In the last two days alone, I have developed friendships I know will last a lifetime, with people it will be a pleasure working with throughout that lifetime. How unique an experience to be in situation after situation where you can do business with people whose enthusiasm, artistic integrity and passion are a match to your own. Thank you Stuart and company.

There are big things to announce on the Star Circle Pictures front, but I think it’s only fair that my partners hear it before you .. not much earlier .. but a little! What I can reveal this morning is the formation of a strategic alliance.

The Festival has been setting the attendees up with additional opportunities. Last night, Jonathan and I hit press night for the new Bond film, Casino Royale, with Maxam Productions CEO Max Bartoli. We were joined at the Ziegfeld by 1,300 of my closest friends in the media. You literally couldn’t turn in one direction without having a discussion with a reviewer, which we did .. repetedly. We engaged in conversations and handed out screeners to genuinely interested press. (Lesson learned .. always travel with screeners!)

By the way, Daniel Craig brings first class acting chops to the best Bond script yet written.

After the film, the three amigos .. Jonathan, Max and myself .. headed back to Village East for a dinner with Stuart Alson and Independent Film Quarterly (IFQ) Executive Editor Nicole Holland.. Max sprung for the cab (All class!). Topics of conversation were far ranging .. literally .. from the L.A. Festival to Cannes. Stuart loves filmmakers. He created this festival after having sweated out his own production and going through the trials of getting it shown. He still works hard to get it right. During the Festival, he tends to operate on two hours sleep a night .. if he’s lucky. “I started my own festival so filmmakers could have the opportunity to be seen in major cities,” Stuart says. “I don’t want to be involved in the politics. I don’t want to make the films .. I just want to show them. I want to help filmmakers .. get them screened, get them press coverage, arrange distribution.”

Far ranging discussions with New York International Independent Film and Video Festival’s Staurt Alson, Star Circle Pictures Producer Ethan Marten and Maxam Productions CEO Max Bartoli


Finding common ground with Stuart and Max at the NYIIFVF 2006

He also enjoys meeting people and making friendships. We all agreed; take care of the family, eat well, keep a roof over your head, travel and making a living doing what you love with people you like makes for a wonderful life.

The day before, I was introducing Jonathan to fetching artist rep Francesca Giordano, the beautiful Paola, and World Class Painter Gersain Muriel. We had no trouble finding his Village apartment…until we got off the elevator! Not that it was difficult; we just took a couple of wrong turns in the hallway (note to self; bring sleep along with the vitamins)

Paola, Francesca, E. and Gersain

Three lovelier people would seem impossible to find if I hadn’t already met so many on this trip. Gersain shared his art and his hospitality, while Francesca translated some things that might have been lost. We shared many laughs, and discussed the very heart of his art and soul.

I asked where this gift first came from, because it truly is a gift. Though Gersain is salt of the Earth .. totally without pretension .. standing before one of his works it is obvious to anyone who can see or feel that you’re standing before greatness.

Gersain himself would probably disagree. Instead, he would more likely point out (as he did) that two or three previously painted images are hidden beneath the oil on the current painting. If he doesn’t like a a sketch or a painting he will tear it apart. Francesca has witnessed people fishing his images out of the trash and piecing them together. Gersain has a talent for finding the beauty in images people would generally tend to overlook or even think ugly. He loves the human form and reveals it in all its glory .. fearlessly exploring the fine line between agony and ecstacy. But he can also find the beauty in a worn, torn and abandoned wing-backed chair.

Many find his work so compelling, he is possibly the youngest artist to have sold his work in a Sotheby’s Auction. His paintings hang in important collections throughout Europe.

Gersain grew up near Medien, Columbia. He has known tragedy. Two of his brothers were murdered. He could be bitter, but he is filled with love, and a lust for life. Francesca noted that she had never seen a more beautiful and breathtaking place or ever been more scared for her life.

