FilmmakerDonna

2011-10-05T16:46:00.001-07:00

Boyce Avenue and Tyler Ward: For a cover band -- they don't suck ;-)
http://youtu.be/T9ETxBHYBAU

Death of a Saleswoman website online

2011-10-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.deathofasaleswoman.com

Check it out!
Leave comments.
Check out where in the world DOAS is in distribution.

Park Slope Films Blog: Park Slope Films presents: The Art of Brooklyn

2011-06-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Park Slope Films Blog: Park Slope Films presents: The Art of Brooklyn: "Brooklyn is unique; living here requires a little know-how. A knack. Whether you’re a native or a transplant, when you master the “ Art o..."

Lead Actress for Revelations: Danay Garcia

2011-05-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Danay Garcia is an unusual actress. And an unusual artist. She began her artistic career as a professional ballerina in Cuba. And migrated to the US to seek bigger pastures.
Danay's approach to creative material is to jump right in with both feet. With her entire being.
That's nice. It's what we need for this film to be its best. A fearless actress who won't compromise in this role.
It's exciting to be working with Danay. I can feel great things coming... stay tuned.
Revelations - the short film.

New Short: Revelations: working title

2011-05-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm starting pre production on a new film - it's a short film entitled, for now, Revelations...about two families, who are dealing with loss, and who come together and help heal, through the love of a 9yr old girl.
The short will be shot this summer, across two weekends.
If you're in LA then, hit me up - I'm looking for good crew to help out.
The short will be made as a prelude to the feature film - we decided to make the short first to see how it's working, what we want to say in the feature, what's most relevant and important to our souls in this story.
So many people are dealing with loss this week. The week I started pre production. A friend of a friend passed away this week of cancer- I had only just met him this year and we had a lovely dinner and toasted to his perfect health this year... and then in Joplin, MO - my college friend is dealing with incredible loss - and also knew someone who perished in the storm - such a strange thing to be driving home from a high school graduation and then to be in just the wrong spot at that moment when the storm touched ground. Many lives were lost...to all of those people, I send my love and prayers. Condolences. Peace. Light.
And I got a phone call this week that an old time friend of mine from the 90s had died of cancer a few months ago. He got sick only in October and I think passed away in the Spring this year.
So as I celebrate this Memorial Day Weekend - the same weekend my own mother entered the hospital for the final time with her illness, I am reminded of many people whose lives have touched mine in beautiful ways and what gifts they left me to help benefit others.
May you all have a wonderful Holiday weekend.

ps And "like" my film page on FB under Revelations (working title) the short film

Invest in a friend's movie -- 30 days to go...!

2011-02-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

Sisters: a short

2011-01-30T16:31:00.001-08:00

The Women’s Media Center Video From Sundance Women and Hollywood

2011-01-30T11:50:00.000-08:00

The Women’s Media Center Video From Sundance Women and Hollywood

Another Sundance-related blog for 2011

2011-01-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to these folks for this great blog:

http://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/blog/2010/12/if-i-were-a-filmmaker-going-to-sundance%E2%80%A6/

