The
Flick Chick
Judy Thorburn
Las Vegas Tribune
http://www.lasvegastribune.com
Las Vegas Round The Clock
http://www.lasvegasroundheclock.com
The Women Film Critics Circle
http://www.wfcc.wordpress.com
judyt@theflickchicks.com
kreatia@aol.com
GOING
DIGITAL, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON 3D, WAS THE HOT TOPIC AT SHOWEST 2008
For four full days, March 10 – 13 Bally’s and
Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, played host to the 2008 edition of ShoWest,
the official NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners)
convention/trade show, the largest annual convention for the motion
picture industry. Every year, over 5,000 industry
professionals including theatre owners and operators from more than
56 countries gather in Las Vegas to network, communicate, take
advantage of educational seminars, find out about the latest
products and services, the newest technologies, industry happenings
and get a sneak peak at the most highly anticipated upcoming films
from the major motion picture studios and distributors in the form
of trailers. In addition, delegates are invited to advance
screenings of several full length films slated to be released in the
coming months. As an entertainment reporter and film critic, there
was no way I was going to miss this event, which was my seventh year
covering ShoWest.
For attending delegates, the most exciting highlight is the in
person appearances of several acclaimed filmmakers and movie stars
who are given awards and honored for their career achievement and
impact at the box office. But, missing from this year’s ShoWest were
informal panel discussions with stars and filmmakers and the
afternoon fun and swag filled Schmooze-A-Rama networking event where
reps from major studios in designated booths connect with their
co-partners, the theatre operators in hopes of promoting their next
box office blockbuster.
As with every ShoWest event, the daily schedule included networking
breakfasts, luncheons, panel discussions with film executives, and
dinner receptions. One of the topics that continues to be discussed
is the ongoing efforts to fight and eliminate piracy, movie content
theft that takes an amazing amount of business away from theatres
through black market DVD’s and the internet. Ninety per cent of
stolen product comes from illegal recordings in the theatre. Even
though laws have been passed in Congress, it must be enforced on
local levels by having theatre managers fight it with reward
programs for employees who track and stop people from recording in
the theatre.
The other hot topic discussed is the transition from analog to
digital cinema with the emphasis on 3D that pulls in and immerses
the audience into the movie experience like nothing else. On another
positive note, digital and 3D technology makes it harder to pirate.
Studio execs from Paramount, Disney, 20th Century Fox, and
DreamWorks spoke about the production of a large number of 3D
releases in the coming year and beyond. Describing the promise of
the next generation of 3D, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chairman of
DreamWorks Animation stated “2009 marks the beginning of the next
generation of 3D with a release of not less than ten 3D films.” With
that in mind, he showed an exclusive sneak preview of DreamWork’s
animated MONSTERS VS. ALIENS presented in Read D 3D. The studio
executives all agreed that 3D is the wave of the future and that
there is a virtual tidal wave of 3D content on the way. Customers
are willing to pay more for the premium 3D experience in the theatre
that is far superior to anything in the home. The results speak for
themselves.
Jeffrey Katzenberg and Mike
Myers
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Monday was
International Day which meant the focus was on the growth of cinema
on an international basis. Australia, Russia, India, China, and Viet
Nam were talked about as growing markets during the day’s seminars
and one of the challenges is how to catch the international
marketplace up on digital cinema and getting them to invest in 3D
technology.
During the International Day Luncheon the following awards were
presented: International Exhibitor of the Year: The Greater Union
Organization, the largest cinema exhibition company in Australia,
accepted by Ross Entwhistle; The ShoWest Digital Cinema Award for
Excellence in Marketing: presented to Joost Bert of Kinepolis for
the “Kiss” campaign, that utilized commercials on TV and in theatres
based on kisses to send the message of Kinepolis theatres embracing
digital cinema and the 3D experience.
The International
Achievement Award in Filmmaking was presented to the writer/director
Sergi Bodrov, of Academy Award nominated film MONGOL (to be screened
as part of the Evening’s Showcase of Independent Films. Before
introducing Bodrov, Bob Burney from PictureHouse stated that the
filmmaker is “known for his humanistic perspective and
craftsmanship”. Upon receiving his award, Bodrov joked about knowing
the result of this ceremony, unlike being nominated at the Oscar and
waiting to hear if you are the winner or not. On a more serious
note, he went on to say, “In making Mongol over 600 people including
the stars and background extras were used on screen. Four
translators were needed. Filmmaking lasted 25 weeks which I divided
into 2 segments, but I spent four years of my life working on the
film.”
