Lloyd Handwerker To Be At Screening

I emailed back and forth with Lloyd Handwerker regarding the upcoming screening of his film "Famous Nathan". He told me that it is showing from the 17th to the 23rd and he will be doing a Q&A each evening.

I don't know about all of you but I love to hear from the filmmakers about their process. Creating a film is a long and arduous process and the creative and production challenges can be huge. So besides the story the film is focused on addressing, I find there can be other equally compelling stories involving just trying to get the work produced. I am sure it will all be very interesting.

Check it out if you can!

Famous Nathan - Film

Filmmaker and WCA member Lloyd Handwerker has a new movie coming out about his grandparents Nathan and Ida Handwerker who started the original "Nathan's Famous" in Coney Island. Here is the announcement from the Cinema Village website. Check it out if you are in the city on the dates it is showing.

Cinema Village 

22 E12th St

NY, NY

10003

(212) 924-3363

Coming Soon

Starts on 7/17/2015

FAMOUS NATHAN - (unrated)
2014 - USA - English - 96 minutes - Loquat Films
Directed by: Lloyd Handwerker
Featuring: Nathan Handwerker, Lloyd Handwerker, Sol Handwerker




A Coney Island-inspired, densely-layered visually dynamic documentary portrait of the life and times of the original "Nathan's Famous", created in 1916 by filmmaker Lloyd Handwerker's grandparents, Nathan and Ida Handwerker.

Thirty years in the making, FAMOUS NATHAN interweaves decades-spanning archival footage, family photos and home movies, an eclectic soundtrack and never-before-heard audio from Nathan (his only interview, ever), as well as compelling, intimate and hilarious interviews with the dedicated band of workers, not at all shy at offering opinions, memories and the occasional tall tale.

For more information go to:

http://www.cinemavillage.com/chc/cv/show_movie.asp?movieid=3501

Clean River - Clean Water

I recently got this email from WCA member Max Nova. Check out his short film on Vimeo or YouTube. The links are below. Great job, Max!! Here is his message.

I want to share a project very close to my heart, and close to home for us all – upstate & in the city: a short film I directed for Riverkeeper, the non-profit stewards & protectors of the Hudson River for nearly 50 years.

They recently held their annual fundraising gala, the 2014 Fisherman's Ball, for which this film was commissioned.  This year's honorees were Chelsea Clinton and SolarCity, and I'm proud to say the event was a big success.

My production team & I spent four days scouting and shooting the beautiful streams, rivers, and waterways in and around the Woodland & Hudson Valleys, which I'm sure many of our friends and neighbors will immediately recognize in the film.  It's not too often I have the opportunity to work on non-commercial projects such as this, let alone one as substantive and locally resonant as Riverkeeper.  Please feel free to share the links below and spread the word around the watershed!

- Max Nova

SHELLAC VIMEO

RIVERKEEPER YOUTUBE

Films At The ESRM

There is a screening of two local films at the Empire State Railway Museum on Lower High St in Phoenicia tonight at 6:30 pm. The films are by local Onteora film students. One was shot on site and presented in the Woodstock Film Festival. It promises to be a great evening. A $5.00 donation is suggested which will benefit the ESRM.

Another Great Short Edited By Max Nova

WCA member Max Nova and his company Shellac have produced a new short for the Tribeca Film Festival Artist Awards. Here is what Max had to say about it.

We are pleased to announce our exclusive short for the Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Artist Awards has just debuted online!

Funny & inspiring, the film features five of the Awards artists – Robert Longo, Dustin Yellin, Joyce Pensato, Erik Parker, and Curtis Kulig – who let us into their studios and their quirky creative process.  This film festival is unique: instead of the usual statuettes and plaques, winners at Tribeca receive original works of art by world-renowned New York City artists.

Directed by Matt Black, shot by Shane Sigler, and edited by yours truly, this project is in many ways an extension of our Reflections series for Nowness.  Stay tuned for our next two episodes featuring Robert Longo, in depth, and Gary Simmons.

