Send2Press Newswire

The Resurrection of Paranormal Science: Film Maker Turns Teacher in Paranormal Seminar Series

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:10:25 GMT

BOSTON, Mass., April 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Michael J. Baker, co-founder of New Gravity Media, and the director and writer of the successful film "14 Degrees - A Paranormal Documentary" has officially announced his plans to instruct a series of dynamic educational seminars on the scientific theories and principals involved with paranormal investigation.

The seminar series, which is set to begin on June 28th, will not only outline the history of paranormal activity and research, but also provide attendees with a live interactive demonstration of the principals of energy, the design and function of investigation equipment and the scientific techniques for the capture and evaluation of evidence.

"My goal here is to educate and hopefully inspire people to want to learn more," says the 36 year old film maker. "You don't have to be a scientist or college professor to understand this stuff. In fact we've gone to great lengths to make sure we present things in such a way that anyone can understand them. All you need a willingness to learn."

According to Baker, there has been a diminishing presence of true scientific understanding within the paranormal research community, and throughout the years, with the increasing popularity of paranormal investigation, some of the new and growing research groups have been concentrating more on their public image and organization and less on related education. A trend, says Baker, which hinders the chances for any true progress or advancement in the field.

"An organized, professional group is great, but it takes more than t-shirts and business cards to find answers. Especially in a field like this one, where so much is still undiscovered. It's amazing how many investigators I've met over the years that use sophisticated and expensive measuring equipment, but really couldn't begin to tell you the principles or even the history behind what it is they're measuring," says Baker. "Of course this doesn't apply to everyone in the field, but it does seem to be a rapidly growing trend that we're hoping to help change."

In addition to his history in the entertainment field, Baker's certification as an electronics engineer and years of experience as paranormal researcher, technician and documentarian make him uniquely qualified to instruct this particular subject.

"This really isn't like any other paranormal seminar out there," says Baker. "I wanted to go beyond the typical presentation of evidence and investigation protocols, and I certainly didn't want it to be just another long lecture. This needed to be something that people could get excited about. Something that's entertaining as well as educational."

During the four hour seminar Baker utilizes energy from high voltage power supplies, such as corona generators, plasma spheres, high intensity lasers and a 770,000 volt Van De Graff generator which he uses to help demonstrate the unusual properties and environmental effects of energy and how it could relate to paranormal activity. He also provides audience interactive demonstrations on various subjects ranging from paranormal evidence analysis and photography to physics, light, and sound. All presented in a straight forward easy to understand format, allowing the audience as a whole to help determine the characteristics and make up of paranormal energy.

"I want to show people that there is an exciting, informative and tangible side to this type of research that needs to be understood before you can make any determination about the evidence you collect. You need to know what's normal, before you can determine what's paranormal, and that's what this seminar series is all about."

The seminar, aptly titled "The Science of Paranormal Research" (Ghost Hunting) is part of the New Gravity Media seminar series.

For more information please visit www.newgravityseminars.com or contact: Michael Baker of New Gravity Media, 1-888-850-5125, mbaker@newgravitymedia(.com).

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, New Gravity Media, ghost hunting seminar

MyHollywoodFilm Creates Virtual Studio System

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:20:20 GMT

Independent film industry and its creative artists find home for education, production and distribution of their craft

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- MyHollywoodFilm, a global virtual studio for the Independent Film production and education industry, has established a unique P2P networking community. Filmmakers can find instruction, establish their careers, create the films of tomorrow and gain worldwide, viewable exposure, 24/7.

"The vision for My Hollywood Film is to be a key global player in the Independent Film production and education industry through the utilization of a unique online business network and the advancement of sustainable production and business practices," said Founder and President Jodi Nelson.

ESTABLISH A MOVIE CAREER

Highlight talent for every stage of a movie production anywhere in the world. Independent film makers can market and source what they need to make it happen with resources available in the MHF community. Find amazing and diversified projects to work on or start independent productions. Take the virtual online Core Boot Camps and Break out Courses taught by Professional experts in Hollywood to get the tools and the roadmap needed to be competitive in the global marketplace and help sustain a lasting career.

CONNECT, INITIATE AND COORDINATE GLOBALLY

Discover talent and resources in the MHF Community who live next door or around the world. Join groups to keep informed and involved in common interest areas.

PROMOTE YOURSELF AND YOUR TALENT

Network with like-minded people to get a career and projects started. Self-promote within the MHF community with a profile that can include a resume, headshots, reel and rates to get working on desired projects.

"As an actor, producer and filmmaker myself, I understand how difficult it is to get a film made. However, armed with the right tools and information, treading the unstable path of filmmaking can be an exciting and sustainable journey," commented Ms. Nelson. "There are no 'secrets' to Hollywood; just the facts. Having real information, the right resources and solid personal relationships will help you get to the next level and sustain your business. MyHollywoodFilm provides just that," Nelson concluded.

About MyHollywoodFilm
MyHollywoodFilm has established important affiliations and partnerships to facilitate a complete turnkey system online that is able to unite Independent film organizations and associations from all over the globe for collaborative efforts. Students of the film industry seeking sustainable careers are able to network with mentors and industry leaders while continuing their education. The existing Independent film industry can leverage networking opportunities from production to distribution within the MyHollywoodFilm community.

