V's blog

I Heard the Mermaids Singing - screening - THE COLUMBIA GORGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

2010-08-11T23:05:00.001-07:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing
Directed by Victoria Charters

Official selection

THE COLUMBIA GORGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
August 18th – 22nd, 2010
Formerly known as the
"Washougal International Film Festival”

SCREENING – FRI 20th AUGUST, 2010 4PM Theatre A
Hilton Vancouver Washington
301 W. 6th Street, Vancouver, Washington, United States 98660

Come join Dr Megavolt on kickstarter!

2010-07-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing DVD now available through Createspace for $11.99.

2010-07-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing DVD now available through Createspace for $11.99. DVD includes special features, including key cast, crew & composer bios, including the all complete songs used on the soundtrack, behind the scenes stills and more ... BIG thanks to everyone who worked on the film, and to Billy V Vaughn Studio
for Graphic Design / DVD Authoring & Andrea Russell, Optasia Graphics for Graphic Design.
I Heard the Mermaids Singing

I Heard the Mermaids Singing available on Amazon on demand! Download for $1.99

2010-06-26T04:47:00.001-07:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing
directed by Victoria Charters
starring Kenneth Johnson & Victoria Charters

DVD with special features coming soon!

A worthy cause - 140

2010-04-10T14:46:00.001-07:00

Frank Kelly tirelessly coordinated, collated and edited footage from 140 filmmakers around the globe to create this documentary film. Here's a way to help this project see its full potential! Victoria Charters segment-director/ herself

140 on kickstarter

two articles coming up in Art & Living Now/Next!

2010-03-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Art and Living™ launches a comprehensive, two-demographic crossover magazine featuring philanthropist David Rockefeller and entertainment revolutionary Ben Silverman on its two covers

Art and Living™, releases the premier issue of Art and Living Now/Next the media company’s innovative, two-sided magazine featuring the world’s great creators. Art and Living Now/Next is an image-rich, 250-page tribute to the creative spirit of the best established artists and creators in the fields of entertainment, fashion, jewelry design, luxury goods, technology, automotive design, architecture, interior design, hotel design, fine art, and more.

Look out for my articles on the artists of the NEW W Hollywood Hotel & Residences and I also have the first crossover article - it starts in NOW and bridges over to NEXT on billionaire John Paul DeJoria (co-creator of John Paul Mitchell Hair Systems and Patron), The Man with the Midas touch.

140

2010-03-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

DIRECTOR: Frank Kelly
Co-PRODUCER / SEGMENT DIRECTOR:
Elliot Kotek
SEGMENT DIRECTOR / FEATURING:
Victoria Charters

140 filmmakers in 140 locations around the world shoot 140 seconds of what connects them to their home. The result - a feature length documentary of poignant moments captured around the world at the same time.

The idea originated from the restriction of Twitter (140 characters) and the benefit of it (a global community) to enlist filmmakers around the world to tell their creative story in 140 seconds on June 21, 2009. Frank Kelly took all the submissions in whatever form they came - from Flip cam files to hi-res, and converted them all, and composed them into something cohesive and set them to a score to form the feature "140."

I'm one of the filmmakers.

A Film to Tweet About | Filmink News

2010-03-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

A Film to Tweet About | Filmink News

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL JAN 21-31

2010-01-22T10:31:00.001-08:00

1.22.2010
So I have been a bad little blogger and not blogged for months. But inspired by Sundance Film Festival 2010, I'm back.

SUNDANCE 2010

FILMS
Last night I had the pleasure of attending a preview of "Waste Land" from filmmaker Lucy Walker. The screening of the film was followed by a spontaneous standing ovation. Inspiring and moving, Music by Moby. I highly recommend it.
WASTELAND

NEW FRONTIER INSTALLATIONS
New this year is an film-meets-art installations/performances at 333 Main. Included here are piece by Eric Gradman "Cloud Mirror"(of Mutaytor fame)
CLOUDMIRROR

Another New frontier feature is "HitRECord" - Part media workshop, part social network, and part art exhibition. Best described as a call to co-create from actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt hitRECord.org
HITRECORD

CELEBS
Arrived yesterday, picked up my Kenneth Cole jacket & program. Saw some familiar faces in the lounge: from the 2010 Sundance Jury; Morgan Spurlock. Also, actor David Strathairn, of HOWL, cast alongside James Franco, John Hamm, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeff Daniels.
HOWL

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
RESTREPO

It's official! We Won!

2009-08-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that our 60sec commercial “PARTNERS” won the grand prize in the Citrix Online/GoToMeeting competition.