If I were a filmmaker going to Sundance…. – December 21st, 2010

* This is part 1 of 3 parts to this Sundance focused blog.
* Part 2 will be written during the festival.
* Part 3 will be written in the aftermath of the glow of the fest.
If I were a filmmaker going to Sundance, and let’s say that I had a film with no recognizable press-generating cast that would be attractive to a distribution company for a large MG… What would I do? Seriously, I asked myself that question. And I realized how tempted I would be, even I, to find some sexy publicists and rockstar agents or sales company so that I could get the hot sexy sale at Sundance and make all my dreams come true.
What can a distributor do for you that you cannot do yourself with just a little bit of money, not even a lot, and some low fee consultation? And above all, what are you giving up by not building community for your film before and during the fest, instead letting other people run your show, potentially losing out on the momentum of the festival?
The beauty of Sundance, aside from the pretty mountains and clean air and great films and the best cheese danish I have ever had (@ the Java Cow and I know I’ll regret writing this), is the focused attention of both the PRESS and the PUBLIC. Most films showing at the festival, excluding cast-driven films, would not get half (½) the attention would they were not showing at Sundance.
Let’s look at some films from Sundance last year that were in this position and the routes they took and what they may have netted. These are films that cut distribution deals of some kind and got less than wide releases from their distributors:
A Small Act (Doc): Distributed by HBO, I don’t know exact sale price but suspect it was less than $150,000 and they did not need a sales agent to do that. They are also a TFC client for festival distribution. TFC handled film festivals for the filmmaker though by the time we got involved HBO had aired the film and that hurt our festival bookings and hence diminished potential revenues to the filmmaker. The director, Jennifer Arnold, is presently closing a DVD deal as well that she got herself.
*Gasland (Doc): Distributed by HBO, TFC consulted at Sundance along with their lawyer Michael Donaldson, and they did not need anyone to help them get a good HBO deal though they did have help handling offers and pursuing interest. The deal came to them directly and would have come to them regardless. They did some self-distribution for theatrical (Box office $30,846) and festivals. The film is now available for DVD. Zipline did PR and the film got its good rightful share of it. The filmmakers received a deal that has worked out very well, with some great PR and it played lots of fests. It’s shortlisted for the Oscars too.
*Extenuating circumstances: Debra Winger executive produced this film and she definitely helped a lot. Josh Fox is a very committed activist and spokesperson of the film’s critical message so he is very embedded in the community that would be most interested in this film. It’s a great example of a film that got a lot out of being at Sundance and the filmmakers got a deal they are happy with and they probably recouped as a result given the low budget of the film.
A Film Unfinished: Distributed by Oscilloscope. I will say that $320,000 theatrical box office is very very good (I have no idea what they spent though to release the film but it’s likely some money was made on the theatrical). The film had a sales agent (CINEPHIL from Israel) and I am almost positive the MG was less than 6-figures. My judgment is that the filmmakers could have done just as well releasing on their own with just some money set aside for a booking agent and a publicist, especially for this niche. It is a doc that hits a niche audience that works consistently and is lucrative and I can’t say that the filmmakers needed a sales agent and a distributor to be in between the film and its audience. I doubt the filmmakers will make as much money as they would have handling the film on their own with just some low fee consultation.
The Dry Land – reported budget from imdb $1mil, box office $11,777 Most likely a service deal since it was theatrically released by Freestyle Releasing. Freestyle service deals are not cheap; most of their releases involve budgets of $200,000 + (though sometimes less) and most for-profit service deals involve fees of tens of thousands of dollars). Clearly not a good result here, but we assume hoping to recoup in home video.
Douchebag -Paladin is distributor and (so I assumed it was a service deal paid for by the filmmakers but the producer wrote to Ted Hope that they sold the film for more than its budget. We would love to know the details since usually Paladin does service deals and since to us that seems like quite a deal). Box office return $20,615 on a maximum of 6 screens. Also, not a good return.
Bhutto – Distributed by First Run Features. Just released December 3, to day box office $16,216, only playing 2 theaters. A large advance was not paid and most of what was accomplished could have been done by the filmmakers themselves without large percentages paid.
Taqwacores: Distributed by Strand , most likely a very small advance was given. The box office was $9,347 on 2 screens. Another example of a film that could have done this much better and faired better overall without a distributor involved. With just some low fee consultation, time and money set aside, the filmmaker would still be in control of their film and able to work up the audience.
I am not knocking these deals, simply noting that if one is to do them, one should at least cut out excess middle men and do them smartly, reserve some rights, negotiate carefully on the back end, monitor expenses, maybe even have been better off not doing these deals. It would have helped all of these films to build community around the film leading up to the festival and exit the festival with a bang, ready to reach audiences immediately. I think a lot can get lost during the time it takes for distributors to bring films to market, especially for the smaller films.
I think the decision to cut a deal with a distributor, no matter what, is emotional because even when I put myself in the filmmakers’ shoes I realized the emotional power of having an offer made to just take care of this for me. It signals that what has been made must have value and was done well. It also allows for one to not have to get hands dirty with the money stuff and the business stuff. But, if you are a filmmaker, you did choose the most expensive art medium in the world and unless you are rich or your investors don’t care about getting their money back, I want you to at least consider this: You don’t NEED traditional distribution. For MOST of you, without special connections or name cast, MOST traditional distribution will not serve you. Most distributors don’t pay enough or do enough or are fair enough, and many of them have to raise P&A anyway, or hire the same service providers you can, so do the math, think twice, and be careful. And remember, buyers are happy to buy direct, especially many TV buyers and VOD platforms, and you can get inexpensive help negotiating.
The more you can set up to do on your own the better for you and your investors in the long run. You run a risk doing nothing in terms of building community around your film or not setting up a distribution plan, having several layers of middle-men and waiting for Godot. When you do the math, the Sundance dream often connects up to cast-driven films and just a few rare gems each year, and there are those to be sure, each year, but just a very few. Most other deals you could get anyway if you wanted them, with someone on the side advising in you in fair way.
PS: Here is additional info on films from Sundance 2010:
* 3 BACKYARDS: Screen Media all rights, no verifiable release.
*12th AND DELAWARE: HBO Films, premiered on 8/02/10,currently HBO OnDemand.
* ANIMAL KINGDOM: Sony Pictures Classics, Box office $1,008,742 and this is a great example of a film that might otherwise have done little if any business were it not for Sundance.
* CATFISH: Rogue Pictures / Universal with a box office of $1,315,573 and it is definitely a great release for a doc and if the deal is good for the filmmakers then it’s a dream come true. Of course that’s an ‘If”.
* CASINO JACK AND THE UNITED STATES OF MONEY: Magnolia Pictures, $175,865 – and this is directed by Alex Gibney one of the most famous doc directors but sadly probably lost market share to the feature starring Kevin Spacey.
*EXIT THROUGH A GIFT SHOP: Producer’s Distribution Agency (a distribution company set up by John Sloss specifically to handle this film), Box office $3,291,250. I am in love with that film, and it’s to Banksy’s credit the film did what it did and some in the industry actually think it was a financially weak release given how much was spent, estimates are put at over a million. In any case, most filmmakers cannot imitate a set up that had John Sloss turn down a 7-figure advance because he wanted to handle the release himself and he did with the help of Richard Abramovitz and had the reputation and cult following of Banksy, Shepard Fairey , and Thierry Guetta.
*FAMILY AFFAIR: OWN the Oprah Winfrey Network, air-date: possibly spring.
* THE FREEBIE: PHASE4, the box office was just $16,613 the deal was allegedly worth low – mid six figures for US & Canada, all rights. The film was sold by Visit films.) Now I have inspired Phase4 to buy two films I did not take a commission on. I am not saying Visit films is not great and I am not saying it’s not great to have guidance at a festival or market especially when there is a bidding war, which there was apparently, I am just saying buyers buy films they want, not because of who is selling them. We hope the filmmakers of all these films weigh in on their overages and overall bottom line.
* FREEDOM RIDERS: PBS with an outreach campaign by American Experience, film to be shown in May on 50th anniversary of the original rides.
*GROWN UP MOVIE STAR, NO US or INTL distribution, E1 entertainment is the sales agent, Mongrel Media (distributor in Canada)
* HESHER: NewMarket, reported budget $7mil, no release info
* HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE (DISTRIB: Anchor Bay, release was supposed to be in March but as far as we know it has not happened yet).
* THE IMPERIALISTS ARE STILL ALIVE: no info
*JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: The Radiant Child (Arthouse Films (which also produced the film), Box office was $250,129. A big hit in France, what a great niche and great doc. The producers did handle their film themselves in the US.
*LAST TRAIN HOME, Zeitgeist Films, released: 9/03/10-TOTAL GROSS: $282,092
(Here is a good example of a good doc sales company from what we hear and a good US distributor and a doc that probably sold well relatively speaking).
* LOVERS OF HATE: IFC –which is primarily a VOD play and some very traditional deal terms.
* MY PERESTROIKA: no info
* THE OATH: Zeitgeist, box office $42,273
* OBSELIDIA-reported budget $500K, still with a sales agent it appears
*THE RED CHAPEL, Lorber Films, opens 12/19/10 at IFC Center, Lorber Films plans a theatrical release of the film in the U.S. and Canada, followed by television broadcast and a DVD release.
* RESTREPO (US distribution: National Geographic Entertainment, Box office $1,330,058 –another Sundance success story to be sure, assuming terms are good for the filmmakers, which we have no information about
* SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS: Maya Entertainment (US, media)
* SKATELAND: Freestyle Releasing in March 2011 – and this means most likely it’s a service deal and paid for by the filmmaker. I should note that sometimes Freestyle helps raise the P&A. (though I don’t know what their cut is; one day I will ask).
* TWELVE: DISTRIBUTOR is Hannover House and the box office gross was $183,920 (somewhat shocking given the cast and the director.
*UNDERTOW: (Sundance World Cinema Audience Award Winner) TFC is doing theatrical and worldwide festivals and consulted on the distribution deals. We will be covering this in a case study to be written after the release is completed.
*WASTE LAND, Arthouse Films, released 10/29/10-TOTAL GROSS: $96, 597
Arthouse Films handled the theatrical release later followed by a DVD and digital release on the Arthouse Films label in early 2011…E1 Entertainment holds the international rights and is managing worldwide sales which to date include Australia (Hopscotch), Hagi Film (Poland) and Midas Filmes (Portugal). E1 Entertainment will also distribute the movie in Canada and the UK. Downtown Filmes is the Brazilian distributor.
* WINTER’S BONE: Roadside Attractions, Box office $6,210,516, and this is a great example of a film that would have likely lingered in oblivion were it not for Sundance and the right distributor;
* Other films not listed in detail are Cyrus, The Kids Are Alright, Waiting For Superman, Splice, and The Runaways because they all have big names involved, in a few cases the deals were done before Sundance and not all of them even had great releases in the net analysis.