For more information please visit www.myhollywoodfilm.com or contact: 1-310-871-7897.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, MyHollywoodFilm social network, Independent film industry

Mark Whitacre, Ph.D. Promoted at Cypress Systems, Inc. and a Warner Bros. Movie to be Filmed About Him

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:00:11 GMT

FRESNO, Calif., March 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cypress Systems, Inc., a Fresno CA based biotechnology company, announced that it has promoted Mark E. Whitacre, Ph.D. to become the company's Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of Operations. Dr. Whitacre joined the executive management team in December 2006 as President of Technology and Business Development for the new east coast office.

The company's CEO & President, Paul A. Willis, stated that, "By having Mark Whitacre as a part of the management team, we have taken a significant step in our effort to expand our selenium based cancer prevention research and to develop next generation products. Dr. Whitacre's research and top-management business experience has fully aligned with the future direction of the company and its continued expansion into fermentation technology with emphasis on biotechnology and life science applications. In the fifteen months since Dr. Whitacre joined the company he has proven to be a valuable part of the management team."

In an effort to provide greater detail related to Dr. Whitacre's extensive education, research accomplishments, management experience, professional career, and his current work with Cypress, the company launched a biography website at www.markwhitacre.com last year. Dr. Whitacre's education includes B.S. and Master's degrees from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from Cornell University where Mark's Ph.D. thesis adviser was a renowned selenium researcher, Dr. G.F. Combs, Jr. Dr. Whitacre's research at Cornell University related to the biochemical role of selenium at the cellular level in the prevention of diseases. Mark continued his studies after Cornell earning multiple advanced degrees, including a law degree. These and other accomplishments are listed on the biography website just provided.

The company's flagship branded ingredient, SelenoExcell(R) High Selenium Yeast, was standardized and approved as the research standard selenium yeast source by the Division of Cancer Prevention of the National Cancer Institute, which resulted in the signing of a Clinical Trial Agreement in 1998. As a result of these efforts, SelenoExcell(R) has been selected as the sole intervention agent in a series of cancer prevention and health related trials. See www.cypsystems.com. The company maintains a clear focus on the mission to advance the prevention of cancer (as opposed to treatment) through selenium supplementation and overall health stewardship.

Movie to be filmed starting April, 2008: Dr. Mark Whitacre is best known publicly for his role as the whistleblower in the 1992 price fixing case involving the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company. Mark was a former President of the ADM BioProducts Division and Corporate Vice President of the company. Warner Brothers will begin production in April 2008 of a feature film depicting the FBI undercover work by Mark Whitacre and detailing the ADM price fixing case. The movie and script will be based on the Kurt Eichenwald book published in 2000, "The Informant." The Steven Soderbergh directed movie has cast Matt Damon in the role of Mark Whitacre.

The ADM price fixing case is well documented in hundreds of articles and was the subject of two books. Besides "The Informant" by Kurt Eichenwald, James B. Lieber, an attorney, wrote a book titled, "Rats in the Grain." Lieber's detailed book, written as a documentary, portrayed Mark Whitacre as an American hero. In support of his own conclusions of his book, James Lieber has been very active along with Paul Willis and Dean Paisley (former FBI Supervisor of the ADM case) in a serious attempt to obtain Presidential Executive Clemency or a Pardon for Dr. Whitacre. Furthermore, the numerous supporters of Mark Whitacre are still very active today with this endeavor including Chuck Colson and Harmon Killebrew.

In support of this effort, in early March 2008, Dean Paisley, a now retired 25-year veteran of the FBI, joined Mark Whitacre in Washington, D.C. where they jointly met with government lawyers. The objective of the meeting was to present strong support for Executive Clemency by all three FBI agents, including Brian Shepard who maintained day-to-day contact with Mark Whitacre during the case, and one of the former prosecutors whom worked on the original case. Dean Paisley has said, "Such strong pardon support from several current and former Department of Justice officials is unprecedented."

Cypress President Paul Willis said, "We support Mark Whitacre 110-percent! Mark has proven to be a valued asset to our management team. Mark openly admits to his mistakes and wishes that things had turned out differently. We are fully aware of the details of this case and Mark's specific involvement. We consider ourselves to be among a growing list of supporters, which include the FBI agents just named among other agents, former U.S. and Canadian prosecutors involved with the case, several prominent law firms, and numerous other business professionals. We are strong believers in second chances and Mark most certainly has earned the right to a second chance. We at Cypress desire to move forward from this point and make a positive contribution regarding the importance of selenium from selenium yeast in cancer prevention and several other health-related research areas."

Mr. Willis added, "Let it be known, that we maintain high respect for the Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and their current management team. We are fully aware that they have been under new management for several years and, like so many others who were involved in this case, wish only to put this behind them and move forward with the process of building a strong, vibrant and rewarding future for their companies and their personnel."

