George Basha wrote, directed and stars for Gold Marquee Enterprises.
Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide sales rights from Australia’s Gold Marquee Enterprises to action thriller Retreat and will launch sales at the AFM next week.
George Basha wrote, directed and stars alongside Maya Stange and Troy Honeysett (The Combination: Redemption) in the story about a retired special ops soldier who must save his family from a team of trained killers when they stumble across mysterious packages while on holiday. John Tedesco and Basha served as producers.
Myriad Pictures CEO Kirk D’Amico said, “We are thrilled to be returning to...
Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide sales rights from Australia’s Gold Marquee Enterprises to action thriller Retreat and will launch sales at the AFM next week.
George Basha wrote, directed and stars alongside Maya Stange and Troy Honeysett (The Combination: Redemption) in the story about a retired special ops soldier who must save his family from a team of trained killers when they stumble across mysterious packages while on holiday. John Tedesco and Basha served as producers.
Myriad Pictures CEO Kirk D’Amico said, “We are thrilled to be returning to...
- 10/25/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Here’s the latest episode of the The Filmmakers Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out previous episodes on the official podcast site, whilst we’ll be featuring each and every new episode as it premieres.
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmaker’s Podcast #283: Producing, Writing, Directing and Starring in your own...
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmaker’s Podcast #283: Producing, Writing, Directing and Starring in your own...
- 7/4/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
“The Lost Girls” is Vertical Entertainment’s new fantasy drama feature, adapting author J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”, written and directed by Livia De Paolis, starring Ella-Rae Smith, Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Ovenden, Parker Sawyers and Louis Partridge, now playing:
“.. four generations of the ‘Darling’ family women struggle to cope with the aftermath of their adventures with ‘Peter Pan’ in ‘Neverland’.
“‘Wendy’ tries to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan. Like her grandmother and her mother ‘Jane’, Wendy must escape Peter’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter ‘Berry’ comes into Peter’s orbit, Wendy must fight to save her relationship with her daughter while reconciling her legacy…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“.. four generations of the ‘Darling’ family women struggle to cope with the aftermath of their adventures with ‘Peter Pan’ in ‘Neverland’.
“‘Wendy’ tries to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan. Like her grandmother and her mother ‘Jane’, Wendy must escape Peter’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter ‘Berry’ comes into Peter’s orbit, Wendy must fight to save her relationship with her daughter while reconciling her legacy…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 6/26/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Further new releases include ’Good Luck To You Leo Grande’ and ‘Pleasure’.
Lightyear will be hoping to blast to the top of the UK-Ireland box office this weekend, with Disney releasing the animation at 654 locations.
Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear origin story has had a lukewarm reception from critics, but the Angus MacLane-directed title will hope to capitalise on the enduring influence of the Toy Story franchise. When Toy Story 4 was released in 2019, it broke a record for the highest ever three-day opening for an animated title in the UK, opening in 668 venues, and taking £13.3m.
Chris Evans takes...
Lightyear will be hoping to blast to the top of the UK-Ireland box office this weekend, with Disney releasing the animation at 654 locations.
Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear origin story has had a lukewarm reception from critics, but the Angus MacLane-directed title will hope to capitalise on the enduring influence of the Toy Story franchise. When Toy Story 4 was released in 2019, it broke a record for the highest ever three-day opening for an animated title in the UK, opening in 668 venues, and taking £13.3m.
Chris Evans takes...
- 6/17/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Actress and filmmaker Livia de Paolis takes on the classic childhood story of Peter Pan in her adaptation of Laurie Fox’s novel “The Lost Girls,” a book that imagines what it would have been like for Peter to continue to visit Wendy Darling’s family as promised.
The result is a strange mix of the modern and the magical, and the attempt to bring this fantastical tale into the contemporary world doesn’t work as intended, as least as executed by de Paolis, who directed, wrote the screenplay, and stars in the film.
De Paolis, whose grandfather founded an Italian movie studio in 1938, plays Wendy Darling, the granddaughter of the original Wendy (Vanessa Redgrave), whom Peter first visited and taught to fly. Nana Wendy’s daughter Jane (Joely Richardson) is young Wendy’s mother, though she’s been long missing, and the young girl has been raised by her loving father Clayton.
The result is a strange mix of the modern and the magical, and the attempt to bring this fantastical tale into the contemporary world doesn’t work as intended, as least as executed by de Paolis, who directed, wrote the screenplay, and stars in the film.
De Paolis, whose grandfather founded an Italian movie studio in 1938, plays Wendy Darling, the granddaughter of the original Wendy (Vanessa Redgrave), whom Peter first visited and taught to fly. Nana Wendy’s daughter Jane (Joely Richardson) is young Wendy’s mother, though she’s been long missing, and the young girl has been raised by her loving father Clayton.
