AboutFace - The Blog

"About Face" screening in TO on August 20

2008-08-11T08:45:44Z

About Face will be screening in Toronto on Wednesday, August 20 at 7pm as part of this month's World of Shorts program at the National Film Board. If you are interested, the deets are on the Mediatheque website.

- Marc

WSFF Wrap Up - A HUGE Thank You!

2008-06-20T09:00:47Z

Well, nearly a week has passed since the Worldwide Short Film Festival wrapped up and I think our livers have finally recovered!

A huge thanks to all our families and friends and everyone who came out and showed their support at our screening. The response was overwhelming and humbling and we hope everyone enjoyed the film and the party afterwards. Without your support all of this wouldn't mean a thing.

It was a fantastic week of receptions and symposiums (symposia?) and meeting and chatting with filmmakers and producers and distributors from around the world. All the people at the CFC and our friends at Ouat Media took phenomenal care of us.

Not to mention seeing some of the best short films! Shout outs to Chris Ross (Two Words) and D. Andy Shaw (Big Pharma) - I hope we'll cross paths at upcoming festivals. Speaking of which...

... Well, that'd be letting the cat out of the bag. Let's just say there are a couple more festivals in our near future so watch this space for announcements!

Pics are on our Facebook Group. What? You aren't on Facebook???!? Tsk Tsk Tsk...

- Kirk

National Post About Face Review - 4 Stars!

2008-06-11T13:22:51Z

Yesterday, in a National Post write up about the various programs being shown at the Worldwide Short Film Festival, About Face got reviewed again... and got 4 stars! W00t!

Check it out online here:
http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=575507

We also had a great time at the Opening Gala for the Festival last night. Check out some pics here!

Hope to see you all out on the 14th.

-Kirk

About Face Premiere and After Party Details

2008-06-05T16:14:12Z

Alrighty, if you hadn't already heard, our Canadian Premiere will be on June 14th at Cumberland Cinemas in the Oh! Canada Comedy Shorts program at the Worldwide Short Film Festival. Tickets can still be purchased online at shorterisbetter.com
We need all the votes we can get for the Audience Choice Award so come out and catch a quickie!

Also, we're throwing an afterparty following the screening at Prohibition (Booze Emporium) at 696 Queen St. East at 9pm. Everyone is invited. Come on out and raise a pint with us! Click here for Google Map and Directions from the theatre to the bar.

See You There!!
- Kirk

Now Magazine Review - 4 NNNN's

2008-06-05T14:59:55Z

This week's NOW Magazine posted a review of the film and gave it 4 NNNN's. That's "Excellent!". Not to mention that it's the only film in the Oh Canada! Comedy Shorts strand that they gave 4 NNNN's to. Woohoo!

Check it out online at http://www.nowtoronto.com/movies/story.cfm?content=163417

- Kirk

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Listen Up - Our First Podcast!

2008-06-04T11:54:11Z

As part of the marketing initiative for the Worldwide Short Film Festival, we were asked if we would like to produce a podcast about the film. Naturally, we said yes! Although it will soon be available on the main page of the wsff.ca website, we are posting it here as well. Sort of a sneak preview you might say.

Have a listen as Marc, Chad and myself chat about "About Face".

- Kirk

A review on Ain't It Cool News!

2008-06-04T10:43:49Z

Chad just found this new review on the Ain't It Cool News website. As a pull quote:

"Hysterical" - Eli, Ain't It Cool News

Click here to read the whole article. (It's about halfway down the page...)

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"About Face" Screening Times at The Worldwide Short Film Festival

2008-05-28T15:15:12Z

You can now buy tickets to our screening at the Worldwide Short Film Festival in Toronto. We are in the "Oh! Canada: COMEDY SHORTS" program on Saturday, June 14th at 6:30 PM at the Cumberland Theatre. Get your tickets here. ...

Access Mag Does a Story With Us

2008-05-28T15:19:36Z

A couple of weeks ago, we were part of a round-table discussion about short film, and whether it was a gateway media to bigger and better things. The discussion involved us, David Miller (the producer of the awesome film Amal) and Rodrigo Gudiño and another guy (sorry guy, didn't get a card) from Rue Morgue. It will be out in the next issue of Access Magazine which is due out the second week of June. You can get it for free at Stitches, Urban Planet, CD Plus and Footlocker.
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'Six minutes of social terror'

2008-05-27T15:15:13Z

Well, we got a mention in the National Post! We were at the kick-off party for the Worldwide Short Film Festival last week and Chad got interviewed. See why we like short film so much!

'Six minutes of social terror'

- Marc

Worldwide Short Film Festival - Here We Come

2008-05-21T08:39:57Z

Those of you who are a member of our Facebook group (what?? not a member yet? Click here to Join!) will already know that About Face has been accepted into the Worldwide Short Film Festival (www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com) taking place here in Toronto from June 10-15. Well, as of this afternoon it's official as we are attending the Launch Party and Press Conference at Sassafraz in the heart of Yorkville (sassafraz.ca).