Cypress Systems, Inc. Website: www.cypsystems.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, SelenoExcell High Selenium Yeast, selenium based cancer prevention research

Little-Known 'Peege' Named to National Film Registry

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:57:32 GMT

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Jan. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Randal Kleiser planned to get his start in filmmaking with something edgy and avant-garde. As a grad student at the University of Southern California's film school in the early '70s, he mapped out a sweeping portrayal of Western history in which Christopher Columbus morphs into an astronaut. But Kleiser couldn't raise the $5,000 he needed to finish that movie. So instead he made "Peege," a 28-minute movie about his grandmother. And more than three decades later, Kleiser - who went on to direct the megahit "Grease" and other Hollywood features - is still drawing accolades for "Peege's" fiercely honest and poignant portrayal of a subject that touches us all: aging and mental decline. The latest honor for "Peege" may be its greatest ever: The 1972 production, distributed by St. Louis' Phoenix Learning Group, was named in December to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress, alongside such better-known classics as "Back to the Future," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and "12 Angry Men."

Started in the 1990s at the behest of Congress, the National Film Registry is intended to preserve the nation's movie heritage. Each year, hundreds of films are nominated by the public and by movie experts, and 25 are chosen for a list that now includes 475 classics from every era. Kleiser's "Peege" is only the second student production ever selected, the Library says. (To see the Library of Congress' announcement, go to www.loc.gov/today/pr/2007/07-254.html - To purchase Peege, go to PhoenixLearningGroup.com.)

After Peege, Kleiser realized his dream of becoming a major Hollywood director. In addition to "Grease," the world's top-grossing movie musical, he has made such critically praised works such as "Getting It Right," starring Sir John Gielgud, and 1986's "Flight of the Navigator."

"Grease" has so far grossed about $380 million worldwide. "Peege" has grossed less than $2 million - tiny by Hollywood standards, but extraordinary for a student production less than half an hour long. Fittingly, the story of how "Peege" came to be made, to touch so many viewers, and to launch Kleiser's career has its own measure of drama.

A Philadelphia native and 1964 graduate of Radnor High School, Kleiser fell in love with film as a child and knew he wanted to make it his career. "I saw 'The 10 Commandments' and the opening of the Red Sea, and I decided I wanted to become a director," says Kleiser, now 61. "I started making these little 8-milimeter films with my friends."

But after earning a bachelor's degree at USC, Kleiser hit a wall. He was working in post-production on educational films and "floundering, editing these stupid little films about weaving." So at the suggestion of his father, a psychologist, he went back to school for his master's.

Kleiser planned to create and direct a film as his master's thesis. His first attempt was something "arty and obscure," as he puts it: a film based on a Los Angeles theater troupe's experimental play about the journey of man through time, which he hoped to jazz up with special effects. In his mind's eye, Kleiser can still see Columbus transforming into a space traveler.

But Kleiser wanted to own his production, which meant that he had to rent his own equipment - otherwise, USC would keep the copyright. And when he found he needed $5,000 to finish the film, no one he contacted wanted to help.

Ironically, Kleiser credits horror-film producer Curtis Harrington with pushing him to do "Peege," a film about love and connection, albeit one that often brings its audiences to tears.

"He told me, 'Why don't you abandon that project and write something that's from the heart?'" Kleiser recalls.

So Kleiser turned to something he knew all too well: the painful emotions that for much of his childhood had accompanied his family's periodic visits to see his grandmother in a Lebanon, Pa., nursing home.

Kleiser, away at college, joined them every Christmas. And every year, Peege - her family's nickname for her - seemed to deteriorate further.

"Each year, it got worse and worse, and we'd begun to dread visiting," Kleiser says. "I wrote 'Peege' about that last trip to the nursing home."

Kleiser made "Peege" for about $10,000, but its acting and production values don't look low-budget at all. Indeed, the cast is full of familiar faces - starting with Bruce Davison as Kleiser's character.

Davison didn't need the work. He'd already starred in 1970's "The Strawberry Statement" and 1971's now-classic horror film "Willard," and has since enjoyed a busy career as a film and television actor, including winning a Golden Globe for his supporting role in 1990's "Longtime Companion" and Oscar and Emmy nominations. But Davison liked the script, and signed on for Screen Actors' Guild minimum and a small cut of profits.

Throughout the project, pieces like that just seemed to fall into place.

Kleiser says producer David Knapp volunteered to help because he liked the story and also because it offered professional advancement: Knapp's best gig so far had been as associate producer on an early Steven Spielberg production, "Something Evil." "He wanted the title of producer," Kleiser says. Knapp even put up $5,000 to help finance the project.

Knapp also contributed something even more fortuitous: access to the CBS studio offices that Spielberg had been using, because that project had wrapped with two weeks left on the lease.

Next door was the studio for "Gunsmoke," TV's longest-running drama, where Jeanette Nolan often starred. Nolan, who had launched her own career playing Lady Macbeth opposite Orson Welles in his 1948 feature, agreed to portray Peege. Barbara Rush signed on as Kleiser's mother. William Schallert, the father on "The Patty Duke Show," seemed "perfect to play my Dad," and Kleiser got him aboard. Barry Livingston of "My Three Sons" fame agreed to play his brother.

The job of getting "Peege" to an audience fell to Barbara Bryant, one of the founders of Phoenix Films, who saw it in 1973 at an Atlanta film festival.

