NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Curt Wallin

By Kelly Strodl

Today we talk with Curt Wallin, director of Boys of Bonneville: Racing on a Ribbon of Salt. The documentary tells the story of unsung hero, David Abbott Jenkins, who set out to single-handedly break every existing land speed record on his beloved Bonneville Salt Flats, in Utah.

With an unshakable faith and integrity, Jenkins set out to break every existing land speed record and then establish several endurance records of his own. In remarkable vintage footage shot on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Ab can be seen piloting his own car in 24-hour endurance runs through vintage newsreels, photos, interviews and letters. Although suffering exhaustion, hallucinations, and injury, he never left the cockpit. His 24-hour records remain unchallenged. Seventy years later, the legacy lives on through his son, Marv, and his car - the now reconstructed 12-cylinder, 4800-pound “Meteor III.”

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

I heard about the Newport Beach Film Festival a few years back, when a short film called “Courage and Stupidity” won the Audience Award at NBFF.  I was the Assistant Director for the film.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

The film tells the story of Ab Jenkins, the first man with the idea to use the Bonneville Salt Flats as a location for endurance land speed racing.  After more than two decades of dreaming, Ab worked himself into position – seized his chance -  and as a result  broke all endurance land speed records and set the standard for this type of racing throughout the 1930’s and 40’s.  With the help of one of the world’s greatest automotive engineers,  Augie Duesenberg, he created the Mormon Meteor III race car, which remains one of the most iconic racing vehicles ever built.  Ab also attracted international racers to the salt flats thru his own tireless PR efforts, opening this unique speed venue for all the world to come and conquer.  

Originally, we were commissioned by the Price Museum of Speed in Salt Lake City, Utah, to produce a simple 20-minute account of the restoration of the Mormon Meteor’s original 1924 12-cylinder airplane engine.  While meeting with Marv Jenkins, Ab’s elderly, surviving son at his house in St. George, Utah, we found thousands of feet of archival motion pictures of Ab’s exploits from the 30’s and 40’s.  This seemed to be unique footage that had not seen the light of day for decades.  Intrigued, we arranged to have the film transferred and preserved - and the idea for “Boys of Bonneville” evolved around this copious mass of amazingly shot footage. 

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

I’ve been a director of photography for 15 years, and have been fortunate to learn about the craft by being around some truly great filmmakers as I worked on projects, ranging from wildlife documentaries to crazy TV series.  Through personal connections, I learned about this project and was brought on board early on.  It has truly been a dream project, being able to shoot, direct and after nearly 4 years produce this film that combines amazing history, phenomenal footage - both archival and modern - and a story that captures the emotions and the imagination of everyone, not just people interested in cars and racing.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

Our narrator Patrick Dempsey, the voice of Ab Jenkins, had to step out of the standard third person historical documentary narration and bring Ab to life as a living, breathing character.  He was extremely enthusiastic, hardworking, and did a fantastic job.  Patrick is an auto racer himself (his team took third at this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona race!) so he really got the story, and what Ab must have been going thru more than 75 years ago. 

It was also an untold pleasure to sit amongst Jay Leno’s stellar collection of world-class cars and “talk shop.”  His knowledge of cars and automotive history is deep.  He was very, very gracious. 

 Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film? 

I work on other people’s smash indie films.  

BOYS OF BONNEVILLE screens Wednesday, May 4, at 6 PM at the Triangle Square Theater 7.

Buy tickets here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=355266

Or watch the trailer on YouTube, here:

Posted via email from Lights, Camera, Film Fest!

NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Chris Landon

By Kelly Strodl

 

Today I sat with Chris Landon, director of BURNING PALMS, which sold out at last night’s screening and has been slotted again to show at 5:45 PM tonight. I know not much time, but if you get down here you could just catch this smash hit starring - Starring Adrianna Baraza, Dylan McDermott, Jamie Chung, Lake Bell, Nick Stahl, Paz Vega, Robert Hoffman, Rosamund Pike, Shannen Doherty, and Zoe Saldana. This subversive comedy takes a stab at satirizing the well-known stereotypes of varying Los Angeles neighborhoods. The stories of five interlocking characters who must their own varied, darkly funny fates, are followed in this entertaining film boasting an ensemble cast large enough to leave Hollywood reporters joking about being out of breath at the end of the litany of names. In this daring romp no taboo is left unexplored.

