About a month ago, a friend asked me to act in an online commercial he was directing. He wanted me to play the role of a comic book nerd. If you know me, that’s a huge stretch.
(Sarcasm.)
Though I’m not a comic book fan, I do like all things nerdy — and my glasses and skinny frame help sell the part.
I’ve acted a little in college in student films. I even took an acting class. But I don’t consider myself to be an actor. Thankfully, I had only one word of dialogue.
I thought I’d do the video, get paid, and forget about it. I don’t really enjoy being in front of the camera. But instead, the commercial went VIRAL. At the time of this writing, it has 78,000 views. Insane.
Within a view days of posting, it was picked up by various comic book websites, each with its own opinion on the message of the video. Some appreciated the commercial’s portrayal of comic book nerds and others didn’t. My favorite review is found on ToplessRobot.com. I am called “reasonably attractive.” I’ll take it. 
(Beware – That site is sometimes NSFW)
Check out the video here:
In April of this year, I celebrated my 2 year anniversary of moving to Los Angeles. It was a huge risk to pack all my belongings into my Honda Civic and head out with no place to live, no job, and no friends or family. All in the hopes to work in this crazy business we call “Hollywood.”
In March of this year, I was hired as an assistant editor on a feature film written, directed, produced, and starring a famous child actor from the 1980s. He was on a sitcom that my family and I watched every week. No, I won’t share with you who it is.
After two weeks of organizing the footage during production, I was asked to cut a few scenes while the editor was out of town. This director came in one day and asked to see some of the film. I showed him what I had been working on and he seemed to be pleased with my work.
When the editor came back in town, he announced that he wasn’t going to be able to finish the movie. As bizarre as it sounds, the director asked me to cut the film. What a moment. (BTW, I was at Disneyland when I got the call. How awesome is that?)
It has been a great pleasure working with this director. The film is lower budget and I’ve really enjoyed the challenge.
It wasn’t my first rodeo. I cut Dangerous Calling along with Josh. And I’ve cut numerous short films over the years. But this was my first shot at cutting someone else’s film. Serving someone else’s vision. And I have to say — I LOVE IT.
It sounds like one of those stories you hear about. Being in the right place at the right time. I call it the hand of God. But whatever you want to call it, it happened and I now have a second feature under my belt as the editor. It feels great.
I get paid to make movies! I would never have had this experience if I hadn’t taken a risk.
Here are a few quotes I recently discovered on risk:
“One hour of life, crowded to the full with glorious action, and filled with noble risks, is worth whole years of those mean observances of paltry decorum” ~ Sir Walter Scott
“No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
“We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal and then leap in the dark to our success.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” ~ Robert Kennedy
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain
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Take a risk. It’ll pay off.
Last year in 2010 Turner Classic Movies chose director, George Cukor’s 1954 version of “A Star is Born” to be the film to kick off their first ever Classic Film Festival. This Friday, June 10 at 12:15PM (PST) you can see for yourself exactly why the iconic film was such a perfect choice for establishing the tone of a festival dedicated to the celebration of great classic cinema.
Judy Garland stars as a struggling, unknown performer who becomes the protégé and love interest of a difficult and egotistical Hollywood star played by James Mason. The two become devoted to each other, but, sadly, as her star goes on a meteoric rise his life spins completely out of control until he becomes a hopeless has-been. Set amid the exciting yet brutal behind the scenes world of Hollywood the story is deftly presented with all the skill and drama one would expect of the collective talents involved. The relationships feel authentic, and the chemistry between the two stars is a uniquely palpable one that sustains itself right up until the heartbreaking conclusion. The supporting cast is equally exceptional, led by the always charming Jack Carson who plays an insider who does his best to help the two people he cares deeply for until it hinders his own career opportunities – he may be a pariah, but you feel for him as he struggles with his conflicting loyalties.
Along with the performances the overall production is absolutely stellar. The glossy and saturated look of the film drenches you with the feel of 1950’s Hollywood, providing a heavy atmosphere to the dingy after hours clubs, and an extra sparkle to the glamorous side of a movie star’s life. And the song and dance numbers are so well integrated there’s never a moment that doesn’t feel completely organic in origin, especially the more intimate scenes between Garland and Mason. The scene where she entertains him with a one-woman show at home is absolutely inspiring, and a great moment in movie history.
