Second Cinema Blog

VIDEO BLOGGERS...UNITE!!!!

2007-05-08T12:14:00.000-04:00

Hello all, and welcome to the evolution of things video, of things blog, and of all things good, bad and in between.

When I try to write, I am reminded that I suck at it.

Anyway, it's about the show and not about my lack of writing skills.

Ok folks, this month we've got some really fantastic short films and, what I found to be, a GREAT interview with Ajit Anthony Prem.

He's the guy behind a really cool videoblogging site called "Squigglebooth."

Now I've been watching video blogs for some time now. I've found a few that were interesting, and many that were annoying. Some of the best came from this place called Amyville. I can't tell you how I found my way there, and I don't know if it's still up, but squigglebooth seems to be the next level of what she had there. It was more than just random "look at me now" video clips or general silliness captured with the "Tube" in mind. Some were edited, some were just moments in her life, but they were all presented in a way that really captured my interest.

Quite a bit of what Ajit has offered to the show is like this. It's really great stuff and it's a great example of how simple, yet interesting and cool video blogging can be.

Along with great material, Ajit's excitement and ideas around the need for film makers to get into video blogging is very appealing.

We, probably like most of you, are paying close attention to video on the web, and how it's shaping the future of what, and how we use media to express and share our ideas.

It's quite an exciting time in the media world.

Check out the show this month for all the great information and shorts from Ajit, and get over to "squigglebooth" HERE - see what's going on, and start creating your own video blogs!

Hilary is finally in a magazine.....YEA!!!!!

2007-04-23T14:04:00.000-04:00

No, not that amazingly respected "I look at it for the articles" periodical, the OTHER well respected magazine that you REALLY read for the articles.
The May edition of "Southern Living" offers an inside look at our favorite hostess, and all the other pies that her fingers are in. There's really cool info on all the other great things Hilary is doing, and you might even see a pic of her two most favorite producers of all time!!!
Congratulations Hilary - great article, thanks for letting us be a part of it.
So all of you folks that spend some of your time reading (which I could do more of)
head on down to your local stand and pick up a copy TODAY!

I've added the scanned picture from Hilary's website HERE, that other guy is Matthew Addison - he's done quite a bit of work with us on Second Cinema, although we don't see him anymore, he's dun r-u-n-n-o-f-t.

Mae comes in April this year on the show!!!

2007-04-03T10:48:00.000-04:00

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.

Mae West

Thought it appropriate to start this post with a little wisdom from the lady herself.

This month we very lucky to have not only the film "A Devil In Eden" from "Speak-It" Pictures, but the Director, Executive Producer and star of the film for an interview. It was quite a pleasure to meet everyone, including those who did not appear on the set during the show. The group was lively, laughing and very excited to talk about this film along with other projects and passions. Very, very, cool folks in the studio this month and we really appreciate those who took the time to drive from Greensboro, and fly from points much further West.....like.......Ohio!

So first - a bit about the story.

"A Devil In Eden" is based on a famous 1937 radio skit preformed on "The Chase and Sanbourn Hour" a popular LIVE radio variety show. The stars of this evenings show Mae West and Don Ameche were to preform a comedy skit about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. West was known throughout Hollywood as a lady who spoke her mind and could be a bit risque' at times. Don Ameche is told before the broadcast that West would be playing her character straight without her signature suggestive style. However, in true Mae West fashion she does not, and she plays the role of Eve with all the burlesque, sexually and independently charged energy that makes her Mae West! Needless to say, the FCC goes crazy, people call and raise hell about it and ultimately it's the end of Mae West on the radio.

This event is the inspiration, and audio in "Speak-It" Pictures film, "A Devil in Eden" - Patrick Horne and his team transformed a downtown Greensboro performance space, "The Scene" - into the Garden of Eden where they re-enacted the radio broadcast.

The actors were dressed the part, and the set included broadcast microphones of the 30's, script stands and artists portraits in the background of Ameche and West. Effective and inventive, the set alone is completely capable of transporting the viewer to that NBC studio on that December night. The actors lip-synch all the dialogue to the original recording, and they have obviously spent real time learning and crafting not only the lines, but their movements, reactions and timing. It really is an original and fresh look at a moment in time with one of the most memorable and endearing women of Hollywood. It also serves as an interesting look at how things have changed in our popular culture, showing us what once was taboo and scandalous, by to days standards, is completely acceptable.

Patrick directed the film and also has a great cameo as ol' Mister Snake in the Garden.

Leanne Bernard of Cary NC took on the role as the one and only Mae West in which she shines!

John Say, an Elon University student does a fantastic job as Don Ameche.

Rounding out a solid and talented cast was, Kevin Chamberlain as Wendell Niles the announcer, and James Rainey, to play the part of Dorothy Lamour.

Along with Kevin, was Ryan Chamberlain, Executive Director, both from Ohio and both who have worked with Patrick while at Ohio University on a project that won a regional Emmy in 2002.

One of the other details that really captured our attention and admiration was the fact that the entire preformance was done in one take. So you could look at it like this....

a short film, based on a broadcast radio show (pre-tv), that was captured in a theater stage setting....no wonder this film is so cool - it's composed of just about every medium from 1937 until now....

We highly encourage EVERYONE to catch the film on "Second Cinema" this month.

In addition you need to visit the fantastic team at "Speak-It" Pictures My Space page HERE.

They've got clips up and all kinds of good stuff - so pay them a visit, tell'em you saw Mae in April on Second Cinema!!!

Never Say Nevermore.(I'll take red wine with that cheese)

2007-03-15T10:56:00.000-04:00

This month we had the pleasure of being guests at the Nevermore Film Festival. We spent that Saturday of the three day festival talking with filmmakers, fx guys, patrons, and just hanging out. We want to thank Jim and Phil at the Carolina for being our gracious hosts and for providing the show with another great episode.

We start this month's show sitting down with Phil Seib from The Carolina Theatre, the home of the Nevermore Film Festival. He talks with us about the festival, some of the highlights, and what the Carolina has on it's plate. Short and to the point, we get a great introduction into Nevermore from the Man in the Know!

Next we sat down with Producer/Actor, Jamie Bullock and Writer/Actor, Kevin Wheatly from the outstanding film, The Beach Party at the Threshold of Hell. This is a film you must check out - much of the cast and crew have connections here in NC through school, and Jamie is a native of Raleighwood. These folks were GREAT fun to talk with and we wish we could have spent more time just hanging out. They're good folks and what a film they've put together. I would love to start a list of "if you like x, you'll love Beach Party" - but it would be better to just say "go see the film expecting to have fun" - it's smart, funny, edgy, dirty, freaky, epic and tons of other adjectives that are not included on my spell check, so I will not attempt to type them.

Follow the link, see the trailer, find a way to see the movie and join the revolution....yea!

In addition to the fun with had with the "Beach Party" crowd, we also had a fantastic opportunity to talk with Writer/Director Jim Hemphill about his latest film, Bad Reputation.

Jim is a big fan of "revenge" films and he successfully pays homage to the best of them in "Bad Reputation." In addition the films leading actress, Angelique Hennessy, does an amazing job in the role of Michelle. Jim is a really cool guy and we appreciate the time he took to talk with us about "Bad Reputation" as well as his future plans.

Make a point to visit the site for the film above, and check out Angelique's My Space page HERE and her website HERE.

Along with great films, and the opportunity to meet some of the talented and nice folks behind those films, Nevermore offered lots of information, opportunity and fun for Horror and Goth film fans.

We saw our friends from NCFlix.com there and met several local film makers along a couple of really cool and VERY talented guys from The Adrenalin Group.

They were there offering complementary zombie make-up effects for patrons of the theatre - yea...no "sunshine festival face painting here" we're talking slit throats, sucking chest wounds, festering scabs, and they were kind enough to give our dear sweet Hilary a 6th degree burn with charred flesh and puss.....so nice.

Check out there website right HERE and make sure you're not eating anything while you browse.

That's our show folks - hope you get a chance to check it out Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights on Time Warner Cable Channel 24 for folks in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area, for the rest go back and check our schedule for your area.

Big thanks to Jim and Phil at the Carolina, Mr. Hemphill, Kevin and Jamie(the best looking cannibal we've ever seen) and all the folks at Nevermore - looking forward to the '08' festival.

NoDa Film festival

2007-02-21T14:58:00.001-05:00

The NoDa Film Festival in Charlotte will be held Sunday, February 25th through Tuesday, February 27th. This installation will feature French New Wave Cinema and will be held at the Neighborhood Theater in Charlotte. And guess what, its free!

I can't think of a much better way to spend a weekend, than to be watching French New Wave. Seriously! This should be a great event and if you are one of our Charlotte friends, please make sure to check this out.

NODA FILM FESTIVAL
FRENCH NEW WAVE FILM FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 25-27, 2007

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25: NEW WAVE CLASSICS
- 4:00 PM THE 400 BLOWS
- 6:00 PM ZAZIE IN THE METRO
- 8:00 PM THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26: NEW WAVE NOIR
- 7:00 PM LES BONNES FEMMES
- 9:00 PM ARMY OF SHADOWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27: NEW WAVE NIGHTMARE
- 7:00 PM ALPHAVILLE
- 9:00 PM EYES WITHOUT A FACE

Nevermore: Film 6

2007-02-21T14:55:00.000-05:00

"Working nine to five is a real killer, but team-building holidays can sometimes be even worse. A coach bus speeds out of the hustle and bustle of Budapest and heads towards the mountainous border. Aboard are seven employees of the international weapons manufacturer, Palisade Defense, global suppliers of innovative weaponry for the past 75 war-torn years. The lucky group is being treated to a weekend at the company’s newly built luxury spa lodge by their president, George Cinders.

But things quickly go awry as the colleagues find themselves faced with the chop when their corporate weekend is sabotaged by a deadly enemy. Forget office politics, only the smartest will survive this bloody office outing. Literally Shawn of the Dead meets "The Office," this should be a fun romp for all you cubical dwellers."

In English, Hungarian and Russian with English subtitles.

Website (trailer on site)

Nevermore: Film 5

2007-02-21T14:54:00.001-05:00

"Can love defeat all fears, or is it just the desire of a determined woman who wants to get married that defeats this oversize arachnid?"

This Winner for Best Super Short Film at Shriekfest Horror Festival 2006, is nine minutes of pure fun. Short, simple and great 3-d models, Itsy Bitsy is sure to be a fan favorite.

Website
Trailer

Nevermore: Film 4

2007-02-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

Producers: Cyn Dulay and Mark Harris
Writer/Director: Ricardo Islas
Stars: Cyn Dulay, Kris Desautels and Claire Davenport

LOCKOUT is the story of an American man who gets fired when he fails to adapt to certain changes in the company where he’s worked for over ten years.
As a result of this, he and his family are forced to move to an old house in rural Wisconsin, where bizarre events will gradually turn their lives into nothing but hell on earth…

Saturday 9:10 pm Cinema One

Sunday 7:30 pm Fletcher Hall

Website

Trailer

Nevermore: Film 3

2007-02-21T13:52:00.000-05:00

Bad Reputation
directed by Jim Hemphill

"It seems that in almost every school there's a nice girl wrongfully branded as the school slut. But fortunately most girls branded with a “bad reputation” in this life do not seek the same type of revenge that Michelle wants. It is not clear what really sets her off: the ghastly abuse, being tied to a tree or the harassing phone calls to her family, but Michelle gets back at all of them."

