Help Amos Poe Make His Next Film!

My former professor, inspirational mentor and good friend, Amos Poe (hope you aren't discouraged that I've elevated our relationship to this status, Amos, but we have been through flaming lawnmowers and sprained feet in Florence ^^), has a new project on the horizon....and he needs our help!

"As some of you may know, Amos Poe is one of the leading figures of the no wave cinema movement and is considered by many to be the father of the modern indie American cinema. (see Celine Danhier's "Blank City"). His films include: "The Blank Generation", "Unmade Beds", "The Foreigner", "Subway Riders", "Alphabet City", "Rocket Gibraltar", "Frogs For Snakes", "Steve Earle:Just An American Boy" and "Empire II".

His current project LA COMMEDIA di Amos Poe is inspired by Dante Alighieri’s 700 year-old literary masterpiece “La Divina Commedia” and Edward Muybridge’s 19th century breakthrough “The Horse In Motion”, arguably the first “motion picture”.

The key element of this film is the idea of a journey in motion, a pattern of events. Amos and Dante are two “travelers” in the middle of their years that have to confront themselves while undergoing a mid life crisis. "In the middle of my years I found myself in a dark wood..." so begins The Inferno." (Excerpt from KickStarter page)

(Also, our friend JR Skola at Dawn of Man Productions is involved as well!)

Be an official backer of "La Commedia"!

New Collaboration Video, "Quietly Awake"

Over the weekend, Ryan decided to record some footage with our Flip HD cam; he's been wanting to make sort of a tone poem for awhile now, and while walking in Prospect Park, we decided to just go for it.

"Quietly Awake" 2010

Ryan Haupt

Flip Cam HD

(Edited in iMovie)

CAST
Tara Rose Stromberg

(Yes, the cast is none other than yours truly. I swear, it wasn't my decision! The director was very selective.)

Quietly Awake from Ryan Haupt on Vimeo.

DOE Update: New Title Christened + Music

Just thought I'd pass on the good word that my film DOE ("Day of Embers") has officially been re-titled "Cereal for Dinner."

This was a decision made based on the following:

a.) "Day of Embers" sounds like a post-apocalyptic epic thriller, whilst my film is about two kids, a sprinkler, and a lawnmower that happens to catch fire. It doesn't need the fanfare.

b.) I wanted a title that tied into the childhood theme and that meshed with the message; I was having dinner with Ryan and my producer, Josh, when I started talking about my family (which is what the script was based on) and the fact that we were so chaotic and odd that we used to eat cereal for dinner frequently. A lightbulb appeared over each of our heads, and the title was born.

In addition to re-vamping the title, I have been trying to rework the edit to make it shorter and more engaging. Unfortunately, I can't do any sound design until the edit has been finalized, and it desperately needs it better sound. In some ways I feel this is hindering the actual editing process, but I have no choice but to cut what I can as is.

One thing I have been trying to do to help with the flow is to incorporate some music beforehand to get a feel of where I want it and how it can be utilized to affect the emotions portrayed onscreen. Ryan has put together one main theme to use throughout to represent the kids; it has a very bittersweet, ethereal, summer sound. I am also experimenting with some other songs he's created before that are more fast paced (see original trailer) to hype the energy up for the scenes with the parents arguing and lawnmower climax.

Check out Ryan's new track (and other music) here!

Vote for Axe!

James and David Mandel have entered their Axe commerical on Current TV. Vote now!

Matchgirl in 35mm

In 2006, I attended the 35mm Film-making program at FAMU in Prague for one semester. During this time, fourteen of us wrote, shot and edited our own short films. I was lucky enough to shoot on 35mm film and do some post work with the talented folks at Barrandov Studios.

Though the program was rewarding, it was grueling to be up against the high expectations of our Eastern European professors. However, I must say this prepared us for the inevitable harsh criticisms of the actual film world, and forced us to break out of our comfort zones as artists.


The idea for "Matchgirl" (another working title; suggestions welcome) came from my childhood love of the Hans Christian Anderson story, "The Little Matchgirl." It was one of those stories that mom used to read to me, and subsequently made me cry every time. It's tragic, but sweet; and to a kid, those two conflicting emotions are both confusing and somewhat disturbing. When I knew I'd be visiting ye olde Prague, I thought it was the perfect backdrop for a fairytale. However, the reality of shooting a period piece proved difficult, and I later revised my script many times to reflect a more modern tone. Yet, I believe the heart of the story is still there.

