Category Archives: Uncategorized

MEET TALENTED AUSSIE DOCUMENTARIAN BENJAMIN SCOTFORD WHOSE LATEST FILM FOLLOWS WWI FEATURE FILM CAST & CREW

As you know, I search out any Australian film or TV news I can find online – so much content is not shared with those of us on the other side of the world: streaming platforms for films are geo-blocked due to distribution deals that don’t include the Canada/US territory so I have to live vicariously thru my Down Under production mates and various news sources. I recently discovered a very talented filmmaker, BENJAMIN SCOTFORD (pictured below) who produced an exciting behind-the-scenes documentary titled IN THE TRENCHES that follows the machinations of a feature film production called Before Dawn, directed by Jordan Prince-Wright.Benjamin’s doc has been getting lots of buzz on the festival circuit and this past weekend, was premiered at the Revelation Film Fest presented in Perth, Western Australia (my childhood/teenage home) – the WWI action/adventure feature was filmed in the southern part of the state complete with muddy trenches (hence the title of Ben’s film), cannons and gunfire, and Ben took his own crew into the fray, following the actors, the director and crew, to shoot all the activity from the busy set. It was quite the feat – staying out of the way yet capturing all the action of a war film production in close-up.
Director’s Statement: This documentary is intended to be a standalone story, enjoyable for a wide range of audiences, even if they are unfamiliar with Before Dawn or Australia’s involvement in WWI. I have aimed to capture the story in a manner that closely reflects my first-hand experience of witnessing a group of dedicated filmmakers working against a mountain of obstacles before knowing the final outcome.
I spoke with Benjamin recently and asked that he share his thoughts and stories…from the trenches.

How difficult was it for you to shoot all the behind-the-scenes footage amongst the film crew, the mud and the actors? There’s always an element of challenge with BTS footage because the most important part of your job is to stay out of the way and avoid disrupting the production itself. That said, it’s quite a fun challenge to find ways of filming what’s happening while keeping a low profile and staying out of the way. One big challenge with this project was that I also had to look out for my own camera gear among the rainy conditions and muddy set. By the end, I had worked out a streamlined setup that protected my gear from the wet weather, while still having the flexibility to move quickly and get quality footage.
Aside from that, a lot of the creative challenges come down to building scenes through the on-set footage to help tell the story in the edit. I had to make sure that each time we moved location, I got a variety of shots that could build upon each other. Sometimes this meant following different crew members in a way that would showcase their process. It is easy to get one or two good angles of something happening, but having a series of shots that tell a full story really helps in the edit. What inspired you to undertake this project? I love watching behind the scenes content and noticed recently that there hasn’t been a regular influx of high quality, insightful documentaries in that space. I’ve always thought it would be a fun area to work in, and since I’ve started doing it, I’ve grown more and more passionate about seeing it done in an innovative way.

I know you’ve submitted to film festivals around the world…are you hoping to showcase your doc via streaming platforms, too? Maybe Prime or Netflix? Absolutely! Details to come soon. Am sure there was a great deal of camaraderie on-set – were you and your small crew included or did you remain separate from the feature film folks? A bit of both. During lunch breaks and other moments throughout the day, we enjoyed getting to know the cast and crew and feeling like a part of the team. However, we did try to stay a little bit separate on set so that we could tell the story from a more observational perspective. Overall, it really did feel like we were all part of a big team, since we were all going through a very similar experience together. Did you relate to the young director/producer Jordan Prince-Wright, both being of the same generation of filmmakers? Did that make you sympathetic to his tremendous responsibility? Yes, I’ve got a lot of respect for the way Jordon works and how much he is able to accomplish. I’m not sure I would want as much pressure as he’s under, but it’s been inspiring to see him make it work as well as he has. I think passion breeds passion. Seeing how much he was putting into the project got me really excited to bring the same level of passion to my part, which also transferred to the team I was working with for the behind the scenes. Hopefully, we’ll see you at film/doc festivals over the coming months – what’s next for you? Exciting times! We are hoping to screen In the Trenches in some more film festivals, since a lot of our target market is made up of people who are excited by the filmmaking process. I’m also producing behind the scenes content for a few other films, and working towards doing a lot more of it in the future.

Thanks, Benjamin. So here’s a taste of what an incredible shoot this was, for both the feature filmmaker AND documentarian, Scotford.

Photos courtesy of Keana Naughton

You can follow Ben on his filmmaking journey via LinkedIn or https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.scotford

The doc made me proud to be an Aussie, especially one who loves the movies. Bravo, Ben…I can’t wait to see more of your work.

MARA JEAN QUINN’S DEBUT FEATURE FILM, ANDAMOOKA, IS IN THE CAN…NOW SHE PRESENTS IT TO THE WORLD

Australian writer, director, producer AND lead actor, MARA JEAN QUINN, can finally take a breath, sit down, relax and reflect on the cinematic journey she’s (almost) completed. Her first indie feature film project ANDAMOOKA, is now completed and after a little respite to re-energize, Mara Jean is now on a quest to get the film distributed across Australia and around the world. Major decisions still being made include whether to screen in theatres, at festivals, or via one of the many streaming platforms that international audiences can access…and getting the $s to take her to all the film festivals as well.
I originally spoke with Mara Jean back in May of 2023 when she was still fundraising to finish the last stages of production (search previous blog using key word “Andamooka”) and I’m thrilled to hear all her positive news, especially that she has recently expanded her non-film family to include a baby daughter – congratulations, MJ! So let’s catch up with her and learn how the process of making an indie film has enlightened and empowered her…..

