Monday, February 6, 2012
Hear Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier do Halifax
SMODCAST #200, birthed on stage at the Spatz.
Posted by Allison Saunders on Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 9:16 AM
Well, Kevin Smith successfully pulled off his Halifax hat trick on Friday and brought the ridiculously funny Scott Mosier along for the ride. They talked The Beachcombers, sharks, nazis, Harry Potter and even belted out an admirable rendition of our national anthem.
Smith was a peach, as always, and was pumped to be back in what he calls "the heart of Canada" but for me, Mosier was the champ that night. The producer-extraordinaire (and dual citizen of Canada and the US) laid a beating on The Friendly Giant and was pretty consistently pee-your-pants hilarious.
Hear what you missed here, SMODCAST #200 recorded live at the Spatz.
Oh, and Smith announced at the end of the night he'll be back in May with his other, other partner in crime Ralph Garman for a night of Hollywood Babble On.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Atlantic Film Festival AFF/Neptune launches winter film series
alfreSnow filmFesto screens Hitchcock through March
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 4:14 PM
The Atlantic Film Festival, in partnership with Neptune Theatre (1593 Argyle Street), have announced a winter film series. Just as painfully capitalized as their summertime outdoor fest alFresco filmFesto, except punnier, the alfreSnow filmFesto will show four films each Monday in March by legendary British director Alfred Hitchcock--the program entitled 7 O’clock Hitchcock---at the 200-seat Studio Theatre on Argyle Street. A local director will introduce each film and a suggested donation of $8 will help both organizations offset technical costs and fees for rights.
The line up is of follows:
March 5 - Dial M for Murder presented by Michael Melski
March 12 - Rope presented by Thom Fitzgerald
March 19 - I Confess presented by Eva Madden-Hagen
March 26 - Strangers on a Train presented by Josh MacDonald
March 12 - Rope presented by Thom Fitzgerald
March 19 - I Confess presented by Eva Madden-Hagen
March 26 - Strangers on a Train presented by Josh MacDonald
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Atlantic Film Festival Andrew Murphy becomes programmer of Toronto's Inside Out Fest
Former Atlantic Film Fest program manager gets big gig
Posted by Carsten Knox on Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 5:40 PM
A big congratulations goes out to Andrew Murphy, former programming manager for the Atlantic Film Festival. It's been announced that he's the new director of programming at Inside Out, producer of the annual Toronto LGBT Film Festival and the Ottawa LGBT Film Festival.
Murphy was at the AFF for 12 years, having worked on programming for ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth, and was the founder of the AFF’s That’s So Gay and The Late Shift programs. Murphy will continue to help out at the AFF this year, programming specific events at the 32nd edition of the fest, taking place September 13-22.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Festivals Wave Awards seeking nominations for a few good women
Deadline Thursday, February 2 for awards, given out at Women Making Waves conference
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 11:28 AM
The WAVE Awards honour women in the screen industry in Atlantic Canada. They are given out at the Women Making Waves conference, which takes place March 9-11 in Halifax, the second annual event.
The WAVE Awards recognize noteworthy women in the local film and TV industry. The awards have no categories, they exist to salute women in the region's screen industry for their contributions, accomplishments, emerging talent, vision, leadership, dedication and behind-the-scenes support.
“We are looking for remarkable nominees who have made an indelible mark on the screen industry---and the people it envelopes---in their own unique way,” says Jan Miller, co-chair with Ann Bernier of Women Making Waves 2012, in a press release. Any woman in any part of the industry can be nominated.
For more information, visit wift-at.com/women-making-waves-the-wave-awards/. Nominations are due Thursday February 2 and can be submitted by e-mail to awards.wift.at@gmail.com
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
2012 Academy Award nominations announced
Yay Plummer! Woohoo The Tree of Life! But WTF Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close?
