Artist James Picard's Film The Dark & The Wounded Takes Top Award at New Media Film Festival

To go beneath the surface of our distracted reality and get to the root of what is really happening to us as individuals, society and as a species on the planet. By getting past our fears we can become more compassionate and understanding towards ourselves and others. Beyond fear, there truly is freedom."

James Picard's words ring true and, with the current state our world is in, are needed to be heard now more than ever. Picard's vision of The Dark and The Woundedstarted over five years ago when a close friend revealed to him that she was raped continually by her father throughout her childhood. Picard's empathy took him into the deeper realm of the human psyche, looking for answers. He soon began painting a series of artwork that focused on the darker aspects of human nature and why our personal, societal and global wounds of the past still haunt us in the present.

Eventually Picard began looking for a venue to exhibit the series, after being rejected by the main stream galleries, and found a home in some of the darkest and most wounded locations known to mankind: abandoned asylums, prisons and hospitals. He soon began booking locations all across North America and inviting guests in for midnight showings to which the response was, as Picard puts it, "…absolutely mind-altering."

Bringing this spectacular idea to life required the addition of more creative talent so Picard brought onboard renowned Hollywood composer Jeff Danna to create an awe-inspiring soundtrack and Dr. Jeff Jean to co-direct and lead as head cinematographer. Their unique and outstanding visionary skills have helped bring the live visceral event experience to film.

About James Picard: Picard has exhibited extensively in over 160 art shows throughout North America and Europe. His work has been exhibited next to Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Warhol. Harold Town stated that Picard's talent is "rare in the art world". When Picard is not painting, he is teaching others how to paint. He has received countless awards and accolades for his work and contributions to communities throughout North America. He is currently residing in Vancouver and Los Angeles and is touring his award-winning documentary "The Dark and The Wounded" around the world.

Artist James Picard To Make Cameo Appearance in Sarah Deakin's 'Yellow'

James Picard has just wrapped filming the Sarah Deakin film Yellow, which features 42 Picard oil paintings along with James doing a cameo in the film.

Yellow follows 10 characters during one seemingly ordinary afternoon in an art gallery, but on this particular afternoon, all of these characters experience some sort of crossroads in their lives. It is about the intricacies about what it means to be human, it's about art and love, poetry and the pursuits of our own truths. A stellar cast helps bring this all to light.

Yellow is the first stand-alone film in a series of 7 that will be developed by a group of up-and-coming women directors. This film acts as the "pilot" and is produced by Bright Lights Productions.

About James Picard:  Picard has exhibited extensively in over 150 art shows throughout North America and Europe. His work has been exhibited next to Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Warhol. Harold Town stated that Picard's talent is "rare in the art world".  When Picard is not painting, he is teaching others how to paint. He has received countless awards and accolades for his work and contributions to communities throughout North America. He is currently residing in Vancouver and Los Angeles and is touring his award winning documentary "The Dark and The Wounded" around the world.

Worldwide Women's Film Festival Partners with iPitch.tv

 Winners and participants in the Worldwide Women's Film Festival will be reaping some extra benefits obtained by the relationship with iPitch.tv.  Winners will receive one (1) year of access (valued at $300) to pitch content through the iPitch.tv membership site and develop connections with companies such as: Discovery Studios, Discovery Network, Sony Pictures Entertainment Television, CBS, GSN, New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers, Echo Lake Entertainment, Relativity Television, WEtv, Authentic Entertainment, to name a few.  Participants will have access to a three (3) month trial membership.

"We are ecstatic to have this opportunity to help bring more value to filmmakers and make a difference with this partnershp with iPitch.TV." ~ co-founders Kim A. Huenecke and Eva Louis

Worldwide Women's Film Festival, will be held Friday and Saturday, February 9 – 10, 2018 at the Harkins Shea 14 Theatres, located at 7354 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260.