The Film will be screened:
Saturday 4:30 pm Cinema One

Sunday 4:30 pm Cinema One

Mr. Hemphill will be available for a q&a session for 15 minutes following each screening of Bad Reputation. Below are links to the film's website and a trailer for the film.

Website
Trailer

Line Rider / Line Flyer

2007-02-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

This has nothing to do with film, video, or Second Cinema, but it sure is fun. Drawing lines and then an animated sledder/motorcycle rides them...Rad! Check out Line Rider or Line Flyer! Below is a screen shot of each...

2007-02-07T18:15:00.000-05:00

This/These film(s) look awesome, and with fake trailers in between...damn.
Grindhouse goodies

Nevermore: Film 2

2007-02-07T08:19:00.000-05:00

For our second film of our Nevermore review we look no further than Mike Flanagan's short, Oculus: CHAPTER 3: "THE MAN WITH THE PLAN. Before we get into this films synopsis, let me just say that this was a highlight of the screeners and this is only Chapter 3, there are nine total chapters. Awesome!

In this installment, "Scott Graham plays Tim Russel, a man who acquires the mirror determined to document its horrifying abilities. Fueled by a traumatic encounter with the mirror when he was a child, which left him orphaned, Tim locks himself in a room with the glass and considers every continegency to ensure his safety, except for one... the mirror itself."

With so many awards, too many to list here, this film is being screened everywhere, and with good reason. You can catch it at Nevermore on:

Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2:00pm
Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:00pm

Oculus website

The Third Annual Open APPerture Film Festival

2007-02-05T18:00:00.001-05:00

Hey guys and gals, The Open APPerture Film Festival is accepting submission through March first. They accept any genre of film or video and you do not need to be a student to submit a film. Check out the link to submit.

The Third Annual Open APPerture Short Film Festival
March 29-31, 2007
submit your film before 3-1-07

Kelly Baker, sound designer for Goodwill Hunting, Finding Forester, and Psycho, the Angry Filmmaker will be speaking at several events during the festival

All events (except for after party) take place
on the campus of Appalachian State University
in Boone, North Carolina 28608.

Open APPerture Film Festival

Nevermore: Film 1

2007-02-05T14:48:00.001-05:00

The Beach Party At The Threshold Of Hell

Story
"The history of New America unfolds; the year is 2097 A.D. Two decades ago, the great nation of The United States fell forever. Now, the survivors must re-emerge from the ashes as the founding fathers of a brutal and bizarre new nation. And so, a new kind of political race begins. We join Tex Kennedy, driven by the passionate objective to unite this battered nation, as he journeys to the deadly future capital of New America, notoriously known as the Threshold of Hell. Standing by Tex's side are his two robot companions and a fabled young woman known through legend as "Cannibal Sue". As Tex's epic journey progresses we learn how a young appointed king, his murderously jealous cousin, a giant sea snake, the great, great, great grandson of Fidel Castro, a powerful communication radio tower, and the spawn of Satan himself, all hold a vital presence in the New American mythology. Through the strange adventures of Tex Kennedy, the humble and terrifying birth of New America began. The events of this fantastical dark comedy will create our early heroes, our early villains and shape the history of our new nation forever."

Friday, Feb. 23rd at 7:00PM
Saturday, Feb. 24th at 4:45PM

February 2007

2007-02-05T12:50:00.001-05:00

Winter weather is finally setting in here in North Carolina, but a new episode of Second Cinema hits the airwaves and it's sure to warm things up. We had a chance to sit down with pre-visual artist/ storyboard artist Craig Gilmore and we take a sneak peak at what you can see at the up coming Nevermore Film Festival this month.

Craig Gilmore is based out of Hillsborough, North Carolina and runs Film Shots Studio. Through FSS, he produces storyboards, production illustration, and concept art for motion picture, television, music videos, advertising, comic books, animation, and more. With all that under his belt, we knew that his sit down with Miss Russo would be an amazing treat. Above is an image of a few drawings that he allowed us to post, but make sure to check out our website for high quality res photos of some of Gilmore's work.

Amazing work by Craig and this leads us to the second half of the show in which Second Cinema gets an exclusive first look at the films that will be gracing The Nevermore Film Festival, Friday, February 23rd through Sunday, February 25th. A solid 15 minutes of trailers and clips that you won't see anywhere else. We want to thank Jim and Phil at the Carolina Theatre once again for all they do in promoting independent film in the Carolinas. Thanks guys!

Retrofantasma February

2007-01-29T11:04:00.000-05:00

My Bloody Valentine- (CANADA, R, 1981, 91 min) starts at 7:30pm

The Boogens - (US, R, 1982, 91 min) starts at 9:30pm

Retrofantasma

2007-01-17T11:46:00.000-05:00

This Friday. January 19th, The Carolina Theatere brings back Retrofantasma!

On the schedule is POLTERGEIST at 7:30pm and STRANGE BEHAVIOR at 9:30pm. The tickets are $6.75, and this includes both films.

Below is a link to the trailer for Poltergeist and a link to the Srange Behavior trailer. Hope to see you there!

Poltergeist trailer

Strange Behavior trailer

Last King of Scotland

2007-01-17T11:27:00.000-05:00

A little intense on subject matter, but the Last King of Scotland looks really good. Forest Whitaker alone makes this film worth watching. Below is the trailer for the film and it will be playing in the area at The Rialto starting Friday the 19th through Thrusday the 25th. (Showtimes: Sat/Sun 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:25; Mon-Thu 7:00, 9:25) and Brier Creek 14 at 12:20, 4:05, 7:05, 9:55, and 12:25am.

Old Joy

2007-01-16T14:06:00.000-05:00

Don't know if you missed it at The Carolina or The Colony, but Galaxy Cinema still has Old Joy (The story of two old friends, who reunite for a weekend camping trip in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. Starring Will Oldham and Daniel London, the film features a soundtrack by Yo La Tengo.) playing until Thursday at 1:05, 5:15, and 7:20pm. Below is the trailer.

American Hardcore come to NC

2007-01-16T12:58:00.000-05:00

Below is the trailer for American Hardcore which will be gracing The Carolina Theatre, Tonight - Thursday only at 7:15 & 9:15 p.m. and Colony Theater in Raleigh, Tonight - Thursday at 9:30pm, and Galaxy Cinema in Cary Tonight - Thursday at 3:05 and 9:05pm. This will be a must see!

trailer removed 1/22

A New Look for a New Year

2007-01-10T14:15:00.000-05:00

Hey guys and gals. A new look for 2007 and we think it will be a little easier for you to sift your way through all things Second Cinema.

From our Directory page you can find links to our Blog, our Myspace, the Indem Clause and Release Forms in a zip file, times and days of when the show airs, contact info, and our newest addition, a Videos section. Here we will be uploading some embeded videos from the vault, recent submissions that didn't make the show, trailers, music videos, and a whole slew of kick ass videos.

We're excited about the new year and like always we'd love to hear from you, so drop us a line. Thanks for watching and we hope you have an outstanding new year.

Welcome to 2007 - MERRY NEW YEAR

2007-01-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody, and welcome to 2007.
I sincerely hope that Santa left behind tons of cool stuff for all of you.

I myself was hoping for a new editing system, but that didn't pan out, I guess I was really bad this year....so I'm now trying to make room on an old system for all the projects I started hoping to finish on a new one..what can ya do...???
Well, here is how we've decided to start 2007 at Second Cinema...an amazing interview and an equally amazing short, that combined with our amazing host...amazing viewers and filmmakers and you can officially say it's been an amazing start to the year!!! (can you tell that my New Year's resolution is to be more optimistic?)

First off on the show is our guest Yvette Bikoff. Yvette's career spans over 25 years in the entertainment industry in New York and Los Angeles and she's got quite an eye and mind for talent. Many "big names" in Hollywood today started with Yvette. If you're looking for valuable insight on how to approach the "business of showbusiness" Yvette is the one. A very, very nice lady, and friend of Hilary, it was our honor to have her on the show and I urge EVERYONE, not just actors, to go HERE and check out her website. She's got an Audition Technique Workshop coming up on January 6th 2007 AND a two day seminar planned for South East actors January 13th and 14th. It's great to have Yvette's experience and knowledge in this area, she is a valuable part of our film community! Thanks Yvette!

Ok, up next...our "featured short" stars a "forever favorite" of "Second Cinema" - an amazing actress, and NC native who took time to talk with us just as we were starting out! Of course I'm talking about Sharon Lawrence!! We're very happy to have in our little hands a short film she worked on recently called "Fool Me Once." Directed by Paco Farias...this is a short I'm sure you'll enjoy - amazing production value, great story and actors, it's everything a good short should be. It's one of those I watch the first time for fun, and then again to learn. Check out Paco Farias and his other films HERE, and you can see what Sharon is up to HERE.

(new member of the Second Cinema toy team)

Well that's it for the January 2007 show. There's lots more coming this year!
Matt, Hilary and I are hoping to get out more this year (well Matt and I are, Hilary's always on the go) so let us know if you're shooting or hosting a festival or screening, or if you know of something you think we should focus on. Thanks again for a fantastic year in 2006 and we want to continue to be a friend and supporter of independent film in North Carolina.
Oh, by the way, a couple of notes:

The "X-Gen" team, Sea Shanty Films has a new trailer up for "X-Gen", go HERE to check it out!
The Carolina Theatre is gearing up for the "Nevermore Goth and Horror Film Festival". This is really a one of a kind, prime film festival NOT to be missed by fans. Visit the Carolina HERE for more info.
Also, the Hayti Heritage Center is preparing for their Annual Black Diaspora Film Festival featuring works from local and National African-American filmmakers. The Hayti site is currently down, visit the AOL City Guide site HERE and please continue to check the main site HERE for more info, and make plans to check it out.
That's it for me and the blog....sorry for the delay in website update, we're working out some kinks and hoping to add video and photos soon. If you're using My Space to get your work out, be sure and check out our page, put up your video, exchange friendships..all that good My Space stuff. Get in touch with us josh.johnson@twcable.com or matthew.hayhurst@twcable.com or if you want the "easy on the eyes" contact, visit Hilary at her website HERE.
Best of the year to you all!!!!

