Dark Elf Films Blog

Come and get your Marvel Love

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 19:00:00 +0000

Come and Get Your Marvel Love

By

Frank Tobin

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), AKA Star-Lord, is a child of the 80s; from his pop culture references, to his Walkman cassette player (containing a tape of some of the best 60s and 70s classics this side of an episode of Soul Train), to his brash, devil may care, childlike enthusiasm. His fully fleshed out character is the heralded gem (no pun intended) in the gauntlet (pun slightly intended) that is the cast of "Guardians of the Galaxy."

Right from the jump we are immediately grounded in reality, as a young Quill, fresh from dealing with the death of his mother to the unrelenting bully that is cancer, is abducted into a wildly raucous space-faring adventure.

Rife with talking raccoons (don't call Rocket [voiced expertly, and charmingly, by Bradley Cooper] a vermin), a sentient tree (Vin Diesel, the show-stopper), who's only three words are "I am Groot", a green-skinned sexy assassin (Zoe Saldana [my celebrity crush]), and a muscle bound, takes-everything-you-say-literally badass thug (Dave Batista, following the same thespian path as another famous wrestler-turned-actor who likes people to smell what he's cooking), the audiences instantly needs to stay connected with the space opera weirdness. Hence the aforementioned glorious soundtrack, and every-man lead character.

Witty, joyful, vibrant, fun (remember when comic movies could be fun, Zack "The Hack" Snyder?) and delightfully eclectic, it was complete and utter frown failure for me during the film's two hour running time. But it wasn't just my inherent love for space adventure films of this ilk (this is this generation's Star Wars... until Episode VII releases next year) that kept me engaged. Quite in fact, this flick had "epic fail" written all over it. Which makes a certain character's cameo at the end of the credits even more ironic and hilarious (if you're old enough to understand who the hell it was anyway).

Yes, it would have been easy for this cinematic foray into the weird abyss about a rag-tag group of murderers and thieves to fall flat on its face. Enter the director, co-writer, and savior of Marvel Cosmic Universe's initial space walk into the world's earth-addled heroes, James Gunn.

Fun-facts about the Gunn-meister (him and I are cool like that [no we're not]): originating from the Troma school of horror schlock, the man's first real Hollywood gig was "Scooby Doo" in 2002. He also penned the "Dawn of the Dead" remake. But before all that, he wrote, produced and performed in a widely known, and popular critical darling (is that sarcasm dripping from my lips?) super hero comedy "The Specials". Haven't heard of it? Don't be ashamed, it had a budget of $1,000,000 and only grossed $13,000, even if it starred some actual known acting entities (Rob Lowe, Thomas Hayden Church, Jaime Kennedy, Melissa Joan Hart, and Judy Greer... they must have lost a bet).

While not a cinematic masterpiece, if you look hard enough into the plot, or even a casual glance at the Wiki summary, "The Specials" laid the foundation for what would become Marvel's interest in Gunn for his participation in 'Guardians'.

You see, 'Specials' is a movie about 6th and 7th tiered superheroes on their day off. It's vulgar and cheesy, but actually kind of funny. Subtract the vulgarity, and... you see where I'm going with this. Then you pepper in cult faves like "Slither" and "Super", and you have the recipe for lightning in a bottle. Which 'Guardians' surely is. Marvel and Gunn are a match made in sloppy, incoherent, nonsensical, B-movie heaven.

Okay, now that I shot a fraction of my elation load all over this review, let me focus on some of the negatives (don't worry this won't take long). Even though every scene where you think a character is about to have their "Oscar Moment", something humorous always stomps on it in the most hilariously genius way. This movie is all about subverting your expectations. Which ultimately works in the film's favor. However, the weakest aspect of the film is in its selection of rogues, which, unfortunately, fails to live up to the lofty expectations we have thanks to Loki's scene-eating screen time in the earlier Marvel flicks.

We glimpsed a galactic sized cock tease with Thanos at the end of "The Avengers", and as glorious as that reveal was, Thanos (now voiced by the venerable Josh Brolin) receives his Emperor Palpatine screen time in 'Guardians'. I know Marvel is setting up the Infinity Gauntlet story-line, clarified once and for all in this movie with expository dialogue provided by the Collector (Benicio Del Toro's character), but Thanos was sparsely utilized in this film. The gravity of his presence is enough for most ardent comic book fans to cream their Spidey undies (yes, I own a pair myself, don't judge me) but I was underwhelmed. And Ronan (Lee Pace, who stars in my newest AMC obsession "Halt and Catch Fire") was little more than a cosmic thug with delusions of grandeur. His lap dog, Nebula (Karen GIllan), the deadly, modified, crazy sexy (and crazy crazy) assassin sibling to Gamora (Saldana) served little purpose other than to be face-punch fodder for her sister.

I can't say definitively that the villains were a wasted opportunity though, because the movie wasn't about them. It's just more of a struggling obligation on my part to provide some cons in this review to fool you into thinking I'm actually objective (which, when it comes to this genre, I'm clearly not).

Truth be told, I've been starved, famished, for a quality space adventure film. Not since the greatest blue balls in cinematic history (the Star Wars prequels... I just threw up in my throat at the mere mention of those still-births) has the genre been front and center. But now we have it. A glorious return to the strange, weird, jovial, operatic outer space gallivanting adventures of a rag-tag group of would-be heroes

And honestly, I couldn't be happier. This movie is pure love; uncut adventurous greatness, wrapped in indie sensibilities. What are you doing wasting time reading this poorly written review? GO SEE THE DAMN MOVIE. Rocket the Raccoon will thank you... but only after tearing you a new one with his charming, razor sharp wit (I'm so buying a plush toy of that adorable little bastard).

Mekanism - Bring The Sun Back Music Video

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 22:15:00 +0000

Meka Nism's debut music video for 'Bring the Sun Back' from the EP, 'The Dance at the End of the World'- available on iTunes- http://tinyurl.com/nujyyag

iTunes- http://tinyurl.com/nujyyag
Amazon- http://tinyurl.com/p53w2s5
CD Baby- http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mekanism2
Official Website- http://www.meka-nism.com

Copyright © 2013 All of the Above Entertainment, LLC
All Rights Reserved

Directed by: Vincent Demarco
Produced by: Dark Elf Films / DeMarco Films
Producers: Valensky Sylvain, Robert Keller, Vincent DeMarco, Manuel Cortinas, Jeremy Wood, Sam Sylvain
Edited by: Lorena Abreu
Video Special Effects by: David Coalter

Makeup and Special Effects by Miss Williams' Blood & Gore Boutique, Inc.
Heather Williams - Makeup design, makeup artist, and special effects
T-Bone - Assistant makeup artist, assistant special effects
Melissa Feyereisen - Assistant makeup artist
Tracy Purple - Assistant makeup artist
Megan Hogarth - Assistant to makeup and effects department
Director of Photography & Camera A - Navid Namazi
Gaffer & Camera B - Manuel Cortinas
Camera C - Joey Garcia
Production Designer - Chrissy Rosatone
Production Coordinator - Angie Allison
PA's - Belen McCormick, Jarred

Cast:

Band:

Meka
Bobby "The Ripper"
Reed "Freedom" Tyack
Alvin Bauer

Dancers & Audience:

Riz O
A.J. Cabigao
Hai "Dizzykid" Duong
Grae Marino
Michael Sloan
Aubrey Beinkampen
Belen McCormick
Julie Norris
Maya Norris
Nicholas Orthodox
Morgo Chapman

Cluster Duck Dark Elf Blog movie review - Sushi Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 21:38:00 +0000

Sushi Girl Review by Frank Tobin aka Cluster Duck

About 3 years ago I saw a trailer for a movie. I had no idea what the
plot was, who wrote it, or who directed it. It sorta just coalesced
out of the indie film ether. A patchwork amalgamation of niche genres
and indie tropes. It mesmerized me...

