Location: Arnold, CA

Likely in September, Nominated will be filming
for approximately two weeks in Arnold, California.

It might be interesting for you to see a little
more about the town this film will be shooting in,
so here is a link to Arnold's Business
Association Site.

Here is Wikipedia's Entry on Arnold. Soon it
can be amended to include the fact that an
independent feature film was shot there. :-)

If you know of anyone who lives anywhere near, or
even in, the area who might want to, or can, help
please tell them to write Dan at Info @ Nominated.com.

More news coming soon!

Nominated Audition Date Scheduled

Audition Date: June 25th
Time: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: San Francisco
Click here for
updated role list & downloadable sides
where you will find additional
information about the
roles and process.

Oh, and btw, here is another entry
for the Executive Producer Contest:

Listen, Sleazeball - if anyone deserves a
free ride on your gravy train to success,
it's obviously me. Not to sound vindictive,
but if you don't think I'm Executive
Producer material, then you can take
your superficial promises of IMDB credits
and shove them where the glimmer of
validation doesn't shine!
(Executive Producer Essay Contest)

It's All About Brian Degan Scott

"...'Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party'...
is an...ambitious mashup of burlesque anarchy,
elaborate narrative intrigue, serious
sociopolitical themes and campy dance interludes.
Plus sheer gamesmanship -- the audience votes
each night to determine the three-part show's
performance order. It shouldn't all hold together.
Yet somehow this frequently ingenious, hilarious
contraption does."
- Dennis Harvey, Variety

Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party, the critically
acclaimed play written by Aaron Loeb, was performed
in San Francisco last November through January and has
now been selected for a run at the New York
International Fringe Festival (Fringe Festival Website)
from the 15th until the 31st of August.

So...What does this have to do with the movie Nominated?

It just so happens that this play also has a major role in
moving the filming of Nominated from August to September
because one of its actors - Brian Degan Scott - is also
a key actor in Nominated. Well, ahem, the *star,* really.
And, since Brian, like the rest of us, has yet to figure out
how to clone himself, he can't be in two places at once.

The yearly festival, showcasing hundreds of performances
from around the world, has produced many Off Broadway
hits including Urine Town (which subsequently moved to
Broadway and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards),
Dog Sees God, Charlie Victor Romeo and the musical
adaptation of Debbie Does Dallas (for more Fringe success
stories go to FringeNYC Success).

The exact dates and venue specifics for Abraham Lincoln's
Big Gay Dance Party have yet to be established, but as
soon as the details are known, I'll post them here, in
case you will be able to go see Brian perform in NYC.

According to Dan (for first time readers, the writer and
director) Brian performing Off Broadway is an exciting
development, and allows more time for pre-production and
creative fund raising for the budget - which includes the
Executive Producer Essay Contest. (Have YOU entered yet?)

And since this entry seems to be all about Mr. Scott,
(I certainly hope it won't go to his head) remember
that he will also be a guest on World of Perspective
Radio with Elizabeth Alraune (yours truly) on
the 30th of the month. See the right sidebar for
details, and to listen. You will have a chance to
call in and speak with him, and if you miss it live,
you can come back afterward, and download the podcast.

If you would like to learn more about the play, here are
a few links to visit:

Fringe Festival Website
http://www.fringenycdata.com/basic_page.php?ltr=A

Variety Review
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117939221.html?categoryid=33&cs=1&query=Abraham+Lincoln%2527s+Big+Gay

SF Chronicle Review
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/15/DDFM14LD13.DTL

Broadway Worldcom Review
http://broadwayworld.com/article/Abraham_Lincolns_Big_Gay_Dance_Party_Ends_117_20090109

Chad Jones Theatre Dogs Review
http://www.theaterdogs.net/2008/12/14/review-abraham-lincoln

Goldstar Events
http://www.goldstar.com/events/san-francisco-ca/abraham-lincolns-big-gay-dance-party.html

Yelp.com Audience Review
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Abraham+Lincoln%2527s+Big+Gay+Dance+Party&ns=1&rpp=10&find_loc=San+Francisco%252C+CA

Rah! Rah! Shish, Boom, Bah!
Go Brian, Go!

PS If You'd like to buy tickets, go to this page.
(They're only $15!)

Dan Pavlik & Ken Newman Get Validated

There are The Tonys and there are The Oscars. There is also another
prestigious award that isn't heard of much outside of the industry
that is recognized by it, and that award is The Telly.


