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Archived News
Article in Daily Freeman about Latest Short Film
The Daily Freeman (Kingston, NY) did a great write-up of Independent Artists Collaborative (IAC) and Jeff Burns's latest short film, which is a project of IAC. Burns and his cast and crew
shot the film at Kingston Rotary Park on December 10. The shoot went extremely well and actors Christina Vinsick and Evan Leone delivered great performances. Look for more info on the film and pictures
from the shoot soon. Click here to read the article in the Daily Freeman.
New Short Film Shooting Next Month
Jeff Burns will shoot a short film next month as of part a project with Independent Artists Collaborative (IAC), a group of filmmakers
and actors based in and around the Kingston, NY area. Several filmmakers and actors from the group will each shoot a short film - each film will have
something to do with a cell phone. All the shorts will then be put together into a feature-length presentation. Burns's short will be the first one
shot. Look for the short, which will feature the music of alt-pop favorites Sirsy, on this website and on other internet video website in late 2006/early 2007. Check out the Upcoming Projects page
for more information. Also be sure to visit the Independent Artists Collaborative MySpace page for all the information about that great group.
Chasing Fate and LB8 Now Viewable on Website
Knightsfall Productions's short film Chasing Fate can now be viewed online. Go to the Chasing Fate page and click on "Watch the Film"
to check it out. The horror spoof Lesbian Bloodusuckers 8: The Final Suck is also available online. Stay tuned for more films and videos on the
website soon!
Two Films Screened at Independent Film Festival
Chasing Fate and Lesbian Bloodusuckers 8: The Final Suck were shown on October 28 as part of the New York State Museum 2006 Independent Film Festival. The two films kicked off
the festival, which ran from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Area filmmkaers Bruce and Rosa Hallenbeck, Joe Bagnardi, Jeff Kirkendall, and Mike Kazlo also showed their films. The festival also marked
the premiere of the Hallenbecks' new feature film The Drowned. Thanks to Pat Whalen, Bruce and Rosa Hallenbeck, Joe Bagnardi, and Jeff Kirkendall for organizing the event.
Screenplay Reading of Guardians at Albacon
On October 7th at 9:00 p.m., a screenplay reading of Jeff Burns's action/fantasy script Guardians will be presented at Albacon, a science-fiction convention held at the Crowne Plaza, 89 Lodge Street (corner of State and Lodge), Albany, NY, 12207.
Local, professional actors will perform three scenes from the script, which chronicles the adventures of a group of female warriors from the Catholic Church as they continue the war against vampires.
Check out the Upcoming Projects page for more information on the script. You can get all the details of the reading and about the other events at Albacon by going to www.albacon.org.
Albacon Independent Film Festival
An Independent Film Festival will also be part of Albacon. Short and feature-length sci-fi, fantasy, and horror films will screen on October 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Q&A sessions with the filmmakers will follow each screening.
The winning film will have a special screening on October 7th at 9:45 p.m. A full schedule of films and synopses is available on the Albacon website.
First Look at Guardians
Check out the Upcoming Projects page to get the first look at Knightsfall Productions's first feature film - Guardians.
In the story, two female warriors from the Catholic Church battle vampires for control of an ancient text that would make vampires immune to any weaknesses.
Concept info, character descriptions, and the first scene of the script have all been posted. If you think the story sounds cool or have any other comments, please let us
know by clicking on Contact Us.
"Chasing Fate" in Ed Wood Festival
Jeff Burns's short film "Chasing Fate" will screen this Saturday, April 1, as part of the Ed Wood Film Fest. Several independent short
films will be shown at the "bi-capital" festival, which takes place at the WAMC Peforming Arts Studio in Albany, NY, 339 Central Ave., and at Mrs. B's Den
in Sacremento, California. The films will run concurrently at both locations, screening between 7:00 and 11:00 p.m. in Albany and between
4:00 and 8:00 p.m. on the west coast. The festival will also be broadcast on myTVweb.com beginning at 6:00 p.m. EST. Awards will be given
out in several categories, including Best Movie, Best Performance, and People's Choice Award. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. To purchase advance tickets, call 518-465-5233 ext. 4. For directions
to the venue, click on this link. Come out and support the cast and crew of "Chasing Fate." For more information on the festival, go to ewfilm.com.