The song is perfect. The visuals are strikingly grind-house. The girl
is exquisite... and, wait, was that... Luke Fucking Skywalker?! And
Candyman? And Machete? Dwayne Hicks?! What is this nerdgasm,
physically manifested on my video-sharing website of choice? It
appears to ape, at least in spirit, Reservoir Dogs, and 70's
exploitation flicks, and the kind of gritty crime dramas made
mainstream by the likes of Tarantino himself.

Must. Watch. Now.

Fast forward ahead 3 years... A lot of shit happened, horrible movie
schlock was watched, and... that one cool looking indie grind-house
flick, what was it called, fuck, Fish Lady? Salmon Female? Erin
Brockovich?

Well whatever it was called, I completely forgot about it. Shit, it
took them a dog's age, it seems, to even get a limited release. So I
start digging...

After the movie was filmed, the director Kern Saxton and his
production crew raised the money for a premiere on Kickstarter.
(http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sushigirl/sushi-girl-world-premiere)
And was met with mixed reviews. But, seeing as I consider myself, at
least, a tourist in genre subversive independent film peeping, I
decided to finally give it a whirl.

How bad could it really be? Well... I was underwhelmed, to say the
least. It's hardly a cinematic abortion *cough, all Adam Sandler
films, cough* but the overly derivative nature of the narrative kept
it from reaching god-tier.

Let me explain; as is the case with any film, there's a right way, and
a wrong way to tell a story. And any story can be interesting, it just
boils down to execution. In the case of SUSHI GIRL (finally remembered
the damn name), the lurid, seductive, visually entrancing, memorable
opening pulls you in better than any indie flick I've seen in a while.
I mean, it's got Sonny Chiba chopping up raw fish and placing it on a
chart-topping unknown sex-exuding vixen (READ: the actual sushi girl).

The perfect curves of her naked flesh laying on a table, centered
amidst a Japanese themed hole-in-the-wall (which Mark Hamill's
character, Crow, sarcastically points out is more Ming Dynasty in its
design), effectively sets the mood for what's to come. It's a
fantastic opening sequence... but then the characters start talking.
Blah.

Tarantino perfected gangster speak in Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction
in such a fashion that, even though his characters are vile, mostly
immoral, scumbags, you actually enjoy hearing their diatribes. It's
one of the highlights of his films. Here, it just plays like a
hackneyed imitation, devoid of any genuine thought or cleverness.
Clunky is a good word for it.

Continuing with that theme, as the plot chugs along, and you start to
understand why these characters are meeting in a dive, partaking of
the delicious spread, you realize what you're in for... Now, if I
weren't dead inside already, I'd call the torture scenes graphic,
gory, and ultimately unnerving. But alas, my imagination, and ability
to suspend my disbelief, is so shot to shit that nothing grosses me
out or unsettles me (unless I'm looking in a mirror... GET A TAN, FOR
FUCK SAKE). Horror movies bore me, unless they're hilariously gory.
Torture porn is a big yawn. But thankfully the story is written in a
way that, as you piece together where it's all going, the twist ending
actually slaps you in the genitals. You forgot about the bad jokes,
and forced genre dialogue. It was so memorable and out of left field,
I honestly want to watch it again.

Great music, pointless, albeit appropriate, cameos by horror and
grind-house regulars, excellent cinematography, subpar performances,
with a few bright-spots here and there, and an unexpected twist, Fish
Lady (pretty sure that's what it was called) was a surprising treat
that unfortunately wasn't necessarily worth how long I waited to see
it. But then again, that was my own dumbass fault. I recommend it.

Now if I could only eat some SUSHI off a beautiful GIRL...

Soul Switch - SAVING ME Music Video

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:39:00 +0000

Zero Dark Cinema and Dark Elf Films presents

Soul Switch "Saving Me" Music Video

Starring: Tom Huestis, Cameron Gagne, Ali Roberts, and Soul Switch

Directed by Adam Arnali: www.zerodarkcinema.com

Produced by: Valensky Sylvain - www.darkelffilms.com

Associate Producer: Kevin Welch

Director of Photography: Brandt Hackney

Production Designer: Elyssa Bloom

Make up & Hair: Whitney Costner and Rachel King

Grip & Electric: Navid John Namazi & Samuel Fontanez

PA's: Amanda Blake Sutter & Emile Gerne

The Dark Elf Experiment

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:50:00 +0000

Casting call for Justice

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:55:00 +0000

CASTING CALL

Dark Elf Films/August Moon/Demarco Films Production presents…“Justice”

A NON-PAID UNION/NON-UNION CASTING CALL

Casting for:

1) John - early 50s, male, gruff, bald, beard, race undetermined.

2) Heidi - early 20s, female, needs tremendous emotional range.

3) Beckley - 30s, male, Spanish, Euro trash, slick backed hair.

4) Bartender - 20s, male, Mohawk, skinny, multiple piercings, cocksure.

5) Two Bricks - 20s/30s, male, physically fit, able to take a punch and give one out, bouncers.

6) Young Heidi - 10 years old.

7) Heidi's Mother - 30s, female, needs to be okay with rape scene.

8) Extras - male, female, socialites, bar sluts, druggies, trashy VIP lounge dwellers.

Casting Dates:

Feb 17^th, 2013. 12 pm to 5 pm

(By Appointment)

Shooting Dates:

End of February

Location:

WET ORANGE

4401 S Orange Ave

Unit 103

Orlando, Fl 32806

Please send head shot and resume:

darkelfcastings@gmail.com

Please include role and film that you are auditioning for in the subject

www.darkelffilms.com

Cinematic Haiku Hard Malice Syllable 1: Geeks

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:05:00 +0000

Dark Elf Films & Detour Entertainment Presents

Cinematic Haiku Hard Malice

Syllable 1:

Geeks

A day in the life of two seemingly harmless video game nerds and their take on how the gaming industry has influenced society.

IMDB
Vimeo
YouTube

Directed by Chris Greene

Written by Frank Tobin

SyllvaiSyllva

"Mud Sport" A Cluster Duck Article

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 21:53:00 +0000

Mud Sport

A Cluster Duck Article

Written by

Frank Tobin

I’m a simple man; I enjoy playing video games (AKA getting verbally accosted by racist twelve year old suburban brats), procrastinating to do important things, going out of my way to limit my physical activity, stuffing my face with saturated fats and carcinogen-filled Twinkies (rest in peace, you little delicious cylinders of impending obesity and eventual death). Ya know, true red-blooded American type stuff.

So imagine my delayed surprise after the words “yeah, that’s sounds fun” escaped my lips in response to being asked to run (that’s right, I said run, as in walking so fast you’re not walking anymore) in a 5K; an obstacle littered, volunteer-zombie chasing, pretend you’re in a post-apocalyptic backwater barren wasteland (or Clermont, for short), no hope for survival unless you can outrun your attackers, three mile hike. Kill me. Please.

