TWiSt - 03.16.07 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

If you’re new to TWiSt, this newsletter goes out every week or three. If ever you don’t want it anymore, just say so and I’d be happy to take you off the list. Alternately, if you were forwarded this by a friend and want your own copy, send me an email (drewbrody@yahoo.com) and I’ll add you to the list!

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Dear TWiSters,

The weekend has come and there’s a lot to be done!  Some great shows have just opened so make sure to show your support.  Once again, I recommend the Zicree SUPERMENTOR Class if you’re looking for the advice and guidance one needs to break through to the next level of their career.  They are wonderful people to work worth and have had many successes in the Industry.

I’m excited to announce that TWiSt is going to be getting an upgrade very soon!  The email will arrive with more color, links, pictures, organization, and a level of professionalism TWiSt deserves!  Send all announcements ASAP so that I can include them in the brand new version of TWiSt coming soon to an inbox near you!

Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day!  Wear your green!  Eat, drink, be merry and safe!

All the best,
Drew

This Week in Stuff

March 16, 2007

1. THE PURSUIT OF TRUTHYNESS – Opens March 16
2. THIRST – March 17
3. THE SERPENT – Through April 7
4. HENRY IV, PART ONE – Through April 15
5. THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE – Through April 28
6. The Zicree SUPERMENTORS Class – Begins March 20
7. Gregg Lee Henry at Genghis Cohen – March 24
8. TWiSt Shout-Outs
   

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1. Second City presents THE PURSUIT OF TRUTHYNESS

A new sketch comedy show to believe in!

TWiSt friend Mary Alyce Kania is appearing in a fantastic show at Second City, LA called THE PURSUIT OF TRUTHYNESS that opens tonight, March 16!  Starring and created by: Kurt Ela, Mary Alyce Kania, Mike Nelson, Lindsay Ravage, Jaime Reichner, Joe Spence, Whitney Teubner, Joel Veenstra and Ramona Wyche.
 
Fridays @ 10 PM
Through April 6

Second City, LA
6560 Hollywood Blvd. (Second  Floor)
Los Angeles, CA 90028

For Reservations and Information: www.veenst.com/thepursuitoftruthyness.htm

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2. yourHUGEhead presents THIRST

The first performance of a choreographic collective.

TWiSt friend Luke Rothschild recommends spending St. Patrick’s Day enjoying THIRST!  The first performance of a choreographic collective created by Los Angeles’ most accomplished Dance Theater Artists.  Choreographers: Lillian Barbeito, Tina Finkelman, Alexa Kershner, Holly Rothschild, and Alesia Young.
 
Saturday, March 17 @ 8 PM

Atelier Deluxe Musique
6015 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90038

For Reservations and Information: yourHUGEhead@gmail.com (310) 923-2766

General Admission: $20
Students/Seniors/AGMA Members: $15
Dressed in Head-to-Toe Green: $10

Wine and Nibbles served!

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3.  Unknown Theater presents THE SERPENT

Tempting, isn’t it?
 

TWiSt friend Dan Oliverio is assistant directing THE  SERPENT at Unknown Theater!  In a passionate ceremony, twelve ensemble members bring you on a journey of movement, sound, and unforgettable poetry.  It is a ritual designed to give the actors and audience an opportunity to challenge and honor the beliefs and ideas that define us.  Originally created by the Open Theatre in 1967, The Serpent is realized again through the synthesis of 1960s improvisational physical theater and Unknown Theater’s own audacious and evocative style.

Now Playing through April 7

For Reservations: www.unknowntheater.com

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4.  Theatre Banshee in Burbank presents HENRY IV, PART ONE

Fun for the whole family!

 

TWiSt friend Robyn Heller invites you to one of Shakespeare's most entertaining plays!  It's a great mix of father-son drama, slapstick comedy, touching romance and testosterone fueled action!

Now Playing through April 15

For Reservations call: www.theatrebanshee.org

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5. The Actor’s Gang presents THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE

A haunting, powerful and unforgettable work of theatre.

TWiSt friend Silas Weir Mitchell is starring in The Actor’s Gang presentation of THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE. A mother from New Jersey roams the hills of Lockerbie, Scotland, looking for her son's remains. which were lost in the crash of Pan Am 103. She meets the Women of Lockerbie, who are fighting to obtain the clothing of the victims and convert an act of hate into an act of love by washing the clothes and returning them to the victims' families. Inspired by a true story.

Thu. - Sat. @ 8 PM
Sun. @ 2 PM
Through April 28

For Reservations call: (310) 838-GANG(4264)
www.theactorsgang.com

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6. The Zicree SUPERMENTORS Class

For Actors, Writers, Directors, Producers...

TWiSt friends Marc and  Elaine Zicree will be offering their acclaimed SIX-WEEK SUPERMENTORS CLASS starting Tuesday, March 20, 2007 and their ADVANCED SIX-WEEK SUPERMENTORS CLASS starting Wednesday, April 11, 2007.  All classes are LIMITED to 10 STUDENTS and run from 7 – 10 PM in West Hollywood.  Plus you also get two INCREDIBLE BONUS SESSIONS at a SUPER-SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE!

In the INITIAL CLASS you learn how to set your career goals, target the buyers, get past the Guardians at the Gate, develop compelling evidence of your skills and talents, pitch yourself and your project powerfully, and REALLY MAKE IT HAPPEN!