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL - 2013 ARTIST AWARDS

Be sure to check out the SHELLAC site and VIMEO pages for our latest work.  Enjoy!

Best,

Max

MAX NOVA / SHELLAC

118 Mercer St #1 NY NY 10012

T + 1 212.680.0154 • C + 1 917.355.6459

WWW.SHELLACNYC.COM

"The Woods" In Brooklyn

Coming back to the East Coast for a limited one-week engagement, THE WOODS (WCA member Max Nova is executive producer) opened Friday March 2nd and will be running through this Thursday March 8th at the Rerun Gastropub Theater at 147 Front Street, Brooklyn. Check out the website below for exact dates and times.

Anyone finding themselves in Brooklyn this week might want to check this out!

THE WOODS DO DUMBO

The Reviews Are In!

We all had a great time last night at the screening of "The Donner Party"! Not only was the film amazing but Ric was very, very interesting and insightful at the Q&A after the film. Several people emailed me this morning to say how much they enjoyed it. Here are some of their reviews:

"It was such a privilege to be there!"

"What an intelligent and thoroughly thoughtful man he is."

"What a great evening!"

The evening went so well that we might do it again next year with one of Ric's other films. For any of you who would rather not wait until then to see more of Ric's work, all of his films are for sale through PBS Online Store.

Since it would probably be hard to screen his entire "New York" series together I would highly recommend you checking this incredible work out at home. If is a wonderful portrait of what I consider the greatest city in the world!

Thanks again to everyone who helped last night! Brave Emma for always, always helping with everything! Rick Altman for setting up the professional sound system. Vinny Wallace for opening the theater and helping in any way possible. The STS board for allowing us to use the theater. Bonnie LaFave for working with me to organize this great event and last but not least to Ric Burns for agreeing to share his amazing vision with us!!!! It was a great night!!

"The Woods" at BAM

I received this message from WCA member Max Nova. I thought folks who are going to be down in the city next Sunday might want to go and see the film!

"On the heels of our world premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival, we're excited to announce THE WOODS will be having its New York / East Coast premiere as part of the BAMcinemaFEST in a couple weeks:

THE WOODS GO BAM!

Sunday June 26:
6:15pm The Woods (94 min) 2011. Matthew Lessner/ cast/ crew - Q&A

At 9PM there will be a post-BAM jam at the Rock Shop featuring contributors to the film's soundtrack, including Lydia Ainsworth, Fort Lean, SAFE, and Unsolved Mysteries, with Rewards as DJ and Toby Lou, star of THE WOODS, as MC."

- Max

Feature Films Shooting in Hudson Valley

This was sent to me by the Hudson Valley Film Commission. Anyone who is interested should contact them directly.

There are FOUR FEATURE FILMS that will be shooting in the region this May and June and they are all looking to rent locations, housing and hire local cast and crew... See details about two of the films below (more to come)..

There are many short films also shooting in April and May including many MFA films from NYU and Columbia

It's going to be a very busy summer....

--------------------------------

Short Film shooting Monday, April 4 is looking to rent a beat up junker.
If you have just the car, email vladimirdefontenay@hotmail.fr

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Upcoming Kingston, NY music video shoot featuring world renowned band is casting extras, featured actors and some crew. See details at http://tiny.cc/8ife9

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Late May through June
Film starring John Slattery (Madmen) and Jena Malone (SUCKER PUNCH) is looking for

FILM LOCATION:
-A big pretty house, ideally with a private lake or pond — maybe a little bit secluded up a drive with nice grounds set on a few acres or more — manicured would be best.

HOUSING:
-Accommodations for cast and crew — about 20-25 people.. Can be several houses close by or apartments.

Email filmcommission@me.com if you have just the place.

--------------------------------

JUNE feature film needs:

FILM LOCATIONS
-big country house
-poor house
-middle income house
-palatial house
-diner

Accommodations for cast and crew — about 22 people. Can be several houses close by or apartments.

mail filmcommission@me.com if you have just the place

--------------------------------

Hudson Valley Film Commission
PO Box 1406, 86 Mill Hill road
Woodstock, NY 12498
www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a not-for-profit, 501 (C)(3) organization that promotes and creates sustainable economic development by supporting and attracting film, video and media production in the Hudson Valley, Catskills.