Now, you may be saying to yourself “wow what a lazy jerk it’s just a three mile run who cares I do that stuff all the time it’s called being active and exercising.” To which I reply, “I hate run-on sentences.” And also, I’M A SLOBBINGLY INEFFECTIVE TROGLODYTE. I’m not built for this, at all.

These events are reserved for young athletic rapscallions, active runners, and people who actually walk down their driveways to check the mail. In other words, everything I stand fundamentally opposed to.

But it was done. I’d sealed my fate. In six months, I was to take part in the “outdoor experience” with other people; living, breathing, socially adept and physically trained, human beings. Excuse me; got vomit in my throat.

What was I to do? I couldn’t back out of my obligation; my word is as good as the paper it’s printed on; which isn’t worth much, but I was trying to turn that around. Can’t be a crass, cynical, lazy prick my whole life… or can I?

The decision was made, pretty early on, that I was to (gulp) get in… shape. Which, a decade and a half ago, wouldn’t have been a problem. I mean, there was a time when playing marathon games of basketball was the dominant time-suck in my day, and the sun and I were on speaking terms. A rambunctious little blur of twitchy energy would have been an apt description of me. Hell, I even had calf muscles (aw yeah, ladies). But those days died off faster than a [insert appropriate analogy here… I suck at these].

Fast-forward five and a half months: I’ve been jogging, doing jumping-jacks, eating “healthy” (READ: fast food two nights a week instead of five), and just making an effort to power through the burning lungs and wet noodle legs from my body’s stubborn insistence to convince me that this was the worst idea in the long, sad history of bad ideas. It didn’t matter, though; I was going to throw a 12-inch knife into this 5K’s sternum and quip “stick around”, Dutch-style (uncomfortable knee pat to anyone who gets that reference).

The actual event itself was a mix between outdoor concert festival and Ninja Warrior tournament. They had it all; live music, fried foods, scantily clad middle-aged men, and the kitchen sink! It was sort of infectious. The enthusiasm, the energy from a throng of younglings with their whole lives ahead of them, older folks with an ironclad grasp on their health, was starting to inspire me.

My inner pep talk was the stuff of legends: “Now it’s time to see if you have the heart. Now is the time to prove to yourself and to everyone out there that even though you are woefully out-of-shape, you are somebody. You are worthy of something… Are you ready to go out there and take what’s yours? What you’ve worked hard for? (Well actually, I didn’t work THAT hard.) Are you ready to accept the challenge?” And yes, before you ask, I ripped that off from Dwayne Johnson’s seminal classic, Gridiron Gang. But nevertheless, I was pumped, primed and ready to… puke, apparently (pro-tip: Don’t eat greasy food before exercising).

I kid you not, a half mile in (a three mile hike, a three hour tour [couldn’t resist]) I hit the wall; in the worst way. Ya see, the way everything is set up, you have obstacles (mud pits, freezing cold water you have to wade through under ACTUAL barbed wire, low voltage fencing, climbable walls, and did I mention a kitchen sink at one point above?) and freaking-frocking zombies trying to steal your flags! I had waking nightmares of being harassed by the bigger kids during middle school bouts of “kill the man with the ball” except this time I had three flags (which represented my health bar) and I didn’t cry (much).

Remember when kids liked Physical Education?

I was out for the count; expended what little lung capacity I had from my years of smoking on the first leg of the first mile by sprinting, and expertly dodging (I juked a few undead out of their socks, literally) every zombie I passed. I had to take a knee. My head was swirling, my legs wobbly, my chest tight…

Then it happened, after what seemed like a lifetime, through the muddy slog, the blood, sweat, tears and low voltage shock treatment, the obstacles, and embarrassment from losing my cool so early in the race, I crossed the finish line. Even though I lost all my flags, even though I was physically, mentally, emotionally, metaphysically, philosophically, ethologically (you get the point) EXHAUSTED, I’d finished; completed an event meant to promote physical wellness and fun through outdoor activity.

And I had a load of fun doing it. The event was executed without a hitch. The volunteers were friendly and hysterical (a particularly whimsical “fairy” zombie actually muttered to her fellow undead “aw, let him pass, he only has one flag.” YAY FOR ZOMBIE PITY). Come next year, after I pretend to get in shape, I’ll be doing it again, make no mistake.

After struggling to finish, I received a medal, took in a show, relaxed, and that night asked myself just one question: “How freaking badass am I”?

Answer: I ran a two and a half hour 5K, so not that badass. Figures.

Cinematic Haiku Hard Malice Syllable 3: Bond

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Dark Elf Films Presents

Cinematic Haiku Hard Malice Syllable 3: Bond

IMDB Page

Fan Page

Directed by Mario Giancini

Writted by Frank Tobin

Produced by Valensky Sylvain and Jeremy Wood

Starring:
Amber English
Joe Lucas
Sevan McBride

Cinematography By Mario Giancini

Sound by Justin Russo

Sound Effects Edited by David Cybulski

Music by Mario Giancini

Make-up by Lyndsay Simon

Script Sup: Sam Sylvain

Grip: John Rasmussen

Edited by Mario Giancini & David Cybulski

Fight Coordinator: Joe Lucas

Colorist: Caleb Mallery

Original Score by Mario Giancini

Casting By Valensky Sylvain

Cinematic Haiku Hard Romance Syllable 3: Uncomfortable Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Dark Elf Films Presents
In Association with Axum Media Group & Dual Coast Productions

Cinematic Haiku Hard Romance Syllable 3: Uncomfortable Practice

A person once said practice makes perfect. That person, was obviously not a virgin. For Sammy and May, this couldn't be anymore true. Getting pre-advice from their respected friends, Sammy and May prepare for the most interesting night either of them will have.

IMDB Page
Fan Page

Unit production manger:
Fari Hekmat
Stephanie Oukeo

Directed and edited by Ashton Bracciodieta
Written by Frank Tobin

Producers:
Valensky Sylvain
Adam Ben-Evi

Associate Producer:
Jeremy Wood

Casting By:
Valensky Sylvain

Director of Photography - Navid John Namzi

Cast:

Sammy - Joshua Kessler
Jes - Adam Ben-Evi
May - Dayana Rincon
Brittany - Ana Eligio
Silent Guy - TJ Mirbach

Gaffer - Uriah Ocean Peterson
Sound - David Cybulski
Art Department - Yonara Nucci
Grip - Joshua Wright
Grip - Adam Dinihanian
BTS - Domonique Megginson

Craft Services Provided by Fari Hekmat

Production Assistant:
Jaylene Winslow-Nieves

Equipment provided by:
Michael Gottino @ Indie Film Video
Marc Shapins @ Hoofta Productions

Special Thanks to:
Allen & Amy Megginson
Hoofta Productions
Indie Film Video
Nathan Jarman
Rosilin D. Hill
Lauren Buecker
Gabrielle A. B. Murray
John Rasmussen
Lindsi Jeter
Brianna Marie Walker
Ross Alagna

Very Special thanks to THE FORNICATOR

Cinematic Haiku Hard Romance Syllable 2: Uncomfortable Preferences

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Dark Elf Films in Association with Axum Media Group and Dual Coast Productions Presents

Cinematic Haiku Hard Romance Syllable 2: Uncomfortable Preferences

IMDB Page

Fan Page

Produced by:
Valensky Sylvain
Adam Ben-Evi

Directed by: Ashton Bracciodetta

Written By: Frank Tobin

Starring:
Valensky Sylvain
Kyle Harden
Colleen Amos
Dominique Megginson
Stephanie Oukeo
Shakir Ansari

Director of Photography: Navid John Namazi

Edited by : Ashton Bracciodetta

Special thanks to:
517 Hookah Oasis
Shakir Ansari
Mike Rechis
Sarah Haimes
James Frederick
Brandon Cox
Amy LoCicero
Diana Ramos

Oh What A Tangled Web We Weave

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:30:00 +0000

1st Dibz Productions and Dark Elf Films Presents

Oh What A Tangled Web We Weave

"What would you do if you thought your spouse was cheating on you?"