"More Than Friends?" Needs Your Votes
Knightsfall Productions's short film "More Than Friends?" is currently competing in Independent Film Forum's online festival. The film's ranking
puts it in second place out of more than fifty films in the competition. However, in order to be eligible for the finals, which includes the top
three-rated films, the film needs a total of twenty reviews. Currently, the film has sixteen reviews, so it is only four short reviews away from
making the finals. Please navigate on over to the Independent Film Forum (IF2)
website and rate and review "More Than Friends?, which is listed in the Comedy category on the site. You can go directly to the film's page on the site
by clicking here. Knightsfall Productions's most recent film,
"Chasing Fate," is also in the festival in the Drama category. This link
will take you to the "Chasing Fate" page on the IF2 site. The festival runs through February 26. Thanks to all of you who have reviewed and rated the films.
"Chasing Fate" and "More Than Friends?" in Online Festival
Two of Knightsfall Productions's short films – "Chasing Fate" and "More Than Friends?" – are currently in an online film festival put on
by the Independent Film Forum (IF2). The festival, which is designed to provide constructive feedback and critique to independent filmmakers, runs through
January 31, 2006. Over fifty films from around the world are competing for prizes, which will be given to the top three vote getters. All the films can be viewed through
streaming video at www.independentfilmforum.com and then reviewed and rated. Click on the following links
to go directly to the respective film pages on Independent Film Forum: "Chasing Fate" and
"More Than Friends?"
"Chasing Fate" Screens to Sell-Out Crowd at Madison Theater
"Chasing Fate," Knightsfall Productions's most recent short film, screened to a sell-out crowd
on October 26th at the Madison Theater in Albany, NY. The film was part of the Upstate Filmmakers Showcase,
a presentation of five short films from Capital Region filmmakers. All the films screened at a 7:00 p.m. and a 9:15 p.m.
showing. In all, 250 people came to the screenings. Knightsfall Productions's Jeff Burns joined fellow filmmakers
Terry Field, Tom Mercer, Mike Kazlo, and Shawn Schaffer for Q&A sessions after each screening. Everyone involved was pleased
with the outcome, and the Madison Theater has indicated they would like to showcase more local filmmakers in the future. Special thanks
to the Madison Theater, Friends of the Madison,
and to everyone in the community who came out and supported local filmmaking. Stay tuned for news about future local independent film screenings
at the Madison.
Knightsfall Productions Screens Two Films at Albacon
Two short films from Knightsfall Productions screened at this year's Albacon convention. The annual science-fiction convention was held October 7-9
in the Crowne Plaza in Albany. Jeff Burns organized a mini-film festival of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror films, which screened on the opening night
of the convention. "Chasing Fate" and the horror spoof "Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8: The Final Suck" screened along with several other local genre films.
The film screenings were well attended, with the room being packed for most of the showings. Special thanks to the organizers of Albacon for being receptive
to showing local independent films. Check out next year's convention for more local genre films.
"Chasing Fate" Gets Postive Review from RadioAlbany.com
Bruce G. Hallenbeck's recent review praises Jeff Burns's short film "Chasing Fate," which stars Natalie Bain
and Shawn Schaffer. In the review, Hallenbeck writes "the two actors are very appealing" and "Burns continues to reveal his talent with every short film he makes."
To read the full review, go to RadioAlbany.com, where you can also read a review
of Knightsfall Productions's earlier film, "More Than Friends?"
Jeff Burns Named in Best Local Filmmaker Poll
Knightsfall Productions’s Jeff Burns was recently named in Metroland’s Best of 2005 Readers’ Poll in the Best Local Filmmaker category. Jeff tied for third in the popular poll put on by Albany’s alternative weekly paper. Jeff is thrilled to be named in the category and would like to thank everyone who voted for him. You can get more information on his films by going to the Films page. Congrats also to local filmmakers Bruce Hallenbeck and Terry Field, who also made the poll.
DVDs and Videos Now Available Online at BuyIndies.com
All of Knightsfall Productions’s short films on now available for purchase online through BuyIndies.com. All the films are being sold at very low prices and can be purchased with a credit card at the BuyIndies site. Go to the Buy/Rent Videos page to purchase any of our films. We greatly appreciate your patronage.
"Chasing Fate" Selected to Emerging Filmmmakers Series
Knightsfall Productions's short film "Chasing Fate" has been selected to screen at the Emerging Filmmakers Series, an ongoing series showcasing the works
of New York State filmmakers. The film, written and directed by Jeff Burns, will screen on Monday, July 25 at 9:15 p.m. at the Little Theatre in Rochester, NY. This marks the second film from Knightsfall Productions
to appear in the series ("More Than Friends?" screened in September 2004). For more information and for directions, please visit the Little Theatre.