Her company was new, but Bryant was already a leader in distributing independent film to libraries, universities and other institutions, and ran frequent workshops on visual literacy and film's value in teaching and provoking discussion. When other distributors shied away from "Peege" because of the strong emotions it evoked, Bryant and her business partner didn't hesitate. "We knew we wanted it the moment we saw it," she says.

Bryant began taking "Peege" everywhere she went.

The reaction? "A lot of crying. A lot of positive human response. People would leave the room and would immediately call their mothers or their grandmothers or whoever they had been estranged from."

Bryant retired last year, but still consults to Phoenix. And Phoenix still sells "Peege" - in fact, it recently released a digitally remastered version that includes commentary by Kleiser, Davison and Dr. Robert Yahnke, a University of Minnesota expert on the role of film in gerontological education.

Yahnke says "Peege" was "a seminal film," one of the first films of any kind to break a barrier in how old people were portrayed. "It was the first great educational film that told the story from the perspective of the older person," he says.

The DVD version also includes actual photos of Kleiser's last visit to the real Peege - photos that refreshed his memory and inspired him to do a movie about an old woman whose own memories come to life thanks to the words and touch of her loving grandson.

For information or to purchase "Peege," visit www.PhoenixLearningGroup.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Phoenix Learning Group, Peege filmmaker Randal Kleiser

Computer-Generated Animation Film Ministers to Children of Katrina and the World

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 19:44:00 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Oct. 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Family Friendly Films, LLC announces that the popular e-book, "Zea Zoo and the Land of Boo: An Urban Fairy Tale," has entered into movie production stage after making its presence known online.

Based on a popular children's poem, "Zea Zoo and the Land of Boo" was so successful as an e-book (www.clubsocietyhills.biz) that it is now being made into a computer-generated illustration (CGI) short animated movie.

Targeting the vastly under-served urban youth/family markets, "Zea Zoo and the Land of Boo" has nurtured an international, online audience that has created branding as a positive youth/family-friendly favorite.

"The film is refreshingly new and much anticipated in the animation film industry," P.D. Blackmon of Family Films, said.

Blackmon has recently returned to study at the UCLA Film School after 20+ years in the media industry as a writer/director and producer.

Post-production VIP screenings of the film are being sponsored by Women in Films (Beverly Hills) and Universal Studios. Equity partnership and distribution deals are currently being shopped.

CGI animation has eclipsed other animation forms and has emerged as one of the most successful film-art forms. Through state-of-the art CGI animation, coupled with traditional artistry, Family Friendly Films has achieved a new level of storytelling that still pays homage to Walt Disney and other great past animators.

The film's characters are reality and fantasy based, giving the animation studio extreme longitude to tell a story while exploring creative boundaries.

At the center of the story is a young, disenchanted boy from Bay Village, a town near the Gulf Coast of Mexico. He gets caught in Hurricane Katrina, nearly drowns, and awakens in the "Land of Boo," a magical wonderland under the sea. While there, he befriends unique characters who help him to return home to save his family and friends.

The boy's efforts are fraught with challenge and he must continue to stay one step ahead of King Nino, Queen Elvia and their evil followers the "SeaWeeds" who seek revenge and, ultimately, his death.

The film is being produced by Family Friendly Films, LLC, Family Film Animations Studio and Blackmon Entertainment.

To learn more, visit: www.landofboo.com or www.zeazooandthelandofboo.com.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Family Friendly Films LLC, Zea Zoo and the Land of Boo

Premiere of '14 Degrees - A Paranormal Documentary'

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:50:00 GMT

Do You Believe in Ghost Hunters?

REVERE, Mass. - Oct. 4 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On October 17th, 7:00 p.m. at Showcase Cinemas in Revere, New Gravity Media will release their latest production "14 Degrees - A Paranormal Documentary." Hosted by Mark Veau (Oldies 98.9 WORC), the film touches base with some of the most respected names in paranormal research and features such notables as Steve Gonsalves, Keith Johnson (Sci-Fi's Ghost Hunters) and John Zaffis (ABC, Discovery Channel, TV Land, World News Now, Unsolved Mysteries) to present an informative "behind-the scenes" look at the history and modern methods of paranormal investigation.

During this two year production, the New Gravity Media team immersed themselves in the paranormal world and not only interviewed, but followed independent research teams on over two dozen paranormal investigations throughout the northeast.

Michael Baker, the writer and director of the film explains:

"To get an honest perspective of what this subject is all about we needed to become a part of it, so we not only went out with investigation teams, we also joined a group of our own and in essence became paranormal investigators. It was the best way to really understand the field and give the film the perspective it needed."

The film crew traveled over 6,000 miles across 4 states, spoke to over 60 paranormal researchers, and shot over 280 hours of footage all of which has been condensed in to this 2 hour feature film which will be nationally released on DVD the night of the premiere.

Documentary web site: www.14degreesmovie.com

More information:
Contact:
Michael Baker
Tel: 1-888-850-5125
Fax: 1-888-850-5124
Cell Phone: 1-857-204-4171
Email: mbaker@newgravitymedia(.com)

www.newgravitymedia.com

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Paranormal Documentary, New Gravity Media

Film Florida at IFP Market in New York to Tout Filming in Sunshine State

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:25:00 GMT

Hosts Annual Wasabi Party at Jellado on September 18

MIAMI, Fla. - Sept. 10 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As Florida continues to attract independent filmmakers to the state, Film Florida will be at the IFP Market in New York to tout filming in the state. To celebrate independent filmmakers at the IFP conference, Film Florida is also hosting its annual Florida Wasabi on Tuesday, September 18 at Jellado, located at 115 E. 4th Street. From 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Filmmakers, actors and industry guests will gather to fete the burgeoning indie film market in Florida.

