I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE SEPT./ OCT. 2016
BI-MONTHLY
Geari ng up f or FLI FF V enue name ch ange & Openi ng Ni gh t
GEM S 2016 i n M i ami
" Gaby's Rev enge" Now on-l i ne
WI TA Honors w omen i n M i ami
A ct r ess A r l y n Br o ch e Tal k s " Bal l er s" & m o r e
Si ck Pu p p i es Im p r o v co m ed y Fi l m Rev i ew : " Th e Occu p an t s"
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #9-10
Sick Pu ppies Com edy By Rachel Gal vin If you have ever been stricken with fear at the idea of speaking publicly in front of a crowd, or just being on stage period, then Improv is for you. Yikes! That statement may have already sent you into a panic, but it's true. Aside from Toastmasters, which is another excellent organization,
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doing Improv is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of performing, whether it is an act or a business presentation. If you think Improv is a bunch of silliness, you are right. It is. It is a lot of fun. It is a chance to cut loose and do things you never thought you could in a million years. It is an opportunity to be free and explore a part of yourself you may not have even known you had inside you. Plus, it is a great chance to laugh and learn with many new friends. Improv is also an excellent tool for those pursuing film or theater. Any tool you can have in your repertoire is a welcome addition. Plus, you can add it to your ?training? on the end of your resume. But there is always a script, you say. Not always... sometimes, a director will ask you to Improv a scene in a film, or even in an audition. Being prepared is always paramount. If you are thinking of getting involved in Improv, there is a place to go in Boca Raton, FL. The company, which started in 2012, is called Sick Puppies Comedy. They offer five different levels of classes from beginner to expert, as well as stand up classes, sketch comedy, and on occasion ?the Tao Of Improv taught by Tom Neile,? says one of the founder Casey Casperson. ?Our beginners Improv class is titled ?Permission to play,? said Casperson. ?We do a lot of exercises that help you come out of our own head. Word association, movement, music and silliness are incorporated early to teach everyone that if one
person does something weird, they look like an a**. If everyone does it, it?s art. So let?s make art together. We get into some scene work and, toward the end of the series, we start to dive into [Improv] games.? He added, ?The majority of students take Improv classes to overcome some sort of fear or shortcoming regarding presentations or public speaking,? he clarified. ?The main benefit is that it provides you the confidence in yourself to know that you are enough. Everything you need to be the best version of you is right there, inside your mind. Improv teaches you to trust your instincts and helps you understand your point of view and, most importantly, the point of view of others.? Casperson works primarily with Sick Puppies, but sometimes is asked to do a guest set with other casts. There are other troupes in South Florida. He also teaches companies how to improve themselves through Improv. ?Improv lets me explore all of my emotions, premises, theories and ideas. I can be anyone that I want and say anything that I think that the character believes to be true,? he said. ?Improv is always opening night and closing night. But the main thing that keeps me coming back for more is our cast.These are the best people on the planet. Improvisers are collaborators. We want to work together to make incredible art.? Another founding member Aniela McGuiness agrees with that sentiment. ?To see someone follow their dreams by creating a space and teaching others to follow their dreams is awe inspiring, and that is exactly what Casey Casperson did with Sick Puppies Comedy. But to go even bigger, he grounded the company with a social message by donating to the human society. When I was diagnosed with cancer, Sick Puppies had a show where all of the funds went to the cancer charity of my choice. When I was in chemo, Casey, from Sick Puppies, brought me and made sure that I laughed the whole time. When I created a one woman show based on my cancer, Casey helped me with
rehearsal space and getting the theater that Sick Puppies uses. This is a company that goes beyond just business. They also have a heart and soul,? said McGuiness, who is not doing Improv with the group right now, but focusing on her new project, CancerGrad. They also hold a lot of special events in which people can watch and interact. "Improv is for everyone. It?s not about being funny because, if humans are acting honestly, they are naturally funny. Improv teaches you to be a better a listener, a better a friend, a better companion, a better soul. If everyone could be the best version of themselves and stop judging their thoughts, we would have an incredibly productive and funny world,? said Casperson. Sick Puppies Comedy is l ocat ed at Cent er St age at 7200 W. Camino Real # 330, in Boca Rat on. For more inf ormat ion, visit www.sickpuppiescomedy.com.