In the ADVANCED CLASS, geared to  those who have taken the initial course or reach a certain level in their careers, you go to  the next level, implementing strategies to gain major national attention, reach the top heights of the Industry, and take the world by storm.

Writer-Producers Marc and Elaine have over 100 credits to their name and are some of the greatest people you could ever have the chance to work with.  Price for the class is normally $799 but because so  many struggling writers, actors and directors have told them they’re dying to take  the class they’ve rolled back the price for just this month to the  SPECIAL 2005 DISCOUNT PRICE of $599!

For info, email marc@zicree.com or call (323) 363-1259 ASAP.

You  can pay via check to:
Marc Zicree
7521 W. Norton Ave. #8
West Hollywood, CA 90046

or with credit card by logging onto www.paypal.com and indicating you want to pay marc@zicree.com

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7. Gregg Lee Henry at Genghis Cohen

Good music, good food, good times!

TWiSt friend Gregg Lee Henry is performing once again at the delicious Genghis Cohen with special guest Bruce Greenwood.  Stop by!

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8. TWiSt Shout-Outs

TWiSt and Shout!

Congratulations to TWiSt friend Chuck Spitler who appeared on The Cartoon Network on the Tim and Eric Awesome Show.  You can watch it at:
http://www.adultswim.com/adultswimfix/index.html
Click on the Tim and Eric show called "Chunky."
Chuck is in a brief skit as Larry, the office guy.   Great job Chuck!

TWiSt Discount!!! - Movie Distribution 1-Day Seminar THIS SATURDAY

Hey gang,

Once you find the perfect script to direct or produce, there are FOUR nearly insurmountable tasks ahead of you:  financing, production, post-production, and the one first-time filmmakers always forget about, DISTRIBUTION.  Having completed my first project, this is the one area I wish I had known inside and out BEFORE we started.

If you’re getting ready to make a film or have already finished a film or are just thinking about making your first film, this is a one-day seminar that you don’t want to miss. TWiSt friend Jerome Courshon is offering a $20 discount to fellow TWiStizens off his already low price of $125.  Come join me THIS SATURDAY for his groundbreaking seminar:

“SECRETS TO DISTRIBUTION: GET YOUR MOVIE DISTRIBUTED NOW!”

See below for more info – hope to see you there!!

Drew

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MOVIE DISTRIBUTION

So you’ve made your movie. Congratulations! Now what? What do you do to ensure the final step of your filmmaking journey, getting distribution? How do you play “the game”? Is there even a game??

The answer is YES. There is a game. A strategy. Whether you’ve just finished your final cut or are on the film festival circuit -- or even if you’ve been turned down by distributors already -- you CAN get distribution. It is not impossible, but there is a strategy that MOST producers & filmmakers do not know or understand.

Where can you learn this? At producer Jerome Courshon’s groundbreaking 1-Day seminar,
"The Secrets to Distribution: Get Your Movie Distributed Now!"
http://www.Distribution.LA

Who should attend this seminar:
- Those with a completed movie
- Those in production or post-production
- Those who intend to make a movie -- Get a head start on what you need to know
- Film students -- Get a head start and leg up on the real world realities

Bottom line? This seminar is about getting results and getting the deal, with key resources provided. If you are serious about getting your movie into the marketplace, then you should not miss this day. This is NOT about self-distribution and making DVDs to sell them out of the trunk of your car or on the internet. This is about securing a viable distributor, whether you have a low budget / no budget movie OR a movie with names. Don’t spend years spinning your wheels, only to end with your movie collecting dust on your living room shelf.

"Without Jerome’s information and help, I’d never have gotten a studio distribution deal for my micro-budgeted no “name” feature. Not in a million years."
-- Vince Rocca, Producer, "Kisses & Caroms" (Released by Warner Bros. on August 22, 2006)

“I got more out of this seminar on distribution then I have from reading books, participating in distribution meetings and a couple of $425 an hour sessions with my entertainment attorney. Jerome provided clear and compelling information on the distribution side of the movie business. Anyone that takes this seminar ... will come away with tremendous knowledge and executable ideas to implement.”
-- John Demers, Executive Producer

UPCOMING SEMINAR DATES:
LOS ANGELES:  Saturday, March 17, 2007  (11am - 6pm)
CHICAGO:  Saturday, March 31, 2007  (11am - 6pm)
NEW YORK:  May 2007  (TBA)

SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE for TWiSters!
Register before seminar date for $105 (Regular price is $125), and includes all handout material.
Use this special link to register and get the discount: http://www.Distribution.LA/twist.html

"The Secrets to Distribution: Get Your Movie Distributed Now!"
For more info: http://www.Distribution.LA
Or call (323) 662-8877

TWiSt - 03.07.07 - Plays! Seminars! Jobs! Oh, my!

If you’re new to TWiSt, this newsletter goes out every week or three. If ever you don’t want it anymore, just say so and I’d be happy to take you off the list. Alternately, if you were forwarded this by a friend and want your own copy, send me an email (drewbrody@yahoo.com) and I’ll add you to the list!

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Dear TWiSters,

March on TWiSters!  As always, there are a lot of great things going on and around LA!  Be sure to check out some of the shows going on this week as they are all extremely different and feature extremely talented TWiSt friends.  If you’re looking for answers to questions you have about making and distributing films, there are two fantastic seminars that are being held in March.  I’m planning on attending both!