"Chasing Fate" part of A Day of Local Independent Films
"Chasing Fate" will screen this Saturday, May 14 at Schenectady County Community College as part of the college's showcase of local independent films.
The event kicks off at 2:00 p.m. in the Carl B. Taylor Auditorium and includes shorts by several other Capital Region filmmakers, including Terry Field, Tom Mercer, and Shawn Schaffer.
Admission is free. Come out and support local filmmaking!
New "Chasing Fate" Info and Pics
"Chasing Fate" has been added to the Films page. Head over there to get all the info on Knightsfall Productions's recently
completed short film. Lots of Pictures have also been added as well as some new faces on the Cast and Crew page.
You can also get the initial info on Knightsfall Productions's first feature film on the Upcoming Projects page.
“Chasing Fate” – Official Selection to the 2005 DIGit Exposition
"Chasing Fate," Knightsfall Productions's latest short, was selected to screen at the 2005 DIGit Exposition, a ten day
program of movies and media art put on by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance. The short, written and directed by Jeff Burns, will
screen on Tuesday, April 26 at 4:00 p.m. and on Friday, April 29 at 8:00 p.m. in the Delaware Valley Arts Center in Narrowsburg, NY. About two dozen short films from the United States,
Canada, and Europe will screen during the exposition, which runs from April 22 to May 1. For more information, visit the
Arts Alliance website.
"Chasing Fate" to Screen at Upstate Independents
Knightsfall Productions's short film "Chasing Fate" will screen at the February 1 meeting of Upstate Independents. This group
of Capital Region filmmakers, actors, screenwriters, and media artists meets the first Tuesday of every month in the Bulmer Telecommunications
Center Auditorium at Hudson Valley Community College. The meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m., is open to all. Other local shorts will screen
at the meeting and there will be a program on the Silent Film Era. Directions to the meeting can be found at Hudson Valley's website. For more
information on Upstate Independents, please e-mail Jeff Burns, the President of the organization.
Excellent Turnout at Filmmakers Showcase
Happy New Year! The Filmmakers Showcase on New Year's Eve received a great turnout. First Night Saratoga revelers came out in droves
due to the balmy mid-forty degree weather. Seven short films, including Knightsfall Productions's "Chasing Fate," screened to full crowds as 2004 came to an end and the fireworks
brought in 2005. The films were well recieved and the audience had plenty of questions for the filmmakers after each screening. Special thanks to all
the First Night volunteers and the YMCA of Saratoga.
"Chasing Fate" to Screen at First Night Saratoga
Knightsfall Productions's latest short, "Chasing Fate" (formerly titled "Boundaries"), will premiere on New Year's Eve
as part of the First Night Saratoga Filmmakers Showcase in Saratoga Springs, NY. The short is one of seven films
slated to screen at the event. The film, written and directed by Jeff Burns, will screen at 11:15 p.m. in the Saratoga
Arts Center. For more information, visit the First Night Saratoga
website.
Film Schedule
8:00 p.m. – “America” by David Rawlin
“America” is a collage of video, shot over a 40-day journey across the United States, set to Ray Charles’s rendition of the song. The film looks at some of the familiar and lesser-known places in our great country (4 minutes).
8:20 p.m. – “Phantom in the Sand” by Christian Clark
George Foster is reminded of his past when he receives a parcel in the mail from an old friend. “Phantom in the Sand” will take you on a journey from the present to 1980, 1944, and back. George Foster’s past comes to life as we traverse the decades (23 minutes).
9:00 p.m. – “Andee and I” by Lauren Cynamon
“Andee and I” follows the story of brother and sister Linnwood and Andee Bingham. Through stream of conscious interviews, Linnwood discusses his hitchhiking journey from upstate New York to his hometown in Florida, revealing his unique relationship with his sister, his troubled childhood, leftist politics, and events that have shaped his alternative lifestyle (9 minutes).
9:25 p.m. – “Pit Melon” by Mike Feurstein
Pit meets Melon. Pit falls down stairs. Melon laughs. So it begins. Or rather, begins to end. This is Pit and Melon, an absurd look at the state of relationships through the breakdown of communication; a couple in quarrel over events that have yet to transpire. Is the need for a second chance based on regret or on the failure to learn from the bumps and bruises and busy signals? (25 minutes).
10:00 p.m. – “Face of the Enemy” by Tom Mercer and John Holser
A domestic terrorist unit calls one of its own members to account for his failure to assassinate a government official (24 minutes).