Film Florida members will be sharing the benefits of filming in Florida, including the new state incentives being offered especially for independent filmmakers. This marks the group's fifth year hosting the Wasabi party.

Some of the recent independent films successes that have come out of Florida include Chops, the toe-tapping and empowering documentary focuses on one Florida band's journey to the Essentially Ellington competition; My Sexiest Year (Frankie Muniz, Harvey Keitel), Boynton Beach Club and Grace is Gone, John Cusack's potentially Oscar-nominated turn as a widow of the Gulf War.

Florida consistently ranks among the top states for filmmakers. This year, Florida became one of the first states to tailor incentives to indie filmmakers with budgets starting at $100,000. Last year, Moviemaker Magazine Miami in the annual Top "10 Cities in America to be a Moviemaker" feature. This year's list again featured Miami, moving up a notch to #7 on the top 10.

"Independent filmmakers are increasingly discovering the advantages of working in Florida - we're a very indie friendly state in terms of resources," said Graham Winick, President of Film Florida. "Film Florida has worked tirelessly with the Office of Film and Entertainment to beef up the incentives offered specifically for indie films."

In Florida, film and entertainment is a $3.9 billion industry, representing 3,885 businesses and employs more than 42,000.

Film Florida is a not-for-profit corporation that provides a leadership role in Florida's film and entertainment industries by representing a coalition of interests, including private industry, local film commissions, industry associations and labor organizations. Its purpose is to offer to businesses and individuals the benefits of a statewide trade association to promote the creation of jobs in the film and entertainment production industries and to promote economic development and tourism.

For more information on Film Florida, please visit www.filmflorida.org.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Film Florida Independent filmmakers, IFP Market in New York

MEDIA COVERAGE REQUESTED: Barking Cow Distribution and STV Networks present the North American PREMIERE of the Newest Jackie Chan Film

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:45:00 GMT

A Jackie Chan Production and Stanley Tong Film Jackie Chan's the Myth

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - June 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- MEDIA INVITED - MOVIE PREMIERE: Red carpet screening and afterparty for the North American release of Jackie Chan's The Myth. The long awaited 96-minute English language version action-comedy feature film from Director Stanley Tong stars Jackie Chan and renowned Asian actors Kim Hee Seon, Tony Leung Ka Fai and Mallika Sherawat.

Filmed on location in China, India, Hong Kong, this is the first Jackie Chan US-release in over three years and has been dubbed into English by Chan for the US adaptation. Family fun adventure combining great acting and impressive martial arts stunts, Jackie Chan's The Myth is being compared to a "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Hero" and "Mummy" all rolled into one. The Myth will be released across the USA & Canada in Fall 2007.

WHO: Invited VIP guests include Jackie Chan, Director Stanley Tong, Kim Hee Seon, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Mallika Sherawat & Swami Nithyananda, a modern day enlightened Mystic and Master from India. Special live performance by "Just Kevin" - a one-man-electronica-music-band. Experience a fusion of rock n roll with electronic music performed live. No DJ, no records. Just a guitar, drum machine and microphone.

Confirmed Celebrities: Director/Producer Brett Ratner, Courtney Arquette, David Arquette, Alexis Arquette, Stargate and Farscape's Ben Browder, High School Musical 1 & 2's Monique Coleman, Dancing With the Stars' Carrie Ann Inaba, Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo, Academy Award-winning West Bank Story star Joey Naber, Shanghai Baby's Bai Ling, Bladerunner's James Hong, American Idol's Sabrina Sloan, The Shield's Kenny Johnson, ABC Big Shot's Hector Luis Bustamante, Last Comic Standing winner Dat Phan, The Memphis Grizzlies' Dahnte Jones, Nia Peeples, Annie Wood, Amanda Beard, Leilene Ondrade, Rick Robles, Freda F. Shen, Katie Lohmann, Monica Lo, Cassandra Hepburn, Jackie Long, Christopher Massey, Lorielle New, Rob Pinkston, Lauren Storm, Riley Weston, Kaila Yu, Allen Alvarado, Rita Branch, Roger Zamudio, Alana Curry, B.J. Hendricks, Rena Riffel, Olja Hrustic, Kate Linder, comedian Russell Peters, Noureen DeWulf, Clement Von Franckenstein, Chris McDonald, Camille Mana and The Glow Girls

WHEN: Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m. Screening and 8:30 p.m. Afterparty

WHERE:
Screening: ArcLight Cinemas
6360 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

Afterparty: Cabana Club
1439 Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles

YOUR REVIEW OF THE FILM IS REQUESTED
* please RSVP by June 25th to RESERVE your space - +1-646-258-8519 or +1-626-484-8929. *

EPKS AND ADDITIONAL SCREENINGS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Brianne Sheldon
+1-626-484-8929
Breeze Public Relations

