France...offers tax incentives to Hollywood filmmakers! Cultural Minister Frédéric Mitterrand pitches exotic locales!

Exotic locales on Riviera a lure!



French Culture Minister  Frédéric Mitterrand swallowed a little pride and trotted in to Hollywood to meet with industry execs in recent days in a ballsy effort to boost the ailing film business overseas.

In order to achieve that ambitious goal, Mitterrand (who is the nephew of the former French Prime Minister François Mitterrand ) was inclined to converse in a language that spoke volumes in the corridors of power in Tinsel Town.

After all - when it comes to cost-cutting, tax breaks, and inviting financial perks - the suits at the major studios are inclined to be all ears - and likewise - open-minded when it comes to keeping budgets in line.

Consequently, the well-heeled European “took lunch” with movers-and-shakers like Bob Iger (Walt Disney Company) and Barry Meyer (Warner Brothers) to enlighten filmmakers about the advantages of shooting their multi-million-dollar projects in exotic breathtaking locales in France.

For starters, the French Government has introduced fresh incentives which guarantee foreign movie-makers a 20% tax rebate toward film production costs (with a maximum of $5.6 million per project or 4 million Euros).

There are a couple of hitches, though.

Most non-sports and news programming on French Television Networks must be French-based or European in origin in accordance with applicable laws.

But, any wheeler-dealer in a shark-skin suit should be able to jump the hurdles, when it comes to tricky film shoots.

For example, to qualify for the feature film rebate, scriptwriters are required to promote France by showcasing its rich cultural heritage in the storyline.

To accomplish this end, French officials launched a program to provide grants to screenwriters so they may tour France for free - and thus - familiarize themselves with the country’s historical background with the express aim of meeting the criteria.

More than a dozen filmmakers from the U.S. have taken advantage of the tax incentives to date, and it is expected that with a turn-around in the economy on the horizon, business overseas may start booming in the French film industry.

Meanwhile, a posse of producers in California are fighting – too – to prevent run-away production, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that Hollywood remains the film capitol of the world!

Fists across the water?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

French filmmakers renowned the world-over!





Toy Story 3...Director Lee Unkrich & Actor Jeff Garlin appear @ LA TIMES Screening! Envelope, please!

 

"My favorite scene in Toy 3 was the one with the baby sitting on the swing staring up at the moon," actor Jeff Garlin guffawed loudly to the attentive audience - who subsequently - roared back in approval.

"You had to wonder what the baby was thinking! Unbelievable. Anyone who was going to include a shot like that in their movie was someone I wanted to work with," he blurted out, somewhat incredulously.

After noting that the actor was a bit "wonky", John Horn - an LA TIMES writer (acting as a monitor for the LA TIMES "Envelope" event) - proceeded to usher in questions about the creative process at Pixar studios - and the difficulties (if any) - in delivering up the third segment of the highly-touted successful franchise series.

"When confronted with the task, did film titles like - Godfather 3, Matrix 3, and Spiderman 3 - cross your mind," Horn comically quizzed the director - Lee Unkrich - in so many words.

"Yes, if I screwed up, I thought I might be run out-of-town with pitch forks. It was sort-of fear-based filmmaking," he chuckled in jest.

An anticipated release date (June / 2010) was announced - and that didn't help matters much either - the articulate director confessed to the rapt audience - who sat dazzled on-the-edge of their seats at the annual screening event (which acts as a precursor to the Oscar nods) .

"We put the pressures aside as much as possible, but the problem was always omnipresent."

The first review was tepid, and threw him for a loop, according to the lone actor on the panel at the insightful Q & A session at the Landmark Theatre in West Los Angeles after the screen credits crawled to a close.

In fact, Garlin chided the young auteur for reading the critique.

"The film was out. There was nothing you could do about it. Why bother?"

Shortly after TOY 2 was released, the original idea for the sequel was hatched up, but Unkrich was keen on taking a vacation first.

