Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Billy Zane debuts as visual artist with "Killing With Love"

For Immediate Release
June 27, 2010
Contact: Popular Press Media Group (PPMG)
T 310.860.7774 | media@ppmg.info |@ppmginfo


Billy Zane Debuts As Visual Artist

First exhibition "Killing With Love" at Laurie Frank Gallery
Exhibition Dates: June 26th - September 1st, 2010
Opening Reception
Sunday, June 27 6:00pm - 10Pm
*Artist in Attendance
*


Los Angeles, CA (June 21, 2010) -- Frank Pictures Gallery is delighted to present, KILLING WIT
H LOVE, Billy Zane’s debut show of paintings from June 26th to September 1st, with an opening reception for the artist on Sunday, June 27th from 6:30 to 9:30.

Zane, best known for his achievements as an actor in over 80 films, most memorably as Caledon Hockley in the 1997 film Titanic, began painting during his seven months of filming. It didn’t take long for his interest in painting become more than a pastime, it became a consuming passion, often interrupted by his on set responsibilities. Since then he has set up makeshift art studios on almost every location he has filmed in, the cultural influences and use of only local materials influence his spontaneous abstract offerings.

“I love the surprise. The joy of making do with what you ha
ve to work with. The Hardware store, ship yard, roadside dumpsite is my art store and most countries, cities and villages are not short on supplies. If I can’t find canvas, I find old signage, shelf liner, or shipping crates. If I can’t find enough paint I use soil, clay, wine, spit, anything that adheres.”

He has been further influenced in his art by his practice of the Japanese sword fighting martial art of Kendo. “In Kendo, or Specifically the Samurai ethic and art of swordsmanship, before it was diluted into a sport after WW2, one should not insult their opponent with a mincing, poorly executed cut. It should be decisive, effective, a clean kill, informed with respect for ones adversary and ones own skill. In painting, it’s this commitment to task that interests me most, the cut, the stroke. The act supersedes the message. Logic and meaning, if any, emerge after the fact, but are inherent, like the sculpture in the stone, and only evident when I have been guided by an almost brash confidence. Painting for me, is more physical than psychological or even emotional. Although, I derive great joy from the act and serve an almost insatiable desire to sling paint.”

For more information and to view more of Billy Zane's paintings please visit www.frankpicturesgallery.com.

Please Click Here to View Work by Billy Zane


For more, please contact media@ppmg.info


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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Mexico Creates A Tax Incentive Program for Audio Visual Industries

For Immediate Release
March 10, 2010

Mexico Creates Tax Incentive Program for Audio Visual Industries

Playas de Rosarito, Baja California (3/10/2010) -- In order to turn Mexico into the Latin American cinema capital, President Felipe Calderón implemented the Program to Support High-Impact Cinematographic and Audiovisual Industry, designed to attract large movie productions to the country once more.


"Federal Government has proposed to take the necessary measures to give a fresh impetus to the high-range audiovisual and cinematographic industry in Mexico through programs it is supporting in this marvelous renaissance of Mexican cinema, this second Golden Age it has experienced during the first decade of the 21st century," he declared.


In Baja Studios, in Playas de Rosarito, accompanied by state governor Guadalupe Osuna, the President added that this program attempts to put Mexico back on the map of the international film industry, since the cinema is not only regarded as an art, but as an industry that creates jobs and money for the country.


The President explained that the actions that will be undertaken to support the industry and major productions include the budgetary program comprising 20 to 40 million dollars, which will provide direct profits of $260 million USD.


Moreover, major movie productions will be given financial incentives through a 7.5% cash reimbursement for proven local expenses that firms incur in Mexico, which will boost tax collection and reduce tax evasion.

He added that in addition to this 7.5% reimbursement, international investments will have an incentive of up to 17.5% in reimbursement of expenses.


“We want to attract productions involving at least 70 million pesos in production expenses in Mexico or 20 million pesos in post production in the country," he added.


President Calderón declared that last year, the programs designed for the movie industry, such as FOPROCINE, FIDECINE and EFICINE, together with the one beginning today, accounted for nearly 80 million dollars last year, in other words, nearly a billion pesos.


“We will not only be attracting investment and creating new jobs but also contribute to Mexico's competitive integration into an international network of creativity and talent,” he explained.