Posted by Carsten Knox on Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 3:17 PM
The Academy Award nominations were announced earlier today in Los Angeles, and if you care about movies and are on some kind of social network, you've noticed people are talking about this. If you haven't yet seen the complete list of nods, go here, then come on back.
On the acting front, my thoughts are mostly positive.
Demian Bichir for the little-seen A Better Life is the big surprise. (The film, a drama about a Mexican illegal immigrant in Los Angeles is now available on DVD.) Clooney, Pitt and Dujardin are all deserving, I would say---even though I'm one of the few who didn't adore The Artist---and great to see Gary Oldman recognized for his work in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy---his first Oscar nod, incidentally---even though the film is more of an ensemble with many great performances. It seems a bit odd to single someone out, but that's what the Oscars does. No Best Ensemble award for performance, while teams in other categories are recognized. There's something they could consider.
The Actress in a Leading Role category is stellar, lots of deserving roles, though you've gotta feel for Glenn Close in Albert Nobbs, yet to open in Halifax. Streep has to be the favourite here for The Iron Lady, a movie that isn't much more than a venue for a dazzling performance, and Close has never gotten the kudos she deserves from the Academy, despite an amazing career. Props to Rooney Mara for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. It's a powerful performance, and even though she isn't likely to win in this company, the nomination is an implicit industry recognition that she's "arrived."
The Supporting Actor categories include a nod to Jonah Hill for Moneyball. Good for him, but really? I didn't think he particularly shone in the role, though I really liked the film. Nick Nolte was a surprise for his role in Warrior, but an amazing performer whose tabloid appearances sometimes overshadow a killer career. Max von Sydow is excellent in a so-so movie. But big props to Canadian thesp Christopher Plummer, who deserves to win, if not for a great part in a great movie (Beginners), then for his body of work, which is often tacitly recognized with these things. (If he wins, maybe they'll play him up to the podium with a selection from The Sound of Music. He'd hate that.)
Nice to see Melissa McCarthy nominated for Bridesmaids for a couple of reasons: she created a memorable character earning some of the film's biggest laughs and comedies get too few awards. Also good to see Jessica Chastain recognized, though they could have chosen her role in The Tree of Life or Take Shelter to nominate.
The list for Best Picture this year includes nine films. I think it's pretty representative of a lot of conservative choices, remarkable as much for what isn't on there as for what is. I like The Tree of Life, The Descendants, Moneyball and Hugo. Even The Artist, I can understand why it would earn a place on this list, along with Midnight in Paris, which gets props for being so popular, though I'd say is less deserving of awards than, say, other semi-recent Woody Allen pictures such as Vicki Christina Barcelona or Match Point. But War Horse? Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close? Those movies have no business being anywhere near a list of the best of 2011. Especially while 50/50, Young Adult, Shame, Take Shelter, Melancholia, Martha Marcy May Marlene were all snubbed.
And speaking of snubs, where is Charlize Theron's nomination for Young Adult? Or the same film's screenwriter Diablo Cody in the Original Screenplay category? Where is Michael Fassbender's nomination for Shame?
Other Canadians aside from Plummer earning recognition this morning include Philippe Falardeau's Monsieur Lazhar in the Best Foreign Language film category. Hope we see that soon in Halifax cinemas! Also, In Darkness, the Polish entry, is a Canadian co-production. Two animated shorts are NFB productions, Dimanche/Sunday, directed by Patrick Doyon, and Wild Life, directed by Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby. And we shouldn't forget Canuck Howard Shore is up for Best Original Score for Hugo.
Friday, January 20, 2012
On screens We want Detention
Help former Coast critic Mark Palermo get his movie screened here
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Jan 20, 2012 at 3:56 PM
An inspiration to all of us frustrated screenwriters and filmmakers, Mark Palermo---who for a decade was The Coast film reviewer---co-wrote and co-produced with Hollywood director Joseph Kahn a feature film called Detention. It's getting a release elsewhere in the world soon, and Mr Palermo would like your help to bring it here. Check out this Facebook Group for all the info, and let's help him realize his dream to have Detention show on a local screen.
