"CineMagic: Hollywood Madness" Game Debuts Worldwide

Jamwix announced that its critically acclaimed game, “CineMagic: Hollywood Madness,” is now available for Android and iOS platforms. Now Android and iOS players around the world can experience the cinematic glory of the most epic puzzle game ever imagined.

"CineMagic: Hollywood Madness" is a genre-busting free puzzle-card game that puts players right in the director’s seat to imagine their own movies. Set inside the twisted world of cinema, players create their own cinematic smash ups using a massive collection of tongue-in-cheek movie stars, titles and scenarios. Their goal is to conjure up the most ridiculous, box office crushing movies possible. Players can even upload and share their wild creations online.

Jamwix's CEO Blair Erickson has had his own real-life experience writing, producing, and directing feature films in the Hollywood film industry. Two years ago, his cult horror film, Banshee Chapter, debuted to film festival awards and critical acclaim. Erickson states, “'CineMagic' smashes up the creative fun of crafting your own movies with an innovative take on classic gaming conventions. Having experienced the ridiculous world of Hollywood firsthand, I can personally vouch for this game being a lot more fun than creating actual movies... and a lot less insane.”

“CineMagic” can be found on Google Play, and Apple’s App store.

·  CREATE the craziest movies that the world has ever seen!
·  COLLECT more than 400 ridiculous movie stars, classic characters, iconic locations and clichéd plots to pack into your film!
·  CHALLENGE an endless wave of absurd movie sequels, inane prequels, silly reboots, and pointless remakes as the unimaginative zombie horde of Hollywood threatens to destroy the world of cinema!
·  PLAY as the most challenging and rare role in Hollywood – a young female director!

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ABOUT JAMWIX, LLC

Jamwix is a new digital creation studio formed on building powerful, engaging, and innovative experiences for everyone. The founders are old college friends from Carnegie Mellon University, who've collaborated and worked together on creative entertainment and game projects for over a decade and a half. We specialize in innovative experiences, next generation entertainment, and virtual world creations. For more information, visit jamwix.com.

Award Winning Casting Director Victoria Burrows joins 48FILM Projects Jury

The 48FILM Project is honored to announce that one of the top Casting Directors in the world, Victoria Burrows of Peter Jackson's 'THE LORD OF THE RINGS' and 'THE HOBBIT' trilogies,  and Steven Speilberg's 'TINTIN' and Robert Zemeckis' 'THE WALK,' has joined as a juror for the 2015 competition.


The short film competition made headlines earlier this Fall by announcing the $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars, USD) budget to film a feature film as Grand Prize.

Victoria Burrows began her career in the entertainment industry working with the legendary Ramsay King, one of television’s most iconic casting directors from the early 70’s through to the late 90’s.   Victoria was then asked to join the newly created Stephen Cannell Productions casting team in 1985, where she cast such shows as '21 JUMP STREET,' 'WISEGUY,' 'THE A TEAM', 'RIPTIDE' and 'STINGRAY,' but it wasn’t until she decided to go independent and partnered with colleague Scot Boland, that the opportunity to expand into casting high profile television and feature film projects came along.

Burrows-Boland Casting has an astounding resume. Their feature casting credits include 'THE WALK,' 'FLIGHT,' 'CONTACT,' 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL,' 'THE POLAR EXPRESS' and 'CASTAWAY' starring Tom Hanks, all directed by  Robert Zemeckis. They also were the US casting Directors for 'THE LOVELY BONES', 'KING KONG,' 'THE FRIGHTENERS,' 'THE LORD OF THE RINGS' triology, and 'THE HOBBIT' triogy directed by Peter Jackson; 'THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN produced and directed by Steven Spielberg; 'THE MUSE' and 'LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD' directed by Albert Brooks and action films such as 'HOSTAGE' starring Bruce Willis, and 'DEATH RACE' starring Jason Statham.