When he was four or five he says, “this woman molded my dinner into little animals. Then she had me draw them on the wall. That woman was my mother.” From that moment he knew he wanted to dedicate his life to “capturing forms.”

At twelve, he told his mother of his vision .. a beautifully dressed woman in colorful robes .. a goddess. His muse. His art. In a ceremony, with candles and prayers .. he married her. His mother wept her joy for his discovery.

Little time for sleep.  My eyes feel like two lead balls, and the effort it’s taking to keep them in the sockets is tremendous!  Not too many others sleep during the festival either.  Though as it winds on — I notice more bobbing heads.  There are many resources to take advantage of, and contacts being made.

There were some minor glitches in last night’s Premiere; nothing that couldn’t be overcome by a festival staff with a can do attitude — a staff wanting the best outcome for each moviemaker.  It was almost  like a Marx Bros. movie for a moment — which made me, “SAMARITAN” family members Jonathan (Marten if you have been keeping the thread from the previous blog), Tanya (you’re gonna have to read that blog!), Sheri Beyrau, Kathlin Gordon, Russ, and Victoria Smith feel perfectly at home with the Martens.  I keep thinking about the in one door — out the other from “Room Service”.  Really, the only thing we were missing was Margaret Dumont! 

The 2nd Story Gang reunited:  Ethan, Sheri Beyrau, Russ (newest member), and Kathlin “Goat Mother” Gordon. 

We were originally scheduled for Screen 3 (door #1).  For technical reasons, the festival moved the screening to 5 (door #2), and then another quick tango into Screen 4 (#3!).  Most of my troopers have had years of improv experience under their belts, took the offering, and said yes!  Everyone got up good natured and shuffled off to 4.  The slight delay actually provided a few extra minutes for some key WCBS media caught in traffic to be on time (and for me to do my first stand up in years.  Hey, I think I even got a gig out it!).

The end result was a full and appreciative house, and a fantastic screening attended by Time Warner (many thanks to Jansylvette Rotger, Irina Miloslavski and Gabriel ((Zdravstvuite and Spasiba!)).  They’re editing already.  I wish you some sleep, but I know you won’t get any until after the 16th!

“My name is Jimmy Carter, and I’m running for Producer.”  Developing the Pitch during the day:  “See the movie Fast Company Writer Adam Penenberg says is ‘remaking moviemaking.’”

We were honored to have “El Barrio’ Director Melissa Eidson in attendence along with Editor Lucero Milchorena.  “El Barrio” is one of the movies one must target given so many choices at NYIIFVF.  Tonight, make your way to the Village East Cinemas — 189 Second Ave, corner of 12th St. (Jeez, I don’t even make you open a directory, can I make this any easier for you?) Screen 6 @ 6:10pm.  Now folks, they’re executing the screening of hundreds of movies.  Those screens can change if need be — so confirm “El Barrio” on Screen 6 when you get there.

Max has a rare passion and integrity  — not only for his own work — but for the work of others.  He not only has earned the respect of his peers, but gives it freely.  He is a true cinefile in the best sense of the word.  No moviemaker has a better friend or champion.  Grazie, mi amici.

JT Talent & Casting is not only a sponsor President John “JT” Thomas is a larger-than-life personality that belongs infront of the camera.  Only two problems: one, finding a screen large enough to contain his energy.  (JT — drink some chamomile so everyone can keep up); two, he’s an even better personal manager!  He’s been working this festival so hard — Ive had multiple directors come up and ask if he was Stuart Alson!  Et tu JT?  Here’s a quick hint to tell them apart if you’re just off the boat.  Stuart is the guy who is running around making sure NYIIFVF is a great success for the moviemakers.  JT is the guy with the glowing implant on the right side of head (don’t know why they call that blue thing a “tooth” when it’s coming out of your ear, but hey…) running around rangling everyone and making sure NYIIFVF is a great success.  Thanks for rounding up the troops for the premiere JT.

Getting down to business with John “JT” Thomas at the NY International Independent Film and Video Festival Premiere of “Samaritan” outside the Village East Cinemas.

