allieciné

Gasp!  I’ve been going non-stop since before the holidays and realized that I’ve been a bit off the grid because of it.  Well, I’m still here.  Busier than ever but coming up for a breath of air before the next round of productions.  So what have I been doing?  

November started with a video job for Prolacta BioScience, a company who takes breast milk donations from mothers with excess, processes and fortifies the milk and then provides it to hospitals and doctors for premature babies.  The videos I produced are “How To” videos for donor mothers to walk them through the steps of becoming a milk donor.  We had a great two day shoot and a quick post schedule.  Our cast was awesome: Chenoa Mitsui and Tanya Ihnen.  Also, huge props to our team including Maura Concannon (Director), Jorge Urbina (DP), Eli Benavidez (Script Supervisor), and Moira Taylor (Hair & Make Up)! 

In December, we went into production on the drama, “Cost of Capital,” a new webseries created by Brian DeCherase, produced by Goldie Chan and myself, Allison Vanore, and directed by Jorge Urbina.  We had an ambitious 9 day shoot and rocked it out just before the holidays.  We’re now well into post-production.  I can’t wait to get these episodes online for you all and especially for Brian’s investment banker audience!  

Literally within 24 hours of landing in LA after the holidays on the East Coast I was back on set.  This time for a feature horror film by Todd Johnson and Mike Campbell, The Rental.  We shot for 3 weeks with a small but very talented cast: Kimberly Browning, Mike Campbell, Ashley Love, Leah Verrill and Tiffany Walker.  Our crew was amazing and included some who I’ve worked with before: Frederick Snyder (1st AD), Erin LeBre (Make Up, SFX, Hair), Moira Taylor (Make Up SFX, Hair), Mike Halper (Sound), etc. And I met some new people: Rick Greenwood (DP), Mohnish Sawaswat (Gaffer) and their teams.  Now Todd is going to hybernate for a few months editing and creating the VFX for the film.  At some point he’s going to emerge to hand over the edit to music composer, Rob Gokee.  For more updates about the film check out the Facebook Page and follow on Twitter!

Now there’s more to do so I’ll be updating you about that soon.  Happy New Year!

This month has been huge for our Love in the Time of Monsters team! We’ve got press coming out from everywhere about both Justin Martinez (our Director of Photography) and Rob Gokee (our Music Composer)!  

Justin Martinez, part of the Radio Silence production team, directed, shot and created special effects for V/H/S (indie horror film) which just premiered at Sundance to a sold-out, enthusiastic audience at the midnight screening in Park City.  Within days they found their film in a bid-war.  The outcome was a deal with distributor, Magnolia, for just over $1 Million.  Check out what the press is saying about V/H/S:

Rob Gokee was double-nominated and won an IAWTV (International Academy of Web Television) Award for Best Original Music for his score in the series, GOLD: Night of the Zombie King (his other nomination was for SOLO The Series).  The IAWTV Awards were held this January 2012 during CES in Las Vegas.  Here’s what people are saying about the IAWTV Award winners:

‘Guild’ nabs Web TV kudos: IAWTV announced award winners at CES 

IAWTV Announces Winners for the Inaugural IAWTV Awards 2012

LOS ANGELES – The star-studded independent romantic comedy, “Hopelessly In June,” was chosen as an official selection in the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival, which runs from September 14 to 18, 2011. You can catch the film in two screenings Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7:30pm and Saturday, Sept. 17 at 1pm at the UltraStar Cinemas at Tower Plaza,  27531 Ynez Road, Temecula, Ca 92591. Produced by Cornbread Films in association with Peninsula Productions, fresh faces Vincent Brantley and Carolyn Neff headline this romantic comedy with an all-star ensemble cast.

The film’s supporting cast includes seven-time Emmy Award-winning actor, Ed Asner (“Up,” “Lou Grant,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”), comedy veteran Keith David (“There’s Something About Mary,” “Barbershop”), Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Jr. (“The Dark Knight,” “Friday,” “The Fifth Element”), Peter Jason (“Deadwood,” “Adaptation”), and Stuart Pankin (“Dinosaurs,” “Honey We Shrunk Ourselves”) Ella Joyce (“Roc,” “BubbaHo-Tep,” “Stranger Inside”), and Keith Robinson (“Dreamgirls,” “Dear John,” “35 & Ticking”).

“Hopelessly In June” tells the story of Daleon Myers (Brantley), a financial analyst from a staunch Baptist family who falls hopelessly in love with June Flowers (Neff, “Absolute Evil” and “Spiderman 3”), a Los Angeles businesswoman, from a very liberal family. Brantley and Neff dazzle on the screen with fresh performances.

For more information on the film, visit http://www.hopelesslyinjune.com/.

