By Shay Martin

Recently, Audrey and I attended the Best of The Boston 48-Hour Film Project 2015 screening and awards at the Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge, MA. It was a really great experience and we wanted to share it with you. For those of you who don't know what the 48-Hour Film Project is, you can visit their website here. It's a really cool project and worth checking out. 

The only way I can describe the Kendall Square Cinema is an alternative movie theater. In addition to standard new releases, it shows many films that you won't see at other theaters, including independent films, restored classics, and foreign films. It also hosts many local premieres, benefit screenings, and film festivals. But that's not the only way it's different. Your first clue that you are not in a standard movie theater is the menu: filled with all the theater classics like popcorn, candy, soda and water, it also goes further. Much further. It includes not only refreshments, but dinner items, and specialized food like vegan cookies and edamame. Very cool!

By Audrey Larson and Shay Martin

This past Saturday night (Jan. 4th) we had the pleasure of attending the Milwood independent film premiere at the Arlington Regent Theater. Milwood, Produced by Roman Media and Directed by Jimmy Scanlon and Evan Goldman, is a mystery thriller about 11-year-old Nathan Perry (Christian Goodwin); an orphan who is assigned to the Milwood facility for young adults and becomes a victim of unforeseen terror and unusual behavior. Milwood first premiered last May at the renowned Festival de Cannes in France. 

We came just in time to see the cast arriving in a limo (pretty cool) to an applauding crowd. Cameras flashed as cast and crew posed on the red carpet in their sparkly gowns and tuxedos. The theater was packed and buzzing with people excited for the show to start.

We expected going to the premiere would be cool, but we did not expect it to be so touching. Before the movie started, the Producer, Michelle Romano, began speaking of Sierra Preveza, a 7-year-old girl who was suffering from cancer during the time they were filming Milwood. At the time, they had heard of her wish to be a movie star, and even though they were almost done filming, they created a part just for her. Romano then called up Sierra, (now cancer-free), to the stage and presented her with a check benefitting the organization Sierra started, Childhood Cancer Kids. Sierra spoke about her organization, generating many laughs from the audience when she began saying how she started Childhood Cancer Kids because she noticed that “breast cancer was more popular” and going on to say how all the money she saved up in her piggy bank she was donating to kids with cancer. Her words, though simple, made the audience both laugh and cry. By the time she was done speaking, the audience was on their feet clapping. It was amazing to see another kid, at only 7 years old, taking action and making a difference.

When the film began, we were impressed with the fabulous acting, the lighting and camera work, and how they used a low-budget to create such a professional look. We were particularly impressed by the main actor, 12-year-old newcomer to the industry, Christian Goodwin, a natural talent and joy to watch. Michelle Romano, who plays the character Judy, gave a stellar performance. It was also nice to see a large number of kids in the film. At the end, the plotline left us with many questions; we were hoping for a stronger resolution and more realism at certain moments.  

A question and answer session followed the film. We were able to identify with a lot Jimmy Scanlon (the Writer and Director) and Michelle Romano talked about. For example, both had central roles in the film in addition to their position as Producer and Director; this was something we had also juggled when filming Countdown (FYP’s debut film). 

Overall, kudos to Roman Media for it’s superb debut film. We’re so glad we had the opportunity to be guests at the premiere! 

To find out more about Milwood and watch the film's trailer visit their website, or become a fan on Facebook. 

Here we are posing on the red carpet!

--By Audrey Larson

I recently attended a school-group performance of Wheelock Family Theatre’s rendition of the age-old Tolkien classic The Hobbit. Having read The Hobbit and seen all Lord of The Rings movies and the first Hobbit movie, it was hard not having unrealistic expectations. 

I was pleasantly surprised. The actors were good. I especially liked the portrayal of Bilbo Baggins, (Andrew Barbato) and his unique mannerisms and facial expressions which prompted many laughs from the audience of school children. Most dwarves were played by children, which I think was a good choice, though in some lines the supposed “dwarf” accent was a little off. It was exciting to see that many children involved in the production. The stage combat could use some improvement-- the sword-fighting scenes seemed a little slow and unconvincing. You may be wondering, what about the iconic character of Gollum? Well, does the actor compare to a computer generated figure in the multi-million dollar Hollywood hit? Of course not. But for a human being with costume limitations he effectively conveyed the slimy, half-human character. An adorable ensemble of younger children as hobbits and spiders was a fun touch as well, though the three trolls were my personal favorite- very true to the book with good “troll voices” and just as hilarious.  

The set was appealing-- a multi-level mountain-like scene made up of rocks with surprise doors. The staging worked for most scenes except the forest scene, where I would like to have seen more greenery. The dragon Smaug in the final scenes was a highlight for most, and definitely not a disappointment-- a huge shimmery red creature with a booming voice. Along with some nice touches of fog and lightning flashes, and background music, the lighting and set were quite well done. 

I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would definitely recommend seeing this production if you get the chance, though I think those who have read The Hobbit will better understand the story. Overall, kudos to the director and actors for an exemplary performance.

The Hobbit plays through November 24th 2013 at Wheelock Family Theater in Boston, MA. Tickets can be purchased through their website. 

--By Audrey Larson

There is one filmmaking book that I can't live without. 

Filmmaking For Teens, by Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols, got me so excited and inspired that I called up Shay right away and told her, “You have to get this book!” 

Straight-forward, humorous, and practical -- this book will take you step-by-step through the making of your first short film. From brainstorming ideas, writing the script, auditioning actors, and making story-boards, to, scheduling your filming sessions, camera techniques, editing, and organizing a premiere for your finished film. Ever dream of making your own movie? This book will definitely inspire you to take action! 

Many filmmaking or screenwriting books I have read were really meant for adults. It’s hard to find good, practical, easy-to-understand books about filmmaking for kids or teens. When I chanced on this one, I knew I had discovered something amazing.  

I strongly recommend this book for kids ages 10 and up who are interested in making a film. If you want to make movies, this is the book to get. If you’re just interested in how movies are created you won't find it as helpful. 

This book has been my coveted manual since Shay and I started brainstorming ideas for our first project. Already getting a little dog-eared, this book will continue to stay in my hand every step of the way -- hopefully from my desk to the movie set and beyond! Stay tuned... 

What books or websites about filmmaking, screenwriting or movies do you like? I would love some new suggestions!