IMDB Page

Facebook Fan Page

A 1st Dibz/Dark Elf Films Production

Directed by James Hunter

Starring Michael Santi and Melissa Williams

Produced by Valensky Sylvain, James Hunter, Michelle Long, Sean Nelson

Executive Produced by Mark Barbour, Tonya Barlow

Associate Produced by Cody Foltz and Rodney Luis Aquino

Cinematography by Kraig Swisher

Film Editing by Richard Aparicio

Casting by Valensky Sylvain

Art Direction by Mabel Barba

Set Decoration by Mabel Barba

Makeup Department: Wanda Gates

Production Manager: Trisha Connell

1st Assistant Director: Valensky Sylvain

Assistant Art Director: Trisha Connell

Sound: Josh Wright

Special Effects by Christian Claudio

Cam Op: Kraig Swisher

1st AC: Rogelio Mosqueda

2nd AC: Robbie Corcoran

Gaffer: Brandt Hackney

Key Grip: Navid Namazi

Grip: Kyle Conrad

Grip: Stefanie Gomez

Grip: Matt Sawyer

Grip: Roy Williams Jr.

PA: Stefanie Gomez

Please feel

Cinematic Haiku Hard Malice Syllable 3: Bond

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 21:37:00 +0000

Cinematic Haiku Hard Malice Syllable 3: Bond

Here is the much acclaimed and awaited full short film that has garnered so much praise!

Directed by Mario Giancini

Writted by Frank Tobin

Produced by Valensky Sylvain and Jeremy Wood

Starring:

Amber English
Joe Lucas
Sevan McBride

Cinematography By Mario Giancini

Sound by Justin Russo

Sound Effects Edited by David Cybulski

Music by Mario Giancini

Make-up by Lyndsay Simon

Script Sup: Sam Sylvain

Grip: John Rasmussen

Edited by Mario Giancini & David Cybulski

Fight Coordinator: Joe Lucas

Colorist: Caleb Mallery

Original Score by Mario Giancini

Casting By Valensky Sylvain

Check out more of our videos @ www.youtube.com/user/darkelffilms and follow us on facebook.

Interview with 'Battlestar Galactica' legend Richard Hatch

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:53:00 +0000

Interview with Richard Hatch

By Lauren Honeycutt

1. How did you get involved in Acting?

It was a long process because I didn’t set out to be an actor, I was going to be an architect, I studied classical piano. I loved the arts but never thought I could have a career in acting. I was going to school waiting to take more specific electives. I was wandering like so many people, taking anything, trying to find out what I was going to do. I was dating a girl and got to meet a lot of the people in the business through her. I started learning more about show business. I had never done theatre in high school. I got to know a man who had a radio show, who was a press secretary for Yoko Ono. He would always give me insights into things I should look into; he is the one who said I should go to an acting class. I was shocked! Me? Are you kidding? I had never thought about it. I went to the class dealing with the method; it focused on progressed method and refinery. I learned acting techniques but more than that I watched the actors in the class learning to deal with their own stuff, it is really all about connecting with yourself in a deeper way. I thought this would be something that could help me, whether I wanted to be an actor or not, it would help me as a person. After a year I came to understand that I could be an actor when my teacher brought me aside and said if I really wanted too I could be an actor. I started hanging out with production groups, delivering scripts to Sally Field’s house. I played an extra on a soap opera, getting my foot in the door. I was living in my car, sleeping on people’s couches, and it slowly grew into something that I realized was a passion of mine. I love the art of the acting, the spiritual journey.

2. How long have you been an actor?

45 years

3. Are you working on any current projects?

Many things, I finished a bunch of films, the Pod, Dead by Friday, a pilot for Mind Bender, Dark Season, Little Matchmakers. I love writing. I’ve been working on developing a novel called Magellan, I am adapting it into a screenplay.

4. Which has been your favorite project you worked on?

Battlestar was the best experience of my life. Getting to play a complex multilevel character, I had an extraordinary time working on that show.

5. What are your strong points as an actor?

I have a combination of strength and sensitivity I am very empathetic, I feel very deeply into the characters, I connect in a profound way to the characters I play. My intuition, my instinctive part of which I am, I connect to who I am. I perceive things in a different way than many people. I can play scenes that require a lot of depth.

6. What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?

I’ve learned that every director has very distinct differences; some are good with technical aspects, some are good with character, some are good at both. You need to listen to their feedback; they have something valid to say you need to take the criticism. They can bring a stronger performance forward, I have learned to listen and take it in, and bring that into my performance. At the end of the day you have to trust your own gut, if something isn’t working for you and you have tried to do it differently sometimes you have to trust your gut and it doesn’t feel right to you you’re the one who’s up on the screen. You’re the one that is going to take responsibility for the performance. Take what the director says learn from that, but if you can’t do what they want after multiple tries go with your gut. You have to follow your instinct and the director can help you reach the place you have never been. I don’t want a director to leave me alone, I want a director to inspire me to give me feed back, I look for direction. At the end of the day your talent gives you the truth of that and you have to honor that.

7. What are your educational qualifications?

First of all I don’t think you need educational degrees. A degree doesn’t make you a great actor. It is an award of accomplishment but you can learn all the same things and more than the person who has the degree. I have studied in multiple classes all over the nation. I did it all independently in various places.

8. What kind of roles do you prefer?

I like character roles the most, the leading man, the romantic thing. I like the more complex characters. Deep profound characters, rich back-story, something to grab onto. I love doing comedy but I love doing comedy with a heart. Art to me should move you, should touch you and leave you with hope at the end of the day.

9. What are your weak points?

I was very insecure about my looks, I never felt like the more charming good-looking lead. That has gotten easier for me over the years but when I was younger I never thought I was good looking or sexy.

10. How do you work to improve your acting skills?

Acting is an extension of life. Every single day I begin to embrace who I am. I stop trying to be perfect, I embrace who I am with all my flaws and my self-love quotient grows. As fear diminishes you get far more bold and courageous and you become freer, your not so worried about what people think. I find that everyday I work on myself, loving and forgiving myself, allows me to have so much more confidence in myself as an actor. So as I grow as Richard Hatch I grow as an actor. I know all the acting techniques but you have to work on you. That’s the heart of the creative experience.

You can find more info about Richard Hatch on his imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0368745/

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Tom Hanks Electric City Review

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:13:00 +0000

Review by Ron Phillips

Edited by Amanda Blake Sutter

The idea of a web-series is to tell an intricate story in a serial format. However, with the attention span of the current average web user this proves to be a difficult task that must be accomplished in an average of seven minutes or less. Tom Hank's animated webseries Electric City has been all the buzz in this social media generation and for good reason. The story encompasses you in the tale of a post apocalyptic world where the luxury of living in bright lights and heat is a treasure. The series is about 20 episode long averaging around five minutes per episode. The show not only captures the audience with its premises, but it's delivery in conveying the story as well. This show has become such a success because the show creates traffic and makes people want to become part of the world created.