“After shooting this film over the course of two years, we are extremely excited to present the film to select industry professionals on the big screen,” said Vincent Brantley, wearing many hats of the film’s production as the producer, co-writer, and director of the film as well as the lead actor. “Our team has worked tirelessly on the film and it shows. I can’t wait to feel the energy of the audience in theatres.”

About the Director
Vincent Brantley, co-wrote, starred, produced and directed “Hopelessly In June.” Brantley is a successful producer, songwriter and musician with six platinum albums. With a plethora of awards, he has worked with such musical talents and award-winning artists as Brian McKnight, Howard Hewitt, Christopher Williams, rapper Kurupt, Chico DeBarge, Faith Evans, Bobby Brown as well as the legendary R&B group New Edition. He is credited for writing and producing the band’s first hit single, “Cool It Now,” as well as working with such labels as Universal, Sony, PolyGram and Geffen — just to name a few. This multi-platinum music producer decided to segue from music to film, and studied theatre with renowned acting coach Howard Fine and Gregory Berger. He also mentored as a writer and director with actor/director Mario Van Peebles (“New Jack City,” “Baadasssss!”).

About the Producers
“Hopelessly In June” is the first feature film for Cornbread Films, which is made up of producers, Vincent Brantley, Arlan Jay Vetter and Jerry Mosley. Collectively, this trio has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 50 years.

Jay Vetter, producer and production designer of “Hopelessly In June,” has worked as a production designer since he was 15 years old. He has worked on every film with the Farrelly Brothers, including “Hall Pass” and the upcoming film, “The Three Stooges.” He is best known for his design work on notable film projects, “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Like Mike,” “Dumb and Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.”

Jerry Mosley is the executive producer and producer of “Hopelessly In June.” Interestingly, he has served as a firefighter for more than 20 years while building credits as an actor (“Modern Family,” “General Hospital” “Profiler”) and a member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He also is the founder of Cobalt H2O Inc. which invests in real estate, business sales and acquisitions and entrepreneur investment opportunities.

Allison Vanore was recruited by Cornbread Films in the beginning of 2009 to produce “Hopelessly In June.” Vanore is an award winning producer of short films, webseries and PSAs including the critically acclaimed series, SOLO The Series.  ”Hopelessly In June” marks her first feature film as a producer.  Prior to “Hopelessly In June” Vanore ran interactive design studio, Georgopuolos Design, for over 4 years where she produced DVD bonus features, menus, interactive games, branding and websites for clients such as Disney, ABC, Sony, Imagination, and Nissan.

About Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival
The Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival is the Temecula Valley Film & Music Society’s flagship event.  It carries out the Society’s mission by celebrating the arts of film and music in all its forms. The artistic approach is eclectic. Through screenings and concerts and other associated events, the festival aims to present a wide spectrum of contemporary filmmaking (feature films, short films, documentaries, animation, foreign films, student films) and music (rock to pop, rhythm and blues to jazz, country to classic, solo artists to ensembles).  More about the festival can be found here: http://www.tviff.com/

Allison Vanore
Cornbread Films
Producer & Media Relations
323-540.4701
allison@cornbreadfilms.com

Glen Reynolds 
Circus Road Films
Sales Contact 
310-862-4006
glen@circusroadfilms.com

I think back to the 80s and early 90s… my sisters and I were big into movies and had a huge collection of tapes (VHS) in drawers.  They were mostly recorded movies and shows off of the television.  We watched them over and over.  I know my parents wouldn’t let us watch scary movies – or at least they would attempt to keep us from watching.  ”No way!” to Friday the 13th, Halloween, Chucky, Gremlins, etc.  However, movies like Howard the Duck and The Peanut Butter Solution, Dark Crystal, Interview with a Vampire and Labyrinth were okay – though watching them now as an adult I wonder how these movies slipped past my parents. Other films I did see: Poltergeist I, II, and III, The Exorcist, Silence of the Lambs, Pet Sematary, It, Tremors, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Death Becomes Her, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, Frankenstein, The Craft, Fear, Scream….  You get the picture.

So what draws me to Love in the Time of Monsters?  Well, it’s a great script for one (thanks to long time friend, Michael Skvarla).  Second, the leads are women and they rock.  Third, the themes of the movie are sacrifice, courage, forgiveness, and Zombie Bigfoots.  (Okay Zombie Bigfoots isn’t a theme but it should be!!)  Fourth, the amazing people we’re pulling together for this film.  It’s guaranteed to be fantastic. 

Introducing the director, Matt Jackson, a good friend and dedicated filmmaker – I’m so excited to watch him on this journey!  Andy Gunn – Producer and ring-leader – I worked with Andy and Matt on Background(ed) about 4 years ago and after numerous awards and festivals I’m happy to be making another film with them.  

Our Cast: So far we’ve got Kane Hodder – the guy who has played Jason in the last four Friday the 13th movies.  Kane is also our stunt coordinator and he’s bringing along a bunch of his best stunt guys to play a handful of other key stunt performing roles in the film.  We’ve got Doug Jones – the guy who has played a million creatures (okay a million is a slight exaggeration) such as Fauno in Pan’s Labyrinth and Abe Sapien in Hellboy.  The rest of our cast is growing – more juicy details to come in the near future.