Then, the project got stalled because of contractual snafus with Disney and Pixar.

So, TOY STORY 3 languished on the back burner for a few years, until Disney purchased Pixar - and the block on a green light for production - was finally lifted.

Once the project was underway, the main creative forces behind TOY STORY 3 - the director (Lee Unkrich), the scriptwriter (Michael Arndt ) and the producer (Darla Anderson) - trotted off to Northern California to a retreat known as the Poet's Loft to hammer out the skeletal frame for the proposed script for the full-length feature.

Within a half-a-day, it was pretty much a given, that the first premise for the much-anticipated project lacked luster.

So, it was scrapped.

In a group process - all the creative spirits locked heads in regular bull sessions (the talented three were all in attendance at the screening last night to the delight of the film buffs) so that the dynamics could be worked out and solutions to the existing logistical problems resolved.

The sessions sounded like brawls, at times.

"It wasn't for the faint of heart," Anderson fessed up.

After the first meeting - the team unanimously recognized that advancing the story forward - was the best way to go in the instant scenario.

"Usually there is an overture first, Then, the action starts up - at which point - the characters are introduced," Unkrich stated matter-of-fact.

The problem, in this instant case, stood out like a sore thumb.

How were they going to introduce all the old toy characters?

With that in mind, the winsome three-some drummed up the idea that ended up on the screen, after a lot of painstaking toiling on the schematics.

Uh-huh!

There were 60 drafts.

At this juncture - the scenes, once written - were drafted on reels.

Then, each was submitted to the director, for feedback.

The screenwriter (Little Miss Sunshine) joked that - on most live action films - the writing process was kind-of-like being alone in the forest at night.

"You can hear the wolves all around," he kidded.

The soft-spoken phrase-maker underscored, however, that he - as a rule - preferred to shape and hone the script first before sharing the material with the director, producer, and studio brass.

But - Darla Anderson was so protective of the creative environment - that he had a sort-of Epiphany one day.

"I realized I didn't have to worry about when to step on the gas or slam on the brakes."

"Producers have the crappiest job," Garlin piped up.

"Producing is an art," Darla shot back.

According to the insightful producer, it was her role to sit back, and keep track of the whole picture.

There was a lot of trust in the ongoing creative relationships, too, that accounted for the success of TOY STORY 3 at the box office.

"I've read a lot of scripts over the years. They're not all bad, just not finished," Unkrich argued.

As is the case with an actor developing a character, an idea for a script needs to be fleshed out.

"It's all garbage, at first."

A perfect example may have been "Good Will Hunting".

Affleck and Damon both confided in interviews after they won the Oscar - that the award-winning script - also featured a sub-plot about spies that just never gelled.

It wasn't until that material was ferreted out, that the script became a viable working one, that was worth producing.

With TOY STORY 3 - there was also the issue of production values to consider - in light of advancing software technologies which had been developed since TOY STORY 1 first hit the silver screen.

"Toy Story 1 was originally created on DOS," Garland joked!

Because of phenomenal advances in technology, there was a definite need to scrap the original toy story images, and rework them in the latest state-of-the-art rich mediums so they would be relevant in today's highly competitive film marketplace.

"In the old days, it was difficult to create organic images of fur and water," the director acknowledged.

In TOY 3, Woody - for instance - got a makeover.

"But, he didn't end up looking like bad plastic surgery had been performed," Unkridge chuckled.

In the final analysis, the creative team agreed that today anything - "dreamed up" - could be created on film.

"It might be difficult, but it can be done."

At this point, the focus shifted to the actors, when John Horn quizzed Garland about "when he came in" to the picture on the project.

"When they let me," he belly-laughed.

The actor has an infectious quality to his personality that triggers a spontaneous natural response from the audience and puts them at ease.

"To play a character known as - Buttercup - was so cool," he gushed.

At this juncture, the hefty thespian underscored how difficult it was playing an animated part, compared to other roles in regular mediums.

