Every week, I get several press releases, screening invitations and other notifications from a handful of studio contacts. While I won’t be sharing any information regarding my screening invites, some of the press releases might be of interest to my readers, so I thought I’d start sharing them in toto with all of you. These could include new image galleries for various films or important updates to upcoming releases from various smaller studios and art house production companies.
- Image Gallery: If I Stay
- Image Gallery: Warner Bros. 2014 Fall Preview
- Press Release: Jennifer Connelly Joins Cast of “American Pastoral”
- Press Release: Rooftop Films Announces Feature Film Grants
- Press Release: “Years of Living Dangerously” Releasing on DVD on September 7
- Press Release: Film Society of Lincoln Center and Indiewire Call for Entries for 3rd Annual New York Film Festival Critics Academy
- Press Release: Dakota Fanning Joins Cast of “American Pastoral”
- Press Release: ICFilmFest Premieres at Budlong Elementary School
- Press Release: 2nd Annual Jalopnik Film Festival Encourages Filmmakers to Submit Works Celebrating Jalopnik’s 10th Anniversary
- Press Release: Alec Baldwin Joins “Teachers Lounge”
Image Gallery: If I Stay
Image Gallery: Warner Bros. 2014 Fall Preview
Press Release: Jennifer Connelly Joins Cast of “American Pastoral”
JENNIFER CONNELLY TO STAR IN AMERICAN PASTORAL
Connelly will star with Ewan McGregor in the Philip Roth adaptation for Lakeshore Entertainment
LOS ANGELES, CA (August 4, 2014) – Lakeshore Entertainment has cast Academy Award® winner Jennifer Connelly to co-star in the upcoming Philip Roth adaptation, AMERICAN PASTORAL. Connelly joins Ewan McGregor in the Phillip Noyce directed project based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel. Connelly will play “Dawn”, the wife of McGregor’s “Swede Levov”.
“Jennifer Connelly is one of the great actresses of our time,” stated Lakeshore CEO, Tom Rosenberg. “We always wanted her to play ‘Dawn’ in American Pastoral and we’re thrilled to be working with her.”
AMERICAN PASTORAL’s adapted screenplay was written by John Romano (LINCOLN LAWYER) with filming scheduled for March 2015 in Pittsburgh, PA. AMERICAN PASTORAL will be produced by Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi.
AMERICAN PASTORAL follows Seymour “Swede” Levov, a legendary high school athlete, who grows up to marry a former beauty queen and inherits his father’s business. Swede’s seemingly perfect life shatters when his daughter rebels by becoming a revolutionary and commits a deadly act of political terrorism during the Vietnam War.
Connelly previously starred in NOAH and won an Oscar® for A BEAUTIFUL MIND. She will next be seen in the upcoming ALOFT and SHELTER. Connelly is represented by CAA and Risa Shapiro at Schiff Company.
ABOUT LAKESHORE ENTERTAINMENT
Lakeshore Entertainment is one of the leading independent production, finance and international sales and distribution companies. Founded in 1994 by Chairman and CEO Tom Rosenberg, Lakeshore has produced more than 60 films including the Academy Award® winning MILLION DOLLAR BABY as well as RUNAWAY BRIDE, THE UGLY TRUTH, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, the UNDERWORLD franchise, EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE, CRANK, THE GIFT, AUTUMN IN NEW YORK and ARLINGTON ROAD. Lakeshore’s recent films include THE LINCOLN LAWYER, starring Matthew McConaughey, UNDERWORLD AWAKENING starring Kate Beckinsale and released by Sony Pictures, and STAND UP GUYS, starring Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin. In 2014 Lakeshore released the comedy WALK OF SHAME, starring Elizabeth Banks and James Marsden, along with I, FRANKENSTEIN, starring Aaron Eckhart. Lakeshore is currently in post-production on THE AGE OF ADALINE starring Blake Lively, Harrison Ford and Ellen Burystyn along with THE VATICAN TAPES starring Michael Pena, Dougray Scott, and Djimon Hounsou.