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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #9-10
GEM S 2016 Oct. 13-16 A precursor to the 34th annual Miami Film Festival event in March 2017, GEMS delivers quality films that inspire, provoke and entertain, allowing the South Florida community to immerse themselves in a cinematic ride that will takes them to unexpected places. This year?s lineup includes major Award winners I, Daniel Blake (Cannes Palme D?Or) and The Salesman (Cannes Best Actor & Best Screenplay); Oscar candidates Toni Erdmann (Germany?s official submission) and Neruda (Chile?s official submission); and U.S. premieres of major Ibero-american box office hits "Kiki," "Love to Love" (Spain) and Marcos Carnevale?s "Inseparables" (Argentina). Carnevale, a crowd favorite in Miami for earlier hits "Elsa y Fred" and "Corazón de León," will be this year?s Precious recipient for his career of popular and humanistic gifts to cinema. The presentation of the award will be made before the U.S. premiere screening, and an after-screening party in his honor will be held at El Tucán nightclub in downtown Miami. To kickoff of the festival on a high note, GEMS will open with the Florida premiere of the much anticipated documentary "The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé: A Trip Across Latin America," which follows the rock giants 3 on a road trip in early 2016 as they tour South
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America for the first time in over a decade. The film focuses especially on the dramatic lead up to their history-making final stop in Havana, Cuba. Opening night festivities include a ?Rolling Stones?? party with music, food and drinks. Films with South Florida connections will be highlights of GEMS. "Christine," based on the true story of Sarasota TV reporter Christine Chubbuck from the 1970s featuring an Oscar-buzz performance by Rebecca Hall; "Certain Women" by Miami native Kelly Reichardt; and American indie film icon Jim Jarmusch?s documentary "Gimme Danger" about Miami resident and punk rock legend Iggy Pop, will all receive their Florida premieres at the Festival. In looking ahead to the Festival?s 34th edition in March, the Festival also announced its poster artist for the 2017 Festival would be Argentine designer, photographer
and graphic artist Juan Gatti, founder of Gatti Studios in Madrid, and that the unveiling of the poster would take place during GEMS 2016. For over four decades, Gatti has contributed some of modern cinema?s most unique credit and title sequences in films for Pedro Almodóvar (including "Women on the Nervous Breakdown," "High Heels," "Broken Embraces" and "Volver"), Alex de la Iglesia, Manuel Gómez Pereira, Susan Seidelman, Félix Sabroso and many more. For more inf ormat ion , cal l 1-844-565-6433(MIFF) or visit www.miamif il mf est ival .com/ GEMS.
Received Distribution Congrats to the cast & crew of "Criticsized" for receiving distribution. Monarch Home Entertainment announced that they have acquired North American distribution rights for their film directed by Carl T. Evans. The film stars Callum Blue, Kerr Smith, Willie C. Carpenter. Look for Carisa Kuhns as the reporter. The official release for the film date is Dec. 13, 2016. Wat ch t he t rail er at www.crit icsizedt hemovie.com.
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During this year, the FLiFF Board actively sought out an entity or individual that would make a commitment of cash support in exchange for their name on the building. They didn?t have to search far. Philanthropist and FLIFF Board Member Steve Savor once again stepped up to the plate. Built as a Methodist Church in the 1940s after the first one was blown away by the monster hurricane of 1926, the building became a depot for courthouse records in the 1960s. In 1986, it was transformed into The Vinnette Carroll Theatre in honor of the Off-Broadway writer, director and actress of the same name and became Cinema Paradiso in 1998.
Ci nema Paradi so renamed as Sav or Ci nema
Although there have been upgrades over the years, the art-house theater is again in desperate need of a makeover.
Th eater to recei v e mak e-ov er
?I wanted to do something to help FLIFF, and, in particular Cinema Paradiso ? Lauderdale, that was more than just writing a check. I had observed that the theater was sorely in need of cosmetics. All of the plans have not been finalized but I know it will include lots of paint, landscaping, new fans, lights, carpet, wallpaper, doors and courtyard upgrades,? said Savor.
Gregory von Hausch, President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) announced that the historic Cinema Paradiso ? Lauderdale (located at 503 SE 6 St. in downtown Ft. Lauderdale) will now be known as Savor Cinema.
