Dawn Hudson opened the Film Independent Filmmaker Forum at the DGA by stating that, "the objective of this weekend is to build a community of filmmakers and to inspire". She then introduced Jeremy Thomas who delivered the event's keynote address. Dawn said "He grew up in movie royalty, but he was a rebel and went out on his own".
Jeremy Thomas said "I was very lucky. I left school at 17 to make movies. I crossed paths with people like Ken Loach, Julian Temple, Nic...
CFC (Canadian Film Centre) names Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland as Chair of the CFC ACTORS CONSERVATORY.The CFC ACTORS CONSERVATORY, presented by Canwest and supported by the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation, is Canada’s first professional level, cross collaborative on-screen training program for actors. The inaugural five-month session will launch September 21, 2009. Conservatory participants and accomplished mentors will be announced shortly. “As Chair o...
Sunday there was an open house sponsored by LA magazine at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum. The George Montgomery room was currently filled with elaborate stage outfits worn by Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and other notable country western stars mostly designed by Nudie Cohn. There was a long coat worn by Bob Dylan and original hand written lyrics of classic songs and photos also on display. Video is used at multiple locations to enhance the experience and place the viewer within the conte...
In Tribute to an Artist Years ago in Chicago when Michael was performing with his brothers as The Jackson 5, his parents were buying custom jewelry designs from my mother who was an artist. These were pieces they would be wearing in their shows. All the boys seemed very into sports at that time. During the days they would be working out prior to performing at night. I remember hearing reports of fans, mostly girls, always in crowds waiting outside Michael's door. I was invited to one of his s...
Burt Young told me how excited he was to finally see Hal's version. Hal Ashby's "Lookin' to Get Out" screened last night at the UCLA Billy WIlder TheatreWe saw this film at CineVegas, where we met writer Al Swartz, along with his co-writer Jon Voight. When I saw Jon, Sunday at the LA film festival award brunch, he invited us to see the film again last night at the UCLA Billy Wilder Theatre. During his introduction Jon announced that he wanted to sit in Billy Wilder's seat. Billy used to watch a...
This was my first year covering the LA Film Festival. I first remember going to some screenings in past years when it was held at the Sunset 5 in Hollywood, and later some parties and mixers in Westwood and at the W Hotel. After Cannes, June is also a busy month for film festivals around the world. This year, there was a greater focus on international film at the Festival. I spoke with new Executive Program Director Rebecca Yeldham at the award brunch, and shared how we enjoyed meeting many o...
Marshall Herskovitz is an instrument of change. He is an award winning producer and the current President of the PGA. He wants to change the world, our business and how we do business. This past weekend he oversaw the first Produced By Conference which took place at the Sony Studios in Culver City. Marshall said during his Sunday afternoon Master Class "Producers are adept at keeping on Balance. There are no answers so there is still lots to be learned. The purpose of this conference was to hel...
The Global Film Village: One on One sessions and Costa-Gavras talks about filmmaking- by Marla LewinOne on One Sessions and Costa-GavrasThis is our second year of participating in One on Ones at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, bringing together Indian talent with Hollywood industry professionals from both the studios and independent arenas for casual meetings to discuss both their current and future projects. Participating this year were John Nein of the Sundance film festival, Kimberl...