Sergei Bodrov -
International Achievement Award in Filmmaking
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Monday night
was “An Evening of Independent Films” presented in the Cinemark
Orleans Theatre located west of the Las Vegas Strip. The showcase
included a sumptuous buffet reception in the lobby and 6 and 9 pm
screenings of six films: Picturehouse’s MONGOL about Ghengis Khan’s
rise to power; THINKfilm’s THEN SHE FOUND ME starring Helen Hunt,
recipient of ShoWest’s Breakthrough Director of the Year Award for
this film that marks her directorial debut; Sony Picture Classics’
RED BELT, Liongates THE LUCKY ONES, Paramount Vantage’s SON OF
RAMBOW; and Warner Independent Pictures “TOWELHEAD”.
Mongol - costumed models and
poster
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Other
preview screenings included Focus Feature’s “HAMLET 2”, an
irreverent comedy starring Steve Coogan (who appeared in person and
introduced the film) as a failed actor, turned-worse high school
drama teacher who rallies his Tucson, AZ students as he conceives
and stages a politically incorrect musical sequel to Shakespeare’s
Hamlet; and DreamWorks Animation’s KUNG FU PANDA starring the voices
of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Lucy Lui,
Ian MacShane, David Cross and Seth Rogan. As a special bonus treat,
Mike Myers and Jessica Alba made an unexpected surprise appearance
before the screening to introduce a clip from their upcoming comedy
spoof “THE LOVE GURU” which opens June 20. Other full length preview
screenings were the first live action film to be shot and released
entirely in digital 3-D - New Line Cinema’s JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF
THE EARTH 3-D” (in release July 11) starring Brendan Fraser who
along with his co-star, newcomer, Anita Briem, introduced the film
and a special midnight screening of WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS starring
Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher.
Steve Coogan - star of
'Hamlet 2"
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Jessica Alba and Mike Myers
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Anita Briem - co-star of
'Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D'
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Wednesday
night was the Red Carpet Premiere of Sony Pictures’ “21”, an action
adventure based on the true story of the brightest young minds in
the country and how they took Vegas for millions. The “21” premiere
was followed by an amazing after party at Planet Hollywood. In
attendance were the stars of the film including Jim Sturgess, Kevin
Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Liza LaPira, Sam Golzari, and Laurence
Fishburne, the first ever recipients of the ShoWest Ensemble Award.
“21” opens nationwide on March 28.
From left; Director
Robert Luketic, with cast of 21 - Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Jim
Sturgess, and Lawrence Fishburne
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lisa LaPira
Photo credit: Judy Eddy
Sam Golzari
Photo credit: Judy Eddy
Kevin Spacey - co-star of
'21'
Photo credit: Judy Eddy
Kate Bosworth - co-star of
'21'
Photo credit: Judy Eddy
Lawrence Fishburne and wife,
actress Gina Torres - inside '21' party at Planet Hollywood
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Tuesday was
considered Opening Day and started with a morning salute to the $100
Million Films of 2007 which proved to be a great year for animation.
Twenty eight films grossed $100 million dollars or more. They
included RATTATOUILLE, BEE MOVIE, SHREK 3 and TRANSFORMERS, among
others.
Tuesday’s luncheon celebrated “The Importance of Independent and
Specialty Film in Today’s Marketplace”. The fact is that twenty out
of thirty Oscar nominated films in 2007 were independent and hailed
as being edgy, groundbreaking and evocative. Awards were presented
in the following categories for their significant impact in the
industry. The first ever ShoWest/NATO Freedom of Expression Award
went to director/producer Ang Lee and screenwriter/producer and
Focus Features CEO James Schamus for generating over $800 million
worldwide with their movies including $100 million from 2007’s
Brokeback Mountain. “I feel like I am connected to the world with
the making of these films”, said Lee.
Ang Lee
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
screenwriter/producer and Focus Features CEO James Schamus
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The
Visionary Award was presented to actor/producer/director Robert
Redford, who was recognized for his passion and accomplishments and
for helping to shape the cinema experience like no one else with the
establishment of his Sundance Film Festival, Institute, Cinemas and
Sundance Channels. Through Sundance people have emulated the ideas
he has established. Paul Richardson, head of Sundance cinemas spoke
about Redford before introducing him to the stage. “Through the
generosity of his spirit, Redford gives back in a lot of ways that
are really meaningful to our industry. The significance of his
Sundance program and labs has produced a constant stream of new and
important filmmakers. Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson are just
two of the directors who came out of this lab. The mission of
Sundance is to support immerging filmmakers and Redford puts his
money where his mouth is. The Sundance Institute is an opportunity
where new artists can begin to work and develop compelling stories
that are featured in Sundance Cinemas and the Sundance Channel.”