10:40 p.m. – “Pawn” by Shawn Schaffer
Devin has recently graduated college and has no idea where to go next. He meets Benjamin Harris, a seemingly eccentric old man who plays chess in the park. It is through the games and conversations that Devin begins to find direction and motivation. But is it too little too late for Devin as his lengthy period of professional inactivity has caused serious problems with his girlfriend Janet? (25 minutes).
11:15 p.m. – “Chasing Fate” by Jeff Burns
A young man tries to deny fate and prevent the woman he loves from dying (11 minutes).
Independent Films Needed for First Night Saratoga
On New Year's Eve in Saratoga Springs, NY, the First Night Saratoga Filmmakers Showcase will be held once again. Now in its fourth
year at First Night, the Filmmakers Showcase is a forum for Capital Region filmmakers to screen and discuss their work. Films will screen
in the Saratoga Arts Center from 8:00 p.m. to just before midnight, leading up to the fireworks, which will ring in the New Year. Q & A sesssions
with the filmmakers will follow each film. Films of all lengths and genres will be considered. The deadline for submission is October 23. Please
e-mail Jeff Burns, the organizer of the event, if you are interested in submitting a film.
Short Film Receives Great Response at Emerging Filmmakers Series
"More Than Friends?" received an outstanding audience response at the 10th Emerging Filmmakers Series, which was held on September 27
at the Little Theatre in Rochester, NY. The film, written and directed by Jeff Burns, screened to an enthuisatic crowd of eighty people
along with five other short films. Special thanks to Karen vanMeenen, the programmer of the Series, the Little Theatre, and all the people
in Rochester who came out to support independent filmmaking. The Emerging Filmmakers Series is an ongoing, monthly series, designed to showcase
New York State filmmakers. Visit the Little Theatre online for more information.
"More Than Friends?" to screen as part of Emerging Filmmakers Series
Knightsfall Productions's short film "More Than Friends?" was selected to screen as part of the Emerging Filmmakers Series, an ongoing forum
for up-and-coming filmmakers in New York State. "More Than Friends?" is part of a program that includes six short films from independent filmmakers
from across the state. The screening will take place on Monday, September 27 at 9:30 p.m. at the Little Theatre
in Rochester, NY.
Behind-the-Scenes Pictures from "Boundaries"
Several Behind-the-Scenes pictures from Knightsfall Productions's recently completed short, "Boundaries," have been added to the site.
Check out the Pictures page to see the cast and crew in action.
Shooting Wraps on "Boundaries"
Knightsfall Productions wrapped shooting on its short film "Boundaries", which was
shot from July 29 to July 31. The film, starring Shawn Schaffer and Natalie Bain,
was shot at Uncommon Grounds and University Plaza in Albany, NY and at the Mary McClellan Hospital in Cambridge, NY. The shoot
was very successful, thanks to the hard work of the talented and dedicated cast and crew. The film is now in post-production
and will be released in the fall.
Natalie Bain and Shawn Schaffer Land Lead Roles in "Boundaries"
Writer/Director Jeff Burns has cast Natalie Bain and Shawn Schaffer as the leads
in his short film "Boundaries." The two local actors were selected from nearly a hundred people who auditioned.
The film will be shot later this summer and is scheduled to be released in the fall. Extras and crew members
will be contacted in the coming weeks about working on the production. Thanks to all those who came out and auditioned.
Two More Days of Auditions this week for "Boundaries"
The auditions for Knightsfall Productions's short film "Boundaries" will continue on Thursday, June 10 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
and Saturday, June 12 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., in Albany. The auditions will be held
in Conference Room 1, which is located on the second floor of the library. Actors and actresses in their twenties are needed for the speaking roles.
Actors will read selections from the script as part of the audition. Extras in their teens and older are also needed. Besides street parking, there is
a parking lot behind the library, located on Elk St. To get to the parking lot, take Washington Ave. (heading towards downtown Albany) and
turn left onto Swan St. and then another left onto Elk St. The parking lot will be a few blocks up on the left. For more information,
e-mail Jeff Burns or contact him at 518-366-1538.
Open Casting Call for Short Film
Knightsfall Productions will hold auditions for its latest short film, "Boundaries," on Monday, June 7 from 2:00 to 6:30 p.m.;
Thursday, June 10 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday, June 12 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Albany Public Libary, 161 Washington Ave.,
in Albany. Actors and actresses in their early-to-late twenties and extras of all ages are needed. In the film, which will be shot this summer, a young man who has premonitions that his former love is going to get in a car accident tries to deny fate and
prevent her from dying. For more information, e-mail Jeff Burns or contact him at 518-366-1538.