The series launched on July 17, 2012 with 10 episode out the gate. Each episode gave the audience just enough to whet their appetite while managing to leave them always wanting more. The careful marketing stratagies assisted in making this possible. Careful consideration was used in deciding placement on the web and the accouterments that would be used. Collaboration with the Yahoo website allowed the show to be hosted on the Yahoo screens. This was the first plan to gain exposure. With Yahoo being many of today’s go to search engine and email carrier, the advertisment for the show was constantly shown to the website's users. The second marketing plan to gain exposure was the gaming aspect. Hanks teamed up with iTunes and Google Apps to create little games that corresponed to the show. The games were fun and addicting and helped the players becomes part of the intricate story.

Hank's project used every means to help make the series so inclusive that just seeing the first 10 episodes leaves the audience begging for more. By using himself and other big name actors such as Ginnfer Goodwin to help back up the show through voice acting, fans were already stirring up chatter. However, Hanks knew that fan chatter would lead to media chatter on shows such as Good Morning America. He also created buzz by Comic-con. Its is only natural for a collaboration such as this to get so much attention. This is a marketing concept that creates opportunity that can not and should not be ignored. Learning from this concept would be very benficial because it brings the community in.

These statagies show that the time you invest before the show actually airs come to fruition. The website hosted by Yahoo is so elaborate and detailed that the maps go along with the show. Instead of doing a full screen view, the page shows things such as the sun setting as it sets on screen. This is so engaging becauase the game downloaded from the app store serves a distinct and integral purpose to the flow of the show. This keeps users on the page and keeps them clicking on all the available snippets of the story that can be used to be a citizen of this new world. This generates more buzz through the best marketing tools available which is word of mouth. Others are brought on to be a part of this new feeling and community. The share button is hit on facebook and tweets are made about the show. Others make comments to add to the conversation and then more exposure is created. It becomes a cyclical cycle in the method of human on human exposure to the show.

If a webseries is to be successful it must pop and shine out the gate. But sometimes that is not always enough. By using social media as a means of exposure, the cycle begins and then starts anew.

Series can be found at http://electriccity.yahoo.com

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5 Questions with Brevard Talent Group’s President and Owner, Traci Danielle Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:29:00 +0000

1. Q: What do you say to actors who think the only way to have a career is to pick up and move
to Los Angeles? Is it possible to take your career to a high level living in Orlando?

A: I would say good luck! Orlando is a great place to start your career and build up your credits before you move to a larger market. In the long run it really depends on what type of work an actor wants to pursue. For film and television Los Angeles is the place to move to further your career. For theater it is New York. Before an actor decides to move they need to be prepared financially and must have the talent to compete. The Southeast has more film incentives than anywhere else in the country. It is a great place to build your resume and reel before you make the decision to relocate. It is also a great place to make a living as an actor and have a quality of life that most actors can’t afford in California. Actors are moving to the Southeast for opportunities they don’t have in Los Angeles. Los Angeles and New York are both tough markets to break into. You need to be realistic and know the level of competition you will be competing with. It could take years to get established and find the right team behind you in order for you to be a successful working actor.

2. Q: If an actor is dead-set on moving to LA, what do you recommend they do beforehand in a smaller market like Orlando to prepare?

A: Save money, build up your resume and reel, continue to train and save more money. Make all the connections you can so you can build up a list of contacts.

3. Q: Can you describe the “it” factor of your top booking talent and what you believe contributes to
their success?

A: Actors are born with the “it” factor. I believe either you have “it” or you don’t. They light up a room and the camera loves them. If I could bottle and sell “it” I would not be an agent.

4. Q: What things do you look for when you meet with a potential talent for representation?

A: The process starts with submitting your headshot and resume to the agency. Find out who you should submit to. If I get a submission addressed to "Whom It May Concern" it leaves me to believe that the actor did not put a lot of effort into their submission. Strike one against you with the submission ending up in the trash can. I do not accept on-line submissions. Submission information can be found at www.brevardtalentgroup.com. Send a brief cover letter with your headshot, resume and contact information. If I am interested I will schedule an appointment. I interview each actor and depending on their type and goals I will have them read a scene or two. I evaluate if they would be a good fit for the agency. They must be as good or better than whom I currently represent in order for me to work with them. Their essence plays a big role in deciding if I want to represent them. I think it should be a law for agents to interview actors that they are interested in representing. It baffles me an actor would put his career in the hands of an agent whom they have never met.

5. Q: What are your hopes for the future of film in Florida?

A: I wish we could compete with other states who have an unlimited cap on incentives. One of the main reasons Florida’s incentive is limited is because we do not have a state income tax to help fund the program. I believe the market would explode if we had an unlimited cap like Georgia and Louisiana. Florida has fantastic locations. From the beaches to the Space Center to South Beach to small town America. We also have great actors and crew. Florida started as a location state and continues to be a location state. Over time it has become apparent that the studios in Orlando are theme parks and not working studios. The days of Florida being “Hollywood East” have come and gone. Is it possible to get that back? Yes, but it is a constant struggle with our government to keep the incentive funded. Our fantastic film commissioners work hard to promote Florida. The bottom line is, if a producer can film elsewhere and save money by taking advantage of a better incentive, they will.

You can find more info about Dark Elf Films @ www.darkelffilms.com and follow us on facebook @ www.facebook.com/darkelffilms and on twitter @ www.twitter.com/darkelffilms

JourneyQuest The Webseries Review

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02:06:00 +0000

JourneyQuest Review

Amanda Sutter

Journey Quest is an over the top fantasy web series that follows a group of characters on their epic quest for glory. Along the way a series of unforseen events leads the characters into a whirl wind of mischeif, battles, and awkward moments. From the creators of "The Gamers" and "The Gamers: Dorkness Rising," the series is a goofy comedy that leaves the viewers laughing continuously.

Although the language takes a bit getting used to and the many subplots require careful attention, the series definitely has a unique quality to its story that will create a following in certain audiences. The series has an overall good production value and intricate costume design. The series uses a combination of clever humor with slapstick comedy throughout its entirety that hit at the right moments in the plot line. The actor's bring a lot to the table with portraying the character's humorus moments organically. Watching their performance is entertaining and is successful in creating an emotional connection with the audience. The episodes are also kept short and the plot continuously advances at a steady, but fast pace. Journey Quest will deffidently gain support through specific cult followings, comedy lovers, and fantasy lovers.

The pilot is a bit slow and confusing, however, the series as a whole is definitely worth watching.Ultimately Journey Quest is a fun and unique expereince for all viewers following this magical journey.

You can find more info about this series at: http://www.journey-quest.com/

You can also follow Dark Elf on Facebook: www.facebook.com/darkelffilms and on Twitter: www.twitter.com/darkelffilms

5 Questions with Brevard Talent Group’s President and Owner, Traci Danielle

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 21:41:00 +0000

1. Q: Your talent is notorious for being very satisfied, with the talent/agent relationship you have with them. What would you say are the components of a mutually beneficial and long-lasting talent/agent relationship?