- 6/16/2022
- by Katie Walsh
- The Wrap
Universal’s “Jurassic World: Dominion” debuted atop the U.K. and Ireland box office with £12.1 million (14.8 million), according to numbers released by Comscore.
Paramount’s “Top Gun: Maverick” scored £5.5 million in its third weekend and now has a mighty total of £50 million, jetting towards being one of the highest grossers of the year in the territory.
In third place and in its sixth weekend, Disney’s “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness” collected £398,401 for a total of £41.5 million. A24’s “Everything Everywhere All At Once” took in £205,252 in fourth position on its fifth weekend for a total of £4.4 million.
Rounding off the top five in its 11th weekend was Paramount’s “Sonic The Hedgehog 2” with £181,695 for a total of £26.4 million.
The other debut over the last weekend was Dreamz Entertainment’s Telugu-language “Ante Sundaraniki,” which bowed in 10th place with £68,230.
Coming up this weekend are Disney’s Toy Story franchise film “Lightyear,...
Paramount’s “Top Gun: Maverick” scored £5.5 million in its third weekend and now has a mighty total of £50 million, jetting towards being one of the highest grossers of the year in the territory.
In third place and in its sixth weekend, Disney’s “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness” collected £398,401 for a total of £41.5 million. A24’s “Everything Everywhere All At Once” took in £205,252 in fourth position on its fifth weekend for a total of £4.4 million.
Rounding off the top five in its 11th weekend was Paramount’s “Sonic The Hedgehog 2” with £181,695 for a total of £26.4 million.
The other debut over the last weekend was Dreamz Entertainment’s Telugu-language “Ante Sundaraniki,” which bowed in 10th place with £68,230.
Coming up this weekend are Disney’s Toy Story franchise film “Lightyear,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“The Lost Girls” is Vertical Entertainment’s new fantasy drama feature, adapting author J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”, written and directed by Livia De Paolis, starring Ella-Rae Smith, Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Ovenden, Parker Sawyers, Louis Partridge, opening June 17, 2022:
“.. four generations of the ‘Darling’ family women struggle to cope with the aftermath of their adventures with ‘Peter Pan’ in ‘Neverland’.
“‘Wendy’ tries to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan. Like her grandmother and her mother ‘Jane’, Wendy must escape Peter’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter ‘Berry’ comes into Peter’s orbit, Wendy must fight to save her relationship with her daughter while reconciling her legacy…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“.. four generations of the ‘Darling’ family women struggle to cope with the aftermath of their adventures with ‘Peter Pan’ in ‘Neverland’.
“‘Wendy’ tries to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan. Like her grandmother and her mother ‘Jane’, Wendy must escape Peter’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter ‘Berry’ comes into Peter’s orbit, Wendy must fight to save her relationship with her daughter while reconciling her legacy…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 6/14/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Exclusive: World Builder Entertainment, the artist management, production and brand development company founded by Dannie Festa and Marc Manus, has expanded its leadership team with the addition of new managers Nick Terry and Missy Masters. Terry will focus primarily on television/streaming and motion pictures while Masters’ concentration will be books and authors. Both will also seek out IP for development and production.
“At World Builder Entertainment, we resist the notion of categorizing our clients solely as screenwriters, directors, actors, authors, illustrators or game developers,” said Festa. “We embrace creators – artists who have the talent, vision and drive to excel at multiple roles. The expansion we are announcing today is a direct result of the faith and belief the creative community has shown for our reimagined approach to artist representation.”
“Nick and Missy are passionate about developing and cultivating the relentless creative spirit within these artists,” said Manus. “They intuitively...
“At World Builder Entertainment, we resist the notion of categorizing our clients solely as screenwriters, directors, actors, authors, illustrators or game developers,” said Festa. “We embrace creators – artists who have the talent, vision and drive to excel at multiple roles. The expansion we are announcing today is a direct result of the faith and belief the creative community has shown for our reimagined approach to artist representation.”
“Nick and Missy are passionate about developing and cultivating the relentless creative spirit within these artists,” said Manus. “They intuitively...
- 5/23/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Lost Girls” is Vertical Entertainment’s new fantasy drama feature, adapting J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”, written and directed by Livia De Paolis, starring Ella-Rae Smith, Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Ovenden, Parker Sawyers, Louis Partridge, opening June 17, 2022:
“.. four generations of the ‘Darling’ family women struggle to cope with the aftermath of their adventures with ‘Peter Pan’ in ‘Neverland’.
“‘Wendy’ tries to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan. Like her grandmother and her mother ‘Jane’, Wendy must escape Peter’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter ‘Berry’ comes into Peter’s orbit, Wendy must fight to save her relationship with her daughter while reconciling her legacy…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“.. four generations of the ‘Darling’ family women struggle to cope with the aftermath of their adventures with ‘Peter Pan’ in ‘Neverland’.