Television series include 'MACGYVER,' 'TALES FROM THE CRYPT,' 'DIAGNOSIS MURDER' and 'WALKER, TEXAS RANGER.' Long form TV include miniseries by Stephen King ('IT'), Anne Rice ('FEAST OF ALL SAINTS'), Judith Krantz (’TIL WE MEET AGAIN') and Vincent Bugliosi’s 'AND THE SEA WILL TELL.'

The 48FILM Project online festival is open to everyone: beginner to professional, from all nations.  Once registered, a competing team selects a genre and importantly: when they want to start the clock. 48FILM Project provides three (3) elements that are required to be included: a character, a line and a prop. Filmmakers then have forty eight (48) hours to create a short film in English or with English subtitles, four (4) to seven (7) minutes in length and upload it to https://www.48filmproject.com/competition/2015/register. Creators retain the rights to their own intellectual property.

Ms. Burrows will be instrumental in selecting the winners.  Winning films will be screened at the 2015 award ceremony in Los Angeles, California on February 9, 2016 at the Director’s Guild of America.

For more information, visit: https://www.48filmproject.com

For more information on Ms. Victoria Burrows, please visit: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0123305/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

To register and be eligible to win the Grand Prize of making a feature film: https://www.48filmproject.com/competition/2015/register

Kings of Movies Endorses ‘Concussion' as an Essential Movie Pick of the Week

 Kings of Movies is officially launching in Los Angeles January 2016; however the company decided to give its engines an early flight being especially motivated by Sony Pictures release of the new movie, ”Concussion."

Kings of Movies announces Sony’s new film, “Concussion,” as an essential feature movie of the week.  Directed by Peter Landesman, “Concussion” is based on the true story based on immigrant, Dr. Bennett Omalu, his discovery of CTE and his battle with the NFL on the effects of concussions on football players. ”Concussion stars Will Smith, Alec Baldwin and debuts in theaters across America on Christmas Day, Dec.25.

In a special edition of Sports Illustrated that just hit the news stands today December 24th, NFL All Star and Bama All American, Keith McCants shares his feelings after attending a prescreening:"“I now know why Andre killed himself, I know why Junior Seau killed himself, I know why Keith McCants wanted to kill himself.” Dr. Bennett Omalu shares that the goal of the film is to educate people about the risks of developing CTE when engaged in the sport of football.

"Understandably there has been a heavy dose of negativity in 2015 with world events but like that beacon of light for the Chilean miners let's remember also that humanity is still stepping forward with positive change too, including the philanthropic work of Mr. & Mrs. Bill Gates and Mr. & Mrs. Mark Zuckerberg. Change for the betterment of the future comes in many different ways, like the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York which became the catalyst of change in a city that now welcomes same sex marriage; the spark started its journey in the summer of June '69.

The "Concussion" movie is shining the light on long-term injury related trauma that can negatively affect the life quality of people from the sport years later which impacts the players directly and their family's future; like a stone in the pond, it ripples out.  What good is 5 years of top-level sports if it can detrimentally affect a person's health for the next 50 years, when an adjustment in the rules can greatly reduce the percentage of future suffering. "Concussion" as a movie, is a catalyst for enlightened change. We know about nicotine, alcohol and sugar damage, the long term effects of trauma is also under the microscope now. Beacons of light guide us all to the future. That's what "Concussion" with Will Smith is doing," says Eddie Gordon, Founder/President of Kings of Movies.

“Concussion” is the second film selected to be featured on KINGS OF MOVIES in 2015 with the first feature being award winning indie film, “Under the Blood-Red Sun,” directed by Tim Savage and produced by Dana Satler Hankins.

About Kings of Movies

Kings of Movies is filling the gap with a groundbreaking promotional website where young filmmakers can debut their movie trailers to a global database of Radio DJ's to spread the word on their shows and to a worldwide social media audience the Kings Of Spins.

