Bon Jour,

This will be a quick intro as I have to head out the door for a few
days. The film "27,000 Days" I acted in and got into South by
Southwest (SXSW) ended up winning the Special Jury Award for the Best
Experimental Short Film. Check out the article below. I'm also
looking for a toy snail that looks real. I can't seem to find one
anywhere. If anyone know where to find one or has one, I need it for
an upcoming shoot.

Happy Filmmaking!
Anup

_________________________________________________________________________

1. PA Needed (SD)
2. Casting Call (SD)
3. Acceptable.tv
4. Distribution
5. Mtv Asian Needs Your Support
5. Member Updates
6. Articles
A. SXSW '07 DAILY DISPATCH: "Billy The Kid" and "Itty Bitty Titty
Committee" Win Top Jury Prizes At SXSW
B. Universal Giving Free Tickets to Movie
C. 10 Tips for a Healthy Voice
D. A Filmmaker's Reason for Choosing Film Over a Prosumer Video Camera
+ more articles
_________________________________________________________________________

1. PRODUCTION ASSISTANT NEEDED (SD)

Hello,

Please forward this announcement on to anyone who may be interested :)

We're looking for two Production Assistants who have a great attitude
and would like the opportunity to collaborate on a short film staring
PULP FICTION'S Angela Jones.

Fun, easy-going crew / Fun, entertaining project

Previous experience is nice, but not necessarily a deciding factor –
enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment will play a BIG role in our
decision.

The film will be shot entirely in San Diego .

Meals, DVD copy and credit will be provided as compensation.

The shooting times may fluctuate slightly, but the following are the
days and times we would be needing you for:
April 14th (Sat): 6am - 9pm (longest day)
April 15th (Sun): 11am - 8pm
April 16th (Mon): 7pm - 4am

Please email Adam @ adamitp@... with "Production Assistant" in
the Subject of the email if you are interested…serious inquiries only!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Adam

_________________________________________________________________________

2. CASTING CALL (SD)

WHAT: This is an open casting call for a short digital film. WHEN: It
will take place from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, March 31, 2007. See below
for details.

WHERE: Small Conference Room at Evening Creek Apartments in San Diego
(see below for details). *These are unpaid positions*

SYNOPSIS: A chef and a waitress are in love, but neither has the
courage to tell the other, until today. The chef plans to use his
culinary skills to tell the waitress he loves her, but a difficult
customer threatens to ruin his plan. Romantic comedy. Approx. 20 minutes.

PRODUCTION COMPNAIES: Blue Gradient "Get out of the Boat"

ABOUT US: We are a group of people who love to make films. The digital
camera makes the equipment side of things economically feasible. But
good movies aren't made with technology - they still take a lot of
talented people working together. Our first short film, "Last Hand",
was fun to make, a good learning experience for everyone involved, and
it played at the Brilliant Light International Film Festival in
Hollywood, CA. You can check out our movie's website here (synopsis,
trailer, stills, production notes, and more): http://
www.bluegradient.org/lasthand

COMPENSATION: Meals, copy and credit.

PLANS FOR THIS FILM: Once completed, "Well Done" will be entered into
several US film festivals. This will be an excellent opportunity for
cast members to get some exposure to the national film community. ..

CONTACT: Kyle at uncle_kyle@...

