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Showing posts with label Children of Invention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children of Invention. Show all posts

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Lady Gaga...has her eye on you! Paparazzi beware!








Heh, Paparazzi dudes, watch out!

You may end up on Lady Gaga's candid camera show.

Uh-huh!
Lady Gaga has her insightful "eye" on you!

And, her searing take on the terrain around her - um - perimeter - is backed up with a miniature camera installed in the most unlikely of places.

Why - in the designer frame of her ubiquitous signature sunglasses - of course!

Amidst a lot of hoopla at a glitzy state-of-the-art techie convention this past weekend, Lady Gaga unveiled a Polaroid Grey Label product she co-designed.

Initially, it appeared that the Billboard Music ratings-topper - and undisputed Queen of the monster crowd -  was going to be a no-show at the International Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 6th.

According to an MTV  spokesperson, Lady Gaga did not saunter out onto the stage on the dot, for some inexplicable reason.

Fashionably late?

"We were supposed to go live at 3:30, but she didn't come out until 4:05. She pulled an Axl Rose," Victor Borachuk, director of the Ustream webcast that covered the event blurted to MTV News.

"There was a huge crowd. Everyone was waiting and waiting and waiting. Nobody really got upset that she was late. Everybody sat patiently and waited, which was interesting."

Natch!

When the dazzling chanteuse is about to hold court the world is her oyster!

One of the handlers at the frenzied event was wowed by Gaga's extensive knowledge about the product, though.

"She was actually into the technology. I remember thinking, 'Lady Gaga's into the Polaroid cameras,' " Borachuk said.

The  Pop Music phenomena gushed to an Associated Press reporter that she burnt some midnight oil developing (no pun intended) the sunglasses that boast a camera in the bridge of the nose.

"It's been a really long and exciting and grueling and inspiring process with Polaroid, and we've really done everything we can to improve the instant camera to make it new and make it compatible with digital era," she explained.

"I wanted to create products that I knew they would love to use."

Accessories include a miniature printer capable of rustling up copies on the spur of every delightful festive moment captured on celluloid.

The intriguing camera may turn out to be a practical tool for show-biz tarts like Lindsay Lohan prone to find themselves in awkward altercations with the paparazzi or overzealous rehab center staff.

Social climbers anxious to be caught up in the tail of the comet - with the specific aim of snatching up a glorious moment in the Sun - may think twice about venturing too close (like moth to the flame) to high-profile starlets like Lohan if they're sporting a pair of these stylish-looking shades.

What do they say?

A picture is worth a thousand words - especially where there is potental scandal involved - in the eye of the storm!

http://www.thetattler.biz




Thursday, July 23, 2009

Children of Invention...award-winning film premieres in Manhattan! Screening @ School of Visual Arts Theatre (July 25th).



Talented charismatic film director - Tze Chun - excitedly informed me this morning that his award-winning film (featuring two adorable young Asian children in the two lead roles) is slated to screen in NYC this weekend.

Just this past spring - "Children of Invention" - kicked-off the annual Asian Pacific Film Festival at the Director's Guild of America here on the West Coast in West Hollywood.

By the end of the eclectic festival, the well-crafted entertaining Independent film - garnered down-to-earth Tze Chun (a friend on Facebook now) with top film honors by the Jury Committee (Grand Jury Prize).

Deservedly so!

To scan a review I posted a few weeks ago follow the link:

Post: 05/10/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalentertaining_10.html

The preview in Manhattan is under the auspices of the 32nd Annual Asian American International Film Festival and has been singled out as a Centerpiece Presentation.

Tickets are going fast so snap 'em up early!

Date:
July 25th (Saturday)

Time:
7:45 pm

Tickets:
$15.00
(After-party privileges)

www.facebook.com/l/;https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/7417645

Theatre:

School of Visual Arts Theater
333 West 23rd Street (b/t 8th & 9th Avenue)
New York, NY 10011

Enjoy!


Director Tze Chun in a creative moment


Sunday, May 10, 2009

Asian Pacific Film Festival..."Children of Invention" nabs Grand Jury Prize! Charming family bill-of-fare...



Of all the films previewing at the Asian Pacific Film Festival this year, "Children of Invention" was probably the most polished feature (with the exception of Oscar-winning "Departures") to grace the screen.