Press Release: Rooftop Films Announces Feature Film Grants
ROOFTOP FILMS ANNOUNCES THE ROOFTOP FILMMAKERS’ FUND PIPER-HEIDSIECK FEATURE FILM GRANT
NEW YORK, NY (August 4, 2014) – Rooftop Films proudly announces the Rooftop Filmmakers’ Fund Piper-Heidsieck Feature Film Grant provided by our supporting sponsor, Piper-Heidsieck, one of eight different filmmaker grants that Rooftop Films will award this year. The $10,000 Piper Heidsieck cash grant will be given to one Rooftop alumni filmmaker, awarded for a critical stage in their production of a new, independent feature film.
Acting as innovators in independent cinema exhibition, Rooftop Films has enabled the success of many alumni through other Filmmakers’ Fund Grants ranging from production or post-production support. Past grantees include Lucy Walker with her Academy Award-nominated short documentary The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom, Sean Durkin with the critically acclaimed Martha Marcy May Marlene, Benh Zeitlin with the Academy Award-nominated Beasts of the Southern Wild, and most recently David Lowery’s Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, which had its World Premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival was released theatrically by IFC Films later that year. Other Rooftop Filmmakers’ Fund grantees have gone on to have tremendous success at festivals and reaching wide, appreciative audiences. With the generous support of Piper-Heidsieck, this cash grant will help a future filmmaker connect with those audiences.
“Champagne Piper-Heidsieck is proud to partner with Rooftop Films,” says Romain Pianet, Senior Brand Director for Piper-Heidsieck. “Celebrating its 21st year as the official champagne of the Cannes Film Festival, as well as a recent collaboration with American Cinemateque based in Los Angeles, Piper-Heidsieck has a strong history in supporting cinema. We felt it a natural fit to partner with a unique and supportive organization such as Rooftop Films, which regularly makes bold choices in its selection of films, filmmakers and screening locations. In addition to supporting screenings throughout the year, we’re very excited to launch the Piper-Heidsieck Rooftop Feature Film Grant to help a talented filmmaker realize his or her vision.”
“At Rooftop Films, our mission is to act as innovators in independent cinema exhibition. We are proud to have enabled the success of many alumni through other Filmmakers’ Fund Grants ranging from production or post-production support,” says Dan Nuxoll, Rooftop Films programming director. “Thanks to the generous support of Piper-Heidsieck, this $10,000 grant will help another talented filmmaker reach a goal, tell a story, and realize a dream.”
The Rooftop Filmmakers’ Fund uses community support to provide grants to filmmakers whose work has screened at our festival. A portion of all ticket sales and film submission fees is set aside and given back to selected filmmakers to help with their future productions, forging a bond between audiences and artists in a unique cycle of exhibition and production. The Rooftop Filmmakers’ Fund provides additional grants through partnerships with DCTV, Edgeworx Studios, Technological Cinevideo Services, Eastern Effects, Domicile NYC, and the Adrienne Shelly Foundation.
The 2014 Rooftop Films Filmmakers’ Fund Grants are:
Rooftop Films and Piper-Heidsieck Feature Film Grant
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck has a long history of supporting cinematic achievement. For this grant, Piper-Heidsieck will provide a $10,000 cash grant to a Rooftop alumni filmmaker who has demonstrated grand and bold efforts in cinema, and who is at a critical stage in his/her production of a new, independent feature film. The recipient will be feted at an event in early Fall 2014.
Rooftop Films and Eastern Effects Equipment Grant
Eastern Effects is film production rental house based in Brooklyn. Since 1999, Eastern Effects has been providing Lighting & Grip Equipment Rentals for Independent Feature Films, Television Productions, Corporate & Industrial Videos, Student Filmmakers, and Live Broadcast. For this grant, Eastern Effects will award 30 days of lighting and grip equipment to one feature-length film.
Rooftop Films Technological Cinevideo Services Camera Grant
Technological Cinevideo Services has been the rental home for world-famous professional motion picture equipment for more than 30 years. For this grant, TCS will award 21 days of high-quality camera and lens equipment for one feature-length film.