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: I’ve heard of the festival just from word of mouth, general mentions. I had a short film that cruised the film festival circuit. But this year we were invited to screen BURNING PALMS by the festival. I’ve spent a lot of time though checking out the website.

And the whole thing is really laid back. Which I like. Other festivals seem to have a “douche” factor that is very absent. Here, people come out to generally support movies and that’s great.

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: It’s a dark comedy where five stories are all inter-connected. It’s a meditation on loneliness and the really dark places that can take you to… Not for the faint of heart – it’s some really bizarre, outlandish stuff.

I wrote the screenplay six years ago, It’s been gestating for some time. It’s a risky work so getting it financed was risky too. But once it got financed it was a quick pre-production – six weeks. Then a year of post, which is longer than usual, but that’s because we had an animated section of the film.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: Went to film school at LMU. Then, I actually had an internship at Disney, working for a number of producers. They were cool, and made me an unofficial reader, reading scripts all day. Most were not very good and I got to thinking that I could do better. So I started writing my own scripts. And that was the impetus for getting starte with the whole thing.

I was such a hobby – I really didn’t think anyone would take it seriously. That feeling never goes away. I know I’m a professional, and the validation is not getting paid. It’s being given the opportunity to make a living creatively. It is a gift. 

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: Zero complaints in actors performances. They were a dream - beyond talented. They brought so much more to their characters and that was the thrill for me. 

We even had some non-professional actors and they were awesome. One of the actresses who played a doctor in a mental hospital – it was written for a doctor that was and Indian woman, but we couldn’t find anyone in casting that really did it for me. Well, one of our investors just happened to be Indian, she just was it. So I turned to her one day in the middle of casting and said, “Can you do it?” She, kind of shocked, said, “I’m not an actor.”

“I don’t care.”

And she was perfect. She was the character. Every screening, when she comes on the people just start laughing hysterically, every time.

It’s those challenges that really pushy you and make you better as a filmmaker.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: I’m a film geek through and through. I see everything. If I hear a movie’s really bad I actually run to see it. You can learn a lot from a bad movie. You not going to learn every thing you need from just seeing good films. You learn from others mistakes, too. It’s those times when I stop viewing a movie with that analytical eye that I know a movie’s really amazing. Those are the great ones. 

BURNING PALMS screens at 5:45 PM today, Saturday, April 24 in the Edwards Island 4.

Click here to purchase tickets for shorts showcase:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=263284

Posted via email from Lights, Camera, Film Fest!

NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Matthew Leutwyler

By Kelly Strodl

This afternoon we talked with Matthew Leutwyler, director of THE RIVER WHY, the story of 20-year old Gus Oryiston. A Mozart of fly fishing, Gus leaves his big city home in rebellion from his family to live the simple secluded life on the banks of a river. Instead of the bliss Gus hoped for, his isolation drives him to a journey of self-discovery. Along this journey Gus comes in contact with a number of eccentric people who help him through his passage into adulthood. He finds friendship and love where he never expected it, and lives by the following observation: "The surface of the earth is 30% land and 70% water. A newborn baby is composed of 70% water and 30% everything else. I guess this means that life and water are inseparable."

Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: I actually had a film there years ago. My first feature, Road Kill. I live in Los Angeles now so am familiar with the fest anyway. 

