Director, William Lu, a native of Northern California, received his BA in anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. During his studies, he also served as an intern and development assistant for David Madden and Robert Cort at the Cort/Madden Company on the Paramount Pictures lot.
Use the link below to listen to the archived show.
Subsequently, William attended the graduate film conservatory at Florida State University where he received his MFA in film and television production. While there, he produced the 35mm thesis film “Two-Bit,” which was a 2003 Student Academy Award finalist.
Upon graduation, he returned to Southern California where he was hired as an assistant at the SyFy Channel. Joining several FSU alumni, William then spent three years at Herzog & Company where he worked in various capacities in their television, web and entertainment marketing departments producing content for clients such as Disney, Paramount, Dreamworks and Sony Pictures.
In 2005, he was the recipient of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Armed with a Camera Fellowship; the grant recognized emerging media artists and funded his short film Spy Moms, which was shot over the course of one weekend. Spy Moms later screened at all the major Asian American festivals and made its cable broadcast debut later that year.
In 2006, he wrote and directed Asian Task Force, a half-hour mock pilot that paid homage to many of his favorite 80’s television series. The film was awarded “Best Action Short” at the 2007 Los Angeles Digital Video Film Festival and screened at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con.
In 2009, William made the transition into new media and worked as post production supervisor at Machinima on their Terminator: Salvation original web series. He was subsequently hired at Maker Studios where he produced content for their gaming vertical. He also created and hosted the show “Retro Hardware” for the company.
In 2012, he switched to freelance producing, serving as a co-producer for Rosanna Pansino’s “Nerdy Nummies” blockbuster YouTube series, while simultaneously developing feature content that he could later direct.
In 2015, he directed the feature drama Comfort from his own original screenplay. The storyline and characters were inspired by the John Hughes movies of the 80’s, while Michael Mann’s LA nightscapes served as a stylistic inspiration.
Shortly after completing Comfort, he returned to Maker Studios, producing for clients such as SlingTV and Verizon Go90.
Stay tuned to Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat for other great interviews and more.
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the veil of Hollywood? Rocky Lang, who grew up in the 90210, is the son of mega-producer and disaster master Jennings Lang, (Earthquake, the Airport movies and thirty-five other features), and dishes it all out in his book, Growing Up Hollywood, Tales From The Son Of A Hollywood Mogul.
Listen to ‘Growing Up Hollywood’ click the bolded link below:
He grew up with the likes of Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Walter Matthau, Billy Wilder and many more. Told in a self deprecating style, Lang weaves tales of some ofHollywood’s most bizarre and never before told stories, including;! !
* Was his father really shot in the balls by the jealous husband of screen siren Joan Bennett?!
* The night he showed up to a pajama party at the Playboy Mansion only to find out is was a private dinner.!
* His relationship with Steven Spielberg prior and after his meteoric rise.!
* He recounts the brutal fights between Sydney Pollack and Dustin Hoffman on Tootsie.! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
In addition to writing seven books, Rocky Lang is also a film director, screenwriter and producer. He produced Ridley Scott’s White Squall, staring Jeff Bridges and the CBS Emmy Award winning, Titanic along with several other movies..
Rocky Lang has been involved in the motion picture and television business all his life. He Executive Produced, “Racing For Time” for Lifetime Television starring Charles Dutton, which received a Best Picture nomination for The Image Awards.
Previous conversation with Rocky. To Listen click bolded link below:
Growing up as the son of veteran producer and Universal Studios executive, Jennings Lang (“Earthquake” “Play Misty For Me” among others), Rocky knew early on that he wanted to write/produce and direct.
Lang set himself on a track that has seen him produce and direct five documentary films including the award-winning “The Making of Tootsie”, assignments directing the long-running hit show “Remington Steele” and then on to direct three features, “Nervous Ticks”, (Columbia Tri-Star) “Race For Glory”, (New Century Vista) “All’s Fair”, (Moviestore).
Besides his directing career, Lang has had deals as a producer and director with Warner Bros., Universal, New World, CBS, NBC, ABC, Twentieth Century Fox, Cinecom, MGM and United Artists.
Lang is also an award winning screenwriter, having written several screenplays and has received a dramatic writing award from the Houston Film Festival for his original screenplay, The Low Post.His screenplay, Crossing Memphis, was optioned by Quincy Jones and Columbia Pictures.Mr. Lang’s script, The Babe That Struck out Ruth sold to ‘bel Films.
Rocky Lang was enjoying a successful lifetime career as a Hollywood producer, director and writer when, in 2002, his life was dramatically changed by his young daughter’s diagnosis of type I diabetes.While continuing his work in the entertainment industry, Mr. Lang’s priorities shifted as he immersed himself in the care of his daughter and the chronic disease that now ruled their lives.