Sridhar Sreekakula,
+1-646-258-8519
Barking Cow Distribution

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Barking Cow Distribution, Breeze Public Relations

Barking Cow Distribution and STV Networks Release the North American PREMIERE of the Newest Jackie Chan Film

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 22:20:00 GMT

A Jackie Chan production and Stanley Tong film Jackie Chan's 'The Myth'

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - June 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- WHAT: Red carpet screening and after party for the newly completed North American release of Jackie Chan's The Myth. The long awaited 96-minute English language action-comedy feature film from Director Stanley Tong stars Jackie Chan and renowned Asian actors Kim Hee Seon, Tony Leung Ka Fai and Mallika Sherawat. Filmed on location in China, India, Hong Kong, this is the first Jackie Chan U.S.-release in over three years and has been dubbed into English by Chan for the U.S. adaptation.

A family fun adventure combining great acting and impressive martial arts stunts, Jackie Chan's "The Myth" is being compared to a "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Hero" and "Mummy" all rolled into one. Jackie Chan's The Myth will be released across the USA & Canada soon.

WHO:
Invited VIP guests include Jackie Chan, Director Brett Ratner, Director Stanley Tong, Kim Hee Seon, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Mallika Sherawat & Swami Nithyananda, a modern day enlightened Mystic and Master from India.

Confirmed Celebrities: Stargate and Farscape's Ben Browder, High School Musical 1 & 2's Monique Coleman, Dancing With the Stars' Carrie Ann Inaba, Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo, Academy Award-winning West Bank Story star Joey Naber, American Idol's Sabrina Sloan, Nia Peeples, Katie Lohmann, Monica Lo, Jackie Long, Christopher Massey, Lorielle New, Rob Pinkston, Lauren Storm, Riley Weston, Kaila Yu, Allen Alvarado, Rita Branch, Roger Zamudio, Alana Curry, B.J. Hendricks, Olja Hrustic, Kate Linder, The Glow Girls, Comedian Russell Peters, Shanghai Baby's Bai Ling,

WHEN:

WHERE:

YOUR COVERAGE IS INVITED

Please RSVP by June 22nd to RESERVE your space (legitimate media only).

EPKS and Additional Screenings are Available Upon Request

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Jackie Chan The Myth, Barking Cow Distribution Inc

The 5th Annual Bronx Independent Film Festival opens June 29, 2007

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:33:00 GMT

BRONX, N.Y. - June 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Bronx Stage & Film Company presents Part 1 of the 5th Bronx Independent Film Festival Friday, June 29 & Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 8:00 pm in the 500-seat Lovinger Theatre on the Lehman College Campus. The honorable Earl Brown, Deputy Bronx Borough President will help open the two day festival featuring twenty one films from around the world.

Films to be screened include A Little Night Fright by Mischa Livingstone, Aris and the Art of Parkour Bhangra-Fu by Chrysovalantis Stamelos, Bronx River by Ibrahim Gonzalez, Chronicle of Impeccable Sportsmanship by Erica Tasini, ein, zwei Dinge by Anna Henckel-Donnersmarck, Equal Opportunity by Howard Duy Vu, Glimpse by Dustin Grella, Like a Ship in the Night by Melissa Thompson, Linus by Julius Onah, Mola Ser Malo by Alam Raja, Nobody Dies When It's Sunny by Niles Harrison, Oblivion, Nebraska by Charles Haine, One Last Drink Before Morning by JD Kelleher, Pop Foul by Moon Molson (USA), Quincy & Althea by Doug Lenox, Replay by Reynier Molenaar, Script Cops by Scott Rice, Tango Finlandia by Hannu Lajunen and Tomi Riionheimo, The Frank Anderson by Dave Perkal, The Hollow Man by Jose Wiley and The Little Gorilla by Harry Kellerman.

Film details and credits are available at www.bronxstage.com.

General Admission to The Bronx Independent Film Festival is $5.00. Reservations can be made by calling 718-907-0079 or by logging onto www.bronxstage.com. The Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College is conveniently located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd, West, Bronx, NY 10468 and easily accessible by car or public transportation.

The Bronx Independent Film Festival sponsors include Lehman Stages, ProductionHub.com and BronxNet. The Bronx Independent Film Festival is also made possible with public funds from the Bronx Council on the Arts through the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

Bronx Stage & Film Company, P.O. Box 580-179, Bronx, NY 10458, 718-907-0079, www.bronxstage.com, info@bronxstage.com.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Bronx Independent Film Festival, Bronx Stage and Film Company

Entertainment Industry Launch in Times Square

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:00:00 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Mar. 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Entertainment Industry Expo (EIE) was launched in New York today by Producers Zach Lezberg and Brian Blattman, and presented with Hollywood and internationally acclaimed celebrity Actress/Director/Producer Anna Wilding, the New York City Mayor's Office of Film and Television, The Independent Feature Project (IFP).

The EIE is being held at the Westin Hotel at Times Square on Sunday June 3, 2007 and promises to be an exciting event for all cast and crew professionals in the entertainment industry throughout America.

*(Photo Caption: Anna Wilding launches EIE with Brian Blattman and Zach Lezberg.)