“‘Wendy’ tries to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan. Like her grandmother and her mother ‘Jane’, Wendy must escape Peter’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter ‘Berry’ comes into Peter’s orbit, Wendy must fight to save her relationship with her daughter while reconciling her legacy…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 5/6/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"No one is ever really present in this family." Vertical Entertainment has revealed an official trailer for an indie film titled The Lost Girls, another Peter Pan remix taking the classic "The Lost Boys" premise and turning it into something else fresh. Like her grandmother and her mother Jane before her, Wendy must escape Peter Pan's hold on her and the promise he wants her to keep... As her daughter Berry comes into Peter's orbit, Wendy must fight to save her relationship with her daughter while reconciling her legacy. I didn't realize Peter was such a bad guy! This is written and directed by and stars Livia De Paolis, who's joined in the cast by Julian Ovenden, Parker Sawyers, Louis Partridge, Emily Carey, Ella-Rae Smith, with Vanessa Redgrave and Iain Glen and Joely Richardson. So this looks better than I was expecting, with lots of style to go along with...
- 5/5/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Distributor sets June day-and-date release.
Vertical Entertainment has acquired US rights from UTA Independent Film Group and Myriad Pictures to Livia De Paolis’s Peter Pan-inspired fantasy The Lost Girls heading into the online EFM.
Myriad Pictures will represent international rights on the film at the market. Vertical plans a day-and-date US release on June 17. Photon Films will release the film in Canada and Altitude is releasing in the UK.
Paolis wrote and directed the film based on the novel by Laurie Fox. De Paolis stars alongside Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Ovenden, Parker Sawyers, Emily Carey, Louis Partridge, Ella Rae Smith and Iain Glen.
Vertical Entertainment has acquired US rights from UTA Independent Film Group and Myriad Pictures to Livia De Paolis’s Peter Pan-inspired fantasy The Lost Girls heading into the online EFM.
Myriad Pictures will represent international rights on the film at the market. Vertical plans a day-and-date US release on June 17. Photon Films will release the film in Canada and Altitude is releasing in the UK.
Paolis wrote and directed the film based on the novel by Laurie Fox. De Paolis stars alongside Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Ovenden, Parker Sawyers, Emily Carey, Louis Partridge, Ella Rae Smith and Iain Glen.
- 1/27/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired U.S. distribution rights to drama The Lost Girls directed by Livia De Paolis.
The film is inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan and is based on the novel by Laurie Fox. Vertical is planning a day-and-date release in the U.S. on June 17, 2022.
The film is written and directed by De Paolis (Emoticon ;)), who also stars in the film along an ensemble cast including Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck), Vanessa Redgrave (Atonement), Julian Ovenden (The Crown), Parker Sawyers (Southside with You), Emily Carey (Wonder Woman), Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes), Ella Rae Smith (Séance) and Iain Glen (Game of Thrones) as Hook.
Myriad Pictures is handling international sales and will continue to drum up business at the upcoming virtual European Film Market (EFM). Myriad and UTA co-repped the film for the U.S. with UTA Independent Film Group taking the lead on the sale.
The film is inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan and is based on the novel by Laurie Fox. Vertical is planning a day-and-date release in the U.S. on June 17, 2022.
The film is written and directed by De Paolis (Emoticon ;)), who also stars in the film along an ensemble cast including Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck), Vanessa Redgrave (Atonement), Julian Ovenden (The Crown), Parker Sawyers (Southside with You), Emily Carey (Wonder Woman), Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes), Ella Rae Smith (Séance) and Iain Glen (Game of Thrones) as Hook.
Myriad Pictures is handling international sales and will continue to drum up business at the upcoming virtual European Film Market (EFM). Myriad and UTA co-repped the film for the U.S. with UTA Independent Film Group taking the lead on the sale.
- 1/27/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Livia De Paolis directs female take on Peter Pan story.
Myriad Pictures has completed principal photography in the UK on TIFF sales title The Lost Girls starring Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave and Iain Glen.
Livia De Paolis is directing the female take on the Peter Pan story and adapted the screenplay from Laurie Fox’s novel.
Julian Ovenden, Parker Sawyers, Emily Carey, Louis Partridge, Ella Rae Smith round out the ensemble cast on the adventure about four generations of Darling women as they struggle in the aftermath of their adventures with Peter Pan (Partridge) in Neverland.
Like her grandmother (Redgrave...
Myriad Pictures has completed principal photography in the UK on TIFF sales title The Lost Girls starring Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave and Iain Glen.
Livia De Paolis is directing the female take on the Peter Pan story and adapted the screenplay from Laurie Fox’s novel.
Julian Ovenden, Parker Sawyers, Emily Carey, Louis Partridge, Ella Rae Smith round out the ensemble cast on the adventure about four generations of Darling women as they struggle in the aftermath of their adventures with Peter Pan (Partridge) in Neverland.