Realizing that there was a need for products that educate, entertain and empower children and adults living with chronic illnesses, he wrote the acclaimed children’s book Lara Takes Charge.Due to the success of the book, Mr. Lang has forged strong relationships with doctors, scientists, hospitals, drug companies and other major medical institutions resulting in a wealth of resources and support for his efforts.
His book Lara Takes Charge is in the hands of over 15,000 children, hospitals, and libraries.
On May 29th, 2008, the American Diabetes Association honored Mr. Lang as Father Of The Year at The Beverly Hills Hotel for his advocacy for children living with diabetes.
He is also partner in the company Books To Film. TV, (www.bookstofilm.tv) an author and publishing service company that assists writers and publishers by helping them bring their books to Hollywood and the multi-media and entertainment industries.
Lang has appeared at Book Expo America, Publishers University, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and other conventions across the country.
He is also the creator of The CourageBag,www.couragebag.com designed for people living with diabetes which was recently bought by the international luggage company TravelOnwhich wasfeatured on QVC.
Mr. Lang has served on the board of Foundation School Community, a progressive school in Los Angeles, and the Health Education Advisory Board at Children’s Hospital, and The Los Angeles Community Leadership Board and ADA National Youth Strategy Board for The American Diabetes Association.
He attended the University of California, Los Angeles and has the honor of being the youngest director accepted to the American Film Institute. Mr. Lang lives in Toluca Lake, CA.
Growing Up Hollywood, Tales From The Son Of A Hollywood Mogul, is published byHLPI Books, $7.95, November 2014. Available from Amazon.
In case you are wondering what happened to the official Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. A person I know and paid to work to work on developing another new site for me – hacked and stole it.
Parties are looking into it. It will be corrected with the appropriate actions.
This person has no claim, does not own the site or anything related to it but took it and my email accounts associated with it. He has interrupted and damaged my ability to business and communication. There are remedies for this.
The official site will be back, rest assured.
Discussion on air continue: Next up Peter Marshall Dec 4 11aE 10aC 8aP. See the posted link on Peter’s page in this blog site. Meet you on the air and in the chat room!
Sunday morning after the 4th Annual Weyawega International Film Festival 2014 had concluded Allan Katz and I met for coffee about 8:30 at The Green Fountain Inn where we each had rooms. Around 9am Kathy, Ian and Holly arrived to join us for breakfast. It was a delicious breakfast and fascinating conversation about movies, and making movies and the future.
About 10:30 Allan left for Chicago, Kathy, Holly, Ian and I headed to the Gerold Opera house where (Anne joined us) we continued our conversation about future plans and screened their fascinating feature film ‘Mint Julip’ on the large screen. They made the movie a few years ago and among the cast members are James Gandolfini and David Morse. It was good to see it again ON the big screen.
Shortly, after the screening completed and we chatted for a while we headed out. I returned so I could get to Chicago on Monday. I again want to thank everyone at Weyauwega Film Festival for their hospitality and dedicated hard work. I thank each for making my stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible – it was a delightful stay. Great people all around and I miss them all already!
Thanks to Cynthia, Barbara, Dottie and Sahara at The Green Fountain Bed and Breakfast in Waupaca. It was marvelous to stay there again and was great to see each of you again! Thanks for everything.
KUDOS to the filmmakers who submitted and the people I know and those I met for the first time, and all the fans who attended, it was wonderful. Glad to have met up and caught up. It was good fun to be all together in one place and celebrate film and filmmakers and the people for whom we tell stories for – the audience. Kudos to the filmmakers who submitted but could not attend.
Bottom Line the festival was another good one this year. I am pleased to have been a part of it again, saw some good films and met some wonderful people. I look forward to 2015 and for making all the plans we made a reality in between.
The award results forThe 2014 Weyauwega International Film Festival are as follows:
Best Animated Film: BIG BAG from Spain Directed by Ricardo Martin Coloma $100
Best Documentary Feature: OLD MAN Directed by Dan Schniedkraut $250
Best Documentary Short: THE KING OF SIZE Directed by Peter Dowd $100
Best Narrative Feature: PROUD CITIZEN Directed by Thomas Southerland $250
Best Narrative Short: REJECTED Directed by Craig Knitt $100
*******
Outstanding Foreign Language Film: MOUSSE from Sweden Directed by John Hellberg
Outstanding Acting Ensemble: WHEN THE KING TILTS Directed by Drew Britton
Outstanding Screenplay: BOY MINUS GIRL Written & Directed by James Lawrence
Festival Spirit Award: BUCKY AND THE SQUIRRELS Written & Directed by Allan Katz
OH By they way some of my upcoming guest on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat include; producer Rocky Lang, director Bill Rebane, director Peter Marshall, writer, producer Michael Frost Beckner, Actors Michael Spears and Eddie Spears, Allan Katz and others. So be sure to stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted.
Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.