Now that the film has been completed, was the effort (production, travel, funding quest, sleepless nights) worth it? I think so, but because it hasn’t been seen by audiences yet, it’s hard to be resolved in all the work that’s gone into it. Once it’s premiered and done some festivals, it will feel more real. Right now the film exists in a bit of a vacuum, only the creators and a few other people have seen it. In terms of learning, the last five years feels like I’ve completed a PhD in filmmaking. I am still no master by any means, but I do feel I’ve got a real understanding of what goes into a film and I am grateful for that. I also look forward to seeing what opportunities arise as a result of completing my debut feature, hopefully those make it all worthwhile too.In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently, either as producer or director? There are so many things I did wrong at literally every stage of the production. I think this was mostly due to my naivety and lack of producing experience. If I had the knowledge and wisdom I have now there is no way I would take such risk and sink so much time and money into a project. So from that perspective I’m grateful I had no idea what I was doing, because it means I actually did it.
Next time I would like to have a distributor behind me from the start as well as a producer (and some decent funding!). I am not a producer at heart, only out of necessity. There are far more talented and skilled producers out there who I’d love to work with. I also don’t think I’ll direct myself in a lead role again, I really love collaborating with other artists and the director-actor relationship is very special.

Congratulations on a beautifully shot film – the country is clearly a character itself and many of the shots are nothing short of breathtaking. Who scouted locations for you? Thank you, I really do love the cinematography; Adamooka’s DOP Danni Ogilive did an incredible job. I agree, the landscape is a character, it’s often just Alex set amongst an epic landscape. In terms of finding the locations, I had conversations with people I knew in the Territory when I was writing the script so I had a few ideas of places to go and particular spots to shoot scenes. We also happened across lots of places along the road, often by just needing somewhere to camp that night. Of course, the locals in each place shared some of their favourite spots and we were able to explore those. We went to so many amazing places, it actually pains me how much had to end up on the edit room floor.
In the middle of shooting and funding campaigns, you had a baby….talk about multi-tasking!! Now that both your babies are alive and kicking, I have to ask: would you undertake such a cinematic journey again? Hmmm, that’s a good one. I would love to shoot another film, and even another road movie/adventure film, but I would need someone there to help with my baby. Either my partner or my Mum, but my partner is an amazing filmmaker too, so I’d want his attention on the film. To make another film in general I would need a lot more support anyway. My little girl would just add to the madness. She was actually born shortly after the completion of the film, thankfully.

Have you had a screening for cast, production crew, friends and family? And if so, what was their feedback? My friends and family want to see it at the premiere and actually celebrate it, so they’re holding off. Some have seen little snippets and have been very supportive. There’s a huge section in the credits called “Encouragement Thanks” with a huge list of names. I think in general it’s hard for people who know you to see you acting and separate you from the character. Also, the screenplay is very personal and my friends and family witnessed some parts of the story that are inspired by real life (big break up, I was a mess etc.), so it’s hard for them to see me in such pain, even though it’s years after.Have you secured theatrical distribution or festival showcases? I have had lots of good feedback from the distributors I’ve chatted to, and there are a couple of offers, but it’s really hard to know which way to jump. A number of distributors have said it may not suit a theatrical release, unfortunately, but we’ll see. As long as it has a life and finds its audience. There are a few festivals I am currently waiting to hear from and am actively entering more – though everything costs money, so this limits the entries.

And what is your next film project…after a suitable rest, of course? I have a couple of series in development and there are a few feature screenplay drafts from over the years too, plus the want to make multiple documentaries about things I am passionate about, but nothing I am actively pushing. Being the only one managing Andamooka I simply don’t have time or mental capacity to be creative or really start on the next project until it’s released. Who knew a film took so much paperwork! Having a nine week old baby takes a fair bit of my time too. Thanks, Glenda

I’m so happy to see Mara Jean reach completion of the film, overcoming all the inherent challenges that stood in her way. Pure guts and a belief in herself and her script, as well as surrounding herself with the right people to drive the project to the finish line. Bravo!

You can follow Mara Jean’s creative journey via: https://www.facebook.com/andamookafilm and instagram.com/andamookafilm

MEET CARLA COLLINS: SHOWBIZ RENAISSANCE WOMAN & HARDEST WORKING COMEDIAN IN DA BIZ!