Eddie Gordon, a prominent British music innovator in Europe and founder of Kings of Spins in the USA, is teaming up with Cheryl Schayer and Belinda Foster to launch the breakthrough platform that will generate movie campaigns.

www.kingsofmovies.com

Filmmaker Bets His Future On The Las Vegas Film Community

FILMMAKER BETS HIS FUTURE ON THE LAS VEGAS FILM COMMUNITY
Supernatural Thiller, "Unwritten" Begins Shooting on January 15th, 2016

Filmmaker Dale Neven is ready to turn his life long dream into a reality as the Independent/local film, “Unwritten" gears up to shoot in Las Vegas. He’s seeking Kickstarter funds but will proceed with or without them.

Shooting Begins January 15, 2016

Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding area.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER & PROJECT: Dale Neven isn’t waiting around for permission to make his movie. He’s saved as much as he can on his own and will stop at nothing to see his dream become a reality. He’s removed all obstacles, left his video production job, and amassed a cast and crew that share one common vision…making an impactful movie on a micro-budget. Neven believes in casting local talent, the films lead character is played by actor Gabriel Burrafato, currently seen on stage as Dean Martin in "VEGAS!The Show."

Neven said, “I feel like this movie is the culmination of a life long journey. I want to make something special, something that will demonstrate that impactful art can be created without large sums of money. My passion and love for filmmaking is driving me to make it happen”.

Neven calls himself a late-bloomer but is quick to point out that everything is happening as it should, and it is happening now. He speaks of his movie, “Unwritten" with a zest and enthusiasm that would make even the biggest cynic think twice about doubting the successful completion of his goal. When asked about his cast and crew he gives a smile that almost seems to spring forth from his eyes, “I refer to my cast and crew as an unstoppable engine and I call my film “The Little Movie That Can!" said, Neven.

When asked why he thinks the time is right for this ambitious endeavor Neven said, “Everything I've learned from working on small budget movies has prepared me for this moment. It’s now or never. I’m ready to take the creativity and ingenuity that comes from making movies on a shoestring and combining it with the quality and professionalism of a big budget feature.”

FilmWorks Entertainment releases SelectED the film about the Chicago Public High School that is harder to get into than Harvard

FilmWorks Entertainment releases the acclaimed documentary film “SelectED” nationwide on Digital VOD & DVD just in time for Christmas.

SelectED is a revealing look into the lives of students who put it all on the line to be selected, proving that a free education is never without a cost.

10,000 students a year apply to Whitney Young High School for 350 seats.

Entrance is merit based and not reliant on finances or social connections.

Whitney Young High School is one of the most culturally and racially diverse schools in the nation.

SelectED examines the truths and challenges of public urban education as seen through the lives of high school students at Whitney Young High School. This Chicago public school began as a dream to create a fully integrated school in a racially divided city, and within a riot ravaged neighborhood in the 1970s. Through interwoven stories, SelectED explores the leadership, triumphs, and losses in one of the most culturally and economically diverse schools in the country that has stood the test of time.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would welcome the opportunity to go back to High School, much less find it an enjoyable experience! For an entire year, Principal Joyce Kenner gave me unprecedented access to teachers, faculty, students and staff of one of Chicago’s most racially and ethnically diverse public High Schools. This film is a testament to the vision and dreams of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School’s founding teachers and administrators. It’s a story of one of the most successful public High Schools in the nation, it’s incredible students and how a culture of excellence and high expectations can work to create change and hope in a public education system that is severely broken.” ~ Director Kayla McCormick

SelectED also looks at the impact of being educated in a true melting pot environment and the effect it has on education, acceptance, tolerance and a worldview. The dynamic characters illustrate what is possible when great leadership, diverse cultures, and extraordinary minds come together. These stories include a controversial, inspiring, and demanding principal who has guided Whitney Young for 19 years. Through her nurturing and engaging leadership, amidst a backdrop of the largest number of school closings in U.S. history, Whitney Young became one of the most coveted schools in the nation.

SelectED highlights the benefits, and unintended consequences, of select schools and society’s constant struggle with urban education. The limited access to quality public education creates unrelenting pressure on students from a very young age. Their hopes and dreams of a promising future ride on being selected.

