PreView Screening of "I Spit on Your Grave" at the Landmark River Oaks Theater 09-23-10

It was a wonderful night to see a movie September 23rd, 2010 at the River Oaks Theater for the preview screening of Steven Monroe's remake of Meir Zarchi's 1978 film "Day of the Woman: I Spit on Your Grave".

The movie tells the story of an aspiring writer who is repeated gang-raped and beaten by three brothers and a crooked Sheriff. When she is about to be killed she escapes by jumping off a bridge. Now the hunters become the hunted. Each of the four men are subsequently given the same treatment they imposed on her but with deadly results.

The current 2010 remake was filmed in Louisiana with a little over a million and half dollar budget.

Casting includes Sarah Butler, Daniel Franzese, Chad Lindberg, Jeff Branson and Andrew Howard. Also seen Tracy Walter, Saxon Sharbino, Rodney Eastman, Mollie Milligan and Amber Landrum.

C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine took some pictures of the event. You can see some of them below and the rest at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2096329&id=1218281768&l=795e9aafd7

The film opens in theaters across the country, October 8, 2010.

C-47 Houston Review of the 2010 remake of "I Spit on Your Grave":

We were invited to see the movie at the Landmark River Oaks theater for the pre-release screening of this film. Technically, the film contained all the elements of filmmaking. The lighting was nicely done, the cinematography and composition was consistent and visually compatible. Sound was equally deep and rich. And, acting was professional. The story was graphic in nature. Some of the scenes were hard to watch as the brutality of rape and the length of the act  made for a difficult viewing time. I am sure that the intent was to make the revenge that subsequently followed a more palatable reason to kill the monsters that rape and beat innocent victims. Consistent to horror films, however, there were elements of stupidity that made for an unrealistic portrayal of violence. And, of course, the leading lady was naive to be secluded in the middle of no where with pshycotic killers nearby. This is not a horror film. This is a suspense/thriller and definitely not for children. We give this film a good 7 out of 10 on our scale.

You can see more about this film on their official website at: http://www.ispitonyourgravemovie.com/

Hank Balz's "Spandex and Mandrix" Rough-cut Screening and the Splatterfest Mixer 2: The Sequel Mixer

C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine was out and about in Houston Thursday night, September 16, 2010.  In prepreation of next weeks Splatterfest Weekend of Mayhem film competition, producer Kelly Smith and Organizer Kerry Beyer brought filmmakers together to meet and form teams for the upcoming short horror film competition. The film competition will begin at 6PM on Friday, September 24th and end Sunday night September 26th at 11:59PM. Films will be judged and the selected films will be shown at the 2010 Houston Horror Fest starting October 13th through October 15th.

C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine was at Thursday night's Splatterfest Mixer 2: the Sequel and we took some pictures:

                         

                         

You can see more pictures at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2095530&id=1218281768&l=beceabcc88

We also stopped by to see the rough-cut screening of Hank Balz's new documentary film about Houston's Cardi's Nightclub called "Spandex and Mandrix". A documentary about the music of late 70's and early 80's. Cardi's was located in the shopping center on the corner of Westheimer and Fountainview. The film was screened at the Concert Pub on Richmond and Chimney Rock. A lot of people were there to re-live and reflect on the days of spandex and rock music. Mr. Balz hopes to be screening the final version of the film sometime later this year.

C-47 Houston was there to take some pictures and to support our filmmaker:

               

                      

You can see more of these  pictures by visiting :

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2095537&id=1218281768&l=059050af8f

C-47 Houston Entertianment Magazine is about our filmmakers. Our goal is to build a foundation where our future filmmakers can fund their projects from investors that are willing to make movies.

The Cast/Crew Screening of Director Tom Vaughan's thriller "Playing House"

Filmmaker and Director Tom Vaughan screened a cast and crew cut if his new feature suspense/thriller film "Playing House" at the Landmark River Oaks Theater August 30, 2010. Written by Tom Vaughan and Kristy Dobkin, "Playing House" tells the story of two newlyweds who have moved-in into a house and try to make ends meet by bringing in a best friend to help with the mortgage. The best friend then meets a beautiful woman who has other plans and starts to eliminate the competition.

