TvFILM Forum

He said WHAT?

2009-06-29T13:46:00.001-04:00

Making film is an art. Selling film is a business, the trouble is they don’t know how to sell films. As a result, they try to make you make films that people will go to without them having to be sold. This is the real key to the problem. If they can’t put a film in a theater and have people rush to the door, they’re not interested.

-George Lucas, 1971

The Phantom Menace 10 yrs. Later

2009-05-14T15:29:00.012-04:00

Tuesday, May 19th 2009 will be the 10 year anniversary of the theatrical release of “Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.” Many things can be said about this film but one thing that cannot be debated is that this was one of the most anticipated films in cinema history, to date. OK, obviously it can be argued, but what was more awaited with bated breath then the first new Star Wars film since 1983? The origin story of Darth Vader, no less! Let’s go back to a galaxy not so long ago and relive the hype, merchandising, fan boy frenzy, and even the dreaded Jar Jar Binks!

In the aftermath of Menace I find Star Wars fans are now divided by-in-large into two generational camps. On one side of the fence there are the fans who grew up with the original trilogy, first watching it in the movie theaters then repeated viewings on scratchy VHS (and later on laser disc for the uber dorks). They turned three sci-fi movies into nothing-less then a cultural phenomenon. This bunch are the most vocal critics of Menace, Jar-Jar, and basically everything to do with the Star Wars prequels. On the other side of the fence is the next generation (no pun intended). These are the kids growing up with Star Wars today. They fuel the Star Wars engine by getting Mom and Dad to buy new toys, video games, and DVDs. This generation of SW fans are growing up in a world of six Star Wars films. Anakin’s fall to the darkside has been fleshed out right before their eyes, whereas the previous generation read the origin story of Darth Vader on the back of a SW action figure card in the middle of K-Mart and the rest was left up to their imagination (*True story). How are they going to know it all started with Star Wars because now it’s called Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope? Will they see a difference between the two trilogies or is this all apart of Lucas’s master plan? And will the older generation every really accept computer-generated special f/x? I’m going to be very interested as these kids grow up in what they will say about Menace and the prequels. Will they look on them with fondness as a previous generation did with the OT (original trilogy)? Time will tell.

I’m getting off track - the question is does The Phantom Menace have any lasting impact ten years later? Can you see its influence in this summer’s crop of blockbusters? I’d say no, in the end it’s just another Hollywood blockbuster- nothing more and nothing less. Of course, Jar-Jar jokes will never die. Perhaps that is the legacy of Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace?

PS - I’ve included a link to a rare review for Menace that’s actually good – check it out:

http://flipsidemovies.com/phantommenace.html

-Brandon B.
Co-Producer TvFilm

Willy Wonka in AromaRama!

2009-05-11T09:59:00.019-04:00

How about taking the kids out to a FREE screening of the classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

FYI - You don't need a golden ticket to get in!

Coming Soon

2009-04-09T20:24:00.003-04:00

Here are some upcoming movie releases:

2010 - "Faster and More Furious"

2011 - "Son of Fast and Furious"

2012 - "Fast and Furious Goes Hybrid"

2013 - "Fast and Furious: Revenge of Diesel"

enjoy.

80's metal, Tommy Lee & coffee - interested?

2009-03-10T14:15:00.006-04:00

Motley Crue: Cruefest concert film will be shown Thursday, 3/19 @ Spectrum 8 Theatres in Albany. You got one chance to catch Vince, Tommy, Nikki and Mick rockin' to all your favorites - sweet!

Why not make it a double feature with The Decline of Western Civilization part 2: The Metal Years ?

Hitchcock Film Festival

2009-03-05T16:07:00.009-05:00

Proctors Theatre is hosting an Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival March 11th - 13th!

Remember, don't go alone, don't feed the birds and whatever you do don't stay at that motel!

Movies WithOut Pictures

2009-02-24T16:29:00.005-05:00

Each year Movies WithOut Pictures for Upstate Independents selects a winning script from its submissions for a screenplay reading. This year some very talented actors and director/writer Rich Rosenzweig bring to life Hell's Acres. Placed in the no-man's land of Boston Corners, this historical drama is based on events that took place in 1853 when a stranger arrived who quietly set in motion the events that would overthrow a criminal reign of terror.

Check it out on March 2nd, 7pm @ Time & Space Limited, Hudson, NY.

Friday the 13th

2009-02-09T15:05:00.010-05:00

OK, considering that Friday the 13th is coming, let’s take a break from indie film and talk Jason Voorhees! First, I’m not at all in favor of the new remake (and most remakes) but this is good opportunity to talk about my favorite installment in this ever growing horror franchise!

Hands down my favorite is “Friday the 13th pt. 5: A New Beginning!” The film was released in 1985 and dripping with 1980s goodness, including a cameo by Corey Feldman. The best thing about this sequel is the ending. I won’t ruin it for you, but it’s a twist. Fine, I will ruin it – the killer (who you thought was Jason) is really some random guy impersonating Jason, hockey mask and all. Get it, “a new beginning?” An entire Friday the 13th film with no Jason! What were they thinking? Anyway, I still recommend you add this cinematic gem to your Netflix queue!

Happy Friday the 13th!

-Brandon B.
Co-Producer, TvFILM

Happy Birthday Madison!

2009-02-06T10:22:00.014-05:00

The Madison Theatre in Albany is turning 80 years old this year! The folks at the Madison would like to celebrate the event by asking you to share your memories, stories and pictures of the fabled movie house!

You can email them to MadisonTheater@gmail.com or just stop by and see a flick!

I ASSURE YOU, WE'RE OPEN!