SUNDANCE 2011: distribution report

2011-01-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you to The Film Collaborative for this informative post:
http://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/blog/2011/01/deals-diy-a-film-distribution-duet/

DEALS & DIY: A Film Distribution Duet – January 27th, 2011

*This is Part II of the “If I Was a Filmmaker Going Sundance…”
*Part III to will be written in the aftermath of the glow of the fest.
Sundance 2011, insofar as distribution was concerned, saw a spike on both the traditional sales and the DIY front. 29 deals were done so far and more to come. One difference between this year’s Festival and those of recent years is that several acquisitions were done prior to the Festival and more deals occurred right at the beginning of the Festival rather than taken several days or weeks to materialize. In addition, some of the acquisition dollar figures were bigger than in recent times. There was a definite sense of ‘business is back’ (though mostly still for bigger films with either name directors or cast or both – and this we address below). And DIY is seeing a new dawn with directors like Kevin Smith announcing a self-distribution plan and Sundance’s solidified commitment to helping artists crowdfund (via Kickstarter) and market their films (via Facebook for example) access certain digital distribution platforms (in the works and TBA).
Starting with the deals. So far I counted 29 (one at least was a pre-buy / investment in production) and two so far are remake rights deals.
I only list the deal points that were publicized… meaning if no $$$ is listed then it was not announced.
Deals done Pre-Sundance:
1.     Project Nim (James Marsh who did Man on Wire) – sold to HBO for a hefty yet unreported sum.
2.     Becoming Chaz – produced by renowned World Of Wonder and sold to OWN (actually we gleaned OWN invested in the film and at the fest Oprah announced her commitment to doing for docs what she did for books via a Doc Club).
3.     Uncle Kent went to IFC
4.     The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (Morgan Spurlock) – went to Sony Classics.
5.     Septien: (Michael Tully) – was nabbed by Sundance Selects
6.    Mad Bastards also went to Sundance Selects
Deals done at Sundance according to sections:
US Dramatic Competition:
7.     The Ledge: sold to IFC
8.     Like Crazy: (Director of Douchebag) – Paramount for a worldwide deal – $4,000,000.
9.     Martha Marcy May Marlene: sold to Fox Searchlight, congrats to TFC Board of Advisor EXP, Ted Hope.
10.     Circumstance: Participant is funding the release and will (along with the filmmakers) choose a distribution partner, we hope Roadside Attractions.
11.     Homework: Fox Searchlight
12. Another Earth: (Mark Cahill) – Fox Searchlight – a $1.5 – $2 mil deal with aggressive P&A as reported and for US and all English speaking territories.
13. Gun Hill Road: Motion Film Group
14. Pariah: Focus Features
15. The Flaw: New Video
Premieres (‘names’ in films):
16. My Idiot Brother: TWC – $6,000,000 for US and key territories.
17. The Details: TWC – $7,500,000 MG and $10,000,000 P&A
18. I Melt With You: Magnolia (reported mid-high 6-figure deal reportedly w/ healthy backend)
19. Life in a Day: NatGeo Films
20. Margin Call: Joint deal with Lions Gate and Roadside Attractions
21. Perfect Sense: IFC
22. The Future: Roadside Attractions
U.S. Documentary Competition:
23. Buck: Sundance Selects
24. The Last Mountain: Dada Films (MJ Peckos and Steven Raphael)
25. Page One: A Year Inside the New York Times: Magnolia and Participant
Park City at Midnight:
26. Silent House: Liddell Entertainment
World Cinema Dramatic Competition:
27. The Guard: Sony Pictures Classics
Not distribution deals per se but Fox Searchlight bought worldwide remake rights to
28. The Bengali Detective