Nothing Smells Stronger Than desperation

2006-12-08T15:20:00.000-05:00

.....and right now, Matt's cubicle reeks of that smell, or is that ketchup?
Hi folks, quick update for the end of 2006 here and our December show.
As you may have seen already, we decided after long hours of thought, brainstorming and preparation.....to make the December show a 2006 Best of Second Cinema Extravaganza!!!!!
So, basically we took bits and parts from all our 2006 shows and put them in this one.....
It's a nice look back, and it will give us a change to wrap our brains around all the ideas and suggestions we've had and received for the show in 2007.
We're still accepting submissions for our "contest" for tickets to the Carolina Theatre and their Spotlight series featuring feature film screenings of "Close Encounter of the Third Kind", "2001" and "Alien", why would anyone have a reason to miss such a line-up? So get your work in quickly, and you may find yourself seated for a nostalgic trip on the big screen!
What? You're trying to remember what was "the best" in 2006....only every show of the ENTIRE YEAR!!!!!!!!!
Oh...sorry, quick reminder.....
"The Fort Fisher Hermit" (trailer and interview with Director and Producer - SWEET)
"X-Gen" (trailer and interview with principal actor and writer/producer/creative guru - EXTRA SWEET)
"Saving Shells" - a clip from the film, which can STILL be seen on our myspace page and a clip on the Second Cinema website VIDEODROME section (I just named it that - caught the film over the weekend-CREEPY SWEET)
A nice quickie from Sonny-Boo Productions (FUNNY SWEET)
The trailer from "Torn" (SOULFUL SWEET)
A groovy bit from a Flicker Film Festival favorite(5 times fast) of ours "Austin Roller Disco" (GROOVY DISCO FLY SWEET)
A clip from our good friend Allan Maurer at NC Flix (MAKING THE SCENE SWEET)
A great video from the band Windsor called "Miss You" (ROCK AND ROLL SWEET)
Another interview nugget from Jim McQuaid and Turnip Videos (DAILY DOSE OF VEGGIES SWEET)
The trailer for "Screen Door Jesus" (I GOT THE SPIRIT IN ME SWEET)
A clip from one of our most quoted shorts "The Buddy Cop Show" (I HAVE A MOUSTACHE.....SWEET)
Part of our interview with our good friend Craig Vance, and a quick clip from Ormon Grimsby at Monster Creature Feature (DISCOVERED THE GHASTLY ONES.....SUPER SWEET)
And finally, another favorite here "The Lost Art of the Bottlecap Shot" (THE BEST EXCUSE YOU'VE EVER HAD TO OPEN ANOTHER BEER.......sweet......)
So there it is folks, and let me just say THANKS for checking us out in 2006. We've gotten lots of support from the independent film community, even in places where they can't really get the show! We hope that will continue, and that you will continue to send in your work and encourage others to do the same. YOU ARE THE SHOW!!!!
We're hoping to re-vamp things a bit for 2007, and we want to get out more and meet you, so if you know of a festival, or if you just want to have us over for burgers and beer, let us know.....we're there!!!!!
Hey, our sincere best to everyone as we move into the new year and we look forward to hearing more and seeing more from all of you in the NC film community.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT (now lets get canned on this wine!!!!) YEA!!!!

November

2006-11-14T14:06:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone it's that time of year again. The leaves have changed, the cool air is setting in, and a new episode of Second Cinema has just blown in.

We are back at our home away from home, The Carolina Theatre, for this show. They have a bunch of new programs and event s going on over there so make sure you check them out. This episode we have two great projects in the show.

The first film in November's episode is a short film by SV2 Studios and Stephen Van Vuren entitled Lunatic. It's an artistic look at time, dreams, and "reality". An art piece that has had my attention since I first watched it.

Our feature film for the evening is called Microgravity from Bodhi Leaf Productions. It's a musical journey with musician Anne Cabrera "aboard" the Space Shuttle Columbia.

After hearing of the tragedy of Columbia, Anne was driven by fate, heartache, and inspiration to sit down and pour her heart out through her music. Once she started she couldn't stop.

A wonderful short film about one individual's need to give back, to let the emotions and feelings channel through her and in some way provide meaning and honor to those who gave their lives for the final frontier.

Another episode in the books. If you are interested in having your work seen on the show or if you have any comments, ideas, thoughts on film, and film in North Carolina, drop us a line.

Just give us a click:
Matt or Josh

Now we no you like free stuff, we all do.

Second Cinema is calling for you, our loyal filmmakers of the Triangle and beyond, to send us your most bizarre, your most artistic, your most weird, your most creative work to date. (that can be aired on tv)

The other guys might shoot me for this, but I want to see some diverse material. Shorts dealing with other dimensions, aliens, the otherworld, playing with reality, a higher plane of existence, something that makes me think, that's surreal and blows my mind. I know you have it, and we want it!

What's that? You want something more than state wide exposure?

Fine!

The most artistic and interesting film gets 2 free passes to:

The Spotlight Film Series

Spotlight on Alien Creations:
The Benign, Benevolent and Belligerent

At the Carolina Theatre, January 13th and 14th. The films that will be screened are:

- CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF
THE THIRD KIND

-2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

-ALIENS

The winner will be chosen by the first week of January so send in your films and paperwork today!

Happy Halloween You Film Freaks!!!!!!!

2006-10-16T14:15:00.000-04:00

Hey, it's that time of year again!
Yep, as always, we like to bring you our Halloween Second Cinema filled with lots of fun and spooky stuff, and this October is no exception.
First....very sorry for the delay in getting the show out. Last minute changes, lots of e-mails, endless adventures on the web, a couple of days on the road, 2 cases of beer, four chili dogs and a magical Great Pumpkin Pez dispenser later......and we have the show.
Also - we have an additional evening slot which would be WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT 9PM.....
As many may have noticed, our new and recent shows don't usually air during the day, we pull past shows for that.
So - now you can catch the show Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 9pm on Time Warner Cable's Channel 24!
Our show this October is a jack-o-lantern full of treats, and a few tricks.
First up...a trailer for the film "Grinder" from New Daydream Films. This is the second trailer and is the new one. It's serious horror folks, and bleeds blood in the vein of Texas Chainsaw and Hills Have Eyes.....at least that's what we got from the trailer, have not seen the film yet, but it looks creepy as hell! Hats off to the folks at New Daydream Films - the production value on this is through the roof - dirty, grimy, smelly, ugly.....take a look at the colors and textures in the trailer. New Daydream Films was kind enough to work with us in cutting their new trailer so that we could screen it on the show. When you're ready for the un-edited, full length version of both the first and second trailer - visit New Daydream Films HERE, and the site for "Grinder" HERE, and I suggest you don't visit alone.......
Some really weird things happened on this show. Our intended second segment was interrupted by strange signals, and we spent most of the time trying to figure out what was going on. Turns out we had a visitor bring us a couple of Halloween goodies from Monster Creature Feature.
"Children's Day at the Morgue" - fun, scary, and possibly the most disturbing music video I have ever seen. A new favorite here at the show "Freaks of the Moon" - this is fantastic Halloween horror fun and we appreciate Ormon paying us a visit - and for some reason we've got tons of his laundry in the studio that Hilary brought over, she said everything was clean. You must make your way to the Monster Creature Feature site HERE and get all the info you can about "Children's Day", "Freaks of The Moon" and all the fun in Ormon's crypt! Fantastic show and guy, thanks MCF!
Up next is a GREAT trailer from new friends at Fried Squid Productions. With a name like Fried Squid, how can you go wrong! Their film, "River of Dread" looks like tons of b-movie fun and I can't wait to get a copy!!!! Thanks to Seneca for getting a copy to us with very little notice, and the Fried Squid website is another MUST VISIT, you'll have fun..you know you will! Begin your daily consumption of Fried Squid Productions HERE.
We've also got a new short from our buddy Nick Karner called "Ashes". It's a bit of a break from the Halloween fun, but it's a good film so we wanted to get it to you as soon as we could. Nick once again delivers a solid film and we appreciate him continuing to support the show and share his work with us. And speaking of Nick, we also have footage of our dear Hilary and Dee Wallace during the Q&A session at the Carolina Theater's first installment of the Femme Fatale Series. And you're wondering how Nick fits into all this goodness.....we'll he was the man behind the camera for this event and we once again appreciate him helping us out with the footage. Cheers ol boy!
All and all I would say that this years Halloween show has been a success and we do hope you have fun watching.
Don't forget, we've come down with the sickness that is My Space! Yep, and we're loving it - big thanks to everyone who has become friends and your interest and support. We hope to have a link living on the Blog and the website soon, but for now you can check out the My Space page HERE.
Once again sorry for the delay in getting the show out - but we hope you will let folks know that Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights the Halloween show will be airing, AND we'll be on Monday night the 30th, night before Halloween to get you in the mood.
Thanks again - and may your Hallows Eve be a good one.......

Josh

Will you Please be our Friend?????

2006-09-18T10:11:00.000-04:00

Hey folks, a quick note here...Second Cinema now has it's own MySpace Page so head on over via the link HERE and take a look. Not much there now, but we're hoping to develope it into an on-line MECCA of independent film information and communication for N.C.!!!!
Yea....and we may end up with videos of Hilary loading Mentos into Diet Cokes, but either way, it's gonna be fun!!!!

Second Cinema makes the INDY

2006-09-16T13:49:00.000-04:00

Hilary Russo, host of Second Cinema, during filming at the Carolina Theatre in Durham
Photo by Isaac Sandlin

David Fellerath from the Independent Weekley was kind enough to come visit our July shoot and wrote a fantastic article about the show. The article is in the most current edition of the INDY and can be read online anytime. Check it out here, and thanks again David!

Independent Weekley article on Second Cinema

A little more from Carrboro

2006-09-14T11:41:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, a quick post here on a new contact from Carrboro that just sent an e-mail our way. Charleen Swansea apparently is the brains behind a really cool screening line-up coming to the Carrboro Century Center on October 7th. "Documentary Films: With extra Added Attractions" features some really cool films and as Charleen puts it some "Doosey" attractions.

" I am excited about taking audiences back to the fun it was during the 1950s to watch movies that were accompanied by EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTIONS. In this new series called DOCUMENTARY FILMS WITH ADDED ATTRACTIONS I have put together some wonderful films with some Doosey attractions. "

We're hoping to have Charleen on the show for October, but as you all know our October show is always a little weird....so anything can happen.
Check out Charleen's website HERE - and click on the link at the bottom for more information about the film series.

While I got you here.....or uh.....before you go.....hey wait!!!!!

Anyway, checking out Tar Heel Films, looks like Port City PD is ready to release it's fourth episode tomorrow on the 15th. It's a long awaited installment for those who have been following it on-line. It's the only Internet dedicated series around and it's coming out of Wilmington and gaining much deserved attention. Visit the website HERE and check it out if it's new to you, check out the Blog HERE for news on PC and other stuff in "The Port City", and for those watching, get ready for tomorrow!

Hey, there's LOTS of NEW stuff going on at the NC Film website HERE, if it's been a while sense your last check, head over there. Included in the Pre-Production segment, our good friend Ian from Purple Hayes Productions is listed with a new project "American Macabre" slated for next month.
Another friend from way back, Dilsey Davis is producing a "Spanish language "edu-entertainment" telenovelamini-series" called "Nuestro Barrio."
Check out the post for "Heart Break Rd." coming from A-fri-Ken American Studios. I was contacted by Eric Barstow, who is doing work with this production crew. He did great work for ERMP and we hope to have more on this project and Studio in the future.

A quick jump over to the Southern Documentary Fund site HERE has really interesting news about a film in the works by Rhonda Klevansky, SDF project director, about the marching band at Hillside High School in Durham. She has also brought current students from Hillside into the project, teaching them, over a semester, the theory and techniques of documentary film making, and over they summer they produced their own film "Hillside's Marching Band: Members Past and Present." Check out the info. on this project and other great documentary projects coming from The Southern Documentary Fund.
And as always, if it's Festival Information that you seek, the very best place to start is the NC Flix website HERE.
Ok, I'm tapped out....keep you're eyes toward Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High-Point and places in and West of the Triad. The 48 Hour film project brings fantastic work from a great group of talented film folks in that area and our friends at Turnip Video, SV2, and Hyperactive Entertainment are great places to keep up with the independent film community in that area.
If there's stuff going on that you think we should know about....and don't....let us know at
josh.johnson@twcable.com
matthew.hayhurst@twcable.com

Stay cool

September brings the end of summer, and shotgun shells.

2006-09-07T16:33:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody, it's our pre-October show and our post August show. Summer's out and I really wish I could say either way it was good, bad and/or ugly, but to be honest it felt like it lasted about a week. I'm really starting to believe that I'm experiencing "missing time", or some other weird abduction thing..... Speaking of "missing time," I'm sure you're now starting to slip out of the comatose state this introduction has put you in and are wondering how you get back the last minute and a half of your life.