ROLES: For each role, a description and age range are provided. Most
roles can be male or female, with a few exceptions. We don't care what
race you are. Each role also lists any wardrobe requirements. We'll
supply the rest.
========================================================Penelope LEAD
FEMALE. ANY RACE. Mid 20s to mid 30s. Waitress at restaurant for 5
years. Kind, hard-working, sense of humor. Very much at home in the
restaurant's serving area - it's her domain. Level-headed most of the
time. Lack of confidence in herself, especially when it comes to love.
Attractive and fit. WARDROBE: white button shirt, black slacks
========================================================Linus
SUPPORTING MALE (or FEMALE). ANY RACE. 20-30. Lackey to Jeff
Bainbridge (his difficult boss). Basically a very nice guy with grand
ambitions, but business is not his forte. In fact, Linus is much
better suited to the arts, he just hasn't found his artistic niche.
He's enjoying his cooking classes, but is not enjoying his real estate
job under Bainbridge. WARDROBE: Business formal (suit, tie, etc.)
========================================================Sous-chef
SUPPORTING FEMALE. ANY RACE. Late 20s to mid 30s. She is a dedicated
sous-chef, and will probably be head chef of some restaurant within 5
years. Intense. She speaks very little english, her communication
mostly being a stream of some exotic foreign language, but she and
Chef Nicholas seem to understand each other. Prone to muttering to
herself. She mostly figures things out from context. She is short with
herself for making mistakes, and finds Chef Nicholas's timidity
frustrating. She herself is a very serious person, who treats every
event, big or small, with full consideration. Non-English language
skills not required for this part, but desirable. Must be competent
with kitchen tools - especially knives, utensils, or at least look
convincing. WARDROBE: black slacks
========================================================Maitre D'
SUPPORTING FEMALE (or MALE). ANY RACE. 30s to 50s. Aloof, sometimes
comes off as severe. Has a style of dress all her own - appropriate to
the job, but there's just something a little ... unique ... about what
she wears or how she wears it. The restaurant is her turf. She's
always polite to customers, but firm about any rules (no smoking, no
cell phones, late reservations dealt with if there's room. Even the
rudest customer won't upset her. She's unflappable. WARDROBE: Eclectic
but semi-formal (appropriate for the semi-formal atmosphere of the
restaurant).
========================================================Busboy
SUPPORTING MALE. ANY RACE. 18-25. Loves his music. An ipod-head. Does
his job well, but isn't really "all here". Sometimes the jazz number
or the guitar solo requires a bit extra concentration, maybe with some
air- guitar/air-sax/air-drums. He has one line, but it's the physica
WARDROBE: kitchen casual, plus a full apron
========================================================Ron Montgomery
SUPPORTING MALE (or FEMALE). ANY RACE. 30s to 50s. Successful,
competitive. Owns a medium-sized real estate firm that does
international business. Doesn't speak so much as he barks out short
phrases. He believes in putting people into the "cage of life" and
letting them fight it out for themselves. Fair, but has no use for the
"weaklings". WARDROBE: Business formal (suit, tie, etc.)
========================================================David
SUPPORTING MALE. ANY RACE. Mid 20s. Class clown, a bit more grown up.
Would not appear on the cover of GQ magazine, and he's not rolling in
dough, but his clowning around and general goodness make up for it.
Architect, gifted, but just starting in the company. Very much in love
with Maria. When not focused on Maria, he's thinking about something
artistic or seeing the possibilities for humor in a conversation.
WARDROBE: Business casual (casual slacks, belt, button shirt, etc.).
========================================================Maria
SUPPORTING FEMALE. ANY RACE. Mid 20s. Fun-loving, adventurous, good
sense of humor, easy-going. Was an athlete in school. Very happy with
David, his goofiness appeals to her. She's smart, savvy, pretty, and
very much a catch for David. WARDROBE: Elegant dinner dress.

THE AUDTION I don't believe in cold reads, so sides will be available
at the audition site when you arrive. You can spend some time studying
the part before you audition, if you like. Also, feel free to email
Kyle (uncle_kyle@...) for a copy of the sides ahead of time.
At the audition, if you have a monologue (humorous or at least non-
tragic would probably be best), we'd love to see it. Otherwise, you'll
come in, read your part, and have fun with it! If we think you might
work for one or more roles that you're interested in, we'll ask you to
stay around for the afternoon. From 2pm to 6 pm, we will try out pairs
of actors for different roles.



The auditions will be held in the Conference Room of the rental office
of Evening Creek Apartments. You can park along the street (free
parking) right outside of the complex - Evening Creek Drive is pretty
long, so there should be plenty of room. There are 3 spots in front of
the office, but those are usually taken. Best bet is to park on the
street. Unfortunately, you cannot park anywhere else within the
complex, so please don't risk it! 10918 Evening Creek Dr. ESan Diego,
CA 92128 These apartments are located right where the 56 (Ted
Williams) crosses the 15. The basic directions coming from south of
here (from downtown San Diego) are as follows: FROM San Diego: Take 15
N. Exit at 56/Ted Williams Parkway. Exit 56 to the right (the off
ramp). Turn right at the light onto Sabre Springs Parkway. At the next
light, take a left onto Evening Creek Drive. Immediate left into the
complex and the rental office is on your right. If you are coming from
L.A., take 15 S. and exit at 56, crossing over the 15 before you take
the off ramp to Sabre Springs Parkway. Of course, maps.google.com or
www.mapquest.com wll give you very specific driving directions. Please
email me if you have any questions before the audition:
uncle_kyle@... We look forward to seeing each of you, and
thanks again for your interest in our production! Kyle, Amy and Mo


The IFP Market is a national program connecting projects with
financiers, producers & programmers before they're completed & on the
festival circuit. More than 1,000 industry professionals attend the
IFP Market for pitch meetings, speed dating meetings, screenings, and
social events. Each year approximately 200 projects are invited to
participate (50% docs; 50% narrative screenplays) and take one-on-one
meetings with potential financing partners or co-producers. In 2006,
more than 1,800 pitch meetings were arranged with buyers on behalf of
filmmakers. The IFP Market will help you:


* Connect with financiers & producers
* Network with festival programmers
* Meet distributors, broadcasters and sales agents
Deadline May 4 – http:www.ifp.org

________________________________________________________________________

3. ACCEPTABLE.TV

We're bringing the audience and the creatives together. We're letting
them watch and control each other. We're creating something new
together -- a new kind of TV: Acceptable.TV. See the TV we're all
making together, Friday Nights on VH1.

You can WATCH short, funny shows on TV and on the Web. You can VOTE
for the shows you'd like to see more of. You can CREATE new shows,
vote for them, and see them on TV.

Check out their tutorial featuring Jack Black.
http://acceptable.tv/tutorials


Sent by actor/http://www.goowymedia.com founder Sashi Bommakanty.
________________________________________________________________________

4. DISTRIBUTION

BRAVE NEW THEATERS

Ever dream about your movie premiering worldwide on 3000 screens
simultaneously? With Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, we did just
that... only it was 7000 screens. We organized it online with the same
technology we're now making available to everyone -- Brave New Theaters.

These tools help you tap into the millions of flat screen televisions
in living rooms across the globe, and the personal networks of
enthusiasts who love your film.

The ugly truth in Hollywood is that filmmakers don't make a penny from
theatrical screenings... assuming they're "lucky" enough to even get a
distributor. There are so many hands in the pot, there's just nothing
left.
http://bravenewtheaters.com/filmmakers

See the interview of a few filmmakers who have used this system:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NfK-dnvdN0

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

CELL PHONE CONTENT WANTED

Hey Guys,
Looking for companies or individuals who are interested in getting
their films on Cell Phones across all networks on cell phones, can be
shorts, features, documentaries, so if you have a library of them , do
let me know. friends company doing live streaming of audio and video
so they adding content to their library, can view all over the world
and will do rev share.
Contact Raj Vasudeva
rvasudeva@[no space]yahoo.com
________________________________________________________________________

MTV ASIA NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

WE NEED YOUR HELP:
If you are Asian American or care about Asian America please help. We
need YOUR support right now. We need to stand united to make a
difference. Every person counts. Please either:

1) spend 30 seconds RIGHT NOW to sign the petition to Stop MTV from
silencing Asian-Americans!
GO TO: http://www.petitiononline.com/MTVWORLD/petition.html

and/or

2) read the rest of this email for all the information and easy ways that
YOU can make a difference!

WHAT'S GOING ON:
We have ALL been affected by the recent "downsizing" at MTV Networks,
whether
you like or dislike corporate America, enjoy pop culture, music, or
even watch Asian American entertainment. If you are an Asian American
or care about Asian American
communities then you have been affected and silenced. Let us explain:

The entire Asian division of MTV Networks, called MTV World (MTV
DESI--MTV
CHI--and MTV K) was axed (2/13/07). These small channels were the
first place dedicated to creating positive, realistic, and relevant
reflections of Asian Americans in mainstream media. So, again, the
issue here is bigger than any of our individual opinions regarding
corporate America, pop culture, or MTV for that matter.

By shutting down their Asian American division before it had a chance
to succeed, MTV is sending the message that Asian American culture is
not part of the fabric of America, that Asian Americans can be brushed
away without notice, and that Asian Americans probably don't care
enough for their collective identity to stand up for their voices.
It's hard to imagine BET or MTV TRES shutting down because of the
respect given to and demanded by those communitites. We may be
smaller, but we have a legitimate culture and we contribute to America
in all realms.