According to their site, "The Telly Awards honor the very best local,
regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well
as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the
Web. Since 1978, our mission has been to strengthen the visual
arts community by inspiring, promoting, and supporting creativity.
The 29th Annual Telly Awards received over 14,000 entries from
all 50 states and 5 continents."

Interestingly, one of the reasons they invite people to submit
their work is to "Receive validation for a job well done." I pick that
particular one because that has been one of the words -
VALIDATION - that is very much associated with this film and
its story, as well as the story of the writer/director, Dan Pavlik.

How fitting as this film is gearing up for production that a work
that was directed by Dan and co-written by Dan and Ken Newman,
and featured Ken as an actor in the short, were just notified that
they won the Telly Silver Award - their highest honor. Not only
did they win one award, they won 3 in the categories of
Corporate Training, Use of Humor, and Copywriting.

(These awards are in addition to the 5 other Dan has won in
previous years).

One must consider, even if briefly, even if just in good humor, that
this must be a good sign that two people involved in this project
have been recognized - validated - by an organization that is as
highly regarded as the Tellys (at least you could feign a little
excitement, perhaps?)

In all seriousness, I think Dan and Ken deserve *APPLAUSE.*
It truly is awesome news, and hopefully you are beginning to
see why I am so excited about helping out where I can. Perhaps
it'll spur you on, too? Dan still needs all the help he can get.
Very few works of art are completed without some help, and
some with a lot of help!

If you are so excited now you want to help, write Dan at
Info at Nominatedthemovie.com. I am sure he'd love to hear
from you!

Don't have the ability to help personally? How about helping
to sponsor the film by promoting yourself? Check out the
Nominated sponsor page.

Top 10 Reasons to Enter the Executive Producer Essay Contest

Here are the top ten reasons Dan Pavlik believes
you should enter the Executive Producer Essay Contest:

#10. Winning will look great on a college entrance application.
#9. If you ever wanted to meet Barry Williams, this will help.
#8. Better than spending 29 bucks of useless twitter tools.
#7. You'll get a movie credit without the usual nude scene.
#6. Where else can you use the word sleazeball and not refer to a lawyer?
#5. The search for what to put on your tombstone is over.
#4. If you go to Sundance, it's one hell of a pickup line.
#3. If you don't, I'll send @TheExpert out to work you over.
#2. You can show your parents you DID amount to something!

and the #1 reason you should enter the Executive Producer Essay Contest:

Two words: casting couch

With all that, why wait a second longer?
The Executive Producer Essay Contest

To further inspire you, here is another entry:

Although some people think only a sleazeball
would run an essay contest to fund his film...
I think it's f**** brilliant. It would be just
gravy to get the superficial validation of
another IMDB credit.

Press Release: Unique, Creative, First of its Kind Contest - Who Wants to be an Executive Producer?

Feel free to pass this information along!
*************************************
How Do You Fund an Independent Film? One Essay at a time...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elizabeth Alraune
Phone: 818-584-1965
Email: info @ nominatedthemovie.com
Twitter: @JoLoPe

Fremont, CA, May 30, 2009

Dan Pavlik is a video producer by day, script writer by night, and lately, mostly a fundraiser. He spends the bulk of his time working to secure funds for his critically acclaimed comedy script, Nominated. He recently held an auction, and is currently running two other promotions - one with wine, the other with coffee. A couple of days ago he unveiled an essay contest with the prize being the title of Executive Producer on his film. All of this is a means to an end, which is raising $200,000.00 to cover the movie’s budget.

The script, which Pavlik co-wrote with writing partner David Baptist of Pleasanton, was selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences as being in the top 5 percent of 5,262 amateur scripts submitted to their 2008 Nicholl Fellowship for Screenwriting. The comedy was also selected as a semi-finalist in the 2009 Cinestory Screenwriting Awards, the winner of which will be announced later this year.

Bolstering Pavlik’s confidence in his material, many well-known actors have also expressed interest in the script, including Carl Lumbly of the TV show Alias. Carl recently signed on to play a supporting role in the movie. Other actors who have read the script include Willie Aames, Mariel Hemingway, and Brian Copeland of KGO Radio. Pavlik is also actively pursuing Dan Aykroyd to play a role.

So, with all this support, you’d think funding would be a slam dunk, right? Not the case. With a tough economic climate and a barren credit market, Pavlik has turned to what he calls “micro-funding” opportunities. He started a campaign called the “Coffee Challenge” which asks supporters to give up one Starbucks beverage and donate that money to the Nominated cause, and even enrolled his daughter, Sophia, to aid in the effort creating a video that can currently be seen on YouTube. Additionally, a local wine bar, Vida y Vino, is running a promotion all summer which donates a 25% of the proceeds from their “Director’s Cut Wine Flight” to the project.