Similar to NAPTE and Sho West in its potential for creating a network base and sales environment, but for talent and crew, the event was described recently by Variety as "Now Show People have an Expo too."

Many sponsors have been eager to clamber on board for the New York event including Hairspray, BLUE MAN GROUP, Bank of America, FedEx, 2(x)ist, and BroadwayWorld.com. More sponsors and participants are being added daily.

Actors and their agents will be interested to know that the Expo will also feature live castings for the stage shows Hairspray, Blue Man Group. 2(x)ist Underwear will be conducting a model search at "EIE."

MMG, which has cast major TV shows and Print Work will also be present to scout new talent.

A range of industry panels is being conducted by IFP featuring known industry figures from many aspects of the world of feature film and production.

The event is considered a great boost to New York for its ability to create a centralized atmosphere and networking opportunity to the world of stage, television and film in New York.

More information: www.eienyc.com.

Text provided by the news source.

TechGenii, Inc. Provides Mobile Alerts and Festival Voting for the Eerie Horror Film Festival

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Mar. 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- TechGenii, Inc. (www.TechGenii.com), an industry leader in digital media and interactivity, today announced that it will provide mobile alerts and mobile voting during the Eerie Horror Film Festival, October 10th through October 14th, 2007, at the Erie Playhouse in Erie, PA.

TechGenii will add mobile alerts throughout the festival so that horror fans will know film show times. TechGenii will also have a festival audience award, where horror fans can vote for their favorite horror film; the winner will be announced at midnight on Sunday, October 14th, 2007.

"I am very excited to add an interactive component to the Eerie Horror Film Festival," Barbara Bickham, Founder and CEO of TechGenii, Inc., said.

The Eerie Horror Film festival will be showing a minimum of 40 films over the course of five days. It is an internationally-recognized event that takes place each year in the city of Erie and showcases independent horror, science fiction and suspense films from around-the-world; screenwriting and video game development are also a focus.

During the festival, fans can meet with their favorite celebrity guests, purchase items from vendors and participate in several workshops at the Carnival of Carnage Expo Room.

"I am thrilled that our festival is partnering with TechGenii for the 2007 season. I have no doubt that the addition of text messaging will provide our audiences with a unique and entertaining experience and will allow them to be more actively involved in the proceedings. I look forward to working with TechGenii for years to come," Greg Ropp, President and Director of the Eerie Horror Film Festival, said.

DreadCentral.com is also going to be partnering with festival organizers and TechGenii. They are the premier web site for breaking news, original content and are an active community in the world of horror - covering movies, DVDs, games, collectibles, live events and music.

"We are very excited to work with TechGenii and the Eerie Horror Film Festival to enable a mobile voting component. Because our loyal fans are responsible for making DreadCentral.com the premier online destination for horror, it is natural that we want to help augment their enjoyment of horror entertainment with interactive features," KW Low, General Manager of DreadCentral.com, said. "We will be actively promoting this unique experience to our community and all horror fans."

TechGenii helps media and entertainment companies create revolutionary digital media and interactive content strategies.

For more information, please visit: www.TechGenii.com.

Text provided by the news source.

Anna Wilding Receives Thanks for Humanitarian Efforts on Lord of the Rings from New Line

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Anna Wilding's attorneys seek security support from New Line as Ms. Wilding Grapples with persistent stalking concerns left following Lord of the Rings movies

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Mar. 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- According to Anna Wilding, Mark Ordesky acknowledged and thanked Ms. Wilding for her substantial contribution to the Lord of the Rings movies, in a conversation through New Line's Legal Affairs to Wilding's attorneys at the law firm of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard, in New York. Ms. Wilding has been left grappling with many security concerns since the movies, which has had a significant impact on her career. For the first time Ms. Wilding speaks publicly.

The films were directed by Peter Jackson and produced by Mark Ordesky and Barry Osbourne. Since the films, Ms. Wilding has been allegedly harassed and defamed by a set of Internet stalkers. It is not known who by, or why, Ms. Wilding is being attacked. Authorities concluded recently that the Internet attacks are coming out of America.

Ms. Wilding has not been compensated for her work despite the Trilogy grossing over 2 billion and the impact to Ms. Wil ding's own safety and security. Attorneys for Ms. Wilding sought assistance on a basis of fairness, to help stop the attacks Ms. Wilding has had to endure. No help was forthcoming from New Line.

Contrary to rumors by fans, there has not ever been any basis for legal proceedings between Ms. Wilding and New Line. Ms. Wilding's work, that enabled the film to continue, was at the corner stone of a flailing overspilling production beset with difficulties at the time. Anna Wilding worked extensively during the final year of production to bring about a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts and concerns on set with regards to the treatment of cast, crew and animals. Mr. Ordesky was often in touch with Ms. Wilding by telephone during both the production and editing stages of the films. to keep abreast of issues.

Ms. Wilding contacted Mr. Ordesky after she was contacted directly with complaints from crew, and cast members. Ms. Wilding researched, took statements and investigated, and experienced first hand the lack of cooperation, faced by cast and crew as they tried to get matters resolved through the production, safety and occupational groups, animal welfare groups and other agencies and outlets. Ms. Wilding then took the matter to the American Humane Association where for many months she continued to work on resolving matters. Some crew were injured during the making of the films, says Wilding, in which many horses were injured and several horses died.