Another important item in this week’s issue...my tutoring company, The Scholar Group, is in dire need of a bookkeeper who is proficient with the QuickBooks program to reconcile our accounts at least once a month.  Check the full listing below if you can be of service!

Get your announcements into me ASAP for the next issue of TWiSt and let’s spread the word!

All the best,
Drew

This Week in Stuff

March 7, 2007

1. THE DOG IN THE MANGER – Through March 15
2. HENRY IV, PART ONE – Through April 15
3. THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE – Through April 28
4. “Make Movies That Make Money” 1-Day Seminar – March 10
5. “The Secrets to Distribution” 1-Day Seminar – March 17
6. Flash Forward Institute presents “Producing Your Ultra Low Budget Feature”
7. TWiSt Classifieds – QuickBooks Bookkeeper Needed
8. TWiSt Shout-Outs
   

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1. The MET Theatre presents THE DOG IN THE MANGER

Have you ever fallen in love with someone...you shouldn’t have fallen in love with?

TWiSt friend Carmen Molinari is the executive producer of a fantastic show at The MET Theatre called THE DOG IN THE MANGER.  Go see one of Lope De Vega's greatest plays directed by the oh so cool, and very recognizable LA theatre Director, Tiger Reel!  The play celebrates the Spanish Golden Era with a turn of the century, crazy, colorful spin.   Not to mention the cast is awesome, and the show is a guaranteed fun time!
 
Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 PM
Sundays @ 3 PM
Through March 15

The MET Theatre
1089 N. Oxford Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90029

For Reservations call: (323) 957-1152

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2.  Theatre Banshee in Burbank presents HENRY IV, PART ONE

Fun for the whole family!

 

TWiSt friend Robyn Heller invites you to one of Shakespeare's most entertaining plays!  It's a great mix of father-son drama, slapstick comedy, touching romance and testosterone fueled action!

Now Playing through April 15

For Reservations call: www.theatrebanshee.org

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3. The Actor’s Gang presents THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE

A haunting, powerful and unforgettable work of theatre.

TWiSt friend Silas Weir Mitchell is starring in The Actor’s Gang presentation of THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE. A mother from New Jersey roams the hills of Lockerbie, Scotland, looking for her son's remains. which were lost in the crash of Pan Am 103. She meets the Women of Lockerbie, who are fighting to obtain the clothing of the victims and convert an act of hate into an act of love by washing the clothes and returning them to the victims' families. Inspired by a true story.

Thu. - Sat. @ 8 PM
Sun. @ 2 PM
Through April 28

For Reservations call: (310) 838-GANG(4264)
www.theactorsgang.com

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4. “Make Movies That Make Money” 1-Day Seminar

One Day Only!

TWiSt friend David Heavener’s 1-Day Seminar MAKE MOVIES THAT MAKE MONEY: THE SECRETS OF FILMMAKING SUCCESS is going to be filled with information on how to:

DEVELOP A CONCEPT
WRITE THE SCRIPT
FINANCE YOUR PROJECT
PRODUCE THE FILM  (16mm/35mm/Digital)
BUILD A MOVIE-MAKING FRANCHISE
SELL YOUR MOVIE
COLLECT THE MONEY
UTILIZE BRAND NEW DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

A One-Day Career Changing Seminar
With Award-Winning Filmmaker/Distributor

DAVID HEAVENER
Writer/Director/Producer/Actor in over 30 Feature Films
Worldwide Distributor of Hundreds of Films

Save 20% when registering if you metion TWiSt.  Space is limited so act now!

TO REGISTER:
Call (661) 823-7417
or online at
www.DavidHeavener.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 10th
9 AM – 6 PM
The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn
4222 Vineland Ave.
Studio City, CA 91602
(between Moorpark and Ventura)

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5. “The Secrets to Distribution” 1-Day Seminar

So you’ve made your movie.  Congratulations!  Now what?

TWiSt friend Jerome Courshon’s groundbreaking 1-Day seminar, "The Secrets to Distribution: Get Your Movie Distributed Now!" will offer insights on how to distribute your film by securing a viable distributor, whether you have a low budget, no budget movie, or a movie with names.  Don’t spend years spinning your wheels, only to end with your movie collecting dust on your living room shelf!

To register or for more info: http://www.Distribution.LA

Upcoming Seminars:
LOS ANGELES:  Saturday, March 17, 2007
CHICAGO:  Saturday, March 31, 2007
NEW YORK:  April 2007

Seminar Price: $125
"The Secrets to Distribution: Get Your Movie Distributed Now!"
http://www.Distribution.LA

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6. Flash Forward Institute presents “Producing Your Ultra Low Budget Feature”

Support Short Filmmakers...er, Short Films!   