29. TWC bought remake rights to Knuckle.
Please let me know if I missed any deals and feel free to comment in this blog. Of course more may be announced even as this posts and I am on a plane.
So we see mostly name filmmakers or cast but also definitely a few non-names generating deals the details of which are not publicized thusfar.
AND NOW ON the DIY side:
RE: SLITTING RIGHTS & DIY: Andrew Hurwitz and Alan Sacks wrote an article in the Hollywood Reporter addressing all the same stuff TFC has talked about before, splitting rights, working and sometimes conflating windows and not settling for bad deal terms when one could do better on one’s own working with consultants etc. It’s nice to see trades addressing this in a context that speaks to more traditional industry players.
THE FLAT FEE MODEL EXPANDS: Distribber (now owned by IndieGOGO) announced a partnership that has been brewing with one of our Cable VOD partners, and TFC Board of Advisor Meyer Schwarztein of Brainstorm Media. Basically it expands Distribber’s flat fee digital distribution offerings to include Cable VOD (and also Hulu). If a film gets onto all key MSOs the fee is set for now to be $9999 and there are prices per platform if a film cannot make it on to any given platform so that one is not paying for a platform or service they are not getting onto. As per the press release: “The films will be presented to audiences on the new “Filmmaker Direct” label; consumers who purchase films on “Filmmaker Direct” will know that 100% of profits go directly to the filmmaker, instead of to a parade of “Hollywood Middlemen.” For more info check out: http://www.distribber.com. My only cautionary note: this is not a great idea for smaller films for which the gross revenues that would not justify the flat fee. One must remember and always know to ask about the splits that the Cable VOD aggregator is getting from the MSOs. They range, to the best of my knowledge to-date, between 30% and 60% depending on company and films. Studios get the higher splits for the obvious reasons. And so one has to do the math. And of course also evaluate MARKETING (which will be the focus on the 3^rd and final part of this Sundance Blog series). In any case, we work with both Adam Chapnick at Distribber and Meyer Schwarzstein at Brainstorm and are fond of and trust them both.
BRAND NAME FILMMAKER DIY: Kevin Smith fueled the torch of DIY in his own flame-filled way. He auctioned off the distribution of Sundance Premiere Selection RED STATE to himself and has pre-booked theatres and plans to be his own decider in distribution, sans print ads (Amen). We wish him well but caution his very “old world” production and release budget (4mil Prod & and 2.5mil to release (for prints etc)… immediate launch broad release plan… a slow build never hurt anyone. David Dinnerstein formerly of Paramount Classics and Lakeshore consulted on the release. For more on this topic just search the WWW.
ABOUT THE SHORTS:
DIY Hats off to the Sundance SHORTS filmmaker such as Trevor Anderson and I believe 11 others who are on Sundance’s YouTube Screening Room Initiative with tens of thousands of views. Anderson exceeded 94,000 views as of the other day and has put all his shorts including this year’s HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE on www.EggUp.com which allows him to monetize them via transactional digital sales. TFC refularly refers filmmakers to EggUp and now also TopSpin though our guru Sheri Candler advises TopSpin works better for filmmakers with an already robust following. Whilst Anderson may not be getting rich just yet, it’s a perfect model for a prolific and vibrant filmmaker who is building a brand and getting his/her work out there.
Last but not least, Sundance announces its DIY oriented initiative.
Sundance Institute announced (I’m now quoting from its press release) its “Three-Year Plan with Kickstarter as Creative Funding Collaborator / Facebook® to Provide Guidance to Institute Alumni… A new program to connect its artists with audiences by offering access to top-tier creative funding and marketing backed by the Institute’s promotional support…The creative funding component was announced today with Kickstarter, the largest platform in the world for funding creative projects. A new way to fund and follow creative projects, tens of thousands of people pledge millions of dollars to projects on Kickstarter every month. In exchange for support, backers receive tangible rewards crafted and fulfilled by the project’s creator. Support is neither investment, charity, nor lending, but rather a mix of commerce and patronage that allows artists to retain 100% ownership and creative control of their work while building a supportive community as they develop their projects… In the coming months, Sundance Institute will build an online hub of resources related to independent distribution options, funding strategies and other key issues. The goal is to provide for filmmakers a central location to explore case studies and best practices, in addition to live workshops and training opportunities with Institute staff, alumni, industry experts and key partners. As the first of these partners bringing their expertise to the community, Facebook will offer Institute alumni advice, educational materials, and best-practices tips on how to build and engage audiences via the service…Further development will include access to a broad and open array of third-party digital distribution platforms backed by Sundance Institute promotional support. In the future, additional opportunities for theatrical exhibition will be explored in collaboration with organizations such as Sundance Cinemas, members of the national Art House Project, and others.”
I have been championing festivals getting involved with exhibition since and distribution beyond the festival itself since 2005 and discussed some options and ideas with Sundance staffers last year and am thrilled about this powerful and liberating announcement that so connects up with TFC’s mission whilst having some serious muscle and we look forward to being involved in some way hopefully.
MARKETING IS KING: One thing no one talks about in much detail is MARKETING. Of course the big guns have the cash to buy marketing but the small distribs and aggregators are starting to be difficult to distinguish at times, and yet sometimes distributors do earn their fees by investing real talent and expertise and even money in marketing. So comparing what one can do oneself (if one does not get the big fat offer) with what traditional but small distribution deals bring will be the focus of the 3^rd and last post in this series to come after Rotterdam but hopefully before Berlinale.

Review of Death of a Saleswoman

2011-01-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

Wondering about the film and about the filmmaker?

http://www.filmguru.net/reviews/2006/060918.html

Sheryl Crow Happy Christmas (War is Over) Live Christmas @ Rockef...

2010-12-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

K.D. Lang sings Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah

2010-12-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

Kelly Clarkson - Oh Holy Night (Christmas)

2010-12-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

Tips for better social media

2010-11-20T18:14:00.001-08:00

Here are tips and tricks I collected live at a recent social media seminar.

Buy FB ads to get to your key audience. Be where the conversation is.

Get Glue... New application for mobile to check into certain shows, food, etc.

Be useful with your info. Be yourself.

Tweet between 11a-12 noon. The most people are on then.

Geolocation lets you get loyalty points at locations.

Klout.com lets you check your clout online within conversations.

Use hootsuite to organize and time your tweets to publish-- and tie into your google analytics account.

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Death of a Saleswoman the festival version, is now on demand at Amazon

2010-10-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Excited to announce that Amazon.com now has the festival screener version (Director's Cut) of the indie feature comedy, Death of a Saleswoman, now available for immediate download or rental via VOD (on demand). Get is now, when you want it.

http://www.amazon.com/Death-Saleswoman-Festival-Version/dp/B0043435E2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-video&qid=1286169703&sr=8-1

Shots from my birthday trip

2010-08-15T16:32:00.001-07:00

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Location:Italy

http://www.spike.com/video/trailer/2655109

2010-08-01T20:56:00.000-07:00

Death of a Saleswoman, the trailer on Spike.com

This is the high resolution version, not titled on Spike, but that's due to housekeeping errors on their site.
You can watch the feature, on demand on YouTube. Coming soon to more venues...

http://www.spike.com/video/trailer/2655109

Broad Humor Goes to Rome

2010-07-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Some memories from my first trip to Rome, to show Death of a Saleswoman to Italian audiences.
AMAZING trip.

The Broad Humor Film Festival: You Tube VidCon Partners Meeting

2010-07-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

The Broad Humor Film Festival: You Tube VidCon Partners Meeting

Went to the YouTube Partner Meet Up yesterday in Los Angeles. It was a great event because it put us right into the current day happenings and how tos of using YouTube, social media and Google to best advantage in building an audience for yourself as a artist and as a content provider.
Looking forward to the next and to pushing more content to the web, using the great insights given at the meeting.
Good food afterwards, too!

Tuscano, Italia June 2010

2010-07-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

Death of a Saleswoman coming to Hulu.com

2010-07-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

Catch the full length, award winning feature coming soon to Hulu.com.
Currently available for download at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM1qQfuTTTY&feature=channel on YOUTUBE.
Own your own full length DVD available from Amazon.com.

Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flmkrD

Stay tuned for more details!

Working on Broad Humor Film Festival June 11-13, 2010

2010-05-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Where?
Electric Lodge Performing Arts Center
1416 Electric Ave
Venice, CA 90291
Free parking on premises.

Come out and watch great films, attend pro seminars and panels, watch staged readings of award-winning scripts, party down and laugh, laugh, laugh! A great way to start your summer off right.

A Filmmaker's Life: I Just Got Rejected From Sundance

2010-01-31T09:13:00.000-08:00

A Filmmaker's Life: I Just Got Rejected From Sundance

Sundance 2010 DIY distribution

2010-01-30T18:40:00.001-08:00

Its really hard to write a blog from an iPhone -- but wanted to share some great ideas that come right out of the past few days of Sundance panels.

Subscribe to Peter Brodericks newsletter.
Check out Eugene Hernandezs indiewire coverage. Follow him on Twitter.
And check out this fellow filmmakers (thank you, Brant!) blog:
http://www.diysucks.com/
Ok-- enough typing:)

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sundance 10

2010-01-25T01:21:00.001-08:00

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park city

2010-01-25T01:19:00.001-08:00

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Sundance 2010

2010-01-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

No Excuse - Except Twitter

2009-12-06T22:21:00.001-08:00

Now that I can blog from my phone there's no excuse for not updating my blog more often. Except... Twitter. Tweets are easier and faster to post. And who reads blog posts anymore?

Tell me your preferences and habits.

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FW:

2009-07-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

7 7 09

FW:

2009-07-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

Rip mj

FW:

2009-07-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

An icon lives 4eva

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2009-05-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

Riis park, ny

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2009-05-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Memorial day 09

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2009-05-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Washington square park, nyc

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2009-05-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

Memorial day 09

Artist & the Trafficker (working title)

2009-05-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

Sadiq Abu (Junior) is threatened by Tarnue Massaquoi (The General) when he refuses to paint for the General.

Daytona Beach, FL May 2009

2009-05-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

DSC01110

2009-05-20T21:14:00.001-07:00

DSC01110, originally uploaded by filmmaker donna.

A typical sunset seen from my office window.

Verrazanno a

2009-05-20T21:12:00.003-07:00

Verrazanno a, originally uploaded by catcap360.

clear waters

2009-05-20T21:10:00.001-07:00

clear waters, originally uploaded by Farl.

Wow, the Phillipines are incredible...

spices for sale

2009-05-20T21:09:00.001-07:00

spices for sale, originally uploaded by Farl.

Fab colors...

sapu Muntilan

2009-05-20T21:08:00.001-07:00

sapu Muntilan, originally uploaded by Farl.

This is really cool too, a photo of colorful brooms...

doors of Yogya

2009-05-20T21:07:00.001-07:00

doors of Yogya, originally uploaded by Farl.

I love this collage of doors from Indonesia. I found it on Flickr.

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2009-05-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Marina del rey ca

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2009-04-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

Hot chocolate- european style

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2009-04-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

I <3 blueberries.

Death of a Saleswoman on Netflix!

2009-04-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
My indie feature is coming very soon to Netflix.
It's already on Amazon.com and now you can rent it too.
It's also coming soon to iTunes for download.

And if you want to see it on the BIG SCREEN, it's coming to Deland, FL on May 4 and May 5 for evening screenings with Q&A afterwards with me, the filmmaker!
If any of the cast or crew will be in FL at the same time, hit me up and we'll both do the talkback, together.

For followers of my blog, let your friends and family know of this new news!
YAYYYY!

Filmmaking For The Poor: Sarah Jacobson, Inspirational DIY Filmmaker

2009-01-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

Filmmaking For The Poor: Sarah Jacobson, Inspirational DIY Filmmaker

FilmmakerDonna: Multimedia message

2009-01-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

FilmmakerDonna: Multimedia message

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

Main street-park city utah

Overhead: Sundance Film Festival seminar 1.19.09

2009-01-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

Overhead in line:
"People act like there hasn't been a good film since like, The Graduate. That's crazy. I mean that was a great film, don't get me wrong, but there's been great cinema since there. What was that like, 1950 or something...?"

"It's all about compelling stories, man. The story has to be compelling. It's not about technology."

These were the comments in line next to me today while I was waiting for the filmmaking seminar about creating "leaning forward moments" in your films, moments that make your audience want to lean forward to hear what's coming next. I have to say, I flatly disagree with these patrons.

First, not many great films have been made since The Graduate that are as good as that film. Rosemary's Baby was as good. But it was made in the same time period.
And second, it's NOT just about compelling stories. It's ALL about the technology. Either you're using it to make something great, or you're not. How do you use it? As a tool to make stories that are not only compelling but also artful? And to show a mastery of craft? To make your audience lean forward?

We watched some SFF filmmaker clips today--and I was disappointed that these current day filmmakers were not making anything remotely as exciting as films from the 60s and 70s like The Graduate. Or The Godfather. Or even Rosemary's Baby.

As a filmmaker myself, it's on US to move beyond the pedantic, easy ways to make films and to kick it up a notch and make something at least AS GOOD as The Graduate. As good as Citizen Kane. As good as A Clockwork Orange. Scorsese's films are still that good.

What about yours?
Are you firing with all barrels these days in your own filmmaker life?

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

At the new frontier lounge

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Lounging at sff09

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

The ceiling at new frontier

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

Biz card in the snow- sff 09

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T00:13:00.000-08:00

On the way 2 a party- sff 09

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T00:11:00.000-08:00

Sundance 09

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T00:10:00.000-08:00

New frontiers lounge at sundance

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T00:08:00.000-08:00

Swan day n awd sundance party

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-19T00:06:00.000-08:00

Alliance of women directors at dinner after a triple safe party

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-18T17:53:00.000-08:00

Navigating new frontiers at sff

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

Panel on diy distribution at sff

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

Busstop- sundance film fest

Sundance Film Festival 2009

2009-01-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

At sundance 09

Sundance 09

2009-01-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

I'm at Sundance and attended a panel about new ways to deliver your films digitally via the Internet and other sources like iTunes and YouTube.
The time has come to find ways to get your product out there without the time delays and monetary loss you'd suffer with traditional distribution.

Distributors will either have to fall in line with this or ...go out of business.
More to come...