From what we've heard it should be an exciting afternoon of schmoozing and chatting and talking about the film.

Can't wait! Maybe we'll see you there?

- Kirk

Another Review

2008-04-30T11:25:12Z

Here's another good review of the film here. Note that it's actually in the comments.

Marc

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Day 4 - The Long Road Home

2008-05-21T08:28:57Z

Monday morning we awoke early to a very rainy NYC. Our shuttle was scheduled for 9:45 so we all hussled around and got ready, packed and down to the lobby where, just as we grabbed a couple bagels and some fruit from the continental breakfast bar, the shuttle arrived! Doh!

We all piled into the van and proceeded to bob around the southern boroughs picking up other travellers heading for JFK. Finally we headed out of Manhattan, across the (Washington?) bridge and onward to the airport in pouring rain, through massive potholes and with drooping eyelids.

Passing through security was a bit of an adventure as the TSA apparently thought Ashley was smuggling something in her bra.... turns out it was just an excess of underwire. (surprised?? Not really!).

Once we were in the airport lounge with some breakfast in front of us, it was time to sit and wait as our flight was delayed 45 minutes due to a late connecting flight and the weather (and fog) got thicker and thicker.

After an interesting wait at the gate before boarding (exhaustion beginning to set in at this point) we finally boarded our plane and proceeded into a relatively smooth and uneventful flight to Buffalo, where we found it to be a balmy 7 degrees celsius. BRRR!!

Into the car, down the road and about 3 hours later flopped onto the couch in our living room. Home sweet home with suitcases full of souvenirs and brains full of fantastic memories.

Truly an unforgettable and utterly amazing experience!

The Reviews Come Rolling In!

2008-04-30T11:19:02Z

Well, the first review is in from Tribeca, and it's a good one! Head over to Culture Catch to see why Ken Krimstein thinks About Face is a "compelling short."

- Marc

Day 3 - Central Park, Pescatore and Karaoke

2008-04-29T10:16:48Z

Our third day in New York started a bit later after a much needed sleep in. Chad and I strolled down to the 'B Bar & Grill' for a late morning brunch on the patio where the waiters astute observational skills led him to offer us Bloody Marys before he even mentioned coffee!

After an excellent meal, we bumped into Jen Chen from Ouat Media Distribution and Linda 'O' Olszewski from Shorts International. Despite their cajoling to do so, we were unable to change our flights to be able to attend the Shorts Filmmaker Panel & Party which was happening Monday night. Sorry guys! Looks like a good time was had by all.

After brunch we strolled SoHo and then hooked up with Ashley and her sister Caitlin (Mary Parker from the film) and spent the rest of the afternoon shopping on Canal St. and wandering Central Park where we visited the John Lennon memorial.

At 7, we arrived at Pescatore restaurant on 2nd between 50th and 51st to our dinner reservations which had been graciously arranged by Michael Sparaga (producer of Sidekick and Maple Flavour Films). Dinner was nothing short of superb with great service, delicious food, decadent desserts (try the sorbets... unbelievable!) and to top it all off, upon requesting the cheque we were informed that dinner was looked after courtesy of Michael. Pardon Us??? Needless to say we were floored. So, many many MANY thanks to Michael Sparaga for helping cap what had already been a mild-celebrity filled trip with a red-carpet worthy dinner. THANKS!

With full bellies and light spirits we strolled from Pescatore over to Time Square to take in the sights and sounds of the hub of NYC. Awesome.

Marc and Jackie retired shortly thereafter at which point Chad, Ashley and myself decided it would be a laugh to check out some Karaoke on Broadway. Well, into the basement of Ha! Comedy Club we went and straight into a hoppin' Karaoke crowd. Several bevvys and a couple songs later, we resurfaced to find a bar for our night-cap... and wandered into Tonic - only to find that it was Karoaoke night there too!! More bevvys, a couple more tunes and then into a cab for a giggle-filled ride back to the hotel.

Cue the faceplant into bed. Fade to Black.

Day 2 - (Only Day 2? Really??)

2008-04-29T10:07:02Z

Today got off to a slower start (thankfully) especially considering our late night shenanigans of the night before.

We awoke to Ashley returning from a morning walkabout through SoHo bearing coffees and fresh croissants from Hell's Kitchen. MMMMMMMMM! Mucho thanks to Ash and the coffee gods.

Once the caffeine began working its magic, we shuffled around getting ready for our 2pm photo shoot with Getty images. Soon we were all out on the street strolling our way northward towards Union Square, where the American Express Insiders Lounge and the Getty Images studio for Tribeca was located.

The photo shoot was supremely cool and definitely a bit surreal. Ash and Tatie had their make-up done by Loreal professionals while the photographer, Scott Gries, got us positioned and started shooting. All the while, a videographer and on-set photographer were shooting the whole thing. Wild! To top it all off, if you go to www.gettyimages.com and do a search for: "About Face" maker comrie kelsey : you will see our shot! W00t!