Like her grandmother (Redgrave...
- 9/8/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
National treasure, Emma Thompson has joined the cast of the all-female take on the coming-of-age fantasy-drama ‘The Lost Girls’.
Ellen Burstyn is also joining the ensemble cast on the feature which is a take on the classic Peter Pan story by J.M. Barrie. Also, starring is Thompson’s daughter Gaia Wise. Livia De Paolis will adapt the story as well as direct and star.
The story will chronicle four generations of Darling women as they struggle in the aftermath of their adventures with Peter Pan in Neverland. The film will follow how Wendy (De Paolis) struggles to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan.
Like her grandmother (Burstyn) and her mother Jane (Thompson in a cameo role), Wendy must escape Pan’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter Berry (Wise) comes into Peter’s orbit, Wendy must fight...
Ellen Burstyn is also joining the ensemble cast on the feature which is a take on the classic Peter Pan story by J.M. Barrie. Also, starring is Thompson’s daughter Gaia Wise. Livia De Paolis will adapt the story as well as direct and star.
The story will chronicle four generations of Darling women as they struggle in the aftermath of their adventures with Peter Pan in Neverland. The film will follow how Wendy (De Paolis) struggles to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan.
Like her grandmother (Burstyn) and her mother Jane (Thompson in a cameo role), Wendy must escape Pan’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter Berry (Wise) comes into Peter’s orbit, Wendy must fight...
- 9/13/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In today’s film news roundup, Patty Jenkins is honored, “Waves” will close the Hamptons Film Festival, Ellen Burstyn and Emma Thompson are cast, and “The Cotton Club” has been expanded.
Jenkins Honored
The International Cinematographers Guild will honor “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins with its inaugural Distinguished Filmmaker Award.
The award will be presented at the 2019 Emerging Cinematographer Awards on Oct. 6 at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood.
“The Distinguished Filmmaker Award was created to honor filmmakers who best understand the crucial role cinematographers play in capturing their vision, and who exemplify the best in that working collaboration,” said Lewis Rothenberg, national president. “Ms. Jenkins is truly a ground-breaking auteur widely known for appreciating the detailed contributions of her craft departments, and particularly her camera team. She is an incredible inspirational and educational role model for our emerging cinematographers.”
Hamptons Closing Film
The Hamptons International Film Festival has...
Jenkins Honored
The International Cinematographers Guild will honor “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins with its inaugural Distinguished Filmmaker Award.
The award will be presented at the 2019 Emerging Cinematographer Awards on Oct. 6 at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood.
“The Distinguished Filmmaker Award was created to honor filmmakers who best understand the crucial role cinematographers play in capturing their vision, and who exemplify the best in that working collaboration,” said Lewis Rothenberg, national president. “Ms. Jenkins is truly a ground-breaking auteur widely known for appreciating the detailed contributions of her craft departments, and particularly her camera team. She is an incredible inspirational and educational role model for our emerging cinematographers.”
Hamptons Closing Film
The Hamptons International Film Festival has...
- 9/12/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Just when you think the Peter Pan fairy tale had been examined from all angles (including the Nirvana/grunge angle *shudder*), Hollywood goes and gives you a version of the story that you have yet to see, with the upcoming film “The Lost Girls.”
According to Deadline, Livia De Paolis has agreed to write, direct, and star in a new take on the Peter Pan tale, “The Lost Girls.” And the filmmaker has already signed three more actresses to join her in the multigenerational tale of the impact Pan and Neverland had on the Darling family.
Continue reading Ellen Burstyn & Emma Thompson Sign On For Livia De Paolis’ Female-Led Peter Pan Tale, ‘The Lost Girls’ at The Playlist.
According to Deadline, Livia De Paolis has agreed to write, direct, and star in a new take on the Peter Pan tale, “The Lost Girls.” And the filmmaker has already signed three more actresses to join her in the multigenerational tale of the impact Pan and Neverland had on the Darling family.
Continue reading Ellen Burstyn & Emma Thompson Sign On For Livia De Paolis’ Female-Led Peter Pan Tale, ‘The Lost Girls’ at The Playlist.
- 9/12/2019
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Oscar winners Ellen Burstyn and Emma Thompson are among the ensemble cast for coming-of-age fantasy-drama movie The Lost Girls, a female-fronted take on the classic Peter Pan story by J.M. Barrie.
Livia De Paolis (Emoticon ;)) is adapting, directing and starring in the film, which also will feature Thompson’s daughter Gaia Wise (A Walk in the Woods). De Paolis is adapting from Laurie Fox’s novel.
The Lost Girls will chronicle four generations of Darling women as they struggle in the aftermath of their adventures with Peter Pan in Neverland. The film will follow how Wendy (De Paolis) struggles to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan.