Understandably, the "little feature that could", nabbed the prestigious Grand Prize Jury Award at the 25th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival this past week.

The cautionary tale about pyramid schemes - inspired by director Tze Chun's own real-life experiences as a child under his mother's wing - is perfect in many respects.

The script, for instance, was well-written.

And, the direction by Chun, adept and insightful.

But, it is Micheal Chen and Crystal Chiu who steal the "show" out-from-under everyone, by virtue of their intelligent seamless performances that resonate with truth throughout the film.

In the opening scenes, the audience is introduced to a young mother forced to raise two children on her own, without ample means.

In a bold-faced effort to rustle up quick funds to feather the family nest, the desperate Mother (Cindy Cheung) falls victim to a ring of pyramid scammers.

When "Elaine" is arrested on suspicion of being in thick with the thieves, and unable to inform the authorities about her children at home alone for fear they'll be turned over to child services, Raymond and Tina are left to fend for themselves.

Raymond, a bright adventurous boy, hatches a plan.

He convinces his young sister to trek downtown to a Boston bank to withdraw funds from an account designated for their college tuition so that they can start up a small business selling items crafted from their own hands.

Hence, the title, "Children of Invention".

After a few harrowing days, and the intervention of authorities, the mother and her children are reunited.

In one touching moment, when she breaks down and cries, Raymond is under the mistaken impression that she is upset with him.

"No, I'm not mad at you, " she assures him.
"It's me. I haven't been a good mother."

The tears heal in that powerful on-screen moment.

I was impressed with the cinematography - and also - the uplifting soundtrack.

On occasion, when I was swept up in the emotion of a scene, I'd realize later that it was a few strains of subtle - but strategically-placed music - that were the undercurrents that buoyed me up.

"We were about half-way through production when I suddenly realized we were going to need music. I didn't want to have a hassle over rights to songs, so I hired a composer to pen the score," Tze noted to the packed house at the Director's Guild last week.

Composer T. Griffin (who took up the task) is an accomplished musician well-known in music circles.

His band (The Quavers) has released four critically-acclaimed CD's featuring a brand of unique musical stylings that some have astutely labelled "porch techno".

The illustrious Griffin penned scores for "New Orleans, Mon Amour", the Slamdance Award-winning film "My Mother's Garden", and "Prodigal Sons" (which was a hit at Telluride)

Chun has not landed distribution for "Children of Invention", but he has not let that little stumbling block deter him from getting his project out into the mainstream for consumption.

In fact, Chun has taken a novel approach to the distribution of his film in a competitive marketplace rife with other Independents seeking to grab the same brass ring.

For starters, his creative team has been using the Festival Circuit to get the word out -and likewise - throw the spotlight on "Children of Invention".

I can attest to that fact.

I first crossed paths with Tze when he screened "Children" at AFI Dallas a few weeks ago.

Then, I bumped into the aggressive little filmmaker a couple of weeks later at the 10th annual Newport Beach Festival (where it was also well-received).

On each occasion, conflicts prevented me from viewing the little gem, until the director showed up on the doorstep of the annual Asian Pacific Film Festival at the Director's Guild last week.

Bingo!

I was able to catch the flick and establish "in the flesh" (so to speak) that all the buzz was not just hype or overkill.

On the heels of the screenings, his team of "believers" have not had any qualms about flogging the DVD's at the theatre door, either.

If film buffs are short of cash that day, or are anxious to purchase additional copies for friends or family members, they are directed to a web site where they can purchase the DVD's online at reasonable cost.

"At the end of the year I plan to publish 'my model' so other filmmakers may benefit from the experience."

Well, you know what they say.

"Necessity is the motherhood of invention."

There's that word again, invention.

As to "inventory"?

If things continue as they have been, I doubt there will be any stock left, so snatch up a DVD fast while you can.

The Quavers

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Asian Pacific Film Festival...gala opening to premiere "Children of Invention". Director's Guild April 30th...


Treeless Mountain



Last year, I covered the Asian Pacific Film Festival and it was one of the highlights of the season.

For this reason, I am looking forward to attending the opening night gala on April 30th (Thursday) at the Director's Guild.

The eclectic round of offerings this year include the well-crafted - "Children of Invention" - which will kick off a week of shorts, documentaries, and feature-length films.