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A VIP unveiling of Cinema Paradiso will take place prior to the Opening Night of the 31st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on Nov. 4. As a sponsor of FLIFF since 2002, Savor has raised funds and awareness for FLIFF in many ways. From 2002 ? 2008, Savor sponsored "The Polo Picnic" at Boca Raton?s Polo Club. Over 150 people would buy tickets for wine, cuisine and music under a tent on the edge of the polo field as the ponies performed. In 2003, Savor hosted the unveiling of the FLIFF poster at his beautiful home off Las Olas. In 2004, Savor hosted FLIFF?s Annual Soiree at the Cannes Film Festival and had a VIP party atop Cannes? famed Carlton Hotel on The Croisette. Later that same year, Savor hosted a Fort Lauderdale Beach Party with special guests, actors Fred Willard and Christopher McDonald. By 2012, Savor had reconstructed his waterfront mansion, razing the home adjacent to his, and reconstructing the now two lots into what became Villa DePalma, a stunning 18,000 sq. ft. residence and gala platform. That year, he hosted FLIFF?s Closing Night Party with live mermaids in his reflection ponds. That event was such a success, Savor graciously offered to host the 2013 Opening Night Party with special guests Lea Thompson and Stephen Moyer. The evening was done as a Great Gatsby affair
(fittingly as many people compare Savor to the handsome and mysteriously benevolent Gatsby). Lady dancers actually performed in a gigantic champagne glass. In 2015, FLIFF brought in actress Loretta Swit, best known as Hot Lips Houlihan on TV?s "M.A.S.H." Swit was in town for her film "Never the Same," which documented the heroism of U.S. POWs held in the South Pacific during WWII. That evening, Savor transformed Villa DePalma into the 4077th M.A.S.H. complete with a combat jeep, ambulance, camouflaging, a helicopter circling above, music, open bar and live performances of fire dancers. Savor became a member of the FLIFF Board in 2015 and was just named to the FLIFF Executive Board. For more information about Cinema Paradiso and the film festival, read the rest of this magazine and future publications, and also visit www.FLIFF.com
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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #9-10
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Hu r r ican e M at t h ew vs. Spook y Em pir e Supposed to be held Oct. 7-9, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, the annual mecca for horror film aficionados was unfortunately canceled after getting a one-two punch from Hurricane Matthew. They had several great guests coming too, including Weird Al Yankovic, some of the cast of the Netflix hit "Stranger Things" and well-known actors like Kane Hodder, Robert Englund and Doug Bradley. There was supposed to be shadowcasts of "Repo: The Genetic Opera" and "Rocky Horror Picture Show." the Zombie Walk. a Tattoo Festival , a Kids Show and more. Hopefully , they will be able to have another show soon. We wish Petey and the rest of the crew the best.
For more inf omat ion, visit www.spookyempire.com.
Gaby 's Rev en ge Now on You Tu be Jonathan Vargas and his Cinefreek Productions have now put their webseries up online. Synopsis: Gaby is used to doing hits for a job, but when people badmouth her sister Angie, it gets personal.
The film won the Best Florida Action Series for the 2016 Miami Web Fest.
Find Cinef reek Product ions on YouTube.
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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #9-10
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Film Review : " Th e Occu pan t s" By Rach el Galvin When Annie and Neil Curtis decide to do a documentary on clean living, they don't realize what they are getting themselves into. When they set up their camera in the house to capture their every move for 30 days, they are surprised at what they capture. Their fun film turns into a project that just might cost them their lives.
Director Russell Emanuel manages to create a film that keeps your attention and brings up interesting questions all in one. Plus, he got Robert Picardo (of "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Stargate" fame) to play a role. For more inf ormat ion, visit www.occupant st hemovie.com. (Right ) Russel l Emanuel (R) and Robert Picardo
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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #9-10
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WITA 2016 On Sept. 18, many women were honored at the Women in the Arts Miami event held at the Aperion Grill & Bar in Bay Harbor Islands. Women came from various fields, including media, film, art, philanthropy, beauty, health and more. IS Founder Rachel Galvin was one of the honorees. She was thrilled to win an award for Best Freelance Writer. The kosher restaurant, which also won an award for Best Kosher Restaurant, served up hors d' oeuvres and everyone received a free drink. Before and after the event, people posed on the red carpet. The event was created by actress and model Diana Noris, was produced by Jessica Saiontz and hosted by Gianina Acevedo. For more inf ormat ion, incl uding l ist of honorees, visit www.womenint heart smiami.com.
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Legen d Aw ar d-w in n er An iela M cGu in ess & Best Fr eelan ce Wr it er w in n er IS Fou n der Rach el Galvin
Ph ot o by SAIA Ph ot ogr aph y
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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #9-10
Tal k wit h act ress Arl yn Broche By Rachel Gal vin Arlyn Broche , who has been seen in TV shows like HBO's "Ballers" and CBS' "The Inspectors," just received an award for Rising Star Actress of the Year at Women in the Arts Miami. She took time to speak to IS about her career. Q. When did you f irst real ize you want ed t o be an act ress? When did you st art ? A. Well, my family has always said that from a very early age I had a dramatic flair. My love for performing goes back to ever since I can remember existing. My father was a very successful actor in Cuba. I guess you can say I inherited it from him. My dad gifted me my first acting book when I was only 8 years old. My very first role I played ?Juliet?at the age of 9. It was for my school?s production of Shakespeare?s ?Romeo and Juliet."