2009-01-11T21:47:00.007-05:00

Stay tuned for more TvFILM in 2009!

Meanwhile, congratulations to Chatham-based filmmaker, Courtney Hunt, for her Academy Award nomination! Her film, "Frozen River" was nominated for best orignal screenplay and best actress, Melissa Leo.

Score one for true independent filmmaking!

Top 5 Things to Do Before the END of 08!

2008-12-17T16:00:00.006-05:00

5. Go see a film you know nothing about. Sounds stupid, but when was the last time you did it?

4. Submit your MY EXIT playlist to WEXT! Come on it's your own hour-long radio show! No Dave Matthews, please.

3. Watch your favorite TvFILM episodes in their entirety @ wmht.org!

2. Buy something LOCAL this holiday season.

1. You fill in the blank!

B Spa Film Fest is back!

2008-12-03T14:12:00.009-05:00

The 2nd Annual Ballston Spa Film Festival is now accepting short film submissions for next year's festival. Hurry up and submit your short films, the deadline is March 21, 2009!

Many of the short films will be screened outdoors. This is a great summer film festival right in our own backyard!

Got TvFILM?

2008-10-20T11:51:00.002-04:00

Check out WMHT’s NEW website where you can see the latest TvFILM episode, in its entirety.

That’s a whole half hour you can waste at work!

Tell a friend.

My Top 5 Favorite Horror Films

2008-10-10T21:55:00.004-04:00

Here are my top five (in no particular order) favorite Horror films!

The Blair Witch Project Admit it, you were scared!

Night of the Living Dead The Citizen Kane of horror films, period.

The Evil Dead Sam, Bruce and one spooky cabin - need I say more?

An American Werewolf in London Hate CGI? This is the film for you.

Halloween Do I really need to explain this one?

Honorable mention: The Thing(1983 version)

What’s your favorite? C'mon post your list!

-Brandon B.
Co-Producer/Host TvFILM

No one can eat 50 eggs!

2008-09-29T09:47:00.000-04:00

Easily my favorite Paul Newman films are Cool Hand Luke and The Color of Money.

Why The Color of Money and not The Hustler? I do prefer Gleason to Cruise but for me the comeback story is always much more interesting.

Mr. Newman’s films entertained me but it was his constant generosity that inspired me.

-Brandon B.
Co-Producer, TvFILM

Enough!

2008-09-17T16:00:00.001-04:00

Are you sick and tired of all the sequels, prequels and remakes dominating film and television?

Are we really out of new ideas?

Get some originality Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm only on WMHT!

TvFILM Encore!

2008-09-04T11:49:00.002-04:00

OK, you’ve seen “The Dark Knight” twice, you’ve gone on vacation and recovered from the resulting sunburn. As more red leaves come down you’re getting ready for the impending FREEZE but wait. Before all of that why don’t you get one last look at some of the region’s best independent short films. How? TvFILM will be repeated on WMHT starting September 17th at 7:30pm. The entire series will run Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm. Back to back episodes to quench your desire for truly independent, Upstate created, indie films.

More TvFILM on Think Bright

2008-08-13T13:34:00.001-04:00

More TvFILM on Think Bright this Friday at midnight! Tune in this week to see more short films then you can shake a stick at! Oh, and we’ll have the filmmakers, too!

www.ny.thinkbright.org

TvFILM on Think Bright

2008-08-04T13:53:00.005-04:00

All six episodes of TvFILM will be aired on the statewide educational channel, Think Bright, starting Saturday, August 9th @ 12am!

Think Bright is an educational channel that inspires learning with a wide variety of programs to entertain, educate and enrich Upstate New York and beyond.
Please go to their website for the specific digital channel or cable channel you will find Think Bright in your area! In the Capital Region you can find Think Bright on Time Warner channel 200 or digital channel 17.2. http://www.ny.thinkbright.org/

The Ballston Spa Film Festival this weekend!

2008-07-29T20:37:00.000-04:00

The inaugural Ballston Spa Film Festival premieres this Friday and Saturday! Over two dozen short films will be screened outdoors at Wiswall Park in Ballston Spa, NY. So bring a chair, grab the kids and rub elbows with some of the local professional and Hollywood filmmakers that will be on hand to judge the short films. There will also be local student films screened, a premiere party on Thursday night, filmmaker’s forum discussion and even an awards ceremony. Did I mention it’s FREE! This one’s a no brainer- go sit under the stars and see some great films!

Checkout www.bspafilm.com for more info. See you there!

Extended Interview with Filmmaker Dan Masucci

2008-07-28T10:21:00.001-04:00

Extended Interview with Filmmaker Jeff Burns

2008-07-28T10:11:00.002-04:00

Breaking Up by Filmmaker Jeff Burns

2008-07-25T13:26:00.002-04:00

Distractions

2008-07-24T09:24:00.002-04:00

Please click on the link below to view the full production credits for the short film, "Distractions" - which was featured on episode 2 of TvFILM:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1217567/

The Infamous Mame Faye!

2008-07-15T20:50:00.003-04:00

In the TvFILM cliffhanger finale, we present,"Sittin’ on a Million"
by Penny Lane & Annmarie Lanesey

Mame Faye did not exist. At least that’s what the history books would have you believe. Prostitutes and madams, no matter how popular and successful, are not part of legitimate history. But the citizens of Troy, New York insist that Mame Faye did exist. Everyone past the age of retirement has a story – funny, sordid, unbelievable – about Troy’s most famous madam.
This Thursday at 10pm and repeating Saturday at midnight only on WMHT! If your into HIGH DEFINITION - check us out on 17.1 or Time Warner Cable channel 1811!

www.mamefaye.com