LA Film Festival: Roger Corman

 (Peter Fonda, Peter Bogdanovich, Joe Dante, Julie Corman, Roger Corman, Curtis Hanson)

As a director/writer fellow for Film Independent, I received a free pass to the LA Film Festival in downtown LA. It was incredible!! I met so many passionate filmmakers and film lovers and attended many cool screenings and panels.

For me the highlight of the festival was probably the Corman tribute. It took place at an intimate venue inside the Grammy museum. Roger Corman, a legendary American independent producer, was to be honored by those whose careers he launched or helped develop. Beforehand, I knew that Corman would be there and Curtis Hanson (director of LA Confidential, 8 Miles, Wonder Boys) would moderate.

When I arrived at the venue, I could feel a buzz in the air. I sat about 5 rows from the stage. During the introduction by the festival director, Rebecca Yeldham, I looked over to the corridor behind me. My heart almost lept out of my chest. I saw Roger Corman (cool but no surprise). Then I saw PETER FONDA and PETER BOGDANOVICH!!! These are movie gods. I become really excited.

When these men were joined on the stage by Joe Dante (director of Gremlins) and Julie Corman (wife and producing partner), everyone in the audience knew this was going to be a special evening.

To be cont.

Project:Involve Showcase | Film Independent

Showcase of short films by some of the best indie filmmakers today. It takes place this Thursday at the magnificent Disney Concert Hall (REDCAT). And it's FREE! 

It is sponsored by my fellowship, Project:Involve. For more info:

Project:Involve Showcase | Film Independent

Sundance Names 13 for June Directors & Screenwriting Labs

                                                               (photo courtesy of giantsarise.com)

Thirteen projects were selected by the Sundance Institute for itsJune Directors and Screenwriters Labs, taking place at the SundanceResort in Utah June 1 - 25. Spearheaded by Michelle Satter, Director ofthe Sundance Feature Film Program, and Artistic Director Gyula Gazdag,this year’s crop of participants include projects hailing from theUnited States, Ireland, the Middle East, Romania, Spain and Uzbekistan.

indieWIRE: Sundance Names 13 for June Directors & Screenwriting Labs | Film Independent

Duels

I am fascinated by duels. I often wonder how it would be to depict duels in a movie that is set in modern-day. I came across an article on the rationality of duels written by an Amherst economics professor. Apparently engaging in duels is a rational act for those living in a society where credit markets are non-transparent and highly personal in nature. In other words, if one fails to pay back a loan, he is compelled to defend his honor or face the prospect of not being able to get another loan again.

https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/who_knows/node/189251

Directing Assignment sponsored by NBC-Universal and Film Independent

I got selected to direct a short sponsored by NBC-Universal and Film Independent! The story is about a homeless man who is building a beautiful model home. When the "home" is accidentally damaged, he is forced to seek help from a teenage boy, new to homelessness, who has the tools to fix the home.

Homeless is a widespread problem, especially severe in LA. I hope to address this subject matter in an authentic, heartfelt manner. The movie I want to reference is Jason Reitman's Up in the Air -- for its social consciousness, compassion for the characters, and focus on how people relate and change each other.

Film Independent will provide cash stipend for the shoot, and NBC-Universal will provide equipments and props.

If you like to receive more detailed updates, please become a "follower" directly on my blog.

Daniel Don't Cry Production

We just wrapped production on the short Daniel Don't Cry, which I co-wrote and co-directed. The first day of the shoot was such a thrill for me as I watched the crew and the stunt team give life and substance to the words I've written. Everyday of the shoot was a treat for me.

Independent Spirit Awards - Tonight - in LA and on IFC

The Independent Spirit is... from Independent Spirit Awards

Daniel Don't Cry Sound Editor's Cool Suite

My girlfriend, my co-director, and I visited Chris, our sound editor down in the OC. He won an Emmy for sound mixing, and he and I have worked together before. Chris shared many insights and experience with us. He's created a very professional and welcoming environment with his sound studio.

FIND Director's Close-up: Comedy

I learnt that a woman, Amy Heckerling, directed Fast Time at Ridgemont High -- just another example of how our biases can limit our mind.

Daniel Don't Cry Planning Aerial Stunts

Daniel Don't Cry is a short I plan to co-direct at the end of this month. It involves cool, sophisticated stunts. Today, the stunt coordinator, producer, co-director, and I planned the stunts on location.