A: Communication. I can not tell you how many times I have met with an actor and then I never hear from them. They do not let me know if they are in acting classes, in a play or at the very least, alive and well. Then I hear that they told another actor that I never call them. I have numerous actors I represent and it is the actor’s responsibility to communicate with their agent, to let them know what they are doing to further their career. Not the other way around. I expect a lot from the actors I represent. I am too old to represent lazy, unmotivated and needy actors. The agent cannot do the majority of the work. It is up to the actor to be responsible for their career.

2. Q: If you could wave a magic wand and endow all actors with one trait, what trait would you select?

A: Besides being an organic actor, which I believe is a gift you are born with, I would have to
say common sense. I swear if I could bottle and sell it I would not be an agent.

3. Q: Going off of the saying “the only person standing in your way is yourself” --In your
experience, what have you seen to be the most common self-imposed roadblocks actors
struggle with during their careers? Any tips for helping them get out of their own way?

A: See the answer to question 1 and 2 AND QUIT MAKING EXCUSES. I have heard everyone of
them and quite frankly I am fed up with actors making excuses. As they say in the South “If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen”. Don’t waste another minute if you are not 110% dedicated in what it takes to succeed. It has become incredibly difficult for anyone to book a job in film and TV. The odds are stacked against you from the very beginning. If you can not commit to waking up every morning and being productive with your career then do something else with your life and let the actors who are on the right path have the opportunity they need to be successful.

4. Q: After facing disappointments, actors can tend to feel powerless within the structure of the business; feeling that their ability to work is being determined solely by agents, casting directors, clients, etc. Can you share any words to the contrary to remedy this thinking? Can you help give actors a clear understanding of the variables in their careers that are completely under their control, to hopefully help empower them to take charge and maintain personal accountability even when times are difficult?

A: Actors can control everything they do, until they leave the audition. Then it is out of their
hands. They must forget about it and move on to the next opportunity. Actors can control being on
time, being prepared for the audition, callback and booking. They can be nice, respectful to everyone and be professional. Without actors agents and casting directors would not be in business. Agents want to represent professional actors who are serious about their career. If actors do everything possible then a good agent will stand behind them and have their back. I know that life can get in the way and actors might have to book out until they are mentally and physically available to be in this business. I have actors who can’t afford gas to go to auditions or be put on tape. While I feel sorry for them I also have to be honest and tell them that they need to take a break, get it together and decide if they can afford to be in the business.

5. Q: What is the most fulfilling aspect of what you do?

A: Finding an actor who is new and working with them to develop their career and then be
able to say “You booked the job”. I made a deal with myself many years ago that if the day
came that I did not get joy from telling an actor the “B” word then I would hang it up and wait
tables.

6. What do you wish all actors would do?

1. Read the entire information that is sent to you for each audition. I cannot
understand actors who have the ability to receive all of the information prior to
the audition and still make excuses as to why they weren’t prepared. Remember
pagers & pay phone booths? If the actors from that generation can deal with
having to find a pay phone and write down the details for the audition, go to an
office supply store and get the script on fax then at the very least today actors can
read their emails and be prepared.

2. Train. Actors need to work on their craft by going to an on going acting class and
supplement that with workshops taught by industry professionals. Acting is an
acquired skill. You are not going to get any better unless you work on your craft.

Closing Statement

There are very few agents in the market that have been in business as long as
I have. I think Melanie Hurt and I have more experience than all of the other
agents put together. Both of us were agents when Florida was the third busiest
state in film and TV and when union commercials far outnumbered non-union.
We have seen thousands of actors come and go and in my opinion the actors who
are successful and very talented, know that Show Business is two words. This
business is not for everyone. It is hard and you have to pay your dues. If you can
do anything else with your life then DO IT! But, if you were born with the acting
gene you know you don’t have a choice. To wake up and be happy in a career that
gives you joy and to make a living in this fun exciting business is a blessing. I am
grateful to the actors I represent and I look forward to many more years to being
an agent in Central Florida.

Interview with Director James Hunter

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 02:51:00 +0000

Director James Hunter opens up about his creative pursuits and gives us an intimate glimpse into his unique personal journey and outlook on life.

Q: What are some of the qualities that you look for in the actors you work with?

A: The quality I look for the most in actors is dedication to their craft. I like to work with actors that are really serious about what they do and put time in to be the best they can be. They also have to be reliable.

Q: What is your favorite part of the filmmaking process?

A: That’s a tough question, but what I love most of all is taking an idea and watching it grow into reality. I love taking an idea and seeing it turn into the final product.

Q: What art inspires you creatively?

A: I am a big fan of Martin Scorsese and Antoine Fuqua. I like their styles and how they film, but I also like how in most of their films, there is someone having a moral dilemma, facing right versus wrong and the choice they make determines the outcome of their lives. At the end of the day, my outlook on filmmaking is parallel with my outlook on life. I have had to make choices in my life that have had catastrophic outcomes. I like to see a protagonist put in a situation and see the consequences of their choice and how it affects their life.

Q: You’re best known in the film community as a director, but some people may not know that you actually started out in music and have recently started rapping again. How would you describe your sound and where do you see yourself going in the industry?

A: A lot of people compare me to Jay-Z and this actually hindered my progress back in 2003-2004. I was on the cusp of making it before I got injured and I got a lot of grief because I sounded like Jay-Z. I had a meeting with one of the engineers at Bad Boy Records and he told me after he listened to my mix tape he thought it was Jay-Z. I told him “I can’t help the way my voice sounds.” When I said that he seemed surprised and he said he thought I was trying to sound like Jay…I wasn’t. So there’s nothing I can do about that. I don’t want to be a rapper; I’m past that phase in my life. I just love words and I like to dabble and play with them. My goal with my music now, is to every now and again, throw a song of mine into my film projects.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not busy directing and creating music?

A: I’m very political. I love politics and sometimes I wish I had gone to journalism school. I study politics a lot in my free time. Another thing I do that people think is crazy-I really love numbers. I play with numbers in my head; like 1251 multiplied by 159 and see how fast I can figure out the answer. This actually translates over to the industry because when numbers are being thrown around in meetings, I’m able to come up with the answers really fast.

Q: What is another thing that people don’t know about you?

A: I’m very sensitive. I’m a very principled person. I live and die by my principles. When I deal with people, I expect them to be the same way. I need to stop expecting people to be the same way I am because it usually ends in disappointment. I will literally turn down a million-dollar project if it went against my principles. The most important thing to me is that I give people my word and stand by it. Not everyone is like that, so I’m learning that I have to evaluate people for who they are and not put my expectations on them. Another thing people don’t know is that I love producing films as much as directing. Also, I’m working on bettering myself as an editor.

Q: Anyone who knows you or who is friends with you on Facebook gets to hear and see your messages that are so positive and uplifting. What inspires you to share that positivity with others?

A: It’s funny because basically, my upbringing was surrounded by a lot of negativity. I had a very rough upbringing and I feel like it’s my duty to turn all of that around. There have been times in my life where I’ve gone headfirst into negativity but because of my beliefs, I always get pulled back out. I know it’s not where I need to be. Now that I have a better perspective on life, one of my motivations for being successful is to have a platform to reach millions to share a positive message.

Q: How have the injuries you sustained in the shooting leading you to be paralyzed affected how you live your life and your career? How has this shaped your mission in life?