To make a film independent of studio support and funding (especially in this environment) Pavlik is "encouraged" to be creative. He just unveiled his latest endeavor, which he hopes will go “viral” on the internet. It’s called The Executive Producer Essay Contest, and it gives contestants fifty words or less to explain why they should be the movie’s Executive Producer. There is one catch; each essay must include five words supplied by Pavlik: vindictive, superficial, validation, sleazeball, and gravy. That, and a $25 entrance fee, is all it takes to be in the running for the on-screen credit as Executive Producer. Along with the title, the winner also receives IMDB.com credit, one not easily come by.

The project is slated to shoot in the fall of this year, in locations spread around the Bay Area, as well as in Arnold, California. Pavlik and his team are furiously casting actors, securing locations, and aligning resources, all while promoting his film and essay contest on places like Twitter, Facebook, and Craigslist.

Movie Site:
http://www.nominatedthemovie.com
Essay Contest:
http://www.nominatedthemovie.com/exec_prod.htm
Coffee Challenge:
http://www.nominatedthemovie.com/coffee.htmm
Twitter page:
http://twitter.com/nominated

Contact Information:
Elizabeth Alraune
818-584-1965
Email: info @ nominatedthemovie.com
Twitter.com/JoLoPe

###

Podcast from Nominated the Party is Online!

If you would like to hear what was happening behind the scenes
at the party for Nominated, or hear what people have to say
about Dan Pavlik behind closed doors, this recording is for you.

I interviewed several people from the party that included
friends, family, and those who have worked with Dan. It was
a wild ride!

To listen and/or download the .mp3, click here.

If you have any difficulty with the file, please let me know.
Not sure how I will be able to help, but I will give it my best
shot! (Contact me at info @ jolope.com or find me on Twitter).

Feel free to leave comments about the show, the movie, Dan,
etc. with this blog entry.

My hope is that you will get to know Dan better through listening
to the show, as well as those who stand behind him and his work,
as well as become acquainted with a few of those crazy enough
to jump into the independent film pool with him.

Enjoy!

Thank You, Party Video, and Guest Interviews Coming Soon

Well, the party is over.

What a tremendous effort from all who contributed to the food, the decorations, the entertainment. There are so many to thank for their efforts on behalf of Dan Pavlik, and the film.

I am sure Dan (or "Danny," as many who have known him for a while call him) is trying to recuperate after all of the planning that went into it. The organization was flawless and, in the process of interviewing several guests at the party for World of Perspective Radio Show, I found out just why it is that Dan is so good at planning parties (it is apparently no secret to those who know him).

I am working on editing the interviews, and once it is completed, a player will be posted on this page as well as on the movie site, so you can listen and get some insight into those involved with Dan and the project. No one person can ever do anything on his own. If those who stand behind Dan are any indication of how successful this film will be - it is clear to me that it will you will soon be seeing the amazing Nominated in a theater near you.

I came away with the idea that to know Dan Pavlik, is to want to support Dan Pavlik. He has a community of people around him that have known him for years. Not only have they been around, they're there to support him with this dream. The support is in no small part due to the fact that it seems that Dan is the type of person who is supportive and loyal to those in his life. It is unlike anything I have ever seen before, and was impressive and amazing to be around.

In the meantime, below are two videos that I took at the party of two scenes from the movie acted out by actors at the party. They aren't as good as the ones I am certain that Dan had taken. However, until they're up, you can still get a sense of the scenes by viewing these.





If you have any difficulty viewing these videos, please visit GotStressGetRelief.com


You can also see some pics of the event thanks to Dave Cowan on Flickr. If you attended the event, and would like to share your pictures with the readers of the blog, please let me or Dan know where to link to, or forward them, and we can post.

If you missed the party, and would like to donate, you can go here. In addition, the Nominated site also has a sponsor page. You can get yourself listed there. By helping Dan and the film, you can help yourself. We are looking at creating as much value as possible for those who want to help this project, so if you're interested, I hope you'll jump in!

It's About More Than "Just" Making a Movie

When Dan Pavlik was considering his options,
one that he came to as a father,
was a no-brainer.

How could he do something that
incorporated what he loved
(movie making), and make a difference?

The result is the Not for Profit
Educational Films of America.