Up this month, our very special guest is director Kris Bain, who filled the directing shoes for Eno

River Media Productions on their first "in house" short film "Saving Shells."

I'm sure most of you remember our friends at ERMP, we've had a few shorts from them, and even had their CEO and fearless leader Anthony Dowling, on the show for a great interview about the organization. It was great to have Kris on the show, and we wished we had more time to talk with him about this and future projects he's working on. Looking at the film, I'm sure we'll see more from Kris in the future.

After the interview, we've got the film itself. "Saving Shells" is a solid short with a really strong cast of three carrying us through a story that is sometimes familiar, and inherently original. I personally had a real taste of "Twilight Zone" while watching the story unfold.

ERMP backed up the production on this one, and we're really glad to have it on the show.

There are a couple of places you can see it on-line, but I suggest if you find a chance locally to see it, you make plans to do so. They recently had a preview at the Raleigh School of Communication Arts, and I'm sure that was very cool. If you can't catch a screening, check out ERMP's website HERE and you can also find them at YouTube, just search "Saving Shells"

Just another quick mention here on the blog about our dear Hilary.......

She has been asked to host the "Femme Fatale Film Series" at the Carolina Theatre in Downtown Durham.

She'll be there on September 16th for Dee Wallace and for the other dates in October which are,

October 6th, 13th and 20th. Visit the Carolina website for all the details. If you make it out, be sure to say hi to her and let her (and us) know you're watching!!!!!

We also want to help put the word out for a good friend on her new project.

April Mial from Lilac Films is currently working on a STAGE production called "Butterfly Wings: The Play." If you're thinking the stage might be a nice change of pace from the screen, visit the website for Butterfly Wings HERE.

WE NEED YOUR FILMS!!!!

If you got something, are working on something, or are even planning on working on something, drop us a line, let us know, send us a copy! Anything, music videos, documentary shorts, short films of all kinds. Trailers, teasers, clips from longer form films, we're here for you to people!

So let us know!!!! We'd love to have you and/or your work on the show.

Happy September everyone, check us out next month, you know we'll do something freaky for our favorite month and holiday......

Later

Eno River Media Productions Screens Short Film

2006-08-02T09:07:00.000-04:00

Hey folks, a quick post on news I got last night via my connection with the man in charge at ERMP, Anthony Dowling, about their latest short film "Saving Shells."
APD, stopped by the studio here and gave us a private screening, and we were impressed!
A very cool short film, you'll be able to check it out at the Raleigh School of Communication Arts on August 18th at 7:30pm. Now that's a Friday night, so what better time to catch a very cool movie, at an extremely cool location.
Check out the ERMP website for more info, and get out there and support some great local filmmakers and everyone at Eno River Media Productions.
Out

August Show - Carrboro's Festival, and a Lion named Ellis

2006-08-01T10:36:00.000-04:00

This month we were lucky to have, through the good graces of our friend Jim McQuaid at Turnip Video, a great interview with our new friend Nic Beery, who, along with Jim and others have created a new film festival in the area.
The First Annual Carrboro Film Festival is scheduled November 19th from 2pm - 7pm and are taking submissions right at this moment, so once you get finished reading over this blog, and spending your daily, quality time at the Second Cinema website, go HERE to find out more about submitting your work to this great new festival.
Nic is a very cool guy and a passionate film/video maker and we're hoping that we may have some of the films from the festival on the show....we'll see.

Next up are two very good friends of ours from the Carolina Theatre, one you will recognize, the other you will see again.
Jim Carl, Senior Director and Phil Seib, Cinema Operations Manager for the Carolina sat down to talk with us about a couple of really amazing new film series that they are starting.
The first is the Femme Fatale Series, and it's not only bringing four great films to the Carolina, it's also bringing four great actresses to host those films, not to be missed.
Dee Wallace will be hosting "Cujo", Nancy Allen will be hosting "Dressed to Kill", Jessica Harper will host "Suspiria", and finally Adrienne Barbeau will be in attendance to host "The Fog". A great line-up of films starring amazing actresses. I know you want more information so head HERE to get dates, times and other information. Phil and Jim also covered the second film series which will focus more on the technical wizards of film.
The focus of the first new Spotlight Series will Ray Harryhausen a legend in stop motion animation.
Check out the interview with Jim and Phil for more information about these series and more at the Carolina Theatre.
Finally, our film this month comes to us from Russ Brandon, who we think is a teacher at Sterling Montessori Charter School in Morrisville. Russ submitted what we found to be a very touching documentary about another teacher at the school, Mr. Ellis. Mr. Ellis is also in the National Guard, and had been called up for duty in Iraq. The film documents basically a Q&A session about war, with children at the school. It also includes interviews with Mr. Ellis about how he feels before leaving. Even though we've had this film for a while, it's still VERY effective at cutting through all the 24 hour news coverage, and political rhetoric surrounding war in the 21st century and reminds us all of the things that are really important.

No worries Mel....we still love ya and can't wait for
"Lethal Weapon 5: The Passion of Riggs"
See ya next month - send us your films, let us here from you and thanks for watching!

July's Show - "The Fort Fisher Hermit" and " X-Gen"

2006-07-03T12:06:00.000-04:00

Man it's HOT.....

And this picture of Hil looks pretty good to!
(she knows we love her)

Anyway, this month we've got a studio full of good friends and fantastic films.

We're very excited to have Rob Hill and Scott Davis as our first guests in the July show, and if you've been watching for the past several months you know "The Fort Fisher Hermit" has been high on our list of films. These guys have been very busy working on getting this film out, and they've been very kind in letting us be a part of that. We'll now we get to talk to them first hand about one of the most compelling documentaries and stories around.

Two of the nicest guys you could hope to meet, their passion for the film and the entire project are apparent as soon as they start to talk about Mr. Harrill. The reaction to the film, on both coasts, is an example of how the "Hermit's" story reaches far beyond those who knew of his "simple" life in Fort Fisher North Carolina. We encourage everyone to catch this interview and to continue to keep your eyes out for this film. If you have not followed any of our previous posts to the website then click HERE now to learn much more about the film and it's creators.

We want to thank Rob and Scott for taking the time to come up from Wilmington to be on the show and for sharing a clip from the film. Hope to see you both again very soon!

Up next we welcome back our good friends from Sea Shanty Films, Matt Long and David Wilmington to talk about their latest film "X-Gen." Matt Long is actually a veteran guest of Second Cinema - we talked to him in our first year about a film he brought with him from the West Coast and finished called "Waiting." Not long after that he introduced us to David Wilmington and David Brigham, as the three talked about "The Wingnut and You."

Now we have Matt and David Wilmington in the studio to talk about their latest film "X-Gen." The guys picked out a clip from the film to screen on the show and we were able to take a look at the entire film ourselves. Sometimes it's not so cool having just 30 minutes to do the show, because I would love to have this film on. Lots of the locations were right here in Downtown Durham and most, if not all of the actors and crew were NC based as well.

A visually stunning film with characters that are easy to relate to, "X-Gen" shows off the growing talent of this trio in all aspects of independent filmmaking. Check out the website HERE and make it a favorite, you'll want to keep up with what they're into next. Great film guys, we can't wait to see what's next.

And that's it for July folks.

HAPPY 4TH EVERYBODY - STAY SAFE AND COOL

Be sure and catch the show starting Monday, July 3rd at 9pm and then again on Friday at 9pm on Time Warner Cable's Channel 24 in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill,

Thursdays at 6:30pm on Channel 4 in Wilmington

Wednesdays at 10:30pm on Channel 10 in Newport

and on Channel 9 in Charlotte, Thursdays at 3pm.

We've got lots of new ideas in the works for the website to keep an eye on that HERE. Things like vlogs with movie review rants, some great bloopers from Hil and the rest of us, and lots more, including new music, I hope.....right Matt?

Later

Josh

RETROFANTASMA Fan Appreciation Day

2006-06-23T10:56:00.000-04:00

The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is pleased to announce a special RETROFANTASMA Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 22, 2006. This special presentation includes a full day of free films as a thank you to the loyal RETROFANTASMA fan base. The day will kick off with a presentation for the entire family with a screening of Flash Gordon at 4:00 p.m. in Fletcher Hall at the historic Carolina Theatre. Flash Gordon was made in 1980 and is rated PG. Follow the adventures of Flash, a football hero, as he is skyjacked by Dr. Zarkov’s spaceship and whisked away to the planet Mongo. At 6:30 p.m. the presentation takes a turn toward true horror with a screening of Pumpkinhead, filmed in 1989 and rated R, followed at 8:15 by Return of the Living Dead from 1985 and also rated R. The evening ends with a 10:00 p.m. screening of Deadly Spawn, a classic the RETRO fans have been requesting since the series made its debut in 1998. Made in 1983, The Deadly Spawn is a low-budget classic campers-in-the-woods, attacked-by-aliens tale.

This is a special free event open to the public, but tickets must be requested at the box office on the day of show only. The box office will open at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22 for tickets. The box office is located at 309 W. Morgan Street in Downtown Durham. Directions to the theatre are available on the Carolina Theatre website at www.carolinatheatre.org.

Monsters, Trailers and Telemarketers...oh my!

2006-05-31T12:25:00.000-04:00

Hey.....this is actually my second attempt at this post, the freaking power glitched and I lost like the entire blog....stinking electricity, stinking technology, I'd rather be carving out this blog on a cave wall...it couldn't taking any freaking LONGER!
I'm better now......
Ok, let's see I went into some kind of rant about how we were back in the studio after being the guest of Thomas Porter at the Galaxy Theater in Cary. It was a nice time..hope we can get back there soon. We also hope to get back to our favorite theater in Durham, The Carolina Theatre. Lovely place, great folks who have become our good friends.
Anyway, we got to play Key Studio this month with Hil which is always fun.

First up are a couple of trailers.

A few post back we were able to tell you about a fantastic documentary that has been taking the festivals by storm. This month we're happy to have the trailer to "The Fort Fisher Hermit: The Life and Death of Robert E. Harrill."
This compelling and interesting documentary from Rob Hill, Scott Davis, and Common Sense Films is really great. We hope to have them on the show soon and have the opportunity to screen the film itself. For the time being, enjoy the trailer on the show, and make your way to the website HERE, to see more and learn more.

Our second trailer comes to us from Stephen van Vuuren, the considerable creative talent behind SV2 Studios in Greensboro. This trailer is from his latest venture, which he describes as

"an experimental HD short about why we should explore our solar system"

More later on Stephen, he's the man behind our featured short film this month.
For more information about "Outside In" check out the site HERE.

Up next is our interview with an extremely cool guy outta Raleigh...Craig Vance.
Again, several posts back we told you about the upcoming 13th episode of Craig's show Monster Creature Feature. We'll he finally got some time to come on the show and give us the scoop on what he's doing with Monster Creature Feature and show us a few clips. I gotta tell you, this is REALLY cool stuff. If you're like me, you've always been a fan of classic horror, and the old "Chiller Theater", "Elvira", "Joe Bob Briggs Drive in Theater"...o.k. maybe not Jo Bob, but you get where I'm going with this. Craig is doing a great job saving a part of Americana, and he's gaining quite a following.