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: Upon high school graduation, I left on a trek to Australia and took along with me a soft cover copy of THE RIVER WHY. It was my constant companion on an adventure that included working on a dairy farm and fishing the various rivers and streams of Victoria's high country. I must have read the book four or five times over the course of my journey, identifying closely with Gus's departure from his home in pursuit of happiness in the wilderness. The book remained a favorite of mine over the years since I returned, so naturally when the opportunity came to direct the film version it was a dream come true.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: I studied film at The San Francisco Art Institue and then moved to L.A. to get into the business. A few years later I met Miranda Bailey (director of the doc Greenlit, also playing at the fest) and we formed our production company Ambush Entertainment. . Since then, Ambush has produced 2005's award-winning critically acclaimed drama The Squid and the Whale; the sexually charged comedy The Oh In Ohio starring Parker Posey, Paul Rudd, and Danny DeVito; the sci-fi horror Unearthed; and the comedy Lower Learning with Eva Longoria Parker, Jason Biggs, and Rob Corddry. Recent films include: Against the Current, with Joseph Fiennes, Mary Tyler Moore and Justin Kirk which Premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up by IFC Films; the Matthew Broderick and Sanaa Lathan drama Wonderful World, distributed by Magnolia Pictures; and Every Day, written and directed by Richard Levine (Nip/Tuck) and starring Helen Hunt, Liev Schreiber, and Carla Gugino which will make its World Premiere at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival. The company’s latest film, the action comedy Super starring Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, and Kevin Bacon just wrapped production and is expected to be completed in late Spring 2010.

My latest directing was the ensemble drama Answers To Nothing, starring Dane Cook, Elizabeth Mitchell, Julie Benz, and Barbara Hershey which recently completed principal photography.

I've also been doing some short form work with spots for Chevrolet and most recently a Coke Zero commercial that was a cross promotion with the film Avatar.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: Working with William Hurt was an obvious thrill. He really challenges you to be your best. But working with Zach Gilford and Amber Heard was the most fun. I have a real fondness for both actors. Zach and I worked again recently on Answers To Nothing. They were game for anything and totally prepared. They also fit into the loose vibe but quick pace that we had on set. Zach especially had to endure a lot on THE RIVER WHY. Not only did he have to carry the entire movie, as he is in almost every scene but he had to do it while dealing with the elements. The climatic fishing sequence at the end of the film was shot over 16 hours straight - from day into night and then back into the early morning. And he had to do it while performing in 55 degree water. There was never a complaint, he really just wanted it to be authentic and it came out beautifully. 

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: Sleep. Its been a really busy few years for us at Ambush so right now that is all I have time for.

THE RIVER WHY screens at 6 PM on Friday, April 23 at the Edwards Island 7.

Buy tickets here for Friday:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256931

Posted via email from Lights, Camera, Film Fest!

NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Rob Stefaniuk

By Kelly Strodl

How does one go about making a fun indie-rock-n-roll-vampire-spoof film? Mix in a little mistaken identity, some suckage, loud music, a few cameos (Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Moby, Malcolm McDowell etc…), a quirky writer, and of course a vampire or two. That’s how writer/director of SUCK, Rob Stefaniuk went about composing this energetic romp through the world of vampirism and rock. In the film, a down and out band that will do anything for a record deal, including not ask questions when their bass player, Jennifer, disappears one night with a hip-looking guy who turns out to be a vampire. Suddenly, Jessica emerges with a sexually-charged charisma that drives the audiences wild, changing the bands humdrum image forever… 

Hear what Rob had to say about himself, the making of his new film, and what it’s like to work with Iggy:

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: I heard about it from a future version of myself. I said it went really really well. (actually my Producer told me about it, but he was dressed a lot like me)

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: SUCK took five years before someone was willing to make it. After a very slow start, the film suddenly became a "little film that could". We began with a million dollar budget and no stars, and thanks to a great team and a little luck, we ended up with a 3.5 million dollar film and some of the coolest people in rock (Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Henry, Alex, Moby etc). Sometimes it's better to wait. 

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: I began as an actor and had my first screenplay made when I was twenty three (The Size of Watermelons starring Paul Rudd). After that I produced, did some editing and directed some rock videos. I made my first short in 2004, followed by my first film PHIL THE ALIEN, a film about an alien that crashes in Northern Ontario and becomes an alcoholic. Then I went down to the crossroads and made a deal, which brings us to Suck.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: All of the actors came to the table ready rock. We have some very talented up and coming actors who put in extra rehearsal time and really delivered on the day. Biggest surprise...Iggy wore a shirt.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: Get smashed and watch indie films.