Knightsfall Productions Featured in "The Independent"
Jeff Burns of Knightsfall Productions was recently interviewed for a feature article on independent filmmaking in Rensselaer and
Columbia-Green counties. The article, written by Bruce G. Hallenbeck, will appear in the Friday, April 23 edition of "The Independent,"
a bi-weekly newspaper serving the Hudson-Berkshire corridor. Jeff and five other local filmmakers will be featured in the story. "The Independent" is available in the newspaper section
of most supermarkets in Rensselaer, East Greenbush, and other areas of Rensselaer and Columbia-Green counties. Check it out online at
Indenews.com.
"More Than Friends? Reviewed Online
Bruce G. Hallenbeck has given a favorable review to Knightsfall Productions's "More Than Friends?"
on radioalbany.com. In the romantic comedy short, a young college student attempts to delete an e-mail he sends
to his best friend professing his love for her before she has a chance to read it. Eric Rogers, Erinn Selkis,
Joe Starr, Risa Sarchan, and Katherine Rose Varno star in the film, directed by Jeff Burns who "shows real talent" and "gets
some good performances out of his cast." Check out the full review at radioalbany.com.
Knightsfall Productions's Films part of "A Day of Local Independent Film"
Along with several other local filmmakers and students, Knightsfall Productions will show its work at "A Day of Local Independent Film"
as part of Schenectady County Community College's 2004 Film Series. The films kick off at noon on Saturday, April 10 in the Carl B. Taylor
Auditorium at Schenectady County Community College and will continue throughout the afternoon. Admission is only $3.00. Call 518-381-1250
for more information.
LB8 Screening at Saratoga Springs Public Library
Knightsfall Productions's horror spoof, "Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8: The Final Suck," will be part of the Open Screen event, sponsored by
P.O.D. (Point of Departure). The screening will include
independent and student films, art pieces, documentaries, trailers, and commercials. The free event will take place at the Saratoga Springs
Public Library at 7:30 p.m. today (Friday, March 19). Call 518-584-7860 for more information.
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Site Updates
New Web Poll Added: Vote for your favorite actor on the site. Go to the Cast and Crew page
for bios and pictures.
Cast and Crew page: Bios, pictures, and filmographies for Yvonne Perry and Shawn Schaffer added.
Screenplay Reading of "Boundaries"
Knightsfall Productions's latest screenplay, "Boundaries," will be read on Tuesday, March 2 at the monthly meeting of Upstate Independents,
an organization of filmmakers, actors, screenwriters, and media artists in the Capital Region of New York. The eleven page
script, written by Jeff Burns, is about a young man who tries to deny fate and prevent his former love from driving drunk and getting into an accident.
Local indie stars Shawn Schaffer and Heather Blossom Brown will play Collin and Jess, and Yvonne Perry, who has
starred in "As the World Turns," will narrate the screenplay. Visit the Upstate Independents website
for more information and for directions to the meeting.
"More Than Friends?" DVD Release - DVDs and Videos Now Available Online
The Special Edition DVD of "More Than Friends?" is now available. With over an hour of additional features, the disc can be purchased online for only $7.50.
The Special Edition VHS of the film and the VHS for Knightsfall Productions's first short film, "Everything About Her," are also available in our online store.
Local independent video store Super Video also carries the films for rent or purchase. Special thanks to Jonathan Costantini for doing an amazing job designing
the DVD and VHS covers for "More Than Friends?"
Knightsfall Productions Announces Release of "More Than Friends?" DVD
The Special Edition DVD of "More Than Friends?" will be released on Tuesday, February 3. In addition to the 26 minute short, the disc
will contain a Behind-the-Scenes Featurette, Deleted Scenes, Cast and Crew Commentary, and the horror spoof trailer "Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8: The Final Suck."
The DVD will be available online and at Super Video. More information on "More Than Friends?"
and "Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8" can be obtained by going to the Films page.
Site Updates
New Web Poll Added: Vote for your favorite actress on the site. Go to the Cast and Crew page
for bios and pictures of these lovely and talented actresses.
Upcoming Projects page: New synopsis for Knightsfall Productions's next short film "Boundaries," which will be shot this summer.
Site Updates
Web Poll Added: Click here to vote for your favorite Knightsfall Productions's film. Check out the Films page
for more info.
Site Updates
Cast and Crew page: New pictures added to the pages of all Cast Members and to the pages of Jeff Burns and Keith Andrews. J. Todd Broomhead picture added under Singers/Songwriters/Composers.