For folks who live in Raleigh/Wake County, and have cable, you can catch Monster Creature Feature on RTN Channel 10
Thursdays at 1am (which is actually Friday morning)
and Friday nights at 10pm and Midnight (clap of thunder here)
And for some REALLY cool stuff check out first, the website, which is still kind of under construction, but coming along really well HERE.
And then head over to Ormon's MySpace page HERE.
It was great to have Craig on the show and I hope we'll see him again real soon!

UPDATE: Monster Creature Feature is now on in Durham!!! TWC cable Channel 8, Thursday nights (Friday morning) at 2am. Just in time for you partiers as you stumble in.

I can't give you much information about this trailer, other than it's a quick look at the cooperative project that we've been working on with directors we've met through the show.

Our featured short film this month comes from the above mentioned Stephen van Vuuren and is called "Lost Souls." This film was part of the dvinfo.net DV challenge Number 2. They had a week to shoot the film using the theme of secrets. What resulted is, in my opinion, a fantastic short. It's smart filmmaking using dialogue, basic video elements and still images. It's theme and nuances will be familiar to sci-fi fans, but it stands as it's own. To learn more about SV2 Studios and all the really cool projects Stephen is working on visit the website HERE.

To finish up the show this month we have a great short from good friends. Melissa Lozoff and the students a Movie Makers send in "Telemarkter", a funny look at the working life of the poor telemarketer :) It's a great film and our hats are always off to Melissa and everyone at Movie Makers for the great work they are doing, and to the new generation of NC filmmakers!

Before I close this post out I want to also put up this news from the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival about their upcoming 11th Annual Event at the Carolina Theatre. The NCGLFF is a really great festival and has been very good friend to Second Cinema from our beginnings, so please make plans to visit and enjoy some great films in an amazing theater!

THE CAROLINA THEATRE OF DURHAM ANNOUNCES THE 11th ANNUAL NORTH CAROLINA GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL - AUGUST 10 through 13, 2006

Durham, N.C. - The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is pleased to announce THE 11th ANNUAL GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL, Thursday, August 10 through Sunday August 13, 2006. Since its inception in 1995, the North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (NCGLFF) has become the second largest gay and lesbian film festival in the Southeast, attracting as many as 10,000 patrons yearly. This year's festival will feature a diverse array of new films, including shorts, documentaries and feature films that provide a glimpse into the many faces of gay and lesbian life worldwide. The Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau named the NCGLFF a "Signature Event" for Durham, the highest honor bestowed on a cultural event or attraction by the organization. The Carolina Theatre is currently accepting film submissions for the upcoming festival. NCGLFF seeks entries in all categories, including Narrative Features and Shorts, Documentary Features and Shorts, Experimental Features and Shorts, and Animated Features and Shorts, or films that feature gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or intrasexual characters and storylines. The submission form can be downloaded from the festival website at: www.carolinatheatre.org/ncglff. The deadline for submissions is May 5, 2006. There is no fee for submitting a film. The North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival began at The Carolina Theatre in 1995 in association with NC Pride '95. In spite of much ire and opposition, the Theatre stood firm in its mission to serve all segments of the community. The NCGLFF has become a cultural highlight of the summer, showcasing feature films, documentaries and experimental shorts during the course of this four-day event. The 11th Annual North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival takes place Thursday, August 10 through Sunday, August 13 at the Carolina Theatre of Durham, located at 309 West Morgan Street in downtown Durham. Tickets will go on sale in July.

Well, that's about it, thanks for watching the show. Please check out the website if you have a chance, and if you're a filmmaker send us your work, we'd love to have it on the show. The information and the paperwork can be found on the website in addition to our contact information if you want to get in touch with us.

Thanks again

MAY DAY...MAY DAY....MAYDAY -May Show Second Cinema

2006-05-17T11:58:00.000-04:00

We're still hanging out at the Galaxy Theater here in Cary...it's just a cool place to be, what can we say.

This month we're talking with Thomas Porter the marketing director for the theater, and he's giving us all the inside information on the many things offered here, these folks go WAY beyond popcorn and candy! We're talking first run films, foreign films, local independent films. The Galaxy is also your best local connection to Bollywood films as well.
Head over the the website HERE to find out more and pay them a visit when you can.

We also get a great sit down with Kirk Davis, the director of "Screen Door Jesus", which ran for the weekend at the Galaxy. Kirk was kind enough to spend time with us before the preview of the film at the Galaxy and tell us more about the film, what it was like producing it, and the interesting reactions people have had to it. Check out more info about Kirk and the film at the film website HERE.

As always, thanks for checking out the blog. If you're a filmmaker head on over to our website HERE, fill out our submission forms and get your work on the show, we'd love to have it.
Later

J

Monster Road out on DVD

2006-04-03T10:12:00.000-04:00

Hey folks, just passing the word.
Today you can pick up a copy of "Monster Road" on DVD.
An amazing film by two VERY talanted film makers.

From the Bright Eye Pictures website:

"Monster Road is a feature-length documentary that explores the dazzling and fantastic worlds of legendary underground clay animator Bruce Bickford.
Entirely self-taught, the 57 year old Bickford works alone in a small basement studio in his house near Seattle. His films, especially the dark and magical clay animations he created for musician Frank Zappa in the 1970s, have achieved cult status worldwide, even though very little of his 40 year body of work has been edited or released to the public.
Monster Road explores this vast collection of animation, and also presents glimpses of the real life from which his fantastic imaginary worlds sprang."

For more information, a trailer, pictures and your copy, visit Bright Eye Pictures HERE.
Check this out if you don't about it already, a great film!!

J

Get to know The Fort Fisher Hermit

2006-03-31T16:03:00.000-05:00

Quick post here, this film is creating quite a buzz.
First place to go if you don't know the background behind this film is HERE.

The Fort Fisher Hermit; The Life & Death of Robert E. Harrill, a documentary by Rob Hill and narrated by Barry Corbin, explores this unique individual through a series of interviews, photographs and vintage film footage. Common Sense Films of Wilmington North Carolina has spent eighteen months developing a documentary that captures the spirit of this unique individual.

We received a copy of the DVD and are trying to cordinate an interview with the producer and director and screen a few clips on the show. We are VERY excited about doing our small part to get this amazing story and film out there.

I'm sure you will see much, much more about this film and it's creators. Now, leave here and go directly to THIS site to learn much more about this compelling story.

April 2006

2006-03-28T11:15:00.000-05:00

Get a sneak peak at April's episode three days early by tuning in this Friday, March 31st to Channel 24 at 9pm . This episode brings total hilarity and we couldn't hold on any longer. The website has already been updated with all the necessary info for you to get in touch with Aaron Johnson and his rag-tag team over at Pretty Penny Productions. You will notice a new design over at secondcinema.com and you may also notice a very amusing musical intro to the site. To find out what that's all about check out the News and Upcoming Events page or just click here.

This month we had the pleasure of visiting The Galaxy Cinema in Cary. We will be there this month and next and if you haven't been to the theatre, it's quite a treat. The PBR is cheaper than water. So we open and wrap over there, but our feature film is a dozy, filling almost 25min of the show. From Pretty Penny Productions comes Buddy Cop Show!

Any movie that harnesses the line "Brew Dogs and Man Cries" is a movie that we want to see. From Pretty Penny Productions, a South Carolina Production Company composed entirely of students attending the University of South Carolina, comes Buddy Cop Show, Episode 1: The Case of the People Weiners.

Buddy Cop Show, which has been in production since December, 2004, is an action/comedy series comprised of four approximately half-hour episodes which chronicle the misadventures of two police officers: Orville Redenbacher (Bobby Frankenberger): a loose cannon with nerves of steel and a heart of gold, and Carson Daly (Ryan Reynolds): a rookie cop who does things by the book.
Buddy Cop Show was shot digitally on a budget of less than $400.00 and represents the most ambitious project that Pretty Penny Productions has ever attempted. The episodes are entitled "The Case of the People Weiners", "The Case of the Orphan-Eating Robots", "The Case of the Hax0red B0x0rz", and "The Case of the Turd Burglar". "Buddy Cop Show" is directed and produced by Aaron Johnson and written by Bobby Frankenberger, Aaron Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Grant Robertson.

Check out Pretty Penny Productions for more info and check out our website for trailer links, a Season 2 preview, and cut-out dolls. See you next month with a moustache.

WATCH OUT, HERE ARE THE FILMS FOR MARCH

2006-03-08T17:26:00.001-05:00

Here is what we've got for you as a follow up for the films on the show this month. Don't ask about the picture.

A new one in from Gary Lynch called "No More" - it's a neat little film that will take you in several different directions at once, and never look at ketchup and ice cream the same way again.

Also up, a new music video (new to us) from Skylee Entertainment called "Missing You" for the band Windsor, very cool.

And finally a return to one of our favorite films from Joe Shankenberg called "The Lost Art of The BottleCap Shot" - great short if you have not seen it. You to will begin to collect all your bottlecaps after this one.
Our website hipster is back from his globe trotting, so keep an eye on the website, it will have lots more on the films and such.
Cheers

J

Our remote location production unit.....

it's Hil's car.............

March 2006

2006-03-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

Ok folks line up, here's what's "on the menu for this evening"
First let me say that our super-cool web master / world traveler / show producer / Maker's Mark sippin hipster is on assignemt this week, so the website will hopefully soon follow the update that you are now reading on this here Blog...... "dig those yellow shoes!!!"

FIRST UP on our March show is a man with his finger on the pulse of the film community in this area. Mr. Allan Maurer, a major part of the creative team behind ncflix.com, took time to talk with us about his invaluable website, NC Flix, where he hopes to see the site go, and the film community in general. Now I didn't get a chance to meet him in person, but I am a regular at his site, and I can tell you, that if you're looking to stay up-to-date on what's happening in the local film community....this site is a "Favorites" must have! We're talking blog, short film reviews, festival listings, festival coverage, film and film festival book suggestions, past festival reviews, film reviews...and the list goes on. This site is chock-full of local film scene goodness.
Check out the main site HERE
Check out the Blog HERE
Check out the Short Films HERE

Some really good news we've got to pass along. "Second Cinema" received a Bronze Telly Award in the Entertainment catagory(I think). We're all very proud of this and have all of you to thank. Knowing that you're keeping up with the show drives us to always try and raise the bar, so the first and foremost thanks for this is to you.

I received a fantastic e-mail from our good friends at Sea Shanty Films today. These guys have been supporting this show for a long time. We screened "The Wing Nut and You" some time ago and got a great interview with Matt Long, David Brigham and David Wilmington. In addition, "Wing Nut" was screend on UNC-TV's "N.C. Visions" which is a top notch show featuring some of the area's finest filmmakers, no surprise they got some face time there. Well, they've been working hard for some time and it looks like their latest film "X-GEN" is on it's way. Matt and I had the pleasure of crewing one of the shoots for this film, and I for one am VERY excited to see what they've done. "Wing Nut" gave us a quick look at the kind of talent these guys have so
"X-GEN" is one to watch out for.
Check out their new website and zip over to UNC-TV to catch "The Wing Nut and You" on-line if you have not seen it!
Needless to say, keep your eyes on this crew!

Just a quick little list of things I saw going on, if you're looking for a complete list of festivals and news, I once again urge you to NC Flix, they got it.