Robert Redford - Visionary
Award
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Redford
appeared humbled stating, “The first thing I want to say is, Are you
sure you got the right guy? I was sitting in a restaurant when
someone staring at me finally said, “I like your salad dressing”
(obviously mistaking him for Paul Newman). On a more serious note
Redford went on, “Sundance is for artists, the audience and
discovery. I believe the public craves new voices. As for thinking I
am anti-Hollywood, that is not what Sundance is about. I want to do
more independent films within the mainstream. What I saw in 1980 was
something that was to change the landscape of film; the advent of
video. I created Sundance in the mountains of Utah to preserve what
would be lost. I wanted to put something back in an industry that
was good to me, not take away from it, but to add and to continue to
build a market with new works.”
Breakthrough Director Award was given to actress Helen Hunt for her
directorial debut of AND THEN SHE FOUND ME in which she also stars
as a woman who embarks on a life changing journey of self discovery
after connecting with her biological mother played by Bette Midler.
“As daughter of a director, what this means for me is a very
personal honor. When I was younger I made all kinds of independent
features. To be honored as a director besides those others (who were
also given awards)…….I have wanted to work besides every one of
them. Thank you so much for embracing my movie and giving me this
honor”, Hunt stately humbly.
Helen Hunt - Breakthrough
Director Award
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
ShoWest
Award of Excellence in Filmmaking recipient was writer/director
David Mamet whose latest work can be seen in Sony Pictures Classics
REDBELT set in the west side Los Angeles fight world.
David Mamet -
ShoWest Award of Excellence in Filmmaking
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The final
award at the luncheon, Groundbreaking Filmmaker of 2008, was
presented to Alan Ball writer/director of American Beauty and
creator of HBO’s Six Feet Under, who has changed the way we look at
life in suburbia. He is a filmmaker that always takes chances. His
latest effort is the Independent film TOWELHEAD which was also
screened during the Showcase of Independent Films. Ball was thrilled
by this tremendous honor and thanked everyone responsible, the
studio and theatre owners.
Alan Ball -
Groundbreaking Filmmaker of 2008
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
When it came
to teasers there was plenty on the roster. Wednesday morning Summit
Entertainment invited attendees to an exclusive presentation of
highlights from its upcoming animated release FLY ME TO THE MOON
presented in Dolby 3D Digital Cinema. On Thursday morning Universal
Pictures presented a showcase of footage from their upcoming
releases. Clips were shown from the R rated comedy “Forgetting Sarah
Marshall” (opening April 21); BABY MAMA, a female driven buddy
comedy starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Steve Martin (opening
April 28); THE INCREDIBLE HULK starring Edward Norton and Liv Tyler
(opening June 13), based on the Marvel comics character); WANTED
starring Angelina Jolie, James MacAvoy and Morgan Freeman about a
fraternity of assassins (opening June 27); HELLBOY 2 – THE GOLDEN
ARMY; MAMMA MIA! the highly anticipated big screen version of the
acclaimed Broadway musical based on the music of ABBA, that stars
Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Julie Walters; and THE
MUMMY-TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR”, the third installment of the
franchise starring Brendan Fraser (opening August 1).
Thursday afternoon, Warner Bros, which claims to be the most
successful studio in the world and in 2007 grossed a whopping $2.2
billion at he box office, presented its hot summer slate with “The
Big Picture ‘08” that featured advance footage – some never before
seen - from SPEED RACER, GET SMART, THE DARK KNIGHT (follow up to
Batman Begins), THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2, AND STAR
WARS; THE CLONE WARS. In addition, talent from both sides of the
camera such as stars Christian Bale, Alexis Bledel, Steve Carell,
America Ferrera, Matthew Fox, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway,
Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, directors Sanaa Hamri, George Lucas
and Peter Segal and producer Joel Silver were on hand to present
their titles as well as meet with the press beforehand for a red
carpet Q and A. I had the chance to chat with several of the actors
and directors.
Click on an image
to play video interviews
Without a doubt,
the icing on the cake is the annual Final Night Awards Ceremonies
and Banquet. Back once again to co-host the gala affair was Nancy
O’Dell and Billy Bush from TV’s Access Hollywood who do an excellent
job as emcees and presenters. Unfortunately, I have to say that many
of the recipients decided to forgo a brief session of expected Q&
A’s with the press before entering the banquet. Only after waiting
hours were we were finally given notice that several were a no show
in the press room. When I first started covering ShoWest, seven
years ago, all the stars were happy to meet the press, eager to
chat, and were very accommodating. Not so anymore, as dissing the
waiting media has become the norm.
Nevertheless, when it came to accepting their award at the gala
banquet all the recipients made it to the ballroom stage. The
following is the list of awards, their recipients and quotes from
most of the acceptance speeches.
2008 Comedy Star of the Year- Seth Rogan who will appear in the
upcoming comedy PINEAPPLE EXPRESS that opens on August 8. Rogan
joked, “It is the first award that I have won that I didn’t have to
beat anyone. I want to than other nominees, Jack Black and others (kiddingly).