On screens Empowerful screens second film
Pink Dog productions and Mulgrave Park residents creative collaboration
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Jan 20, 2012 at 3:44 PM
On Tuesday, January 24 at 7pm, the public is invited to the see the second video in the "Empowerful" series project, produced by local company Pink Dog.
The first screened last winter, where African-Canadian youth from North and East Preston worked with members of their communities to make a video on their first hero, Sinclair Williams, the first Black police officer in Dartmouth.
The second is another documentary-style video, launched by the youth and seniors of Mulgrave Park to celebrate one of their local African-Canadian heroes, Evelina Upshaw, a leader in neighbourhood activism.
The screening will be held at the Mulgrave Park Baptist Church Hall, 5676 Sebastian Street.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Festivals Banff Mountain Film Festival comes to Halifax
Mystery mountain films screen January 25, 26
Posted by Carsten Knox on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 11:28 AM
A travelling festival of "mountain life" related films, The Banff Mountain Film Festival, arrives in Halifax next week, Wednesday January 25 and Thursday January 26. The screenings take place at Empire Park Lane (Park Lane Mall, 5657 Spring Garden Road) at 7pm. Tickets are available at The Trail Shop (6210 Quinpool Road, 423-8726) but are going fast. It's $15 per night, or $25 if you want to see both evenings.
And that are they showing? We can't tell you that yet. The program is finalized just before the screening, based on input from previous showings. What we can tell you is that the two nights will show two, totally different programs, and the films will be all about the mountain; documentaries, extreme sports shorts and films of various lengths and styles.
And if you're really keen, The Banff Mountain Film Festival also shows on Tuesday, January 24 at the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
On screens Massage Addict to appear on CBC's Dragon Den
Local therapeutic massage clinic gets its shot on popular business development show
Posted by Carsten Knox on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 4:00 AM
Local business Massage Addict (1472 Martello Street, 407-4040, and three other locations in Halifax and Dartmouth) will appear on Dragon’s Den, airing Wednesday at 8pm on CBC Television.
Massage Addict is a membership-based massage therapy company started in 2008 by Lori MacKenzie. She and Massage Addict COO, Chris Harker, will pitch their concept to the five business experts (the "dragons") in an effort to gain support for their business model.
“Not many businesses can thrive and expand during recessionary times,” said Harker in a press release. “We’ve set out to build something truly unique in Canadian Health Care and we need to convince the dragons this business is poised for success across Canada.”
Monday, January 16, 2012
On screens Mr D's second episode tonight on CBC
Halifax-shot comedy gets big props
Posted by Carsten Knox on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 5:11 PM
We're hearing a lot of positive buzz about Mr D, the CBC sitcom created by comedian Gerry Dee. The first episode---it aired last Monday at 8pm, the second is tonight---earned 1.23 million viewers on its premiere. Great news for the show, which was shot in Halifax in 2011. The show is based on Dee's experiences as a public school teacher---he's a St.FX Education grad---before he became a full time comedy performer.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Festivals Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival seeks film submissions
AFCOOPs film festival happens in April
Posted by Carsten Knox on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 12:47 PM
Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival is putting the call out for short film submissions. HIFF, a presentation of the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative, is dedicated to the exhibition of film and video as art, in a noncompetitive setting free from commercial agendas. The sixth annual HIFF will happen April 10-14.
HIFF is looking for films to fill three screenings:
Atlantic Canada Narrative Screening, celebrating films in narrative form from all four Atlantic provinces.
Atlantic Women In Film Screening, in partnership with WIFT-AT celebrating films from Atlantic Canada made by women.
Atlantic Canada Experimental Screening, seeking the unusual and unique from across the Atlantic provinces.