Asian Americans will continue to be caricatured, emasculated, ignored,
and stereotyped in American media if we don't fight for our
representation and acknowledgment...we are more than Apu from the
Simpsons and the token Chinese delivery boy!

The bottom line: the existence of MTV World was making a difference
and we need it to live on.


THE PLIGHT OF OUR ARTISTS:
MTV World brought so many independent artists to the forefront, many
of them artists that other mainstream media may not have noticed on
their own.

To name a few:
Juggy D, DJ Rekha, Kaila Yu, MIA, Jay Chow, Jin the Emcee, Far East
Movement, Maggie Kim, Wong Leehome, Putnam Hall, Burning Tree Project,
Lisa Ray, The Ides, FlowSik, Chee Malabar, Rain, SE7EN, Bamboo Shoots,
Manjit, Adrienne Lau, Sona Family, Kal Penn, Amerie, King Khan and the
BBQ Show, and so many more!

These artists and their peers need a platform.

SO WHAT CAN WE DO? 5 WAYS YOU CAN TAKE ACTION


1. SIGN THE PETITION!!!
This is of utmost importance. It takes LESS than a minute. This
petition will be sent to everyone at MTV and major media outlets.

GO TO: http://www.petitiononline.com/MTVWORLD/petition.html
Forward this to everyone you know!


2. DRAFT A PASSIONATE-POSITIVE LETTER TO STOP MTV FROM SHUTTING DOWN
OUR VOICES!
Please write a letter expressing your disappointment and desire for
the re-emergence of the channels. We want to educate MTV on the voice
of our community. Letters will make a BIG Difference!
Address letters to:
Attn: Judy McGrath, CEO, MTV Networks, 1515 Broadway, 28th floor, New
York, NY 10036


3. COVER THIS IN THE MEDIA!
If you are a journalist-- write about this. This is a bigger story
than simply MTV downsizing, this is about Asian Americans being
silenced without a fair chance to succeed.
PRESS CONTACT: SaveMTVWorld@....
A team member will be in touch with you immediately.


4. MAKE A VIDEO ABOUT THIS AND UPLOAD TO YOUTUBE/MYSPACE
Let's get this message out in every way we can.
(Beau Sia's post about Rosie O'Donnell 'ching-chong' comment received
over 400,000 views--see link below)


5. STUDENTS: MOBILIZE YOUR STUDENT GROUPS! WRITE LETTERS, PETITION,
PROTEST, MAKE VIDEOS...Make it happen!

CONCLUSION:

Everything you do and take action on-- email us and let us know.
Questions? Email us. Asian Americans and our allies must all come
together and stand up for Asian American artists, Asian American
voices, Asian American representation!
We want our MTV World back!!

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL MTV WEBSITES:
This is their original programming and what you'll soon be missing!

www.mtvdesi.com
www.mtvchi.com
www.mtvk.com


PROOF OF MTV WORLD's SIGNIFICANCE:

We came across a recent MTV CHI produced piece in response to Rosie
O'Donnell's 'ching chong' comments that got almost HALF A MILLION
views on YouTube. It prompted Rosie herself to apologize on her
website.

Beau Sia rant:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VJCkHu3trKc"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VJCkHu3trKc)

Rosie's apology on her blog:
http://www.rosie.com/blog/sections/home/


HERE'S SOME PRESS WE FOUND ABOUT MTV WORLD WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHED:


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/19/arts/music/19sont.html?ex=1276833600&en=b225fe\
06d7ca1a5e&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
New York Times: I Want My Hyphenated-Identity MTV


http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/nov2006/id20061106_691839_page_2.ht\
m
How MTV Channels Innovation

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/02/24/DDGA2HCOD818.DTL
Forget the white-bread '80s MTV. Now MTV Chi and other outlets cater
to Asian Americans.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079504-2,00.html
TIME magazine article "Chasing Desi Dollars"


HERE'S SOME PRESS ABOUT IT BEING SHUT DOWN


http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3id95484acf\
64d7d7e5e6f1b84436322c0

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117959525.html?categoryid=14&cs=1


http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/a42779/mtv-axes-mtv-world-channels.html

http://www.cable360.net/video/22073.html

http://mutiny.wordpress.com/2007/02/20/mtv-desi-shuts-shop/


http://www.contentsutra.com/entry/419-mtv-desi-to-be-shut-down-thoughts-on-deman\
d-for-desi-content

http://www.worldscreen.com/print.php?filename=mtv021607.htm


Info courtesy of Annie Lee
________________________________________________________________________

MEMBER UPDATES


GRETA VALENTI

Okay so if you don't know about "Human Giant" check them out now! They
are a group of talented and funny guys that will now have their own
show on MTV later this Spring.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=humangiant
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=541347\
98
(Watch "Shutterbugs" they are my fav so far!)

So I sent in my headshot to this show for some random part and I get
cast as the Paris Hilton Look-a-like! I'm like..."you know I have
short hair and I'm like short right?!" Hilarious! SO I went and filmed
today and the show seems to be coming along great. Funny funny stuff.
SO stay tuned and check it out this Spring! I'll be as Paris in 1
scene and then look more like myself in some Party scenes.
Peace out!
-G
http://www.myspace.com/gretav

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

KAPIL RAJ

Prolific filmmaker has a novel coming out soon. Zeon: The Message of
pascal.
ISBN- 978-1-4303-1477-6

http://www.RajFilms.com

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

MELINDA AUGUSTINA

The short film "Three-Fifty" (fka $3.50) will be playing in two film
festivals in April. This is the film based on the stage play we did at
Apartment A in 2005. I was executive
producer and re-created the same role I played on stage. The guy who
tries to lie his way out of video late fees...he, he, he....

#1) Aspen Shorts Fest - This will be the World Premier - April 4 and
April 9 - yep, it's playing twice which is a great sign.
You can see the brief, but lovely write up here:
http://www.aspenfilm.org/index.cfm?S=1:2:2:2&FILM_groupID=6

#2) Nashville Film Festival - April 19 - 26 - We play on Friday 4/20
and Wednesday 4/25 Playing twice again....We are mentioned in the
paragraph
for that group of shorts...scroll down to Fun With Our Shorts On at
this link....
http://www.nashvillefilmfestival.org/main/2007FilmFestival/Films/tabid/117/D
efault.aspx

You can always check in at
http://audience.withoutabox.com/films/350themovie

for latest new, updates and/or to write a note of support and humour on
the space provided at the bottom. If you saw the stage play, let us
know. If
you're a fan, let us know.

We're trusting one of the fall LA Film Festivals will provide us with
the Los Angeles Premiere and one in NY will cover the New York Premier
- and then we are out of premiers - that's just the way it goes.
We'll have
a private LA screening for everyone who worked on the film and close
friends as soon as Director Chauvet has a 100% happy finished version.

As always thanks for your interest and support and we look forward to
celebrating with you sometime soon. Next live performances -
http://www.apartmenta.org - we open on March 30 with An Evening in
Defense of Delight - opening night includes champagne reception - we'd
love to
see you there! Kindest regards and warmest blessings for your happiness.

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

RITA RANI & ROOPASHREE JEEVAJI

BOMBAY SKIES will screen at the Method Fest.
Shorts Program 5 - The Actor's Life
SUN, April 1, 2007 at 12 PM
Louis Mayer Theater

Director: Rita Rani
Writer: Rita Rani
Producer: Tina Nagpaul, Dmitri Vigneswaren, Rita Rani
Starring: Rajat Kapoor, Amit Salunke, Rita Rani, Pawan Singh

Synopsis:
American born Anjali runs off to India with dreams of becoming a movie
star in Bombay. Her father (Rajat Kappor of Monsooon Wedding) goes
after her vowing to bring her back, but when a little street boy takes
him on a journey through the streets of Bombay in search of his
daughter, he ends up reviving memories from the past.

DANCE PERFORMANCE
Before the screening (as well as tonight at the opening ceremony),
Rita Rani (http://www.ritarani.com) & Roopashree Jeevaji
(http://www.myspace.com/jeevaji) will perform a Bollywood/classical
fusion dance number.