Teaching JT how to cheat out to camera.  He learns quickly!

By the way, if you’re attending the festival you need to get a hold of Renata (I’m not going to tell you to read that other blog any more, but really…okay, just this once — Renata Lorenc).  She’s on the phone cutting deals and securing distribution all day.  It is not uncommon to see her perched on the floor, in a corner, next to the table negotiating on behalf of the entries.  Somebody — surgically remove the cell phone and make sure she eats something!

Ethan and Briege making plans at NYIIFV Festival 2006

Ms. McGaritty has been called every name she can think of over the years.  “I’ve been called Brie, even Breast (by one fellow whose Freudian slip was showing), but don’t call Briege Brittish.  She’s an Irish Rose through and through!

Marketing Wiz Valerie Nicholas, a former vegan, is sinking her teeth into film success (and the chicken wings!).   Valerie, who prefers her comedy on the edge, was on her best behavior — almost.  Years ago she started out with Champion Cigars, went to work for the Cyber Boxing Zone, and has parlayed that into a film career — this night having exhibited “Out of Ali’s Shadow:   The Larry Holmes Story.”

“I get all European media,” says Briege as she, Jonathan, and Valerie Nicholas discuss the division of the World Press.

“You may be my friend, but I’ll drop you in 10!”  Clowning with Executive Producer Mike DeLisa, who responds, “Don’t give me that jive — I’ll take you in five!”  The smart money’s on DeLisa.

He pays tribute to his late father with the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation, awarding scholarships and grants to individuals and organizations.

HBO’s 30-year veteran of all things boxing  Larry Merchant was was on hand as well as Pulitzer Prize Nominee Thomas Hauser, who has been at work creating a romantic comedy!
 
Larry — you were robbed!  There was no way you didn’t win the decision!  What’s next for Team Merchant?

“The NYIIFV Festival is a great stepping stone,” Valerie explained.  “It has great resources and opportunities for film makers.”  Last year Mike Delisa’s “The Superfight Marciano vs. Ali” won the Festival’s Screen Craft Award. Since the Star Circle Pictures business card  made it into her “Elvis” card case, and not the plain card case –  I know we’re going to be a success!  You rock Valerie…literally!

Three Icons.  Elvis, Star Circle Pictures, and the hand of a Media Goddess…not necessarily in that order!

Marea Productions and Cannes 2006 selection “El Barrio” Director Melissa Eidson was kindness incarnate.  As my bloodsugar dropped — she slid a plate of fries in my direction!  Many thanks Melissa. 

El Barrio Director Melissa Eidson is an artist with compassion as deep as her talent.  Her empathy for the human condition is the heart of “Barrio.”

The journey of “Barrio” began in Harlem, where Edison tought and learned from her young students.  She brought her teaching credentials to a Brooklyn school.  The way the public perceived it, “the next stop for a lot of these kids was Riker’s Island,” Eidson said.  “We had these kids doing Shakespeare!” 

After this, was a blur of events and activity including a stay with a cool uncle — a drinking, Priest-philosopher in San Miguel — a tip toTahiti to relax and write poetry, and a baby.

All these experiences and more went into the creation of El Barrio, a story of strength, endurance and ingenuity as seen through the eyes of the people of Mexico City.

“I  have an affinity for these people,”  Eidson  says, “I feel alive with them — they are survivors.”

It’s 3 days before the start of the New York Independent Internaional Film and Video Festival.  Kelley Davis, SAMARITAN’s Mrs. Gredenko is sitting down for a little chatter over coffee.  

Kelley Davis:    Make me witty and adorable.

Ethan Marten:    Kelley you already are.

KD:     Gracias — I say that because that’s all the Spanish I know.  Actually, I know how to say cervesa as well, and donde esta el bano…

EM:      Sorry, I can’t type that enyae….Nice hat by the way, what is that — a herring bone railroad hat?