Thank you so much for voting for us!
Brent Sumner, Perry Lang & Victoria Charters

PARTNERS

I HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING at FISHBON EVENT LAB

2009-07-28T17:40:00.001-07:00

FISHBON EVENT LAB
Wednesday, July 29th at 7:00pm
at FISHBON PESCADROME 101 S. Quarantina

Independent Film Madness and BBQ

Victoria Charters, a successful actor in both her native Australia and the United States embarked on an adventure called I Heard the Mermaids Singing in 2007. As an independent short film the odds seemed long, but the script was good, written by playwright, casting director and acting coach, Michael Shurtleff, and the challenge of adapting the script, producing and starring in the film exciting. Over the last two eventful years she has gotten the film into more than 14 film festivals including Cannes and Philadelphia and literally done everything to market the sensitive love story. This Wednesday, we're in for a special treat. Victoria will screen the film at the Fishbon Pescadrome and give us a backstage look at the business of film in all its inter-related phases. Don't miss this one.

Here's a synopsis:
A loner (Kenneth Johnson, The Shield, Saving Grace ) meets a woman (Victoria Charters, Death of a Saleswoman, Jimmy Zip) outside a party, forming a connection in an instant. A classic & lyrical love-tale with a bitter-sweet twist, I Heard the Mermaids Singing is a short-film adaptation of a play written by legendary acting coach & casting director Michael Shurtleff who passed away January 28, 2007. I Heard the Mermaids Singing is an homage to him and his teachings which live on in our hearts & minds.

Before the presentation, Nathan will be at the helm for another magical Fishbon BarB-Que. Food goes on the grill beginning at 7, so bring something to share and join us for vittles before the event.

This one will be very fun, so bring libations to share and join us at the Fishbon Pescadrome, 101 S. Quarantina. in Santa Barbara.

Info: 805-453-5246 or check out the blog at:fishboneventlab

SPEC COMMERCIAL - "PARTNERS" - PLEASE VOTE 4 US

2009-07-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that as of today our 60sec commercial “PARTNERS” has been selected as one of the five semi-finalists for Citrix Online/GoToMeeting.

Now the final decision is opened to Public voting – between NOW and 11:59 pm on July 31, 2009. PLEASE VOTE FOR US!

Here’s what you do, go to: Go To Meeting

· On the right hand side in blue – LOG IN or click to register …. doesn’t take long … promise … no really

· Once you have logged in click on the VIDEO tab at the top of the screen

· Ours is the video in the center “PARTNERS” – click on the name or the image to view

· Once on this next screen WATCH THE VIDEO!

· Then on the right hand side of the video screen are some little yellow stars under the word Rating.

· Click on 5 STARS!!!

· There is a limit of 1 vote per person per Entry per day.

Thanks in advance for voting!

Brent Sumner, Perry Lang & Victoria Charters

Meet the Megavolts - Fox LA News 5.12.2009

2009-05-13T15:04:00.001-07:00

Fox News LA did a story on us (Victoria Charters & Dr. Austin Richards) as Dr. and Mrs Megavolt.

Meet the Megavolts

Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - This story is truly all the buzz. If you think lightning doesn't strike twice, then get ready to meet the Megavolts. They shared their story and their video with us, and let's just say this is one sizzling Southern California couple.

For more information on The Megavolts, go to their website at www.drmegavolt.com

2009-04-17T13:12:00.001-07:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing
@ Delray Beach Film Festival
Saturday May 23rd 1.30pm
Delray Beach Public Library

Truly a "filmmakers' festival," the DELRAY BEACH FILM FESTIVAL (DBFF) takes place in a relaxed, artsy enclave located on the picturesque coast of South Florida where enthusiastic and thoughtful audiences await. The DBFF brings high-quality independent short and feature-length narrative and documentary films - along with panels and workshops, concerts, contests, celebrities, and parties - to this sunny vacation destination, a village by the sea boasting a friendly, laid-back vibe.

The Festival offers an impressive line-up of activities for filmmakers and festivalgoers alike. The DBFF short film competition inspires teams of filmmakers from Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Miami to each complete an original short film over the span of the Festival. Each team is given the same original screenplay and is then tasked to shoot their interpretations in and around the Delray Beach. DBFF also offers workshops covering distribution, marketing, music rights, the latest and greatest in equipment and software, acting workshops, casting directors, screenwriting and film financing...not to mention cocktail parties every afternoon and parties every night. There are even free surfing lessons given by professional surfers and golf outings at some of the renowned area golf courses.