More info at http://www.MethodFest.com
________________________________________________________________________

ARTICLES

SXSW '07 DAILY DISPATCH: "BILLY THE KID" AND "ITTY BITTY TITTY
COMMITTEE" WIN TOP JURY PRIZES AT SXSW

Tuesday March 13 11:53 PM ET

by Eugene Hernandez and Brian Brooks (March 13, 2007)

Films by women dominated the awards as the 2007 SXSW Film Festival hit
its wet and rainy mid-point here in Austin, TX. Jamie Babbit's
narrative feature "Itty Bitty Titty Committee" and Jennifer Venditti's
documentary film "Billy The Kid" won the top jury prizes at the
festival, while in the audience award voting Monty Miranada's "Skills
Like This" won the narrative audience award, and Marlo Poras' "Run
Granny Run" won the documentary audience prize.

A special prize was also presented at the festival's Tuesday night
awards ceremony at the Austin Convention Center. Joe Swanberg, indie
director of the popular new feature "Hannah Takes The Stairs," won the
inaugural Eagle Pennell Award at SXSW.

"Billy The Kid" marks the directing debut of Jennifer Vendetti, who
began her career in casting. it was while working on Carter Smith's
"Bugcrush" that she came across Billy Price, the subject for her first
feature. Produced by Bob Alexander and Barnet Liberman, the film had
its world premiere here at SXSW where it was met with positive buzz
from festival attendees.

Accepting her award on Tuesday night in Austin, director Jennifer
Vendetti laughed on stage, and pointing to a friend in the audience
joked, "you just won $50 worth of margaritas," referencing an apparent
bet. On a more serious note, Vendetti said, "This taught me so much
about myself and life."

"Itty Bitty Titty Committee," which had its North American premiere in
Austin this week, debuted last month in the Panorama section at the
Berlinale. Backed by POWER UP, the entertainment industry group for
lesbians, the film was produced by Stacy Codikow and Andrea Sperling
and written by Tina Mabry and Abigail Shafron. Babbit's third feature
stars Melonie Diaz ("Raising Victor Vargas") in the rock music-driven
story of an L.A. Latina who is lured into a radical group of feminists
fighting the objectification of women. "Itty Bitty Titty Committee"
star Nicole Vicius at SXSW, accepting the film's jury prize. Photo by
Brian Brooks/indieWIRE

"I really hope this film finds an audience because its empowering,"
said "Itty Bitty" star Nicole Vicius who accepted the award for Babbit
who had already departed Austin. "I hope this gets picked up becuase
there's something more than the surface of things to inspire."

Commercial and promo director Monty Miranada makes his feature debut
with audience award winner "Skills Like This," the story of a bad
playwright turned successful bank robber, which was produced by Donna
Dewey. Meanhwile, Marlo Poras's prize winner "Run Granny Run" looks at
90+ year old U.S. Senate candidate Doris "Granny D" Haddock. Finally,
audience award winner "The Price of Sugar" by Bill Haney, honored in
the Emerging Visions section, looks at life in Dominican Republic
sugar plantations.

JURY AWARDS

Narrative Feature: "Itty Bitty Titty Committee," Director: Jamie
Babbit Special Jury Award - "Orphans," Director: Ry Russo-Young
Special Jury Award - Frownland," Director: Ronald Bronstein

Documentary Feature: "Billy the Kid," Director: Jennifer Venditti
Special Jury Award - "Audience of One," Director: Michael Jacobs
Special Jury Award - "Cat Dancers," Director: Harris Fishman

Texas High School Competition: "Murder for 9 Points," Director:
Brandon Day Special Jury Award - Daily Routine, Director: Adela Escobar

Music Videos: Thom Yorke, 'Harrowdown Hill', Director: Chel White
Special Jury Award - Constantines, 'Working Full-TIme', Director: Drew
Lightfoot

Experimental Shorts: "27,000 Days," Director: Naveen Singh Special
Jury Award - "The Lonely Lights. The Color of Lemons," Director:
Benjamin M. Piety

Animated Shorts: "Tragic Story with a Happy Ending," Director: Regina
Pessoa Special Jury Award - "One Rat Short," Director: Alex Weil

REEL Shorts: "Pop Foul," Director: Moon Molson Special Jury Award -
"Clear Cut, Simple," Director: Vineet Dewan

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Narrative Feature: "Skills Like This," Director: Monty Miranda

Documentary Feature: "Run Granny Run," Director: Marlo Poras

Emerging Visions: "The Price of Sugar," Director: Bill Haney


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

UNIVERSAL GIVING FREE TICKETS TO MOVIE

Universal Pictures has come up with an unusual plan to try to fill
theaters when its film "Peaceful Warrior" opens later this month: The
company is giving away $15 million worth of free tickets.