All trademarks acknowledged.

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Former Child Actor's Inspirational Film Gets Star Cast and Distribution

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Feb. 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Lord Help Us" is a new urban inspirational romantic comedy written, directed and edited by former child actor, Shavar Ross, who played "Dudley," Gary Coleman's best friend for six seasons on the hit 1980's show "Diff'rent Strokes," and produced by Tri-Seven Entertainment.

"I credit Image Entertainment in taking a chance in giving me national distribution before I ever had a script written. I didn't have a big Hollywood budget but I wanted to prove that I could make a movie that was positive, inspirational and had good 'production value.' A lot of the actors in my film knew me as a kid actor and wanted to help me and come through for me," says Ross.

*(Photo Caption: Director/Writer Shavar Ross.)

Funding the project himself and with a mere $150,000, Ross managed to garner a unique and colorful cast, opting to go with new and veteran actors. Newcomers Nadia Turner (American Idol Top 10 Finalist) and rising comedian Joe Clair (BET's Rap City, Def Comedy Jam) star in the film as two best friends who help a recently widowed Baptist minister regain his church and his life as they battle a scandalous rumor.

The film has a plethora of familiar faces such as Oscar nominee Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), Debra Wilson (Madtv, Scary Movie 4), Johnny Brown (Goodtimes), Grammy(R) Award Winning Singer Al Jarreau, Marion Ramsey (Police Academy Franchise), Omar Gooding (Baby Boy), Deezer D (ER), Sam Sarpong (MTV's Yo Mama), Tico Wells (The Five Heartbeats) and Aloma Wright (Scrubs, The Gospel) among others.

"The central theme of our movie is universal in that it goes beyond the stereotypes of typical urban films you see out there," explains Ross, a former pastor himself at one time. "Our movie has comedy, drama, faith, hope and love. It's got all the things we like seeing in good character-driven movies," gleams Ross.

With a nationwide DVD release date set for May 8, 2007 through all the major retail chains, Ross's "Lord Help Us" is already gaining national exposure through various film festivals.

The film's Los Angeles premiere is set to screen this weekend, February 17th at 1:30 p.m. at the AMC Magic Johnson Theater during the prestigious Pan African Film & Arts Festival, the nation's largest held African-American event during Black History month.

More information: www.tri7entertainment.com.

Text provided by the news source.

Top Music Producers Share Trade Secrets at NARIP's 'Producing Hit Songs' Series

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:04:00 GMT

The Underdogs (Dreamgirls) Launch 5-Part Program on Feb 16th in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Feb. 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- How is great music created and produced? What do top music producers look for in an artist? How do you find, develop and keep artist clients? And how do producers handle challenges such as creative control? The answers can be found at the PRODUCING HIT SONG 5-part series, sponsored by the National Association of Record Industry Professionals, to launch on February 16th in Hollywood with special guests Harvey Mason, Jr. and Damon Thomas AKA The Underdogs whose production of the "Dreamgirls" soundtrack has them in demand.

The series will feature top producers who will discuss creating and producing great music, how to find and keep artist clients, artist development, beyond technical savvy, the future of music, how to succeed as a producer and/or as a producer-owned label, and getting connected.

*(Photo caption: (L-R) Damon Thomas, American Idol Katherine McPhee, Harvey Mason, Jr.)

Producers have always been key to musical success, but never more so than today. Commanding top salaries and no longer in the background while artists take the bows, producers are increasingly becoming celebrities in their own right. The rise of producer-as-star (Randy Jackson, Timbaland and Danger Mouse) has raised the profile of this once behind-the-scenes job, so it's no wonder that audio engineering schools are turning out graduates in large numbers.

ABOUT THE UNDERDOGS
The Underdogs' production of the Dreamgirls soundtrack received acclaim from critics and fans, culminating in a Golden Globe win for Jennifer Hudson on January 15. The Underdogs are preparing for their reunion with Hudson for her solo album. The duo has also produced hits for American Idols Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia. Another Idol scheduled to work with The Underdogs is Katherine McPhee for her upcoming album.

The Underdogs have also written and produced hits for Brandy, Tupac, Faith Evans, Dru Hill, Pink, Tyrese, Justin Timberlake, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, B2K, Jennifer Lopez, Luther Vandross and Brian McKnight. In a few short years, they have worked on more than 50 gold, platinum and multi-platinum singles/albums. In 2003 they signed a label deal with Clive Davis.

PROGRAM DETAILS
NARIP's "Producing Hit Songs" series will take place Friday afternoons from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the School of Audio Engineering located at 6565 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood on Feb 16 (The Underdogs), Mar 16 (Desmond Child), Apr 20, May 18 and Jun 15.

For more information about NARIP's series or to register, visit www.narip.com or call 818-769-7007.

ABOUT NARIP
NARIP promotes education, career advancement and goodwill among record executives. Based in Los Angeles with chapters in New York, London, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Phoenix, NARIP offers professional development opportunities, educational programs and seminars with top executives, the opportunity to meet and interact with peers, a job bank, a member resume database for employers, a mentor network, a newsletter and other services.

Text provided by the news source.