Updates will be posted at this blog, at the official site, on the RSMB Friends page on FB, through twitter and elsewhere. When you can’t join us live you can still listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.
Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS
Day 4 began with a delicious breakfast at the The Green Fountain Inn, Bed and Breakfast. Then as I was leaving I encountered director Drew Britton whose film I enjoyed last evening, coming into eat. We had the chance to converse for about 20 minutes and I then drove to Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega where the morning was bustling.
I met, in person, for the first time some Facebook friends, Diane Richardson and Brett Houdek who had roles in the first feature ‘Boy Minus Girl’. Diane also appears in ‘Bucky and the Squirrels’ and Brett stars in a Wisconsin made movie, now in post, that features Kevin Sorbo and Stephen Baldwin. It was great to meet in person for the first time and see them perform.
I said my hellos to staff and to friend Jason Buss who is here with the same feature. He was an associate producer. movie was and directed by James Lawrence who also had a role. It got big laughs from the audience and a lively, funny Q & A ensued afterwards with 14 members of cast and crew. It was a humorous and enjoyable morning.
Shorts followed this feature. ‘Rosie’ made by Wisconsin director Alexander Kohnstamm was well made and a touching look at the role a father plays in a child’s life.’
Great to see Vancouver/Wisconsin filmmaker, mutual friend of Peter D. Marshall, back for another day. He traveled to Milwaukee and back since last night.
Sweden’s offering, ‘Mousse’ got big laughs and gasps. Well acted and well made. Subtitles didn’t prevent people from finding the humor about this robbery on the outskirts of town. This 40 minute short appeared to have all the right ingredients and great production value. The film is directed by John Hellberg.
Dan Davies returned with a short he stars in, ‘Beyond Goldenhill’ directed by filmmaker South American Filmmaker now at UCLA Nicolas Pinzon Fernandez. I was impressed with this film all the way around.
Since it is weekend attendance again increased. Lots of food and drinks purchased and people chatting. The first half of today was quite enjoyable!
Wisconsin filmmaker, comedian and artist, Craig Knitt, (and festival director ofWildWood Film Festival with Jason Buss) screened his delightful short film ‘Rejected’. It is funny, well edited, animated at times, and included nice special effects. The audience enjoyed very much. Craig answered questions during Q & A.
I enjoyed the four minute animated short from France ‘Une A La Mer’ (A Ride To The Sea) directed by Damien Stein and Tim Guinee’s ‘One Armed Man’, a US narrative short film starring Charlie Haid (I had the good fortune to work on a show with Charlie for CBS when I was 18 or 19) and Terry Kinney (co-founder of Chicago’s Steppenwolfe Theater). Guinee’s well made, well acted, short was executive produced by Philip Seymore Hoffman.
I have to state, and really want to point out, that this has been an excellently programmed film festival. Not all things are equal and not everything shown is to my taste or everyone else’s. Still, I can honestly write that I have not been disappointed by anything screened. I haven’t mentioned everything, and I am not reviewing any films, so I don’t mean any commentary by not commenting on a short or feature. I am very pleased with the selection offered this year. Every filmmaker who screened here was talented and should be proud.
I just had a very fascinating conversation with Joey Larsen, who acted in ‘Boy Minus Girl’. Part of our discussion focused on making and keeping film work alive in Wisconsin. Joey lived in L A and worked in the film business before coming to Wisconsin. It is always marvelous and great fun to discover people here who appreciate the lifestyle and magic of the Hollywood Basin. Truly magical out west and we shared stories of synchronicity.
Now, no sooner than I typed that last sentence, that director Allan Katz surprised me with a tap on the shoulder and a hug ‘hello’! Allan arrived from Los Angeles to screen ‘Bucky and the Squirrels’. Besides directing the comedy feature shot in Wisconsin Mr. Katz has written, produced and directed various television series and shows including; ‘Blossom’, ‘Mash’, ‘Roseanne’, ‘We’ll Get By’, ‘Cher’, ‘Rhoda’, ‘Sanford and Son’, ‘Laugh In’ and more!
He has many wonderful Hollywood stories. More than most people can imagine. It is great to see him again! It has been a year since I last saw him in person and I am so glad to be in the same place at the same time with this gentleman TV and filmmaker again.
I had fun catching up with Allan in the lobby too. Turns out we are staying at the same place and have plans for breakfast. The audience grew and grew as people filed in to see ‘Bucky and the Squirrels’. Many of them cast and crew and many of them not. The energy was fun and exciting.
I was delighted to see ‘Bucky and the Squirrels’ it brought back many memories of cast and crew. It was a fun, family friendly movie too. Allan answered questions from the audience and took photographs with fans and friends. Kathy and Ian announced awards and honorable mentions and the food was made available and of course the cash bar. Lot’s of fun and chatter.