"Tom Hanks asked me which was more difficult - and I told him - the animated work."

He explained that being alone in a room, replaying the scenes over and over again, was tough.

"I thought that all the reshoots were going to be for behind-the-scenes out-takes on a DVD," he fessed up.

Wrong!

The animators used this footage to get a take on his mannerisms and to better develop the feel of his character.

Garland compared part of the process to the distinctive ones used by Chaplin and Keaton.

"You do it over and over again. See what happens. Keep the good things, toss out the bad."

The amused director butted in at this point and admitted that all the material was tested with an audience.

"If it got a laugh, it stayed."

If not, it got the old heave-ho, on the other hand.

Needless to say, Unkridge also acknowledged that when the plaudits come in after the release, it was so life-affirming.

Indeed!

And, why not?

TOY STORY 3 is a charming, entertaining animated feature- that is wholesome and insightful - with wide appeal across the demographics.

At times, the storyline tended to trigger memories of my own childhood, and my own favorite toy!

A film can't be half-bad, when it manages to achieve that moment of nostalgia, for a ticket-holder.

In fact, at the close of the film, I don't expect there was a dry eye in the house, either.

Heart-warming!

Come Oscar time, the nominations will be racking up, deservedly so.





http://www.thetattler.biz/

Secretariat...Diane Lane & John Malcovich in heart-warming drama!

Diane Lane talented actress!

“Secretariat” is one of those Disney-style family movies where film-goers - thoroughly entertained by a cast of likeable characters (who propel the gripping piece of drama forward to an upbeat satisfying conclusion) - spontaneously applaud at the end of the flick as the credits crawl across the screen.

"Secretariat" is one of those Disney-style movies where film-goers thoroughly entertained by the likeable characters (who propel the gripping drama forward to an upbeat satisfying conclusion) spontaneously applaud as the end of the film as credits crawl across the screen.

After all, the well-produced flick - starring Diane Lane and John Malcovich - is based on a true story.

Track enthusiasts may recall that “Secretariat” - a celebrated racehorse (affectionately nick-named “Big Red” by the owners) - rode into the history books after winning the prestigious "Triple Crown" a scant few decades ago.

The film chronicles the inspiring tale in spell-binding fashion  and manages to tug at the heart strings along the way.

Diane Lane is in top form in a role that suits her to a “T”.

Ms. Lane is one of those talented performers who has been blessed with the good fortune to be well-received by film buffs at pivotal points in her illustrious film-acting career over the years.

Years ago, Ms. Lane stirred up quite a bit of excitement on the lot at Universal Studios - and earned the reputation of a being a “seasoned pro” - when she turned up daily on the set of the teen rock hit - “Streets of Fire” - to play opposite another actor who turned out to be a flash in the pan.

As the classy actress made her rounds this past week to plug “Secretariat” on the talk-show circuit - it was quite evident that the low-key actress (though not always in the public eye screaming for attention like so many of her needy contemporaries) - still garners a lot of respect with the movie-going public, critics, and in the industry-at-large.

Indeed, this past weekend, the box office receipts called attention to a glaring fact.

Ms. Lane is still a big draw in the movie business!

In “Secretariat”, Lane portrays a housewife - who is suddenly thrust into the male-dominated realms of professional horse-racing - due to an unexpected turn-of-events in her private life.

With a hope and a prayer, Ms. Lane’s character tackles the challenge head on, in a scenario that proves to be very entertaining bill-of-fare for young and old audiences alike.

Not all the local critics were thrilled with the idea of having to screen a family-oriented film that moves along at its own steady - but slow - pace.

For instance, one reviewer made a snide remark that too much precious celluloid time was wasted on Ms. Lane gazing into the eyes of the horse to the film’s detriment.

What a ridiculous criticism!

In fact, the screen moments he was referring to - resonated with quite a few film buffs (myself included) - because during the duration of those insightful moments Lane’s character was subtly establishing a bond between horse and owner.

The dopey reviewer was too lame to figure that one out!