Retrofantasma's line up through June looks impressive! I've got the films and the dates, I recommend that you visit the Carolina Theatre's website HERE for more details. Don't miss some of these great horror films back on the BIG SCREEN!
March 24th "Hellraiser"
"Chopping Mall"

April 21st "LifeForce"
"Night of the Creeps"

May 19th "Catpeople"
"Q. The Winged Serpent"

June 28th "Shogun Assassin"
"The Sword and The Sorcerer"

While you're there, click on the link for the Jewish Film Series as well. Last year every 4th Monday from February to June you could catch a film in the series at 7:30pm. Follow the link at the main Carolina Theatre Page HERE. I don't know how many updates have been made but if you've never attended there's enough information there to get you started...and I suggest you do.

Full Frame is also coming up at the Carolina. They just burned down their old website, and have a new one going. Confused? So was I the first time I went to the page and saw the flames and read the press conference. As of today (3/2/06) I think the new site is up and running.
Check them out, and make plans to attend the festival in April if you like documentary films.

Speaking of documentary films, I dont' know if we've got a link to this page or not but you should pay a visit to the Southern Documentary Fund website HERE. There you can find a listing of films that the fund has sponsored, current news and projects and more. These folks are behind some really amazing documentarys filmed in and about North Carolina. I urege you to take a look, follow their links and keep up with what they are doing.

OK, my fingers are bleeding now.
Talk to us! If you're coming to be blog and have info that we can pass on, or see incorrect info, or correct info, or anything, we would love to hear from you.
Check back later, I don't have a film listing for the March show, we ran into a few problems with the film we had scheduled. No worries, we'll have something for you.
Stay cool!

J

February 2006

2006-02-15T13:28:00.000-05:00

This month's show highlights Lilac Films and April Mial's latest endeavor, Torn, a continuation of Fall from Grace about a single mother torn between two lovers, while raising her son to become a man. She sat down as guest host for a segment in which she interviews three of the actors from the film followed by a two minute trailer for the film. Make sure to check this out. It's not to be missed. Check out the trailer to Torn here.

We also get to experience some intense rollerskating in Austin Roller Disco, a film submitted to us through Flicker a while back. Also, we get to the bottom of the Scooby Doo Conundrum, another Sonnyboo original.

Remember, if you have a short, trailer, music video, experimental film...we want it. Pick up a release form from our website and mail it, along with your film to us here at Second Cinema.

Episode January 2006

2006-01-24T15:51:00.000-05:00

Well it's the new year and we survived another one. Sorry about the delay in the updates, but it has been crazy around here. This month's episode Second Cinema had the pleasure of sitting down with Turnip Video's Jim McQuaid to talk about some of their projects and his film, Dead Artist.

Turnip Video is, "Organized by Jim McQuaid, "Turnip" is a loose co-op of folks that includes some serious about filmmaking and some serious about having fun and few who aren't serious at all. There's no membership form, there's no cost. Anyone who helps out with more than one project is considered a member. The group includes people in college and people with kids in college."

Check them out!

"Dead Artist, is a story about a high school kid devoted to his hard-to-take art and the rejection he suffers because of it. He decides to take drastic action and his path intersects with a girl he's never met, from his school. Her reaction will determine his future."

"Dead Artist was created by Spike Mayer and Jim McQuaid. Work on the script began in late 2001. Production happened in mid to late 2002 and the first edit was released in March 2003; a subsequent and final version was released around Christmas, 2003. Dead Artist is a serious, no-budget project that has been shown at six film festivals and events. Running time: 12 minutes."

This month we also previewed the trailer for The Midnight Special. The film is produced and directed by Patrick Prejusa and his company, Whether to Weather. Make sure to check out both of the links above.

See you next month.

Monster Creature Feature going strong in Raleigh

2005-12-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to jump in and put a post up about a great new show in Raleigh from some new friends of Second Cinema.
"Monster Creature Feature" is a new show that hit Channel 10 in Raleigh in September '05' and is going strong. We were lucky to talk to the producer of the show, Craig Vance as he began developing the idea early on.
Well, Craig got back in touch with us recently to catch up and let us know that the show is going and they're coming up on their 13th episode!
For anyone who watches Second Cinema, you know how much fun we have on the Halloween show, because all things ghoulish and undead are very close to my heart.
Once I found out about "Monster Creature Feature" I instantly wanted to help out. It's a fantastic tribute to the old "Moster Feature" shows that I grew up with, and that we all know and love. So far "Monster Creature Feature" has presented films like "Night of the Living Dead" and "The Brain That Wouldn't Die."
I encourage everyone checking out this blog, who lives in Raleigh to check out this show if you're a fan of vintage horror.
Twist your tube on Friday night at 10pm to channel 10 for those with cable and check out
"Monster Creature Feature." We hope to have much more with Craig and what he's doing with the show in the near future on Second Cinema.

Just another quick note along these lines, we talked with Jim Carl on the show several months back about The Nevermore Goth and Horror Film Festival, which is now schedule for February 2006, used to be in January. So check out the Carolina website HERE and be sure you clear your schedule for that festival....very.....very cool scene!

Also want to throw out some information on another amazing festival coming in February, from the Hayti Heritage Center. The Black Diaspora Film Festival will run from Thursday, February 10th through Sunday, February 13th. This festival is one of a kind featuring amazing work from established and emerging filmmakers in African American Cinema. Check out Hayti's website HERE and make plans to spend some time at this festival!

Finally, there is a new production going on in Wilmington that looks full of potential.
"New Water" is scheduled to be out in 2006 and from the information on the website there are already offers from networks. It looks like an interesting show taking full advantage of NC's amazing seaside. Check out the "New Water" site HERE for details, pictures and a clip from the show!

That's all for now....happy holidays, see ya in the New Year!

J

December Second Cinema

2005-12-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! We hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We're still recovering from all that Turkey. We hope you enjoyed the new look. This month though, we were on location at The North Carolina Kids Theatre, in Durham, to interview director, producer Andy Lane. Check out the films we are airing below and make sure to watch the latest episode of Second Cinema...enjoy!

From Matt Maloney, another excellent animated short titled Hunted 1. A humorous tale of 4 creatures made of found objects. Funny at first watching, amazing the second time around when you realize all the work that went into making this film. Great work as usual from Matt.

Matthew Maloney

We had a chance to sit down with famed producer/director Andy Lane for his take on independent film here in North Carolina his advice for filmmakers, and his role with the NCSA. We thank Andy for his time and hope you guys enjoy what he has to say. Andy has worked on Valley Girl, Night of the Comet, and Lonely Hearts to name a few.

From Calvin Roberts, Eyesight Films, and Eno River Media Productions comes Jump Ground. A story about one individual trying to escape the horrors surrounding the Global Tracking Implants Bill. A very real and well thought out short. We hope to see more from this team in the future.

Panic Struck Productions

2005-11-16T13:01:00.000-05:00

Our friends over at Panic Struck Productions asked us to pass along a link to their latest project, a music video for Holland Gedney. Check it out here.

Bearded Child Film Festival

2005-11-14T13:17:00.000-05:00

Jim Haverkamp asked me to pass along this information about the Bearded Child Film Festival. Josh and I are going to try to attend, but I have a shoot until around 10:30/11pm, so it may be late. Here is all the info. Try to make it if you guys can.

"Monday, Nov 21 at 305 South in Durham--it's a showing of the "Best of the Bearded Child Film Festival," which shows weird shorts from all over, including a new one of mine. Films start at 8, then there will be a couple of bands. Please forward to the film fans around here you know too--it would be great to have a good turnout." - Haverkamp

The web site of the venue is here, and for the Bearded Child Film Festival is here

November 2005

2005-11-03T10:53:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a chance to check out the new site over at secondcinema.com. It's a work in progress, so updates are going to be often. There is a Gallary with pictures from past shows and shoots, a page devoted to our monthly films, contact info, times and stations, and the forms nessecary to get your films shown on the show. In the coming month we will be adding our Links page, a past shows (highlights) page, and possibly video clips and trailers. So be on the look out!This month we were back in the studio and it was nice to get back inside infront of the green screen for a change. We have a new look and we hope you like it!

This month we had a sneak peak at an upcoming film by Nick Karner entitled Paid to Play. It's a look inside the world of actors and what they must endure to showcase their artform. It looks great and we can't wait to see the film.

Our feature film this month is Smoke Crazy from Brian Rainey and Jailhouse Tattoo Productions. A sorted tale of lost love, perversion, and tobacco abuse. You got to love it. Brain had this to say about his film,

"SMOKE CRAZY has been a labor of love for many years. Since it was originally edited I would periodically think of what I would do differently if I had the time and equipment. This year, I decided to sit down and make SMOKE CRAZY the movie I always thought it could be." -Brian Rainey

Brain has since started another production company, entitled Red Apple Dog Bark Productions. The original version of Smoke Crazy was reviewed by Independent Video magazine in '92 and you can access that here. We hope to get more work from Brian in the future and make sure to check out his website for photos, video, and fun facts.

New website

2005-10-20T10:09:00.000-04:00

secondcinema.com is now under construction, say hello to secondcinema.org which is now the address for our blog - http://secondcinema.blogspot.com/

You are already here! We are using this site to update you with the latest info on Second Cinema and to provide you with the info for our monthly shows. Due to some issues with our current site, we are relying on the blog for the time being. If you need the forms through this weekend (October 20th - 25th) just shoot us an e-mail and we'll get you what you need.

That being said, the release forms are currently OFFLINE. (EDIT: 10/21/05- The forms are NOW BACK ONLINE. Just click on release form on the side and indem form and print them both and send them in with your work. Still updating the website, but it is up so make your choice, secondcinema.org or .com. Thanks eveyone for your understanding. We will be updating the site with past shows and contact info....so stayed tuned) We are working to get this situation resolved as soon as possible, but until then please email us, Matt or Josh, and we will send you the forms via email. Sorry for any inconvenience, but please bear with us.

Hope everyone is enjoying our October show and the replays of "classic" Second Cinema during the day.

We have a big year planned with colaborations with Jim Haverkamp, Ian Brett Hayes, and Dave Liberstien, so stay tuned and keep watching and sumbitting your work!

October's Show

2005-10-12T16:36:00.000-04:00

Goblins and Ghouls and Second Cinema. Three things that are synonymous with October. You know how we like to theme it up and this month we have a Vampire flick, a Boogeyman picture, and a Lynchian tail viewed through the mind of a quadriplegic. A great show for sure...so sit back and enjoy this month's Second Cinema.

First on the show we screen Natural Selection, from director Charles Card. Now we showed this trailer last Spring and have been holding on to this gem for this month's show and it pays off big. One man's plight with being a creature of the night.

Next we have Breakfast with Bob, a twisted tail that blurs the line of reality and the imagination. Unable to function in the real world, Bob creates a world all his own. Enjoy Breakfast with Bob, a Blue Disc Visions production.

We follow up with Gary Lynch's Boogeyman in the Barn. We have screened a few films from Gary and when we saw this one, we atomatically put it in the Oct. pile. A short dealing with a woman facing her fears in search of the Boogeyman...Drop that bottle of Jack and flick that smoke and join her in the barn.

Lastly we get a taste of kungfu with the trailer for The Dragon Must Sleep. I could try to explain it here, but my suggestion is just to watch it.

Thanks again to everyone who watches and enjoys the show. Please tell others about Second Cinema. We are planning alot for this next year so stay tuned.

Next month...bloopers and more

September Second Cinema is singing and dancing!