SUCK screens at 8 PM on Friday, April 23 at the Edwards Island Theater 1, as part of the Friday Spotlights, and includes admission to a party after the film – with filmmakers, celebs and VIPs. Live DJ. Food prepared by some of OC’s top restaurants. OPEN BAR by Absolut and Stella Artois.

And at 9 PM on Monday, April 26 in Edwards Island 4.

Buy tickets here for Friday:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256920

Buy tickets here for Monday:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256921

Watch the trailer for SUCK here:

Posted via email from Lights, Camera, Film Fest!

NBFF Filmmaker's Five with Danny Buday

By Kelly Strodl

Today we talk with Danny Buday, director of FIVE STAR DAY, the Opening Night selection for the 2010 Newport Beach Film Festival – also the first local film to be chosen as the festival opener since the festival began in 1998.

In the film, Jake Gibson suffers a less than stellar birthday, when his world is turned upside down and all that could go wrong, does – to rub it in his horoscope forecast a perfect 'five star day.’ Determined that astrology has no legitimacy, Jake embarks on a journey to test the theory of astrology by finding the three people born the same time and place as himself. Jake's pursuit in finding his three astrological matches not only will test his convictions, but validate how life's unexpected twists of fate can deliver much more than the anticipated. What Jake learns along the way is an important lesson about life, love, fate and destiny that will unexpectedly change his life forever.

Q:  How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?

A: Both Mike Robertson (our Executive Producer/Producer) and myself have roots in the Orange County area so I first heard of the Newport Beach Film Festival a few years back. Also, I remember hearing good things about the festival while I was at AFI (American Film Institute).

Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.

A: FIVE STAR DAY is a journey film about a guy (Cam Gigandet) who sets out to disprove the theory of Astrology by finding the other three people born the same time and place as himself. I think what people are most surprised about when I initially tell them the premise of the film is that that it's not a comedy, given its Astrological theme. We filmed in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Atlantic CIty on a very tight shooting schedule, so production was like an amazingly organized traveling circus.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.

A: I grew up in Chicago till my family moved to Southern California, where I went to high school in Huntington Beach (Marina High '95). When I finished up undergrad at Cal State Long Beach ('99) I moved up to L.A. and graduated from AFI's (American Film Institute) directing program in 2005. After shorts and music videos along the road to the first feature, Five Star Day is my feature film debut.

Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)

A: Both Cam Gigandet and Jena Malone were amazing to work with. Cam is a focused and quiet perfectionist, and Jena is a magically improvisational wonder to watch act.

They both gave strong performances in the film. I'm definitely excited to have people see Cam as a 'good guy' character. And Jena as a single-mother is so subtle and touching. Brooklyn Sudano is also amazing, but I think Max Hartman's breakout role as an Atlantic City lounge-singer is going surprise a lot of people.

Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?

A: I'm a self-admitted workaholic, so it's rare that I'm not locked up working on some project, but in my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, playing music; basically getting into as much trouble as possible.

FIVE STAR DAY is the Opening Night film, showing at 7:30 PM on Thursday, April 22 at the Edwards Big Newport Theater.

Plus join the filmmakers and other celebs, VIPs, and more at the OPENING NIGHT GALA in the Bloomingdale's courtyard in Fashion Island. The night's festivities features a performance of Cirque du Soleil's Mystère, a fashion show put on by Fashion Island, food from acclaimed Newport Beach area restaurants, and an Open Bar hosted by Absolut Vodka and Stella Artois and Perrier.

Dress: Cocktail attire, black tie optional. Age: 21 & Over

Buy tickets for FIVE STAR DAY here:

http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256819

Watch the trailer here:

http://www.facebook.com/l/2f8c2;www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIhxSlLgdiw

Posted via email from Lights, Camera, Film Fest!