Through a partnership with Best Buy, the film company will give
interested moviegoers as many as 10 free tickets to see "Peaceful
Warrior" during its opening weekend, March 30 to April 1, Universal's
president of marketing, Adam Fogelson, announced Tuesday.

The inspirational film, based on Dan Millman's best-selling novel,
"Way of the Peaceful Warrior," doesn't lend itself to traditional
promotional techniques, Fogelson said.

ADVERTISEMENT
"We wanted to allow consumers a chance to sample the film and opted to
redirect money from a traditional marketing campaign and instead
purchase and provide tickets to moviegoers directly," he said. "This
truly is an example of an offer with no strings attached."

The hope is that viewers' "word of mouth and enthusiasm might sustain
interest" in the film, he said.

The film came out last year in limited release.

Tickets will be available online beginning Sunday, with the giveaway
ending April 1.

___

Universal Pictures is owned by NBC Universal, a joint venture of
General Electric Co. and Vivendi Universal.

___

On the Net:

http://www.bestbuy.com/peacefulwarrior

http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/ap/20070314/117388926000.html

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


10 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY VOICE
By LiveScience Staff


Some people spend hours at the gym or pounding the pavement to keep
their bodies in shape. But beyond singers and actors, who worries much
about their voices?

You should, say Norman Hogikyan and colleagues at the University of
Michigan Health System.

"Your voice is your ambassador to the outside world," Hogikyan
contends. "It portrays your personality and emotions. People make
assessments about you based on your voice, so it is very important
when you're speaking or singing to think about what people are really
hearing. Problems with your voice also can have a tremendous impact on
your life."

Some 7 million Americans have some type of voice disorder, according
to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Hogikyan and colleagues have put together the following 10 tips to
help keep your voice in shape:

1. Drink water to keep your body well hydrated, and avoid alcohol and
caffeine. Your vocal cords vibrate very fast, and having a proper
water balance helps keep them lubricated. Important note: Foods
containing large amounts of water are excellent hydration-conscious
snacks, including apples, pears, watermelon, peaches, melons, grapes,
plums, bell peppers and applesauce.

2. Allow yourself several "vocal naps" every day, especially during
periods of extended use. For instance, teachers should avoid speaking
during the breaks between classes and find quiet ways to spend the
lunch hour rather than talking in a noisy staff room with colleagues.

3. Don't smoke, or if you already do, quit. Smoking raises the risk of
throat cancer tremendously, and inhaling smoke (even secondhand smoke)
can irritate the vocal cords.

4. Don't abuse or misuse your voice. Avoid yelling or screaming, and
try not to talk loudly in noisy areas. If your throat feels dry or
tired, or your voice is getting hoarse, reduce your voice use. The
hoarseness is a warning sign that your vocal cords are irritated.

5. Keep your throat and neck muscles relaxed even when singing high
notes and low notes. Some singers tilt their heads up when singing
high notes and down when singing low notes. "The high notes are on the
ceiling and the low notes are on the floor," Rosenberg says. "Over
time, you'll pay for that"—not just with strained vocal muscles but
also by causing future limits on the vocal range.

6. Pay attention to how you speak every day. Even performers who have
good singing habits can cause damage when they speak. Many skilled
singers don't continue their healthy habits when they speak; indeed,
says Herseth, "many people—including singers—should have much more
breath flow when they speak."

7. Don't clear your throat too often. When you clear your throat, it's
like slamming your vocal cords together. Doing it too much can injure
them and make you hoarse. Try a sip of water or swallow to quench the
urge to clear. If you feel like you have to clear your throat a lot,
get checked by a doctor for such things as acid reflux disease, or
allergy and sinus conditions.

8. When you're sick, spare your voice. Don't talk when you're hoarse
due to a cold or infection. Listen to what your voice is telling you.

9. When you have to speak publicly, to large groups or outdoors, think
about using amplification to avoid straining your voice.

10. Humidify your home and work areas. Remember, moist is good for the
voice.

Further, warming up the voice is not just for singers, the researchers
say. Think of it like stretching and loosening up before exercise.
Easy, daily warm-ups for your voice:

1. Do lip or tongue trills in the morning (try it in the shower or on
your drive to work) to facilitate better use of airflow and breath.