Take aim; after all, they shoot horses, don't they?

Duh!

John Malcovich, as usual, turns in a stellar performance as a quirky horse trainer with a lousy golf putt.

The established star of stage and screen literally mesmerizes - so seamless and authentic - is his characterization here.

In fact, Malcovich breathes life into a role that less competent actors would turn into a showy piece of jambone.

Come to think of it, Marlon Brando - an actor’s actor - has even managed to flirt with that theatrical sin on occasion.

Although the well-rounded cast of supporting players turn in high caliber performances, too - in the final analysis - the audience can’t help but root for the true star of the heart-warming flick.

The four-legged beauty who plays the horse!

Why did W.C. Fields always caution actors about working with animals and children?

Because, they steal the show, of course.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Miley Cyrus...fabulous darling! Song bird (literally) knocks 'em dead on "Stars"...

Over at Idol - the producers must have been muttering traitor - because their American Sweetheart jumped ship!

OMG!

Rhyming Simon, shampoo-pushing Ryan, and aw-shucks Ellen (in plaid, no doubt) must have been seething backstage at the Fox sound studios when the dreaded news leaked out.

Miley was unveiling her new persona (and a hot new hit)  on ABC TV's weekly entertainment hit - "Dancing with the stars" - neck-in-neck with Idol's karaoke-style show.

And, what a pretty neck it was tonight.

Ms. Cyrus was all dolled up in a flurry of exotic black feathers, and swept-up do, that caused a fascinated studio audience to edge closer in their seats.

Although flattering, the designer frock, was a bit over the top.

For the most part, that was due to the fact that Ms. Cyrus is a petite chanteuse, who must be careful  that fussy fashion statements don't overwhelm her fragile pretty frame.

For one second, as my trained eye followed her strut across the ABC terrain, the image of old-timer Mae West flashed through my mind.

Like the megastar from Hollywood's golden  days, Miley is in complete control, and keenly aware of the impact she is effecting  in her feminine wake.

For the most part, I found little quarrel with the setting, intriguing routine, or the tune itself.

The beat was toe-tapping - at times slightly vampy - and sure to catch on like wildfire at trendy nightspots around the country - as hip kids rustle  up stylish versions of the line dance once again.

While I would have preferred a bit more space between Miley and her talented back-up dancers - so we could get a better gander at Cyrus in action - that part of the choreography revealed an interesting aspect to her personality.

Obviously, the pretty movie star cum musicial artist, is not afraid to share the spotlight with a deserving few at her own expense.

I admire that!

I also felt Ms. Cyrus was too low on the stage when the musical extravaganza started up, and that it would have behooved her to have started higher-up on a multi-levelled podium.

After the pop singer made her grand entrance (without any visual obstructions) it would have been okay to step down and flow in sync with the others.

While her performance appeared to be a bit forced - nervous Miley? - for the most part it signaled a departure which was promising.

By the way, Miley, there should have been a bit more volume on your mic.

Some reverb may have added  a sound dimension that would have worked particularly well with that tune.

In a nutshell, I am intrigued at the future possibilties, in view of the potential hinted at tonight.

http://www.thetattler.biz

The Last Song...soppy tear-jerker! Star turn for Greg Kinnear...

With all the negative ink spilling out in dailies around the Nation, I wasn't inclined to take the risk of plunking down top dollar for a ticket to a screening of  "The Last Song".

So, I took in a matinee at AMC for a paltry six bucks.

When I strolled into the theatre with my kiddie's pack in hand, I wasn't surprised to find myself surrounded by a gaggle of giggling girls who were obviously die-hard Miley Cyrus fans.

As soon as the flick sprang to life on the silver screen, it was evident from the get-go that I was going to be thrust into an over-the-top production, where the emphasis was more on sensual song than solid story line.

For example, in the opening scene a posse of firemen carry an injured man out of harm's way, as a church burns furiously in the background.

Unfortunately, the music laid in under the dramatic images, was just short of pop puff.