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Q. Where did you t rain? A. I?ve been acting since I was a child but, when I graduated high school I went to Florida International
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University (FIU) with the mindset to study business. I changed my major a few times, throughout the years, until I ultimately ended up auditioning and was accepted into FIU Theatre program. I was also being privately trained by Lori Wyman, Crystina Wyler, Marc Macaulay, Marjorie W. Morhaim and Jeanett Hopkins, among others. Q. Do you do f il ms al l over or primaril y in Miami? A. I?m a Miami girl and I love to work in productions in my hometown but, I do travel extensively for work. If it?s a project that truly inspires me, even filming in another country, it won?t stop me! Q. Tel l me about being on t he set of "Bal l ers." A. Ballers is balling out of control, baby! First, I?m so appreciative to have been considered and given the opportunity by Lori Wyman, CSA to audition for the role of Tonya. Working on set with my co-star, Dwayne Johnson, felt like a dream come true. He is such a talented and successful actor. I was very impressed with his ability to maintain such humility despite having reached such high levels of success. He has the ability to make you feel at ease and comfortable while shooting. He is so funny, it was hard at times to contain my laughter, he cracks me up.
of the Year at the Women in the Arts Awards. There was so many wonderfully talented people that I had the pleasure of meeting that night. I was most impressed with the amount of, not only artists but, humanitarians that were in the room. They earned a great deal of respect in my book and I felt very blessed and grateful to be one of the people among them that night. WITA, its founders and members, are awesome! Q. What ?s next f or you? A. Currently, I have two projects that are in production. A feature film called "Fallaway" where I play Hendricks, a Sheriff's deputy, and the other a web series called "SWAGG," where I play one of the lead roles, Vanessa. Another one that is in pre-production is "Mary," in which I?m one of the lead roles, as Skylar-Rose. I have a couple of other projects in talks but nothing official yet. When I?m not working I?m always in a class or a workshop, learning and growing. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson & Arl yn Brioche on set of "Bal l ers."
Funny story, Dwayne and I had met 16 years prior to our first time working on set and I mentioned it to him. I explained how my brother was an avid wrestling fan and loved his work as ?The Rock.' So we happened to be working out at the gym one night and my brother begged me to ask him for an autograph. I did, of-course, and he was as nice back then as he is now. It was funny sharing that story with him because it all came around full circle. Meeting 16 years ago I would have never guessed beyond my wildest dreams we would be working together and in our hometown! Q. Tel l me about get t ing t he WITA award and what you t hink about winning. A. It was such an honor to receive 2016 [Rising Star] Actress
Q. What is it about act ing t hat brings you back f or more? A. I feel that acting gives me the opportunity to learn more about myself. It challenges me to go beyond my comfort zone and stretch my imagination. Every time I work on a new script or project I feel it?s a chance for me to express my passion through my work. I have always loved the world of story-telling. For me, the opportunity to walk in someone else?s shoes and experience that life is pure bliss. I always welcome new experiences and the most difficult ones often turn out to be the most rewarding! Q. Do you have any ot her skil l s you woul d l ike peopl e t o know about ? A. Well, is being a wife and mom of three kids considered a skill!? Ha! It's definitely challenging at times to juggle work and home. I?m actually quite a good pastry chef and cook. I had a bakery business for years and learned a lot from it. I can whip up something simple and also make 12
a nice gourmet meal, with a good recipe book, of-course! Kidding aside, I love creating new dishes in the kitchen and watching my family enjoy it is the icing on the cake! Q. What has been one of your most chal l enging moment s on set ? Well working with a new director/ crew is always a bit nerve wrecking because I believe chemistry on set is essential. One time, I was working on an independent film and we were shooting crazy hours. At one point, due to location, we shot three consecutive days and I was only getting maximum four hours of sleep per day. I was one of the lead roles so, in that time frame, we had a pretty intense scene. During one of the takes, at like 4 a.m., I began to cry not only because my character was very emotional but I was just exhausted! It wasn?t used for the final cut, but it definitely was a moment to remember. Now, when I have a long day of shooting, I think back and laugh because its pales in comparison. Q. What woul d be your advice f or someone st art ing out in t he business? A. My advice would be to be fearless in the pursuit of your dreams and work begets work. Let your passion be the driving force in your journey and never forget why you started in the first place. Most importantly, just because you slow down doesn?t mean you have to stop. What?s the hurry? Enjoy it! After all, isn?t that what life?s about? And finally, sometimes your game plan isn?t always your end plan and that?s okay. For more information, visit www.arlynbroche.com. Also find her at www.IMDB.me/ arlynbroche or www.resumes.breakdownexpress.com/ arlynbroche
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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #9-10
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Let t er f r om t h e Pu blish er With such negativity on the TV in the world of politics lately and people dividing, rather than uniting, now is the time to remove toxicity from your life -- negative things and people, and focus on what's good. Be positive. If you have had a hard time lately, shake it off and start again. Break a leg!