TWiSt friend Suzanne Lyons in association with Flash Forward Institute present PRODUCING YOUR ULTRA LOW BUDGET FEATURE: A Comprehensive Course in 6 Sessions

 

THE COURSE:
“Producing Your Ultra Low Budget Film” is an intensive 2 month course that takes you through the step by step journey of making your ultra low budget feature film.
 - How to option a screenplay                                        - Forming an LLC
 - Preparing a sales presentation for investors               - Creating your killer pitch
 - Designing a business plan                                         - Getting a mentor
 - Hiring a line producer                                               - Scheduling your EPK
 - Creating an empowering environment on set            - Finessing a budget & schedule
 - Hiring a director                                                         - How to cast your film
 - Developing a timeline                                                 - Creating a marketing strategy
 - The details of pre-production                                      - The secrets of a great Production
 - Learning the ropes of post                                           - Choosing the right distributor
 - Getting the best deal from your distributor                 - Preparing for delivery
                                                
INVALUABLE RESOURCES:
 (Get over $5,000 worth of contracts, business plans, deal memos and much more)
 Participants will receive the following:
 - Cast and crew deal memos                                        - LLC Guidelines
 - A business plan                                                         - Writer and director contracts
 - SAG ultra low budget guidelines                                - Sample budget and schedule
 - Composer Contract                                                  - Sound designer deal
 - Color correction contract                                          - Distributor contract
 - Detailed delivery list                                                  - Additional Releases
 - Breakdown Services guidelines                                  - Location deals
 
GUEST SPEAKERS: (pending availabilities) 
 € Established Film Director     € Veteran feature line producer          
 € Well known Distributor        € Feature Editor & 1st Ad
  

COST: $1,250
 

Early Bird Special: Pay by April 1st and pay $1,050 (SAVE $200)
 Check and Visa/MC (paypal) accepted
 $200 non refundable (No double discounts permitted)

WHEN: (Six Sessions)
 Saturday, April 14th  (9:30am – 4:30pm)
 Monday Evenings, April 23, May 7 and 21, June 4 and 18 (7:00pm – 10:15pm)
 PLUS: Team meetings on alternate weeks
 
WHERE: Coast Anabelle Hotel in Burbank
  
HOW TO REGISTER:
Call Snowfall/WindChill Films at 818-558-5917
 or email Suzanne Lyons directly at snowfallfilms@cs.com
 

SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED

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7. TWiSt Classifieds – Bookkeeper with QuickBooks Experience Needed

Help The Scholar Group help others.

Deborah Puette of The Scholar Group is looking to hire a bookkeeper to reconcile accounts using QuickBooks one to two times a month.  If you believe you are qualified, know of someone who may be interested, or have more questions about the position, contact Deborah at deborah@thescholargroup.com with the subject “Bookkeeper” as soon as possible.  2+ years experience with QuickBooks required.

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8. TWiSt Shout-Outs

TWiSt and Shout!

Congratulations to TWiSt friend Patrick O’Sullivan who was interviewed on “Day to Day” on National Public Radio at 89.3 FM in Los Angeles discussing his play ALL ABOUT WALKEN.  For more information: myspace.com/allaboutwalken

 TWiSt friend Kai submitted an entry into the On The Lot reality show that Mark Burnett and Steven Spielberg are doing for Fox.  It gives aspiring filmmakers a chance to compete for a million dollar development deal at Dreamworks.  Her entry earned her an interview so please send out the positive vibes!  Kai’s film is on the On The Lot website.  Check it out and rate the film.
http://films.thelot.com/films/19702

TWiSt - MAKE YOUR OWN HOLLYWOOD Seminar - 20% Discount

Hey TWiSters,

Have I got a deal for you!  Award-winning filmmaker-distributor David Heavener is hosting a ONE DAY SEMINAR on March 10 to discuss how to make movies that make money!  As you all know, I recently produced my first feature film, DESERT OF BLOOD (www.desertofblood.com), and have had a tremendous time doing so.  I had the pleasure of speaking to David about my project and the advice he gave was extremely helpful.  The conversation was so insightful that I have enrolled to take his ONE DAY SEMINAR on March 10 and wanted to spread the news to anyone  who has questions about how to make movies in Hollywood that make money!

The enrollment fee is $249 per person but if you register on or before March 9 you will automatically receive a 20% discount!  I have included a copy of the flyer and registration form.  Be sure to let them know that you were referred by TWiSt when submitting registration.

Don’t hesitate to enroll as space is VERY LIMITED and the information you will garner is positively invaluable!  Hope to see you there!

Drew

TWiSt - SUPERMENTORS Class! SUPERLOW Price!

Dear TWiSters,
Hey, Marc & Elaine Zicree are offering their SUPERMENTORS class for the low low price of $599 – normally $799 -  this week only!  I just took the class and met an amazing group of people.  Plus, Marc & Elaine are 2 of the nicest and most generous coaches in town.  You can’t go wrong!

Drew

SUPERMENTORS CLASS

FOR ACTORS, WRITERS, DIRECTORS, PRODUCERS

MARC AND ELAINE ZICREE will be offering their acclaimed SIX-WEEK SUPERMENTORS CLASS starting Tuesday, March 6, 2007.  All classes are LIMITED TO 10 STUDENTS, and run from 7-10 PM in West Hollywood.



Plus you also get two INCREDIBLE BONUS SESSIONS at a SUPER-SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE!



In the Supermentors Class you learn how to set your career goals, target the buyers, get past the Guardians at the Gate, develop compelling evidence of your skills and talents, pitch yourself and your project powerfully, and REALLY MAKE IT HAPPEN.  It’s not theoretical or “someday,” the Zicrees get you moving in effective action in the real world.



Writer-Producers Marc and Elaine Zicree have over 100 credits to their name, including STAR TREK – THE NEXT GENERATION, SLIDERS, BABLYON 5, DEEP SPACE NINE, LAZARUS MAN, FRIDAY THE 13TH – THE SERIES and numerous feature assignments and network pilots.  In just the past year, they’ve had a novel on the L.A. Times Bestseller List; a non-fiction book named one of ten “science fiction books for the ages” by the New York Times; landed deals with Fox, Universal & the Sci-Fi Channel; teamed with the producer of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, former Presidents of Paramount & Sr. VPs of Sony/Columbia-Tristar; been regulars on the COAST TO COAST radio show; and co-written, exec produced and directed the STAR TREK NEW VOYAGES episode “World Enough and Time,” starring George Takei.  Plus Marc’s hit MAGIC TIME series of books will be a monthly Marvel comic book this summer!