KD:    Thanks, it’s actually my husband’s, but I think it looks better on me.  I grabbed it anyway.

On the waterfront with Kelley Davis.                                    Photo by EEM

EM:    You had a car accident about two months ago. You look great.  How are you feeling?

KD:    I’m finding you never really recover completely.  Rest isn’t an option, chiropracters, muscle relaxers, working out, but not necessarily in that order.

EM:    Muscle relaxers first?

KD:    Yes, but not before teaching classes.  (Winks.)

EM:    I know you’re only joking.  You were spot on on the shoot.

KD:    (Laughs, but admits nothing….)

EM:    Where were you born?    

KD:    Born in New Mexico — moved to Las Vegas when I was five.  Lived there for six years.   Kissed my first boy in Kindergarten (I went back when I was16!)  I shocked him.  I ran up grabbed him and then ran away.

EM:    See, you were born for the theatre!

KD:    I have one older brother, Greg.  We were raised in a military family, so we had to be close.  Always moving, losing old friends, and trying to
make new ones….Dad was a Luitenant Colonel in the Air Force. Greg and I are very different.    He is silently protective.  I am such a mind speaker -my friends have accused me of having an undiagnosed case of Teretz.  Anyway, he expresses how proud he is of me.  He’s a chemical engineer.  I tell him he has all the brains — I have all the looks.  He was very concerned when I started studying theatre.

EM:    I guess it confirmed his darkest fears –

KD:    That his sister was insane?  Possibly.  He’s a chemical engineer, what kind of career can a theatre provide?  He came to all my plays, but he saw me in Tennessee Williams’ Talk to me about the Rain, and let me Listen at (CNU) and finally smiled.  “Damn, you can actually do this.”  He didn’t worry about my ability to eat, pay my bills (and hit him up for money) after that.   

EM:    So you said you originally intended to become a social worker.  When did it hit you that you would rather act (and possibly need the services of a social worker) than be one?

KD:    Always, ever since I was little.  I just didn’t consider it a viable job.  I was misserable studying — so I took two years off of college.  Though Mom and dad were less than thrilled at the prospect — they supported me finding my way.  One night over a couple of glasses of wine with Mom (you know, wine equals truth,) Mom asked, “If you had it all to do over again, what would you do?”  No hesitation, first thing that came out of my mouth, “theatre.”  She said, “Then, why don’t you.”  Next day I registered at CNU’s theatre program.  Worked my little tushy off, and loved every second of it.

EM:    You earned a nickname on the set —

KD:    Ya — I think it was Swollen Ass.  I was trying to be all macho and do my — well I wouldn’t say macho — I’m all girlie — no I’m not –

EM:    Split personality maybe?

KD:    That’s why I am an actor.

EM:      Picking up the thread –

KD:    I insisted I didn’t need a mat for all the pratfalls…I didn’t realize I was going to hit the ground so many times.

EM:    We actually got the shot on the first take.  I think your nickname should have been Buns of Steel!

KD:    Oh really?!

EM:    Na — I’m just screwing with one of your personalities.

KD:    Which one?

EM:    The girlie one.  The macho one doesn’t care!  But like the Buns of Steel thing.

KD:    Girlie Personality likes it too.  Thank God Kimball (Director Kimball Carr) insisted I be safe and comfortable, and made me use the mat.

EM:    How did you hear of SAMARITAN?

KD:    Call from my agent at Atlantic Talent. She asked me if I wanted to audition for this film –

EM:    25-cent fine for the film comment!

KD:    Forgot about that — you need a jar!  I wanted to audition for this ground breaking high definition movie project that I knew nothing about.

EM:    So when you found it was another Indie pic — you couldn’t wait to jump on board!

KD:    I only hesitated slightly.  (Another wink, and more laughter). 

EM:    You were tentative?

KD:    Yes.  Good word.  I tell my acting students any experience is good experience, however, I’ve been around long enough to know you have
to develop a sense of what will help you grow as an actor.  You can have an experience that isn’t necessarily the best, but you still grow.