Film Submissions are currently being accepted and can be submitted via the websites: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/WorldwideWomensFilmFestival or visiting www.wwfilmfestival.com Earlybird Deadline is September 1, 2017 and Extended Deadline is October 15, 2017 (fees vary per date of submission)

iPitch.tv

"Looking for a way to pitch your idea for a television show or movie?  iPITCH.TV offers a next generation platform for creators of original pitches for TV, Film & Digital Media to connect directly with Hollywood Producers and Studio Executives and gives creators industry pro advice on how to pitch a television show or feature film. Pitch your idea for a Movie, Screenplay, Television Show, Short Film, New Media Project and more."  https://ipitch.tv

WORLDWIDE WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL

WWFF was established in 2016 and is focused on highlighting the talents of women filmmakers from all over the world.  The organization wants to be an epicenter in the film industry for recognizing the wide array of talents and quality content that is being created by women and other filmmakers collaborating to support women in the film and entertainment industry. Website: www.wwfilmfestival.com

Original Star Wars set designer to be honored at Oceanside Film Festival

The Oceanside International Film Festival will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of "Star Wars" this year by honoring the designer who helped bring the film to life. At the event's closing ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017, production designer Alan Roderick-Jones will be receiving the festival's annual Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the world of film design.

Roderick-Jones' career spans more than five decades, starting way back 1961 on "The Victors" as a junior in the art department at Shepperton Studios. He would go on to work on two films that received Oscars for art direction; "Nicholas And Alexandria"(1971) and "Star Wars"(1977). He has also won four Cleo Awards for his art direction in the world of commercials.

On "Star Wars", Alan Roderick-Jones co-designed with the late Production Designer John Barry. He drafted and dressed the Cantina, Homestead Garage, Docking Bay 94 for the Falcon, Death Star Corridors, The Throne room and The War Room. Although not credited in the 1977 film, he was finally acknowledged in the film's second release and eventually written up in The Star Wars Insider Magazine (Issue 131 Feb / March 2012) as one of the unsung heroes of the Star Wars saga.

Apart from his award acceptance, Roderick-Jones will also be hosting a special workshop during the festival on Saturday, Aug. 12. This presentation will not only give fans a behind the scenes look at the film's creation, but an overview of his full career as well. Such other highlights featured in the presentation will include his work on the Steve McQueen wartime epic, "Papillon"(1973), the Charles Chaplin written "The Countess of Hong Kong"(1967) and Michelangelo Antonioni's art house favorite, "Blow Up"(1966). The festival will hold a meet and greet prior to the workshop that will give "Star Wars" fans a chance to speak one on one with the designer.

Co-presented by NACRE Publishing, LLC, the Oceanside International Film Festival's "Star Wars" workshop will take place on Aug. 12, at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre. Meet and Greet opportunities will run from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at 12:00 p.m. Tickets to the workshop and other events at the Oceanside International Film Festival are on sale now at www.osidefilm.org.

About Us: Founded by the Oceanside Cultural Art Foundation in 2009, the Oceanside International Film Festival is an opportunity for independent filmmakers to have their work screened and juried. It also gives film buffs a jump-start chance for viewing local and international films in a Southern Californian locale known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and artistic freedom. Held Aug. 6 – 13, OIFF 2017 will take place at the Star Theatre and Sunshine Brooks Theatre respectively. For purchase & attendance information please visit www.osidefilm.org

NACRE Publishing LLC, founded April 2015 in Temecula California by award winning international singer-songwriter, Joanna Pearl, is an independent publishing company with emphasis on music, media, print, film, television, merchandise and software. NACRE is an affiliate of performing rights organization, ASCAP. For more information please visit www.NacrePublishing.com

"Larger Than Life: A Boyband Story" Movie Release Party Takes On NYC

We thoroughly enjoyed the premiere a year ago and all the many followings of this film. Being released worldwide by the prestigous Shami Media Group, word on the street is the hot ticket tonight in NYC is the official release party for Edvin Ortega of Orange is the New Black's award winning film "Larger Than Life: A Boyband Story". Held at uber exclusive hotspot Beautique Lounge, the invite only affair has been the talk for of the town surrounding the films release. Daily Film Forum has gotten first hand scoop that along with Ortega, full starring cast Chris Jehnert, John Wagner, Devon Peacock, Toly Rod, Price Adam Troche and Keith Collins ("The Evangelist") will be in attendance. 

The film not only takes a close look at what is like to be a tribute artist in New York's cut throat music scene, but it depicts the journey of co-founder Ortega as he tries to reunite John, Chris, Devin, Toly and others to not only form the Ultimate Boyband Tribute, but to release their own hit song! For this boyband it’s a Brand New day! We give this inspirational gem of a film 4 out of 5 stars and a must see! Larger Than Life: A Boyband Story is creeping up the charts sooner than you think and its starting tonight at Beautique Lounge in New York City...

Actor Sebastian Faure: You can achieve anything you want, JUST EMBRACE THE JOURNEY!