For more information visit DBFF

Mer has Mo legs ... Delray Beach Film Festival 2009

2009-04-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Mermaids is official selection Delray Beach Film Festival - May 19-24, 2009 Delray Beach Florida. DBFF

2009 Independent Spirit Awards Winners

2009-02-22T11:18:00.001-08:00

The Independent Spirit Awards were presented yesterday inside a giant white tent in beautiful Santa Monica, California. Congratulations to my fellow actors and filmmakers, especially those of In Search of a Midnight Kiss.

Best Feature

The Wrestler, Producers: Darren Aronofsky, Scott Franklin

Best Director

Thomas McCarthy, The Visitor

Best First Feature

Synecdoche, New York - Director: Charlie Kaufman
Producers: Anthony Bregman, Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman, Sidney Kimmel

John Cassavetes Award (Given to the best feature made for under $500,000)

In Search of a Midnight Kiss - Writer/Director: Alex Holdridge - Producers: Seth Caplan and Scoot McNairy

Best First Screenplay

Dustin Lance Black, Milk

Best Screenplay

Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Female Lead

Melissa Leo, Frozen River

Best Male Lead

Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Best Supporting Female

Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Supporting Male

James Franco, Milk

Best Cinematography

Maryse Alberti, The Wrestler

Best Documentary

Man on Wire - Director: James Marsh

Best Foreign Film

The Class (France) - Director: Laurent Cantet

Robert Altman Award (Given to one film's director, casting director and ensemble cast)

Synecdoche, New York - Director: Charlie Kaufman - Casting Director: Jeanne McCarthy
Ensemble Cast: Hope Davis, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton, Tom Noonan, Dianne Wiest, Michelle Williams

Someone to Watch Award

Lynn Shelton, My Effortless Brilliance

Truer Than Fiction Award

Margaret Brown, The Order of Myths

Producers Award

Heather Rae, Frozen River and Ibid

Art & Living Magazine Winter 2009

2009-01-24T04:56:00.000-08:00

The Winter 2009 issue has now been printed and will be in wide release shortly (Borders etc), and is currently at the LA Art Show, so if you’re dying to get your hands on this issue and can’t wait for it to come to you, stop on by the show at the LA Convention Center.

I have 6 feature articles published in this issue, in "The Art of Film and TV", I wrote profiles on:

- Chad Youngblood, GM, Fine Living Network
- Charles Segars, CEO, Ovation TV, writer "National Treasure" blockbusters
- Christopher Lowell, "Work that Room", Fine Living Network
- Monet's Palate, DVD and Web Experience
- George Gallo and his film "Local Color"

and an at home with a dynamic couple,
- Marty & Josy Collins, art collector and owner "W" hotels.

Attached is an invite to Art and Living’s events happening on Sunday January 25, 2009.

Look forward to seeing you there!

ART & LIVING MAGAZINE

Academy Awards main nominations 2009

2009-01-23T01:37:00.000-08:00

Very excited about this years Academy nominees. In particular The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (what a beautiful living painting), Richard Jenkins for The Visitor (sublime) and Melissa Leo for Frozen River! We watched her receive the best actress award for this performance at Methodfest 2008.

81st Academy Awards main nominations:

Best Picture:

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

'Frost/Nixon'

'Milk'

'The Reader'

'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Actor:

Richard Jenkins 'The Visitor'

Brad Pitt 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Frank Langella 'Frost/Nixon'

Sean Penn 'Milk'

Mickey Rourke 'The Wrestler'

Best Actress:

Anne Hathaway 'Rachel Getting Married'

Melissa Leo 'Frozen River'

Meryl Street 'Doubt'

Angelina Jolie 'Changeling'

Kate Winslet 'The Reader'

Best Supporting Actor:

Josh Brolin 'Milk'

Robert Downey Jr. 'Tropic Thunder'

Philip Seymour Hoffman 'Doubt'

Heath Ledger 'The Dark Knight'

Michael Shannon 'Revolutionary Road'

Best Supporting Actress:

Amy Adams 'Doubt'

Penelope Cruz 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'

Viola Davis 'Doubt'

Taraji P. Henson 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Best Director:

David Fincher 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Ron Howard 'Frost/Nixon'

Gus Van Sant 'Milk'

Stephen Daldry 'The Reader'

Danny Boyle 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Animated Feature Film:

'Bolt'

'Kung Fu Panda'

'Wall-E'

Best Adapted Screenplay:

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

'Doubt'

'Frost/Nixon'

'The Reader'

'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Original Screenplay:

'Frozen River'

'Happy-Go-Lucky'

'In Bruges'

'Milk'

'Wall-E'

The 81st Academy Awards take place on February 22 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

Co-write screenwriting competition

2009-01-17T23:49:00.000-08:00

In association with respected management/production company Benderspink (A History of Violence, Just Friends, The Butterfly Effect) Cowrite is launching a truly innovative screenwriting competition open to aspiring writers and movie lovers everywhere.

