Friday, March 16, 2007

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!


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



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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!
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!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

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


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

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

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!


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



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

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

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

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)


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

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


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.

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

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

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