Happy Holidays!
“Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8” Completed – New Pictures and Info
Knightsfall Productions’s “Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8: The Final Suck” (formerly titled “Fake Horror Trailer”) is now finished. This trailer is a spoof on cheesy B horror films (it is not an adult film, though it does make fun of them). New pictures and production notes for the film are now up on the Pictures and Films pages, respectively. The film will debut tomorrow (December 2) at the monthly meeting of Upstate Independents, a group of filmmakers, actors, and media artists in the Capital Region (see the Links page for more info), and will screen next week at the 4th Annual Ed Wood Video Festival (see below).
“More Than Friends?” and “LB8” to Screen at Ed Wood Video Festival
Two of Knightsfall Productions’s films, “More Than Friends?” and “Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8: The Final Suck,” will screen at the 4th Annual Ed Wood Video Festival, which takes place on Wednesday, December 10 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at The Lionheart bar, 448 Madison Ave., Albany. “Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8” will officially be part of the festival. “More Than Friends?” will be a supplemental screening either directly before or after the festival as its running time is too long to be in the festival itself. Many other local filmmakers will screen their shorts as part of the festival and will compete for several awards, including Best Film, Best Acting, and a People’s Choice award. For more information, contact The Lionheart at 518-436-9530.
First Night Saratoga Filmmakers Showcase Lineup Announced
The third annual First Night Saratoga Filmmakers Showcase will take place this New Year’s Eve at the Saratoga Arts Center as part of Saratoga’s First Night festivities. This year’s event will feature eleven short narrative, documentary, and experimental films from some of the most talented filmmakers in the Capital Region. Several of the filmmakers will be on hand after their screenings to discuss their films and answer questions. The screenings kick off at 8:00 p.m. and continue until just before midnight. A complete schedule with synopses of each film is included below. First Night buttons cost just $10 ($12 after December 25) and give you entry to the Filmmakers Showcase as well as any of the other First Night events. For more information on First Night Saratoga and where you can purchase buttons, go to www.ymcasaratoga.org/fn2004/ or call 518-584-8262.
Film Schedule
8:00 p.m. – “Battles of Saratoga” by Mike Camoin and Tom Mercer
“Battles of Saratoga” is a documentary commemorating the 225th anniversary re-enactment of the historic turning point of the Revolution. In October 2002, over three thousand re-enactors from England, Canada, and every corner of the United States created the largest Revolutionary War re-enactment in the last 25 years. “Battles of Saratoga” uses the powerful images of the massive re-enactment to illustrate the 1777 story of a pivotal moment in the birth of our nation (32 minutes).
8:40 p.m. – “The Berenstain Bears Celebrate: The Art of Stan and Jan Berenstain” by Jeremy Clowe
"The Berenstain Bears Celebrate: The Art of Stan and Jan Berenstain" takes a look at the career and working methods of the creators of the much beloved children's book series "The Berenstain Bears." The video was produced by filmmaker Jeremy Clowe at the Norman Rockwell Museum as a companion piece for a museum exhibition highlighting the Berenstains' work (10 minutes).
9:00 p.m. – “In the Shadow of Dabajian Mountain” by William Chvala and Terry Field
Columban Father Tom Browning serves the Atayal people, working to preserve their rich but fragile culture. This video beautifully portrays the life and gifts of the people as they celebrate their culture and live their faith (17 minutes).
9:20 p.m. – “Habitat for Humanity” by Eric Dvorsky
This documentary looks at Philadelphia's chapter of Habitat for Humanity and was made primarily to raise awareness of the organization (6 minutes).
9:35 p.m. – “In a Skillet” by J. Todd Broomhead
“In a Skillet” is a supersonic slide show, a music video, an exercise in electronic poetry, an elegy for modern art, and a semi-fraudulent autobiography, among other things (4 minutes).
9:45 p.m. – “Beneath the Ash Grove” by Christian Clark
Ed Ashton made his dream a reality when he completed construction on the Ash Grove Inn. Upon seeing his dream, Ashton was killed in an accident. Ashton has been gone for 70 years, but some say he stops by every so often to check in on his beloved Inn (16 minutes).
10:10 p.m. – “The Exchange” by Heather Blossom Brown
In this parody of early silent films, a young woman tries to retrieve the phone number of her crush when it inadvertently gets stuck to somebody else’s purse (3 minutes).