The film is produced by CoHootz Films in association with New Chapter Entertainment and is Directed by Kayla McCormick. Kayla brings almost 20 years of documentary experience. Kayla, a Chicago native, has been a Producer for “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, “Oprah’s Next Chapter” and “The Barbara Walters Specials”, as well as numerous productions for PBS, The Weather Channel, The History Channel and National Geographic Channel and A&E Network.

Watch the Trailer: https://vimeo.com/139402291

Gone With the Wind Expert Featured in Roundtable About the Film's Enduring Legacy

Pauline Bartel, author of The Complete GONE WITH THE WIND Trivia Book (2^nd edition), was one of five film experts featured in the roundtable article “The Box-Office Champ: Remembering ‘Gone With the Wind’ on its 75^th Anniversary” by journalist and film historian Michael Coate in his column “History, Legacy & Showmanship” on the website The Digital Bits. The column “focuses on retrospectives and tributes to popular and historically significant films.”

Bartel provided insights about why Gone With the Wind is worthy of celebration on its 75^thanniversary, why Gone With the Wind is cited as the most popular film ever made and what is Gone With the Wind’s legacy. Follow this link to read the article: http://www.thedigitalbits.com/columns/history-legacy--showmanship/remembering-gone-with-the-wind-75th (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/columns/history-legacy--showmanship/remembering-gone-with-the-wind-75th)

Background: The second edition of The Complete GONE WITH THE WIND Trivia Book by Pauline Bartel was published by Taylor Trade Publishing, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield, in honor of the film’s 75^th anniversary in 2014. This major rewrite of the 1989 original trade paperback, which sold more than 50,000 copies, continues the behind-the-scenes chronicle of Gone With the Wind – the book, the movie and the phenomenon that endures today.

Bartel relates in loving detail the inside stories of the writing and publishing of the novel; the Hollywood frenzy of transforming the book into film, including casting headaches, on-set tensions, and jinxed scenes; the premiere; and the Academy Awards. The updated edition also contains the scoop on the publication of two GWTW sequels; the disastrous debut of the Scarlett television miniseries; the post-GWTW lives of cast members, such as the news of Clark Gable’s secret lovechild; the restoration of three original costumes in time for GWTW’s 75^th anniversary; and much more.

According to Bartel, “The book’s  reader-friendly format – fact-packed features, profiles, quizzes and photographs – will delight any GWTW fan and make this the one book that no ‘Windie’ can do without.”

The Complete GONE WITH THE WIND Trivia Book is available as a $16.95 trade paperback and as a $9.99 eBook. Visit https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781589798205 for further information.

Bartel is an award-winning writer who has been a devoted “Windie” since the age of 16, when she first saw the film with her mother. Since then, Bartel has viewed the movie countless times and has collected an array of GWTW books and memorabilia. She is the author of six other popular culture books and is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Bartel is also president and chief creative officer of Bartel Communications, Inc., an award-winning corporate communications consultancy. Among the firm’s specialties are business-anniversary marketing, custom-content marketing, public relations, writing and editing services. Visit www.paulinebartel.com for further information.

WGN AMERICA PARTNERS WITH THE BLACKHOUSE FOUNDATION DURING THE 2016 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, IN CELEBRATION OF "UNDERGROUND"

WGN AMERICA PARTNERS WITH THE BLACKHOUSE FOUNDATION DURING THE 2016 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, IN CELEBRATION OF 'UNDERGROUND,' THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD ESCAPE THRILLER, FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JOHN LEGEND AND CREATORS MISHA GREEN AND JOE POKASKI

John Legend, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aldis Hodge to Participate in Panel Event in Park City, UT and Exclusive “Underground” Party, Saturday, January 23 

 “Underground” To Premiere Wednesday, March 9 at 10 PM ET/PT on WGN America

WGN America announced today a first-time collaboration with The Blackhouse Foundation, an Institute Associate of the Sundance Film Festival, to present “The Making of WGN America’s ‘Underground,’” on Saturday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. in Park City, Utah.  Scheduled to take place at Blackhouse’s Sundance headquarters located at the Buona Vita Restaurant, 804 Main Street, Park City, the exclusive “clips and conversation” panel event will feature “Underground” executive producer John Legend, along with the cast and creative team from the hotly anticipated escape thriller set to premiere Wednesday, March 9 (10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on WGN America.  Following the panel, WGN America and John Legend will host an “Underground” party, featuring the series’ stars and producers, at David Beavis Gallery, 314 Main St., Park City.