Rooftop Films and Edgeworx Post-Production Grant
Edgeworx Studios is a post-production house based in Manhattan. With a fifteen year track record, Edgeworx provides full service production and post-production. Their areas of expertise include motion graphic design, animation, VFX, editorial and finishing. For this grant, Edgeworx will provide 1-2 weeks of post-production services to one feature-length film.
Rooftop Films Domicile NYC Sound Mix Grant
Domicile NYC is a post-production facility that caters to the independent film and television producer. They strive to produce the highest quality in picture and audio finishing. For this grant, Domicile will award a 5.1 Surround Sound Mix for one short fiction or documentary film.
Rooftop Films / DCTV Equipment and Services Feature and Short Film Grant
DCTV Equipment Rentals is one of the only rental houses that does not require production insurance and is open 7 days a week, striving to make otherwise expensive pro camera, lighting and audio gear accessible. DCTV Workshops provide over 200 hands-on workshops in video production, post-production, producing, and graphic & web design each year, taught by working industry professionals in an intimate and interactive environment. For this grant, DCTV will provide 2-3 weeks of production equipment and workshop enrollment to two filmmakers making short films.
Rooftop Films and Adrienne Shelly Foundation Short Film Grant For Women
The Adrienne Shelly Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated in loving memory to the uniquely gifted actor and filmmaker Adrienne Shelly, whose highly accomplished life was tragically cut short November 1, 2006. ASF supports the artistic achievements of female actors, writers and directors through a series of scholarships and grants, providing recipients with financial support and consultative access to the Foundation’s advisory board of actors, directors, producers, composers, law, publicity, academic and trade professionals. Reflecting Adrienne’s spirit, generosity, courage and whimsy, its goal is to recognize the tremendous passion and commitment of women artists in creating their own work, and provide them with support and guidance particularly during periods of transition and struggle. For this grant, we will award one $3,000 grant to a female director.
Rooftop Filmmakers’ Fund Short Film Grant
We believe that short films do not receive the attention they deserve in the world of film, and that all too often even a festival which prominently includes short films does little for the filmmaker in the long run. For the short film grants, Rooftop Films earmarks one dollar from every regularly-priced ticket sold and every submission fee received for the Filmmakers’ Fund. Every year, filmmakers whose movies have screened at Rooftop Films are eligible to apply for grants for their future productions. We believe that instead of giving each filmmaker ten dollars, giving away a few larger sums (up to $3,000) toward specific projects is a better way to help the filmmakers and the independent filmmaking community in general.
Press Release: “Years of Living Dangerously” Releasing on DVD on September 7
ACCLAIMED SHOWTIME SERIES “YEARS OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY” NOMINATED FOR TWO PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS, TO BE RELEASED ON DVD ON SEPTEMBER 7
Dramatic Storytelling and Investigative Journalism Reveal Critical Stories of Heartbreak, Hope and Heroism as the Race to Save the Planet Continues
Note: Co-Directors, Producers and Correspondents Available for Interview. Online screeners available now, DVD sets will be available closer to release date.
NEW YORK – The acclaimed Showtime television series Years of Living Dangerously exploring the human impact of climate change, which recently received two Primetime Emmy® nominations, will be released on DVD on September 7. The entire nine-part series is available for pre-orders on Amazon.com in the Years of Living Dangerously – The Complete Showtime Series, a 5-disc set. Each disc includes bonus features to accompany each episode. Each individual episode will also be available for separate orders at Amazon.com.
From the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy to the upheaval caused by drought in the Middle East, Years of Living Dangerously combines the blockbuster storytelling styles of top Hollywood movie makers with the reporting expertise of Hollywood’s brightest stars and today’s most respected journalists. The series brought intimate stories of triumph and tragedy into the homes of millions of Americans this Spring.
The innovative series broke out of the conventional news and documentary form to establish a new approach to programming and broke news, repeatedly, with its investigative reporting and interviews throughout the United States and across the globe.
Last month it was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Documentary Series & Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming. The awards will be presented by The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences during the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards to be broadcast on Monday, August 25 at 8 PM.