I promise you, if you haven’t seen this version of “A Star is Born” you are missing out on a seminal example of cinema at its absolute best. And if you’re already familiar with the film, why would you miss out on the chance to see it again? I know you’ll agree, it’s that good.
As posted before, Josh and I had the pleasure of attending the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival. It was held in Hollywood with screenings going on at the Chinese Theater and the Egyptian Theater with the festival headquarters in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Thursday, April 28th
The opening night movie was An American in Paris which we did NOT get an invite to. It was pretty exclusive. One of our bloggers, Carrie Specht went to the Red Carpet and was able to speak with several old and new stars. Check out her coverage here.
We started the festival on Thursday evening by seeing a collection of Walt Disney’s earliest animated shorts called the Laugh-O-Grams. He was only twenty years old when he formed this venture. He made seven in all before going bankrupt and heading west. (I”m so glad he did.)
We’d only seen bits and pieces of the Laugh-O-Grams on various Walt Disney biography specials. There is one famous Laugh-O-Gram that many might recognize. It actually shows Walt at the animation desk and his drawings come to life. We were very excited to see the complete short.
The screening was emceed by Disney Historian JB Kaufman. You can hear his commentary here:
Next, we were able to see A Night at the Opera — starring the Marx Brothers. It was a rare treat to be able to screen the film with Groucho’s grandson, Andy Marx, and hear stories of what it was like growing up in the Marx family. Producer Robert Bader provided great commentary as well.
I had never seen this particular Marx Brothers film. It is definitely one of their best.
You can hear the audio here:
Friday, April 29th
On Friday, we started early in the morning with a screening of A Streetcar Named Desire at Grauman’s Chinese. Leonard Maltin was on hand to introduce the film. You can hear the audio here:
Immediately after, we watched The Godfather also at Grauman’s Chinese. That experience was like none other. A film historian (whose name I don’t remember) gave a quick intro to the film:
After that, we had a tough decision to make but ultimately landed on seeing Girl Crazy. The thing that put this film over the top — Mickey Rooney was in attendance. He gave a long introduction to the film and it was delightful!
You can hear the audio with Mickey Rooney and Ben Mankiewicz here:
On Friday evening, TCM hosted a party at The Music Box on Hollywood Blvd. A swing orchestra called Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks played the event. They are famous for being the on screen orchestra in The Aviator (among other things.) They are the best swing orchestra I’ve ever heard. And I’ve heard several play. (About a year ago I took up swing dancing.) It was an extremely fun evening.
At midnight, we went to a screening of William Castle’s The Tingler. I had never seen this film before. When it originally ran during the 1960′s, William Castle would have special in-theater effects to enhance the viewing experience. We heard a rumor that they were going to recreate some of these effects. And sure enough, toward the end of the film, there were in-theater actors running around screaming plus a skeleton on cables flying around. Such a cool experience.
You can read what I wrote about William Castle last Halloween here.
And check out the audio from Bruce Goldstein who produced the night’s screening and in-theater effects:
Saturday, April 30th
Early Saturday morning, we saw one of our favorite classic Disney films, Summer Magic. It’s not as widely known but anyone who has ever been to Disneyland or The Magic Kingdom in Orlando has heard the music from it. Most of the songs are played on Main Street.
Becky Cline, the current Disney archivist, introduced the film:
The film stars Hayley Mills and she was on hand to do a Q and A afterwards. You can hear that here:
Josh and I parted ways only once during the festival. He went to see The Outlaw Josey Wales while I saw Cabin in the Sky. I chose this film because I had heard it had swing dancing in it. I didn’t like the film but I get why it is historically significant. You can hear why in the audio I recorded:
Next we went back to the Chinese Theater to see Citizen Kane. What can one say about that experience?
Norman Lloyd, a frequent collaborator with Orson Welles, was on hand to give an introduction:
We ended our Saturday night with a screening of the great silent film star Buster Keaton’s The Cameraman. Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks played the score for the film live. I have never laughed this hard in a movie theater. Keaton is a genius. I’ve had a limited exposure to Keaton but after seeing this film, I want to see more of his movies. I highly recommend this one.
Check out Leonard Maltin giving the introduction:
Sunday, May 1st
Our church meets in the old Pacific Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. After church, Josh and I drove west on the Boulevard to experience the final day of the festival.
We started by watching Goldfinger in Grauman’s Chinese. I’m embarrassed to admit it but I had never seen this Bond film. (I haven’t seen a lot of them.)
It was pretty silly but had some fun iconic moments and was generally a fun ride. Ben Mankiewicz gave an introduction to the film:
For me the highlight of the film was seeing A Place in the Sun on the big screen at the Egyptian. I had seen this film once before but even so, I was equally moved by it. I always leave it feeling incredibly conflicted about the outcome. If you’ve seen the film, you know what I mean. If you haven’t I highly recommend it. I’d put in the top 10 films ever made. Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift give incredible performances, as does Shelley Winters. CHECK IT OUT. NOW!
Rose Mcgowan introduced the film:
After the film, Robert Osborne interviewed Eva Marie Saint about Elizabeth Taylor:
The finale of the event and the highlight for Josh was Fantasia at Grauman’s Chinese. We were shocked to find out that Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller, was in attendance. Josh and I walked right past her in the lobby of the Hollywood Roosevelt.
Walt Disney’s daughter! Wow! Experiences like that make this whole thing seem so real. These people you read about and see on the screen aren’t just characters but real people.
Hear Robert Osborne close out the TCM Classic Film Festival here:
Hopefully we’ll make it back to the 2012 festival. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You shouldn’t either. I just can’t emphasize enough how amazing it is to see all of these classic films in the heart of Hollywood at the most iconic movie theater in the world. Plan on joining us next year.
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) kicked off its 2nd annual Classic Film Festival with a bang by screening a newly restored print of “An American In Paris”. The 60th anniversary world premiere restoration brought out some of Hollywood’s greatest names, old and new for a spectacular red carpet event.
For the second year now TCM has strived to bring to its Classic Film Festival a variety of films that will satisfy the tastes of the multitude of classic film fans that throng to Hollywood for this unique festival. Once again they have gone above and beyond, succeeding in scope as well as notoriety. And that is especially true of the opening night film, “An American in Paris”. The Gene Kelly musical about a painter finding art and romance in the City of Lights is undoubtedly one of the most beloved films in cinema history, possessing mass appeal to all types of moviegoers without known exception. With the young and perky Leslie Caron as co-star, a musical score packed with Gershwin classics, and dance sequences that are among cinema’s most memorable what’s not to like about director Vincente Minnelli’s Oscar winning film?
Lucky me, I was one of the press representatives lined up along the grand walkway leading up to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre for the gala presentation. It was still bright and sunny out as the special guests arrived and made their way past the photographers to the eagerly awaiting reporters. Being a little farther down the line I lost out on speaking directly to many of the stars who arrived late and had to rush in, but the one’s who did stop and chat however briefly made the event a very memorable one for me. But no matter how late any one was they all stopped for the bleacher of fans located just before the theater’s entrance. This was much appreciated by one and all.
Some notable celebrities did make the effort to heed my pleas for a moment of their time. Among them was TCM weekend-daytime host Ben Mankiewicz who had the time to stop and talk about a well-known contract rumor about his facial hair, and his luscious locks of hair. The famed film critic Leonard Maltin graciously paused to hear me express my adoration of his work at last year’s festival even though he was in a big hurry to get to a class he was suppose to be teaching that very moment at USC. Right after that “Leave It to Beaver” star Jerry Mathers spoke briefly with me about his start as a child actor at two-years of age. He was present to serve on a Q&A for Hitchcock’s “The Trouble with Harry”. After him another child star, Hayley Mills and her sister Juliet Mills took the time to reflect on playing one’s own twin in “The Parent Trap”.