Like her grandmother (Burstyn) and her mother Jane (Thompson in a cameo role), Wendy must escape Pan’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter Berry (Wise) comes into Peter’s orbit,...
Livia De Paolis (Emoticon ;)) is adapting, directing and starring in the film, which also will feature Thompson’s daughter Gaia Wise (A Walk in the Woods). De Paolis is adapting from Laurie Fox’s novel.
The Lost Girls will chronicle four generations of Darling women as they struggle in the aftermath of their adventures with Peter Pan in Neverland. The film will follow how Wendy (De Paolis) struggles to retain her creative spirit after her fantastical journeys with Pan.
Like her grandmother (Burstyn) and her mother Jane (Thompson in a cameo role), Wendy must escape Pan’s hold on her and the promises he desperately wants her to keep. As her daughter Berry (Wise) comes into Peter’s orbit,...
- 9/12/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Elena (Livia De Paolis) is fascinated by modern means of communication but she cannot seem to wrap her head around how to develop that interest into a graduate school thesis. But then Elena finds herself fully immersed into the very modern worlds of her significantly older boyfriend Walter's (Michael Cristofer) adopted teenage kids, Amanda (Diane Guerrero) and Luke (Miles Chandler). This allows Elena to gain firsthand insight on how these two particular teens utilize different types of technology as existential tools to better understand themselves.
- 5/30/2014
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Emoticon;) is a female charged project led by Livia De Paolis whose end credits on the film fall under 'writer', 'director', 'producer', 'performed by' all behind her as the lead actress in this impressive first outing that premiered in competition at last year's Dances With Films Film Festival in Los Angeles in June. Emoticon;) is about Elena (De Paolis), a student struggling with her thesis on 'Modern means of communication' until she meets her new boyfriend's (Michael Cristofer) teenage kids who are dealing with their own identity issues and together they form and unlikely bond and embark on a journey of self discovery to better understand love and intimacy in a digital age. The cast is complimented by stage and screen veterans that include a wonderful Carol Kane, Sonia Braga and Daphne Rubin-Vega in what is a modern day New York story of people connecting the dots. LatinoBuzz met with tour-de-force Livia De Paolis and newcomer Diane Guerrero to find out more about their journey to Emoticon;).
LatinoBuzz: You are an actress, at what moment did you decide to write, direct and star in your own feature?
Livia: It was a bit of a process. Sarah Nerboso, my co-writer approached me and asked me to write something together. I said yes but we really didn’t do much about it for about one year. After that I realized that I really wanted to see this movie come to life and called her back, to finish the script. Once I got so invested in the writing of the script I was certainly going to figure out a way to make it happen. I knew I was going to act in it. As I did write it for myself, however the decision to direct came very last minute. As I was asking for help to anybody I knew, I realized everybody I’d talk to was kind of expecting for me to be the director. I think it was because I was very passionate about it and very assertive about what I wanted the movie to be. So at some point I embraced everybody’s expectation and decided to direct it myself. So, as I said it was a bit of a process. However I think the decision to make my own movie came from the fact that I was simply dissatisfied with the opportunity to act that were presented to me. Which, in all honesty were not a lot and not very fulfilling in any way. I would go to castings thinking: “What am I doing with myself? I don’t really want to get this job”. I think it was the best decision I could possibly take. I’m proud of it.
LatinoBuzz: How did you manage to assemble such a remarkable cast with the limited resources available?
Livia: I think the script was the basis for everything. I gave it to Casting Director James Calleri, who I knew because we worked together on a show at Rattlestick Theater. He was kind enough to read it and he liked it. He passed it on to the agencies. They liked it and provided me with fantastic casting options. So, I owe it James Calleri and his team. And to the wonderful actors who wanted to be in my movie, because they liked the script. It’s funny how everybody always asks me: “How did you get Carol Kane?” All I know is that I sent her the script and she said yes.
LatinoBuzz: What were your biggest challenges in making the film as a first time filmmaker?
Livia: Writing the script was a challenge. We rewrote it 19 times. Also having to be in control of every aspect of the production was extremely challenging. I’m glad I survived.
LatinoBuzz: What films influenced you in making Emoticon;) aesthetically. And did anyone in particular inspire you to pursue acting?
Livia: I always wanted to be an actress. My family was in the film industry in Italy so I always thought I was going to be an actress. I did admire Vivien Leigh while growing up, probably more then anybody else. But also Katherine Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Julie Andrews and of course Marilyn. Believe it or not I think the show 'Fame' was kind of influential. It was big in Italy and I would be watching it, dreaming of moving to NY to work in the theater. It’s crazy that I actually did it.