Oh, how I LOVE this funny lady! Carla Collins has been making me laugh for many years (I won’t say how many ‘coz a lady never tells her age – Carla’s or mine!). This Canadian-born comedy powerhouse has created a brilliant creative niche for herself in Los Angeles that puts Ryan Seacrest to shame – Carla does it all. She’s won awards for her acting, has built a HUGE fan-base for her stand-up comedy and tv series, modelled, authored an hysterical autobiographical book, and is now conquering the radio airwaves as co-host of the LA AF show. She also Founded a unique comedy/meditation program that launched just as Covid hit us (and it took off online throughout pandemic isolation) and is currently applying her artsy-fartsy sketching skills to produce custom “vision boards” for friends and clients. Way too many skills and credits to list here…whew! So why don’t I just let her tell it herself….laughing out loud is permissible and inevitable!!Carla, as the old ad says… “you’ve come a long way baby”. Did you ever imagine you would be such a successful creative producer, web series hostess, author and comedy goddess in Los Angeles when you first stepped onto the comedy stages here in Toronto? Oh Honey, you’re so sweet but I’m just out here hustling and happy to be doing what I love. Been a rough couple of years for the industry with the strikes and the Jean-Claude Pan Damme so I’m lucky I’m a bit of an arts Swiss army knife and can do some comedy, some acting, some voiceover work, some hosting and even some drawing. You’ll know that I’ve finally made it when I have a butler called Cavendish, warm kittens stacked up next to my bidet instead of moist toilettes and I’m wearing Fruit of the Illuminati underwear!I remember back in…well, quite some time ago… when the CTV network sent you to Hollywood to host their Oscar red carpet news and interviews. Was it terrifying or did you feel you were finally with “my people”? Yup, it’s been a minute since my red-carpet days and I think I was one of the first Canucks covering the Oscars red-carpet. It was pretty nerve wracking at the time because we were live, and I used to get very anxious doing new things. Now I would jump up and do 45 minutes of stand-up at a garage sale! I have always loved LA but I don’t think this place is necessarily anyone’s tribe or people, more like another planet with great weather! It was wonderful to meet Sting in person and ask him what would last longer, an Academy Awards acceptance speech or a tantric orgasm? As I remember, I took a lot of heat for the Judy Jetson outfit I wore. No regrets! (G: Oh I remember that orange sparkly thing well)

Comedic Meditation – you launched this initiative several years ago, helping people reach nirvana (or at least sort out some shit) via comedy and yoga and just chillin’ out – a strange intersection of philosophies, sure, but it all worked. How/why did you launch CM and how important did your online presentations become during Covid? Actually, there’s absolutely no yoga involved whatsoever, even though I’ve been practising yoga for a couple of decades now. This is simply stand-up comedy followed by an authentic, original guided meditation. It happened pretty organically as I have been a big fan of meditation for years. My Mom practiced Transcendental Meditation so I’ve always known how beneficial meditation can be but so many people in LA are self-proclaimed gurus and many of my friends were too intimidated to go to a meditation center. I started this at a friend’s chiropractic and wellness space here in the valley one night a few months before the pandemic. I had been writing my own meditations for a couple of years because I wasn’t loving the ones online and I wanted to remove the woo woo factor and make meditation more accessible and digestible to everyone. I’m also a very hyper person, most of the time I shake like a chihuahua on meth after a couple of 5 Hour Energy drinks so I figured laughing for 20 or 30 minutes before sitting or lying still to meditate would help burn some energy, release endorphins or at the very least, people would hear about my crazy life and feel better about theirs! Turns out laughter and mediation are a great combo because they both produce the same gamma brainwaves.People seemed to really enjoy the odd marriage right out of the gate, and I was lucky to get some lovely media coverage early on. Chuckle & Chill (that’s what I call it now) combines my two greatest passions: comedy and wellness/spirituality. I think it seems natural that haha moments would lead to aha moments. I was in Canada doing a mini-Chuckle & Chill tour when the world shutdown and C&C transitioned fairly seamlessly online. I believe people were very stressed and felt more comfortable doing this in their own places. Everyone loved that they could just roll over and go to sleep after a session and didn’t have to drive home! I tailor both the comedy and the meditations to make them more personal for each group or individual. I mean who doesn’t need to laugh and relax more in these rapture adjacent times?