2005-09-06T15:37:00.000-04:00

Don't ask me about the title....I don't know...it just sounded good in my head, guess it should have stayed there huh?
Well hey, don't let the title fool you, the September "Second Cinema" is one of our best we think.
We've got more music videos, some returning music videos, an amazing short and an even more interesting interview with the man behind the short, plus a really cool q and a with Jim Carl and Matt Pennachi of the Carolina Theater. Here's a quick rundown of our Kung-Fu this month....

First up is one of our favorite bands Farewell with their song "Kelly Green."
Now..... we screened this video from Dave Liberstein and Hyperactive Entertainment
last month but it was after one of our longer films and we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to see it...plus it's damn good.
Check out Dave and Hyperactive Entertainment HERE
And, really...if you like the song...swing by the bands website HERE
and pick up the album.

Next up, a long over due session with Jim Carl and Matt Pennachi of the Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham NC. Jim and the Carolina took us under their wing very early in the history of this show and love them all. When we're not on location somewhere, we usually make ourselves at home in Cinema 1 and it's an amazing and inspiring place to produce this show.
It's also an amazing place to catch a movie. On top of that, it may be one of the only places to catch a screening of old 70's and 80's horror and sci-films like "The Fog" or "Escape from N.Y.".
We talked to these guys about their AMAZING monthly series Retrofantasma, along with a couple of other festivals going on like Escapism and Nevermore Goth and Horror Film Festival. Amazing, amazing stuff that we just love....well I love it anyway, so if it's your cup of tea, get over to the Carolina's website HERE and find out when, where and how.

Next up, a new friend we made at the Raleigh School of Communication Arts.
Matt Maloney invited us to visit his studio and take a look at his amazing talent for puppet filmmaking. Honestly, Matt is a great guy just to hang out with, we could have talked with him all afternoon. His puppets are works of art and his films are another extension of his artistic ability, amazing work that Matt is doing. In our "Digital Circus" show we had a chance to screen the trailer for "The Anchorite". Matt hopes to finish the film soon and we're all looking forward to seeing it. We really appreciate Matt's hospitality and hope to see and spend more time with him in the future.....a very cool guy.
We also were able to screen "King Rust", one of Matt's earlier films.
You can contact Matt at
puppetfilm@hotmail.com

Finally, to top out the show a music video that was submitted by ERMP.
The band is called The Know and the name of the song is "White Collar Riot". There are like, Female Roller Derby fights in this video.....need we say more!
The video was directed and produced by Justin Bernard
edited by Pete Bell with camerawork by
Justin, Pete, Bob Shapp and Greg Hawking.
Another really cool music video from a group here in the Triangle.
If you want more information about the band, or the video
contact Justin HERE!

As always, if you have an independent short film or film trailer, music video or anything, visit our website HERE and get all the contact info. to get your work on the show.
All our thanks to everyone watching and everyone who is submitting work and talking with us.
Next month should be fun! You know we always look forward to torturing Hilary for Halloween!

Our best,
Josh & Matt

In the words of marvin gaye...what's going on!

2005-08-17T16:21:00.000-04:00

Port City Animation Festival is coming next month, on September 16-18th, to Wilmington,NC.

"The Port City Animation Festival is a non-competitive showcase of independent animated films. While we don't offer fancy awards, we only show the ones we really like. That means that if your film is selected, you win. There is a lot of animation going on, but not many places to watch and enjoy it with other people. Sure, you can watch a handful of cartoons on TV or huddle around a computer monitor and watch cartoons on the Internet, but there's really nothing like watching movies at a theater.The screenings are held at The City Stage Theatre in Wilmington's historic district located on the Cape Fear River. For driving directions, go here." website

Flicker is back at the Cat's Cradle this month on Monday, August 29th. Doors open at 8:00pm, show starts at 8:30pm. For more info visit Flicker.

And the ladies at Heroine Films have been hard at work on a feature film they are working on called Dog Days of Summer, that's being filmed in Edenton, NC. On the 10th of this month they were kind enough to say a few wonderful words about Second Cinema...

"We have the SECOND CINEMA interview on mini-dv and will uploading it and launching on teh website in the next couple of weeks. We'll let you know...The crew at Second Cinema rock our worlds and did and AMAZING job cutting the segment together. Thanks again, Second Cinema...the Heroine's love you..."

Thank you all very much. We had an amazing time shooting the interview and wish you success in all you do. -M,J, &H

If you haven't had a chance to catch Second Cinema's interview with the Heroines, please check out their website since they will be posting it for download.

Hope eveyones doing great and hope you had a chance to catch the show this month. Next month we'll be talking with animator Matt Maloney, visiting his studio, and showing some of his work. We also hope to sit down with Jim Carl to talk about the upcoming festivals at the Carolina Theatre.

Please drop us a line sometimes to let us know what you think of the show or if you have any ideas or topics. You are who the show is for and if we can target some areas we haven't touched on let us know. Thanks for watching...

The Summer Blazes On

2005-08-03T09:06:00.000-04:00

SECOND CINEMA IN AUGUST 2005

Well it's offically August and after a bit of a break from the 100 + heat here in central NC, we're climbing the temp. gauge AGAIN! Nothing better to do on a searing hot summer day, than sit inside the cool comfort of an AC room and watch a movie. This month we're finally taking the time to screen a film submitted some time ago. "Vignette", produced by Mint Julip Productions is a charming tale brought to life with amazing costumes, period cars and locations.
As far as we know, there is no website for Mint Julip Productions, but if you would like to contact them you can send an e-mail to:
mintjlp@meckcom.net
It's been told to me recently that Mint Julip is in the planning stages of another film, so keep your eyes open for more work from this group.

Second up this month is a band outta Greensboro by the name of "Farewell". The video to their song "Kelley Green" was produced by our friends at Hyperactive Entertainment. This is the second video from Hyperactive Entertainment and they just keep getting better and better. I gotta be honest here and say that thanks to Hyperactive, "Farewell" is one of my new favorite bands...."Kelly Green" is a really cool track!
Check out the bands website HERE
Visit Hyperactive Entertainment and watch the video HERE

Also want to mention again our favorite Heroines at Heroine Films. We were all really impressed with these film makers and greatly enjoyed having them on the show....hope to have them back real soon to talk about the completion of thier film "The Gladdest Thing." In case for some reason you missed the July show, the Heroines have a trailer for thier yet uncompleted film and are looking for help. If you can offer finances or services to this cause we strongly urge you to. It's a cool project with a great message of empowerment for all women....and that's a good thing. We're very glad that we could help out in our own way and encourage all viewers of the show, and visitors to this blog to check out what they're doing and do what you can to make "The Gladdest Thing" complete.
Our best to our favorite Heorines.......Cheers!

That's about it for now, lots coming up in the fall. If time permits today, I'll be back with a festival post. We're hoping to have for next month an interview with Matt Maloney, and a return to the Carolina Theater just in time to catch up with Jim Carl and talk about Retrofantasma, the Escapsim
Film Festival in October and our favorite....Nevermore Goth
and Horror Film Festival.
Stick around

J

Here's to the Miracle Worker

2005-07-20T16:56:00.000-04:00

Sad news today.
James Doohan passed away today at the age of 85.
Our best to his family.
We'll miss you Scotty!

J

James Doohan
March 3, 1920 - July 20, 2005

A few Festivals for your Films

2005-07-20T13:04:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to give a heads up on some festival action taking place.
I'm sure it's just two of many but we do like to share here on the SC Blog.

First up the Real to Reel Film Festival.
Sponsored and produced by the Cleveland County Arts Council
this will be the 6th Annual Festival for Real to Reel.
It starts TODAY, July 20th and runs through July 23rd. To late for submissions, but if your in that area, should be a good festival to check out.
They kind of share the same sentiment as Second Cinema toward independent film makers to..

"help you make the most of your screening and to create as much exposure for your film as possible.The Real to Reel Film and Video Festival offers a great opportunity for students, amateurs and professionals alike to exhibit their work and garner award winning name recognition. "

They accept all kinds of stuff, from filmmakers, video producers, animators, digital artists of all types and skill levels. Sounds like a really cool place to send work and check out what other folks are doing.
Visit the website for more information HERE or HERE

Second on the plate, and one dear to our heart is the NCGLFF!
For those not in the know yet, that's the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
I'm sad to say that Second Cinema will not be there this year and we have nobody to blame but ourselves because the NCGLFF has always welcomed us. One of the first festivals we attended as a show was the NCGLFF and it was amazing!!! Everyone was SUPER nice, tons of directors sat down to talk with us and we were treated VERY well. This is a great festival at the Carolina Theater and we encourage EVERYONE who loved independent film to attend. Good films and great people make for a really fun time at the NCGLFF.

The festival runs August 11th - 14th and is held at the amazing Carolina Theater in Downtown Durham.
Check out their website for more information HERE

Enjoy

J

The Sounds that Saved Our Day

2005-07-07T13:08:00.000-04:00

If you've been watching the show at all, or even if you have only seen it a time or two, I'm sure you can't help but notice the super trashy rock and roll music behind the opening and during the breaks. And if you are like me the first time my ears were filled with this sound, you must know who's behind the music. They have been a part of the show from the beginning and have always supported us. They are always listed on the credits, we've had a music video from them and if plans work out, we'll be doing a show from their ranch next year.
Jimmy and The Teasers......
Now I would love to impress you with my off the beaten path musical insight, but I've known Jimmy for more years than I can remember and have seen many incarnations of his rock and roll vision. Through good times and bad he's been faithful to the music he loves the most and you just gotta respect the hell out of that....plus, he plays like nobody's business.
He gave me a call 6 years ago and told me he was playing in a little dive in Burlington NC and I should come check out the new band. I was sold at the first chord, and have been a fan from day (night) one. Not only do I dig the music, but I'm fortunate enough to know the people in the band, and they're all good folks.
If you like rock and roll with a rockabilly feel but a no bones, no apology, in your face, rock sound, you're missing it if you have not seen this band.
Check out their website HERE. Lots more information on the band than I can give here. They also have some mp3's and a couple of videos. They have recently restructured and have new bandmembers, I can't wait to check them out. They keep an up-to-date events schedule, CHECK IT OFTEN, and if they're playing near you....go see them. Outside of that we will try to keep them in and around "Second Cinema" for as long as they want.
Jimmy and The Teasers....check them out today!!!!!

J

Let The Monkey Make You Famous

2005-07-07T10:27:00.000-04:00

Hey folks, our good friend and one time co-host Gadget Monkey had let us in on a little inside information. It's big news in the entertainment world and will be of great importance to those of you in the "acting" industry. Gadget Monkey is starting up a new show and he needs a HOST. Now I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that he's looking for a female host. This didn't come stright from the monkey's mouth, but I've met this Ape and I know he appreciates the company of the Ladies......and cheep beer.
At any rate, here is the chance of a lifetime for anyone looking to work in front of the camera and I'm sure it will be one hell of a good time for whoever wins the prize.
The best place to start is HERE to contact the primate himself. If you're one of the fortunate and are into Gadget Monkey, check out his new installment as he attempts to sell a grilled cheese sandwitch on Ebay, and if you have no idea who or what Gadget Monkey is, then do yourself a big favor and go HERE right now!
Ok ladies.....here is your chance to be a part of something big....hairy....and um.....red.

J

Heroine of the Week!

