Fundraising for the Movie

Back in June, Mickey Monroe helped The Movie
Fundraising Cause by helping to promote
my Peace Within Recording. Click the link for
details, and maybe even get yourself a copy.

Now I have a new way to assist Dan, and his Non-Profit
Educational Films of America which is sponsoring
the film.

I have published a children's story, and a portion of the
proceeds will be donated to his organization. To learn
more about it, visit CrushProofCar.com, and/or watch
the video below.

If you have any other ideas for cooperation and partnership,
feel free to contact Dan or myself, and let's see what we
can create! :-)

Brian Degan Scott Returns: SF Area Scenes to be shot soon!

Well, Brian Degan Scott has returned triumphantly from New York
City and the off Broadway showings of the play he was in:
Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party.

Below are several links and mentions in the press.

One that was particularly cool was from the NY Post which suggests
a possible comparison between the play and Urine Town. What you
may know is that Urine Town also showed during the NY Fringe Festival
and was picked up for an off-Broadway and then Broadway run.

Not too shabby. :-)

I am sure Dan wishes him and the cast well with
future possibilities, but after the film gets shot
first! (More details to come, as there will be filming
this month, and next.)

In the meantime, here's the press.
Congrats Brian!

TimeOut
(http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/theater/77756/new-york-international-fringe-festival-theater-review)

New York Post
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08132009/entertainment/theater/terms_of_infringement_184246.htm

Village Voice Blog
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/2009/08/news_roundup_th_2.php

NewYork.Decider.com
http://newyork.decider.com/articles/body-fluids-and-jazz-hands-5-shows-to-see-at-the-f,31493/

NY Magazine
http://nymag.com/arts/theater/features/58294/

NewYorker
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/events/theatre/2009/08/10/090810goth_GOAT_theatre

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/arts/09weekahead.html?_r=3&scp=1&sq=abraham%20lincoln's%20big%20gay%20dance%20party&st=cse

Search and Find: Nominated the Movie

Just for the fun of it...
for those of you who
enjoy Search and Finds.

(Click on picture for larger
image to print.)

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 The Movie in Hollywood

A couple of nights ago I met with Dan and Brian in Hollywood.
This video is a 10-minute blip of the time spent, as promised.
Enjoy!

The Movie Cast

After some intense auditions, and callbacks, the movie has been cast.

The following is the cast of characters, and their "live" counterparts:

Mickey: Brian Degan Scott
Cole: Ryan Calavano
Dana: Donna Dahrouge or Erin Moran
Ray: Carl Lumbly
Blake: Ken Newman
Pastor Paul: Soren Oliver
Aurora: Julia Smith
Jamie: Jette Newell
Vince: Greg Cala
Paintballer: Eli Kramer
Paintballer: Mark Flores
Vicky: Maria Skorobogatov
Nicky: Melissa Lucas
Female Reporter: Stephanie Basco
Darla: Susi Damilano
Jasmine: Sina Eiden

You can see more about these fine (and talented!)
folks at the Nominated Cast Page. Be sure to
move your mouse around on the page, and see
which names have links, and visit the "More" page
as well.

In future blog entries, the plan is for us to share
more about the cast so you can get to know them
better.

Stay tuned.

Nominated Auditions and Request to Spread the Word!

(On Left Brian Degan Scott/On Right Dan Pavlik)

This week Dan Pavlik, the writer/director of Nominated, will be holding auditions for the film. He has had to arrange for a second day of auditions, and sadly has had to turn people away.

Dan would love to see everyone, but it's just not possible. For a person in that position, it certainly is a good problem to have.

Should he not be able to find what he needs during the two days of auditions, there will be other possibilities to pursue. So, if by some chance you aren't scheduled for any of the upcoming auditions, stay in touch, as you never know.

Working in conjunction with J.E. Talent, a San Francisco based talent agency that has been helping with the administration of the casting process, and feeling like he has many talented people to choose from, Dan is certain he'll get some really great fits for the roles.

While I'd love to be there during the process, I won't be able to, however, Dan is likely to have some behind the scenes footage, and maybe some pics, to share afterward that you and I will both be able to see. :-)

One role that won't be auditioned those two days is that of "film sponsor." You can help to get this movie made without an audition by going to the Nominated Sponsor Page, and submitting your 150x150 advertisement. As the momentum builds, there will be more traffic to the site, and you will have the benefit of all of those who come after you. Plus you get to be a part of, and contribute to, something pretty special.

Ok I am biased but, once you get to know these guys, you will be, too. (Listen to interviews with Dan Pavlik and Ken Newman, available now in the right column of this blog. Next week I will interview Brian Degan Scott)

Other bigger advertising/sponsor opportunities still remain, and Dan is being just as creative in that regard as he is in his filmmaking, so if you are interested, or know of someone who could be, click here to "tell a friend"

Last but not least, ALL help is welcome, even if it is just spreading the word. Please share with people what is going on with the movie. You never know who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone's aunt's, cousin's son that could really benefit from being a part of this somehow, even if it is just for him to spread the word to his best friend's sister's mother's best friend of 20 years who happens to work for a big studio that would love to talk to Dan about this film, and others already simmering...and he would have you to thank for it. Wouldn't that be special? (so saith the Church Lady).