 
Those who enroll also get a BONUS SESSION, with writer-directors currently working on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, DRESDEN FILES and THE OFFICE!
 
And this just in – we’ve added an incredible SECOND BONUS NIGHT with Industry marketing genius BILL WALLEN.  In addition to being Marc’s partner in the Magic Time Company, Bill designed the posters and marketing campaigns for an incredible string of hit movies, including STAR WARS, EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, JAWS, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, BATMAN, ET, POLTERGEIST, WRATH OF KHAN, FIELD OF DREAMS, JERRY MACGUIRE, AS GOOD AS IT GETS, STARSHIP TROOPERS, MEN IN BLACK – all the way up to this Christmas’ CHARLOTTE’S WEB.  As Senior VP of Worldwide Strategic Marketing at Sony/Columbia-Tristar, he oversaw not only features but helped design the successful launch of many hit TV shows, recording stars, concert venues and even the Sony Playstation!
 
You do NOT want to miss this night!  Bill commands staggering fees to advise top studios, stars and mega-authors – let him advise YOU on YOUR career path!  

Price for the class is normally $799 but – because so many struggling writers, actors and directors have told us they’re dying to take the class – we’re rolling back the price for just the next week to the SPECIAL 2005 DISCOUNT PRICE of $599!  For info, email marc@zicree.com or call (323) 363-1259 ASAP.  You can pay via check to Marc Zicree, 7521 W. Norton Ave. #8, West Hollywood, CA 90046, or with credit card by logging onto www.paypal.com <http://www.paypal.com/>  and indicating you want to pay marc@zicree.com   
 

(The Zicrees also have DVDS on having an Industry career & selling a TV series, and can be hired to consult and give notes on movie & TV scripts in person or long distance.)

SUPERMENTORS TESTIMONIALS

SUSAN ARNOUT SMITH:  “A little over a year ago, I was stalled on a thriller I was writing.  Then I took Marc and Elaine's class.  Now I have two amazing agents and a two-book deal with St. Martin’s!  My book is also going to be published in Italy, Germany and Taiwan and has sparked movie interest. Thanks, guys!”


KATHARINE MCEWAN:  "Since studying with Elaine, I have booked the lead in a feature film and secured a great manager.  I highly recommend taking her classes."  

       
JIM TROESH:  “In the approximately 18 months since taking their class, I won the ABC/Disney Scholarship and am developing a pilot with my mentor at ABC, a vice president in charge of current programming.  If that wasn't enough, I was hired to write two feature screenplays.  Thanks, Marc and Elaine!”
 
MICHAEL T. MOORE:  “Marc and Elaine have shown me how to think about my career in a different way, and how to break down a seemingly unachievable goal into smaller, achievable steps.  I recently sold my first story to the TV show MEDIUM!”
  
DEREK RYDALL : "Not only did Marc and Elaine's coaching take a wrecking ball to many of my limited beliefs, it gave me the tools and tenacity to get a two-book deal and another script optioned!”
 
JEAN FRANZBLAU:  “If you're new - take this class. If you're stuck - take this class. If you're on a roll - take this class!”
 
TASHA HARDY:  “Marc and Elaine’s relentless optimism about a very tough industry gave me confidence that I could create any possibility I dreamed of. HIGHLY recommended!”


KEN MADER:  "With Marc and Elaine's help, guidance and referrals I've now gotten approved as a director at three top television networks and a major studio.  Thank you, Marc and Elaine!"

MARTY ELCAN (Director & winner of 12 film festival awards, three-time DGA Award nominee):  “The Zicrees think outside the box, inside the box, around the box, and then get rid of the box altogether.  I'm thrilled to have had the benefit of their knowledge!”

You can read Marc's new blog at www.zicree.blogspot.com <http://www.zicree.blogspot.com/>

TWiSt - Help The Flash Forward Institute help Habitat for Humanity

Dear TWiSters,

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ONE.  PLEASE READ.

Flash Forward is the class I took when I first got to town.  With the methods I learned here, I went from an unproduced playwright to one of the most prolific writer/producers in LA theater in about 3 years.  I started this newsletter as part of my Flash Forward one-month goal.  Through this program, I also met Don Henry, who became my producing partner when we teamed to produce DESERT OF BLOOD; Suzanne Lyons, who executive produced; Shawn Tolleson, with whom I’m now producing Shakespeare’s Henry IV starring Martin Sheen & Angela Bassett; Supercoaches Marc & Elaine Zicree; Deborah Puette, with whom I’ve created The Scholar Group, the premiere one-on-one tutoring company in Los Angeles; and many many more of the most important and powerful people in my life.

If that weren’t recommendation enough, Clay Storseth – another one of the amazing and wonderful people I was just  telling you about – is leading this year’s month-long intensive class with a truly inspiring ulterior motive.  ALL PROFITS go towards building a home for a family in need through Habitat for Humanity’s “Operation Home Delivery” Katrina fund.  I promise that this program will change your life.  Take advantage of this wonderfully opportunity to change someone else’s life too.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.  I’d be happy to tell you anything you want to know.