It snowed during the late afternoon and evening so after clearing the windshields, Allan followed me back to where I have been staying and where he will spend this evening, The Green Fountain Inn, Bed and Breakfast on Main Street in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Cynthia, Dottie, and Barb have made my stay very comfortable.
Tomorrow morning after breakfast Allan will head off and Kathy, Ian and I will enjoy a private screening and take care of some things we need to do. Then I will leave Weyauwega before mid-afternoon.
This has been a wonderful festival, great films, great talent, great people and times. I look forward to coming back next year too. If you are at festivals where any of the films I have mentioned show, or online or in theaters, catch them when you are able. The others I did not mention, but are in the festival line-up are worth seeing too.
I enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new one. Year 4 was a good year for film in Weyauwega!
###
OH By they way some of my upcoming guest on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat include; producer Rocky Lang, director Bill Rebane, director Peter Marshall, writer, producer Michael Frost Beckner, Actors Michael Spears and Eddie Spears and others. So be sure to stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted.
Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.
Updates will be posted at this blog, at the official site, on the RSMB Friends page on FB, through twitter and elsewhere. When you can’t join us live you can still listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.
Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS
Day 3 began way before my delicious breakfast but once that was completed I traveled into Waupaca and stopped on Main Street at the local Nutrition Center for some coconut water to take with me to the Gerold Opera House. One of my favorite beverages and I forgot to pack some for this trip.
Movies began earlier today. 10am and there have been a bunch of really cool shorts. I enjoyed a fascinating documentary feature on the domestic terrorist standoff at the Washington Monument in 1982, ‘Oracles Of Pennsylvania Avenue’. Directed by Tim Wilkerson this appears to be an Egypt, USA joint venture but I am unclear how.
Today the offerings are mostly narrative shorts, a few that are animated, some documentary shorts, a narrative feature and 3 documentary features. Most of the shorts are from overseas, a couple from around US and numerous from Wisconsin.
Given that Scott Walker was again elected to office earlier this month I was looking forward to Wisconsin’s Brad Lichtenstein (and Movie Beat guest) doc short on ‘Wisconsin’s Mining Standoff’. Moves by Walker and his opponents were controversial then and now so I am looked forward to seeing how the situation is covered by Brad.
Because it is a documentary issue pertinent to Wisconsin an impromptu discussion arose concerning what was and is happening inside this state. Questions were raised about citizens’ ability to discern if media reports accurately reflect the issue and to how to be best informed.
People need to be able to determine whether or not some of these actions benefit or harm the land and individuals. We cannot act appropriately or responsibly if we do not have access to correct information. These days, in my opinion, getting raw data without editorial bias or political agenda is rare, sadly, very rare.
Whether you agree with the filmmaker’s presentation or not I believe this is what good documentary should do. It should stimulate thinking and investigative thinking and action from concerned viewers. That, for me, is a more worthwhile endeavor, to explore the topic so people can make up their own minds and actions, than to present a biased filmmaker viewpoint telling the audience how it should think. Seems there is room enough in the world for numerous ways to cover topical stories.
I got to meet and converse with Chris M. Jones, who graduated and returned from Vancouver Film School, a student and friend of my friend and Movie Beat guest director and educator Peter D Marshall. The world is small indeed, and I look forward to catching up more with Chris.
Just came across this link to article on ‘Bucky & The Squirrels’ and have included the link. The film debuts here tomorrow, Saturday the 15th in the evening. You may want to come on out and check it out.
L A based writer, producer and film’s Director Allen Katz will be in attendance. Other local cast and crew are sure to show up. Read the article it is a nicely done piece.
If you look closely you will see yours truly in a number of pics in the article. Lawrence University partnered to produce the feature, but it was a professional cast and crew who made the film.
In 2010 Ronald Kolman directed a pilot, ‘Woody’s World’. I produced, was UPM and had role and we allied then with MATC in Milwaukee to give students an opportunity to learn first hand what it is like to work a professional set and meet real world deadlines.
All things considered, LU had played a larger part int the production of Bucky. Our difficulty was that MATC, who very much wanted the program, couldn’t allow students to work the entire shoot from beginning to end because of class schedule and finals.
Since the students couldn’t take leave of their other courses and be there full time for the duration of the shoot we utilized our own professional crew. A handful of students came in to shadow the pros from time to time. Hardly ideal and not the plan we had all moved forward on.
Plus, we had one instructor who attempt to insert himself into the mix causing us delays and issues. He was out of line and was acting on his own behalf. He came around for two days before we learned that he was not authorized to be there by the school. Still we managed to complete the project ahead of schedule due to the hard working commitments of the pros I brought onto the project.
This is not a reflection on MATC, it is a fine school. Overall, there were challenges but I think it was a positive learning experience for all of us. The students who showed up when they could were awesome as well.
I am looking forward to seeing ‘Bucky and the Squirrels’ for the first time with others I may have met and worked with for awhile. I have made some long lasting friendships because of that project for which I am glad. Let me know what you think of the article. I thought the writer did a nice job.