A: When I first got hurt I was in the hospital for 2 ½ years. This is obviously not an exact number, but I would say somewhere around 85 percent of the other people around me who were paralyzed were really depressed. When I first got injured, I was positive on the outside, but inside I was wondering if this was punishment or torture or if this was meant to slow me down. I came to the conclusion it was meant to slow me down. I knew deep down that the negativity was not me and I had to turn this thing around. When I changed my mind set, people starting complimenting me. Although I was the patient, doctors would come to talk to me about their problems. I started thinking, “this is where you need to be. This is where you are most useful.” Had I not been paralyzed, I would have been successful in music and wouldn’t have grown the way I have. The injuries put me in a different zone. One of the bullets went through me and hit my cousin. If I wasn’t there to absorb those shots, he would have been the recipient of that and he wouldn’t be here today. This pretty much sums it up: While I was getting my bachelor’s degree at Full Sail, I got some life-threatening bed sores, caught bone infections and had to take 3 leaves of absence. When I was in the hospital, a beautiful nurse came downstairs and said she knew me. I was so caught up in her beauty, but then she explained she was my sign-out nurse a year before and she remembered how I got shot and how I was going to film school. She was really, really pretty so I was more wrapped up in that, but after she was done explaining how she remembered me, I asked her how she remembered all of that from a 10-minute conversation from a year ago. She said ever since that day we talked she uses me as her inspiration: “If James can go to school and do everything he does, I can go through anything in life without complaining.” That really touched me. Now, everyday people tell me I’m an inspiration. My focus has shifted towards helping other people. Friends of mine who I saw were going down the wrong path: I brought them in to be in the pilot for my new project Stripped ATL and now they want to get into acting. Now I can help them make a change and I feel like everything is worth it. When I first got shot, I would just say I got into an accident. I didn’t want people to assume I was a bad guy. I don’t like lying. It bothered me a lot. So I thought, I’m just going to tell people the truth and it’s up to them what they think about it. I was having a conversation the other day about how rich people can be so uncaring. If I accumulate $50 million, I wouldn’t get to see $1 million. My goal wouldn’t be about me; it would be making sure my loved ones are good. That’s the same way I look at my career; it’s not about me, it’s about spreading my message and taking care of people. Life was about me for way too long; it has to be about more than us. It can’t be about us anymore.

Q: What upcoming projects should we be on the lookout for?

A: Look out for the VH1 pilot for Stripped ATL. It is a very compelling reality drama, which looks like a movie, shot like reality show. It’s different than anything else out there. It keeps you captivated all the way through and I’ve received very positive feedback from everyone who has seen the pilot. The next step is presenting it to the execs at VH1. Also, be on the lookout for updates on the series I’m So Fly; we are moving forward with that as well.

Interview with Actor/Producer Chris Greene

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:22:00 +0000

CHRIS GREENE INTERVIEW

Lauren Honeycutt

1. What event in your life made you want to be an actor?

I was in college, 19 or 20 years old, a buddy of mine at the time, was going to
North Carolina school of the arts. He called me up saying he needed extras
for a club scene, no pay, but if you’re over 21 they will buy you drinks and
lots of food on set. I thought actors were vain people, like models. Once I got
on set, the professionalism of the students, seeing how a movie was actually
made, I had a lot of respect for the hours put in for a one-minute scene. The
preparation, the difficulties involved, the pressures involved on actors, I
could see myself entertaining folks. You get to travel; you get paid to have
fun.

2. What’s your background? Did this affect your acting abilities or
decisions?

I’m from New York, Mount Vernon. Dick Clark and Denzel Washington are
from there. At the time I grew up your, options were either to become a star
basketball player or “hustling”. There were not a lot of opportunities to own
your own business, as a black man. My mom grew tired of New York; she
wanted to get me involved in after school programs. I took up band. That
essentially got me into the mode of doing a lot of traveling. You get to go
around and see different things with the concert band in high school. I played
the drums and still do to this day. I got a band scholarship to attend college.
My parents made a big influence on me in regards to acting, by showing me
the values to acting. I don’t think a lot of actors have that, they weren’t taught
it. They were born into the industry. Others work their way in, like me. They
have to put in the work to prove themselves, the ones who worked hard had
the longevity. They all come from the same backgrounds. Denzel is an iconic
actor globally. He is from my area. Like him, anything I have ever had to do I
have had to work for. Concept to finish, I want to make sure its done properly
and respectfully.

3. Who was your biggest influencer? Who encouraged you to pursue your
goals?

Personally, my father, he was always one for living in the moment. He would
say, “whatever you want to do just make sure you flourish and make sure
your happy.” He was very supportive of me acting, as long as I was happy
doing it. He still is to this day a big motivation for me. Every time I step on set
I think of him.

4. Who’s your favorite actor?

On and off screen Will Smith is my favorite actor. A lot of people don’t realize
how intelligent Will is. He was invited to go to MIT; he is a well versed
educated man. I relate to him because his upbringing was very similar to
mine. He’s very motivational; when you see him in interviews he’s cordial
to everybody. That’s what keeps him afloat, his fan base. You could just
put “Will Smith”, just his name, on a black poster and people would buy
tickets to see it. He knows what people want, he knows how to be apart of
a film that tells a story, he knows how to be in front of a screen so people
miss you. He was bankrupt at 21, he didn’t let anyone step in his way, he kept
going, look at where he is today. I respect that. That is something I would
like to have in my career. It’s something to strive for. Taking pieces of his
knowledge, put your mind to it and it will happen, regardless of what you
want to do. You have to be determined and you have to be focused. You’re
going to fail, that’s a fact, but it’s the ability to learn from those failures that
makes it a success.

5. What inspires you as an artist? How has this affected your acting
decisions?

My inspiration comes from being recognized for my talent. Inspiration to me
is having someone watching my film, a product I put out there, leaving the
theatre saying this is money well spent. Or having huge problems at home
but being in that theatre, they can completely forget about it. My daughter is
a huge inspiration to me, being a parent changes your whole world. You look
at things more long term. She reminds me when I see her that it is the simple
things that make you happy. Providing a stable future for my daughter. That’s
inspiration too me.

6. As an actor, what obstacles have you had to overcome?

The word “no”, I have been acting and involved in the industry for ten years
now. No is the hardest thing to hear, you put your heart and soul into an
audition and to hear you got beat out, having to watch the person who beat
you in the role you wanted, and hearing the reasons you were told no, is
definitely something to overcome. As a black actor it is harder, this is not
a race thing, Hollywood doesn’t care about white or black, they care about
generating money. It’s all about your charisma and what you bring in.

7. What has been your favorite role so far?

It comes down to two roles. One is Flip Master Phil. I had a 5 pixel camera,
taking pictures of two women, something a “wanna-be-pimp” would do.
Flip Master Phil brought out a different voice, a slick movement that was
completely different from anything I have ever done. My character Eric is my
second favorite. The director wanted to make a film based on his experiences

on set. My character is a PA on set. The guy in one position thinking he could
do everything better than everybody else. This character has never failed to
be true to every film set I have ever done. I took from those experiences and
used it in this role.

8. What is something that you know now that you wish you knew when
you were first starting out as an actor?

The business aspect is a big downfall for a lot of actors. You have to know the
creative side but it is imperative to know the business side. Knowing the business
aspect can make or break you.

9. Do you think you really understood what you were in for when you
decided you wanted to become an actor?

Yes and no. Yes I did from the aspect your life becomes an open book.
Because everyone recognizes you, it’s hard to do the everyday stuff. The
business aspect is something I was not in for. The financial toll it takes on
actors. The gas money, the food money, the hotel pay, it all adds up. As of
2010 the percentage of you becoming an A list actor, without family in the
industry, the statistics were less than hitting the lottery. That’s staggering.
That is something I wasn’t prepared for.