The President invited both producers, directors, actors and businessmen linked to this industry to use the advantages and opportunities offered by Mexico to promote their artistic projects.


“I am sure that the age-old magic, culture, imagination, history and talent of our country will provide the ideal framework for producing successful, unforgettable films and at the same time, provide work and a decent income for Mexico’s young creative talents, and give work to the actors and movie workers in our country,” he said.


Lastly, President Calderón repeated that investment is crucial to the country's economic growth which is why programs such as this attempt to strengthen key economic features of cinema produced in Mexico.


“The point is to promote cinema as an investment and to make Mexican cinema an activity that can attract capital and investments to Mexico and create jobs in our country," he said.


For more:

Francisco S. del Cueto

Trade and Investment

Logo_DIEX2008

Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles

2401 West 6th St. 5th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90057

t. (213) 382-3179 ext. 227

f. (213) 382-7203

c. (281) 660-8766

francisco.delcueto@promexico.gob.mx

www.promexico.gob.mx

twitter.com/ProMexicoLAX

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Inaugural SoHo International Film Festival Launches February 18 - 21, 2010

Media Alert
January 10, 2010

Inaugural SoHo International Film Festival Launches February 18 - 21, 2010

What: SoHo International Film Festival

When: February 18 - 21, 2010

Who: Local and international filmmakers & founders Luis Pedron and Jorge Ballos.

Why: The first SoHo International Film Festival will run February 18-21, 2010 in New York City. The fledgling festival’s purpose is to “celebrate the cutting-edge of digital technology while honoring traditional forms of storytelling with a presentation of at least twelve feature films, in and out of competition categories.” In addition, the festival will host filmmaking panels, workshops and nightly after-parties.

“We’re getting a lot of strong foreign film submissions that should make our festival a distinguished international showcase,” said co-founder Luis Pedron in a statement. “In addition, we’ve received a good number of wonderfully original shorts and indie features from American filmmakers. We’re quite pleased, especially given the limited time and the fact that we’re still a new festival.”

For more:
http://siffnyc.com/
info@siffnyc.com
212-997-9371 Tel

For media:
Popular Press Media Group (PPMG)
media@ppmg.info
310-860-7774 Tel

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Emmy Award Winning Director John Landis joins Mass Hysteria Entertainment Board of Advisers

For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 15, 2009

Emmy Award Winning Director John Landis joins Mass Hysteria Entertainment Board of Advisers

Legendary Director John Landis ("The Blues Brothers", "Animal House", "Twilight Zone: The Movie", "An American Werewolf In London", "Trading Places" ) Joins Advisory Board

Hollywood, California (October 19, 2009) – Mass Hysteria Entertainment, Inc (PINKSHEETS: MHYS) is pleased to announce the addition of John Landis to the advisory board of Mass Hysteria Entertainment. Mr. Landis is an Emmy Award winning director of such blockbuster movies as "The Blues Brothers", "Animal House", "Twilight Zone: The Movie", "An American Werewolf In London", "Trading Places". “John is one of the greatest directors of our time,” says CEO Dan Grodnik.

“I look forward to being part of the Mass Hysteria team,” says the Emmy Award winning director, “and contributing to this new paradigm of entertainment that the company is creating.”

About Mass Hysteria Entertainment, Inc.
Mass Hysteria Entertainment, Inc. is led by one of the driving forces behind the Independent Film business. Mr. Grodnik, CEO, has a career that spans roughly three decades. He has worked with every major studio as well as many of the better-known Independent companies. Currently, Mr. Grodnik is preparing a thriller titled “Carjacked,” starring Ron Pearlman and directed by Peter Mednak; and the “Courier,” an action film to be directed by Russell Mulcahy. Mr. Grodnik completed a romantic comedy last March titled, “Overnight” and is in development of a new theatrical film with two-time Academy Award winner for best picture, (”The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby”) Albert S. Ruddy. The company website is www.masshysteriafilms.com
Mass Hysteria Entertainment

Contact:
Popular Press Media Group (PPMG)
+1 (310) 860-7774 Tel
media@ppmg.info

# # #

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Mass Hysteria Entertainment announces hiring of New Media pioneer Brent Friedman