Today the festival attendance grew and by evening audience size was quite nice.
The 5pm narrative directed by Drew Britton, ‘When The King Tilts’ was charming and humorous. Drew was in attendance and answered questions during the Q & A. Listening to him speak about working with actors and the themes of this movie impressed me. I am very happy to have seen and enjoyed this movie.
Weyauwega native filmmaker Adam Zuehlke, in attendance, screened two short films. ‘Sad Clown’ and ‘Evergreen’. He was greeted with a rousing standing ovation by those in attendance as he made his way up front for the Q & A. Both films were very nicely done. Currently, he’s got the financing to shoot a pilot in the Minneapolis area and is developing Evergreen as a feature.
A party with finger food, popcorn and the cash bar followed the final film. It continues as I say good night.
An enjoyable day. I am looking forward to all the festival fun and film tomorrow on the final day! Come on out and enjoy!
###
OH By they way some of my upcoming guest on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat include; producer Rocky Lang, director Bill Rebane, director Peter Marshall, writer, producer Michael Frost Beckner, Actors Michael Spears and Eddie Spears and others. So be sure to stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted.
Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.
Updates will be posted at this blog, at the official site, on the RSMB Friends page on FB, through twitter and elsewhere. When you can’t join us live you can still listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.
Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS
Day 2 begins early and then with a delicious breakfast. I had to ask the chef her secret to making her eggs so tasty and she told me. But I promised I would keep her secret. On my way out I got to chat say hello and chat briefly with documentary filmmaker Dan Schneidkraut I told you about yesterday.
I had a delicious Latte at Rhythm and Brew and and wrote my daily blog entry and worked for a couple hours more before leaving for the festival venue.
I drove to the Gerold Opera House, the home of Wega Arts and the Weyauwega International Film Festival. I am recovered from a long day yesterday and I am eager to see today’s line up of films and meet more filmmakers and fans. As expected today the attendance is heavier than the first day.
By the way: It is not my intention to write about each fine offering. I do not mean to imply anything by not writing about a film. I simply want to feature highlights while at the festival.
As a filmmaker it is my position to not review other’s films. Since I know the labor and love, the hardship, of movie making I reserve my film opinions for close friends and do not dispense it for the public.
DAY 2 began with a talk by Dr. Jack Rhodes on Stanley Kramer’s ‘The Men’ starring Marlon Brando. Since this is a favorite film of mine, and Brando’s first screen appearance, it was wonderful to listen to Dr Rhodes discuss the film and then watch it.
Some of his points. First, 45 members of the cast were not actors but actual paraplegics. This fact is also pointed out in opening credits of the film.
Brando spent from 2-4 weeks in the hospital preparing for his role. He shared a story of Brando faking a spontaneous healing. A woman seeing the men in a restaurant all in wheel chairs mentioned to them that she wished deeply that they could be healed.
Brando struggled painfully to get up from his wheelchair and took some halting steps exclaiming ‘I can walk! I can Walk’ while the paralyzed men looked on and smiled knowingly.
Brando received 4 oscar nominations during his first 5 years as an actor. He won for ‘On The Waterfront’. After, ‘One Eyed Jacks’ 1961 his career went downhill until it was revived by ‘The Godfather’, 1973. He won another Academy Award which he declined.
Director Fred Zinnemann made numerous movies focused on this theme: A loan man triumphs over tremendous odds and institutions. ‘High Noon’, ‘From Here To Eternity’, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’, “A Man For All Seasons’, ‘Behold a Pale Horse’, and ‘Day of the Jackal’ among these.
He insisted ‘The Men’ have the gritty look of news reel footage. He went on to use virtually all of the crew, except for the cinematographer, on ‘High Noon’.
Dr Rhodes taught a graduate course on Rhetoric of Film at the Miami University of Ohio and he teaches seminars on film at Lawrence University, events in Door County and at Waupaca Library. He was enjoyable to listen to and the audience in attendance acknowledged this with applause. Then ‘The Men’ was screened. Great to see it again ON the big screen too!
It seems we have forgotten much about filmmaking as we advance our technologies. For me, there is nothing more fun than watching movies with an audience on a large screen. Film instead of digital is still my preference, as is story over CGI, and performance over costuming. It was great to see this movie again.
The movie ended to applause. Then the shorts began. I remind you to check the showing schedule for information about the films shown. Plus, you can read more about Kathy and Ian AND listen to my Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat discussion, right here in these blog pages, anytime 24/7. Simply visit the link below or at the official site (link provided at bottom).