Talk about jarring subliminal messages!

In a nutshell, "The Last Song" is a high-strung emotional tale, about a teen who is shipped off for the summer to bond with her Dad (who is separated from her doting mother) with young brother in tow.

Shortly after the specifics of  the conflicts within the family circle have been served up on a tinny platter, "Ronnie" (played by Cyrus) gets swept up in a summer romance that appears to be more trouble than its worth.

To critics, the scenario was particularly difficult to swallow, for starters.

One film reviewer noted that the malelead's fascination with Ronnie didn't hold much water.

"The object of his affection is supposed to be so special that he pursues her ardently non-stop.  But, because Cyrus's character is not that enticing to begin with , the idea totally suspends belief," he noted in so many words.

While I agree with the critic in respect to the character's overall lack of appeal, on the other hand, there was a justifiable reason for the young stud to pursue her.

For example, it was established in the plotline, that he was intrigued by "Ronnie" because he had grown tired (and disappointed) with the local girls who were shallow and stuck up.

Ms. Cyrus's performance is a little ragged at times - so much so - that after the screening even she was inclined to admit to one media hound that acting lessons would be a good idea.

Her screen image flip-flopped so much (pretty and glowing in one scene, down 'n out and slutty the next)  that I started to ponder whether it was the lighting that was the culprit.

Just maybe, a handful of the shots were "picked up" later, when there was a bold-faced effort to salvage the project after test results were initially negative?

But, don't write Miley off,  because there is a lot of raw talent and potential just waiting to bubble up, given the right material and a director at the helm who knows how to draw it out.

As to the scripted material?

Once I was clued in to the fact the screenplay was conjured up by Notebook writer - Nicholas Sparks - I pretty much fathomed that "The Last Song" was bound to be a tear-jerker of epic proportions.

Sparks did not disappoint in that regard.

There were so many cliches and stale old ideas to wade through, too.

In sum, "The Last Song" is a Hollywood-style Disney pic, with a predictable boy gets girl ending.

Greg Kinnear turned in a stand-out performance that may rustle up award nominations later in the year.

As to the lead actor, Liam Helmsworth, I'd say he's got a shot at Hollywood stardom if he relaxes into his roles and picks more meaty material better suited to flex his "acting" muscles.

After all, pretty-boy hunks are a dime-a-dozen in Hollywood, with a dubious future.

Even if they are sleeping with a star with some clout in the industry.

Big Bucks Beefcake!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Miley Cyrus...in love! "The Last Song " release slated for March 31st...

While my guitar gently weeps!

Miley Cyrus (a trifle subdued)  appeared on the Today Show at the crack of dawn to tout a tune - "The Last Song" - to be released on March 31st in tandem with the release of her new feature film.

In fact, on a couple of occasions when the camera panned to the pretty songbird to promote the upcoming segment, she appeared to be a bit pensive.

Is it possible that the "hot" Disney property was unaware that she was on air?

When the interview got underway, she brightened a tad, but appeared to be holding back.

Perhaps, Ms. Cyrus is not an early riser.

Or, just maybe, a hot new bedmate keeps here awake nights?

Yes, Miley fessed up.

Her new beau - who she met during the throes of auditioning actors (who said the casting couch was dead in Hollywood?) - has captured her heart.

As I reported in a post last week - on the heels of Miley's appearance on Jay Leno's tonight show - the perky actress gushed about her decision to request that handsome Liam Hemsworth play opposite her in the romantic drama.

Post: 03/26/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/03/jay-lenosly-devil-miley-cyrus-ambushed.html

How did that situation come about?

"He opened the door for me. I thought that was excellent."

Now, a full-blown (!) spring romance is surfacing between-the-sheets.

However, Dad (Billy Ray Cyrus) didn't make the cut.

Greg Kinnear was scooped to play her make-believe father on screen, instead.

Maybe she didn't want the country-rock star spying on her (or getting in the way) now that there is a bit of hanky-panking doing down in her charmed life?