An exploration of a pulse-pounding journey about the revolutionaries of the Underground Railroad, the series' cast and creators will delve into the inspiration and strategy behind the development and production of the cable network's latest original.  Featured on “The Making of WGN America’s Underground” panel are: executive producer John Legend, creators and executive producers Misha Green and Joe Pokaski, executive producers Akiva Goldsman, Tory Tunnell and Mike Jackson and executive producer and director of the first four episodes, Anthony Hemingway.  Joining the executive producers are stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell (“True Blood,” “Friday Night Lights”), Aldis Hodge (“Straight Outta Compton”), Jessica de Gouw (“Arrow,” “Dracula”), and Alano Miller (“Jane The Virgin”), with Blackhouse Foundation chairman Brickson Diamond serving as moderator.

"Independent spirit is at the heart of both 'Underground' and the Sundance Film Festival, and we are thrilled to be partnering with Blackhouse to bring the dynamic world of ‘Underground’ and the artists who created it together with the festival community which supports provocative, authentic voices," said Matt Cherniss, President and General Manager, WGN America and Tribune Studios.

"WGN America's ‘Underground’ is the perfect realization of the dream of Blackhouse - expanding distribution platforms to create opportunities for a new generation of storytellers to reflect our histories and lives in ways the entertainment industry didn't even think was possible,” said Diamond. 

“Underground” follows a group of courageous men and women who use their ingenuity, power and perseverance to attempt the greatest escape in history and break free, despite the dire consequences that awaited them on the other side.  The story follows a courageous blacksmith Noah (Aldis Hodge) who covertly organizes a small group of his fellow slaves and pieces together a daring plan of escape across hundreds of miles to freedom.  The odds of success are razor-thin for those who make it off the plantation, while the risks, dangers and obstacles multiply each step of the way.

“Underground” is created by Misha Green ("Sons Of Anarchy," "Heroes") and Joe Pokaski (“Daredevil,” "Heroes,") who executive produce alongside Academy Award-winner Akiva Goldsman ("A Beautiful Mind," "I Am Legend") of Weed Road Pictures; and Joby Harold ("King Arthur," "Edge of Tomorrow") and Tory Tunnell ("King Arthur," "Holy Rollers") of Safehouse Pictures.  Visionary artist and producer John Legend, an Academy Award, Golden Globe^® and multi-Grammy Award winner, and his Get Lifted partners Mike Jacksonand Ty Stiklorius executive produce.  Additionally, Get Lifted oversees all elements of the show’s music.  Anthony Hemingway (“The Wire,” “Treme”) directs and serves as executive producer for the first four episodes.  

About WGN America and Tribune Studios 

WGN America, the flagship entertainment network of Tribune Media Company is nationally distributed in 73 million homes via cable, satellite and telco, with high-quality entertainment programming including the breakout hit series “Salem," Emmy-Award-winning drama “Manhattan," and upcoming scripted dramas “Outsiders” and “Underground.”  The network also brings its audience a strong slate of popular first-run syndicated series and blockbuster movies. Through Tribune Studios, the creative development arm of Tribune Media, original content is produced for WGN America and Tribune local stations nationwide.  Follow the network on Twitter @wgnamerica.  For additional information, please visit www.wgnamerica.com 

Follow:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UndergroundWGN 

Twitter https://twitter.com/undergroundwgn 

About The Blackhouse Foundation

Since its inception The Blackhouse® Foundation has worked to expand opportunities for Black filmmakers by providing a physical gathering venue for their constituents at the world’s most prominent film festivals, encouraging their inclusion of black filmmakers with films selected by the festival and creating a nucleus for continuing support, community, education and knowledge.