The idea behind the web-based Cowrite contest is to have writers throughout the country collaborate on a movie script based on a posted story premise. The script will be written in ten-page increments based on contestant submissions. Given a basic premise for a movie, you write what you think should be the first 10 pages of the script, the judges choose the best entry, it gets posted online, and then people can submit the next 10 pages (having read the first 10, of course), and so on, until the story is finished. Each of the biweekly winners gets $3,000 cash and prizes, and the final product will be shopped around with the goal in mind to get it made into a movie.

MOVIE PREMISE: Determined to be a high-level Jason Bourne type operative, an awkward teenager enlists the help of a mysterious, supposed ex-CIA agent in his hometown and finds himself entangled in a dangerous plot that is way over his head.

classic onion - Google Launches 'The Google' For Older Adults

2009-01-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA—The popular search engine Google announced plans Friday to launch a new site, TheGoogle.com, to appeal to older adults not able to navigate the original website's single text field and two clearly marked buttons.

"The Google will have all the same information currently found on regular Google, but with the added features of not stealing your credit-card numbers or giving your computer all kinds of viruses," said Rick Tillich, The Google project director. "All you have to do to turn the website on is put the little blinking line thing in the cyberspace window at the top of the screen, type 'thegoogle.com,' and press 'return'—although it will also recognize http.wwwthegoogle.com, google.aol, and 'THEGOOGLE' typed into a Word document."

Tillich added that he hopes the site will soon replace Yahoo Internet Website.com as the most popular search engine for users over 55.

more cookie's

2008-12-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

"The Cookie Thief" (starring Eric Roberts, Michelle Parylak and Victoria Charters) will be kicking off 2009 with a Friday night screening on January 2nd at the beautiful Fine Arts Theater on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills as part of 'The Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Festival'. Winners of the fest are tabulated according to audience votes so your presence will make a difference.
'The Cookie Thief' screens on Friday January 2nd at 10:00PM. The film has been playing at festivals across the country and even won Best Short in Houston. So come and see the film at the most state-of-the-art Hi-Def theater in Los Angeles. I look forward to seeing you.

Bev Hills Hi Def Fest:
http://www.bhh-dff.com/index.html

Fine Arts Theatre
8556 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
http://www.studioscreenings.com/

"The Cookie Thief" - more screenings

2008-12-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

"The Cookie Thief" starring Eric Roberts, Michelle Parylak and Victoria Charters will make it's New York premiere in the heart of Greenwhich Village at the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival Audience Choice Screenings. For all who can attend the info is at the link below. Audiences and critics alike have responded enthusiastically to the movie with one Best Short award and another upcoming L.A. Festival screening toward the end of December.

For the complete film schedule and to purchase tickets please go to:
https://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=5TH4

Lem's headstone

2008-11-24T10:19:00.001-08:00

CHARITY AUCTION for an ORIGINAL PROP created for the FX television series THE SHIELD.

EBAY AUCTION

The Headstone of Curtis Lemansky

This solid granite headstone was custom made for the trailer to Season 6 of The Shield (2002-2008).

It is far and away the most exciting prop from the award–winning cable series. The headstone comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and Headshot signed by Kenny Johnson, the actor that played the character of Detective Curtis “Lemonhead” Lemansky. Lem was murdered with a hand grenade by his close friend and fellow detective Shane Vandrell (played by Walton Goggins) in the most riveting scene from the series to date – the season 5 finale.

Measurements:12 inches high, 24 inches wide, 3 inches thick, Weight: 81.5 lbs.

90% of the funds raised from this auction are being donated to Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation www.lapmf.org (charity chosen by Kenny Johnson)

We won!

2008-09-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing won Best Narrative Short at 2008 Great Lakes Independent Film Festival!

Here's to you, coach - article in the Erie Times-News

2008-09-26T13:09:00.001-07:00

Erie Times-News, Showcase, A&E magazine
Article published September 25. 2008 12:01AM

Here's to you, coach
Victoria Charters and Kenneth Johnson made 'I Heard the Mermaids Singing' as a tribute to their acting coach.
Preview BY DAVE RICHARDS, Staff writer, dave.richards@timesnews.com