News at 11!

Meanwhile, screenwriter Nicholas Sparks tagged along to disuss his script.

How did the collaboration come to fruition?

"We got together casually at the dinner table. I think it worked out because it wasn't a heavy business thing," Miley explained with a bit of blush cresting on her pretty face.

Nicholas, a beaming pleasant-looking man, chirped that he was so happy to be able to wake up each day and do what he does best.

"The Lord gives us gifts. We need to use and maximum them."

And, he's doing just that.

In a slightly a**-backs approach,  Sparks proceeded to pen a novel after the screenplay was in development at Disney.

I expect there will be prequels, sequels, you name it!

Yes, there may be a lucrative franchise on the horizon - spinning Miley in untold directions - now that Hanna Montana has been axed.

Miley pointed out that the role was a toughie.

"It was a challenge to make her likeable since there are angry confrontations with her parents," she noted in so many words.

Once you catch the flick, Cyrus asserted that filmgoers may be inclined to run out and call individuals in their life that they've pushed away.

"That's how powerful the story is."

Tapping into the voice of a teenage-girl required a lot of concentrated effort she wailed.

I don't know why! 

Miley's just a scant piece of bubblegum away from being a tweenie herself.

The teen-bopper crowd hasn't written her off  - as totally over-the-hill - just yet.

Especially when you consider that Miley just beat out Sandra Bullock at the Kid's Choice Awards in the category for best Actress.

She managed to avoid getting slimed, too.

The universe is no doubt unfolding as it should.

Method acting?

http://www.thetattler.biz

At the Movies...cancelled by Disney & ABC! Roger Ebert launches new show...

There was a time when "two thumbs up" meant something in the movie industry.

Film buffs will recall that after two leading movie reviewers (Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert) uttered up their assessments of a roster of newly-released films each week on  - "At the Movies" - the winsome twosome closed out the popular entertainment show with a "thumbs" up (a hit!) or a "thumbs" down (a turkey).

In its heyday "At the Movies" held alot of sway in the movie business.

The way the thumb cranked either triggered sales at the box office or sent it straight to video or DVD release.

When Gene Siskel passed away a few years ago, the future of the popular show was in doubt.

Until the producers resurrected the show in a new format.

For a short while, the network rotated the "empty" critic's  seat with guest reviewers, to filmgoer's delight!

Subsequently, a cast of quirky movie reviewers were inclined to trot out their opinions about film each week, sometimes with disasterous results.
Then, the original critic - Roger Ebert - was forced to curtail his activities in the film biz, when mortality stared him square in the face after a cancer scare descended out-of-the-blue.

Although the network installed two new critics, and valiantly moved on, it was evident to film buffs (and industry insiders) that the magic was gone.

Notwithstanding, the advent of web sites devoted entirely to the Art of Film, transformed the whole concept of film reviewing way beyond the limitations of the little boob tube.

Amost overnight - shows like "At the Movies"  - became outdated, and thus, went by way of the dinosaur.

Except for "At the Movies" which was a hold out to the bitter end (to the studio's credit).

But, the axe finally fell this week, when Disney announced that the long-running syndicated bill-of-fare was being cancelled.

"After 24 seasons in National syndication, the highly-regarded movie review show 'At the Movies' (formerly known as "Siskel & Ebert" and "Ebert & Roeper") will air its last original broadcast the weekend of August 14, 2010," a spokesman for the distributor at Disney-ABC announced with little fanfare.

Disney suits explained that from their point of view - "At the Movies" - had run its course.

And, was a losing proposition in the final analysis?

Ebert - a true gentleman - accepted the decision with dignity.

"At the movies" outgrew the genre, he shrugged.

However, the feisty critic remained undeterred.

On the heels of the Disney announcement, Mr. Ebert issued up a press release of his own.

Ebert and his wife are moving forward with plans to launch their own show!