You currently have several projects on the go, including Laugh of Attraction, and especially your unique Vision Pop Boards. You’re helping people create visualizations of their wishes and dreams, right? So how can we get our own customized vision boards? Yes! The Laugh of Attraction family now includes Laffirmations (merry mantras that make you giggle and punch through to your subconscious more easily than the generic affirmations. For example: “My skin is as smooth as jazz” or “I have an attitude of gratitude when I’m in the nude”), “Chaneling” instead of channeling with my French lingerie model stand up psychic character Souffle (“Knock, knock, I know who’s there and what to wear”), Vision Pop Boards where I draw you and what you want to manifest (see below) and coming soon my Tarot Grigio comedic tarot card deck.When I was a kid and throughout high school, I wanted to be a fine artist. Shout out to my Facebook friend and high school art teacher Mr. Olsen! I would overthink and stress about each drawing or painting, so I abandoned my watercolors even though art was my first love. This year I started sketching again on the down low. My brother and best pal Rick, who teaches Art History at a private school in New Zealand, saw my sketches when he was visiting over the holidays and encouraged me to keep going. I was sketching little vision boards because I heard it was a great manifestation tool and I found it very therapeutic. Rick asked me to make him one. I posted a couple of them online and started getting orders from friends and lovely people on socials. Rick felt my style was more pop art/cartoon thus Vision Pop Boards! Basically, I ask people to send me a few pictures of themselves along with things they love and want to bring into their lives. I sketch the person in the middle of the piece and use symbols, drawings of their desires, pastels and some magic to create the boards. I also do some generic feelgood boards like a winning scratcher ticket. These can all be used as phone or computer wallpapers. You can order your customized VPB by hitting me up on Insta or FB or emailing me directly: carla@carlacollins.com So tell me about your “professional 3-way” with Grace and Jimmy co-hosting the LA AF podcast – how did you meet, what was the “lightbulb moment” that focused your sights on hosting the show? And what is LA AF all about? Jimmy McCammon and Grace Fae McCammon reached out to me on Instagram back in December and asked me to be a guest on LA AF, a Los Angeles-centric show that has some fun at the city’s expense. I believe their tagline is News. Culture. Snark. As a good, trusting Canadian, I literally drove to a stranger’s home in Pasadena whom I had never met out in the wild or even spoken to. I keep joking that I could have ended up on Dateline. Instead, I was really impressed because Jimmy is an amazing producer and is very funny. He reminds me of my bro. The whole show has a morning radio vibe, is jam-packed with pop culture and is loosey goosey but professional. Grace is a phenomenal jazz singer, like a modern-day femme fatale from the 1940s and a beautiful spiritual soul. They are just the most lovely and talented couple. The chemistry was straight fire and there was a seamless ease to the hour when I was a guest. In January, Jimmy reached out to ask if I would be interested in being a regular host for two of their three shows a week and it’s been a delight ever since. We are getting some great guests and numbers and I’m loving it. It reminds me of my radio days. I have been asked to join several podcasts but this time it just worked. I believe Jimmy started this podcast during the pandemic then Grace joined him and now, we’re a throuple! Professionally speaking of course.Listeners can stream the shows on Spotify, iTunes, etc. and join LA AF Patreon for the entire show with lots idle extras for just $1 a month https://www.patreon.com/laaf?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

We all loved you in Carlawood – the comedic tv series telling of your quest for fame and paid gigs in Hollywood. So has your life actually mirrored those tv episodes? Often and it’s only become weirder and more entertaining, I wish we were still filming. It was back on good, old fashioned cable TV in Canada. More recently on Amazon Prime. When I first moved here, I thought people in LA didn’t understand sarcasm but it’s more that it’s so wild and weird in this city, anything is possible and can happen. Los Angeles is almost impossible to parody. I think there is always a lot of fodder in my life mostly because I constantly find myself doing comedy in the oddest places: funerals, wealthy people’s living rooms, nudist colonies (I mean, where am I supposed to keep my phone?). I’ve had to follow Burlesque performers who are wearing less material than Carrot Top’s act and doing gymnastics on stage with great names like BonBon Paris and Lola Boutee. At that moment, I don’t want to do comedy, I just want to become a Burlesque dancer called Gigi Hadidn’t. I’ve performed stand up at a hospice here (that afternoon we were all dying…) and I’ve even performed at the Kabbalah Center in Beverly Hills where I told them my Hebrew drag queen name was Yum Yum Kippur! Also, LA is loaded with so many delicious, crazy characters right outta central casting, literally. There’s never any shortage of material here. I recently found out my yoga instructor was a coke head. This explains why we kept only taking in deep inhales. It’s very convenient to take a snort in downward facing dog! I also now know it wasn’t yoga keeping her so slim and confident.Any more fabulous books in the works? Angels, Vampires & Douchebags (2010) was brilliant, hilarious and a very insightful look into the life of a vixen on her journey to tinseltown. You must have enough material for at least 3 or 4 more books…. Aw, thank you so much Doll, you are too kind. I have recently completed writing a children’s/inspirational book called The HuaHua Way. It’s a love letter to my beloved Chihuahua mix Dr. Zira who passed away. It’s the “true” story of my three dogs: Buster, Miles and Dr. Zira (pictured below with their mistress) which subtly tackles some heavy issues like grief, divorce, sexism, etc… and I hope it brings comfort and joy to animal lovers everywhere. It’s currently being illustrated and should be released in time for the holidays this year. Right now, I’m working on another non-fiction book called Botox in my Third Eye which, like Angels, Vampires and Douchebags, is somewhat autobiographical and combines comedy with self-help.And your stand-up comedy – you’ve headlined and guested on so many of the BIG stages (and TV specials) across the US and Canada…where are you appearing next, where can fans come out to worship you? Hahaha worship! Welp, you can come laugh at me for sure. I will be on at The Laugh Factory on April 18^th with iconic host Frazer Smith. Just follow moi on Instagram @carlacollinscomedian for all upcoming dates and hopefully I’ll be back in Canada for some shows soon.Any other news or stories you’d like to share? Just that I appreciate wonderful goddesses like you who have always been wonderfully supportive. You have been a tireless champion to many Canadian entertainers, and we really appreciate your expertise and wit Darling. Remember, every time you laugh…an angel gets knocked up by Nick Cannon or Elon Musk so keep laughing! xo

Visit Carla’s website for all her social media links, videos, funny business, news and more… https://www.carlacollins.com/This blog is dedicated to Carla’s muse, the late great Dr. Zira (below)

Canadian disabled paddleboarder makes history crossing all 5 Great Lakes – see the documentary at COMMFFest this Friday

Thanks to my friend and fellow publicist, Danielle Iversen, I stepped away from TIFF to learn about the Community Arts & Film Festival taking place Sept. 14 to 22 in Toronto (celebrating its 18th anniversary this year), and the premiere of a special documentary to inform and inspire us all.