EM:    I imagine you might also feel that you get to a point where you might want your learning experiences to also be pleasant experiences.

KD:    Very true.  It was amazing.  Script was amazing.  At the audition — Johnny and I were discussing the intelligence of the script, and how rare
that is.  That sounds terrible, but it’s true, and how it didn’t reveal too much.  I think a lot of writers underestimate the intelligence of their audience.
I don’t want to speak for Johnny, but I think he felt the same as me.  SAMARITAN was really good, and it had the burden of “Indie movie.”  Truth about Johnny’s character — there were not a lot of actors that could manage that character.   The language was precise, and proper.  “No I do not,”  not “no I don’t,” small example, but indicative of the character.  Otherwise it would have rung false and awkward.”

With my theatre background I’m used to sticking to the written word.  It was a strange feeling moving into film, and having a little leeway with what was on the page.  Of course, with really tight scripts — I wouldn’t dream of improving or improoving what’s on the page, but let’s face it — when you start out — you get a lot of crap.  The key is to recognize this, stay true to your character — without being a pain in the ass on the set.  We have a job as an actor to make people believe that our words and actions stem from truth, and I think at times it’s harder to sell than at other times.

EM:    So Samaritan was a soft sell?

KD:    Because of the way you constructed it — the script, casting, direction — I loved the way Kimball directed — giving you something and then getting out of the way.  That could be taken the wrong way, what I mean is — he tells you what he wants and instills the confidence in you that he believes you can give it to him.  He was very courteous and respectful.  He was accomplished in his job and allowed you to execute yours.

EM:    See — witty, adorable AND intelligent!  Tell me a little bit about your character, Mrs. Gredenko.

KD:    I liked, at least, I wanted to portray some strength and obviously she’s upset (she’s been in the middle of a shooting) she could have been blubbery.

EM:    You showed a great deal of vulnerability, and yet your character had a great deal of strength.  That one look you give after Victor whispers in your ear — that was amazing.  I’m going to cross the actor’s line and ask what your secret was — what were you thinking?  What’s behind that look?

KD:    I was gonna say I never reveal my secrets, but I will say that it was meaningful to me as a person.  I had my own traumatic experiences to draw from.  There was more in the script to draw from for the actor than was put on the screen, so for me as a person — I’ve never had a Victor in my life or been a witness to a shooting or a robbery.  So if I actually had been through such a trauma, what would I want said to me to give me strength.  I always try and have my own secrets — my own internal dialogue to deliver a truthful character.

EM:    What was the biggest suprise?   

KD:    I just wasn’t expecting to have so much fun.  I knew I liked your personalities and your audition process off the bat, you seemed genuinely nice; but when you guys explained what you were trying to do with this
project — how much we had to do — in such a short window (81 set ups, 2 nights) — I was expecting a bunch of pissed off, cranky people!
   
EM:    I thought you were going to say you thought we were out of our fucking minds.

KD:    Well, that too. 

EM:    So instead?

KD:    One, everyone was so nice, and two — I don’t think I saw one person blow up even once.  You just don’t find that on any set, really.  That peaceful nature in such a dynamic atmoshphere.  I was expecting complete stress.  Not me per se, but I thought  — I was shocked.  I thought there was no way in hell…Oh God what have I gotten myself into?

EM:    Now we’re getting to the ugly underbelly! 

KD:    (Laughs)  Maybe an extra day or two of shooting will work in my favor!  The hair and makeup, the lighting people — the chiropractor — all so nice!

EM:    Dr. Dan — the chiropractor isn’t gonna like hearing about the muscle relaxers.

KD:    Tell it to macho personality — a Girlie Girl has got to do what a Girlie Girl’s got to do.

EM:    Give me a preview of your Oscar speech.