I did a rough cut in Europe, and then re-edited once I was back in the city for an editing course at Tisch. Sound design was difficult, as there was no sync sound when we shot. I had to make do with the school's sound library, and when you view the film as is stands, you will see it still needs a little work in that department. The biggest element missing is music, so if anyone has any ideas or knows anyone who can compose, let me know! It really needs something, as there are gaps that needs to be filled in order for the drama to follow through.

So take a peak and let me know what you think; I'd love to hear any feedback, as I think this short deserves to be submitted somewhere, as there were so many people who gave their time to make it happen. And it goes without saying that it still occupies a special place in my heart.

Commercial Acting Work

Acting is something I've always loved, and I had the chance to flaunt some of my acting chops (though they be minimal) in Florence, Italy for the 2006 NYU "30 Second Commercial Reel" class. While attending screenwriting courses, I collaborated with friends under the direction of professor, Amos Poe, to create some spur-of-the-moment, but nevertheless pretty ingenious specs.

There's a story behind each one, but I'll let you do the imagining. It was great fun, and I'm glad to see that all of them have been keeping up with their film work!

"Untitled Fragrance Commercial" 2006
Director: Jessie Hur

"Cornetta Ice Cream" 2006
Director: Asal Hejazi
Actors: Tara Rose Stromberg
Jessie Hur

"Hunt's Ketchup"
Director: JR Skola

You can see more specs from the class of 2006, as well as those from other years at Amos' site, pianospecs.com.

"Day of Embers" Edit Halfway Done!

Just thought I'd share with you all the good news; I have finished editing the 1st half of the film, and will be done soon! Once we have this 2nd edit completed, sound design and color correction will begin. I am trying to find time in between working my 10 hour days (and that's when I'm lucky to get out on time) so that I can get this baby going.

For now, I can use all of your help in trying to find a good title. I know I've said it before, but "Day of Embers" just ain't cuttin' it. It doesn't do the film's story any justice, which at the very basic is a story of a girl growing up and facing everyday family problems. I had toyed around with "little earthquakes," but you guys tell me what you think.

Meanwhile, I'll continue to keep everyone posted! Thanks again for all your ongoing support!

Jarmusch's "Limits of Control" Premiere

I had the great privilege to attend my first ever independent film premiere for Jim Jarmusch's new feature, "The Limits of Control" last night at the Landmark Sunshine Cinemas on East Houston.

Ryan works at PointBlank Films as an intern, and Jim, along with colleagues Carter and Stacey, invited both of us to view the film amongst cast, crew and fans. The evening was topped by a quaint dinner party at Shang's on Orchard Street, where Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Paz de la Huerta, John Hurt, Gael Garcia Bernal, Isaac De Bankolé, (and Amos Poe!) made merry with champagne, Ketel One, and jerk chicken. I must say I was partial to the fried rice. Best I've ever had.

But enough about the party! The film was truly a sight to behold, shot by Christopher Doyle and written by Jarmusch himself. I have never paid more attention to each and every single frame as I had in this piece. De Bankolé's placid exterior was unmoving, yet strangely interesting. The hallucinogenic music (from Boris, and even Jarmusch and Carter's own band) created a very cinematic reality that while never bordering on satirical, did sort of make you wonder.....what's going on here?

Very European, I would say, if I had enough knowledge of European movies to say so. I CAN say that I enjoyed the acting, especially De Bankolé, who had no other way of expressing himself but through his unflinching face and consciously controlled movements. Every other character had little time on screen, but made it count (even down to the lowly Spanish waiter), as each were memorable and unique in personality.

Ask me what they were talking about and why?......the hell if I know, at least for now. But I definitely listened. I have to admit, the story is still playing back in my mind as I attempt to understand the hidden meanings. But is a Jarmusch film really meant for analysis? He has said himself that a film should be about the experience.........and I suppose that in this case, it certainly was.