Award-winning director Matthew Wagner is thrilled to premiere his latest documentary When Hope Breaks Through, at this year’s Community Arts & Film Festival. Screening takes place at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St East, at 1:30pm Friday Sept. 15^th. Tickets are available through: https://am.ticketmaster.com/tolive/commffest2023 The feature length doc tells the inspiring story of Mike Shoreman, a disabled paddleboarder who attempts to become the first person with disabilities to cross all five Great Lakes. In 2018 Mike was diagnosed with a neurological condition – Ramsay Hunt syndrome – that left him paralyzed, suffering vertigo, hearing and vision loss which ultimately led to depression and a mental health breakdown. This riveting documentary explores the mental health crisis in Canada and our relationships with our own mental health. The film immerses the audience in Mike’s epic five crossings, encompassing over 300 kilometers of open water paddling accompanied by his dedicated crossings team. These strangers come together to form an inseparable bond as they faced and conquered obstacles from boats breaking down, medical emergencies to hallucinations and everything in between.Director/producer Wagner is a Michigan-based director & cinematographer whose previous documentary “Charro & Steed” has won awards (including Best Director, Best Editing and Best Documentary) at film festivals throughout the Great Lakes region and across the States. He is passionate about telling stories in a way that leaves an emotional impact to inspire change.

Mike Shoreman (www.mikeshoreman.com) is an award-winning mental health and disability advocate, athlete, author and columnist, writing on mental health and disability related issues. When Hope Breaks Through is his story. His work in mental health awareness, promotion, and education is extensive, partnering with national and international mental health organizations. Shoreman became the first person with physical disabilities to cross the 5 Great Lakes in 2022. This endeavor became one of the largest independently-run mental health awareness campaigns for youth in Canada. The efforts of his team have been recognized in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, the Canadian House of Commons and by the Prime Minister of Canada (pictured below). Shoreman is the 2022 recipient of the Marg Starzynski Mental Health Leadership award by the Mood Disorder Society of Canada.The film is screening at many esteemed film festivals such as: Boston Film Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival, Soo Film Festival, New Westminster Film Festival, Montreal International Film Festival, Central Alberta Film Festival, Docs Without Borders Film Festival, Canberra International Mental Health Film Festival, Awareness Film Festival, Grand Rapids Film Festival, New York International Film Awards & more.

FAQs
Q. Mike, how did the idea of crossing the Great Lakes come about?
A. I found myself with a passion and desire to help others who struggle greatly with their mental health. I wanted to do something big that would help raise awareness and funding for the youth mental health crisis in Canada.

Q. What are the themes of the film?
A. Perseverance, Mental Health and Suicide, Adventure, Water Sports, Paddle Boarding, Endurance Sports, Mental and Physical Endurance, Personal Growth, The Kindness of Strangers, The Power of Team, The Raw Determination of Human Strength, The Great Lakes.

Q. Where did the title come from?
A. Anyone who has ever struggled with mental health will be able to relate to a feeling of hopelessness at one time or another. During the crossings, there were moments when Mike experienced hopelessness as he pushed himself to fight through the grueling elements of the great lakes. However, as morning would break and the sun would peek over the horizon, Mike and the team felt as if hope itself was rising in the break of dawn. This rising hope is what we all endeavor to be part of as we raise awareness and shed light on the mental health crisis in Canada.Q. This film is about the mental health crisis, what do you hope this film achieves in its messaging?
A. This film was created by a team of individuals whose lives have all been touched in some capacity by mental health struggles. Because we are so passionate about mental health advocacy, it is our sincere hope that this film reminds audiences they are not alone in their struggles.
1. Start conversations about mental health
2. Keep conversations going about mental health
3. Help remove the stigma of mental health
4. Continue to break down the barriers to adequate mental health care

COMMFFest SCREENING: Friday Sept. 15th @ 1:30 PM
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts – Jane Mallett Theatre – Toronto, ON
WWW.WHENHOPEBREAKSTHROUGH.COM
WWW.COMMFFEST.COM

CANADIAN WRITER/DIRECTOR TRICIA LEE COMES HOME FOR TORONTO INT’L FILM FEST

Ten years ago, I was contracted by Canadian (local) writer/director TRICIA LEE to undertake PR/publicity for her feature film Silent Retreat, a horror-genre film. I was intrigued by this modest young woman and her ability to bring the thrills, chills and screams to the screen; in fact, she was only one of a handful of women filmmakers around the world working in that genre. I was thrilled to see the film become a resounding success at the Toronto After Dark and Blood in the Snow film fests.In the years since I worked with her, Tricia has become an accomplished AAPI female filmmaker with the ability to blend heart-warming and heart-breaking stories with uplifting humor has earned her recognition on the 2020 and 2021 Black List. As a fellow of SONY’s Diverse TV Writers Program, Tricia’s films explore themes of belonging, voicelessness, and shared humanity. Her feature script, Good Chance has received numerous accolades, including being a top 50 finalist in The Academy Nicholl Fellowship, winning the grand prize at Francis Ford Coppola‘s Zoetrope Screenplay Competition, a top 14 finalist Universal Studios Writers Program, on the CAPE List and being selected for the prestigious Producers Guild of America Power of Diversity Master Workshop and The Writers Lab (supported by Meryl Streep & Nicole Kidman). A CDDP Commercial Director finalist, Tricia’s impressive directing credits include working with top talent such as Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives fame, Simu Liu (star of Shang-Chi ,Canada’s famed tv comedy Kim’s Convenience and most recently Barbie), Ingrid Rogers (Bosch), and James Kyson (Heroes). She has written a pilot for and will be a showrunner of the animated anthology A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts produced by 108 Media. She has directed 3 award-winning features including Blood Hunters which sold to Hulu and was presented in Cannes by Frontieres, and Silent Retreat, which was theatrically released across Canada and sold to NBC Universal’s Chiller Network.