The deadline is February 10. For more information, visit hiff.ca.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
On screens The Lowlife trailer
First gander at a creepy-looking local feature film
Posted by Carsten Knox on Tue, Jan 10, 2012 at 4:42 PM
Lowlife is the first feature film from Dog Day and YoRodeo's Seth Smith. Inspired by Davids Lynch and Cronenberg, the film was shot last winter in rural Nova Scotia, the surreal story of a woman struggling with an addiction to psychotropic slugs---living drugs that distort reality. A talking, god-like dog is also involved (see the trailer, below). Smith cowrote the script with Darcy Spidle, who stars as Asa. Kate Hartigan plays Elle, the heroine of the film. We'll get to see it in the fall.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Television Pet ER looks to Halifax
Newfoundland-based TV series searching for true-life pet emergency stories
Posted by Carsten Knox on Fri, Jan 6, 2012 at 3:47 PM
Best Boy Entertainment, a TV production and entertainment company our of St. John's, is collecting true pet medical emergency stories from the public for Season Two of its docu-drama series, Pet ER.
Pet ER currently airs on the Pet Network (Shaw Direct Channel 556 Classic/187 Advanced) and features families who face life-threatening pet medical emergencies. Each episode is a combination of interviews with the pet's owners and dramatic reenactments. Anyone who submits a story to Pet ER and is chosen to be part of the series will play a big part in the episode.
"We are looking to collect stories and work with individuals and families in the HRM," explains Best Boy's Sarah Murphy.
First person stories and contact information can be submitted online at Pet-ER.ca or via email info@bestboy.ca.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Shooting The Disappeared teaser is up
Shandi Mitchell's first feature coming soon
Posted by Carsten Knox on Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 4:35 PM
When The Disappeared shot in the ocean off Lunenburg in 2011, it would have been a challenging shoot for a veteran feature filmmaker, let alone a first-timer. But to give writer-director Shandi Mitchell credit, she's worked on film sets for years. Still, when you have to rely on the good behavior of the weather and the sea, not to mention the health and safety of your cast and crew in a series of boats, it's a lot to swim through, if you'll pardon the image. Somehow they triumphed over the elements, and now we can start to see the product of their fluid effort. At The Disappeared website, a teaser trailer is up. Drink it in here.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Television Memorial for LEXX co-creator this Sunday
Lex Gigeroff to be feted at Bubba Rays
Posted by Carsten Knox on Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 4:00 AM
For six seasons (1997 to 2002), LEXX was the biggest show in town, a sexy science-fiction TV series with an international pedigree (a Canadian co-pro made with British, German and US support) shot in Halifax.
Writer/actor/director and LEXX co-creator and head-writer Lex Gigeroff was a big part of the success of the show. Gigeroff died of heart failure last week at his home in Fredericton, NB.
He will be remembered---with a few pints, no doubt---by his friends in and out of the local film and TV production business at Bubba Ray's Sports Bar (5650 Spring Garden Road, 405-4344) on Sunday, January 8 from noon to 1pm.
"He was an inspiration and an icon to me before I even met the guy," says filmmaker Jason Shipley about Gigeroff. Shipley was a fan of LEXX---which he describes as "really weird, really funny and really dark"---before he started working on it, as a 2nd Assistant Director. He and Gigeroff continued to work together in the years since on short films and children's shows. Shipley reports Gigeroff remained prolific, even writing a play called Conrad and Barbara, about Black and his wife in a hotel room, contemplating skipping the country on the eve of his sentencing.
Gigeroff's first feature film as a director was in the works, called Gillian and Giles, to have been shot in the Dominican Republic. Shipley says the script is ready, and though his passing has put plans to shoot it on hold, it may still get made. "He was a great guy," says Shipley. "A legend."
LATE ADDITION:
We've learned that John Dunsworth will be hosting the Bubba's event, and there will be speakers including LEXX co-creator Paul Donovan. Attendees are encouraged to stay into the afternoon to enjoy the NFL wildcard weekend.
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