NYU 1st Run Film Fest

Alas, I was not able to see all of the films (maybe if some people had TOLD me ^.^;;), but I did make the 7pm Sunday, April 29th showing of four films, including this Bollywood musical/comedy (which was entertaining, funny and genuine):



Arranged"/Suraj Das
(Starring friend, and former Prague film colleague, Nardeep Khurmi, and edited by friend and Florence-colleague, Asal Hejazi!)

Also saw good ol' Amos there, back from Italy, and in his trademark fedora. Sadly, Nardeep, the star of "Arranged" wasn't there, and I didn't get to look around for anyone I knew, but I'm proud of you all and hope to god I can get my film done soon!

Watch the Winona Bio Online!

Just this past fall, A&E aired the Winona Ryder Biography I produced in association with Triple Threat TV. Now you can watch the entire thing here!

Also check out the Jennifer Lopez episodes I created and edited as Associate Produced the year before:

• Jennifer Lopez: "Strong Roots"
• Jennifer Lopez: "Style Icon"
• Jennifer Lopez: "Musical Roots"

"Day of Embers" Trailer Out!

When a mini disaster strikes, Katy's family undergoes a true role reversal. Why can't she just be a kid?

"Day of Embers" [Working Title]

DIRECTOR: Tara Rose Stromberg
EDITOR: Phil Chernyak
PRODUCERS: James Morrison, Joshua Goolsby
DP: Andrew Willis
MUSIC: Ryan Haupt

ACTORS:
Gianna Dafflisio (Katy)
Jason Schulmann (Peter)
Chris McNamara (Glenn)
Rebecca Hailey (Lorraine)

FOR FEATHER Music Video

About a year ago, James, Mark and Josh collaborated with musician, Erica Glyn, and her band For Feather to create a music video for their single, "Pullover."

It was filmed in Central Park and Coney Island on a Super 8 camera (which makes it look oh-so retro....you can't get that look anywhere else!) Check it out:

Pullover from For Feather on Vimeo.

More For Feather info, media and upcoming shows at http://www.forfeather.com/.
Their new album "Firing at Love Field" is out now!

Grey Area Films

Check out the website for Mark Theideman's Grey Area Films:

http://www.grayareafilm.com/index2.html

Keep checking back for updates on "The Scoundrel," Mark's latest film and first feature, which should be completed very soon!

The Scoundrel Teaser from Mark Thiedeman on Vimeo.

"Hermaphroditus" is an absolutely beautiful and haunting mythological piece created a few years ago by Mark.

"Swimsuit" debuted as an Official Selection at NewFest 2008 in NYC. Josh and I were on location with Mark for this shoot, and we also were proud to attend the festival where Mark made one of the best introductory speeches I've heard in awhile. (Wish I could have taped it!)

See the trailer below:

Check out "Party Down" on Starz/Netflix!

While working as an assistant for ABC, James lent a hand to the production of the new TV show, Party Down, shot in LA. Check out the premiere tonight on Starz, or click here for a preview!

"Stay True Darling" in Film Fest!

James Morrison's film, produced by David Mandel, "Stay True Darling" just got into the DelRay Beach Film Festival in Florida. Congrats!

I worked on James' film as offline editor and production assistant (as well as one sec of screen time as a waitress). Check out the official site and the trailer below.

Good luck guys!

"Stay True Darling" Trailer

"Day of Embers" + Prospectus

The script for my NYU senior thesis, "Day of Embers" [Working Title] was something I had been working on for almost a year beforehand, inspired by true childhood events at the Stromberg household. Everything was shot in New Jersey in September of 2007 over a span of two weekends.

But it took a lot of pre-production to get this project off the ground. At the time, I was still in college and was also assistant producing the A&E Biography on Jennifer Lopez. I was aided by my producers James Morrison and Josh Goolsby, as well as Amos Poe (my thesis professor) and my dad, Jim Stromberg, who worked pretty much as field producer in NJ.

Below is the film prospectus that was sent out to potential investors the summer before the shoot. It was sent within a school folder, accompanied by a personal letter from me and a DVD of my works. As a result of our presentation, along with a stipend from Tisch School of the Arts, we raised $3,000.00 for the budget!

Thanks to everyone who supported us. More updates to come soon as we keep chuggin' along!

P.S. Anybody got any ideas for a new title? Something that really fits the story...I think "Day of Embers" is a little too