I invited Tricia to join me for this “Live from the pool deck” celebrity blog so I’ll let her tell you all about her career and her latest projects….

I’ve followed Tricia’s career spanning her move to L.A. several years ago, her ongoing participation in high-profile workshops and programs where she’s honed her script writing chops, and having established herself as a film and commercial director and an accomplished writer. Tricia has returned to Toronto to soak in the vibes of our annual Toronto Int’l Film Festival so watch for her on the various red carpets, industry events and celebrity soirees.

You can learn more about Tricia via her website https://www.tricialeedirector.com/ and follow her on social media (see direct links on website)

AUSSIE FILMS AT TIFF 2023 – “THE NEW BOY” FROM AWARD-WINNING WRITER/DIRECTOR WARWICK THORNTON

Sadly, due to the far-reaching effects of the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strike, many of the big stars, the A-Listers and international stars and filmmaker will not be coming to town for this year’s Toronto Int’l Film Festival launching in 2 day’s time. But have no fear, dear fellow fans of Australian cinema…I got you covered with some of the films featured at TIFF. First is THE NEW BOY which has already garnered critical and audience acclaim at home. It stars Cate Blanchett alongside leading indigenous actors Deborah Mailman and Wayne Blair, and introduces us to a brilliant young talent, Aswan Reid, as the title character. Thanks to my PR contact at Roadshow Pictures Australia, Stefan, here’s the inside scoop on the film…..

From Dirty Films and Scarlett Pictures comes writer/director Warwick Thornton’s deeply personal film, The New Boy. In 1940’s Australia, in the middle of World War II, a solitary Indigenous boy (Aswan Reid) is dramatically captured by a horseback police patrol and delivered to a remote monastery orphanage in the dead of night. The monastery is run by a feisty nun, Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett), who has worked hard to make it a happy retreat away from the world and its war – and she will do anything to keep it that way. Since the elderly monk who was in charge died, Sister Eileen has been running the place secretly and is very protective of her small group of boys. Wary of too much Church oversight, she is always very careful to keep her head down and make good on the monastery’s expected contribution to the war effort. To that end she is helped by two Aboriginal staff – George (Wayne Blair), who runs the monastery’s farm with the help of the children, and Sister Mum (Deborah Mailman), who runs the domestic side of things.The new arrival (pictured above) doesn’t speak English, and no-one knows where he came from. He has been living a nomadic tribal life up until now, having no concept of Western norms. Dubbed the New Boy, he is quick to pick up on things and soon understands the pecking order and how to make it work. His survival instincts are sharp, his intelligence dexterous and he seems to have special powers which he uses for healing as well as for his own entertainment. The monastery’s orderly Christian ethos is unsettled by his presence, particularly in the case of the head boy, Michael (Shane McKenzie-Brady). And George, an Aboriginal farmhand who believes he’s on a good wicket and doesn’t want the boat to be rocked, recognizes something ancient in the boy that he would sooner forget. Sister Eileen, herself a bit of a square peg, is acutely aware of the precariousness of the monastery’s situation. Faced with her own survival choices when the old monk died, she determined to hold the orphanage together, knowing that any change could put the children in her care in peril. Now the New Boy, with his mysterious and alluring energy, is causing disturbance inside her delicately balanced world. She, George and Sister Mum already have their work cut out just keeping things ticking over.
When a special delivery requires a personal signature from the deceased monk, Sister Eileen has to assume responsibility for it with a bit of careful dodging and some astute white lies. She takes charge of the special cargo – an extraordinary religious treasure; a life-size carving of Christ on the cross – sent to this remote place by the Church to protect it from the ravages of war in France. When New Boy encounters this image of Jesus for the first time he is transfixed. However, the boy’s Indigenous spiritual life and mysterious powers do not gel with the mission’s orderly Christianity, leading to a series of unsettling encounters. Something must be done. Sister Eileen is faced with a choice between the traditions of her faith and the truth embodied in the boy. As her foundations are rocked, will the secret she has harboured for a year be discovered, imperiling the orphanage? Or will everything be brought in line, made good and safe and orderly, even at the cost of New Boy’s unique Indigenous spiritual power?

TIFF screenings are as follows (get your tkts now as this is a very popular film). In fact, it looks like the Fri & Sat screenings are already sold out.
Thursday, September 14 at Roy Thomson Hall 5:30 PM
Friday, September 15 at Scotiabank Theatre 2:45 PM
Saturday, September 16 at Scotiabank Theatre 6:15 PM

See you in the line-ups!