Emmy-winning 60 Minutes veteran journalists/producers David Gelber and Joel Bach created the series, which was executive produced by top movie makers James Cameron, Jerry Weintraub & Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bach and Gelber oversaw a team of over 50 field producers and researchers and relied upon the expertise of dozens of leading climatologists, including chief science advisors Heidi Cullen, Ph.D. and Joe Romm, Ph.D.
“We are so honored that the series has received these nominations and the incredible response from audiences, critics and people across the political spectrum,” said director/producers Bach and Gelber. “But what is most humbling is the response people have had to this experiment in telling exciting stories in a way that had never been done before on television. Climate change, so often invisible, is finally something audiences can embrace through entertaining television.”
This awe-inspiring and cinematic series features correspondents – including Hollywood celebrities – who went into the field as journalists, and they succeeded in remarkable ways. The team of correspondents includes Harrison Ford, Matt Damon, Jessica Alba, America Ferrera, Don Cheadle, Michael C. Hall, Olivia Munn, Ian Somerhalder, Pulitzer Prize-winner Thomas Friedman and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Additional correspondents include Leslie Stahl, Mark Bittman, Chris Hayes, M. Sanjayan and more.
The series profiles heroes in science research, environmental activism and business, who offer hope even as the series finds the impacts of climate change are already far worse than most viewers have known.
Series correspondents find that politics is getting in the way of solutions that can reduce or slow the rate of growth of climate change. In a riveting turn of events, correspondent and actor Harrison Ford goes deep into Indonesian deforestation issue and confronts business leaders and the top government official responsible for the destruction of that nation’s forests. Correspondent America Ferrera investigated the battle over the future of renewable energy in the U.S. She profiles a prominent climate skeptic who is leading a national lobbying campaign that crusades against clean energy. She found that renewable energy, once considered too expensive to deploy on a large scale, is making major inroads in the United States. And Matt Damon and Don Cheadle each went into communities and connected with women and men in Texas and California and reported on the real toll climate change is already having on Americans, impacts they were able to witness first-hand. They saw the health and economic impacts that are at the heart of the urgency of the climate change issue, yet are the ones most Americans don’t associate with our changing environment.
Correspondent and New York Times reporter Mark Bittman conducted a year-long investigation into industry claims that natural gas is “America’s energy source” and a way toward a cleaner, greener future. Bittman followed scientists conducting cutting-edge research into the rate of natural gas leaks, specifically the powerful greenhouse gas methane. Correspondent and MSNBC anchor Chris Hayes explored the real-life effects of climate change. He also dug into the politics of climate change denial, and the change of heart two Republican congressman had on climate science.
The New York Times called Years of Living Dangerously “a compelling fresh approach to showing the importance of climate hazards to human affairs” and TIME says it’s “a strong work with richly shot and compelling stories.” The Guardian called it “a non-fiction thriller you won’t want to miss.”
Press Release: Film Society of Lincoln Center and Indiewire Call for Entries for 3rd Annual New York Film Festival Critics Academy
THE FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER & INDIEWIRE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FILM COMMENT MAGAZINE, ANNOUNCE CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR THIRD ANNUAL NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL CRITICS ACADEMY
New York, NY — The Film Society of Lincoln Center and Indiewire and its parent company SnagFilms, in partnership with Film Comment magazine announced today a call for entries for the 2014 New York Film Festival Critics Academy, a workshop for aspiring New York-based film critics that takes place during the festival September 26 – October 12.
The Critics Academy, Film Society, Film Comment and Indiewire’s initiative to assist aspiring film critics with the process of kickstarting their careers, was first launched at the 2012 Locarno Film Festival and a local version was then produced that fall during the 2012 New York Film Festival. Last January, the Sundance Film Festival hosted a Critics Academy funded in part by the Roger Ebert Scholarship for Film Criticism. Earlier this month, the finalists were announced for the next Locarno Critics Academy, whose participants will cover the 67th edition of the festival from August 6-16.
The third edition of Film Society, Film Comment and Indiewire’s New York-based Critics Academy, is now scheduled to coincide with the upcoming NYFF, and will begin accepting applications today. Details for applicants can be found below.