"I can't reveal details about the talks we're deeply involved in. I can say that the working title was - "Roger Ebert presents Fill in Words Here" - and that it has now become "Roger Ebert presents At the Movies."

You can't keep a good man down, eh?

See 'ya "At the Movies", Roger!


FOOTNOTE
____________________________________________________
Film Buffs

You are invited to check out my Movie Reviews each week at the Tattler!
Either clink on the link below for current critiques or input the name of the film in the search box at the top left corner.
If the movie has been reviewed, it will pop up on the screen.
Cheers!

Reviews

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/03/movies.html

http://www.thetattler.biz

Train Master...charming family entertainment at Backlot Film Festival!

The buzz around the Backlot Film Festival was that a surprise independent - "Train Master" - was the film to catch.

In fact, Phil Bransom - a film producer who hails from Oregon - crafted a charming independent that touches the heart and is a must-see.

In fact, one woman at the question & answer period was inclined to note with elation:

"It was so refreshing to sit back and watch an entertaining movie without any bad language or inappropriate material."

Disney would be envious!

In the first engaging scenes - the audience is quickly introduced to a cast of likable characters - an experienced train "master" in charge of a quaint rail line in the Pacific Northwest, his young grandchildren and a smattering of their friends, and a few unpretentious townsfolk who charm by virtue of their down-to-earth nature.

A young entrepreneur (the rogue of the film) schemes to snap up the old railroad for a song, turn it around, and generate big bucks in the process.

But, after retiring the engineer (a seasoned pro) and introducing innovations that fail miserably, it is soon evident his vision was ill-conceived.

During a mishap, one of the ailing locomotives fires up and starts barreling down a stretch of the worn old tracks, with a small posse of startled kids on board the runaway train.

Now, the excitement begins, as the townsfolk rally together to prevent a tragedy.

The script is intelligent and well-written.

Astoundingly, for the first-time out, Mr. Bransom's directing is relatively seamless, too.

In fact, as the story unfolds, the audience is immediately swept up into the drama as it beautifully plays out on the wide adventure-filled screen.

In particular, I was impressed with the soundtrack, which buttressed a handful of the scenes when an emotional lift was oft needed.

Indeed, at times it appeared that at inspired moments during the course of the film, a chorus of Angels was serenading in the background.

Simply joyous!

For a couple of magical moments, I was transported back in time, when scenes of the young ones playing with toy trains in their grandpa's garage lit up the screen.

Understandably.


My Uncle Gordon (who resided on Nairn Street) set up a train set in his rustic attic, replete with a track that snaked through a make-believe town dotted with lakes & mountains that ran wild with animals.

As one character noted in the film:

"I've never known a boy to play with trains to turn out bad."

I guess that's true. Look at me!

Mr. Bransom has done alright for himself, too.

The film has won a handful of festival awards which include those garnered at the Backlot Film Festival, the Fairhope Film Festival, the Big Island Film Festival, and KIDS FIRST.

In fact, you may be able to catch a screening of the "Train Master" in this year's upcoming travelling KIDS FIRST Film Festival.

http://www.kidsfirst.org/filmfestival

Now in its ninth year, the Festival is a showcase for new and classic children's films, TV shows, and DVDs from studios, independent producers and youth producers.

The festival is a traveling year-round festival that partners with more than 100 venues nationwide and acts as their off-site curator.

Unique to the festival circuit, youths are given a true voice - as curators of the Festival, as panelists critiquing films at the festival, as volunteer staff, and as filmmakers and videographers showing their work.

One astute film enthusiast quipped:

"Celebrities & paparazzi have Sundance and Cannes, but kids & families have the KIDS FIRST Film Festival."

In 2007, almost one-third of the films accepted were from youth producers.

In spite of the odds, Mr. Bransom was one of the lucky adults to charm the tots with his own brand of engaging family entertainment.

Why not?

Train Master is a gem that will warm the cockles of your heart.

Director Phil Bransom pictured at center

http://www.julianayrs.com