For Immediate Release
October 14, 2009

Mass Hysteria Entertainment announces hiring of New Media pioneer Brent Friedman

Friedman's credits include "Mortal Kombat Annihilation", "Star Trek: Enterprise" and "Command & Conquer 3"
Hollywood, California (October 14, 2009) – Mass Hysteria Entertainment Company, Inc. (“MHYS” or the “Company”) (MHYS.PK) is pleased to announce the addition of Brent Friedman to the executive roster as Senior Vice-President of Technology. Following an extensive career in film, television and videogames, Mr. Friedman co-founded Electric Farm Entertainment three years ago. At EFE, Mr. Friedman created and produced the groundbreaking multi-platform series "Afterworld" and "Gemini Division," with two new series, "Woke Up Dead" and "Valemont" currently in release.

"As evidenced by his innovations at Electric Farm, Brent has a keen understanding of the unique relationship that's developing today between technology and content. Brent will be spearheading Mass Hysteria's efforts to bring its proprietary interactive experience into the theatrical arena," said Daniel Grodnik, Mass Hysteria's CEO.

"I'm excited to help Mass Hysteria re-invent the movie-going experience. I think it's going to be revolutionary," said Friedman. Mike Greenfield, Mass Hysteria's Senior Vice-President, was responsible for bringing Brett to the attention of the Company.

About Mass Hysteria Entertainment Company, Inc.
Incorporated in Nevada and headquartered in Hollywood, California the Company is an innovative motion picture studio that produces branded film content for the young adult market including theatrical, DVD, and television distribution managed by veteran motion picture producer Daniel Grodnik. Mass Hysteria's plan is to produce a slate of films that appeal specifically to the youth market. The company website is www.masshysteriafilms.com

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forecasts involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the near future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from forecasted results. These risks and uncertainties include product demand, market competition, fluctuations in advertising payouts, delays in website & application development, technical issues beyond our control, reliance on the various platforms that we build applications on, and risks inherent in our operations. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our public filings with the SEC are available from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. All traffic statistics are recent averages.

For more information or media inquiries:
Popular Press Media Group (PPMG)
+1 (310) 860-7774 Tel
media@ppmg.info

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Monday, August 24, 2009

Mass Hysteria Entertainment Announces Hiring of Comic Genius Pat Proft as Sr. VP

For Immediate Release
Monday, August 24, 2009

Mass Hysteria Entertainment Announces Hiring of Comic Genius Pat Proft as Sr. VP

Credits include Scary Movie, Naked Gun, Hot Shots, Police Academy Franchises

Hollywood, CA (8/24/09) -- Mass Hysteria Entertainment, trading on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol (OTCBB: MHYS) is pleased to announce the hiring of award winning screenwriter, Pat Proft as Senior Vice President of Comedy.

One of the most successful comedy writers of the last three decades, Proft's films, Paramount's Naked Gun movies; Twentieth Century-Fox's Hot Shots 1 and Part Deux; Dimension Films' Scary Movie 3 & 4 and Warner Brother's Police Academy movies, have grossed over one billion dollars worldwide.

"Pat Proft was my first choice to helm the comedy division. He brings Mass Hysteria a solid foundation of success in filmed comedy and outstanding skills as an award winning comedic screenwriter" said Daniel Grodnik, CEO.

"When Dan presented the Mass Hysteria concept, I couldn't wait to get started," said Proft. "The films will have the physical humor we both love, along with off center situations and characters. Add to that to Mass Hysteria's proprietary content and this is going to be fun."

Mass Hysteria is in discussion with Proft for an original screenplay entitled, "Nob".

About Mass Hysteria Entertainment Company, Inc.
Incorporated in Nevada, headquartered in Hollywood, Mass Hysteria Entertainment is an innovative motion picture studio that produces branded motion picture content for young adult market including theatrical, internet, DVD, and television. http://www.masshysteriafilms.com

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forecasts involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the near future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from forecasted results. These risks and uncertainties include product demand, market competition, fluctuations in advertising payouts, delays in website & application development, technical issues beyond our control, reliance on the various platforms that we build applications on, and risks inherent in our operations. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our public filings with the SEC are available from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. All traffic statistics are recent averages.