For this year’s NYFF six participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves a wide variety of international cinema while dealing with the practical challenges of covering a festival at the epicenter of New York’s film culture. The participants will cover the festival with reviews of films in the selection, articles on sidebar events, in-depth reflections on the various program sections, or interviews with the festival’s guests.
The 2014 NYFF Critics Academy will begin several days ahead of the festival with roundtable discussions continuing over the course of the next five days (participants will also have the option of attending press screenings earlier in the month). Participants will then work on covering the festival once it begins at the end of that week, with guidance from Indiewire’s Chief Film Critic and Senior Editor, Eric Kohn and members of the Film Society and Film Comment magazine. The workshop will officially conclude on October 12, the last day of the festival.
In a very short amount of time, the multifaceted nature of the Critics Academy has allowed the workshop approach to have a direct impact on the way budding critics think about the opportunities to cover films around the world. In advance of this year’s NYFF, critics will engage in candid discussions with working critics, distributors, filmmakers and others directly impacted by their work to bring a greater context to its ongoing relevance. They will then provide written work for Indiewire’s Criticwire blog (a part of their Criticwire Network) and Film Comment magazine the official publication of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and other outlets to be arranged closer to the event.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center continues to innovate with its multiple ways of impacting contemporary film culture — from festivals to first-run theaters and various educational initiatives, including this one. The multi-partnership with the Film Society, Film Comment and Indiewire is a natural fit with this initiative to work toward assuring that New York’s vibrant film culture continues to benefit from talented critics willing to take advantage of the cinematic riches it has to offer.
The application process begins today; the deadline is Friday, August 22.
Accepted critics will be notified by September 1. Emphasis will be placed on a diversity of voices, backgrounds and cinematic interests.
Requirements: Applicants must have completed a minimum of three years of undergraduate study or no more than two years of experience creating critical and/or journalistic content about movies. They must demonstrate an interest in film criticism and/or film journalism as well as the ability to speak and write fluently in English. They must also live in New York City or the greater New York area.
Applications must include the following:
CV: A basic one-page resume
Five writing samples about film. These can take the form of film reviews, scholarly papers, blog posts, college newspaper clips, podcasts or any other work that you think demonstrates your skills.
A 500-word statement of intent. Tell us about your background and why you would make an ideal candidate for the Critics Academy. Make sure to note any particular interests (genres, national cinemas, etc.). Passion, strong writing skills and a deep knowledge of film history matter more than overall professional experience.
Press Release: Dakota Fanning Joins Cast of “American Pastoral”
DAKOTA FANNING JOINS AMERICAN PASTORAL
Fanning joins Ewan McGregor and Jennifer Connelly in the Philip Roth adaptation for Lakeshore Entertainment
LOS ANGELES, CA (August 6, 2014) – Lakeshore Entertainment has cast Dakota Fanning to co-star in the upcoming Philip Roth adaptation, AMERICAN PASTORAL. Fanning joins Ewan McGregor and Jennifer Connelly in the film, which will be directed by Philip Noyce. AMERICAN PASTORAL is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel written by Philip Roth. Fanning will play the pivotal role of “Merry Levov”, the daughter of McGregor’s “Swede Levov” and Connelly’s “Dawn.”
“The role of ‘Merry’ is an extremely complex part, and I believe that Dakota Fanning will break our hearts with her performance,” stated Lakeshore President, Gary Lucchesi.
AMERICAN PASTORAL’s adapted screenplay was written by John Romano (LINCOLN LAWYER) with filming scheduled for March 2015 in Pittsburgh, PA. AMERICAN PASTORAL will be produced by Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi.
Fanning was recently seen in THE RUNAWAYS, THE TWILIGHT SAGA, and NIGHT MOVES. She will next appear in THE LAST OF ROBIN HOOD. Fanning is represented by CAA and Echo Lake Entertainment.
AMERICAN PASTORAL follows Seymour “Swede” Levov, a legendary high school athlete, who grows up to marry a former beauty queen and inherits his father’s business. Swede’s seemingly perfect life shatters when his daughter rebels by becoming a revolutionary and committing a deadly act of political terrorism during the Vietnam War.