The Skinny
"I Heard the Mermaids Singing," a short film co-directed by and starring Kenneth Johnson and Victoria Charters, will be shown tonight during the 8:45 p.m. block of films at the Great Lakes Independent Film Festival at Theatre 145, 145 W. 11th St. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Michael Shurtleff was a showbiz legend as acting coach and casting director.
He was the genius who cast Dustin Hoffman in "The Graduate. " He helped Barbara Streisand, Robert Redford, Bette Midler, and others land key roles on Broadway and in film.
He also wrote "Audition," a how-to bible for actors, which Australian actress Victoria Charters soaked up before she moved to Los Angeles in 1994. Upon arriving, she was thrilled to learn Shurtleff was offering acting classes and immediately signed up.
During one session, Shurtleff presented a play he'd written, "I Heard the Mermaids Singing." He chose Charters to play Sweetzer, the mysterious, free-spirited woman who meets her soul mate, Al. Charters liked the piece so much she began working with Shurtleff on a screenplay for a short film. Later, though, he decided he'd rather turn it into a feature-length project.
That was that, until last year when her mentor died. At Shurtleff's memorial service, she met actor Kenneth Johnson, who played Detective Curtis "Lemonhead" Lemansky on FX's "The Shield" until his character was killed off in season five. He currently co-stars with Holly Hunter in "Saving Grace."
Turned out that Johnson had studied with Shurtleff, as well. What's more, he had played Al, the male lead, during class.
You can guess what happened next. Charters and Johnson teamed up to make "I Heard the Mermaids Singing," a 24-minute short film, as an homage to their acting coach.
"We wanted to make a piece as a tribute to him, so this was the first thing that came to mind. It was a very impactful experience, the journey of this piece," said Charters, who studied with Shurtleff for two years. "It was a very sweet experience to revisit something we'd already worked on years ago."
At its heart, "Mermaids" is a love story with an O. Henry-worthy turn.
"It's a story of these two odd people who meet outside of a party and go on a journey together," Charters said. "I think one of the nicest descriptions of it came from someone who said it's a beautiful slice of life. It's a love story with a twist."
For a love story to work, chemistry is paramount. Luckily, Charters and Johnson had that.
After one director and then another backed out, they decided to co-direct. They shot it in just two days in scenic Santa Barbara, Calif.
"We rarely disagreed," Charters said. "Ninety-eight percent of the time we were linked up. It was very, very easy."
"I Heard the Mermaids Singing" has played 11 film festivals this year, including the Short Film Corner at Cannes. It also won a short film award at the Park City Film Music Festival.
"I will always cherish the experience of working on this piece. It was something I wanted to do for 12 years," Charters said. "We've had a great run with it. I hope Michael would be pleased."

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008309259924

I Heard the Mermaids Singing - nomination

2008-09-22T14:20:00.001-07:00

I just got news from 2008 Great Lakes Independent Film Festival that I Heard the Mermaids Singing has been nominated for Best Narrative Short.
Thanks everyone for all the love and support that you have been sending my way. So much awesome correspondence today!!!

Naperville Independent Film Festival

2008-09-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Mermaids has been selected for Naperville Independent Film Festival,

September 24-27, 2008 in Naperville, IL. www.naperfilm.org

Thursday September 25 12.15pm
Comedy Shrine – B
22 E. Chicago Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540

Great Lakes Independent Film Festival

2008-09-12T15:40:00.001-07:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing, official selection of 11 film festivals 2008 next screening at Great Lakes Independent Film Festival. www.greatlakesfilmfest.com

Thursday September 25 8:45PM
Theatre 145
145 West 11th. St.
Erie PA
(814) 873-5069

www.iheardthemermaidssinging.com

3rd Annual Celebrity Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament

2008-09-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Yancey Arias and Tony Riviera of Caffe Primo present

3rd Annual Celebrity Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament

To benefit The Lives To Save Foundation and The Primo Foundation

WHAT:The 3rd Annual Celebrity Poker tournament will take place in the outdoor plaza between Caffe Primo and H&M on Sunset Blvd. This event is to benefit both The Lives to Save Foundation (www.livestosave.com) and The Primo Foundation for Children’s Hospital (www.iloveprimo.com) Yancey Arias (star of NBC’s new prime time series KNIGHT RIDER) partnered up this year with Tony Riviera of Caffe Primo to host this event.

Celebrity Poker Challenge: Hosted by Yancey Arias dealt by The Dealer Dolls.
$300.00 Buy-In. Over $20,000 in valued Prizes
Proceeds go to The LivesToSave Foundation and The Primo Foundation
Advance “Buy In” go to www.PrimoLTSCelebrityPoker.com or Cash at the door
There will be also be a Black Jack tournament for $150 Buy In

Poker Tournament structure:
All players will start with $2,500 in tournamant chips. The blinds start at $25-$25 and go up every 20 minutes. Rebuys and an add on available in the first 3 levels of play.