The film stars Mayra Leal, Sarah Prikryl, Craig Welzbacher, and Matt Lusk with apearances by Shelley Calene-Black, Celeste Robers, Caleb George Mari Ferguson and Alex Dorman.

C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine was at the cast and crew screening and took some pictures of the event.

You can see more of our pictures by visiting our facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2082330&id=1218281768&l=7936e00c73

The screening was full of actors and crew. This is Mr. Vaughan directorial feature film and from what we viewed, the film was well  made in composition, sound and light. The story was both compelling and entertaining. There were some aspects of the film that could have been better implimented but overall the film delivered suspence and thrills.

If you have a chance to veiw this film as it hits the festival circuit do so. "Playing House" is a thrilling ride.

The SplatterFest Weekend of Mayhem Mixer/Mingle 08-30-10

Producer Kelly Burns Smith (C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine's 2010 LimeLight Actress for September) and Organizer/Filmmaker Kerry Beyer (C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine's February 2008 Headline Cover Interview and director of the Horror feature film "Spirit Camp") presented the SplatterFest Weekend of Mayhem Mixer and Mingle for filmmakers and actors. This mixer was a way to bring together the filmmakers so that they can meet their competition and form filmmaking teams for the upcoming SplatterFest Weekend of Mayhem film Competition taking place on the weekend of September 24th.  The 54-hour horror film competition tests the filmmakers to make a short horror film within a weekends time. The winning films will be screened at the 2010 Houston HorrorFest and at the Alamo Drafthouse - West Oaks Mall, October 15th.

C-47 Houston was at the SplatterFest Mixer and we took some pictures:

 

You can see more pictures at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2082424&id=1218281768&l=8a0b976be7

In all, the mixer was a fun and enjoyable time. It was free and it was a great way to network with your favorite filmmakers both directors and actors.

Also, Ms. Smith and Mr. Beyer are pleased to present the "SlatterFest Mixer 2: The Sequel" coming up September 16th starting at 7PM at McElroy's Pub near the corner of Richmond and S. Shepherd. This is another opportunity for filmmakers to meet one final time before the start of the film competition. If you are new to flim and television this is a great opportunity to get involved and meet some of Houston's horror filmmakers. C-47 Houston hopes to see Houston come to the plate to support our filmmakers.

The 2010 Summer Sneak Peak

It was a hot and wonderful night at the 2010 Houston Summer Sneak Peek, Thursday, August 12th at the LandMark River Oaks Theater. Organized by Chris Spisak the Sneak Peek presented four short films by four local Houston Filmmakers.

The short films included works by Renee Edd and her film "Midsummer", Chuck Norfolk and his film "Bar Room Blitz", Judy Garlow and her film "Key of D" and Chris Spisak and his film "The Usual". C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine was able to capture each of the filmmakers on video as they talked about their respective works. You can see them at:

Renee Edd : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MhaCvUKWSw

Chuck Norfolk : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMIPT4OLt5Q

Judy Garlow : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZvBSnbGRnw

Chris Spisak : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPW0itjW6bU

Hosted by the team from Ahead Shot, Chad Thackston, Kelly Smith, and Chantal Fischbach, the Summer Sneak Peak brought in hundreds of independent movie fans, filmmakers and actors.

    

    

                   

After each screening the Director was asked to step on-stage to answer a few questions, from the audience, about their films.

In all, the entire event was planned out and entertaining. There were a couple of minor technical problems but nothing that prevented the even flow of the event. 

The films were diverse in their approaches and genres. Renee Edd's "Midsummer" was a fantasy and Science Fiction film, that had a sort of surreal and dream like feel to it. Chuck Norfolk's "Bar Room Blitz" was a humorous action/adventure film that contained a mixture of choreographed sequences and quick cuts. Judy Garlow's "Key of D" told a story of several relationships using music to set the tone and music that substituted for dialogue. And, lastly Chris Spisak's "The Usual" was a dark and mysterious film that dealt with addiction and the impact it has on others. All the films were nicely done and all the filmmakers created works that were outstanding. It is apparent that film making in Houston is beginning to rival, if not surpass, those in other areas of the state and this may be the start of a viable film making industry here in Houston.