Its mid afternoon and Dan Schneidkraut stopped by to say ‘so long’ he is traveling back to Minneapolis to continue to work on his next doc project. It is one I would like to see. So we friended on Facebook to stay in touch.Kathy and I got to sit and catch up for a while and discuss plans for the coming year. John Pata showed up and we said hello and chatted awhile. I particularly liked his creepy short film “PITY’ shot in Oshkosh last year. Actor Jake Martin did a fine job, a disturbing job. Too disturbing. Thank goodness he is much nicer in real life.
John revealed secrets about the film. Based on a short story inside an album by Pig Destroyer called ‘Prowler In The Yard’ he aptly named the film PITY.I liked to sound design. The sound track score is comprised of the actors voice and breath converted to notes by Milwaukee musician Nicholas Elert. It was shot on the red it looks great and is well edited. Pata presents a short suspenseful portrait of a very disturbed character in ‘Pity’.
This evening I also enjoyed the well made narrative feature directed by Shawn Telford, ‘BFE’. It appears to be non-union and crowd funded. Well made, acted, edited and entertaining. I liked an animated short by Wei lu, ‘Run Crab Run!’ and its score.
A few shorts followed the feature and the evening ended well. Tomorrow Nov 14, DAY 3 the festival begins earlier at 10 am. I made it back to the lovely inn I am at and am currently enjoying getting cozy in my room. I look forward to what tomorrow brings in general and at the festival. It has been a wonderful couple days so far. Two more days to go.
On Sunday I have a special private screening to attend before I return home. I miss my family back there and it will be great to see them. In the meantime more movies! See you tomorrow
OH By they way some of my upcoming guest on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat include; producer Rocky Lang, director Bill Rebane, director Peter Marshall, writer, producer Michael Frost Beckner, Actors Michael Spears and Eddie Spears and others. So be sure to stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted.
Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.
Updates will be posted at this blog, at the official site, on the RSMB Friends page on FB, through twitter and elsewhere. When you can’t join us live you can still listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.
Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS
It is great to be back in Weyauwega, Wisconsin for a delightful film festival in the middle of nowhere. Of course, the locals won’t like me saying that, but if Wisconsin is a flyover state, this area, for me, has been a no stop drive through part of the state, until, at least, last year.
My first time here last year was year three for the fest. I am so happy to have been invited both years. Kathy Fehl and Ian Teal are filmmakers, artists, promoters, festival directors, writers, producers, and more. You name it they do it.
They renovated the Gerold Opera House on Main street and converted it into a full time arts house, theater, and festival destination place. Ian returned to Wisconsin from NYC with Kathy.
You can read more about them AND listen to my Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat discussion, right here in these blog pages, anytime 24/7. Simply visit the link below or at the official site (link provided at bottom).
They are both dedicated talented, good people. We became friends and have remained in touch over the course of the past year plus some and it has been to my benefit to know them. You should get to know them too!
So I arrived last evening and returned to stay at an incredible placeThe Green Fountain Inn, Bed and Breakfast on Main Street in Waupaca, Wisconsin. They gave me the largest room, because I am going to be there for the duration, which was fine with me. Very comfortable and cozy. I love this place and the people that run it and will sing their praises on future days here and on Facebook. Breakfasted alone, a delicious one, and good coffee was how I started my official day at 8am.
However, I’d been writing and working in my comfy room much of the night. Always up by four, I got much more finished than I expect and that was good. Snow covers the ground though blades of grass still peak through. It is 20 degrees but other places a little more north received as much as 20 inches. Too early a winter but tell that to the Polar Vortex. Sunny morning it is pretty.
Got to the venue early so I took a driving tour of the lakes in the area while speaking to Director Bill Rebane (The Giant Spider Invasion and many more movies) on the phone. So many cool places. I watched a falcon, hover in the air endlessly above the road. Just a flap or two of its wings now and then to keep it in place. I assumed it had targeted something. Whenever I drive near water I open the windows to take in the negative ions and enjoy the relaxing quality of the air.
Got back to the venue and workers had arrived only moments before. I guess I timed that couple hour drive really well. Said hello, caught up with those I’d met last year and took up my blogging station in the back. Because I am near the entrance people stop and say hello.
I had quite the fascinating conversation with a gentleman, Ted, from Chicago. A film lover he comes up here to attend this festival, just because. Yes, it is well worth it.
Small, yes, but well programmed. Plus, it is growing. Kathy and Ian do a wonderful job, around the clock apparently, working for the festival and arts, putting on plays and more through the year. They just completed a sold out run of an original play they both produced and Kathy directed.
So if you want to attend a very good film festival and catch some fascinating features and shorts, narrative, docs and animated, this is a great one to take in. For other offerings at other times please visit their official website.
Situated about a half hour west of Appleton, Wisconsin along Highway 10 this festival is helping put the area on the map as a place to come for quality entertainment and artistic offerings.
It turns out there are a number of films in this years festival that I am in someway, or another, connected with. Whether it’s because I have worked on it, as in ‘Bucky and The Squirrels’ (this comedy feature is the brain child of veteran television writer, director, producer Allan Katz’s and is his feature film directorial debut. He chose to world premiere the movie here this Saturday evening the 15th) or it might be because I happen to personally know some of the filmmakers.
