Vincent Ventresca Co-Stars in “Break Point” and Talks “Invisible Man,” and a Dragon Con I-Man Panel This Weekend

Vincent Ventresca’s latest movie Break Point is out in theaters this weekend. Vince has a small role in it as Gary, the douchebag hair model boyfriend of Amy Smart’s character, Heather.

Hmm…I seem to remember Darien Fawkes from The Invisible Man also doing some hair modeling in his past.

Break Point stars Jeremy Sisto and David Walton.  It’s about two estranged brothers who reunite to make a run at a major tennis tournament. Here’s the trailer for the film.

In this scene, Gary meets David Walton’s character, Darren.

In this interview, Vince talks about the director, the writer, and the relationship between Gary and Heather.

Here’s some behind-the-scenes footage from the film.  Look closely and you’ll see Vince in a couple of scenes.

 

Break Point is getting a limited release this weekend in these cities.  It’s also available on VOD at iTunes and Amazon.

Rama’s Screen recently did an interview with Vincent, which you can read here.  I really love this interview.  Rama starts out revealing that he is an Invisible Man fan and that makes the whole interview even more fun, especially when he comments on the shirtless scene.  Vince gives all you VVSB’rs a shout out when he mentions the Vincent Ventresca Shirtless Brigade!

Vincent Ventresca shirtless in "Break Point"

Vincent Ventresca shirtless in “Break Point.”

But the best part of Rama’s interview was by far when he asked Vince if The Invisible Man could come back. Vince replies saying that he’s been talking about it with Matt Greenberg, the series’ creator.  He doesn’t really give us much information in the interview, but Mike McCafferty has hinted that something might be going on.

Although they are being tight lipped about it, the fact that, at the very least, discussions are taking place, makes the fan girl in me squee with delight.  As some of you may know, years ago I had an entertainment lawyer approach Universal so that we could start a dialog about the rights to The Invisible Man.  I got turned down flat.

My thoughts since have been that if The Invisible Man is to have any chance of coming back, it would most likely happen if the people involved in the making of the original series worked to make it happen.  And even for them, there are a lot of hurdles to overcome.  When it comes to the movie and TV world, getting anything made is hard.  Real hard.

But the fact that there is actually some kind of effort being put toward that goal is so freaking awesome.  How cool would it be to get the cast back in both The Invisible Man and my movie too?  To my knowledge, I don’t think anything like that has ever been done before.

In the interview, Vince mentions his hope for finding a bigger audience.  And that’s going to be vital to its success.  We already have a small loyal audience for the show, but it needs to grow.  With such a huge quantity of media clamoring for the audience’s attention nowadays, it’s hard to stand out and get noticed.  So, from a strategic point of view, getting both the show and a fan-produced movie made could be enough of a tipping point to get us known to the wider audience.

I know I’ll keep working on my end to help make that happen.

I-Man at Dragon Con

Lastly, but by no means least, in commemoration of the show’s 15th anniversary, there is fan-run Invisible Man panel happening this weekend at Dragon Con in Atlanta, Georgia!

The panel takes place tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Marriott hotel, room M303-M304.

If you’re attending Dragon Con this weekend, be sure not to miss it!

Craig Silverstein Named One of the Top 50 Power Showrunners for 2011!

We Invisible Man fans have always recognized the incredible talent of Craig Silverstein.  The I-Man episodes he wrote are always among our favorites.  He was even described as a young savant by one of the cast members (I forget which one.  Vince, I think?).  It’s been exciting to see Craig’s career skyrocket, although I have to admit that I would love to see Craig writing more I-Man.

Now Craig has been named one of the “Top 50 Power Showrunners 2011” by the Hollywood Reporter!  How cool is that?  It couldn’t happen to nicer or more talented guy.  Check out the write up in the Hollywood Reporter:

 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/craig-silverstein-247420

It’s hard enough to get one show on TV but, impressively, Craig has two shows currently on the air:  Nikita and Terra Nova!  Here’s a little bit of info about each of them.

_________________________________________________

Nikita

The second season of Nikita is already underway. Craig is executive producer of the show and he’s been pretty active promoting the show.  He started giving us tidbits of info about the new season this summer during Comic-Con and the info keeps on coming. I’ve compiled a bunch of these recent videos from around the web of our favorite I-Man writer himself talking about Nikita.

Comic-Con Interviews

Comic-Con Panel

Craig Silverstein and Shane West

Episode Previews

Nikita airs Fridays at 8 p.m./7 p.m. Central on the CW.  Be sure to check your local listings for the time and channel in your area.