2005-07-02T19:05:00.000-04:00

What an honor and a priviledge to bestow on Second Cinema. The wonderful ladies over at Herroine Films have given us their stamp of approval by making us Week #11's Heroine of the Week.. Thank you all very much. It means alot to us and I hope that you are pleased with the show. I said it to everyone before, but I will say it again, help Heroine Films produce The Gladdest Thing. It is a great project and if you can help them out, in any way, I know they would greatly appreciate it.. Check out the trailer in this month's show or by clicking here. Thanks again Mel, Amanda, and Alex...SC

July's Show

2005-06-30T20:24:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. We hope you are having a great summer so far and have been working on new and exciting projects. We're planning one of our own, but more about that later. Onto the show!

This month's show is fantastic. First we had a chance to speak with the lovely and talented ladies of Heroine Films. They sat down in studio and shared with us what they have been doing lately and talked about The Gladdest Thing.
After our conversation, we had the pleasure of screening the trailer for The Gladdest Thing. What a great looking film! These girls know what they are doing, now lets help them get this film made. Visit them online here, their blog here, and view the trailer here. Thanks again Mel, Amanda, and Alex. We had a great time!

Next we spoke with ERMP founder and director, Anthony Dowling. ERMP is a non-profit organization that focuses on producing television shows here in the triad.
We discussed their two most popular shows, Insight NC and Barchords and got a sneak peek at both of them. Check out ERMP here.

These awesome interviews are followed by Randomity by Julie Hockenberry. This short is a perfect balance of art, music, and imagination. Dream-like in everyway and extremely good.

We're closing the show this month with a great looking trailer from director Tony Treloar entitled KAIDAN. Tony is currently looking for actors and can be reached at Tjt138@aol.com

We hope you enjoy this month's episode and drop us a line some time. Thanks for watching!!!

Update

2005-06-24T12:13:00.000-04:00

We just finished editing July's show and it's a good one! So keep your iris open on July 1st at 9pm for the Second Cinema airing in the Triangle. For the rest of you guys in the state, mailings of the show will be sent out next week to their respective channels and will begin airing as soon as possible. Just want to say thanks to everyone who watches the show, has submitted work (we will get to everyone, trust me), and has, and continues to support all of our efforts. Thanks.

2005-06-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

Got Heroine?

2005-06-17T19:33:00.000-04:00

We do! Second Cinema had the pleasure of siting down with the girls from Heroine Films yesterday. Their interview, in which we discussed the success of Heroine Films and their project, The Gladdest Thing, will air during the month of July. So be on the look out for a full update about our session and make sure to watch July's episode of Second Cinema. Check out their site here and please do what you can to help them out. M.

Walking the "Highwire '05'" at the Digital Circus

2005-06-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

It was one of those mornings......
Running late, 101 things to do and 50 more by lunch.
In a rush, I'm driving down 540 on my way to North Raleigh, with one cell phone to each ear trying to fix things....so I thought.
But, as I walked through the front doors of the Raleigh School of Communication Arts, and the cool A/C breeze (which contains a hint of electronic ozone from all the SWEET hardware they have there)all my chaos drifted away sitting in the fully digital HD surround sound theater. We were lucky enough to arrive to catch some of April Mial's work on the big screen (lilacfilms.com) and then we were invited to take the stage. Joined by Hilary, we were given the attention of everyone in the theater and had an opportunity that doesn't come along too often.
We were able to stand and talk about "Second Cinema", it's beginnings and two year history to a group of industry professionals, alumni from the school, instructors and students....the very people who's work will keep the show going.
It was a very cool affair and we were happy to be there. In addition, Matt and I cut together a five minute clip featuring some of the films and interviews that we have had in the past, and it was REALLY cool to see that on the big screen and through the sound system. Breakfast was offered (which I missed)and lunch was served (which I also missed) but it's just an example of how top notch these folks are.
We had the chance to talk to some old friends at Lilac Films and Eno River Media Productions and make some new ones.
Big...Big credit goes out to everyone at the Raleigh School of Communication Arts for our first presentation. They're really good folks and they have an amazing school. Check them out on-line at their website.

J

June's Show

2005-06-02T18:38:00.000-04:00

Our first film this month is Picture Perfect from Bain Productions and Team Fire Entertainment. The film stars Juan-Carlos Guzman, Fanny Slater, and Amanda McDavid. Beginning with his first day home in six months, this soldier has more than a welcome kiss waiting for him.

Our second film this month is SLEEP, directed by Gary Lynch. Follow the deceptive story of a group of “so called” friends and their hidden agendas. Love, lust, and murder, another thriller by our friend Gary Lynch. Gary Lynch can be reached at GL001@aol.com

Albert Mason, a Durham native, who has worked in 2d, 3d, and CGI animation, sat down with SC to discuss his work in independent film. He has worked on such movies as The Polar Express and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. A really cool guy with loads of info on animation and the world it encompasses. Albert can be reached by email at albimason@yahoo.com.

Has Hollywood really run out of ideas???

2005-06-01T17:47:00.000-04:00

Ok, this is just a quick post to put my thoughts out, not that anybody is reading...
but I'm beginning to believe that Hollywood has really run out of original ideas...or at least the ability to try and think originally. This is not something that has just happened either, it's been getting worse over the years. It seems like the success of "comic" based films has taken the industry in a direction that equates to nothing more than a mad dash to revive lost franchises and television shows. Now I don't want to talk out of both sides of my mouth here, and I'll be the first to admit that I loved the first "Batman" film, I own a copy of "Spider Man" and am actually considering going to see, or at the very least renting "Fantastic 4", but come on already!!!! When can we expect the smurifn' Smurf movie, or the "Hawk Man" movie, or "Starblazers: The Live Action Movie starring Tom Cruse as Wildstar" (that might actually be cool without Cruse). Anyway, I'm wondering if Hollywood is out of original ideas....or an even more etheric questions, are there any original ideas left to have? Has it really all been done before? Some say yes..some say no....

J

June Events

2005-06-01T10:28:00.000-04:00

Retrofantasma, a monthly film series of double features created by the Carolina Theatre of Durham and dedicated to bringing classic horror movies back to the big screen in 35mm, is scheduled this month for Friday, June 17th, beginning at 7:30pm. The two films this month are City of the Walking Dead and Burial Ground. Visit the Carolina Theatre's website for more info and check out the fan site here.

Also, don't forget about the Hi Mom! Film Fest this weekend, June 3-5 and Flicker on June 13th.

Hope you guys are liking this new outlet. If you have any news or info on where your film is being screened or about upcoming festivals or events, please leave us a comment or send us an email. News about June's show in the next day or so...

48 Hour Film Project

2005-05-24T15:03:00.000-04:00

THE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT - GREENSBORO
July 22-25, 2005
DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 24
2005 Tour Bigger Than Ever!
The 48 Hour Film Project, the first and biggest of the timed film competitions, brings filmmaking teams together to make a movie from scratch — teams write, shoot, edit and score original music — all in just 48 hours.

For more info check out their website.

Hi Mom! Film Festival

2005-05-22T14:03:00.000-04:00

8th Annual Hi Mom! Film Fest
June 3-5, 2005, Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC

Visit them online for more info.

30 years of inspiration

2005-05-19T10:12:00.000-04:00

It was stated in the beginning of the blog that it would be used as a sounding board for information on the local independent film scene. But, I cannot let this day pass without paying tribute to a man and a story that has been in my life from age 4.
I know today is full of blogs, message board, websites, news about the final chapter in the "Star Wars" story, and before you scream out loud about how "sick" you are of all things "Star Wars" take a moment and think about all the things it and it's creator Mr. Lucas have given to the industry of film. THX sound design is now a major fixture in not only motion pictures, DVD's, video games, and home entertainment system, it's also added to the entire audio recording industry both entertianment and industrial. Mr. Lucas amazed us in '77' with detailed ship models and motorized cameras for fluid motion and realistic flying sequences. But every innovative technique discoved in the halls of Industual Light and Magic was spread into the motion picture industry to change the look and feel of all films. Games design, animation, CGI you name it, Lucas has had a hand in it.
Major, major props should be also handed out this day to the amazing and creative team of people who have always surrounded Lucas and in their own right have added to the innovation. Phil Tippit took traditional animation into digitial animation with amazing results. John Williams stands alone with not only his score for all the Star Wars Films but many.....many more including the score for "Jaws" which is still a scar on the psychie of most folks when they dive into the ocean. Frank Oz who brought to life our favorite little green Jedi Master....and the list goes on and on and on. There is a lot of fun that surrounds "Star Wars" and a lot of fun made of those who think so much of it. That's o.k. - my point in this entire thing is just to say thanks. I don't expect anybody (other than one person) to read this, but I do feel it necessary to, in my own little corner, send out a note to Mr. Lucas and to anyone and everyone who has worked so very hard, for so very long to breath life into a universe far, far away that has been a constant, comforting, inspirational and moving "force" in my life for over 30 years.
Thanks for keeping the kid in me alive!

Flicker info

2005-05-18T16:38:00.000-04:00

Just in case you guys and gals don't subscripe to their newletter or haven't checked out their site

The 2nd Annual Attack of the 50 Foot Reels . This year’s theme: FIGHT THE POWER!

1. Anyone who would like to make a Super 8 film is invited to bring
their talent and ideas to 916 Sedgefield St. in Durham at 10am on
Saturday May 21st. (e-mail flickerfestival@fastmail.fm for driving
directions)

2. For an entry fee of $12, filmmakers get a roll of Super 8 color
film. If they do not have their own camera they will be paired up with
another crew or given a camera to borrow for the day. (The limited
spare cameras will be given out on a first come first served basis.) All
editing must be done “in camera” which means that they have to shoot
their film in the order they want to see it. Again, this year's theme:
FIGHT THE POWER!

Screening of the projects will be on Monday June 13th at the Cat’s Cradle at 8:30pm. For more info on Flicker and Attack of the 50' Reels check out their website
...SC

Digital Circus

2005-05-16T22:02:00.000-04:00

This month Second Cinema had the pleasure of visiting the North Carolina School of Communication Arts in Raleigh. We interviewed Debra Hooper, the school's director, and talked with a few instructors and got a first hand glimpse into what the students have been working on. Hope you have caught the show by now, but if not check out our website for the listing in your area. Also check out the school's website and learn more about the Digital Circus.

LYNCH DV

2005-05-16T21:48:00.000-04:00

StudioCanal is behind the upcoming project from David Lynch entitled INLAND EMPIRE. He has apparently been filming for 2 years on the project and the best part is that it is shot entirely on digital video. "I started working in DV for my Website, and I fell in love with the medium. It's unbelievable, the freedom and the incredible different possibilities it affords, in shooting and in post-production." Lynch continues, "For me, there's no way back to film. I'm done with it. I love abstraction. Film is a beautiful medium, but it's very slow and you don't get a chance to try a lot of different things. With DV, you get those chances. And in post-production, if you can think it, you can do it."

Thought you guys might like this...M.

Just Another Smurfin' Blog

2005-05-12T19:50:00.000-04:00

Second Cinema's very own webspace - Where we can let you the viewer know what is going on with the show, the latest happenings in our film community, and random thoughts from our producers. This is a way that we can communicate with you on a more regular basis and we hope that this can be an entertaining and informative outlet. We will update this site as much as possible and we encourage comments, especially if they are to let our readers know of upcoming events, festivals, and screenings.

We are trying to do our part, in helping the growing film community, by providing state-wide exposure for filmmakers to come on the show and/or screen their work. If you would like your film/video shown on Second Cinema, visit the website , download & fill out the forms, and send them in. If you have ideas for the show, you can email us, call us, or post a comment here. Hope this journal will provide yet another way we can get to know our audience and help get your work out there...