KD:    Really?  Oh my Goodness.  Oh Wow, More than anything in the world I would have to thank my parents.  They are the only reason in the
world I have been to sustain this.  My courage and belief in myself stems from their belief in me.  Any time I have lost faith in myself — their belief in me has helped me have the strength to believe in myself. 

EM:    Don’t you want to know which category you were nominated in?

KD:    Oh Good Lord — WHAT– OH no!

EM:     You tell me.

KD:    Well, I would win for best kiss. 

EM:    Lucky Wendell. (The hatless husband.)

KD:    Lucky me….

KD:    (More giggles)  Hmnn…Best suppooooortiiiing — I’m underestimating myself –

EM:    What would Mom and Dad say?

KD:    Awww.  Cutest Actress in any film.

EM:    Awwww.

KD:    But I would say, “Best Ass-Fall in a Drama.”

EM:    You’ve got my vote.  Speaking of which — you hit the polls?

KD:    Of course.  Vote, but vote for the right people!  I’ve got my views — but that’s a whole other interview.

EM:    You looking forward to New York and the Festival?

KD:    Yes!  I love N.Y., and to have my movie in a NY Festival — I called all my family and friends.  People’s reactions were animatedted.  I’m feeling overwhelmed. It was as if I had progressed to another level in terms of the acceptance of my work. It’s slightly scarey, because I don’t like watching myself on screen, but I’m proud.  From the moment I read that script — I wanted the part.  The actors cast, J. Michael Hunter, Johnny Alonso — great resumes, great talent.  Great script.  That’s why I wanted it.  Did I get paid?  Yes.  Was I treated well, and with respect on the set? Yes.  Did I think I’d be having a premiere at a prestigious New York festival?  No.  The rest of
it — the chiropractor the pay, the catering (really good).   Especially the festival, I thought — this is wrong — this can’t be happening!  Not because I didn’t believe in the project, but because it was so surreal — it was a big deal. 

EM:    Okay, I think we’re about done, not that I’m throwing you out of the house or anything….Should we do the Barbara Walters thing?

KD:    What’s that?

EM:    If you were a tree — what kind would you be?

KD:      A Dogwood.  But do I have to say why?

EM:    You do now.

KD:    I don’t know.  I have one in my yard that needs to be planted! 

EM:    C’mon —

KD:    Okay, because they look  just like ordinary trees, but then they blossom and have these beautiful flowers.

EM:    That’s a very beautiful sentiment.  Of course then winter comes….

KD:    (Laughs)  Jerk!  (More laughs)

EM:    Barb knows what she’s doing.  What kind of animal would you be?

KD:    A chihuahua — owned by me, because that pup has a gooooood life!

Puppy Love…“She’s not really
that spoiled…well maybe a bit.”

EM:    If you had to wear superhero underoos — which would they be and why?

KD:    I had Wonder Woman ones when I was little.

EM:    How long ago was that?

KD:    Two years ago.  I don’t know who I would wear wear?  I’m my own superhero?

EM:    You trial ballooning that?  I didn’t know that this would present such a challenge.

KD:    I’m afraid of heights — so I don’t want any flying superheroes.  I would love to be invisisble, but that would present its own problems –

EM:    Sure, and then how would you find your underwear, anyway?!

KD:    Very true.  Audrey Hepburn!  She was an extraordinary actress who overcame her own insecurities and then spent most of her life giving back.  She was UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador.  I would like Meryl Streep underoos, too.

EM:    You’re on a roll now!

KD:    She is just an amazing actress.  I love her.  She loves me, too…she just doesn’t know it yet.  She would be at the top of my list for actors I want to work with. 

EM:    Me, too.  Well, Kelley Dear, Buns of Steel, Macho and Girlie Girl — it was wonderful having all of you over today.

KD:   Thank you for the opportunity and for the nuts and cappuccino.  See you in N.Y.!!!

EM:    Almonds.  We don’t want the kids to get the wrong idea!

KD:    The foam was great, too.

EM:    You are witty and adorable to the last.

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