C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine was at the Houston Summer Sneak Peek and we took some pictures. You can see them at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2079345&id=1218281768&l=56142427bf

Houston Filmmaker Eddie Rodriguez talks about "Jon Wuz Here" 08-05-10

Writer and Director Eddie Rodriguez  (pictured below) talks to C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine about his new Comedy short film "Jon Wuz Here". 08-05-10

The film was screened to a packed theater at the Alamo Drafthouse-West Oaks Mall on Thursday August 5, 2010. This is the final version of the film. This time last year the cast and crew viewed a rough cut of the film. C-47 Houston was there to support our filmmakers. You can see those pictures at::

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034410&id=1218281768&l=495ba276bb

Mr. Rodriguez took the time to talk with C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine about his new short venture. We are pleased to present for the first time, Mr. Eddie Rodriguez.

C-47 Houston was also at the screening of "Jon Wuz Here" you can see those pictures at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2078592&id=1218281768&l=a65cd043e4

In all the film was very well made. The lighting was excellent, the cinematography was composed and visually entertaining. The sound quality was superb and the score was complimentary  to the film. "Jon Wuz Here" is an excellent example of a good comedic film. It was well thought out and the filmmakers took the time to ensure that the film was entertaining, humorous and studio quality.  This group of filmmakers are well on their way to creating outstanding and quality films should they decide to make more films.

You can learn more about "Jon Wuz Here" on their website at:

http://www.jonwuzhere.com/

The 2010 Houston Summer Sneak Peek Videos

Be sure to get your tickets to the 2010 Houston Summer Sneak Peek film Screenings coming up August 12th, 2010 starting at 7PM at the River Oaks Theater. Four Films will be shown including Renee Edd's "Midsummer", Judy Garlow's "Key of D", Chris Spisak's "The Usual" and Chuck Norfolk's "Bar Room Blitz". C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine took the time to talk with each of the filmmakers so that they could tell you a little about thier ventures. You can get your tickets at the Landmark River Oaks Theater for $7.50 or online at: http://tinyurl.com/284fctc for $6.50. This is going to be a huge event and an opportunity to meet actors, producers, directors and filmmakers of all kinds. It will be the place to be and to be seen. I hope to see you there.   Enjoy!

Director/Filmmaker Renee Edd talks about "Midsummer"

Director/Filmmaker Chuck Norfork talks about "Bar Room Blitz"

Director/Filmmaker Judy Garlow talks about "Key of D"

Director/Filmmaker Chris Spisak talks about "The Usual"

Actor and C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine's October 2008 LimeLight's featured actor, Mr. Kendrick Smith has landed a co-starring role on NBC and Jerry Brucheimer's new Television show "Chase". Kendrick will be playing the part of "Clive Barnes" in the episode of "Repo".  

You can see "Chase" and Kendrick Smith when it premiere's on NBC here in Houston September 20th starting at 9PM central. Congratulations to Kendrick.

Organizer/Filmmaker Chris Spisak talks about the 2010 Houston Summer Sneak Peek

C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine met with filmmaker and the organizer of the upcoming "2010 Houston Summer Sneak Peek" screening of short films and Trailers, Chris Spisak. Wonderful things are happening in the City of Houston when it comes to film/tv industry. We are in a wonderful time.

"The 2010 Houston Summer Sneak Peek" is schedule for August 12th, 2010 starting at 7PM in the main Theater of the LandMark River Oaks Theater on West Gray. Four short films will be premiered and screened for the first time including Renee Edd's "Midsummer", Chuck Norfolk's "Bar Room Blitz", Judy Garlow's "Key of D" and Chris Spisak's "The Usual". Each film will be followed by a Q & A hosted by Ahead Shot.