I am looking forward to seeing friends and their films short and long.
Today is Day 1 and it kicked off with documentaries. Last year people traveled from as far away as Japan and Alaska with their films. I saw some really wonderful movies then and met some fascinating filmmakers from all over. Shorts this year starting off are from Bolivia, Japan and the USA. You can check the blog article I mentioned earlier to track the films offered this year.
I will add that the films they program here are worth seeing. They certainly were last year and I expect as much from this years offering. The areas represented by the films are the USA, Bolivia, Iran, Spain, The Russian Federation, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Egypt, Sweden, France, and Wisconsin. (Okay, I jest, I know WI is part of the USA, still, it is its own world apart).
The selection all over looks good. I must admit I am eager to see the Wisconsin offerings too, either because I know the filmmakers AND/OR because I may want to get to.
Having one foot in LA and the other in Wisconsin always makes my year interesting to say the least. It is wonderful to discover talented people all over, including where one might think it is most unlikely. It isn’t.
I just had another enjoyable conversation with filmmaker Dan Schneidkraut preceding the screening of his documentary feature ‘Old Man’. Currently, Dan lives in Minneapolis. I particularly liked the narration and the cadence.
Back to the venue and the festival offerings.
Besides movie popcorn and candy there is a cash bar. A dollar for water and soda, up to 5 dollars for a top shelf mixed cocktail. There is also wine, beer and local microbrews. Food is available; vegetarian chili and pulled pork sandwiches are available. I just had an incredible fresh chocolate muffin!
You can go next door to the local corner tavern, the gas station across the street, or the cafe and coffee shop straight across the road to. This is downtown Weyauwega and everything you need is just a step or two away.
I will continue the upcoming days on their own pages, probably close to the end of the day or the morning following. WiFi connection was pretty slow where I am staying, Perhaps, it will be faster later today or tomorrow. I might just put in a word tomorrow at breakfast and see if they can help speed it up. Anyway, updates will be forth coming.
Join us if you are anywhere near by. I’m sure you will like it here. Ted drove up from Chicago. He is a film lover. Dan drove in from Minneapolis with his feature. You can make the drive too. Come join us!
All the shorts were well done and fascinating. Some very interesting animation too. Dan Schneidkraut’s movie ‘Old Man’ is quite captivating and even disturbing. Nearly, three hours long it held my interest every moment. Intriguing.
WOW!!! So kind and generous. Been busy at work at the festival and growing very hungry. Suddenly, Jerry who goes by Byrdy, appears with a sandwich he made. He gifted me and boy did I need to be gifted. I was ravenous. THANK YOU BYRDY!!!! That was really cool of you! THANK YOU!!!!
Turns out Kathy is the secret provider of the delicious muffin. Enjoyed some pulled pork as a snack around 7:30 pm
Actor, producer, writer, friend Dan Davies accompanied a secret private screening of an upcoming movie. Turned out it was a fun and fascinating feature. Because it is actually a secret, private screening I can’t say any more about it now, but it looks like it will have some good press in the not to distant future. Hopefully! Both Dan’s in attendance answered audience questions during post screening Q & As.
Most of the photos on the blog are from photographer Larry Peterson. The exceptions is the outdoor poster shot I took with my phone. I don’t know about the one of Kathy and Ian outside the venue.
A great first day and evening. Attendance could be heavier but as the weekend progresses more will be here. All that I met and conversed with were very cool. Filmmakers and fans. It seemed everyone enjoyed themselves and the movies. Afterwards, cocktails and conversations as friends and filmmakers continued to catch up.
I am now back at the delightful Bed and Breakfast. Still have work to do but can do it within the confines of a cozy warm room. I look forward to Day 2 and all the coming days here at the festival. See you tomorrow!
###
OH By they way some of my upcoming guest on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat include; producer Rocky Lang, director Bill Rebane, director Peter Marshall, writer, producer Michael Frost Beckner, Actors Michael Spears and Eddie Spears and others. So be sure to stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted.
Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.
Updates will be posted at this blog, at the official site, on the RSMB Friends page on FB, through twitter and elsewhere. When you can’t join us live you can still listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.
Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS
Kathy Fehl lived in NY, writing plays, directing, and producing theater. She created a five hundred seat theater at 79th and Riverside, the heart of the Upper West Side; the first show she directed there was Waiting for Godot, starring David Morse.
The theater looked out under stone arches at the Hudson River, and denizens of the park, homeless vets and others, watched the show nightly, mingling with the rest of the audience, and touchingly identifying with the characters.
Kathy studied with several brilliant teachers, including Lee Strasberg, Geraldine Page, Christine Lavren, and John Guare. She believes that these people and others, with their passionate understanding of theater as more than the sum of its parts, inspired and led her toward her strong sense of the very important role the theater arts have in our civilization.