All the best,
Drew

NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE FLASH FORWARD!
SPACE IS LIMITED!   MAKE A RESERVATION NOW!
CALL OR EMAIL NOW
TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Flash Forward Institute
Is donating 100% of the profits from March 2007 Flash Forward Course to the
Habitat for Humanity “Operation Home Delivery” Katrina Fund

When is the course?     
          Sat., March 10, 2007   8:30 am to 6:30 pm
          Sun., March 11, 2007   9:00 am to 6:30 pm
          Thurs., March 22, 2007   7:15 pm to 10:45 pm
          Thurs., April 5, 2007   7:15 pm to 10:45 pm
          Thurs., March 15 & March 29, 2007 Team Meeting
Course Location?
At Sunset and Vine in Hollywood. (Colombia Collage of Chicago’s “Semester In L.A” has graciously donated the course location. Program)

What is Flash Forward?

Flash Forward is a month-long workshop designed to produce breakthrough career results for people at all levels of the entertainment community.

How does it work?

You set an individualized career goal that would normally take six months to a year to accomplish and we provide a structure in which you can achieve it in one month!

Who is it for?

Flash Forward is for anyone who is breaking in, moving up or making a transition in the entertainment industry.   Whether you are trying to get an agent, finish your first script, create a $10 million bidding war, star in a TV series or find the right career path…whether you’re an actor, writer, producer, director, agent, lawyer or executive…PA, DP or CEO, the Flash Forward techniques work for anyone at any level who is committed to moving forward with their career.

How do you Register?

Tuition for the course is $450.00. ($420.00 will be made out directly to Habitat for Humanity and $30.00 will be made out to Flash Forward Institute).   Credit Card enrollments are also available.
Call 323-469-0686 or email   HYPERLINK "mailto:ClayStorseth@Earthlink.net" ClayStorseth@Earthlink.net

The One Month Program Breakdown:
Saturday: Career Goal Strategy
Formulate a one month goal and develop a detailed, step-by-step strategy to achieve it.

Topics include: Creating a Long-Term Vision for Your Career ? How to Get an Agent ? Taking Responsibility for Your Results ? Generating a Map of Relationships ? Targeting Your "Hit List" ? Developing a Time Line for Accomplishment ? Measuring Your Progress ? Obtaining a Mentor ? Getting Through to the Right People ? Making Requests ? Team Support ? Brainstorming Action Plans
Sunday: Presentation Practice
Learn and practice the most successful ways of presenting yourself and your projects. Topics include: 21 Secrets of Selling in Hollywood ? 6 Essential Stages of the Pitch ? Keys to Dynamic Log Lines ? Pitching on the Phone: The 1-Minute Pitch ? How to Grab Attention and Be Memorable ? Phone Aerobics ? How to Get a Meeting ? 4 Crucial Assets to Get Out of Every Meeting ? How to Make Every Pitch Win/Win ? Keeping the Power in Your Hands Plus: Meet and Pitch the Pros! In a small group setting, practice pitching to our invited industry guests and get valuable feedback and tips on your technique and sales strategy.
2 Thursday Nights: Career Coaching
Receive in-depth coaching on how to overcome any obstacles and barriers that you encounter in achieving your goal. Topics include: Turning Breakdowns Into Breakthroughs ? Power Networking ? Designing Your Mission Statement ? Getting the Most from Your Mentors ? Making Unreasonable Requests ? Time Management
? The Magic of Acknowledgment ? Celebrating Your Results ? Creating What's Next ? How to Create Authentic Relationships in the Entertainment Industry!

COURSE LEADERS:

CLAY STORSETH (course leader and partner in Flash Forward Institute), has been involved with Flash Forward Institute for the past 10 years as a participant, coach, course leader and partner and has lead courses for over 2,500 people through Flash Forward and through ongoing Guest lecturing for Colombia College of Chicago’s Semester In L.A. program, CALARTS, Cal-State Long Beach, and University of North Carolina. Clay’s teaching and life coaching revolves around his experience as an entrepreneur.   He has created several niche businesses including his design company.   His company has a Fortune 100 and celebrity clientele including events for the Emmy’s, People Magazine and Entertainment Tonight.   His work has been featured on Entertainment Tonight, HGTV’s Designer’s Challenge and Landscaper’s Challenge, and Fit TV’s Guru to Go.   Clay is a classically trained actor whose credits include over 50 plays and musicals in the UK, NY, Regional and L.A. theatre including the award winning musical “Moscow” for which he recorded the Original NY Cast CD.   Also, he is a member of “The Classical Theatre Lab”.   Clay’s life partner and he are partners in the Hollywood Restaurant “Off Vine” and the West Hollywood Lounge   “Here”.   Clay has a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from Baylor University and an MFA in Acting from CALARTS.

SUZANNE LYONS (course leader and co-founder of Flash Forward Institute) has over 25 years experience in television and film. After numerous awards as VP of Marketing and Promotions for a Canadian network, Ms. Lyons moved to Philadelphia to work in international film distribution. In the early 90's she moved to Los Angeles where she co-founded the Flash Forward Institute with Heidi Wall. She has led hundreds of industry seminars in both the US and Canada. In the late 90's Ms. Lyons co-founded Snowfall Films, Inc. producing 5 films with such actors as Brenda Blethyn, Christopher Walken, Alfred Molina, Naomi Watts, James Caan, Jon Lovitz, Dean Cain, Winona Ryder and Peter Fonda. In 2005 Ms. Lyons started a genre division, WindChill Films, and has just completed their third thriller. WindChill Films is starting production on their fourth film in April and Snowfall Films is gearing up to produce their next picture in Belfast with lead actor Michael Pitt in the fall of this year.