Amazon.com and Death of a Saleswoman: Director's Cut

2008-12-10T14:28:00.000-08:00

I’m delighted to report, DEATH OF A SALESWOMAN, the award-winning comedy murder mystery is now available on Amazon.com, just in time for the holidays!

It makes a perfect gift for any of the women in your life, something that will make them smile, laugh and think. And it’s a great way to escape for awhile and forget about the failing economy or whatever else is going on around us these days.
Use this discount code to get special holiday period pricing: P48BDTVC.

Happy holidays!

-Filmmaker Donna

Near Death #2

2008-09-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

I want to talk about near death experiences again.

How common are these? Is there a thin veil between this life and the next? Can we put a foot or even just a toe into the next reality, while staying anchored in this one?
Are these questions really too hard to answer on a blog?

When I was in the hospital recovering from appendicitis the doctors put me on the wrong pain medication--wrong because I was allergic to it--Hello.

I basically went into shock and stopped breathing. Luckily, my friend Larry was visiting me in my room at that moment. He must have noticed something was up because he called the nurses and told them I'd stopped breathing. Thanks, Larry! I owe you.

Then I heard the calm voices. Or voice. I can't really be sure/recall. It was saying I needed to take some breaths now or I'd be a goner. However, in all honesty, I don't really think my voice used the slang word "goner." But anyway.

Through this experience I've come to believe that patients in comas who we used to say can't hear us, CAN actually hear everything--because I could hear what was going on in the room while the medics were working on reviving me. It's just that I couldn't answer. When I saw the movie THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY my suspicions were confirmed.

So, there you go. If someone you know seems to be unconsious, my advice: talk to them anyway and assume they can hear you fine.

And if you want to read about my other near death experience, the one on the mountain, check my earlier post for 8/4.

Why All the Enlightened Folk Live Away From Crowds

2008-08-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

It's curious that monks go to live in secluded places in Tibet and study all day to become enlightened. It makes sense to me that George W. Bush and some other folks who live in big cities should be studying to become enlightened and become better leaders of people. Why are the monks all alone and not really in charge of anything or not even counseling people who seek higher wisdom and need guides?

It would be cool if it were opposite: that monks lived among us, and studied and then ran Microsoft, Apple, the Stock Exchange, the country, the economy, hospitals, immigration services, the legal system, the insurance system, auto repair places, credit cards, I could go on and on...and then the current world leaders would all go away for several years and study and study all day long to figure out how to hear their higher selves and do GOOD in this world.

I Have Two Amazing Scripts Ready for Production

2008-08-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

One of them, which won best screenplay in the LAFemme Fest prior, has been described as "one of the top 10 screenplays in Hollywood that's as yet unproduced." Nice, right?!

The other is a Slamdance finalist. I hear great things about that one too--which is nice. Keep those compliments coming, folks. I love positive feedback.

But what I'd like even more is the backing and resources to make BOTH of these films within the year. One is a great actor vehicle for male leads, the other for female leads. Acting Oscar, anyone?

I've found that a key to my inspiration comes from reading poety. So I started reading Rumi two weeks ago, because two friends mentioned him to me.

I've also noticed I have a selective photographic memory. In my case, I can recall shots from every film I've seen -- and also the emotion that was in the shot when I viewed it. But I can't recall written information as easily...weird. It only works with visual info. I can also visit a spot once and then visit again years later and recall the place exactly.

These things come in handy while directing.

5 Other Imaginary Lives

2008-08-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

If I had five other lives I was leading at the same time as this one...I'd be

-a singer in a rock band--I'd have my own band and be the female equivalent of Bono. I love Bono. Bono, if you're out there, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOUR MUSIC. And Sting, same thing.

-the scientist who cures cancer. It's fine if I do this within a larger group of scientists. I just want to do it. I believe that WATER is the cure for cancer, by the way. When you put water in a funnel or some container and spin it at high velocity, it takes on all new properties and electric currents. And therefore, I believe, it has the ability to heal and stop the spread of cancer cells.

-the leader of a third world country--someone like Benazir Bhutto.

-Paris Hilton. It's hard to explain this one, so I won't. Don't ask.

-the Dalai Lama's best friend. This is a bit easier to explain. You probably don't need to ask!

Think of Yourself as...

2008-08-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

...an incandescent power, illuminated and perhaps forever talked to by God and his messengers.
-Brenda Urland

Going Overseas

2008-08-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

So it's pretty much time for another overseas trip for me, been thinking where to go exactly--dunno yet.

Europe most likely. I was invited to Barcelona - which would be FUN to do, reclining on beaches with scantily clad people I find attractive - always fun!
Maybe gathering up some actors and making something. Maybe just drinking the afternoon away.

My friend Tina, she is so able to relax in a way I want to be able to. She can just literally veg out at a pool all day long, then go change clothes, go to din din and then go party all night -- and do this over and over and over several days in a row! For like a month. Or more. Me? I tend to get bored and want more - want something different than the same old same old every day.

I'd like to do that for one of the days, then go sky diving the next, then sail from here to Hawaii the next week, then fly to the Orient and shop. Etc, etc. But chilling in the sun and drinking every night to the same old music? And the people in the clubs start to look the same too. Huh. And talk the same.

And when was the last time I wrote a screenplay? 2007. Long time. I used to constantly be in the middle of one or the other script. Two of my friends have asked me within the last week, "so watcha working on, whatcha writing now?" Nothing is my answer. OMG! they say. You're an amazing writer. Why aren't you writing?!!! WTF.
!!

I've been directing and shooting and editing things since 2006. Does that count? That takes a lot of time.

I think I need a piece of toast now. Or birthday cake.

I'm gonna go figure it out.

New Film Movement

2008-08-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to start a new film movement since May--went to a seminar about it in LA...or I even want to join others who are doing so. The last film movement was in 95 with dogme. Nothing since there. There are several variables that make up a film movement--besides visual style, there are political ramifications, etc.
Maybe I'm creating one now, just by my desire to do so and by me actively shooting stuff all spring and summer via my AFI class. ?

I'd love to hear some ideas about possible new directions for a movement.

I'm going for a walk now. :)

Broad Humor Film Festival 08

2008-08-02T15:02:00.001-07:00

Broad Humor Film Fest in review
Current mood: stoked
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Broad Humor Film Festival No-Budget Shorts Review

By Angie Comer

It was far from another ordinary Sunday in the stylish community of Abbot Kinney. The day was hot; but the climate was not the reason. The Broad Humor Film Festival, which had taken over Venice, California for the third year, was in its final day. Broad Humor is the only film festival anywhere that puts the spotlight on the art of comedy written and directed by women. It turns out that men and women both get the joke, enjoying the humor out of the mouths of babes.