Between some of the films, Mr. Spisak will show movie trailers from films being made right here in the Houston area including trailers from Stacy Davidson's "Sweatshop", Kerry Beyer's "Spirit Camp", Todd Jason Cook's "Zombiefired", Michael Colburn's "The Toy Box", Travis Ammons' "Suicide Notes", Joe Grisaffi's "Dead of Knight", "Open Mic" and "Second Sunday".

Tickets for the 2010 Houston Summer Sneak Peek are only $7.50 and can be purchased at by (clicking here) This is going to be a huge event and everyone who is anyone is going to be there. Get your tickets before the show is sold out.

There will be an after party immediately after the event at "Marfreless" just around the corner from the Theater.

C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine was able to catch up with Mr. Spisak and he was kind enough to talk to our camera about the Houston Summer Sneak Peek.

The Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival is Coming in September.

The organizer and co-founder of the Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival, Mr. Hal Wixon, is pleased to present the 10th Annual Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival coming up September 17th through September 19th.

This season, the festival will host Celebrity Guest and Super Model, Actress and producer Cheryl Tiegs.

                

Ms. Tiegs will be accepting the Cascading Acheivement Award for her work in both Film and Television.

This festival is one of only a handful of festivals that bring in a lot of people and pumps in a lot of money to the area, in catering, hotel books, rentals and supports a lot of other businesses.

C-47 Houston Entertainment Magazine is a proud media sponsor of this festival. The festival has was established in 1999 and has been growing in popularity ever since.

This year the GCFVF will screen the films at the brand new Kemah Holiday Inn in Kemah, Texas. Also, because of construction and the devistating effects of Hurricane Ike the 2009 festival was cancelled. This year you will be able to see the 2009 Winning Films as they screen at the Famous Butler Longhorn Museum in League City, Texas. The 2010 Award presentation will be held at the Nasa Hilton. It is usually very posh and very elegant. The The Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival depends on individual, corporate, and foundation donors and sponsors. Gifts to the GCFVF help to fulfill our mission to transform the way people see the world. So, become a donor/sponsor today. It's easy. Get Involved. Sponsors and donors will have the opportunity to learn more about film and connect with film enthusiasts, while supporting a vibrant cultural institution that enriches the Greater Bay Area Community. For more information on becoming a donor or a sponsor, please call 281-333-5804

Be sure to get your tickets to the GCFVF. This is a lot of fun and an excellent way of meeting new filmmakers and getting to know what other filmmakers are doing.  For tickets click here. or For tickets, contact (281)333-5804 between 9am and 5pm Central Standard time.

And, learn more about the Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival by visiting their website at:

http://www.gulfcoastfilmfest.com/

Moonlite Filmwerks takes over Fire Pig Productions

Houston area Director and Filmmaker Wayne Slaten (pictured above) has announced that he is shutting down Fire Pig Productions. The production company was formed for the 2007 48 Hour Film Project, their first produced project. The production team will now be working under the name of Moonlite Filmwerks. Thier last film "Backroad" was produced by the new name and in association with Gaucho Productions, Martin Delon's film company.

"2010 will serve as a transition year for me," says Wayne, "to take Moonlite Filmwerks forward and hopefully by year’s end, to be in a position to develop and produce projects under Moonlite Filmwerks full- time in 2011."

This is also a transition for Mr. Slaten as he is slowly transitioning from part-time filmmaker to officially become a "paid gun-for-hire". "Any leads or information regarding short film, feature film, music video, television or commercial projects out there would be appreciated," comments Mr. Slaten, "I can offer multiple services from pre-production to post ranging from cinematographer to editor and anywhere in between. Let me know if you or someone else you may know has a need for my skills."

Currently, the filmmaker is in pre-production on a new feature length science fiction film "Patriot Act". Production on this film is scheduled for mid to late Springof 2011. Also, Mr. Slaten and Michael Darling of SBJ (Sweet Baby Jesus Productions) are in development on a horror short film that is scheduled to be screened prior to "Backroad" in October of this year at the First Annual Houston HorrorFest. We will keep you informed on that.  You can learn more about Moonlite Filmwerks by visiting their website at: http://www.moonlitefilmwerks.com/ and you can contact them at moonlitefilmwerks@earthlink.net.