Press Release: ICFilmFest Premieres at Budlong Elementary School
ICFilmFest to Premiere at Budlong Elementary School
Festival features 23 films from 15 countries
Chicago IL/Summer 2014-The ICFilmFest, the first touring festival of world class children’s film programs, presents two special screenings at Budlong Elementary School (2701 W. Foster Ave.) on Monday, August 18th at 1 and 3pm. Students, parents, teachers, and neighbors of Budlong are invited to the ICFilmFest’s showcase of 23 films from 15 countries.
Two lively shorts programs feature films as diverse as previous Best of the Fest winner Love Bug;an exciting romp through the jungle in Amazonia; the Danish short Flap Crashers, in which a bird must overcome his fear of flying; and One Shoe Blues starring legendary blues man, B.B. King. The International Children’s Film Festival is curated by Nicole Dreiske and presented by the International Children’s Media Center in collaboration with Budlong Elementary School.
Budlong Principal Naomi Nakayama applauds the interactive focus of the Festival: “Watching movies shouldn’t be a passive experience for children and at the ICFilmFest, it isn’t. Lively discussions and voting are designed to make the experience memorable and interactive for students of all ages.”
Children have the opportunity to vote for their favorite films immediately following each program. Their participation determines the winner of the “Best of the ICFilmFest” to be awarded to the film that receives the greatest number of votes.
ICMC Director Nicole Dreiske comments, “Forty languages are spoken by parents whose students attend Budlong, and it’s one of the most culturally diverse schools in the city. Budlong School is a perfect partner for an event that celebrates global culture.”
Tickets (per screening) are $5 for general public, FREE for Budlong students and parents. For more information, please visit www.icmediacenter.org or call 773-528-6854
Budlong Elementary School ICFilmFest 2014 Schedule:
Mouse for Sale, Belgium
Kosher (UK)
Monday, August 18 at 1pm CREATIVE CRITTERS, CLEVER KIDS Ages 5+ (67mins)
From the musical to the practical, inspiration strikes these characters when they need it most. Laugh with Superdad and Pelé on an unexpected day off, fly with Mama Crow as she shields her nest from a greedy fox, and root for Fly Guy as he competes for the title of Best Pet Ever. Creative Critters, Clever Kids features 11 films from 9 countries: There’s Bliss in the Kiss (Germany/Singapore), Collective Consciousness #6 (Brazil), Most Scary Animal (Russia), Chopin’s Drawings (Poland), Edeltraud & Theodor (Germany), Hi! Fly Guy (USA), Mama Crow and the Fox (Iran), Kosher (UK), Nully & Preisemuth – Different Dinners (Germany), Superdad & Pelé (Norway), and The Princess’ Painting (Germany).
What Makes Me Happy? Tung’s Film, Vietnam
Amazonia, US
Monday, August 18 at 3pm TOUCH OF GENIUS Ages 8+ (69min)
There’s something special in every one of us. But like the characters in these clever films, we have to find that special something and cherish it. Jam along with the great B.B. King and some quirky sock puppets (One Shoe Blues, US), stay one step ahead of colorful rainforest predators (Amazonia, US), and discover how to escape the mysterious Kingdom of Cats (The Kingdom of Cats, Russia). Catch all 12 live action and animated films from 10 countries including: Mouse for Sale (Belgium), Lexdysia (Poland), Percuissons (France), What Makes Me Happy?: Tung’s Film (Vietnam), Love Bug (US), Flap Crashers (Denmark), Monarch (Mexico) Lizard (Australia) and Papa’s Boy (Poland).
For press information on the ICFilmFest Film Festival please contact David Orlikoff at 773-882-7272 or e-mail: dorlikoff@icmediacenter.org.
Credits
The ICFilmFest is supported by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation at the MacArthur Foundation and by Howard and Pam Conant.
