Benefit Event for NYC's Own Movement Theatre Company

If you ever peeped the video loop to the right-hand side of this blog, you may have caught the Shut Up an Shoot Documentary Guide book launch party podcast with members of The Movement Theatre Company in action as "The Down and Dirty DV Guerrilla Film Drill Team".

This is a talented group of serious actors who regularly host plays, events and other theatrical happenings here in the Big Apple. No doubt some soon-to-be-name-brand talent is being honed here. Check their latest...

The Elevator Reading Series Festival: “The Impact Of Change”

will showcase three plays written by emerging playwrights. The plays, along with music, poetry and visual art all come together to explore how a moment can change a life.

Saturday, November 7th, 2009
3:00pm to 9:00pm
Space On White [81 White St. NY, NY]

For more information, please visit:
www.themovementtheatrecompany.org

Animation Block Party - July 25-27

Since, I'm started on an animation kick last post, I might as well follow it up with an animation festival. And not just any animation festival. This one is more like a party...actually it IS an animation party right here in our very own quaint little village of Brooklyn, NY.

To be specific, I'm talking about The 5th Annual Animation Block Party which pretty much includes everything the name implies- animation, good drink, and bands all in an outdoor setting in the inner city. Here's one of last year's films from my fellow NYU alum- Sarah Wickliffe:




Apart from the video and description from the official website below, I really know absolutely nothing about this event, but I do know a good time when I see it and this event looks like a good time for anyone, but particularly if you are a creator or fan of animation.

Unfortunately, I will be shooting another party in Brooklyn Saturday night- a multi-venue Barack Obama fundraiser, but this looks like a good time. Perhaps I'll make it through on Sunday sometime.




Here's the info and official website description:

Some call it punk rock, some call it grass roots, but labels aside - NYC based Animation Block Party is dedicated to exhibiting the world's best independent, professional and student animation.

Since the premiere of the first official Animation Block Party film festival on September 9th 2004 - we have received over 4000 animation submissions from all ends of the earth.

Animation Block Party will run from July 25-27, 2008 in Brooklyn. Over 100 films from a record 800 plus entries will be screened at the fifth annual ABP.

ABP opens on Friday July 25th at Rooftop Films, featuring live music from Plushgun, followed by a screening of ABP's most fun and fan friendly cartoons. A party at Bar Matchless will follow with free beer from Radeberger.

ABP continues on Saturday July 26th at Bam Cinematek, with experimental works and music videos in Program One and a storytelling focus in Program Two. Screenings will be followed by an after party at Cherry Tree with free Newcastle from America's News Source, The Onion.

ABP closes on Sunday July 27th at Bam Cinematek, with top professional and independent works in Program Three and the strongest narrative local and international shorts in Program Four. The closing evening party is at Habana Outpost, featuring streaming videos, delicious food specials and free draft beer courtesy of Autodesk.

NYC Doc Filmmakers Networking Event

Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know about an event coming up this Friday, May 2nd sponsored by DCTV and Shooting People. If you are a docmaker in NYC you need to drag your butt out of the house and attend this event.

DCTV (Downtown Community Television) is a unique filmmaking institution wholey dedicated to the mission of fostering affordable filmmaking equipment, training, and resources to filmmakers throughout New York City.

DCTV is essentially a community-based non-profit film school for people who can't afford film school. They offer a long list of classes, workshops, seminars, and even production and editing services for documentary filmmakers. They also have some free filmmaking programs that serve inner-city teens and well as the handicapped. (Yours truly gave a book tour kick-off seminar there back in February.)

It was founded and run by Emmy-Award winning veteran doc filmmaker, Jon Alpert, (Bagdad E.R., Off to War, etc.) and as far as I'm concerned, it's probably the most-down-to-earth place for filmmakers and networking in the city. These guys (and gals) really care about filmmaking and serving our indie community and they've been at it longer than I've even been in the game.

The event is titled Documentary Filmmaker's Lounge and in typical DCTV fashion, it's free and open to the public. Not only that, but there's an open bar, free food on the grill, plus a raffle and give-aways.

Everytime I go to a DCTV event I always meet cool motivated like-minded indie filmmakers, some of which have become regular collaborators in recent years. The energy in that place is great. Needless to say, I will be there in-person this Friday. So holla at your boy if you come through! See you there!

Presented by DCTV & Shooting People
Friday, May 2nd @ 5:00PM-7:30PM
Location: DCTV (87 Lafayette St., NYC)