Then a star you may not know by name but certainly by voice, Marni Nixon appreciated my recognizing her work as the singing voice of Deborah Kerr, Natalie Wood and Audrey Hepburn, but reminded me (good-naturedly) that she has been seen on screen as well in the role of Sister Sophia in “The Sound of Music”. I was particularly excited to see 1930s child actress Jane Withers who was very pleased to talk about her time on the set with fellow child star Shirley Temple. Lastly, Eva Marie Saint gave me a very warm smile and wave as she passed by. She and her husband gave me a good look over as they passed, but I believe this is because my twin sister, a member of the Actors Studio, sees them both regularly at the West Hollywood studio – I’m guessing they just couldn’t quite place the face out of context.
Even though some stars did not stop to be interviewed the mere fact of having them within reaching distance was very exciting. The experience gave me a good sense of how other classic movie fans attending the rest of the festival were going to feel when they too found themselves so close to the actors they know and love, which of course is a huge aspect of the TCM CFF. Among the night’s notable red carpet attendees who could not stop for me included the female lead of “An American in Paris”, Leslie Caron, TCM primetime host Robert Osborne, Marshall Allman of TV’s acclaimed vampire series “True Blood”, Academy Award winner George Chakiris who was the Best Supporting Actor of 1961 for “West Side Story”, “Show Boat” dancing legend Marge Champion, actress and granddaughter of screen legend Melvin Douglas, Illeana Douglas, “The Office” slut, Kate Flannery, Hitchcock discovery Tippi Hedren, timeless playboy Hugh Hefner, one time “Essentials” co-host Rose McGowan, living icon Peter O’Toole, the ever youthful Priscilla Presley, entertainer extraordinaire Mickey Rooney, Richard “Shaft” Roundtree, and a strikingly beautiful Jennifer Love Hewitt wearing the cutest gold toned cocktail dress I have ever seen.
It’s hard to describe the overall feeling of absolute movie magic that filled the air that evening, but I think you’ll understand better when I tell you that even the most jaded reporter along that red carpet was at one point or another completely star-struck. The feeling on our side of the rope can only be described as giddy as the last star had come and gone, and we were left with a sense of awe and admiration in their wake. That is exactly what I expect from the TCM Classic Film Festival, and by example of the opening night alone I have no doubt that the expectation has been well fulfilled this year, for myself and every other classic film fan in attendance. Viva la TCM!
Last year, we covered the 2010 TCM Classic Film Festival and had an amazing time. And this year, we’re going back! April 28th thru May 1st. Just a few days away! We are so excited.
In anticipation for this year’s festival, check out all of our coverage from last year’s festival:
We’re lining up some REALLY EXCITING interviews so make sure to check back here on the site and follow us on Twitter. @JoshDaws and @JeremiahDaws
You never know who we might bump into.
Tuner Classic Movies highlight’s one movie every week as an “Essential” must-see. This week I couldn’t agree more with their choice. “Ball of Fire” is an exceptional Howard Hawks’ comedy, which is really saying something considering the acclaimed and much-revered director’s lengthy resume includes “Bringing Up Baby”, “His Girl Friday”, and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”.
Barbara Stanwyck stars in this 1941 gem as a mobster’s moll hiding out amongst a gaggle of straight-laced elderly professors led by a younger man, the ruggedly handsome Gary Cooper. Cooper is a serious scholar who naturally falls for Stanwyck (at her brassy best) during his pursuit to understand modern culture. Stanwyck in turn falls for Cooper’s modest and old-fashioned ways as he pumps up the “ah, shucks” personae while he stumbles and blushes from her wisecracking entendres. Likewise, the professors have grown found of the brash young thing and jump to her rescue when her gangster boyfriend, played by the devilishly handsome Dana Andrews tries to take her away. It’s not the most complicated of plots, but it’s an adorably cute tale without being saccharine. It’s well put together with a cast that performs in top form without exception down to the smallest bit part. It’s sure to amuse even the most jaded of modern movie watchers. With such sensational stars, a boat load of charm and a supporting cast to die for I can’t see how anyone wouldn’t like this timeless comedy. Honestly, this is the Golden Age of Hollywood at its comedic best, if you don’t like this film I won’t to know why.