Susan Breslow Reviews 'Gasland'

I recently got this note from Susan Breslow about an online review that she wrote. Check it out.

"Here is a link to a review I wrote about the new documentary 'Gasland' -- it's about the dangers of drilling for natural gas, which is a topical issue in the Catskills and an important one beyond: 'Gasland Movie Review - and Call to Action'.

On Saturday, July 17 at 7:30pm, you can join filmmaker Josh Fox (recently seen on The Daily Show) at a special screening of his film Gasland, which won the Documentary Special Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. The screening will be held at the Harry Simon Auditorium at The Onteora High School in Boiceville. A discussion with filmmaker Josh Fox and Congressman Maurice Hinchey will follow.

'Into the Deep' Premieres May 10th on PBS

Woodland Community Association members Ric Burns (writer, director, producer) and Bonnie LeFave (producer) premiere their latest project, 'Into the Deep' next Monday night on PBS.

A fantastic sea adventure, a cautionary economic and environmental tale, and a mythic saga of man and nature, INTO THE DEEP: AMERICA, WHALING AND THE WORLD, from filmmaker Ric Burns, tells the thrilling and epic story of three centuries of American whaling, and explores the unique relationship between American whaler and the giant creature they hunted for their precious oil: a high-quality illuminant that lit the drawing rooms of Europe and greased the wheels of the Industrial Revolution.

Ric's other films have included 'The Way West', 'New York', The Donner Party (one of my personal favorites), 'Ansel Adams' and 'Andy Warhol' just to name a few. To see a complete list you can go to Steeplechase Films. If you visit the American Experience site you can watch 'The Donner Party' online. Just click on this link (American Experience: The Donner Party) and it will take you there. If you have Netflix I suggest you put these films in your queue. For those of you who would like to own these excellent documentaries you can get them at the PBS online store.

I am not going to try and pretend I am too cool to be a fan. I think Ric's work is AWESOME! I just rented his 'Ansel Adams: A Documentary Film' and I plan to watch it ASAP. I also plan to tune in on Monday to see this new work. I am sure it will be amazing!

Again, 'Into the Deep' will be broadcast on Monday, May 10th on PBS. Please check your local listing or go to the American Experience website for more information.

Call for Extras on "Stake Land" Film

I got this email today from a woman named Mona Lessnick whose production company is working on the film "Stake Land". The internet says the movie is an "epic vampire road film". She is looking for some background/extras for the film. Her colleague is also looking for some young people to intern for a day or so on the set and help out. They are shooting up in Margaretville and Pine Hill. If you are interested here are the details.

Come and experience a day on Set!

- Tuesday 11/10: 7-10 male Brotherhood gang members (approx. 6-8AM) at Bellayre Ski Resort
- Friday 11/13: 2 male roadhouse guards (approx. 3-5PM) at Hanah Resort in Margaretville
- Monday 11/16: 12 male Brotherhood gang members (approx. 6-10AM) in Pine Hill
- Wednesday 11/18: 8 male/female townfolk (approx. 3-7PM) in Pine Hill
- Wednesday 11/18: 5 male border soldiers (approx. 3-8PM) in Pine Hill
- Wednesday 11/18: 12 male/female bar patrons (approx. 6-10PM) in Pine Hill
- Wednesday 11/18: 2 male roadhouse guards (approx. 6-10PM) in Pine Hill
- Sunday 11/22: 4 male rugged soldier (approx. 12-9PM) in Pine Hill
- Sunday 11/22: 8 male/female townfolks (approx. 12-9PM) in Pine Hill
- Sunday 11/22: many more (30) male/female townfolks (from approx. 5PM-10PM) in Pine Hill

contact Mona (mona@belladonna.bz or 917.687.2690 or 845.586.6110/-6111) for details and confirmations.

