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.

Kirk Sullivan’s The Come Up will be playing at the Lake Placid Film Forum during the North Country Shorts Program. More information over at the Film Forum’s blog, FADE IN. 

Here is the full trailer for the Go Digital or Go Dark campaign, directed by Aaron Woolf and T.J. Brearton and produced by us. 

Click here to save your local theatre.

Here are some selected photos from the Go Digital or Go Dark premiere last Friday. Complete with Wookie (Lucky Cerruti), Damsel (Margarete Schulte), Aaron Woolf, Kate Fish (Adirondack North Country Association), John Huttlinger (Adirondack Film Society) and your friendly neighborhood co-founder.

Photos by Jordan Craig. For the complete set go here. 

Almost three hours and counting until the premiere of the trailer we’ve produced. 

I’m intensely proud of it, and the event surrounding its premiere should be colossal fun, but at the same time I’m going to be even more happy when this campaign is over. I’m stating the obvious, but the last year has been leading up to this moment, from the “Do Movie Theaters Have a Future” conversation last June to right now, I feel like we are in the climax of this movie’s plot, and it’s up to the audience to get on board with the narrative or step out. I’m exhausted, but with good reason.

The Palace Theatre is etched into my being. I went to my first movie there—I believe it was Back to the Future, or An American Tale, but probably it was Bambi. I can’t remember. My mother would know but she’s not answering her phone. I’ve seen Indiana Jones shoot down a big guy swinging his sword (I continue to subscribe to Dr. Jones’s School of Self-Defense), and heard Jack Nicholson ask the question, “Who dances with the devil by the pale moonlight?”

I’d love for my future kids to have similar memories. Taking away the Palace would be like taking away Mirror Lake where I learned to swim and go on to be a pretty good competitive swimmer. I even used the late screening as an excuse to stay out past my curfew so I could go to that party in high school. Take any of those things away and I have no idea who I would be right now. This production company may not even be here if I never went and fell in love with the movies at the Palace. 

I hope you’ll take some time out to see a trailer to help movie theaters in this area continue and create memories like these for future North Country generations.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Press.
Co-founder 

Check out the premiere poster designed by Aaron Hobson!

The premiere is tonight. Come dressed in your North Country fanciest, which basically means muck boots and a tuxedo and help save the North Country’s independent theaters.

Thanks for taking the time to check out our work.  

Here’s an outtake video by Jordan Craig of our Wookie/Bigfoot sequence from the Go Digital trailer in which we all…well, you’ll just have to watch.

It was also picked up by a website that sells hats that say things like “Gone Squatchin’.” 

One day until the premiere at the Palace Theatre! 

There is a ton happening at the Palace Theatre starting tomorrow night through the week. 

The first notable thing is the premiere of the Go Digital or Go Dark trailer produced by us and the brilliant director behind the documentary King Corn, Aaron Woolf. We’ve been running around like headless chickens promoting the hell out of the trailer.

The second thing is The Place Beyond The Pines, shot in Schenectady with some location scouting by us, is coming for a short showing starting Friday until next Wednesday when some superhero movie shows up that no ones cares about. 

Otherwise, here are the other movies and showtimes beginning this Friday:

Go Digital or Go Dark trailer premiere
Friday, 5-6:15pm
Come dressed in your North Country fanciest and help raise funds to keep the Palace Theatre open. Free! For more information go to: http://www.adirondack.org/GoDigital.

The Place Beyond the Pines (R) 
7:00 & 9:30 
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 & 9:30 
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 & 9:30 
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.

Oblivion (PG-13) 
7:00 & 9:30 
LAST NIGHT WED MAY 1ST 
MATINEES SAT. & SUN. at 2:15
A veteran assigned to extract Earth’s remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself. Starring Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy). 

THURS. MAY 2ND
SPECIAL SHOWING 9:00 ONLY 
Iron Man 3 (PG-13)
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).