Press Release: 2nd Annual Jalopnik Film Festival Encourages Filmmakers to Submit Works Celebrating Jalopnik’s 10th Anniversary
Second Annual Jalopnik Film Festival Encourages Filmmakers to Submit Their Original Works Celebrates Jalopnik’s 10th Anniversary
(New York, NY | August 7, 2014) Jalopnik announced that it will hold the second annual Jalopnik Film Festival this November. One of the core brands in The Gawker Media Group, Jalopnik is one of the largest car enthusiast publications in the world with over eight million global uniques, covering everything from the latest automotive news to developments in aviation and military technology. This year’s film festival also rolls around at the same time as Jalopnik’s tenth anniversary.
The Jalopnik Film Festival, with Volvo as its premiere sponsor, will be bigger and better this year, as it is giving filmmakers the opportunity to submit their own films. This allows auto enthusiasts to not only partake in watching films at the festival but also to become a part of it themselves, which is vital to the preservation of car culture and car history.
Filmmakers have until September 5th to submit their films – submissions can be any car film produced or screened after last year’s festival, September 19th, 2013, and between 30 seconds to 120 minutes in length. Submissions will be categorized by narrative, documentary, animation, or foreign language (subtitled in English). All submissions will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of judges. Films can be submitted here and full rules can be found here.
With the help of Volvo, the Jalopnik Film Festival will also provide filmmakers with the resources to make their films. Volvo will provide the cars and elite filmmaking crew to make a short film about car culture that focuses on a theme of “Why We Care”. To enter this contest, filmmakers would need to submit their proposals by August 25th. Full details can be found here.
In addition to submissions, the Jalopnik Film Festival will also screen an “Official Selection” program of premieres of films about cars and car culture. Last year, the festival screened a variety of studio films, including the first public showing of Ron Howard’s RUSH and Asif Kapadia’s SENNA; this year, audiences should be in for a treat with premieres from some of car culture’s most prominent filmmakers. The big screening night is November 6th in New York City, bringing together an exciting mix of special guests, big films, and film submission from emerging filmmakers with a passion for cars. Chosen submissions will be screened alongside the premiere titles.
Jalopnik Editor-in-Chief Matt Hardigree says, “The success of last year’s Jalopnik Film Festival showed us that there are more films about car culture and more filmmakers interested in the topic than we ever realized, so for our second year of the JFF we’ve decided to recognize and support both. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jalopnik than to share in the love of car culture through film.”
Press Release: Alec Baldwin Joins “Teachers Lounge”
ALEC BALDWIN JOINS THE CAST OF TEACHERS LOUNGE
The “30 Rock” Actor Becomes the PA Announcer for the Thundershorts Original Series Which Has New Episodes Airing Through the End of Summer
New York, NY, August 7, 2014 – Alec Baldwin, the Emmy Award®-winning “30 Rock” star will be taking on the role of “PA Announcer” in the final five episodes of “Teachers Lounge”, the new episodic comedy series on Thundershorts.com. With his acerbic wit and unmistakable baritone, Baldwin is a welcome addition to the free, streaming series which reveals a hilarious, fly-on-the-wall look at the goings-on behind the mysterious “Teachers Lounge” door in an NYC elementary school. New episodes air through the end of the summer.
Created by and starring comedians Ted Alexandro (“Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, “Inside Amy Schumer”) and Hollis James as a music teacher and janitor, respectively, TEACHERS LOUNGE follows their interactions with bizarre coworkers, including teachers and administrators played by A-list comedians Jim Gaffigan (Nutrition), Lewis Black (Principal), Dave Attell (School photographer), Judy Gold (Phys Ed), “30 Rock” and “Sharknado 2’s” Judah Friedlander (Computer Science) and “The Daily Show’s” Michael Che (Special Ed).
This week’s all-new episode, viewed on Thundershorts.com or its dedicated YouTube Channel, stars Rachel Feinstein as the sexy school nurse who has a provocative offer for Ted and Hollis; upcoming episodes include School Librarian Todd Barry who uses unorthodox techniques to assure the library remains silent (premieres August 13); Rock Star Ted Leo (Ted Leo & The Pharmacists) makes an appearance only to find the Teachers Lounge residents star-struck (premieres August 20) and, in the Season One finale, the Head of Security Jim Norton explains what he must do in order to keep the school safe (premieres August 27).
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