As an added treat “Ball of Fire” will be introduced and discussed by evening on-air host Robert Osborne and series guest host Alec Baldwin. These two highly regarded cinephiles will share their thoughts and insights on the film shortly before it airs, Saturday, April 16th, at 5PM (PST).
After training for months, on Sunday, March 20th, Josh and I ran in the LA Marathon. 26.2 miles in the cold and rain. It started at Dodger Stadium in Downtown LA and went all the way through Hollywood and Beverly Hills and ended in Santa Monica by the beach.
We started running less than two years ago. After we ran the OC HALF Marathon, we posted some life lessons we learned from running.
The most important lesson we’ve learned from running a FULL marathon:
We are capable of achieving way more than we think.
Running a marathon always seemed to be something that other people did but not anything I could do. It always seemed impossible. But it wasn’t.
I wonder – What other limitations am I accepting without cause? What other lids are limiting me? I sure hope I discover them and shatter them to pieces.
All during my training, I said I’d only run one marathon. Now that I’ve achieved it, the thought of doing another one seems not only possible but inevitable. My frame of reference has changed. It IS possible for me to run 26.2 miles. Of course I’ll have to train for it and put in all the hard work necessary but it IS possible.
Since this is a filmmaking blog, let me tie this all in. After being out in LA for just about 2 years, I’ve discovered I used to have the same view of the film industry as I did a marathon – only a special breed of person can do those things. But the truth anyone with a little bit of talent and a LOT of hard work can break into this business. Don’t accept limitations. Don’t mystify the business. Don’t put it on a pedestal. And don’t sell yourself short.
My favorite quote that I used to say to myself while training for the LA Marathon is from the movie The Edge starring Anthony Hopkins -
“What one man can do, another can do!”
So true.
Heralded as the film in which Greta Garbo laughs, “Ninotchka” is a supremely delightful comedy centered on an unlikely romance between a ne’er-do-well French playboy (portrayed by the dapper Melvyn Douglas) and a deadly serious Bolshevik aptly cast with the Silent Screen’s queen of drama. Although sent to Paris on government business, the icy beauty melts when she finds herself attracted to a man who represents everything she has learned to detest. Likewise, the roguish aristocrat who was merely playing around for sport is sent for a loop when he finds that he has truly fallen in love for the first time in his life.
Director Ernst Lubitsch draws the comedienne out of the notoriously dramatic Garbo who plays the unemotional Russian official as a pitch perfect “straight man” for the better part of the film. Known for a terribly serious persona on and off the screen, it is an absolute revelation when the Swedish beauty finally bursts out into uncontrollable laughter. It is one of the most contagious moments in screen history, helped along by the amusing charm of Douglas. This scene alone is reason enough to place “Ninotchka” on your list of all time favorite comedies.
This 1939 masterpiece airs Thursday, March 24th at 7:00PM (PST).
Choosing the TCM Pick of the Week is always difficult for me, however this is a particularly challenging task during the cable station’s annual 31 Days of Oscar. For me, it’s the most wonderful time of the year (well, it’s a close tie with August when TCM hosts Summer Under the Stars). February (yup, the 28 day month) is jammed full of some excellent viewing choices, and with a week with the likes of “Marty”, “12 Angry Men” and “Network” it was going to have to be something pretty spectacular to warrant a recommendation above all others. And “The Westerner” is just that: an exceptional film.
Just as the title suggests, “The Westerner” is a good old Western starring Gary Cooper as a lonesome drifter who stumbles into a none too friendly town where he is accused of the lowest crime of the west: stealing a horse. Coop faces off with the notorious Judge Roy Bean portrayed by the era’s top supporting actor, Walter Brennan who is superlative as the most dubious judge in the west. Brennan earned a well deserved third Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for the role of a lifetime that placed the beloved character actor in the shoes of possibly one of the most conflicted characters in all of Westerns – he admires Cooper while he is doggedly determined to execute him.
This is fine, low-key drama at its best, with plenty of moments of comic relief backed by an extremely moving and satisfying ending. This is definitely one of the most unique buddy moments in all of film history. “The Westerner” airs this Saturday, February 19 at 12:30PM PST.