WHO: Celebrity guest RSVP's include: Hank Azaria, Don Cheadle, Annie Duke, Clifton Collins Jr. Kevin Connolly, Tony Dennison, Bruce Davidson, David Faustino, Roselyn Sanchez, Kelly Hu, Robert Horry, April Scott, Lucas Hass, Elijah Kelly, Christel Khalil, James Lesure, Jennifer Tilly, Eric Winter, Matt Cedeno, Marlon Wayans, David Zayas, Anya Assante, Sunkrish Bala, Vail Bloom, Laz Alono, Judy Reyes, Erik Palladino, David Lipper, Joshua Malina, Nick D’Anna and many more.

Sponsors: Caffe Primo, Corum, Kimberly Howard Jewelry, New Poker, Pama, Peroni, Mata Hari Absinthe, Body Language Sportswear, Aqua Luca, Pinot Noir, Darafeev, Black Pearl Records, Hypnotiq, 944 Mag.

Catering provided by: Caffe Primo

WHEN: Saturday September 13th
Red Carpet arrivals 5:30
Tournament begins 7:00

WHERE: 8590 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA. 90069

Valet parking or General parking in garage off of Alta Loma.

Palm Springs International Shortfest & Market

2008-08-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from The 14^th Annual Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films & Film Market (Palm Springs ShortFest) … and a little catch up on the top short films made this year, and with fellow filmmakers, programmers and distributors …

I Heard the Mermaids Singing was in the market and available for viewing along with every short film submitted to the festival (they received over 2,700 submissions for consideration this year), so it was available to watch on DVD in private screening booths similar to the Cannes Short Film Corner. Only the environment is not the French Riviera, it’s the desert in August which for us coast-dwellers is a little bit of a challenge I must say!!! The desert certainly has its charms, and I like to go the desert in the winter to warm my bones – not usually in the height of summer. I’m still recovering from the heat as I’m finding out are all my fest going buddies. If Cannes is the United Nations of film, the Palm Springs ShortFest has to be the Burning Man of the short-film fests.

Highlights for me were two of the opening night films Life’s Hard (La Drumul Mare) from Romania, a hilarious look at the exploits of a young thief who tries to car jack a young woman and the antics that ensue and Manon on the Asphalt (Manon sur le Bitume) from France, a birds eye view of her own death from the dying Manon.

Other highlights of the fest for me included a Masterclass with actor and 2008 Palm Springs ShortFest juror Bill Pullman – or as he entertainingly described it a “Servant-Session in Cognitive Behavior”. He actually managed to give the entire audience an experience of what it’s like to be the actor in a movie … some Lost Highway moments there … I also attended a Screening/Masterclass with cinematographer William Fraker – screening was Rosemary’s Baby, which he shot and it was a treat to see this beautifully crafted film screened on the big screen … 40 years later.

I Heard the Mermaids Singing now has a DISTRIBUTOR

2008-08-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

Please direct all distribution/broadcasting inquiries to:
Jessica Klement, Ouat Media
jessica.klement@ouatmedia.com
t: +1 416 979 7380 ext. 2115
f: +1 416 492 9539
www.ouatmedia.com

Mermaids signs a distribution deal

2008-07-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

I am in final negotiations for a distribution deal for my short film I Heard the Mermaids Singing.

and don't forget to join us for our
Upcoming screening!

22nd Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival

Mermaids is screening in competition in the

SHORT FILM PROGAM – Take Two

Sat, Aug 02 12:30 PM

Hatt Hall @ Napa River Inn, 500 Main Street, Napa, CA 94558

Join filmmakers and cast members for a Q&A after the program

60th annual Emmy nominees announced

2008-07-17T08:52:00.001-07:00

60th annual Emmy nominees announced
See the list of this year's nominees.

Mermaids at Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival

2008-07-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

Upcoming screening

22nd Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival, July 22 - August 3, 2008.I Heard the Mermaids Singing is screening in competition in the

SHORT FILM PROGAM – Take Two

Sat, Aug 02 12:30 PM

Hatt Hall @ Napa River Inn, 500 Main Street, Napa, CA 94558

Join filmmakers and cast members for a Q&A after the program

Mermaids @ReelHeART

2008-06-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing screened last night 6.18.2008 at the The ReelHeART International Film Festival, in Toronto, Canada.

ReelHeART Schedule

Upcoming screenings

Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival, July 24 - August 3, 2008

Central Florida Film Festival, August 29 - 31st, 2008, in Kissimmee, Florida

Miss-Taken

2008-06-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Here's the short film we filmed at Cannes as part of the
Cannes à la Flip Competition

SYNOPSIS
An action film actress, walking home from her premiere is followed by a dangerous looking man.
http://www.theauteurs.com/videos/60

Broadhumor Screenplay Lab - Saturday, June 14

2008-06-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

Broadhumor is a festival of funny female filmmakers.