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Terra Nova 

Craig also is an executive producer on the new sci-fi series, Terra Nova.  According to the Hollywood Reporter, he is credited with being one of the co-creators, although I’m not sure how much actual hands on day-to-day involvement he has with the series.

The sci-fi lover in me is really starting to enjoy this series.  Have any of you been watching it?  If not, you might want to give it a try.  It airs on Mondays at 8 p.m./7 p.m. Central on FOX (again, check your local listings).

__________________________________________________

2011 has turned into a very good year for Craig with two successful series concurrently on the air and being named one of the Top 50 Power Showrunners.

Congratulations, Craig!



A Shout Out From Craig Silverstein

Imagine my surprise just now when reading an interview of Craig Silverstein on The Hollywood Reporter website and seeing this:

I happen to be one of those “two women running the booth” that Craig is speaking about here.  It was the nicest surprise to be sitting at the booth and suddenly I-Man writer Craig Silverstein walks up.  I remember blurting out, “Oh, my goodness, Craig Silverstein.”  I recognized him immediately.  He was very gracious and we chatted a bit.  He signed the petition and even posed for us in the booth.

Craig Silverstein poses at Invisible Man fan booth at Comic-Con 2004

I can’t take credit for the comic book.  The gal who ran the booth with me is a very talented artist.  She’s the one who was responsible for Craig’s prized possession.

Read the complete Hollywood Reporter interview here:

Comic-Con 2011: ‘Nikita’ Showrunner Craig Silverstein (Q&A)


Twists and Turns in the Road

Sometimes life can take unexpected twists and turns and that can especially be said about the film development process.   Back in January I told you that I was going to start writing a story reference guide (also called a story bible).  I estimated that I could get it done in a couple of weeks.  What I didn’t imagine is that I would still be writing it ten months later.  Boy, was my estimate off!  See, what I didn’t count on was getting into a seven-car pileup in February.  I couldn’t have imagined back then how much that would affect my life.  I know I already mentioned this back in March, but while the pain was starting to decrease, I didn’t know then that my sleep issues would continue all the way into July.  I’ve had six long months of feeling like a zombie.  Yeah, I felt like the walking dead…barely able to function and stay awake during the day because of being unable to stay asleep at night.  Let me tell you, being a zombie is highly overrated.  I don’t recommend it.  Needless to say, the film project came to a screeching halt.  I managed to attend some cool workshops and meetings, but that’s about it.  I can’t tell you how frustrated that made me feel.  But that was then and now I’m relieved to be feeling much better, and my energy is returning.  I’m getting back on track with the project.  Finally!  

Project Update

So let me catch you up on what’s going on.  I’m working on the story bible again and have most of the character bios and psuedoscience done.  As I make progress with it I’m seeing things that need be fixed in the treatment, so we’ll need to give the treatment another once over before it goes to the story analyst.  

Contest

I’m also working on something that will involve all of you—a contest!  Yep, I’ve got a cool little contest coming that I think you will like.  It involves you getting to name some of the characters in the movie!  Australian fan Kristy Seddon has created some darling artwork for the contest that I can’t wait to show you.   I’m editing the contest rules and my lawyer is just about finished with the Terms and Conditions section.  After I review everything and make sure that everything is correct, I’ll be posting it up on the blog.  So put your thinking cap on and start thinking of names!   

I-Manicon Update

As of the date of this posting, there are 16 people so far who want to see another I-Manicon happen.  One of them is Mike McCafferty (Eberts).  Mike wants to see another I-Manicon happen!  How about you?  If you support this idea, please go to the I-Manicon 2011 Facebook Page and hit the “Like” button.  Okay, I know the economy is tough right now, but I think we can do better than 16 people!  

Distribution Series

I have a series of articles coming up that I’m going to be writing for the United Filmmakers Association.  I’m going to be interviewing distribution companies.  This was supposed to start this month but, tragically, one of the sweetest little cats in the world fell ill and passed away suddenly.  I feel like I’ve lost a child.  It’s been a rough few weeks and I’m still not completely over it, but they say that time heals all wounds.  So this project has been pushed back a bit.  I have a lot of homework to do, in the form of studying the distribution process, before I can begin to ask distributors the right questions.  But I’m looking forward to the challenge.  Distribution is one of toughest and important challenges that producers face.