10:20 p.m. – “Danny Boy” by Colin Bannon
"Danny Boy" tells the story of a young boy who has nightmares that he can't explain. He has had these dreams for as long as he can remember. In his dreams, he encounters an angel, who comforts him and calms him after the horrible images pass. One day, Danny wakes up and realizes that in order to maintain his sanity, he must do something about his dreams (23 minutes).
10:50 p.m. – “Scars” by Michael Kazlo II
A young woman tells of her experience dealing with the death of her grandfather and coming to terms with her own mortality (3 minutes).
11:00 p.m. – “Gothic Nightmare” by Al Halstead
A young woman finds a mysterious object that has washed up on a beach. The object inspires her to proceed to an eerie, uninhabited mansion wherein she discovers objects that are clues to her past and the answer to what she has been searching for (8 minutes).
11:15 p.m. – “Frenzy” by Heather Blossom Brown
This short looks into the mind of a college girl, who struggles internally and alone on the issues of love, parties, and drugs (17 minutes).
Site Updates
All new pictures added for “Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8: The Final Suck” (formerly titled “Fake Horror Trailer”). Full Cast and Crew for the film has been updated and Production Notes have been added on the Films page.
The pictures on the pages for “Everything About Her,” “More Than Friends?,” and “Lesbian Bloodsuckers 8: The Final Suck” can now all be clicked on and enlarged.
New picture for Justin Williams on the Cast and Crew page.
Café Cinema Screening Postponed
The Café Cinema screening scheduled for November 21 (see November 18 News below) has been postponed until early next year.
Debra Pearlman and John Carlson, the organizers of The Café Cinema, believe attendance for the event will be higher after the holidays.
The screening is now tentatively planned for January or February of 2004.
"More Than Friends?" to Screen at Café Cinema on November 21
Knightsfall Productions will screen its short film "More Than Friends?" on Friday, November 21 at 6:00 p.m. as part of The Cafe Cinema's spotlight on emerging filmmakers in the region. The 26 minute short is a romantic comedy about a young college student who sends an e-mail to his best friend professing his love for her but then has second thoughts and tries to delete the e-mail before she reads it
(more information on the film is available on the Films page). "More Than Friends?" will be just one of several short films screening at the event. All the filmmakers will talk about their process, dreams, and the challenges of going from concept to finished film during a Q & A session following each film. The event will take place at Bean Heads Coffee House, 1 Washington Street, Cambridge, NY.
Admission is $20.00 and includes films and $15.00 towards dinner and libations from Bean Heads's special, Café Cinema menu. Seating is limited and reservations are requested. For more information and reservations, call (518) 677-5681.
Independent Digital Film Series a Success
The third Independent Digital Film Series was held on Saturday, November 15 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY. The event featured several filmmakers from the Capital Region and surrounding areas. All the films were met with enthusiatic response from the audience. Many of the filmmakers, actors, and crewmembers were on hand to answer questions after each film. The event was organized by Jeff Burns and co-organized by Jonathan Costantini and J.D. Funari, who also hosted the event.
Site Updates
Festivals and screenings for "Everything About Her" and "More Than Friends?" added to the Films page.
The Bloody Good Horror Page added to the Links page under Movie Sites.
Two Films Added to Independent Digital Film Series
Two short films have been added to the November 15 Independent Digital Film Series: "The Paperchase" by Aldous Davidson and "The Exchange" by Heather Blossom Brown. Please read the November 9 News below for synopses of these films and for a full description of the Independent Digital Film Series.
Site Updates
Katherine Rose Varno bio added to the Cast and Crew page.
Forget the remakes and sequels, come check out something original from Capital Region filmmakers on November 15
While the nation’s Cineplexes are dominated by sequels and remakes this fall, the Capital Region is offering new and original films from its talented filmmakers. Upstate Independents, in association with Hudson Valley Community College, presents the third installment of the Independent Digital Film Series. The event will once again showcase a variety of talented local filmmakers’ work in the digital medium. The screening will be held in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium at Hudson Valley Community College on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. The two hour program will include a diverse selection of short digital films, all independently produced in and around the Capital Region. The following films will be screening:
"The Paperchase" by Aldous Davidson
After continuously being robbed of his morning paper, a lackluster husband finally decides to get back what is rightfully his. A no-holds-barred car chase through the neighborhood suburb is all that stands between him and the daily news (3 minutes).
“Loverboy” by Eric Dvorsky
A young college student pretends to be Jewish in order to impress a girl and her family (12 minutes).