I only started pursuing an acting career after graduating from university. My parents really wanted me to graduate, it was important to them, and I’m actually glad I did get my degree. As for the movie I wanted to make a movie that was honest and transparent. That would show real people with their flaws, lies and heartaches. I wanted to show a longing for human connection. I wanted it to be soft spoken. And I wanted it to be an ensemble piece. I wanted it to be inclusive of all the different people that make up the city of New York. I was mostly inspired by Noah Baumbach’s movies, Todd Solondz, Miranda July, Robert Altman and the more light hearted Ingmar Bergman (Fanny and Alexander, Wild Strawberries). I was also influenced by one of the first movies from Italian filmmaker Gabriele Muccino (But Forever In My Mind).
LatinoBuzz: What do you want the audience to take away from the film?
Livia: I think my movie is trying to show how, as human beings we’re all magnificently flawed and inherently co-dependent. We need each other. And that’s a good thing. And I think it does matter to be reminded of that. I’d be happy if the audience would walk away with a more accepting attitude toward themselves, and toward whomever it is that they might be having a hard time forgiving. I think it’s good to be reminded that sometimes you think you’re going somewhere and you might actually end up somewhere else. And that is also a good thing.
LatinoBuzz: What advice would you give women aspiring to make the leap from actress to filmmaker?
Livia: Just do it. As actors we’re always told to be generous, with our performance and with ourselves.
So, to any actress that is thinking even remotely that maybe she’d like to tell a story her own way, I’d tell her to be generous and do it. We need more stories told from a feminine point of view. It is not easy. It is not as fun as acting is, I don’t think. It is a lot a work and it is big commitment. But it is so important. It is necessary. It can be done and it must be done.
LatinoBuzz: What got you into acting? Does your family support you in it?
Diane: I love entertaining people! It's who I am. I love making people happy and I like sharing my emotions and my heart with them whether they ask for it or not (haha). I figured what better way to do that than through acting. I think one of my best qualities is my ability to empathize with people. Perhaps it's because my journey has been so bumpy. Whatever the reason is, I am happiest when connecting with the human experience. It lets me know that I'm not alone in this world.
My family totally supports me and this path. As a little girl they saw I was passionate about the arts, and although they weren't proactive with taking me to castings and acting classes, they did let me be the household entertainment and even sing at the dinner table. When I told them I wanted to be an actress at 24 they wondered why it took me so long to come to the decision. The one thing that they stressed however was the importance to stay in school and making my own decisions. I definitely had to pave my own path which wasn't always the easiest thing to do.
LatinoBuzz: What was the one thing that made you connect to your character In Emoticon;)? And what do you find to be the most important trait you look for in a character?
Diane: What made me connect with Amanda in Emoticon;) was her desire to fit in and find her place in the world. The fact that she is a Latina longing for an understanding of herself in a 'white world'. Growing up I often wondered what it would be like to be adopted and grow up in a white family and how that would affect me. I felt a connection. It was also interesting to play someone so young. At first I felt insecure about being too old for the part but I soon learned that what acting is all about baby!?
At the moment I don't think I'm in the position to be picky about characters (I mean, lets be real). However I do get excited about characters that are a little rough around the edges and have tons of baggage. For my next role I'd like to play a Bag Lady.
LatinoBuzz: Have you found any challenges being a Latina in the industry?
Diane: It is challenging to be a Latina in this industry. There are very few parts to play and characters to play with. I think the way to over come it is by always showing up.
LatinoBuzz: Your dream role, dream director and dream co-star?
Diane: My dream role would be to play something mythical or regal. I would love to play a fairy, or a princess from a far away land. My dream director would be Pedro Almodovar for his mind bending narratives and Spike Lee for always keeping it real. My dream co-stars would be Penelope Cruz and Kevin Spacey.
LatinoBuzz: “In 5 years Diane Guerrero will...”
Diane: In 5 years Diane Guerrero will be consistently working in film, TV and theater. Working with great directors and actors who will help her grow as an actress.
LatinoBuzz: What are you working on next?
Diane: I recently finished the first season of the new Netflix series Orange is the New Black where I played the character of 'Mariza Ramos'.
Like Emoticon;) on Facebook and check here for screening information: Dances With Films.
Emoticon;) Opens in Theaters May 30th, 2014
L.A. Theater: http://www.laemmle.com/films/37737
NYC Theater: http://www.cinemavillage.com/chc/cv/show_movie.asp?movieid=3109
Written by Juan Caceres and Vanessa Erazo, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow [At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook.
LatinoBuzz: You are an actress, at what moment did you decide to write, direct and star in your own feature?