Mona Lessnick
Belladonna Productions, Inc
118 West 22nd Street/3rd floor
New York, NY 10011
P: 212.807.0108
F: 212.807.6263
skype: m.lessnick

Here is a synopsis of the film.

Stake Land

Synopsis

In a fierce, alternative vision of America’s bleak future, a young boy is about to learn how cruel the world can become. Martin was a normal teenage boy before the country collapsed in an empty pit of economic and political disaster. And from the ashes rose a new breed of terror. A vampire epidemic has swept across what is left of the nation’s abandoned towns and cities, and it’s up to Mister, a death dealing, rogue vampire hunter, to get Martin safely north to Canada, the continent’s New Eden.

With his family slaughtered and his world splattered across the backroads of the nation’s northeast, Martin is taken under the wing of this mysterious stranger, learning the ways of the hunt and the cold reality of survival in a world left to fend for itself. Along their journey Mister and Martin discover firsthand the horrors of small town American extremism and are forced to ponder which is more bloodthirsty— the starving vampires or the corrupted humans who seek to control them.

Armed with a trunk full of wooden stakes and a desperate will to stay alive, Mister and Martin make their way through locked down towns, recruiting fellow travelers along the way— a devout woman of god, an abandoned Marine, and a pregnant musician all on their way north to safety. But a nationwide Brotherhood of violent, end-of-days survivalists is just one obstacle that stands between them and freedom.

Welcome to Stake Land, kid…

The James Lyons Editing Awards

Here is a message from WCA member Terry Savage.

All,

The first annual James Lyons Editing Awards were presented recently at the Woodstock Film Festival.

From the Woodstock Times:

Film critic Amy Taubin helped present the James Lyons Award for Best Editing of a Feature Documentary. "In part because he lived with AIDS for 20 years [James] brought a heightened sense of the fragility of life to his work, along with an exquisitely honed aesthetic and a belief that art is grounded in human relations and therefore has a moral dimension," she said, before presenting the award to Keiko Deguchi and Jeremiah Zagar, editors of In a Dream.

The winners were:

for narrative feature
Were the World Mine
directed by Tom Gustafson
Edited by
Jennifer Lilly

for documentary feature
In A Dream
Directed by
Jeremiah Zagar
Edited by
Keiko Deguchi,
Jeremiah Zagar

from the press release:

The JAMES LYONS EDITING AWARD is being renamed in honor of the accomplished editor who had a home near Woodstock and who participated on festival panels and juries. "Editor and WFF advisory board member Sabine Hoffman established the WFF editing awards in 2005."

"I met Jim for the first time at the screening of Far From Heaven in Woodstock," recalls Hoffman. "We connected more over the years through mutual friends and got to work together on the jury for the festival. I was deeply moved when Jim insisted coming to our first editors panel discussion, (though he hadn’t been feeling well that day) and once again shared his thoughts, advice, experience and humor in the most generous (and funny) way. His many interests and extensive knowledge made him an amazing speaker and sparker. Jim's spirit, work and energy are a great inspiration. His presence continues."

Terrence Savage, Mr. Lyons partner, said: “Eight years ago James Lyons and I bought an old farm in the Catskills. What started as a summer getaway soon became home, and when the Woodstock Film Festival began, just down the road, Jim became a strong supporter-- sitting on juries and panel discussions, hosting his filmmaking friends, and seeing everything at the festival that he could. He was proud and happy when Far From Heaven, the last film in his twelve-year collaboration with Todd Haynes, had its American premiere at Woodstock. Jim liked nothing better than to see one of his assistants develop as an editor so when he died last year, his family and I felt that establishing an award for excellence in film editing would be an appropriate way to commemorate his life and work -- and we knew that the Woodstock Film Festival, with its tradition of support for young filmmakers, would be the ideal home for such an award”.

On a separate note - Jim's memorial service at the IFC was video-taped and is now available on DVD. If you would like a copy please let me know (and send me your mailing address.)

Jim loved Woodland Valley. He could relax and forget his cares. The hammock in the back meadow was his favorite spot. We had so many great times in six years we spent up there. Every day seemed to bring some new adventure.

Terry