TWiSt 02.14.07 - Happy Valentine's Day from TWiSt!

If you’re new to TWiSt, this newsletter goes out every week or three. If ever you don’t want it anymore, just say so and I’d be happy to take you off the list.  Even better, hit REPLY and write UNSUBSCRIBE TWIST in the subject so I don’t miss it.  Alternately, if you were forwarded this by a friend and want your own copy, send me an email (drewbrody@yahoo.com) and I’ll add you to the list!

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Dear TWiSters,

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!  THIS JUST IN!  Two weeks ago in TWiSt we announced that TWiSt friend Josh Greenbaum’s short film, THE MORNING ROUTINE, was a nominee for the 2007 Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmaker’s Award.  The votes have been counted, and the verdict is in...THE MORNING ROUTINE is the GRAND PRIZE WINNER!   Congratulations, Josh!

No Valentine’s Day plans yet?  Two things to do TONIGHT:  WordTheatre one night only Valentine’s Day performance LOVE & EROS and the opening gala of The MET Theatre’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell – see below for details!

Also, I’m speaking on a Cornell in Hollywood filmmaking panel next Wednesday night... join us if you can.

Next issue of TWiSt due in a week or two.  Get those announcements into me ASAP so everyone knows what you’re up to!

All the best,
Drew

Things to do with the one you love...or good friends...or by yourself...

This Week in Stuff
February 14, 2007

1. WordTheatre presents LOVE & EROS – Feb. 14
2. THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN AND HELL – Opens Feb. 14
3. GEMMELOOSEN featuring PAISANO – Feb. 15
4. I WAS A TEENAGE HOMO – Feb. 18
5. Benefit Reading of RUBY’S ARMS – Feb. 21
6. THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES – Extended through Mar. 18
7. Cornell in Hollywood Event – Feb. 21
8. TWiSt Shout-Outs
   

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1. WordTheatre presents LOVE & EROS

An Evening of Fairy Tales, Saucy Stories and Poetry

Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Anais Nin, D.H. Lawrence, Sappho, Baudelaire, e.e. cummings and much more...

Hillary Rollins will sign copies of her book
The Empress's New Lingerie and Other Erotic Fairy Tales
(Bedtime Stories for Grown-ups).

Doors open at 7 PM
Mbar, 1253 North Vine Street in Hollywood (Southwest corner of Sunset and Fountain in mini-mall next to El Floridita)

Performers:*
Andrew Borba (Nine Lives, The Shield, Grey's Anatomy)
Jessica Collins (The Nine, Law & Order: CI, Ghost Whisperer)
Catherine Dent (The Shield, 21 Grams, Auto Focus)
Marcia Firesten (CSI:NY, Seinfeld)
Edi Gathegi (Lincoln Heights, Gone,Baby,Gone, Crank)
Anson Mount (Conviction, In Her Shoes, Crossroads)
Christina Pickles (Friends, Medium, The Wedding Singer)
Michael E. Rodgers (Auto Focus, The Triangle, The Patriot)
 
 Produced and directed by TWiSt friend Cedering Fox

*Performers and material subject to change without notice.
Tickets are for the WordTheatre performance only.
MBar requires a $10 food minimum. Cash bar.

All tickets are $25.
WordTheatre brings people together to share stories in a unique way. Through this collective experience, we aim to deepen our sense of community and celebrate the oral storytelling tradition. Join world-class writers and actors at literary salons in Los Angeles and London for readings and book signings.
To purchase tickets click on the link below or visit our website.
www.wordtheatre.com

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2.  THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN AND HELL at The MET

Who knows?  In LA, this marriage could actually work!

 

The MET Theatre presents
THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN AND HELL
By William Blake
Directed by DARA WEINBERG
Produced by ASH MINNICK and EZRA BUZZINGTON
Assistant Producer : BREE TODISH

...Witness the unholy alliance between immortal enemies!
...Revel with a chorus of living dead dancers and musicians!
...Improvise a different theatrical ceremony every night!

Opening Night: VALENTINE'S DAY, Wednesday, February 14 at 8 PM
Performances thereafter: Fridays & Saturdays at 11:30 PM (through March 24)

Running time is less than an hour.

The MET Theatre
Downstairs Space (the Great Scott Theatre)
1089 N. Oxford Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90029

Free, secure parking 1 block east of the venue on Santa Monica Blvd. in the Earl Scheib lot, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: (323) 957-1152

Admission : $10.00

ACTIVE EVIL IS BETTER THAN PASSIVE GOOD.
It's not a play.  It's a happening...

www.theMETtheatre.com
www.myspace.com/marriageofheavenandhell

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3. GEMMELOOSEN featuring PAISANO

Keep Valentine’s Day Rockin’ and Rollin’!