10. What do you believe the future of Orlando to be in film/theatre?

There is a great future in theatre. Especially with having Disney here. Where
film is concerned, if your just starting out you need to be in Los Angeles. Film
I think, in Orlando has a long way to go, the state of Florida really. There
are so many factors. A lot of filmmakers need to get off their soapbox. A
lot of people go around and spread a bad name for Orlando. Orlando is an
optimal shooting location but because of the bad rap and the filmmakers
that leave Florida and go elsewhere, spread the bad name. I think Orlando
will do well with TV but film wise Orlando has a lot of maturing to do, when
it comes to the film aspect.. I hope that it does change. It’s not fair to the
great filmmakers here. The mentality of the filmmakers have to change, they
need to realize money isn’t everything. Actors need to realize money isn’t
everything.

Interview with Roy Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:59:00 +0000

Roy Williams INTERVIEW

By Lauren Honeycutt

1.     What event in your life made you want to be an actor?

Growing up I have always been a huge fan of film, I was at college, not wanting to major in my currant major. I had to choose whether to major in something I didn’t like or whether to major in my dream and what makes me happy. I majored in film at Full Sail, behind the camera. I learned a lot about the acting, from full sail and this ultimately made the decision for me.

2.     What’s your background? Did this affect your acting abilities or decisions?

I’m an only child; this helped me growing up as an actor because I use my imagination. I didn’t have a ton of friends; I was playing with blocks, turtles, GI Joe men, utilizing my imagination. The imagination comes into play a lot in acting and it prepared me for where I am today.

3.     Who was your biggest influencer? Who encouraged you to pursue your goals?

My mom and dad were my biggest influencers, but mostly my mom. I always see her work hard and pursue her goal. She’s a chef; she makes a good headway, seeing her pursue her dreams makes me aspire to do the same.

4. Who’s your favorite actor?

Denzel Washington. The passion and focus he brings to every role, nothing like I have ever seen. He puts a hundred and ten percent into what he does.

5. What inspires you as an artist? How has this affected your acting decisions?

I can be inspired by my peers in acting class, some hard working gentlemen on the side of the road trying to make a buck, really any hardworking individual, inspires me to do what I want to do.

6. As an actor, what obstacles have you had to overcome?

I wouldn’t say I had to overcome obstacles, as an actor there is always risks to take. I haven’t had to overcome obstacles. Pursuing acting is an obstacle in itself, it is a risk you had to take.

7. What has been your favorite role so far?

I don’t have a favorite role; the next role is my favorite role.

8. What is something that you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out as an actor?

Pretty much as an actor being your self is enough. I always wanted to be someone else, like Denzel, but I now realize I don’t have to be him because I am unique in myself. I wish I knew that.

9. Do you think you really understood what you were in for when you decided you wanted to become an actor?

No. I didn’t realize how much hard work it took. I really had to work at it. I thought I could just jump in front of the camera, its important to study and develop your craft. It’s important to go to class and continue to learn.

10. What do you believe the future of Orlando to be in film/theatre?

It’s hard to say. We have a lot of great talent in the central Florida area. The talent is definitely here. I know there is only going to be growth from here. I have worked with numerous people, as long as we have that solid base here. In the next few years it could be great.

Technopolis Grindhouse Teaser

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 04:27:00 +0000

Film Review: Machete

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:34:00 +0000

Machete

Vivian Gil

Absolutely over-the-top in every way imaginable, Machete wasn’t billed as a comedy but the movie has so many outrageous kills, ridiculous lines and eccentric characters it’s impossible not to laugh your way through the movie.

Director and writer Robert Rodriguez, along with writer Álvaro Rodríguez and director Ethan Maniquis, created Machete. Machete, played by Danny Trejo, is an ex-federale myth known for his crazy killing skills and weapon of choice. He’s hired to shoot the Texas Senator (Robert De Niro) as a part of a larger plot formulated by politicians to control the border and therefore the drugs. But, instead, he’s double-crossed and enlists the help of Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez to engage in a crusade against the corrupt government.

If you get sick at the sight of blood, this movie is not for you. Intestines are ripped out of bodies and heads are blown away in a gruesome display of death. This movie is an epic action flick where the cheesy lines make the film. Fans of Rodriguez’s previous work or the works Quentin Tarintino will thoroughly enjoy this movie.

Film Review: Mortal Kombat

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Film Review: Mortal Combat

Vivian Gil

To enter the great realm of Earth and take over our world, the Outerworld must win ten Mortal Kombat tournaments. Once in a generation the greatest fighters in the world are rounded together to fight for the safety of our Earth. Now, after winning nine tournaments, the Outerworlds need one more win to invade and conquer Earth. Three fighters, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade band together to fight for the safety of Earth.

Based on the video games, Mortal Kombat, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, is an action-packed film that brings to life the characters from which it was inspired. On their journey to win the tournament, each fighter must battle with their demons to truly become the winners of Mortal Kombat. Helped along the way by Raiden (Christopher Lambert), the God of lightening, he tries to help his chosen fighters overcome their demons to win. Liu Kang (Robin Shou) seeks revenge on Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), a sorcerer and tournament host, for the murder of his brother, Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby) aims to prove himself after the actor finds himself the center of the media’s joke, and Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras) hunts for revenge after the murder of her partner.

Although this movie dates back to 1995, it still enjoyable today. The lines sound cheesy now, but to anyone who has played the videogame, lines like “finish him” are classic. To those who have never played the game, the movie is easy to keep up with and the fight scenes do not disappoint and the film even throws some funny lines and hints of romance, effectively expanding its audience.

Film Review: Miracle at St.Anna

noreply@blogger.com (Dark Elf Films) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 22:13:00 +0000

Miracle at St. Anna

Vivian Gil

Director Spike Lee brings us a story by New York Times bestseller James McBride. Miracle at St. Anna follows four Buffalo Soldiers from the Army’s Negro 92nd Division during World War II. After they cross over German lines, the Buffalo soldiers find refuge in a small Tuscan village. Fighting a war for a country that doesn’t respect them, the soldiers manage to find solace in the unlikely peasant village. Although they are fighting along Buffalo soldiers, the white American soldiers still experienced racist feelings towards their fellow comrades. On the other side, is the Buffalo soldiers’ unfamiliar friendships with those of white skin. The film stars Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, and Omar Benson Miller as the African American soldiers.

Along with tackling the racial tensions that occurred in the period, Lee tiptoes around the mysterious and unexplained. After finding the head of a statue, the soldiers begin to experience life or death situations and prevail numerous times. They begin to treat the head as a superstitious magical power. When one of the soldiers rescues a little boy (Matteo Sciabordi), the boy returns the favor by helping them in inexplicable ways. It becomes a war movie with a touch of fantasy.

Lee confronts a side of war that is often never portrayed: the African America point of view. He not only tackles a difficult story, but also shoots in an exhilarating way. With slow death scenes yet quick transitions, he leaves you no time to mourn the losses until the final shot that scans over the dead bodies so you can take in the full effect.

The film does struggle with length and fluency. At around 160 minutes you have to make a conscious effort to focus on the story. Different sub plots occur that intertwine and it becomes difficult to keep track of them all. But in the end, the movie captures an emotional story with lead characters that hardly ever get their story told in Hollywood.

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