It is an organization that he has
set up to support those who want to
make films. What is different
about how he approaches it,
over what is in the world already,
is the idea that there are
aspiring, talented filmmakers
who have difficulties in creating
their visions, due to not having
access to costly filmmaking equipment.

The way that "for profit"
companies work is counterproductive
to the creative risks that sometimes
need to be taken to have a worthy
project see the light of day.

A for profit company wants to see
certain things, often including a
proven track record. And how does
one get a proven track record
in a field laden with significant
obstacles?

In the "for profit" world,
worthy projects often are left unmade
because there isn't any support to
get them made. That is where
Educational Films of America comes in.

Since the organization is set up
as a Not for Profit, it doesn't need
to see the same bottom lines as a
for profit company would need to see.
It is then able to take calculated
risks based on different criteria.

In addition, it approaches the process
differently. Instead of funding a
project in its totality, the resources
of the organization provide the source
of equipment, as well as the support
structure to get the word out.

Other film non profit organizations
often support the documentary style of
filmmaking, and Dan thought it was time
for an organization to support the kind
of movies that we see more commonly
see in our homes and movie theaters.
After all, they have a great potential
to impact our culture, our tomorrow,
and our children.

Educational Films of America has a
specific intention, help movie makers
make the kind of movies that address
common societal themes such as diversity,
substance abuse, tolerance, and education
in a way that can inform and educate in
a medium that we appreciate and give
much of our time and attention to.

By supporting the movie Nominated,
you will be supporting more than just
the making of a film that has been
recognized by the Academy that award
the Academy Awards, you will be supporting
more than just a comedy by a great guy,
you will be supporting other filmmakers
who believe that they can tell a tale
that is worthy for us to hear, and can
make a difference for us and those we
care about.

The great thing is that every little
bit helps...so you can donate any
amount that works for you. And,
if it also works for you, because the
organization is a not-for-profit,
your donations are tax-deductible.

Another great thing? Anyone who
donates to this project will have an
opportunity to be put into
a drawing, and might win a great prize.
More details on that part to come.

If you know anyone who could
use the help, would be interested
in knowing more about the film,
Educational Films of America, or
want to know more about how to help,
contact Dan Pavlik, by email at
info at nominatedthemovie.com.

To donate you can go HERE.

A Twitter Partnership is Born

Dan Pavlik a/k/a @nominated on Twitter is a friend
of Ken Newman a/k/a @kennewman on Twitter. Ken
Newman and Elizabeth Alraune a/k/a @Jolope on Twitter,
"met" and Elizabeth invited him to be on her radio show,
World of Perspective Radio. Ken graciously accepted,
and at the same time, introduced her to Dan Pavlik,
the writer/director of Nominated (a film that Ken will
have a role in). In turn, Elizabeth invited Dan to
also be on her radio show. Got that?

Elizabeth - that would be me actually - became a quick
fan of both Ken and Dan. And, just like any fan, I
wanted to know what I could do to help the project.
I thought for sure that it was a BIG movie, and why in
the world would Dan want or need my help. However, I
came to find out that while the project deserves to be
a BIG movie, it is actually one of many that is small,
independent, and in need of some assistance, well, maybe
a lot of assistance.

So...just like any good virtual friend would do, I
stepped up to see what I could do to help. It just so
happens I have my own blog, and like to write, as well
as have a few other talents that might be helpful to
see two people that I admire (as well as others I may
come to admire - as good folk tend to gravitate to one
another) succeed at a worthy venture.

We all need help day to day, and even more so when
reaching for the things that are outside of the realm
of our daily experience. I am happy to help in any way
I can and, just like a friendship of any type, the
best reward is to get to do something you love while
benefiting something worthy of expression. It's also
why I have my radio show.  Lots of people have worthy
expressions, and need a way to get them out, and we
all have our strengths. In my opinion, we all need
to do as much as we can to help another.

While Dan does what he can to get the project moving
forward, you will likely find me here, helping him put
a voice on his activities...kinda like a multi-media
documentary, if you will.

I invite you to check me out, say hey, and/or if the
spirit moves you, get involved in this project. It
has good vibes all round.

Have a great day!
Elizabeth

New Movie Teaser Coming Soon!

We shot footage for a new movie teaser that will be up on the website in the next two days.
We got some great help from Brian Danker, an SFPD Officer and great actor.
Brian had a nice scene in Milk, in which he played opposite Academy Award winner Sean Penn.
I think we will find a role for Brian in Nominated!

Also had a few donation trickle in. thanks to everyone who is contributing to the cause!