Livia: It was a bit of a process. Sarah Nerboso, my co-writer approached me and asked me to write something together. I said yes but we really didn’t do much about it for about one year. After that I realized that I really wanted to see this movie come to life and called her back, to finish the script. Once I got so invested in the writing of the script I was certainly going to figure out a way to make it happen. I knew I was going to act in it. As I did write it for myself, however the decision to direct came very last minute. As I was asking for help to anybody I knew, I realized everybody I’d talk to was kind of expecting for me to be the director. I think it was because I was very passionate about it and very assertive about what I wanted the movie to be. So at some point I embraced everybody’s expectation and decided to direct it myself. So, as I said it was a bit of a process. However I think the decision to make my own movie came from the fact that I was simply dissatisfied with the opportunity to act that were presented to me. Which, in all honesty were not a lot and not very fulfilling in any way. I would go to castings thinking: “What am I doing with myself? I don’t really want to get this job”. I think it was the best decision I could possibly take. I’m proud of it.
LatinoBuzz: How did you manage to assemble such a remarkable cast with the limited resources available?
Livia: I think the script was the basis for everything. I gave it to Casting Director James Calleri, who I knew because we worked together on a show at Rattlestick Theater. He was kind enough to read it and he liked it. He passed it on to the agencies. They liked it and provided me with fantastic casting options. So, I owe it James Calleri and his team. And to the wonderful actors who wanted to be in my movie, because they liked the script. It’s funny how everybody always asks me: “How did you get Carol Kane?” All I know is that I sent her the script and she said yes.
LatinoBuzz: What were your biggest challenges in making the film as a first time filmmaker?
Livia: Writing the script was a challenge. We rewrote it 19 times. Also having to be in control of every aspect of the production was extremely challenging. I’m glad I survived.
LatinoBuzz: What films influenced you in making Emoticon;) aesthetically. And did anyone in particular inspire you to pursue acting?
Livia: I always wanted to be an actress. My family was in the film industry in Italy so I always thought I was going to be an actress. I did admire Vivien Leigh while growing up, probably more then anybody else. But also Katherine Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Julie Andrews and of course Marilyn. Believe it or not I think the show 'Fame' was kind of influential. It was big in Italy and I would be watching it, dreaming of moving to NY to work in the theater. It’s crazy that I actually did it.
I only started pursuing an acting career after graduating from university. My parents really wanted me to graduate, it was important to them, and I’m actually glad I did get my degree. As for the movie I wanted to make a movie that was honest and transparent. That would show real people with their flaws, lies and heartaches. I wanted to show a longing for human connection. I wanted it to be soft spoken. And I wanted it to be an ensemble piece. I wanted it to be inclusive of all the different people that make up the city of New York. I was mostly inspired by Noah Baumbach’s movies, Todd Solondz, Miranda July, Robert Altman and the more light hearted Ingmar Bergman (Fanny and Alexander, Wild Strawberries). I was also influenced by one of the first movies from Italian filmmaker Gabriele Muccino (But Forever In My Mind).
LatinoBuzz: What do you want the audience to take away from the film?
Livia: I think my movie is trying to show how, as human beings we’re all magnificently flawed and inherently co-dependent. We need each other. And that’s a good thing. And I think it does matter to be reminded of that. I’d be happy if the audience would walk away with a more accepting attitude toward themselves, and toward whomever it is that they might be having a hard time forgiving. I think it’s good to be reminded that sometimes you think you’re going somewhere and you might actually end up somewhere else. And that is also a good thing.
LatinoBuzz: What advice would you give women aspiring to make the leap from actress to filmmaker?
Livia: Just do it. As actors we’re always told to be generous, with our performance and with ourselves.
So, to any actress that is thinking even remotely that maybe she’d like to tell a story her own way, I’d tell her to be generous and do it. We need more stories told from a feminine point of view. It is not easy. It is not as fun as acting is, I don’t think. It is a lot a work and it is big commitment. But it is so important. It is necessary. It can be done and it must be done.
LatinoBuzz: What got you into acting? Does your family support you in it?
Diane: I love entertaining people! It's who I am. I love making people happy and I like sharing my emotions and my heart with them whether they ask for it or not (haha). I figured what better way to do that than through acting. I think one of my best qualities is my ability to empathize with people. Perhaps it's because my journey has been so bumpy. Whatever the reason is, I am happiest when connecting with the human experience. It lets me know that I'm not alone in this world.
My family totally supports me and this path. As a little girl they saw I was passionate about the arts, and although they weren't proactive with taking me to castings and acting classes, they did let me be the household entertainment and even sing at the dinner table. When I told them I wanted to be an actress at 24 they wondered why it took me so long to come to the decision. The one thing that they stressed however was the importance to stay in school and making my own decisions. I definitely had to pave my own path which wasn't always the easiest thing to do.
LatinoBuzz: What was the one thing that made you connect to your character In Emoticon;)? And what do you find to be the most important trait you look for in a character?