Click on this link and read the full review about some of the shorts program that was featured this year!

http://...com/5xho86

Blood Drive Video

2008-08-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

Red Cross Blood Drive video
Category: Life

http://tiny.cc/z6855

Ok I'm Back

2008-08-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

So I've had bronchitis all summer, not fun. Haven't been blogging. But still been doing things. Had to forgo some cool trips and being with loved ones (sucks!!) in the beginning of the summer...of note, a special trip in July (sad about this one--due to my own mistakes in communicating ways to do the trip...BUT trusting my awesome travel buddy forgives my error of that moment and we'll plan a better trip shortly!) and missed some other fun trips during july too--doc won't approve me traveling and I don't want to infect other people across the US! And it hurts to ascend in altitude while I can't breathe.

So instead have been taking classes, visiting with friends, going to the beach, improving my mind, working on personal growth, meditating, got a new job, directing short films, working with actors, working on distribution for Death of a Saleswoman and riding my bike around Hollywood.

I'm also pondering the mysteries of the universe...and going to a BBQ with work friends today.
Ciao.

LA to Tuscany

2008-03-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

travel day. literally. started at manhattan beach, california at lisa's house for european lattes...it's great to have a warm send off.

then off to LAX ...i call my awesome Aspen for final goodbyes before i leave the US, then relax and listen to italian language tapes i loaded onto my cell phone.

in paris i discover the charles de gaulle airport feels like i'm in a Bourne Identity film--there are so few signs and they are all in french ...
good thing i know some french...

at the pisa airport, i head outside to catch my bus to lucca.

while near the university of pisa, driver man nearly runs down a college coed and she gives him the finger. driver man wears this red bandana tied around his head, like a 70s bruce lee thing...like a kamikaze pilot. kind of like a ny cab driver too.

finally, after a 24+ hr journey, i arrive and check into Da Elisa alle Sette Arti bed and breakfast. I call Rosanna about meeting later that evening for dinner and drinks. whoo.

Jazz in Lucca, Italy

2008-03-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

3.7.08...I take an after dinner break to enjoy the Jazz Cats combo...wow!

they played for LuccaJazzDonna 08.

rosanna, me, the jazzcats' manager, manuela and lia...(RtoL)

the Jazz Cats combo are: Lia Invernizzi (vocals), Manuela Capelli (piano), Claudia Natili (string bass), Barbara D'Alesso (drums) ... and they are...COOOOOL!

bravo!!!!

for more information/to participate:

http://www.eliotropica.com/

http://thesenseoftravelling.blogspot.com/

http://www.donnadiscover.com/Home_Page.php

http://blog.donnadiscover.com/

The Devil's Bridge, Tuscany

2008-03-12T23:58:00.000-07:00

3.8.08...we make our way outside the massive city walls of lucca to the countryside and visit first, the devil's bridge...also known as the Ponte della Maddelena (or Ponte del Diavolo)...

...what i love about this bridge, besides that it's from the 14th century and is still here! is how uneven and imperfect it is...nothing like this would ever make it in america...where everything feels so linear and straight and has the illusion of perfection...

the bridge was said to have been built in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross it the next day. The locals sent a dog (or pig - take your pick) over instead, and the devil bent the bridge.

for more information/to participate:

http://www.eliotropica.com/

http://thesenseoftravelling.blogspot.com/

http://www.donnadiscover.com/Home_Page.php

http://blog.donnadiscover.com/

The Fortezza delle Verrucole, Tuscany pt.1

2008-03-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

i remember when we got off the bus here, i had been napping not knowing what our destination was and pretty much stumbled out of the bus following Rosanna as she led us up a steep stone hill between several farmhouses in this sweepingly romantic and poetic countryside covered with a curtain of light grey and blue hues and a mist from the humidity in the air...
this led to an even steeper climb up a rock encrusted path, narrow and winding... i trudge along, snapping photos as usual, not sure what we're here to see...i feel the light rain coming down...it's kind of nice...peaceful somehow after my nap on the bus...

Rosanna is explaining where we are, but it's all in italiano, which i don't understand much...so instead i take in the spectacular sites, sounds, smells...it's powerful...maybe it's the altitude, maybe the rain, maybe because we've just had this amazing lunch at a local osteria back in the last village down the hill...

for more information/to participate:

http://www.eliotropica.com
http://thesenseoftravelling.blogspot.com
http://www.donnadiscover.com/Home_Page.php
http://blog.donnadiscover.com/

Provincia di Lucca, Italia pt. 1

2008-03-12T15:03:00.001-07:00

...welcome to the pearl of tuscany, the wonderful mediaeval town of lucca. it became a colony in (either) 180 AD or BC (i have conflicting info!) and then a roman town in 89 AD. it became a free commune in 1162.

..its real hey-day may have been the 13th and 14th centuries, where it enjoyed intense mercantile and banking activity. in 1805, napoleon made lucca a principality, granting authority to his sister elisa bonaparte...

as i walk under this famous arch, situated near the end of via de elisa, im astounded by the sheer age of the town whose stone streets im walking this raining morning 3.7.08. i have no idea what the 'thump, thump, thump' noises are while i was making this video, at first i thought i was carrying something that was dragging, but no--who knows, maybe a soul from times past was following me...it sounds kind of like a sentry...

for more information/to participate:

http://www.eliotropica.com
http://thesenseoftravelling.blogspot.com
http://www.donnadiscover.com/Home_Page.php
http://blog.donnadiscover.com/

The Fortezza delle Verrucole pt. 2

2008-03-12T04:18:00.001-07:00

Today I explore the fantastic, romantic and strangely aggressive Fortezza delle Verrucole located at the center of the high Garfagnana Valley in Tuscany.

...i sit inside a gunnery outpost (a loop hole made in the wall for shooting) and imagine how many men (if any?) actually did battle here.

...there are steps of stone that lead up, up into the sky...and when i emerge, i am on a plateau overlooking a breathtaking view of the Apuane Alps, the Apennines and the Garfagnana Valley below.

for more information/to participate:

http://www.eliotropica.com
http://thesenseoftravelling.blogspot.com
http://www.donnadiscover.com/Home_Page.php
http://blog.donnadiscover.com/

The Fortezza delle Verrucole pt. 3

2008-03-12T04:15:00.001-07:00

The Counts Gherardinghi built this ancient fortress around the XI-XII centuries to live there and dominate their territory. this powerful family inhabited the Verrucole until the year 1285, when the Republic of Lucca bought the building.

for more information/to participate:

http://www.eliotropica.com
http://thesenseoftravelling.blogspot.com
http://www.donnadiscover.com/Home_Page.php
http://blog.donnadiscover.com/

Rosanna Welcomes Us to Italy!