Tickets are also being quickly snapped up for a handful of centerpiece screenings, too.

Treeless Mountain (May 2nd)

This touching film was directed by director - So Yong Kim - who has won coveted prizes work that has been well-received at past festivals.

Told through the view of six-year-old Jin, the movie is a haunting celluloid rendering.

"A beautiful story about childhood innocence and human endurance," according to the Festival organizers.

The director will be present for a Q & A after the screening.

Kazuo Hara: Book Tour (May 5th)

On the occasion of his West Coast book tour, renowned Japanese auteur Kazuo Hara will appear at the DGA to screen his controversial documentary:

"THE EMPEROR’S NAKED ARMY MARCHES"

This fascinating film follows 62-year-old veteran Kenzo Okuzaki in a lonely crusade to uncover the truth about the mysterious deaths of those who served with him in World War II and the war crimes perpetrated by Japan.

Filmmaker Kazuo Hara will be present to discuss the making of this thought-provoking film as well as his memoir (Camera Obtusa: Hara Kazuo’s Action Documentary Method) which is available in print now.

A book-signing is scheduled, so get ready to queue up!

This program was made possible with the assistance of Kaya Press and Tidepoint Pictures.

Networking Session (May 2nd)

At the stylish Network Lounge at the Asian Pacific Film Festival this year - furnished by Toyota - there will be an opportunity to mix & mingle with network representatives and learn about a career in TV during a six-hour daytime event.

Representatives from CBS, Fox, and NBC are slated to talk to festival-goers about exciting job opportunities in the television field.

KODAK PRESENTS "STOP BY. SHOOT FILM" (May 3rd)

In this two-hour workshop, film buffs will be shown how easy and fun it is to use motion picture film.

There will be an opportunity to chat up a top cinematographer, handle a 16mm camera and film, and shoot an independent movie!

Following the event, a DVD of each film enthusiast (and their project) will be gifted for a precious keepsake.

Gratis!

However, space is limited. So, sign up early.

Kodak is the sponsor for this unique industry event.

As usual, there will be a myriad of short films throughout the festival. Here is a sampling:

THE HUMBERVILLE POETRY SLAM (USA 2008)

A wannabe poet organizes a small-town poetry slam to build a team for a National Poetry Slam & finds his own talent challenged by homegrown local bards.

Dir.: Emily Chang, Daniel De Lorenzo; Video; 17 mins, Color, Narrative, English

BITE ME (USA, 2008)

Drake, a lonely accountant who doesn't have much luck with the ladies, tries his hand at Last-Minute-Mate Speed Dating.

As he wades through the pool of potential dates, Drake realizes that dating doesn't just suck, it bites.

Dir.: Jason Fong Video, 13 mins, Color, Narrative, English

TWO TRUE (Hong Kong, 2008-2009)

Two brothers — one, a London-schooled twenty-something due and the other an ebullient office worker impressed with his own overblown romantic prowess — come to an understanding about each other while on a lunch break.

Dir.: Wesley Chan Video, 5 mins, Color, Narrative, in English & Cantonese

WAH WAH (USA, 2008)

A young suburbanite learns the hard way the lessons of being water-wise in California.

Dir.: Ronald San Agustin Video, 8 mins, Color, Narrative, English

THE BALLAD OF MARCO REY (USA, 2009)

Marco Rey, a wildly popular singing sensation, suddenly withdraws from the scene with no apparent explanation. On the eve of his comeback, an entertainment reporter tries to find out the real truth behind Marco Rey.

Dir.: James Herr Video, 15 mins, Color, Narrative, English

BLUEBERRY (USA, 2009)

A lonely man with a little money seeks the companionship of a $73 hooker.

Hilarity ensues with he gets exactly what he asked for.

Dir.: David Lee Video, 5 mins, Color, Narrative, English

THE BOOK OF TOMORROW (USA, 2009)

A young boy escapes into the printed exploits of a comic book super hero as a means of escaping the realities of his existence in a dysfunctional suburban household. Strange things soon happen.

Dir.: David Yohe Video, 17 mins, Color, Narrative, English

That's it for now, folks! See 'ya there...

Info: http://www.vconline.org/festival/index.cfm



 
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