Seattle Premiere of New Documentary Focuses on Jobs for Autistic Adults

"Amazing", "Wonderful", "Brilliant", "A whole different view of autism", and "Everyone needs to see this movie!"

That’s what parents of autistic adults around the country are saying about an inspirational new documentary coming to Seattle’s Landmark Guild 45^thTheatre on January 20^th.

Watch the Trailer: https://youtu.be/9ZujWUSVR0M

The film "Programming Hope" features an inside look at the nonPareil Institute — a Texas-based nonprofit technology company that’s providing technical training and jobs in video game design for individuals who have been diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum.

Jack Creamer, the director of "Programming Hope,"says, “There is an employment crisis facing autistic adults, 90% are unemployed or underemployed – without a career they’ll need to be supported by family the rest of their lives. NonPareil (NPI) is doing something to address that problem.”

NonPareil is the creation of former professional race car driver and technologist, Dan Selec. When his youngest son was diagnosed with autism, he was inspired to put his technology skills to work in a personal way — to help create a future for his son. The company he started in his kitchen with just a few students has now grown to a staff of almost 200 — learning and working at locations in Dallas and Houston.

Creamer says, "Nonpareil means 'unparalleled, without match, or unequaled', and that's what these students and employees are. They’re creating amazing apps that are being sold in iTunes and Google Play stores.”

Initial screenings of the film have drawn large audiences interested in the film’s uplifting story. Diane Thomas has an adult son on the autism spectrum. She and her husband drove almost 4 hours from Indianapolis to see the film in Columbus, Ohio. "This film is a must-see for others to understand the hope that we have been looking for. It gives an honest glimpse into the struggles and victories these adults and families like ours face every day," says Thomas.

Creamer says, “These are gifted and intelligent people who face often misunderstood communication difficulties or other issues related to living with autism. When those differences are recognized and accepted – it makes all the difference in the world. And that’s what this film depicts.”

As far as his personal take on nonPareil and documenting their journey, Creamer sums it up simply – “This place is truly changing people’s lives -- and that’s a great story to tell.”

The Seattle premiere of "Programming Hope" is January 20th at 7:30pm at the Landmark Guild 45th Theatre. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the link below.
https://www.landmarktheatres.com/Booking/guild-45th-theat...

Producer/Film Maker Seeks Donations for Her Musical Film, Western In Noir, Trailer Scheduled for Release January, 2016

Western in Noir, a musical feature film with elements of diversity and social justice, was written by a 29-year old African American Writer/Musician who is fighting a battle with Stage 4 Breast Cancer.

1 Drop Rule Productions has launched a crowdfunding campaign for Western In Noir, a musical feature film with elements of diversity and social justice. The film and soundtrack, owned by the cast and crew, is directed by an all female crew – Michele McMillan, author/producer/film maker; Award-Winning Editor and Director Jennifer Barlow, and Rachel Dunn, Director of Photography.

This all female crew is creating a haunting, realistic vision of America at its weakest in a hacker torn, vigilante ruled future where hearsay can be deadly. The official trailer will be released on Youtube on New Year’s Day.

Western In Noir is a musical film in the vein of Carmen or Pink Floyd's the Wall. It takes place in a vigilante-run America, after hacks and a failed presidential campaign escalate an American revolt.

This film is a commentary based on the differences in challenges faced by Americans, and a plea for reform. It features a diverse cast.

Spawned by the disappearance of Skip Hutch, the social media fueled presidential hopeful, hackers and malcontent citizens escalate a civil war. Years after the violence settles, people are slowly beginning to trust each other and build again. The CEA, a promising new regime, recruits Elliot to scout the western part of the country for survivors. After stopping in a small church-run town, he meets Nivea, a knife fighter and farm owner who lives with her friends and former lovers. One day, a bounty hunter shows up for Elliot and he discovers that a small misunderstanding has snowballed (or tumbleweeded) into a crusade against him funded by a group even stronger than the CEA... the church. While fleeing the farm, he is captured by the Grinch and his gang. Meanwhile, Nivea and her farm crew are all shipped back to her hometown, which was turned into a place for non-violent criminal rehabilitation during what some called "the Great Revision." Run by the Congressman and his family, home is not what it used to be, and she finds herself working in a brothel called the Mangy Dog.