2008-03-10T13:52:00.001-07:00

Welcome to DonnaDiscover Weekend March '08...from the rolling hills of Tuscany just outside of Lucca, on the Serchio River 3.8.08

For more information/to participate:
http://www.eliotropica.com/
http://thesenseoftravelling.blogspot.com/
http://www.donnadiscover.com/Home_Page.php
http://blog.donnadiscover.com/

Tuscan Highlights...2008

2008-03-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

welcome to donnadiscover.com lucca weekend!

...up early today. had a healthy breakfast in the hotel ilaria (hotelilaria.com) in lucca, italy. cereal, yogurt with strawberries and pineapple, assorted fresh fruit, prosciutto, salame, crusty bread, tomato, formaggi, juices, acqua, breakfast desserts (dolci), caffe, and green tea...

Biking Lucca

2008-03-10T13:46:00.002-07:00

lucca is a true bikers haven! only the luccan residents are allowed to drive within the city walls.

Provincia di Lucca pt. 3

2008-03-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

rosanna tells me lucca is called the city of a 100 churches...
hundreds of ancient places of worship that exist still to embrace the weary, the lost, the jubuliant, the faithful...

i think of this trip as a kind of journey of the soul...an escape from my hectic life, my preprogrammed mind...an escape to see--and feel-- first hand the beauty that lies all around me...

rosanna tells us this famous circular square used to be an amphitheatre where gladiators were sacrificed for entertainment.

i find out yesterday that the SIM card i bought just to use in europe doesn't work here! for whatever reason...so i don't even worry about my phone during the journey today.

i have a 'walking meditation' on my phone so i listen to that and walk around lucca, without a plan.

We Eat, We Drink...Italian Style

2008-03-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

march 7 & 8, 2008.

we eat at this osteria in Gastelnuovo Garfagnana just outside the walls of lucca...Osteria Vecchio Mulino...andrea bertucci runs it--i think.

we get cups filled with piping hot chocolate- melted pure chocolate in little cups. italian hot chocolate.

we add a local favorite to the chocolate--hot sauce, as in tabasco, for an added kick...wow. (it sounds bad but it's delish!)

Ancient Camellias of Lucca '08

2008-03-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

ciao!

the tuscan region of the world is truly like no other...

met up with rosanna for annual "ancient camellias of the lucca region" exhibition in the village of san andrea di compito and pieve di compito.

we feast on sumptuous local food and vino hosted by Slow Food Conduct Orti Lucchesi in collaboration with AIS (Italian Sommerlier Assoc).

on the menu today: vino rosso, tuscan beans and sausage, zuppa, crusty bread, formaggi (with honey!), desserts, (we skip the tripe) and it begins raining. but who cares when you're eating this well.

there's another ancient church (next to a wine station) susan and i wander into while getting lost from the next food station...
its amazing...i take some photos and say a prayer inside, near the madonna and resurrection paintings i find...

coming out of the church, we accidently run into rosanna's hubbie, while looking for a bathroom and getting some vino. he follows susan with a huge grin saying "dont i know u from somewhere?" sue runs away saying "its not possible..." but he persists until we finally realize he's rosannas hubbie:)

for more information/to participate:

http://www.eliotropica.com
http://thesenseoftravelling.blogspot.com
http://www.donnadiscover.com/Home_Page.php
http://blog.donnadiscover.com/

Packing for Tuscany

2008-03-02T01:34:00.000-08:00

ok well, i've been at the computer almost all day 2day, it's like that when it's raining in LA...normally i'd be out riding my gary fisher around hollywood and highland where i live, but the cold wetness keeps me inside with my cat and computers.

...i'm snacking on blueberries... for the antioxidants and cuz they're sweet, delicate, cool and fruity. i finish printing my etickets, maps, etc and jotting down phone numbers, talking to loved ones, paying online bills and checking email accounts before hopping off to bed to dream of the tuscan sun.

im looking forward to being away from the smog, traffic and life stress i have in LA. even tho i'll be missing like crazy my peeps!

ciao

FilmmakerDonna

Death of a Saleswoman website online

Park Slope Films Blog: Park Slope Films presents: The Art of Brooklyn

Lead Actress for Revelations: Danay Garcia

New Short: Revelations: working title

Invest in a friend's movie -- 30 days to go...!

Sisters: a short

The Women’s Media Center Video From Sundance Women and Hollywood

Another Sundance-related blog for 2011

Thanks to these folks for this great blog:

http://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/blog/2010/12/if-i-were-a-filmmaker-going-to-sundance%E2%80%A6/

If I were a filmmaker going to Sundance…. – December 21st, 2010

SUNDANCE 2011: distribution report

DEALS & DIY: A Film Distribution Duet – January 27th, 2011

Review of Death of a Saleswoman

Sheryl Crow ** Happy Christmas ** (War is Over) Live Christmas @ Rockef...

K.D. Lang sings Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah

Kelly Clarkson - Oh Holy Night (Christmas)

Tips for better social media

Death of a Saleswoman the festival version, is now on demand at Amazon

Shots from my birthday trip

http://www.spike.com/video/trailer/2655109

Broad Humor Goes to Rome

The Broad Humor Film Festival: You Tube VidCon Partners Meeting

Tuscano, Italia June 2010

Death of a Saleswoman coming to Hulu.com

Working on Broad Humor Film Festival June 11-13, 2010

A Filmmaker's Life: I Just Got Rejected From Sundance

Sundance 2010 DIY distribution

sundance 10

park city

Sundance 2010

No Excuse - Except Twitter

FW:

FW:

FW:

Multimedia message

Multimedia message

Multimedia message

Multimedia message

Artist & the Trafficker (working title)

Daytona Beach, FL May 2009

DSC01110

Verrazanno a

clear waters

spices for sale

sapu Muntilan

doors of Yogya

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Death of a Saleswoman on Netflix!

Filmmaking For The Poor: Sarah Jacobson, Inspirational DIY Filmmaker

FilmmakerDonna: Multimedia message

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Overhead: Sundance Film Festival seminar 1.19.09

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Sundance 09

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