We, your humble servants and O'Daniel principals, Meredith and Keith were in Sicily last week for the Taormina Film Festival. As part of our whirlwind trip, we attended festival screenings and asked Matt Dillon intelligent questions during his “master class” in directing.
Mr. Dillon gave really frank and insightful commentary on the realities of the film business. Despite his iconic status as an actor, he has experienced enough setbacks that he appears humble and realistic, yet still confident. Regardless of his success as an actor, he still had to work over seven years to get his independent film “City of Ghosts” completed and distributed.
We also attended the deliciously bad yet totally entertaining world premiere of “Transformers”. We happily lapped up extra portions of gratuitous bare female abdomen and predictable one-liners for the privilege of seeing a world premiere action movie in an ancient Greek amphitheatre.
The premiere of Michael Bay’s new creation was held at Taormina’s Teatro Antico, a 5,000 sf former coliseum that is now a modern movie theater with a screen the size of a city block. We enjoyed the custom laser light show introduction on sandstone seats with 5,000 locals, tourists, students, industry wanna-bes, industry elites, and hoochies working for various corporate sponsors.
This premiere in this setting was the perfect interaction between past and future. The film, a monster futuristic creation representing the most evil meeting of corporate greed, creativity, cheap thrills, and ego, projected in the crumbling remains of the greatest civilization of all time. We both had the chills.
“Transformers” was the polar opposite of the final film presentation we attended - a preview screening of James Franco’s directorial debut “Good Time Max”. Though clearly low-budget, it was watchable, engaging and clever. James Franco was in attendance to briefly introduce the film, which he did shyly and without fanfare. He’s clearly talented and ambitious.
For all you film buffs looking for the ultimate film festival experience, we highly recommend the Taormina Film Festival - http://www.taorminafilmfest.it - which is part of a larger season-long event called Taormina Arte - http://www.taoarte.tv.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
O'Daniel Family Storms Cannes
Bonjour mes petites. The very exciting news for la famille O'Daniel is that the animated horror short that we have all been working on, "Dear Beautiful" screened this weekend at the Cannes Film Festival. The film won the Animation category in the Moving Pictures Magazine short film contest which won the director, Roland Becerra, and his wife/collaborator, Kelly Becerra, a trip out to the festival. The film was co-written by O'Daniel principal, Meredith DiMenna, and the original score and sound design was done by Keith Saunders. The film also includes the voice over acting of Tom DiMenna and the song "To Meet You" by J. DiMenna.
Peep the great review here at Aint it Cool News!
Peep the great review here at Aint it Cool News!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Ode to Fredo sweeps the Ivies!
That's right, 'Ode to Fredo' continues to win over the hearts and minds of film lovers all over the nation as well as more accolades from decision-makers and insiders. This weekend, 'Ode to Fredo' won best film in the Comedy category at the Ivy League Film Festival, a very chi-chi get together of Ivy Leaguers and wannabes (we don't judge here at O'Daniel as our family contains members of both categories) that you can read more about here - http://www.ivyfilmfestival.com.
Esteemed judges and panel members included Sarah Flack (editor - Marie Antoinette), Doug Liman (director - Swingers), Larry Andries (producer - Six Feet Under) and a host of other people we've always wanted to know.
Our good pal and 'Ode to Fredo' co-director, Zeke Hawkins, was there to soak up the accolades and reports say that he has grown two inches as a result of the experience. His roomates have cut open the doorway to make sure he can get in the apartment when he returns.
Esteemed judges and panel members included Sarah Flack (editor - Marie Antoinette), Doug Liman (director - Swingers), Larry Andries (producer - Six Feet Under) and a host of other people we've always wanted to know.
Our good pal and 'Ode to Fredo' co-director, Zeke Hawkins, was there to soak up the accolades and reports say that he has grown two inches as a result of the experience. His roomates have cut open the doorway to make sure he can get in the apartment when he returns.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Ode to Fredo storms SXSW
"Ode to Fredo" will screen this month at Austin
Most of the O'Daniel family as well as the Hawkins Brothers will be in attendance so keep your eyes peeled.
Most of the O'Daniel family as well as the Hawkins Brothers will be in attendance so keep your eyes peeled.
SXSW SCREENING DETAILS
10:30pm - Sat. March 10, Dobie Theater
11:30am - Sat. March 17, Dobie Theater
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