I guess it wasn’t your year.”
Comedy Star of the Year -
Seth Rogen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Seth Rogen
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Male Star of
Tomorrow- Emile Hirsch, star of last year’s Into the Wild and
upcoming live action, high action, family adventure SPEED RACER
(opening May 9) received the award on the day that happened to be
his 23rd birthday (March 13). What a great birthday present! When
handed the award Hirsch stated, “I know how many wonderful actors
out there don’t get the recognition and I hope in the years ahead I
live up to what this says.”
Male Star of Tomorrow -
Emile Hirsch
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Emile Hirsch
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Female Star
of Tomorrow – Abigail Breslin. The pre-teen actress started acting
at the age of five and with an admirable film resume already under
her belt will star in the soon to be released NIM’S ISLAND opposite
Jodie Foster who was seated next to her at the Awards Banquet.
Looking adorable in a party dress and black knee high boots, Abigail
accepted the award saying, “Oh my gosh, this is really cool. I am so
excited. I am encouraged by this award and will try to do my best
with every role I get.”
Female Star of Tomorrow -
Abigail Breslin
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Abigail Breslin
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Jodie Foster and Abigail
Breslin
Photo credit: Judy Eddy
The Ensemble
Award went to the cast of “21”, a film that showcases Las Vegas.
Appearing on stage to accept the honor was Jim Sturgess, Kate
Bosworth and Laurence Fishburne.
Lawrence Fishburne, Kate
Boswell and Jim Sturgess - Ensemble cast of 21
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lawrence Fishburne, Kate
Boswell
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Kevin Spacey
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Jim Sturgess
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Distinguished Decade of Achievement Award – Brendan Fraser who stars
in two upcoming films, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3 D, and
THE MUMMY – TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR. “It has been a diverse and
interesting ride. This means a lot to me. It really does. I’ve
learned a great deal and (jokingly) have spent a great deal of time
giving this (the award) out (to others).”
Brendan Fraser -
Distinguished Decade of Achievement Award
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Brendan Fraser
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Director of
the Year - Christopher Nolan, one of the most talented directors
working today, whose films consistently garner both critical acclaim
and box office success. “I am grateful to actors I’ve worked with
and longtime producer/wife Emma Thomas. Thank you to everyone who
helped make my films.”
Christopher Nolan - Director
of the Year
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Vanguard
Award – Sarah Jessica Parker; star of the upcoming big screen
adaptation of SEX AND THE CITY that continues the story of four
female buddies four years after the series ended. “I am extremely
flattered and have worked with so many people who meet the criteria
(for this award) far more than I do, like writer/director Michael
Patrick King.”
Sarah Jessica Parker -
Vanguard Award
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Sarah Jessica Parker
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Producer of
the Year – Charles Roven, for a resume that includes such notable
films as 12 Monkeys, City of Angels, Batman Begins, 3 Kings and
2008’s The Bank Job, THE DARK KNIGHT, and GET SMART. “I’ve had a
twelve year collaboration with Warner Bros. to make the best that
can be artistically. I want to thank the actors and directors I have
worked with for making my movie making experience and hard work so
fulfilling.”
Charles Roven - Producer of
the Year
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Male Star of
the Year – Robert Downey Jr. When introducing the actor, O’Dell said
Downey “has the knack for gifted faking”. He brings honesty and
depth to each role he has played and evokes only the truest
emotions”. He will soon be seen as the star of Paramount’s IRON MAN,
the big screen adaptation of Marvel Comic's legendary super hero.
The movie which opens on May 2, co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff
Bridges and Terrance Howard. After seeing clips from his career that
were shown on the huge screens on both side of the stage, Downey
noticed something was missing and poking fun at himself he remarked,
“A whole year I made guest spots on Court TV”.
Robert Downey Jr. - Male
Star of the Year
Photo credit: Judy Eddy
Robert Downey Jr.
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
Female Star
of the Year – Anne Hathaway, starring as Agent 99 opposite Steve
Carell in the upcoming comedy, based on the 1960’s era TV series of
the same name, GET SMART: “I’m humbled and overwhelmed for this
distinction. I love being a storyteller”.
Anne Hathaway - Female Star
of the Year
Photo credit: Judy Eddy
Anne Hathaway
Photo credit: Jill Badzinski
What I
continually get from attending ShoWest every year is that even
though we may be in an economic recession, the movie going
experience ranks as the most affordable form of entertainment
outside of the home. In 2007 there was a 5% increase in ticket
prices to keep up with inflation but it didn’t stop people from
going to the movies. It was a record year at the box office as
receipts climbed 5.4% to $9.6 billion accompanied by a slight growth
in admissions. With all the latest innovations and technology along
with comfortable stadium seating that enhances the on screen story
telling, the movie going experience is only getting bigger and
better.