Diane: What made me connect with Amanda in Emoticon;) was her desire to fit in and find her place in the world. The fact that she is a Latina longing for an understanding of herself in a 'white world'. Growing up I often wondered what it would be like to be adopted and grow up in a white family and how that would affect me. I felt a connection. It was also interesting to play someone so young. At first I felt insecure about being too old for the part but I soon learned that what acting is all about baby!?
At the moment I don't think I'm in the position to be picky about characters (I mean, lets be real). However I do get excited about characters that are a little rough around the edges and have tons of baggage. For my next role I'd like to play a Bag Lady.
LatinoBuzz: Have you found any challenges being a Latina in the industry?
Diane: It is challenging to be a Latina in this industry. There are very few parts to play and characters to play with. I think the way to over come it is by always showing up.
LatinoBuzz: Your dream role, dream director and dream co-star?
Diane: My dream role would be to play something mythical or regal. I would love to play a fairy, or a princess from a far away land. My dream director would be Pedro Almodovar for his mind bending narratives and Spike Lee for always keeping it real. My dream co-stars would be Penelope Cruz and Kevin Spacey.
LatinoBuzz: “In 5 years Diane Guerrero will...”
Diane: In 5 years Diane Guerrero will be consistently working in film, TV and theater. Working with great directors and actors who will help her grow as an actress.
LatinoBuzz: What are you working on next?
Diane: I recently finished the first season of the new Netflix series Orange is the New Black where I played the character of 'Mariza Ramos'.
Like Emoticon;) on Facebook and check here for screening information: Dances With Films.
Emoticon;) Opens in Theaters May 30th, 2014
L.A. Theater: http://www.laemmle.com/films/37737
NYC Theater: http://www.cinemavillage.com/chc/cv/show_movie.asp?movieid=3109
Written by Juan Caceres and Vanessa Erazo, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow [At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook.
- 5/28/2014
- by Juan Caceres
- Sydney's Buzz
One eternal, annoying trope of grown-ups writing about kids is that the new generation is unfathomably alien and probably, like, some whole different species with weird new chemical spurs shooting out of their DNA architecture.
Often condescendingly framed as pseudo-anthropological curiosity, it is straight-up old-people horseshit. Emoticon ;), a vanity project written, directed, starring, and sung by Livia De Paolis, is a grown-up's weird idea of how kids behave.
It concerns Elena, the world's most unimaginative anthropology Ph.D. candidate, who begins dating Walter (Michael Cristofer), the sexagenarian father of two adopted teens. In De Paolis's world, kids spontaneously burst into dance, spit the planet's worst freestyle rap, and play a lot of douchebag-style...
Often condescendingly framed as pseudo-anthropological curiosity, it is straight-up old-people horseshit. Emoticon ;), a vanity project written, directed, starring, and sung by Livia De Paolis, is a grown-up's weird idea of how kids behave.
It concerns Elena, the world's most unimaginative anthropology Ph.D. candidate, who begins dating Walter (Michael Cristofer), the sexagenarian father of two adopted teens. In De Paolis's world, kids spontaneously burst into dance, spit the planet's worst freestyle rap, and play a lot of douchebag-style...
- 5/28/2014
- Village Voice
Modern-day relationships seem to be continuously defined by technological interactions, which is why Livia De Paolis' directorial debut "Emoticon ;)" feels all the more appropriate. Fortunately for contemporary audiences, the film will soon be released by Indican Pictures on May 30. De Paolis does double duty in the film, taking on the story's lead role of Elena, an anthropology grad student trying to dissect the role technology plays in communication and relationships. The film also stars Michael Cristofer ("The Shadow Box," "American Horror Story"), Miles Chandler ("Six Degrees"), Diane Guerrero ("Orange is the New Black"), Carol Kane ("Taxi"), Sonia Braga ("Alias"), Christine Ebersole ("American Horror Story," "Grey Gardens") and Daphne Rubin-Vega ("Rent"). Check out the trailer, exclusive to Indiewire, below:...
- 4/25/2014
- by Ziyad Saadi
- Indiewire
Indican Pictures has acquired "Emoticon ;)," which continues the not-so-regular tradition of movies with symbols in their titles ("π," "I ♥ Huckabees"). The film, which is the directorial debut of Livia De Paolis and played at the Gen Art Film Festival in 2013, is slated for a May 30 release. "Emoticon ;)" stars De Paolis as an anthropology graduate student struggling to complete her thesis on modern means of communication. She meets her boyfriend's (Michael Cristofer) teenage kids (Miles Chandler, Diane Guerrero), and they learn about love and intimacy in the digital age. The film also stars Carol Kane as De Paolis's PhD advisor, along with Sonia Braga, Christine Ebersole and Daphne Rubin-Vega. Copy editors everywhere can't wait to make sure their writers type in the right smiley face.
- 4/3/2014
- by Max O'Connell
- Indiewire
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