MY HOME TOWN’S INT’L FILM FEST IS CALLING FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR 2024

The Revelation Film Festival is the preeminent film event in Perth, Western Australia (WA), and they having wrapped this year’s annual fest, they are now looking ahead to next year (July 3-7, 2024). So if you’re a filmmaker interested in a unique experience reaching an entirely new audience (and film market), submit your features, shorts & docs now!

Growing up in “the bush” outside of Perth, even going to a cinema was a big deal and involved an hour trip each way on the country bus and most of the movies in our theatres were at least 6 months to a year old. After all these years, I’m so proud of the filmmakers who have emerged from this remote state capital city, thanks in part to respected film schools there and the Revelation Film Festival who support local, indigenous and int’l films and filmmakers. So if you’re an indie filmmaker looking to impact audiences (and get a great vacay, too), this is the one for you.As per the festival’s spokesperson: In looking at the films, we don’t have groups of panels but rather we take a more active and curatorial approach. All titles submitted are viewed by the Festival Director. A shortlist is then made – usually made up of around 30% of the titles submitted in each category and those films are then viewed by the Program Director to ensure that all films selected (invited or through the call for entries) provide a complete and cohesive program. It’s that kind of love, program care and exposure to large audiences that bring more and more films and the filmmakers themselves to Rev.

Photo by Anthony TranNow entering its twenty-fifth year, Revelation is one of Australia’s most unique screen and moving image events. With its focus on independent cinema, international film, cutting-edge documentaries, emergent talent – both international and Australian, and experimental film, Revelation maintains its clarity of vision while always seeking to explore the potentials of visual cultures.

Early bird Deadline 8 January
Regular Deadline 1 March
Extended Deadline 1 April

Check out all the details and ENTER HERE: https://filmfreeway.com/RevelationFilmFestival

Put yourself in front of the Rev’s photo wall next year and say g’day to W.A.

https://www.revelationfilmfest.org/

Meet Mary Kennedy, funny lady extraordinaire!

The first show of Danforth Comedy Festival introduced me to a very funny lady – Mary Kennedy. And yes, she is one of those Kennedys. The headlining comic has performed all over the States (once a dyed in the wool Bostonian, now LA is her home) and appears regularly at Flappers Comedy Club, The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles/Long Beach as well as at the Comedy Store LA/La Jolla, Comedy Chateau, The Ice House and The Improv. From the minute she took the stage at Socap Comedy Theatre, Mary had me in stiches. Not only is the 23yr veteran of stand-up comedy hilarious, she’s a multi-talented actor who’s worked on stage, tv and big screen. I reached out to Mary for this interview and I learnt she’s even more than all that….Mary, congrats on your appearance at the Danforth Comedy Festival. You had only just arrived from L.A. when you took the stage that first Friday night – did you enjoy the welcome to Toronto from the audience and do you enjoy participating in festivals such as the Danforth Comedy Festival? I love Toronto! I felt so welcome, it was like being home! I love doing festivals – as a comic, it is a great way to socialize and work in front of different audiences. I do a podcast called Order Up, with Kelly, Cari, Mary and Matt. It’s a foodie podcast with me and three Canadians. It was the first time I recorded with them in person…they are my Toronto family now. My Order Up family and the Danforth Comedy Festival really rolled out the red carpet for me.

You’re also an accomplished TV actor, producer and director – with the current SAG-AFTRA & Writers’ strike in the States, was this a good respite for you, enabling you to get in front of an audience as a writer as well as performer? Yes, an amazing respite. It was good to be on stage in front of a live audience, connecting with them through laughter. The strike will run its course. I think it is empowering for the writers and actors to be unified, I hope it is resolved quickly, but now is the time for us to stand for what we want and truly need.

You’ve also been nominated for awards for stage acting (congrats) – which do you prefer as an artist: stage, screen or stand-up comedy and why? All of the above. Each one is different. There is nothing like having an audience with you during a comedy set. In a stage play, connecting with others on stage in front of a live audience is a joy. I’m doing my one woman show Mid Life Mood Swing and I’m on stage alone for 53 minutes. That is both like headlining a comedy set and working on a play – it’s absolute heaven. Screen is like grad school – watching production work, working with directors and other actors; it is the best training in the world. I always learn something new. Then I get to watch the finished work on screen, that always gives me goosebumps. It is so collaborative and I get to meet the most interesting people in the world in all these venues. Has all this showbiz experience contributed to your comedy writing or do you draw from your own life experience – dating, marriage, family? Yes definitely. But I come from a very Irish catholic family. I am also a Kennedy “third cousins, twice removed” so all of the tragedy, none of the money. I learned very early on, especially from my mother, to find humor in tragedy. This made me the comic I am today. My mom who started a wedding band after her divorce, consisting of 40 year old divorcees, singing Hot Stuff and Locomotion, called the MOOD SWINGS. She taught me how to be a kick ass business woman and how to get paid for my art.

Have you been inspired by other female comics who fought hard to get their 15mins in the spotlight and recognition from male counterparts? Yes, when I came up in comedy in NYC, I was in a group of the most talented comics who happen to be female. Every single one of us is experiencing a great career and we still support each other along the way. We are all happy for each other’s successes. There is room for everyone!Any advice for aspiring funny ladies out there? Figure out who you are and be proud of that! Don’t be the comic that you think people want you to be. Have a clear point of view and work your set all the time. Find a community that will be supportive of you!