St ay i n -t h e-k n o w : SEE ARCHIVES ... - w w w.in depen den t st r eak m agazin e.com
Wan t t o adver t ise? Get an ad as low as $25!
--Rach el Galvin I am currently seeking writers and advertisers. If you are interested, email me at writerrachel@yahoo.com.
Con t act u s at w r it er r ach el@yah oo.com
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31st Annual FLIFF Opening Night is Nov. 4 Hard Rock Live, located at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, will host the 31 st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival?s opening night premiere of "Dreamland," on Friday, Nov. 4, and a post-screening reception for festival attendees. Joining the festivities are celebrity guests from the film, director Robert Schwartzman, a member of the filmmaking Coppola clan, and stars Talia Shire (Rocky, Godfather I, II and
Jason Sch w ar t zm an in " Dr eam lan d."
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III), Beverly D?Angelo (National Lampoon?s Vacation) and Johnny Simmons (Perks of Being A Wallflower). D'Angelo is getting an award. Look for Chevy Chase to introduce her. Following the "Dreamland" screening, movie-goers will come together for a cinematic after-party experience, anchored by the area?s premier destination for fun and entertainment. ?We?re thrilled to return to Hard Rock Live and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino again this year for the opening night of the festival. The venue is tremendous and the projection and sound is unbelievably perfect. Their team has an aptitude for making an opening night stylish and fun that is sheer genius. The night will undeniably be one to remember,? commented Gregory von Hausch, president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. "Dreamland," a bittersweet comedy mixed with fantasy, humor and music will remind you of the 1967 classic "The Graduate." Johnny Simmons stars as an LA musician who is going through a rough patch and dreams of opening a piano bar but suffers from an extreme case of insufficient funds. Things take an interesting turn when Monty gets the chance to fill in as the pianist in a swanky hotel bar. There, he meets an older, wealthy woman (Amy Landecker) and begins a May-December romance that upends his home life. The film also stars Jason Schwartzman (The Darjeeling Limited, The Grand Budapest Hotel). The 31 st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film premieres over 100 top American Indie and World Cinema features, documentaries and shorts over the 17-day event and rolls out
the red carpet for celebrities and filmmaker guests attending the coveted event. Hard Rock Live is located at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314. Tickets are available in advance at www.FLiFF.com . For full schedule of fest and all the events, parties and stars, visit the website or pick up a program guide at Savor Cinema.
Nov. 20: Closing Night Film & Party Bailey Hall 3501 Davie Rd., Broward College Central Campus Davie, FL 33314
VENUES f or f est : Nov. 4: Opening Night Film & Party Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
"An American Art ist "
1 Seminole Way
"An American Artist" is a documentary created by producers Richard Warren Rappaport, Jack Schulman and Wayne Filowitz and executive producer RenĂŠ Katz. As the film?s co-directors, Mr. Rappaport and Mr. Schulman wanted to present a cinematic perspective reflecting the artistry of music, the creativity of songwriting and one artist?s vision of a world in which words and music come together to create a memorable composition providing songs behind the stories and stories behind the songs.
Hollywood, FL 33314
Nov. 5-20: Films and events throughout the festival Savor Cinema (formerly Cinema Paradiso-Lauderdale) 503 SE 6 St. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 & Cinema Paradiso-Hollywood 2008 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, FL 33020
Nov 11-13: Veterans Day & Centerpiece Weekend Sunrise Civic Center Theater 10610 W .Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351
The f il m wil l be screening at Savor Cinema on Nov. 3 st art ing at 8 p.m. (recept ion f ol l owed by f il m). For more inf ormat ion, visit www.f l if f .com. 16