I was one of the actors reading the 2008 Screenplay Finalists for Broadhumor Screenplay Lab on Saturday, June 14, in the Studio at the Electric Lodge. The highlight for me was reading with Janina Gavankar, best known for her role as "Papi" on The L Word.

The writers select scenes from their scripts that they want to hear read aloud by a team of professional actors. The readings are for the writers, but are open to the public.

http://www.broadhumor.com/

2008 SCREENPLAY FINALISTS

SHORT SCREENPLAY
Brian v. Bear by Susan Deming
Citizen Rose by Anne Kruse
The Chickens Are on Fire by L. C. Cruell
Potluck by Michelle Muldoon

CHARACTER COMEDY
Butler School by Jami Burke
The Happy Dance by Pamela Rodeheaver and Lisa Katz
Once Upon This Playground by Anne Kruse

ENSEMBLE COMEDY
Here Come the Bridesmaids by Julia Camara
On the Line by Kathryn Kyker
Tongue Tide by Gwen Baer and Linda Yandell

ROMANTIC COMEDY
Ice Cream by Yarrow Vincent-Wayman
Izzy and Allie by Suzanne Studer Iselt
Pomona Mona by Constance Brenner

FARCE
Candyland by Val Valdez
China Rock by Shi Liu
What Do You Thinx of Madeline Minx? by Noemi Zeigler

TELEPLAY
Riley’s Village - Pilot by Anne Kruse
Sweet Dee Pimps Out the Boys (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) by L.C. Cruell
Suspicious Minds - Pilot by Roxanne Marciniak

http://www.broadhumor.com/

Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

2008-06-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

I love this poem, and come back to it today. - V

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

from Dream Work by Mary Oliver
published by Atlantic Monthly Press
© Mary Oliver

61st Fesival de Cannes Redux

2008-05-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm back from the 61st Fesival de Cannes, best described as the United Nations of Film. My first time attending the biggest film festival in the world! My film I Heard the Mermaids Singing was in the Cannes Short Film Corner and was very well received, and I have been getting many lovely emails from folk who watched the film in the Short Film Corner screening rooms and loved it. Another fabulous part of being in the Short Film Corner is that you get to meet fellow filmmakers from all around the world and share stories, ideas and piches.

I had the priviledge of seeing a number of premieres of the major international feature films in competition at the Grand Theatre Lumiere, this included Un Conte de Noel de Arnaud Desplechin, starring Catherine Deneuve, Le Silence de Lorna de Jean-Pierre et Luc Dardenne (Award for the Best Screenplay), Entre Les Murs de Laurant Cantet (which walked off with the Palme d'Or), La Frontiere de L'Aube de Philippe Garrel and all of the Courts Metrages (short films) in competition, screened at the Salle Debussy. Most enjoyable watches for me were Le Silence de Lorna (a story that unfolds in the most stunning way) and Jerrycan the Aussie film in the Courts Metrages Competition - watch out for what Julius Avery does next.

My favorite event that I attended has to be Quentin Tarantino's masterclass, he told many hilarious and interesting personal stories about his journey as an actor/filmmaker, between clips screened from his movies and his passion for acting and filmmaking is a great inspiration to filmmakers everywhere.

Films which I missed (there's so much going on all at once!!!) and are on my must-watch list include Clint Eastwood's Changeling (every one I spoke to about it got a misty, dreamy look in their eye and simply said "it's Clint Eastwood"), Woody Allen's Vicky Christina Barcelona (the crowd went bananas ... and folk I asked about it smiled in recollection of the Hall and Johansson "sex" scene). Also on the list is Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut Synecdoche, New York (let's face it I'm a fan, even if the critics say he tried to do everything at once). But I kept telling myself, it's easy to see all those American films in America, I'm in France I want to see international films that I might not get the chance to see otherwise.

So you wanna know about parties??? Yes we went to some legendary parties, including a yacht party for the film Skeptic starring Tom Arnold and Tim Daly, a private party for Jennifer Lynch's film Surveillance, starring Julia Ormond and Bill Pullman and an amazing closing night party thrown by the Cannes Short Film Corner at the Majestic Barriere with private beach, club and pier to party on and on and on .... and the restaurants in Cannes feature simply divine French Provincial cuisine, that alone is worth the trip. If you ever go to Cannes, make sure you take the time to find Le Suquet (the old district) for a romantic dinner - and take un parapluie -umbrella :-)

Here's an official film business wrap up ...