“The Exchange” by Heather Blossom Brown
In this parody of early silent films, a young woman tries to retrieve the phone number of her crush when it inadvertently gets stuck to somebody else’s purse (3 minutes).
“Gothic Nightmare” by Al Halstead
A young woman finds a mysterious object that has washed up on a beach. The object inspires her to proceed to an eerie, uninhabited mansion wherein she discovers objects that are clues to her past and the answer to what she has been searching for (8 minutes).
“Lawrence of Zombania” by Brian Muth and Andrew Laputka
Two outlaws and a bum go on a mission to find gold and chicken. The only thing stopping them – What else? Zombies! (18 minutes).
“Fragments” by Shawn Schaffer
A young woman, who is at the end of her rope, retreats to a quiet place to be left with her thoughts. At the point of a breakdown, however, her thoughts are the last things she should be left alone with (9 minutes).
“Danny Boy” by Colin Bannon
"Danny Boy" tells the story of a young boy who has nightmares that he can't explain. He has had these dreams for as long as he can remember. In his dreams, he encounters an angel, who comforts him and calms him after the horrible images pass. One day, Danny wakes up and realizes that in order to maintain his sanity, he must do something about his dreams (23 minutes).
Admission is just $5. For nearly half the price of admission at the local Cineplex, the public will be given an opportunity to see an alternative to what Hollywood has to offer. The event will also give the public a chance to meet and greet the filmmakers involved with a Q & A session directly following each film. Come out and support these local talents. Someday you may be going to see one of their films on the big screen. For more information, please go to the Contact Us page and e-mail Jeff Burns, the organizer of the event.
Local Filmmakers Bring Chills to the Capital Region for Halloween
On October 30 and 31, “Shocktoberfest: A Hometown Horror Film Festival” descends upon the Capital Region. The two-day festival will take place at Hudson Valley Community College and will feature short and feature films from local horror filmmakers Joe Bagnardi, Bruce Hallenbeck, and Jeff Kirkendall. A panel discussion with the three filmmakers will kick off the event at noon on Thursday, October 30 in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center auditorium. Films will screen at the Maureen Stapleton Theatre on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to midnight and on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The eleven short and feature films include “Shadow Tracker: Vampire Hunter,” “The Temptress,” “Vampyre,” and “Blood of the Werewolf.” The event is free. A film schedule and descriptions can be found at www.hvcc.edu/news or at www.veryscaryproductions.com. For more information, call 518-629-4TIX.
Site Updates
JillDiane picture and bio added to the Cast and Crew page.
Site Updates
Production Notes added to "Everything About Her" and "More Than Friends?" on the Films page.
Edwards Films and Bishop Productions added to the Links page. Upstate Independents link is now working.
Films Needed for First Night Saratoga Filmmakers Showcase
This New Year’s Eve will mark the third annual First Night Saratoga Filmmakers Showcase, now a regular part of Saratoga’s First Night festivities. Several short and feature films from local filmmakers screened to full houses the past two years, and the event this year promises to be just as successful. Films and videos of any length and genre may be submitted. The deadline for submission is October 30. Film and video artists are encouraged to submit to both the Filmmakers Showcase and the Independent Digital Film Series (see September 28 news below). To find out where to send your work, click on the Contact Us page and send an e-mail to Jeff Burns, the event organizer. This year’s Filmmakers Showcase will take place on December 31 from 8:00 to 11:45 p.m. at the Saratoga Arts Center, located at the corner of Broadway and Spring Streets in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Knightsfall Productions Launches Website
Knightsfall Productions – home to independent filmmaker Jeff Burns – officially launches its website. Here you will find information about completed films, upcoming projects, and the dedicated actors and crew members who have contributed their talents and skills. You will also find lots of pictures from all the films as well as behind-the-scenes pictures. If you’d like to buy or rent a film or join our cast or crew, please click on the appropriate page. The News page will keep you up to date on film productions and events in the Capital Region. Please enjoy the site and feel free to contact us with any questions or comments you may have.
Call for Submissions for Independent Digital Film Series
Upstate Independents, a network of almost 150 independent film and video artists in the Capital Region, is seeking short and feature films from area filmmakers for the third Independent Digital Film Series. The ongoing series is designed to showcase the talents of local filmmakers and give filmmakers a chance to gain exposure for their work. The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. on November 15 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY. Film and video submissions of any length and genre will be considered. The deadline for submission is October 30. Each filmmaker selected will receive a portion of the money brought in from the door. If you would like to submit your work, please go to the Contact Us page and e-mail Jeff Burns, the organizer of the event.
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