2. Perform gentle humming and cooing to warm up your voice in the morning.

3. If you do more vocally complex warm-ups too, such as vocal scales,
do the simple warm-ups first.

4. Repeat these exercises throughout the day to reduce muscular
tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw.

5. At the end of the day, perform a cool-down of the voice with
similar vocal tasks.


http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/060417_voice_tips.html

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

A FILMMAKER'S REASON FOR CHOOSING FILM OVER A PROSUMER VIDEO CAMERA

With the release of the new semi-professional camcorders, I have
experienced a new level of video anxiety. I bought a consumer video
camera in 2005 because I wanted to at least own a video camera. It
feels strange saying that you are a filmmaker yet, you don't have any
video equipment. The video camera that I previously owned got broken
when I was in college. Although I needed a new camera, I kept
procrastinating on the purchasing one. It wasn't until I wanted to
finish a 25 minute short that I decided to buy a camera. Up until
then, I borrowed video cameras from others to produce videos.

I could not afford to buy a $4,000 semi-professional video camera.
Therefore, I spent a few hundred dollars on a regular Sony Hi-8
Handycam camcorder. It isn't the cream of the crop. However, could
hold me over until I was able to either maker enough money to buy a
more expensive one or won a better one from a film festival. I have
been interested in purchasing the Canon XL1, a $2,000 mini-dv
camcorder that produces a really good video image. When the Canon GL1
and XL1 camcorders were released a few years ago, they were very
popular among independent producers. In recent years, newer video
cameras have been released, including the Canon XL2 and the Sony VX2100.

While I have yet to purchase a new video camera, I have been
considering moving up to a more professional camcorder such as the
Sony VX2100. However, I still need to be able to afford the $3,000
camera. I have read so many articles and books that tell independent
filmmakers to make their movies using whatever they have. This
includes consumer grade videos cameras, super 8 film cameras and even
still cameras. I have adopted that mindset for some time. Now, I am
looking to increase the quality of my movies with the use of better
cameras. It has been said that a good independent film will overcome
its visual imperfections. That can be true. However, I have wanted my
short movies to look like an actual movie rather than the home video
of the Nintendo 64 kid on Youtube.

Surprisingly, I have recently come to a crossroads regarding what I
will use to shoot my movies. Numerous headaches have come out of
trying to decide which video camera to purchase. I have been worrisome
of what would happen if I bought the Canon XL2. The camera will become
ancient the moment that new cameras are put on the market. These
realities make it tough to decide on a camera like the Sony VX2100 or
another high quality video camera.

The introduction of new HD camcorders makes this decision even
tougher. Therefore, I have been considering shooting on film. New film
cameras are expensive to obtain. However, used film cameras that are
in good shape are pretty easy to find in numerous places. Shooting an
processing16mm film stock may not be cheap either, but I may be better
off shooting on film for numerous reasons. The selection of camcorders
such as the Panasonic AG-HVX200, the Sony VX2100 and the Canon XL2
make it difficult to choose the best camcorder to purchase. They are
all good video cameras and they are all expensive. These video cameras
are also part of a medium that constantly progresses in little time.

Before you know it, there will be another camera that is more popular
and has a higher quality than the Sony VX2100 that is purchased today.
What should be done when that happens? I have no interest in spending
thousands of dollars every 3 years or so, just to be able to maintain
the highest possible level of video quality. Shooting on 16mm film may
be the better choice in the long run. New film stock may be introduced
frequently, just like semi-professional video cameras. However, film
will always look like film. It will have the same quality for
lifetimes to come. Video on the other hand, changes so rapidly that
the latest high quality video image will look like a cheap home video
over time.

I would like to have good looking images for my independent films.
While video cameras can offer a less expensive way to make movies, the
difficulty of choosing the right camcorder makes the video medium less
attractive. After spending thousands of dollars on a camera, every
image that is captured should exhibit high quality above and beyond
the average episode of Cops or Court TV. Unfortunately, this is not
the case. Therefore, I may have to remove my headaches from deciding
on a video camera and replace them with thoughts on the best places to
buy film stock.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/109152/a_filmmakers_reason_for_choosing\
_film.html

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on this page:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/31925/nicole.html
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