Facebook

Shoom Zone Productions now has a Facebook page!  So how about giving my page some love by hitting the “Like” button?
 
 
 
This blog is going to be getting busier in the future because there is a bunch of news that needs to be announced, so stay tuned!
 

Leila 2000 - 9/25/10. Taken from me too soon. I miss my sweet little girl.

Would You Love to See Another I-Manicon?

I-Man fan Kristy Seddon would love to see another I-Manicon held and she wants to know if you feel the same way!  Here’s what she writes:

The last I-Manicon was held in 2007, with a success with Mike McCafferty and Paul Ben-Victor attending. Since then there has been no I-Man cons held… and it’s time to (at least try) to change that! We miss the fun and love that was shared at the many cons in the past…. let’s do it again!!

This may not work – but at least i tried to make it happen of some sort… either way, i’d love to know those who would Love to see another Con 🙂

So if you feel the same and want to support the idea, please head on over to the I-Manicon 2011 FaceBook page and click on “Like.”

I-Manicon 2011 FaceBook Page

I-Manicon 2007 T-Shirt Design by Kristy Seddon

Craig Silverstein to Appear at Comic-Con

Going to Comic-Con this year?  If so, I’m jealous.  I wish I was going, especially since I found out that Invisible Man writer Craig Silverstein will be appearing on a panel this Saturday, July 24, at 5:15 p.m.!  Craig will be promoting his new fall series Nikita which will air on Thursdays at 9/8 central on the CW starting September 9.

Here’s what the Comic-Con website has to say about the panel:

Saturday, July 24

5:15-6:15 Nikita Pilot Screening and Q&A— Comic-Con has gone rogue! International action star Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible III) stars in this sexy and suspenseful series as an agent who has escaped from the ultrasecretive and corrupt government agency that trained her to be an assassin…and then betrayed her. Catch a sneak peek screening of this action-packed thriller, and join Maggie, series stars Shane West (ER) and Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass), and executive producer Craig Silverstein (Bones) for an inside look at one of the most anticipated new shows of the fall season. From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Nikita will air Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT on The CW.  Room 6BCF.
 

Official “Nikita” Website

Craig Silverstein was kind enough to pose for us when he visited our Invisible Man fan booth at Comic-Con several years ago.

IIFF & WonderCon

IIFF Meeting

A little over a week ago I was in San Francisco twice.  Thursday night it was for the monthly IIFF (Institute for International Film Financing) meeting held at the Academy of Art University

For anyone interested in learning about film financing, I highly recommend IIFF’s meetings as well as their workshops.  If you’re not near the Bay Area, meetings are occasionally held in other areas.  Just keep an eye on the IIFF website.

I knew four out of the five speakers Thursday night:  an executive producer through whom I hired one of my story analysts; a lawyer who is also a distributor, producer, and investor; the director of IIFF; and my own lawyer.  The fifth speaker was an accomplished screenwriter (has sold over 20 features), novelist, and producer, and I made a point of briefly talking to him and getting his contact info.

To give you an idea of the kind of information you can expect from IIFF meetings, the program was as follows:

  1. BLENDING ART & COMMERCE: Crafting Movie Deals That
    Really Work
  2. THE REEL DEAL: Getting Your Indie Financed, Produced &
    Distributed Without Getting Ripped Off
  3. FILM BUDGETING & SCHEDULING: Key to Success for
    Filmmakers & Financiers
  4. STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT: Legal Documents Any Film
    Entrepreneur Needs
  5. HOLLYWOOD PROFITS: Quantitative Drivers of Motion
    Picture Profitability

Some of the information I’ve heard before, but I usually pick up some new tidbits at every meeting I attend and I consider them well worth my time.

Have you ever been in the embarrassing situation of walking right by someone you know and not even recognizing them?  Well, that’s what happened to me at the IIFF meeting.  I smiled and walked right by a bearded man in the hallway and it wasn’t until I heard my name and recognized the voice that I realized the man was my lawyer.   You would think I would know my own lawyer if I saw him, right?  Well, I haven’t seen him since last May.  We communicate primarily by email and phone.  So even though I knew he would be speaking that night, I had no idea that he had grown a beard and I didn’t recognize him.  Amazing how much a beard can change some people’s appearance.

WonderCon

Last weekend was WonderCon.  WonderCon is the smaller sister convention to Comic-Con and is run by the same organization.  At 29,000 attendees, one would hardly call it small.  In fact, it is the second largest comics convention on the West Coast.  But when you compare it to Comic-Con’s 125,000+ attendees, it is dwarfed by comparison. 