The soundtrack for the film contains original opera, hip hop, and electronic music, as well as several choreographed dance numbers. While the project has been described to date as very "real," the film makers are considering going to a darker, more fantasy direction, if funding is secured.

Western in Noir can be watched with or without music video sequences, and the soundtrack includes opera, hip hop, blues, and more. Soprano Nique Wheeler sings the voice of Risky, featuring composition work provided by D_Elete, Ian D, Joe Andolino, and more by the team at Scoreascore.com

“This project means a lot to me,” said McMillan. “We hope to build on our history as musicians and music video makers. The film is currently in production, and we are looking for funds to pay cast members, obtain permits, licenses, insurance, catering, props, locations, music, and other costs associated with the film.

“I began writing this film when I was first diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Cancer, and in the course of writing it, I lost one of my best friends,” McMillan noted. “We had discussed writing a film together but he passed away. I would really like to see this film go forward for his legacy and mine. I also lost an uncle to gun violence on Chicago's South Side, and several of the songs in the film are written in his memory.”

McMillan’s goal is to raise $15,000. So far, they have invested $20,000 in the project. For a link to the completed budget: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NKrSJIITIgPsLC-jz...

You can view the film website at http://coolaidhouse.com/westerninnoir #westerninnoir

For more information, interested parties can follow the women film makers online, or join their email list on coolaidhouse.com. or go straight to the donation page at http://www.hatchfund.org/project/western_in_noir.

A large portion of McMillan’s share of film proceeds will go towards rehabilitating some properties on Chicago's South Side, and to the scholarship funds of Neal Bratcher III, and Quinn Heneghan, the son of her late friend Brett "Brett Brett" Heneghan. The rest of the proceeds will go to the cast and crew who will be owners of the film as well.

WASTELAND: Tales from the Desert, Pt. 1 --- Officially Released

Fate leads to a life-or-death stand-off for it, made worse by the arrival of a rifle-toting stranger by the name of Edson Laramie. Who will leave the Wasteland alive?

Gray Day Films, LLC in association with Collective Development Inc. present "WASTELAND: Tales from the Desert, Pt. 1", the introductory vignette to the upcoming feature film "Tales from the Desert."  The film is now available to view on the official Gray Day Films Vimeo page at https://vimeo.com/146707702 (https://vimeo.com/146707702)

Starring DJ Perry (Bestseller, Judges), Nicholas X. Parsons (Pain & Gain), David Gries (America's Most Haunted), and Damian Maffei (Christmas with the Dead), this short film lays the foundations for the gritty, violent world to be presented in "Tales from the Desert". Shot last December in Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, the film combines the stylized intensity of spaghetti Westerns with brutal science-fiction dystopias.

"I'm extremely happy with how the film turned out, and I can't wait for people to see it. We really wanted to build an interesting and dynamic Sci-Fi world, and I think WASTELAND has set us on the right path." -Kevin Buchholz, Writer/Director of WASTELAND.

The official WASTELAND Facebook page is currently giving away WASTELAND movie posters (27x39) to five lucky winners who share the film's release post on Facebook (available at https://www.facebook.com/WastelandTalesMovie/). Promotional artwork was hand-painted in the style of Drew Struzan's famous poster work by Valentina Cereseto (http://www.valentinacereseto.com/)

The film also features music from Chicago-based doom metal band BONGRIPPER (http://www.bongripper.com/) and synth-wave artist PROTECTOR 101 (https://protector101.bandcamp.com/).

Best Selling Author, Dr. Eben Alexander, Speaks About The Afterlife On Live Stream For Upcoming Film

Dressed in Sugar Productions, LLC., announced today that Neurosurgeon and New York Times Best Selling Author, Dr. Eben Alexander, will speak live on topics which are the subject of the upcoming feature film, Dressed in Sugar. He will speak about the afterlife, the scientific investigation behind it and the discovery of his visit to heaven, as described in his bestselling books, Proof of Heaven: Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlifeand The Map of Heaven: How Science, Religion and Ordinary People Are Proving the Afterlife.