Actor Sebastian Faure brings a truly unique perspective to his craft: "Life is never easy. At a young age, our parents always told us that you could achieve anything you desire if you put your mind to it. They weren't wrong, but what do we desire? Your journey starts here. First, you have to find your passion. And the only way for you to find what you love most is to experience the work that life has to offer."

Born in Dubai in 1988, his parents divorced early in his life, so he grew up facing those struggles. But his Mom introduced him to art. "The first time I held a pencil and started drawing was when I was with her. The first time I had to recite a poetry sonnet in class, I was practicing at home with my mum. She was always there to support me. For that, I'm grateful."

Showing promise at a young age, he initially earned a scientific baccalaureate from the Lycee Georges Pompidou in France.

He went on to attend the Sorbonne University in Paris, majoring in Art History and Archeology, where he fell in love with acting. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Art History and Archeology and a Minor in Theatre.

Moving back to Dubai he started working in a gallery as an art consultant. After three years, his passion for acting overtook him, so he moved to the City of Angels, Los Angeles, CA, where he earned a Master's in Fine Art Acting from the New York Film Academy in Burbank. He is grateful to have been coached by people like George McGrath, Isabela Hofmann, Joe Basile, George Russo, and Ken Lerner, just to name a few.

He became acquainted with acting techniques from Stanislavski to Meisner, from Meisner to Lee Strasberg, from Strasberg to Chekhov, Chekhov to Grotowski. He was able to take something from all of these techniques in order to create his own style.

He began to get parts, then developed a great reputation. He began getting more work through referrals because people liked working with him.

He has now made a dozen short films. He wrote two films, directed one and even produced one, although he discovered he doesn't care much for producing.

"Life is about finding your purpose and embracing your journey. In my Acting class, I remember one of my teachers asked me: 'What drives you to your goal?' I simply told him, 'I want to be remembered and leave my stamp in this world. Even after I die, I can still affect people's lives through my films.'"

Cast as the lead in the multiple award winning Sui Side Inn, he plays Chef Dimitri. Sui Side Inn tells the story of an innkeeper named Sui who helps people with their struggle. When you want to end your life, you stay at this hotel.

Sui Side Inn earned a 2017 Platinum International Independent award, 2017 LA Shorts award, 2017 Los Angeles Film Award for Best Editing, and a 2017 Best Drama Award from the LA International Film Festival.

Sui Side Inn screened privately at Warner Brothers.

In Retail Blues, he played the manager of a store named Josh. The film is a dark comedy that involves the story of an employee named Justine. Justine is offered two incredible opportunities: one for singing and one for the store manager. Josh is Justine's manager who will try any means necessary to have her stay in the store so he can get promoted.

"Every time I pick a role, I always start by understanding the psychology behind that person and the way he perceives life, because acting is all about thought. Then studying the way he interacts with strangers, family members and co-workers."

In The Reverie, a psycho-thriller, he played a photographer named Michael Miller. An unexpected model shows up and insistently asks Michael if he can have his pictures taken. Michael is passionate about photography and decides to accept the stranger's offer. During the photo-shoot, a conversation starts between both them and Michael soon realizes that Edward is here for a reason. Nothing is as it seems.

The Reverie screened at Warner Brothers.

In Daughter of the Lake, he was cast as the lead: Roland.

Daughter of the Lake is a horror film in which four college students decide to go on a road trip. Tensions start to rise when they find themselves stuck in the middle of nowhere. What was supposed to be a fun college trip turns for the worse when they seek shelter in an abandoned ranch next to a lake.

Daughter of the Lake earned the March 2017 LA Shorts Award, Best Original Story by the Los Angeles Film Awards, April 2017 and Best Horror by the Festigious International Film Festival.

"Marlon Brandon, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Paul Newman, Orson Welles, Alec Baldwin are some of the actors that inspired me for decades. They are character actors who can mold themselves and fill in the shoes of any fictional character and bring fiction to reality with their dimensional craft and their emotional depth.

"I strive to become like them and hopefully work with talent like them in the near future. These actors show the foundation of what an actor must strive to become, and the films we admire and respect today would never have reached their peaks without the involvement of these great actors."

Sebastian Faure has worked hard in order to pursue his passion for acting. "I'm consistently learning more about life and myself so I can improve my artistic craft."

Up to date press materials on Sebastian Faure available at: http://www.thomcomm.com/sebastian-faure.php