In addition to the fourteen plays of Fehl’s that were produced in NY, she has had shows produced on Martha’s Vineyard and in Wisconsin. She co-wrote ‘Mint Julep’, a feature film, with Ian Teal. She would like to make more films. Currently, she enjoys developing programs in various types of theater and film at Wega Arts, in Weyauwega, WI.
Ian Teal is the Executive Director of Wega Arts and is glad to be back on the stage acting as well as directing. He studied improvisational theater in New York and was a founding member of the comedy group Afterwards, which wrote skits and presented comedy in clubs in NYC and on Martha’s Vineyard.
Ian taught improvisation to kids and started an outdoor amphitheater in conjunction with the Vineyard Playhouse, on Martha’s Vineyard. He worked with theater companies in Manhattan, and was part of the group that created the People’s Playhouse, on East Fourth Street, NYC, where he wrote, directed and produced.
He co-wrote, directed, and produced ‘Mint Julep’, a feature film. Originally Ian is from Oconomowoc, WI, Since 2007 he has led the renovations of the Gerold Opera House, and has worked to bring Wega Arts programs to the area.
Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.
Updates will be posted at this blog, at the official site, on the RSMB Friends page on FB, through twitter and elsewhere. When you can’t join us live you can still listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.
Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS
This day started as the previous days have. Up early, got ready and drove to Maiden Rock for breakfast. Worked on computer. Published yesterday’s blog and began today’s. Beautiful sunrise.
Waited on friends for breakfast while working and chatting with waitstaff. Shortly, friends arrived. Jeremy Wilker, Jerry Bell, Jake Stetler and Perry showed up to eat.
First short of the day ‘Nostalgic’ (USA) directed by Ronald Eltanal provided a intriguing look into the deterioration of memory.
The first feature of the day I attended at The WideSpot in Stockholm was the well made and engaging ‘North Passage’ (USA) director Kevin Pontuti who answered questions afterwards. Kevin is instructor at UW-Stout.
Spent time chatting with Anna Weiss and others out front of the filmmaker lounge. Then David Potter and I sat along the river front discussing film projects enjoying the gorgeous weather. Jake arrived, David had to run Jake and I dined at the fabulous Harbor View and had an incredible dinner.
Back to the WideSpot to see the final feature of the festival. Caught Michael T Vollman’s touching short ‘Before You’. I have known Michael for many years but haven’t chatted with him for some time. He did not attend the fest but I was so glad I caught this delightful film about his first child.
Alex R Johnson answered questions after the showing of his gritty, violent, festival winner ‘Two Step’. I liked this film too.
The Flyway Film Festival official closed. Those of us remaining returned to the filmmaker lounge.
There were more people than I can remember or name but those I am able to included, Rick and Diana Vaicius, Allison, Beth, Jerry, David Potter, Kristjan Knigge, Jim Brunzell, Vince Colombo and his wife (forgive me I can’t recall her name), Jake Stetler, Frederick Thornton, Alex Gioulakis, Alex R Johnson, and others (forgive me).
Food and drink and hanging out late is how our evening ended. I returned to the cabin I stayed at – now the only person at the camp grounds which proved spooky cool.
A huge hug and thanks to all the festival volunteers and staff who made Flyway number 7 a big hit with all of us filmmakers and fans. A big round of applause to all of you AND to all the filmmakers who showed movies. I understand there were many good shorts, docs and features from all the discussion that was had.
Programming is excellent at Flyway and makes it a wonderful festival for that reason, but not that reason alone. A big hug and thanks to all the filmmakers and fans who attended, those who screened films and those who didn’t and to all the fans. A truly fabulous Flyway for 2014 and I am already looking forward to next year.
Addendum: Monday October 27.
Up early. Met Jake at his hotel and separately we drove to Beth’s Twin Bluffs Cafe for a final Flyway breakfast together. Good food, conversation and time spent hanging out. I left to drive back to Milwaukee arriving about 5 hours later and am typing these words.
Jake went back to pick up Fred and Alex and together drive to Minneapolis airport where the two producers return to L A and director Jake returns to Pennsylvania.
Thanks everyone for all the fine films and fond memories.
Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.
Updates will be posted at this blog, at the official site, on the RSMB Friends page on FB, through twitter and elsewhere. When you can’t join us live you can still listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.
Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS
| Filmmakers | Filmmaking | Film Production | Film School | Movies | Film Financing | Get Rich | Make Money | Film Distribution | Movie Production | Directing | Screenwriting | Acting | Acting Career | Acting School | Become A Movie Star | Become A Celebrity | Live Your Dreams | Become Wealthy | Acting School | Lean How To Make Movies | Learn How To Act | Learn Screenwriting
Rex Sikes' Movie Beat 