For more:
Popular Press Media Group (PPMG)
+1 (310) 860-7774
media@ppmg.info

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) honors Charles Durning with Lifetime Achievement Award

For Immediate Release
Monday, January 28, 2008

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) honors Charles Durning with Lifetime Achievement Award

Honoree and legend of the silver screen, Charles Durning, gives a BREAK to independent filmmakers on new film

(Hollywood, CA) (1/28/2008) - SAG Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, the legendary Charles Durning is as much a working actor today, as he was over the forty years of his highly acclaimed career. Moreover, Durning who's credits include "The Sting", "O' Brother Where Art Thou?", "Tootsie" goes beyond the comfort zone of the studios and supports independent filmmakers such as Director/Writer Marc Clebanoff and Producer Jennifer Champagne, who had the opportunity to work with the master this past month on their currently lensing feature film, BREAK.

"Durning is a classic," said Clebanoff who penned the character of the Wise Man expressly for Durning. "And seeing him against the young pros like Michael Madsen and Frank Krueger, you instantly know why he is being honored. He is a consummate actor."

Champagne echoed the sentiments adding, "Durning added that element of the extraordinary, I stopped all that I was doing and was mesmerized by his performance - he and Marc had a natural sense of communication - something every director and actor wish for."

With great aplomb the team sent heartfelt congratulations to Durning for being acknowledged with such a well-deserved award.

About BREAK, The Movie (http://www.NoCleanBreak.Com)
Break is a stylistic noir drama about an introverted hit man named Frank who is contracted to carry out an unusual job. When the city’s crime boss, known only as “The Man”, discovers that he’s terminally ill, he enlists Frank to carry out his own assassination. “The Man”, however, is selfish and jealous, and doesn’t want to die alone, and makes it clear to Frank that he is to take out the woman he loves in addition to himself. When Frank discovers that The Woman is his own long lost lover, Frank alters the job making himself the next mark. In an action-packed Kill Bill style chain of character-driven events, riddled with dark humor and visual spectacle, Frank and The Woman take on the many enemies set out before them before they can free themselves from The Man’s jealous grip.

The cast of BREAK also includes, Frank Krueger ("The Game"), Chad Everett ("Mulholland Drive"), Sarah Thompson ("7th Heaven"), Michael Madsen ("Sin City", "Reservoir Dogs"), Mackenzie Firgens ("Rent"), Matthew Jones, Xin Sarith Wuku ("American Gladiators", "Honor"), Billy Idol, James Russo ("Donnie Brasco") and David Carradine ("Kill Bill").

About Director/Writer Marc Clebanoff
Marc Clebanoff, a graduate of the prestigious USC School of Cinema/Television, began his career at 20th Century Fox Television before moving onto a feature development position at USA Films (now Focus Features) under the award winning director of Nurse Betty and In the Company of Men Neil Labute. In 1999 Clebanoff established his own company, Marathon Films, in which he developed several feature projects with Hollywood bad-boy actor Michael Madsen, and cult filmmaker Larry Bishop (son of Rat Pack comedian Joey Bishop). In 2004 Clebanoff renamed his company Odyssey Motion Pictures to make his feature directorial debut with Unspoken - a dark drama starring Justin Allen and William Sadler, which earned Best Screenplay and Best Feature Film nominations at the New Jersey International Film & Screenplay Festival in 2006. Also in 2006, Clebanoff wrote, produced and co-directed the anxiously anticipated star-studded dark comedy feature The Pink Conspiracy, which enjoyed its world premiere at the Cannes Film Market May of 2007 and recently won the Alan J. Bailey Award for Excellence in Comedy. Currently, Clebanoff is involved with several notable film projects, including James Russo’s directorial debut, Dreamland, and consulting for Quentin Tarantino’s indie motorcycle flick Hell Ride. Clebanoff is also in pre-production on his next feature, a dark comedy entitled Gerald, which stars and is co-produced by My Big Fat Greek Wedding co-star Louis Mandylor. Clebanoff holds a 2nd degree black belt in traditional Korean martial arts and is an avid distance runner and accomplished marathoner. He is also the grandson of world-renowned musician and composer, Herman Clebanoff.