Dr. Alexander spent over 25 years as an academic neurosurgeon, after decades as a physician and teacher at Harvard Medical School and elsewhere. He thought he knew how the brain, mind, and consciousness worked, but a transcendental Near-Death Experience (NDE) during a week-long coma from an inexplicable brain infection changed all of that completely.

Dr. Alexander has spent the seven years since his NDE reconciling his rich spiritual experience with contemporary physics and cosmology. He discovered that by probing deep into our own consciousness, we transcend the limits of the human brain and the physical-material realm.

A pioneering scientist and thoughtful leader in consciousness studies, Dr. Alexander has been a guest on Dr. Oz, Oprah, and many other national and international media programs. His books have collectively spent more than two years atop the New York Times and international bestseller lists.

Dressed in Sugar is an upcoming feature length film that will tell the story of a new best-selling author Azul, who travels to Mexico due to a mysterious call from her mother, just to find out she wants Azul to plan her funeral before the Day of the Dead.

The protagonist of Dressed in Sugar will face the same difficult questions Dr. Alexander once faced regarding the afterlife throughout her journey. In addition, the film will spotlight the popular Mexican holiday of the Day of the Dead and touch on the topics of life and death. The film will be directed by Krisstian de Lara, produced by Yovanka Sanchez and photographed by Ricardo Valdez.

Join the live stream over at Dressed in Sugar’s Youtube Channel on Thursday, December 10th, 2015 at 8 PM EST to hear Dr. Alexander speak about the afterlife. In addition, he will interact with, and answer questions from, the public on YouTube and on Twitter using the hashtag #AskDressedinSugar.

For additional information, please contact Dressed in Sugar Productions, LLC., at 786-529-5627 or email at mediarelations@kn2s.com.

About Dressed in Sugar Productions, LLC.

Dressed in Sugar Productions, LLC., is a production company based in Miami, that will produce the feature length film entitled Dressed in Sugar. The film will tell the story about a best selling author Azul, who travels to Mexico due to a mysterious call from her mother, just to find out she wants Azul to plan her funeral before the Day of the Dead. The film will be directed by Krisstian de Lara, produced by Yovanka Sanchez, co-produced by Marco Valdez, associated produced by Victor Mares and photographed by Ricardo Valdez. Dressed in Sugar is expected to go into principal photography in March of 2016 and hit theaters in the United States at the end of the same year.

Justin Roberts to be Presented the Santini Patriot Spirit Award at the Beaufort International Film Festival

Former U. S. Army Chaplain and Writer/Producer/Director Justin D. Roberts will be presented the Santini Patriot Spirit Award at the 10th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival being held February 10 - 14, 2016 in Beaufort, SC. The award will be presented for his film "No Greater Love", during the festival awards ceremony on Saturday, February 13.

The "Santini" is awarded to that filmmaker whose portrayal of the American active duty military, veterans, or their families in a feature film, documentary, or short reflects the highest standards of service and sacrifice for the good of others. The award is named after Marine Corps Colonel Donald "The Great Santini" Conroy, father of Academy Award® nominated screenwriter and best-selling author Pat Conroy.

Justin graduated from the Dallas Theological Seminary with a Masters in Biblical Studies and a Masters in Media Arts and Communication. For his tour in Afghanistan that is featured in No Greater Love, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor. He also served as the Co­-Executive Producer for The Hornet’s Nest, another military documentary, and his footage has been featured in an Emmy Award winning Nightline Memorial Day Special. He now resides with his family in Lake Charles, Louisiana. More about the film at http://www.nglfilm.com.


For more information about the 10th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival, visit beaufortfilmfestival.com. The festival is produced by the Beaufort Film Society.

The Beaufort Film Society is a nonprofit, 501 (c) 3, member-supported organization, dedicated to providing the highest levels of entertainment and education to the public from all areas of the film industry.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016

Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2016 from all of us here at the Daily Film Forum.