From there we jumped in a couple cabs and wove our way through traffic back down south to the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park where Fearnley and his brother Steve were staying and had our lunch in the 14th floor "Rise" lounge overlooking the harbour. Yep... sometimes life really sux.

After lunch it was back into cabs and back to the Loews VII for our second screening. Personally I was much more relaxed for this one, having seen it yesterday and knowing that the actual projection experience was cool, I was now simply nervous about how a new crowd of people would react.

Cue the lights.... first film credits roll.... fade up About Face head credits, music swells...

Interestingly, this crowd didn't seem to find the visuals as humorous as yesterday. Whereas the first shot of Ryan had people chuckling almost immediately the first time, this time they were waiting... reserving judgement. But, the good news is, once the dialog started, they were on-board. And they seemed to be really enjoying and laughing along at all the right places.

Again, the enthusiastic applause at the end was wildly gratifying.

Another Q&A session followed which was a bit longer than last time with more participation from the crowd. Being able to talk about the film and some of the casting choices/filming challenges etc. was really neat.

After the screening, it was across the street to "The Pour House" for a pub style dinner and a couple pints which signaled the end of mine and Ashley's night as the previous day's festivities caught up to us. An early night and a comfy bed beckoned. Chad, Marc, Fearnley and Steve soldiered valiantly on however, so the Toronto crew was still well represented on the NYC night scene even in our absence.

More pics coming to Flickr soon!

The Trip so Far...

2008-04-26T09:35:42Z

With a bright and early start time of 5:30 am, we set off down the QEW to Buffalo where we caught our 11:00 am flight and before we knew it - Whammo! Hello NYC! Our 'discount' shuttle from LaGuardia to our hotel was a bit of a stomach churner, but it only took about 20 minutes before we dropped our bags on our beds and hurried about getting ready for the World Premiere.

We ventured into the subway to cross the 10 blocks between the hotel and the Filmmaker Registration center. I think we may have been a teensy bit overdressed!

At registration we were showered with tickets, schedules, swag bags and party invites. We also ran into a friend from AFM last year, Michael Favelle from Odin's Eye Entertainment. Turns out he's here screening his latest film Bitter and Twisted ( www.odinseyeent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=110&itemmenu=42 ).

After registration we hot-footed it over to the Loews AMC VII to set out our promo materials and put up our posters. Once that was looked after, we grabbed some popcorn and some seats and settled in. We wound up being the second film and I think it was about the best placement we could have asked for. As the credits for the first film faded and silence descended, I thought I was going to have a heart attack as I waited to see how our film would look (and sound) in a big theatre.

Well, it was nothing short of AWESOME!!! The sound was big and powerful and the mix was great, the picture was bright and vibrant and looked spectacular. But most of all...

People laughed!! and laughed and laughed and laughed!!! And they applauded, as the credits began to roll, and again as they finished. What an UNBELIEVABLE rush!!

After the screening, all filmmakers that were in attendance along with any cast and crew were brought down to the front of the theatre to participate in a 15 minute Q&A which was also a unique experience to be part of.

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out, especially Caitlin Edstrom and James Fearnley (Mary Parker and Himself respectively) for representing!

From there the night spun into a whirlwind of a fine dinner at Gemma with requisite star sightings (shout outs to Jane Fonda, Callista Flockhart and Eddie Izzard), various pub visits and a spontaneous limo ride that wound up in a 20th storey rooftop club party dancing the night away until the -very- wee hours. I'm currently downloading some pics and will post them to Flickr shortly.

Overall, I don't think we could have imagined a better premiere. And cliched though it may seem.... We LOVE New York!

-Kirk

Buttons, buttons, who wants a button?

2008-04-24T11:34:14Z

Why EVERYONE of course! Take a look at the super-cool 1" buttons we're giving away while we're in New York.

Photos on Flickr:
http://flickr.com/photos/aboutfacethemovie/2439479958

If you want one, just find us and ask! :)

Kirk

Sent from my iPod

New Flickr Account and First Podcast

2008-04-24T12:11:40Z

Hey everybody, we've just set-up a Flickr account for the film. Currently we've got a few production stills up and shortly we'll be adding shots from the trip. (Which starts in one more sleep!!)

Check out our photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aboutfacethemovie/

Also, I've attached the complete official theme music from the film. Have a listen below!

Cheers,
Kirk
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New York Bound

2008-04-22T13:13:20Z

Well, here we are 2 short days before we leave for the Big Apple for the Tribeca Film Festival where our debut short film, AboutFace, will be having it's world premiere screening. Talk about excitement!

Our flights and hotels are booked, we fly out of Buffalo and are staying at The Bowery, and we've got our screening tickets and a reservation at Pescatore on Sunday. Beyond that we're still pretty open but expect our schedules to fill up with other screenings, QA panels, interviews and of course lots and lots of filmmaker sightseeing.

We're going to try to keep this blog up to date as things are happening so if you can't make it there yourself, you can follow our progress vicariously here!

Type at ya soon,
Kirk