By the way, if you are planning on attending Comic-Con this July, you’ll want to hurry and get your tickets.  It’s only March, but can you believe the four-day passes are almost sold out already?

WonderCon was held at Moscone Center South, just south of Market Street, in San Francisco.  If the con ever grows to the size of Comic-Con, there’s plenty of room to expand as Moscone Center North wasn’t even used.  I knew I was getting close to the convention center when I saw a storm trooper standing on a busy street corner…not your everyday sight in San Francisco.  By the way, crowd control into the convention center was done by Darth Vader and some storm troopers.  I found it rather amusing when a storm trooper told us to “move along.”   

WonderCon is only three days long compared to Comic-Con’s four days plus preview night, but it has a lot of what you would find at the bigger convention.  The big panels are there, although not as many.  This year they had panels for Watchmen, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, Chuck, and Terminator:  The Sarah Connor Chronicles, among others. 

I was there for only one day (Saturday), so I didn’t attend any of the big panels.  I came close to attending the Star Trek panel, but then decided against waiting in the long line and decided to check out the exhibition hall instead.  It’s a big room filled with row after row of exhibitors’ booths, much like Comic-Con.  The biggest difference was the noticable lack of big studio booths.  I think Capcom had the biggest booth and it was pretty tame compared to the ones you find at Comic-Con.

I walked right by a booth where Adam Baldwin was signing autographs, but I didn’t get in line to meet him.  The line to meet Mark Hamill was even longer and there were so many people crowding the booth, I couldn’t even catch a glimpse of him.  However, I did get to chat briefly with Charlott Stewart, who I remember from Little House on the Prairie…a really nice woman.  I, also, could have sworn that I walked right by big-time producer Jeffrey Katzenberg in the crowd.  He was wearing a baseball cap, but it sure looked like him.

I attended a few smaller panels that were more industry oriented.  One was a special effects makeup panel that was pretty cool.  The special effects makeup artist gave some interesting demonstrations using some victims…er, volunteers.  By the time he was done one girl had a bloody hole in her neck with raw flesh hanging down and the rest had a various assortment of smaller scars.  Pretty gross, but fun to watch it being done. 

I also attended a writing workshop by David Gerrold.  He writes primarily science fiction, but, really, his advice could work for most other genres.  One tip he gave that really stuck with me is that if you want to make your characters likeable, make them fun.

I ended up walking out of the last panel.  It was supposed to be about how to do full-time creative work on a part-time schedule…something I’m all too familiar with.  I figured I could pick up some tips, but the panel turned out to be more of an advertisement for the company’s website than truly instructional.  It was poorly put together and very unprofessional.  I wasn’t the only one who walked out.  They were starting to have a serious leakage of audience members.

There was one area where WonderCon beat Comic-Con and that was with the food.  It was just as ridiculously overpriced as it was at Comic-Con, but it was much better.  I had the pizza and, wow, what a difference from the cardboard stuff they try to pass off as pizza at Comic-Con.

Now, I’ve attended comics/popular arts conventions as a regular attendee and as an exhibitor, but this was the first time I’ve attended one as a professional.  I was able to get my paperwork together in time to qualify as one.  What’s cool about attending as a professional is that you get in absolutely free.  Can’t beat that price!  Also, there’s no waiting in those long lines that everyone else has to wait in…just had to pick up my badge at the professional registration booth and I was good to go.  For some reason WonderCon publishes a list of attending professionals on its website.  I don’t remember giving permission to have my name published, but somehow I ended up on the list.  Not sure that really means much because, seriously, does anyone know who all those people are? 

I didn’t take pictures because I still have pictures from last year’s visit to Comic-Con in my camera that I need to download.  My bad.  I apologize for not sharing those with you yet.  I’ve really got to try to get those up soon.

Back From Comic-Con

Hey, everybody, I apologize for being so quiet lately.  For the past week I’ve been in San Diego at Comic-Con.  What fun!  I got home last night and I’m trying to get caught up with stuff today, thus the reason for this short post. 

Some things coming up in the near future:

  • I’ll be posting a con blog.  I took quite a few pictures and I’ll be getting those up too on the website.
  • I’m really overdue on giving all of you a film project report.  Things are moving along and I’m sure you want to know the latest happenings. 
  • I’ve got cast news and other miscellaneous items I need to blog about too, so I hope to get caught up within the next few weeks.

This is it for today though.  Gotta run!