This Thursday, Feb. 15 at 8:30 PM, at Tangier Night Club in Los Feliz, THE  GEMMELOOSEN (featuring TWiSt friend David Agranov) pops off once again, and this time, featuring THE PAISANO on ace bass guitar.  So come one, come all and let the love continue to spill over and flow, flow, flow...

www.myspace.com/thegemmeloosen

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4. I WAS A TEENAGE HOMO: A SCARY FAIRY TALE

A Benefit Public Reading of a Queer New Musical – ONE NIGHT ONLY

Come see TWiSt friend Toni Lewis in I WAS A TEENAGE HOMO presented by Theatre Neo.
Written by Bill Fagan - Directed by Mary McGuire - Produced by Karla Karanza

Sunday, February 18 @ 7 PM
The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset Blvd. (Between Kings and La Cienega)
$10 Admission
21+ Only
2 Drink Minimum
Special Guest: Comic Shawn Pelofsky

Reservations: (323) 769-5858 or www.theatreneo.com

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5. Benefit Reading of RUBY’S ARMS

Come Support The Marlin Foundation

Come support TWiSt friend Barry Papick’s student, the talented Shyla Marlin, who recently had a terrible run-in with a couple of pit bulls.  Although Shyla came out victorious (and saved her precious dog May May) there are hospital bills which remain.  A Staged Reading of the play RUBY’S ARMS, written by Barry Papick, will be performed Wednesday, Feb. 21 @ 8 PM to help raise funds.

Studio/ Stage
520 N. Western
Los Angeles, CA 90004

$15 donation suggested (but anything is appreciated!)
All proceeds will go directly to The Marlin Foundation.

Reservations: (818) 752-9249 or bpapick@aol.com

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6. THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES

Attend the 1958 Springfield High School Senior Prom and then experience the Class Reunion an hour later!

TWiSt friends Matthew Hannon & David Elzer invite you to come see the musical that has everyone laughing and singing the hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s.  THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES has been playing at The El Portal’s Forum Theater in NoHo since the end of September and has just been extended through March 18 due to an overwhelming positive response!  Get your tickets soon as shows SELL OUT well in advance.

Thu. - Sat. 8 PM
Sat. 3 PM
Sun. 2 PM

For Reservations call: (888) 505-SHOW(7469)

The El Portal Theatre
5269 Lankershirm Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA

www.marvelouswonderettes.com
www.myspace.com/marvelouswonderettes

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7. Cornell in Hollywood Event

Come hear how some very tenacious Cornellians managed to make their mark in Hollywood!

HOW TO FINANCE, FILM AND FINISH AN INDEPENDENT FEATURE IN LESS THAN A YEAR

Getting an independent movie off the ground is the hardest job in Hollywood.  These Cornellians managed to make their movies.

Drew Brody ’94 – just produced “Desert of Blood,” a horror film, which was the opening film in the Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Fest in December 2006, and he is currently co-producing “Shakespeare’s Henry IV,” starring Martin Sheen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Angela Bassett

Drew Filus ’95 – wrote and directed “Raw Footage,” a comedy which won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature Film at the DC Independent Film Festival

Braxton Pope ’95 – produced “The Take” and is now co-producing “Life Is Hot in Cracktown,” with Michael Rapaport, Kerry Washington and Rosie Perez

Mark Zakarin ’71 – wrote and produced “Keeping Up With the Steins,” with Jeremy Piven, Daryl Hannah and Jamie Gertz
Moderator: Howard A. Rodman ’71 – screenwriter (“Joe Gould’s Secrets,” upcoming “Savage Grace”); chair of the writing division at the USC Cinema school; a member of the board of directors of the Writers Guild of America, west; and an advisor to the Sundance Institute Screenwriting Labs

Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Time: 7 PM wine and cheese reception; 7:30 PM program

Location: Writers Guild of America, 7000 W. Third Street, Los Angeles 90048 – southwest corner of Third & Fairfax

Parking: Free underground – garage entrance on Blackburn (1 block south of Third Street)

Cost: $20 per CCLA member; $30 for non-members

RSVP: You must RSVP by February 19\.

More Info: Nancy Mills at NLM5@cornell.edu or 310 545-3321

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8. TWiSt Shout-Outs

TWiSt and Shout!

Congratulations to TWiSt friend Matt Lopez whose feature film script BEDTIME STORIES has been greenlit by Disney!  Click here to read the full article: www.variety.com/article/VR1117958928.html

TWiSt friend Scott Tharler (boo!) is moving to Boston and everything must go (yay!)   He’s listed numerous items on craigslist at very reasonable prices.  Follow these links to see what pieces of Scott Tharler memorabilia can be yours!
Furniture - http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/gms/276157951.html
Car - http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/273852422.html

See TWiSt friend Eddie Diaz on TV in upcoming episodes of THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE and STANDOFF!
http://www.eddiediaz.net
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1484716
http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/eddiediaz

TWiSt friend Jamie Salkind served as the Post Supervisor on BASTARDS OF THE PARTY, a documentary, which premiered on HBO Feb. 6.  The film was produced by director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”, “King Arthur”).  It chronicles the history and evolution of the notorious LA street gangs the Bloods and the Crips, from their origins as means of self-protection against white gangs in the 40s and 50s, through the rise and dissolution of the Black Panther Party and the US Organization in the 60s and 70s, to the aftermath of the LA riots in 1992.  This is getting huge press – check it out when you can!

Also, if you’re not watching TWiSt friend David Simkins’ new show THE DRESDEN FILES on SciFi, set your TiVos – it’s a very cool show along the lines of BUFFY and ANGEL... but with elements of HARRY POTTER and COLUMBO.

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That’s all for this week!

TESTIN

TWIST TWIST TWIST

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