, which was good, since the seated crowd couldn't help eyeing the boffo buffet awaiting them, which did not disappoint: a wonderful assortment of gourmet grub that included salmon, chicken, rice, veggies, salad, bread, and later, killer chocolate cake dessert and coffee and even more lively networking.
All in all, a wonderful evening on the beach, a memorable close to a great festival you are well advised to attend next year. Kudos to the Malibu Film Fest for yet another great job this year. Special thanks to David Katz for starting it all, all those years ago. Despite the super speech by Brett, the best is yet to come, I'm sure.
And remember: never take no for an answer when it comes to your dreams.
# # #
(April 10, 2006: Malibu/SantaMonica, CA)
Friday, April 07, 2006
EVENT REVIEW: GEN ART'S THE NEW GARDE FASHION FETE 2006
“A WORLD OF EMBODIMENT”
By Shannon Callahan
When I attended this flourishing youthful fashion celebration, one of Gen Art’s annual events, I was delightfully engaged as I found myself entering the Park Plaza Hotel near downtown Los Angeles, soon to ascend a grand staircase to a night of pure romanticism of life and art. Three designers -- Kit Pistol, Mandula and Unhee -- took this event by storm (enticing celebrities such as Lisa Loeb and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to attend). The talented trio exemplifies the meaning of art in nature, with unique models who emulated the night’s atmospheric motif.
Once I coat-checked, imbibed my *first* drink at the open bar, and crossed the main lobby to the other side, a gentle, naive theme greeted me in the side room, expressed by vivid imagery; the scene of “children” (actually youthful-acting-and-appearing models) playing in swings and slides -- juxtaposed by provocative, sleek clothing -- was alive and fun. Experiencing good energy and a quick ciggie on the patio near the swing-scene, I remembered that this was only one of three rooms to encounter, and soon I was drawn to wander on…
Arriving at the second level of the Hotel, I entered a gargantuan room, and on the stage I was astounded at first glance to see a pirate ship, wondering who’s walking the plank! Petite models stoically and statically adorned the stage, appearing to have little knowledge of what to do with themselves, even seeming a little silly. I kept hoping they could have had a sense of acting direction, or even a little experience in movement, SOMETHING! So without hesitation I ventured to the final room, where a mechanical-like structure embodied the focal point of the room, with a fragility brought on by the lanky angelic models who, unlike those in the other rooms, were serious in movement that complemented the ambient music and the theme and ethereal vibe of the night. Absolutely my favorite and the most artful!
With Gen Art shows occurring not only in Los Angeles, but in New York, San Francisco and other cities as well, you can become a member and attend more of their great events by checking out GenArt.org, where you can also view pictures from this event and others.
# # #
By Shannon Callahan
When I attended this flourishing youthful fashion celebration, one of Gen Art’s annual events, I was delightfully engaged as I found myself entering the Park Plaza Hotel near downtown Los Angeles, soon to ascend a grand staircase to a night of pure romanticism of life and art. Three designers -- Kit Pistol, Mandula and Unhee -- took this event by storm (enticing celebrities such as Lisa Loeb and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to attend). The talented trio exemplifies the meaning of art in nature, with unique models who emulated the night’s atmospheric motif.
Once I coat-checked, imbibed my *first* drink at the open bar, and crossed the main lobby to the other side, a gentle, naive theme greeted me in the side room, expressed by vivid imagery; the scene of “children” (actually youthful-acting-and-appearing models) playing in swings and slides -- juxtaposed by provocative, sleek clothing -- was alive and fun. Experiencing good energy and a quick ciggie on the patio near the swing-scene, I remembered that this was only one of three rooms to encounter, and soon I was drawn to wander on…
Arriving at the second level of the Hotel, I entered a gargantuan room, and on the stage I was astounded at first glance to see a pirate ship, wondering who’s walking the plank! Petite models stoically and statically adorned the stage, appearing to have little knowledge of what to do with themselves, even seeming a little silly. I kept hoping they could have had a sense of acting direction, or even a little experience in movement, SOMETHING! So without hesitation I ventured to the final room, where a mechanical-like structure embodied the focal point of the room, with a fragility brought on by the lanky angelic models who, unlike those in the other rooms, were serious in movement that complemented the ambient music and the theme and ethereal vibe of the night. Absolutely my favorite and the most artful!
With Gen Art shows occurring not only in Los Angeles, but in New York, San Francisco and other cities as well, you can become a member and attend more of their great events by checking out GenArt.org, where you can also view pictures from this event and others.
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Thursday, April 06, 2006
EVENT REVIEW: Apr.5, LAPD/LAFD Memorial Foundations Benefit Show
by Don Rose
(Hollywood CA : April 5, 2006) The historic Avalon club and restaurant on Vine (formerly
the Palace way back when) was host venue for this great event -- the LAPD/ LAFD Memorial
Foundations Benefit Show -- which raised funds to help support the families of fallen heroes
in the police and fire departments. Actor Dan Ackroyd served as jovial host/MC who, amid
all the laughs, kept things rolling smoothly and gracefully, at one point even transforming
into his Jack Webb channeling persona to give an homage to those who wear the badge,
in the dead-on dead-Dragnet-demigod delivery only Dan can do. Poetic, funny and touching
all at once; kudos Mr. Ackroyd.
Then, after speeches from several police and fire officials -- including Police Chief
Bratton -- the energy really swelled (and oh was it swell) when the band began, featuring
Jim Belushi & the Sacred Hearts. As expected, the best moments were when Dan and Jim danced
and pranced, both onstage and off (wearing their trademark black Rayban glasses of course).
The performance was quite interactive. On one number, Jim sang his Sacred Heart out while
traversing the audience -- while on another, Jim and Dan invited dozens of guests onstage to
dance with them and the band as they belted out their kick-ass blend of rockin’ blues.
There were other cool goings-on going on as well, like a silent auction, and fantastic food.
They wisely gave guests upwards of two hours early on to enjoy the feast before the
tributes and tunes began, and rightfully so, since the buffet featured excellent eats
aplenty – from paella to salad to mac-n-cheese to chicken to spinach, and a delectable
display of desserts to die for.
Wonderful job all around. Kudos to Levine Communications (LCO) for providing the event PR,
with special thanks to Michael, Dawn and Alastair (and, FYI, Mr. Levine's elert is one of my top
online must-reads, a daily news-zine via email that I love). Also thanks to Suzanne of Suzanne
Events (who always throws boffo bashes, FYI, often at the Avalon and upstairs Spider Club),
and the friendly Avalon staff (thank you to Kobe and Barbara C. for their warmth and
hospitality). Twas a night of feeling, food, fun and fundraising; make a note on your calendar
for next year. Finally, do check out the new Honey restaurant inside the Avalon, a spiffy
space on the south side of the venue that features intimate booths and a classy mood.
---------------
Don Rose
Don Rose
Writer/Editor, The Rose Review
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Wednesday, April 05, 2006
APR.7 - METHODFEST AWARDS AND WRAP PARTY
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dear readers, Methodfest is one of my all-time favorite LA film fests, every year their film selection is stellar, and their afterparties/receptions each night are always lively, engaging and just plain fun, with fab food and libations and networking galore. Case in point: their party a few days ago at the Ferrari Auto Gallery in Calabasas, celebrating the World Premiere of the film "Push" (how the heck did writer/director Dave Rodriguez write it in "about 4 1/2 days"?). As guests dashed to the "Push" bash, a big splash was made by a great funk-rock-pop band called The Replacement Killers (sounds like a film title, doesn't it?), a way-above-Average White Band that blew me away (my logline would be "early Chicago meets Blood Sweat and Tears meets Superfly soundtrack"). And gosh, this bash had much to nosh -- as on opening night, it was an amazing buffet featuring local eateries, like Arnie Morton's (filet mignon sandwiches, anyone?) and Maggiano's (one of my top LA Italian restaurants).
So do yourself a favor and catch the last few nights of this year's fest, before it's gone until '07. Wed's, Thursday and Friday this week are the last three chances you have. For more details, see their schedule and ticket info at www.methodfest.com -- below are the details for the last night, Fri., April 7th. Special kudos to Don Franken (Methodfest executive director) for yet another great fest this year; also cheers to the many others who helped make M'fest such a success, such as Ron Gilbert of Rogue Arts, Steve Huntsman (look for his new "Aspen" comedy TV show), and Amy Gorton at Tower PR.
---Don Rose, Editor, The Rose Review
# # #
Methodfest 2006 Awards: 7-10 pm
Wrap Party: 10-midnight
General Admission: $35
Awards Ceremony & Wrap Party
The festival comes to a grand conclusion with the presentation of awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress and many others. Following the ceremony, we'll celebrate great achievements and a great festival!
LOCATION: Viewpoint School.
DJ: Assaf Music: Breathing Room; Sunny Hilden; Chloe Day
More info: www.methodfest.com
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