And what’s your next big gig? I’m touring with my one person show Mid Life Mood Swing: Starring Mary Kennedy, directed by Charlene Ward. First stop is the Boston area. Then Off Cabot through John Tobin Presents, in Beverly, MA. August 25 &26 at 8pm. Tickets are available through: www.offcabot.org

Thanks for chatting with me, Mary. You can enjoy Mary’s work on YouTube and can follow her on Instagram: @mkennedycomedy

DANFORTH COMEDY FESTIVAL CLOSING NIGHT’S SHOW ROCKED THE DON ON DANFORTH THEATRE.

So that just happened….2 weekends of laughter courtesy of the first annual Danforth Comedy Festival. Five nights of humour across three venues along Toronto’s legendary Danforth Ave or Greektown as most people know it. This weekend is Taste of the Danforth food festival and many of last night’s audience arrived after enjoying tasty Greek treats…so full tummies are happy tummies and the near-capacity audience at The Don on Danforth theatre (near Main St subway) worked off the calories by laughing hard in their seats.

The show got off to an amazing start when tiny perfect MC Angelina Maiorano-Thurston (pictured below) bounced on stage. Her diminutive size disguises her BIG presence and salty sense of humour. Her high-pitched voice was perfect for delivering some pretty naughty commentary and spritzing with the audience.The first comic in the night’s line-up was Anthony Englebrecht who got to know the audience with shout outs to various people sitting in the front rows. He also shared stories of dating and romance and how well (or not) he does when chatting up the ladies, many of whom in the audience seemed to respond to him! Their dates were laughing along, obviously relating to his romance insights.Next up was Luke Lynndale, not just an accomplished stand-up comic but also the Founder and producer of the Festival. He shared his stories about how he proposed to his wife after several interrupted attempts, and his two recent colonoscopies. The audience was writhing in hysterics as well as the discomfort of the surgical procedures!Angelina then intro’d the fabulous Frank Spadone (below) who took the stage with high energy and a big cheer from the crowd – Frank must have brought his entire family! He launched into tales of his wife’s evening ablutions and how she plans for vacations and hotel bookings. He ended his set with hilarious insights into his aged Italian nona’s (grandma’s) family relationships and behaviour. Made me wish I had a nona, too!Then Angelina announced the final comedian for the night, Sean Cullen. Most Canadian comedy fans know that name – Sean is a triple Gemini & Canadian Comedy Award winner and has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and CBS’s The Late Late Show. He also has several TV specials including Comedy Central Presents, Comedy Now and was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing.So that was it…good night, go home!Congrats to Luke and his team of Festival volunteers- I’m sure he’s already planning next year’s Festival….see you then.

Follow the comedians for performance updates, and news of the 2024 Festival on Instagram:
@danforthcomedyfestival
@angelinadeepvoicemama
@anthonyenglebrecht
@lukelynndale
@frankspadone
@seancullenismyname

MORE LAUGHS at DANFORTH COMEDY FESTIVAL

Last night, Friday, Comedy Nuggets presented the 2nd last night of stand-up comedy at the DANFORTH COMEDY FESTIVAL with a line-up of engaging and entertaining comedians, hosted by Anasimone George (below) who kept the audience energized and ready to laugh.She first introduced Dimi Kolovopoulos (below) who bounded on stage and kept the audience revved up throughout his set. Having Greek heritage, Dimi was the ideal entertainer on the night – it was opening night for Taste of the Danforth down on the street. Opa!Anasimone then into’d Sai Kit whose quiet, shy on-stage persona disguised his biting commentary on his family’s immigrant experience and growing up slightly disadvantaged when relating to the ladies!Next on the bill was a Brit comedian David Green (below) who truly embraced the power of the pun. Those of you of a certain age with a UK heritage would surely recognize the machine-gun joke delivery of the late comic legend Tommy Cooper. I laughed so hard – I wanna see more of David.Canada’s Got Talent alum Cathy Boyd was up next, sharing her thoughts on parenting four kids (apparently she would have been happy with just the first 3) and trying to make Howie Mandel laugh! The audience loved her dry, slow burn delivery.Festival Founder and stand-up comic Luke Lynndale was up next and he ramped up the energy in the room with his fast-paced observational comedy, esp. his thoughts on childbirth….his delivery room experiences with his first child made for some funny material!The final comedian/headliner was Nile Seguin (below) whose killer set ended the night on a high note. An admitted “weirdo” and nerd, Nile is a veteran of the comedy fest circuit having performed across Canada and the U.S. as well as being an accomplished TV writer (he was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for his writing on CBC’s “Still Standing” one of my fave Canadian shows).So there’s one more night & two shows left for the inaugural Danforth Comedy Festival. The Don on the Danforth (near the Main subway stn) plays host to both shows and there are still some tickets left. Check out info and tkts at: www.danforthcomedyfestival.com. Hope to see you there.
Follow and support these talented comedians via their social media (Instagram):
@scamasimone (your host)
@spit_bandit (Dimi)
@side_kick_comedy (Sai)
@davidgreencomic
@can_am_cathy
@comedynuggets (Luke)
@neil_seguin
@danforthcomedyfestival