Seriously, it so much easier to help than people realize. The little things add up. So even if you don't think you can help financially, or feel that sponsoring would benefit you, just letting someone else know about what's going on is perfect.

Happy Father's Day to those fathers out there - and in particular Dan, Brian, and Ken. May some beautiful and amazing things happen between now and Father's Day 2010!

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!)

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.

First "Essay" Arrives! When Can We Expect YOURS?

Recently, "Director Dan" announced a new contest.

In just 50 words, tell why you should be an
Executive Producer for the film. The catch,
besides the 50 character limit, use the words
Vindictive
Superficial
Validation
Sleazeball
Gravy

Some have told me they're not entering the
contest because they don't "do essays."

Perhaps consider that it's really just a
couple of sentences. Maybe it will make
it easier to take a stab at it. Most essays
you have to make up in totality...in this case,
you already have 5 of the words to work with.
One Tenth of your work is already done for you!

Others have said it's not for them. Yes,
the winner will get IMDB credit, and perhaps
for some it will mean more than for others.

However, wouldn't it be really cool to see
a movie in a movie theater with your name in
the credits on a large screen?

Some may also be swayed in terms of making
the payment. Please know that you can use
your credit card, without having a Paypal
account. In addition, you can now submit
your entry via mail, if you would prefer
to send a check.

This is likely the first time that a
contest of this type has been held. Wouldn't
it be fun to get in on it? This might be
a movie for the history books. You never
know when history will be made, and then
it's too late to be a part of it.

Ok..so that might be a little much...but
you never really do know, you know?

Still not sure?

Here's the first submission.

Perhaps it'll inspire you:

Tony promised me the lead in “Gravy Danger”
but the sleazeball reneged and gave the
role to Marvin Aday. I meant to deliver
only a superficial cut to his groin, but
friends now call him “Toni.” An Executive
Producer credit will provide validation
that I’m not a vindictive human being.

To submit your choice words,
to see the rules, etc,
visit
http://www.nominatedthemovie.com/exec_prod.htm

...this might be your gravy train...
...this might give you validation...
...this might wow your superficial friends...
...this might show that sleazeball
in your life a thing or two...
...if you don't enter, and your friend does,
and wins, you might consider being vindictive.
Do you really want to risk that happening?...

What are you waiting for?

Have fun!

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.

Press Release: Dan Pavlik on World of Perspective Radio

Feel free to pass this information along!
*************************************
How Do You Make A Dream Come True? Make A Movie About It.

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

Los Angeles, CA, April 6, 2009

Dan Pavlik, Director, Producer, and Writer of the film Nominated, will be a guest on World-of-Perspective-Radio.com on BlogTalkRadio.com on April 16, 2009 at 6PT/9ET.

Dan has been a professional video producer for 14 years. By most measures, he has had a successful career, and yet he is risking what he has worked for by diving into the shark infested waters of independent film with the idea of a movie that he dreamt about two and a half years ago.

While he will be sharing his story, everyone has a "thing" that they wish they could do, might do, wouldda, shouldda, couldda done. As Dan says, “I may be the director of this film, however, I am also in the role of Director of my own life, just as we all are.” He notes that in the current economy, especially, it is important to see possibilities in spite of closed doors. In the world of film he, as the director, makes choices to make the best film possible, "and the choices I make aren't always advised, popular, and are sometimes risky. There are parallels to how I am in my life." We all have the possibility to direct our own lives, and he will be discussing the risks that he is taking in the context of having a life lived that is true to himself in spite of seeming obstacles.

Elizabeth Alraune, host of World-of-Perspective-Radio.com, welcomes Dan as a guest amidst a line up of other shows from an eclectic group of guests which have included Janet Thornburg (numerologist), Patrick Mathieu (The Bar Code Guy), and Greg Mooers (Life Camp). Ken Newman, who will be in the role of Blake Dunbar in the film also spent some time on the show recently talking about how important humor is EVERY day, and how living for the weekend is like living only 2/7 of your life.

About Nominated

This independent film will be shot in August 2009 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Pavlik is in talks with and/or seeking the talents of Dan Aykroyd, Mariel Hemingway, Willie Ames, Carl Lumbly, Brian Degan Scott, Brian Copeland, and Ken Newman. For more information about the film, visit NominatedTheMovie.com and/or Twitter.com/Nominated

About World-of-Perspective-Radio.com

Hosted by Elizabeth Alraune, this show has been airing since 2008. It is a show that has a premise of providing a humane and sympathetic view of the things that matter. Shows normally air live with a call in format, and past shows are available in the Archives for online listening or podcast download through ITunes. For more information, visit World-of-Perspective-Radio.com.

Contact Information:
Elizabeth Alraune
World of Perspective Radio
818-584-1965
World-of-Perspective-Radio.com
Twitter.com/JoLoPe

###

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!