Then we’ve got behind-the-scenes guys and girls with credits such as Thor, Hatchet, The Avengers, Transformers, Jeepers Creepers, and Dragon Age.  Every day we are joined by more and more skilled and gifted people.  And the best part – as if that wasn’t enough, they are all damn cool, down to earth people and I’m excited to spend a few weeks up in the redwoods with them all.  We may never return.

So just to recap: Love in the Time of Monsters is oozing awesome.

What now?  Stay in the loop, of course.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.  Also, subscribe to our Blog.

Last year I received a tweet from casting director, Laurie Records, who was telling actress, Brandi Ford, to speak with me if she was looking for a female director for her webseries.  Thanks, Laurie!  Fast forward to now, and I have since directed 3 episodes of her series (3 – 5)!  Diary of a Wedding Planner Episode 3 – Always a Planner, Never a Bride is available online now.

We had an amazing premiere party in May at Aqua Lounge in Beverly Hills complete with wedding vendors who brought tasty treats and samples.  We screened Episodes 1 – 3 and a teaser for Episodes 4 & 5.  Episodes 4 and 5 will be up this summer!  Please check it out and let me know what you think.

Congrats to Brandi Ford (Writer/Producer/Lead), Jorge Urbina (DP) and Lex and Greg of Longlost Pictures (Producers/Post Production) for a job well done!

You’ve heard the rumors: ninjas, cylons, moles, slave Leias, kidnapping, knife fights, wushu…

Yes, you heard right. SOLO The Series is back and more insane than ever! Catch all new episodes of SOLO on YouTube or WatchSolo.com. This week Episode 8 is live – which means you have only one more episode left to the season!

Also, Rocket Munkee Productions and Data Direct Networks are also giving away Apple TVs and an iPad2 for commenting on each episode’s YouTube page – see instructions here!

There’s no excuse not to check it out. For your viewing pleasure, here’s Episode 8 in all its glory – The Discovery The Challenger:

Hopelessly In June has been accepted to the Dances With Films festival scheduled to happen June 2 – June 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA at the Laemmle Sunset 5!

We’re extremely excited to have our World Premiere in LA and in the month of June no less!

Dances With Films states on their website that:

Dances With Films, now in its 14th year, champions the unflinching spirit at the very core of the independent film scene. While the vast majority of film fests rely heavily on celebrity, we have relied on the innovation, talent, creativity and sweat equity that revolutionized the entertainment industry.

And for this very reason we are ecstatic to be a part of the festival!  See you all in June!

Check the Hopelessly In June blog for more details as the festival schedule is released.

On March 29th 2010, Cornbread Films and Peninsula Productions hosted a private industry screening of Hopelessly in June at the Majestic Crest Theatre in Westwood, CA to a packed house of 400+ people.  The night started with a glamorous red carpet where our cast and executives spoke with red carpet host Kristyn Burtt (video coming soon).

As the crowd settled our director, Vincent Brantley, introduced the film and the lights were dimmed.  Our audience enjoyed 90 minutes of pure laugh out loud moments, amazing music and a story to match the talent on screen.  In attendance were our stars, Carolyn Neff and Vincent Brantley, Keith David, Peter Jason, Stuart Pankin, Tiny Lister and Ella Joyce.

After the screening we headed to X Bar in Century City were we reminisced about the two and a half year filmmaking process and made plans for the future.  At this time we are actively pursuing distribution and film festivals.  Our goal is to get this film in the right hands so we can share the film with the world.  Check in here and at the official Hopelessly in June website for more information about future screenings and deals.

Short film, Purgatory, Inc., screens at the Garden State Film Festival on April 3, 2011 at 2:45pm!  We’d love to see you there!  Info on the film below.  Click Brown Paper Tickets at the bottom to purchase tickets.

Purgatory, Inc.       4/3/11     Paramount Screen 11         2:45-4:45

Paramount Theatre – 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ

CATEGORY: Comedy Short
RUNNING TIME: 6:20
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
PREMIERE STATUS: North East Premiere
DIRECTOR: Boris Kievsky
PRODUCER: Boris Kievsky, Konstantin Lavysh, Allison Vanore
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Matter Door, Inc.
EMAIL: Boris@MatterDoor.com
WEBSITE: www.purgatoryinc.com
TRAILER LINK: http://www.purgatoryinc.com/?page_id=80
SHORT SYNOPSIS: Clerk is your typical office worker stuck in your typical office Hell. Well, almost. Welcome to the eternal bureaucracy that is Purgatory, Inc.
CAST: Konstantin Lavysh, Patrick Cavanaugh, Tara Platt

Click here to buy tickets: