Here is the complete schedule of events for the 2013 Lake Placid Film Forum.

We’re hoping it doesn’t change because it is only the two of us here and we’re not sure how we feel about cloning. 

Whitewash, starring Thomas Haden Church will be the closing night film for the Lake Placid Film Forum, Saturday, June 15 at 9:30pm in the newly converted digital theater at the Palace.

It was a colossal hit at the Tribeca Film Festival and here is Holly Voges describing it: 

The brutality of winter and the power of the mind are aptly portrayed in this dark comedy starring Thomas Haden Church. Bruce is lost. His wife has died and he lost his job. He is merely trying to survive a harsh Canadian winter when he meets Paul and only too late realizes the newcomer is more than he appears. When conflict leads to a death, Bruce finds himself even more isolated in the forests of Quebec, grappling with guilt and creating a prison from which he cannot escape. 

Director Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais co-wrote Whitewash with Marc Tulin, creating an intense and entertaining one-man show centered on the landscape of a guilty mind. Against the harsh terrain, Thomas Haden Church delivers a wry, captivating performance, illustrating that where the mind goes, the body follows. When Bruce begins to comprehend the possible consequences of his actions, he flees. However, much to his chagrin, and as Whitewash cleverly reveals, the worst possible punishment is often the one we construct for ourselves. 

mattfractionblog:

GPOY

Like Fast 6 we’re out of here this weekend! The program is coming together for the Lake Placid Film Forum, and we’re taking the weekend. Here are the movies playing at the Palace Theatre before starting TONIGHT, May 23. Late night showings of The Hangover and Fast and the Furious 6, which is apparently amazing. 

SPECIAL SHOWING TONIGHT:
The Fast and Furious 6
10:00pm
Hobbs has Dom and Brian reassemble their crew in order to take down a mastermind who commands an organization of mercenary drivers across 12 countries. Payment? Full pardons for them all. Starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibbons, Dwayne Johnson, and Michelle Rodriguez. Directed by Justin Lin.

The Hangover Part III (R) 
10:00 ONLY 
SHOWING THURS. MAY 23RD 
7:00 & 9:45 thereafter
Apparently there was demand for a third one. “This time, there’s no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.” Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zack Galifianakis. Directed by Todd Phillips.

Star Trek Into Darkness 
(PG-13) 7:00 & 9:45 
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Directed by the non-philosophical J.J. Abrams.

The Great Gatsby (PG-13)
7:00 & 9:45
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
It’s based on the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel and that is pretty much all you need to know. But for those who do not read here is the description for you to read: “A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor.” Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire. Directed by Baz Luhrmann. The soundtrack is awesome.  

Iron Man 3 (PG-13)
7:00 & 9:45
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
It’s basically Lethal Weapon with Iron Man. That is all. Ben Kingsley is the best part. “When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.” Starring RDJ, Gwyneth Paltrow (actually doing things!), and Guy Pearce. Directed by Shane Black.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone! 

Go Digital fundraising update! Woo hoo! 

Share Your Movie Experience – a chance to win Free Tickets!

Over the past year, the Adirondack Film Society has been actively involved in the initiative to save small neighborhood theaters in upper New York State, beginning with a panel discussion at the Lake Placid Film Forum in June, 2012.

We view movie theaters as vital institutions in the cultural life of a community, and will host a discussion of “the shared experience” of movie going as part of this year’s Forum, examining how small town theaters can stay vital in the digital age.  We would love to have you add YOUR memories of a memorable theater and/or a memorable movie going experience at a theater as part of our effort to bring awareness to the need to save our theaters.

In 500 words or less, describe a movie-going experience that made an impact on you, and identify the theater involved.  Please send your essays to Barry Snyder at barry.snyder1@gmail.com, with MY THEATER MEMORIES in the subject heading.  The winning entry will win free tickets to a screening at this year’s Forum and will be posted on the Lake Placid Film Forum blog.

The Shared Experience in a Wired World by T J Brearton. Photos by Jordan Craig, featuring Margarete Schulte and Lucky Cerruti at the Palace Theatre 1.

What is the Shared Experience?  Whether you’re sitting in a movie theatre with strangers and a large tub of popcorn, or at home with the kids banging pots and pans while you watch a flick on your flatscreen; whether you’re at your desk with the laptop, headphones, and a good stream, or sitting at a train station catching a few minutes of your fave movie downloaded to your iPad, smartphone, iPhone, or tablet, you’re engaging in the shared experience of movie watching.

Today, movie theaters must compete with lavish home entertainment, a plethora of wireless devices, and on-demand media.  Some theaters have responded by spicing up their business to offer something else besides the usual fare – pastries & coffee or a full dinner menu – or maybe it’s a different way to watch films on the big screen altogether (couches instead of seats, or even canoes instead of seats — yes, it is happening).  New digital projectors can allow for more diverse screenings, and some theaters have adapted to hosting sporting events, parties, conferences and more as a way to produce alternative revenue streams, diversify options for audiences, and stay relevant in an age of instant gratification.

For me, the theater experience remains the one type of shared experience that remains in my mind long after it’s over.  I can barely remember the first time I saw any movie on DVD, but no matter how many times I watch Pulp Fiction, I still feel that emotional DNA that was encoded when I saw it for the first time at the Cross County Multiplex.  I remember when the audience laughed; I recall the timbre in the room during different scenes.  The same goes for The Thin Red Line and pretty much every other major movie I saw in the theater when it opened.

And “major” is the operative word.  I’ve also seen many movies that just weren’t as memorable.  In that case, it probably doesn’t matter whether I saw it in a theater or not.  It’s the movies that are meant for the big screen that ought to be seen on the big screen.  That equation alone will probably always keep movie theaters relevant…but not all movie theaters.

The big multiplexes are fairly protected by their corporate bulk, but the smaller, independently owned onesies, twosies, and quads have been an endangered species for some time.  It’s primarily these smaller theaters which are embracing the type of arthouse convergence that could keep them vital in a digital age.

What is the Shared Experience?  It’s whatever you want it to be.  We all contribute to shaping our culture, and right now the clay is fresh and malleable.  It’s an exciting time for the way we watch movies.

The Lake Placid Film Forum will host “Coffee and Conversation with Ira Deutchman” on Saturday, June 15th 10 a.m. at the Palace Theatre.  The conversation will focus in the role of independent, local theatres in the digital age.

Syrup starring Shiloh Fernandez and Amber Heard will play the Lake Placid Film Forum.

Based on the cult novel by Max Barry, Syrup tells the story of a young ingenious slacker (Shiloh Fernandez) who comes up with a million-dollar idea.  On a fun and ferocious ride through the world of marketing and corporate wiles, our hero’s success depends on learning to trust his colleague, a beautiful, no-nonsense corporate woman played by Amber Heard.

The film is directed by Aram Rappaport.  Producers Shane Mandes (executive producer) Baird Kellogg (executive producer) and Aaron Becker (co-executive producer) are graduates of Middlebury College in Vermont, class of 2010.  Middlebury has been a participating school in the Forum’s “Sleepless in Lake Placid” 24 hour filmmaking competition.

Syrup will screen on Saturday June 15th at the Lake Placid Film Forum.

therumpus:

Here’s today’s Daily GIF!

Spock has a present for you. It’s STAR TREK weekend! Here are all the showtimes for the movies showing at the Palace Theater starting today: 

Star Trek Into Darkness 
(PG-13) 7:00 & 9:45 
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Directed by the non-philosophical J.J. Abrams.

The Great Gatsby (PG-13)
7:00 & 9:45
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
It’s based on the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel and that is pretty much all you need to know. But for those who do not read here is the description for you to read: “A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor.” Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire. Directed by Baz Luhrmann. The soundtrack is awesome.  

Iron Man 3 (PG-13)
7:00 & 9:45
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
It’s basically Lethal Weapon with Iron Man. That is all. Ben Kingsley is the best part. “When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.” Starring RDJ, Gwyneth Paltrow (actually doing things!), and Guy Pearce. Directed by Shane Black.

The Big Wedding (R) 
FRI.-TUES. 7:00 & 9:45 
WED. 7:00 ONLY 
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
A long-divorced couple fakes being married as their family unites for a wedding. Starring Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, and Diane Keaton. Directed by Justin Zackham.

WED. MAY 22ND 
SPECIAL SHOWING
The Hangover Part III (R) 
10:00 ONLY 
SHOWING THURS. MAY 23RD 
7:00 & 9:45
Apparently there was demand for a third one. “This time, there’s no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.” Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zack Galifianakis. Directed by Todd Phillips.

Have a good weekend and live long and prosper! 

New films by Janek Ambros added to the North Country Shorts program, to be hosted by the brilliant Chris Federico on Saturday, June 15 from 3 to 6pm.

Janek Ambros is an award winning producer/writer/director who received his undergraduate degree in Economics at Siena College. After graduating, Janek worked at Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney, and Trans World entertainment before eventually pursing his passion in filmmaking by starting Assembly Line Entertainment and obtaining an MFA in Film Producing.

Janek’s first film, a WW2 film inspired by Dostoevsky’s “The Grand Inquisitor,” premiered at the Oscar-Accredited LA Shorts Fest along side with his second film, “Closing Bell” which comments on the current economic crisis that just received distribution. His films have accumulated numerous awards and have been selected in festivals all across the globe. Additionally, Janek has written and an econometric study on foreign box office results, which was recently published in Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies.

For more information check out the Film Forum blog. 

From FADE IN:

Addison Mehr’s film Fort Apache will show at the North County Shorts on Saturday, June 15th.

In 1940s America, a precocious young boy struggles to escape small town life.  On the eve of his eleventh birthday, he must choose between leaving home or following his brother down a path of violence and destruction.

Director Addison Mehr is an emerging filmmaker born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York.  He has studied directing at NYU, while assisting for Martin Scorsese, Court 13, and Cinereach.

Mehr cast Hale Lytle to star in the film as the rath young protagonist.  Lytle was seen in last year’s award-winning “Henley,” a short film from Craig Macneill.

“Fort Apache” will show at during the 3 PM showcase on June 15th at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts as part of the 2013 Lake Placid Film Forum.  Exact screen times are subject to change.

Coffee and Conversation with Ira Deutchman at the Lake Placid Film Forum:

A discussion of arthouse convergence and how North Country Theaters can continue to play a vital part of the shared experience in an age of diversified media.  We encourage everyone to attend and welcome your input – What would YOU like to get out of your local theatre?

Ira Deutchman has been making, marketing and distributing films since 1975, having worked on over 150 films including some of the most successful independent films of all time. He was one of the founders of Cinecom and later created Fine Line Features—two companies that were created from scratch and in their respective times, helped define the independent film business.

Currently Deutchman is Managing Partner of Emerging Pictures, a New York-based digital exhibition company. He is also a Professor of Professional Practice in the Graduate Film Division of the School of the Arts at Columbia University, where he is the head of the Producing Program.

LPFF program director emeritus Alan Hofmanis remembers Ray Harryhausen.

Back in 2002 I invited Ray Harryhausen, the legendary special effects artist behind Jason and the Argonauts, Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, and Clash of the Titans, to be a guest at the Lake Placid Film Forum.  Knowing I could get pretty much anyone to host the interview, I chose Guillermo Del Toro. At the time he was best known for Chronos, a thoughtful twist on vampire genre made in Mexico on a shoestring budget.  Since then Guillermo has become a legend in his own right. His latest film, Pacific Rim, opens this summer. If you don’t know about it take a moment right now and watch the trailer. Ray would approve. In fact, you can see his influence.

I’m going to share just one memory of many from that weekend. Once in a while, if you are lucky, you get to be part of something so special that you know that no matter what else is happening in the world, right here and now is the place to be.

The three of us were having lunch at Caribbean Cowboy. Ray suddenly grew very sad. Despondent, even.  He explained that he never received the money he was promised for any of his films. This made retirement quite difficult for him and his wife, but you could see what really hurt was the lack of respect shown by the Film Industry.  Yes, it was great that the Film Forum was recognizing his achievements, and that Guillermo came all the way from Japan to meet his hero, but Ray felt that his years of hard work were largely ignored.  Or worse, misspent and unnecessary.

Guillermo turned to him, looked him square in the eyes and said, “You are the wealthiest person I know. Your art has brought a tremendous amount of joy to children and adults all around the world, and often to people who desperately needed that joy.  Your films are going to be shared for generations.  Your dreams and talent have made the world an infinitely more beautiful place, Ray.  You are a very rich, person.  Do not think otherwise.” Ray took this in, smiled, and finished his taco.*

Fast forward 11 years.

I spent the past 3 months living in a slum outside Kampala, Uganda with a community that produces American-inspired action films. I catch this scene one morning while walking thru the slum. I turned around because I had to know what the children were watching.

It was Ray Harryhausen’s ‘Clash of the Titans.’ The Medusa scene, to be exact.

Guillermo was right.

This year’s Lake Placid Film Forum hopes to answer that question.

At this year’s Lake Placid Film Forum, we’re peering into the future, as well as remembering our past.  NPR’s Brian Mann recently had this to say about the situation we find ourselves in:

“Maybe it’s old fashioned in this age of smart phones and Ipads, but I worry about that lost moment of shared imagination, of shared story.  These days, we’re all mostly in our own little caves, looking at our own flickering images.I think the effort to save these movie theaters — the passion shown by activists who want these cinemas to survive — reflects a yearning for that experience.”

From the Lake Placid Film Forum blog, a new movie has been added to the program, A Band Called Death: 

Before Bad Brains, the Sex Pistols or even the Ramones, there was a band called Death. Punk before punk existed, three teenage brothers in the early ‘70s formed a band in their spare bedroom, began playing a few local gigs and even pressed a single in the hopes of getting signed.

Playing music impossibly ahead of its time,Death is now being credited as the first black punk band (hell…the first punk band!), and are finally receiving their long overdue recognition as true rock pioneers.

Mark Covino and Jeff Howlett’s documentary film has been called a “thoughtful and compelling film, one of the best music documentaries to come out in years.”  (twitchfilm.com)

The film will screen at the 13th annual Lake Placid Film Forum this June.  Screening times will be posted by May 15th.

Over $12,000 raised! 

It’s that time of year again and we’re gearing up for yet another stellar display of student filmmaking at the Lake Placid Film Forum. Here are the details if you want to participate as an actor:

If you have ever dreamed of acting in a film, here’s your chance! The Lake Placid Film Forum is looking for 20 actors interested in performing in the films created by students from Marist, Syracuse, Hobart and William Smith, and RIT as part of the Forum’s popular 2012 Sleepless in Lake Placid 24-hour filmmaking competition.

• Actors may or may not have extensive experience acting, but need to be available all day on Thursday, June 13.
• Actors will have information and a picture posted on the Lake Placid Film Forum website and will take part in a casting call at 8:30am on June 13 at Northwood School.

This is a fun opportunity to play a key role in the creation of a short film, to gain an insider’s view of how films are made, to take part in a terrific regional film festival, and to see yourself on the big screen! There is a special prize for best performance by male and female actor and for actors this is a great portfolio addition. For people who are new to acting, who knows? This could be the start of something special! 

CASTING CALL: 8:30-10am, Thursday, June 13.

SHOOTING: Thursday, June 13  from 10am-?

SCREENING OF FILMS: FRIDAY, JUNE 14 AT 8:45pm.

Interested parties should send a resume and headshot to sleeplessinlakeplacid@gmail.com. For more information and to see last year’s films go to: http://lpfilmforum.com/sleepless-in-lake-placid/sleepless-in-lake-placid-2013/.

See you at the movies! 

You can get involved! Branding shoot for the 2013 Film Forum.

Jordan Craig, our ever-present and indispensable photographer, is putting together a shoot for tomorrow at the Palace Theatre in Lake Placid. Here are the details: 

Calling all actors, models & LPFF supporters: tomorrow (Saturday the 4th of May) at 5pm, we will be shooting branding images at the Palace Theatre in Lake Placid. The theme of this year’s forum involves the concept of a shared experience. You will need to arrive by 5pm at the Palace and make your way to Theatre 1. Bring a smartphone, tablet or laptop for a prop. And be sure to wear clothing that doesn’t have any big words or branding. Call or text 518 314 9046 if you’re interested. Best, Jordan

There’s been quite a bit of coverage of our premiere last week so here is a recap of what’s being said: 

• Chris Morris has pieces in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise as well as on NCPR (listen above), and has a complete gallery of the event. 
• Keith Lobdell covered for Denton Publications. 
• Brian Mann talked about saving the movie theaters.

For more information and how to donate head over to ANCA’s website. 

Of course, it’s Iron Man weekend, and I encourage you to check out Laura Hudson and Jim Rugg’s excellent review of Iron Man 3.

Good news: locally shot The Place Beyond the Pines is still playing! It didn’t go away because of some narcissist billionaire who fights things in a metal suit to atone for being an arms dealer. He’s a murderer originally and to atone for those things he develops this awesome armor, and, yeah, he keeps killing people, but now he’s a superhero! Or something. I think that’s the central thesis to the character and it is ridiculous.

What I do like about this is it’s Shane Black coming back to direct Robert Downey, Jr., and if you’ve seen Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, you must know Black and Downey are great together. That movie is fantastic. Black is also a previous guest of the Lake Placid Film Forum and he was a truly great guy. I was twenty and I thought I wanted to grow up to be him, but that’s not so true anymore. 

So here are the showtimes and synopsi:

Iron Man 3 (PG-13)
7:00 & 9:45
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution. Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Ben Kingsley, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Don Cheadle. Directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang).

The Place Beyond the Pines (R) 
7:00 & 9:45 
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
A motorcycle stunt rider turns to robbing banks as a way to provide for his lover and their newborn child, a decision that puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop navigating a department ruled by a corrupt detective. Starring Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Ray Liotta, and Eva Mendes. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine). 

Pain & Gain (R) 
7:00 & 9:45 
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
A trio of bodybuilders in Florida get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, and Anthony Mackie. Directed by Michael Bay.

42 (PG-13) 
7:00 & 9:45
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
The life story of Jackie Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie. Directed by Brian Helgeland.

Glen Drive-In gets costly state-of-the-art digital projection equipment.

Here’s a great article on one of the only drive-ins left and how it’s converting to digital projection.

Oh and the correct link to the donation site is this one: http://adirondack.org/GoDigital.