It’s a happy birthday to Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who turns 23 today. I still haven’t yet caught her allegedly fleshed out turn in Quentin Tarantino’s extended Death Proof segment of Grindhouse, but Winstead needs to ditch the anonymous horror flicks (even though I generally dig Final Destination 3) and find something to bring her image into sharper focus.
Or, you know, do more photo shoots like the one above. Smallish turns in Factory Girl and Bobby did little for her profile, and does anyone even remember her from Live Free or Die Hard? I really think Winstead has some cross-gender appeal (cute enough for girls, still sexy for guys), but she needs to find the right modern-set showcase for that, whether it’s a P2-type thriller of containment or a nice, sunny romantic comedy. Her sole listed forthcoming credit, Make It Happen, sounds awful — like a warmed-over casserole of Feel the Noise, Step Up, In the Mix, Save the Last Dance and Take the Lead. In fact, Julia Stiles’ career arc notwithstanding, here’s a free tip for all young actresses — if you’re offered a film in which a young girl discovers a new style of dance that proves to be a source of conflict and self-discovery, steer clear. Take a chance on the edgy indie flick instead.
Daily Archives: November 28, 2007
Aero Hosts Indie Filmmaker Panel
For those in the
Cinematheque continues its seminar series for filmmakers on December 4 at 7:30 p.m. with the
panel discussion “Unraveling Independent Film Exhibition,” at the Aero Theatre. In this
frank discussion, you will learn about options that are available to you when
your film doesn’t sell outright to a major distributor — how it all works, what
it costs and what you as the filmmaker needs to know. Educate yourself about
booking, figures for spending and earning on a film, what it costs to
advertise, what is expected by the exhibitor (theater), and what materials you will
you need (including legal agreements) before you are ready to sell or exhibit
your film. Panelists include Bob Aaronson (Red Envelope Entertainment); Gary
Garfinkel (Showtime Networks); Mike McClellan (Landmark Theaters); Ted Sarandos
(Netflix); Barry Schuler (Former Chairman & CEO, AOL); and David Shultz, (Vitagraph
Films). A question and answer session will follow the panel, moderated by the Cinematheque’s
Margot Gerber.
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for students and seniors
and $12 for American Cinematheque club members.
is located at
in
available through Fandango,
but for 24-hour recorded information on tickets, directions and the venue’s
upcoming schedule, phone (323) 466-FILM.