About Producer Jennifer Champagne
Champagne studied English and Journalism with a concentration in Technical Writing at the private Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan Co-owner of Max Ink Cafe, she oversees all Cafe Business and Production Issues. Since starting Max Ink Cafe, Champagne has produced the effects on notable projects such as Only Hope, Funky & Groovy, Freaky Links, Black Scorpion series, Shakedown and American Zoetrope's Jeepers Creepers. In the case of Only Hope, Champagne produced the film, not only crewing the production, but also successfully soliciting donations of time and resources from people at 5 visual effects companies to assist Max Ink Cafe in the post-production destruction of LA. An accomplished visual effects trade press writer, Champagne has regularly contributed articles to Visual Magic, AWN, DV Magazine, Interactivity, DCC Magazine as well as The Digital Media Net Community. Prior to starting Max Ink Cafe, Champagne worked at IBM, Vortex Media Arts, Studio Productions, Flip Your Lid Animation Studio and Sony Pictures Imageworks. Currently Champagne is preparing for her feature film directorial debut, with the thriller Redemption.

Contact:
Popular Press Media Group (PPMG)
+1 (310) 860-7774 Tel
Media@ppmg.info

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Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Stars Come To Asheville, North Carolina for "Simple Things"

For Immediate Release
October 18, 2006

Stars Come To Asheville, North Carolina for "Simple Things"

Celebrities come out to support the charity fund-raising screening of North Carolina filmed movie.

Hollywood, CA (10/18/06) – The movie "Simple Things", based on the stories written by renowned pediatrician, Dr. Olson Huff (“The Window of Childhood”), directed by Andrew C. Erin was filmed in Asheville, Brevard and Dunn's Rock, North Carolina. Next week on October 25 and 26, 2006, the stars of the movie along with the producers and director are returning to celebrate with two star-studded, red carpet screenings in support of the Mission Children's Hospital and the Transylvania Community Hospital.

On Wednesday, October 25, 2006 in Asheville, NC at the Fine Art Theater, “Simple Things” will screen in support of the Mission Children’s Hospital and on October 26, 2006 “Simple Things” will screen in Brevard, NC at the Falls Theater in support of the Transylvania Community Hospital.

Join the stars and support these two extraordinary organizations by ordering your tickets or simply join the Simple Things online community now!!
Join www.myspace.com/simplethingsthemovie

“Simple Things” stars Cameron Bancroft (“Love and Human Remains”, TV’s “24”) as Dr. Evan Gibbs, a leading pediatrician poised to take the helm at Chicago’s Children’s Hospital who, after the sudden death of his wife Beth, takes his his 10-year old son Nate (Aiden Mitchell, "The Riches") to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to set up a medical clinic in a small town called Dunn’s Rock. Dr. Gibbs' big-city attitude quickly clashes against the laid back ways of the small community, forcing him to deal with his suppressed grief, while finding a way to reconnect with his son. With the support of the town's mayor, Terry Hudson (Bellamy Young, “Mission Impossible III”) and her daughter, Christina (Channing Nichols, “Gilmore Girls”), Dr. Gibbs discovers more to the mountain life than he could have ever expected. With an astounding supporting cast including Joshua Leonard ("Blair Witch Project"), Amber Benson ("Buffy: The Vampire Slayer"), Mickey Jones ("Sling Blade") and Edie McClurg ("Ferris Bueller's Day Off"), “Simple Things” is sure to inspire audiences worldwide.

Transylvania Community Hospital, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization whose basic mission is to assume a leadership role in organizing, collaborating, coordinating, and providing a quality healthcare delivery system to serve the residents of Transylvania County and surrounding areas. TCH is also a 5-Star Hospital in terms of community value – only one of five in the State of North Carolina. For more information, visit www.tchospital.org

Mission Children’s Hospital in Asheville is the only children’s hospital in Western North Carolina. It cares for more than 10,000 children, and provides more than 21,000 patient visits a year just in its Children’s Clinic for subspecialty care housed in a new outpatient center. Other services of the hospital include its neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, Mission Children’s Clinic for subspecialty care and specialized inpatient pediatric units. http://missionhospitals.org/childrens.htm

For more information on “Simple Things”, Executive Producers David Huff, Dr. Olson Huff, Producer Tosca Musk, Director / Writer Andrew C. Erin and the cast and crew of Simple Things, please contact PPMG at media@ppmg.info, or call (310) 860-7774.