The 61st Annual Cannes Film Festival wrapped this past Sunday, having been the scene of big Hollywood premieres like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and smaller but no less anticipated ones from filmmakers like the Dardenne brothers, Arnaud Desplechin and Atom Egoyan. In the end, it was a French film that won the Palme d'Or — the first homegrown feature to take the top prize since 1987's Under Satan's Sun. The film, Entre Les Murs was a late entry in the competition, directed by Laurent Cantet and follows a year in the life of a teacher in an inner city Parisian school.

Here's a complete list of the prizewinners.

IN COMPETTION - FEATURE FILMS

Palme d'Or:
"Entre les murs" (The Class), directed by Laurent Cantet

Grand Prix:
"Gomorra," directed by Matteo Garrone

Prize of the 61st Festival de Cannes ex-aequo:
Catherine Deneuve for "Un conte de Noël," directed by Arnaud Desplechin
Clint Eastwood for "Changeling"

Award for the Best Director:
"Üç maymun" (Three Monkeys), directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan

Jury Prize:
"Il Divo," directed by Paolo Sorrentino

Best Performance from an Actor:
Benicio Del Toro in "Che," directed by Steven Soderbergh

Best Performance from an Actress:
Sandra Corveloni in "Linha de Passe," directed by Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas

Award for the Best Screenplay:
"Le Silence de Lorna" (Lorna's Silence), directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne

IN COMPETITION - SHORT FILMS

Palme d'Or:
"Megatron," directed by Marian Crisan

Jury Prize:
"Jerrycan," directed by Julius Avery

CAMÉRA D'OR

Caméra d'Or (for best first film):
"Hunger," directed by Steve McQueen (Un Certain Regard)

Caméra d'Or Special Mention:
"Vse Umrut a Ja Ostanus" (They Will All Die Except Me), directed by Valeria Gaï Guermanika (Critics Week)

UN CERTAIN REGARD

Un Certain Regard Prize:
"Tulpan," directed by Sergey Dvortsevoy

Jury Prize:
"Tokyo Sonata," directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Heart Throb Jury Prize:
"Wolke 9," directed by Andreas Drese

The Knockout of Un Certain Regard:
"Tyson," directed by James Toback

Prize of Hope:
"Johnny Mad Dog," directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire

CINEFONDATION

First Cinéfondation Prize:
"Himnon" (Hymn), directed by Elad Keidan (The Sam Spiegel Film and TV School, Israël)

Second Cinéfondation Prize:
"Forbach," directed by Claire Burger (La fémis, France)

Third Cinéfondation Prize:
"Stop," directed by Park Jae-ok (The Korean Academy of Film Arts, Corée du Sud)
"Kestomerkitsijät" (Roadmarkers), directed by Juho Kuosmanen (University of Art and Design Helsinki, Finlande)

Cannes à la Flip Short Film Competition

2008-05-23T02:34:00.000-07:00

Winners were announced yesterday at the Shrt Film Corner in Cannes.

see the films here:

http://www.theauteurs.com/competitions/1

my favorite:

Dressed for Success

http://www.theauteurs.com/videos/16

Mis_Taken filmed in Cannes

2008-05-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Somehow amidst all the parties, pitching and meetings. We managed to film a 3 minute short film in Cannes. Well, we had some motivation from the lovely people at Flip camera who gave us cameras to test and a competition with a $10,000 prize to get us motivated!

The talented Ms. Jane Clark came up with the scenario and I play Carolina Metrage a self absorbed action film star! The city of Cannes is lit beautifully for filming, just like the city of New Orleans, it's almost a ready to go movie set .... here's a still.

off to Cannes May 14-24

2008-05-10T17:45:00.001-07:00

Mermaids has been selected for the 61st Festival de Cannes,
to be featured in the Cannes Short Film Corner, May 14-24, 2008

Will post from there.
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html
http://www.shortfilmcorner.com/

The Cookie Thief

2008-04-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

“The Cookie Thief”

a short film I'm in with Eric Roberts, written & directed by Adam Davis, premiered at The Beverly Hills Film Festival & was a sweet success!

Mermaids updated festival information

2008-04-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Victoria Charters, Kenneth Johnson

@ Methodfest 2008

Mermaids updated festival information

Upcoming screenings

Sweet Auburn International Film Festival, May 7-11, 2008 in Atlanta,GA
Cannes - Short Film Corner, May 14-24, 2008, in Cannes, France
The ReelHeART International Film Festival, June 16-21, 2008 in Toronto,Canada
Central Florida Film Festival, August 29 - 31st, 2008, in Kissimmee, Florida

Past screenings

Park City Film Music Festival, January 17 - 27 2008, in Park City, Utah
Kent Film Festival March 27 - 30 2008 in Kent, Connecticut
Method Fest Film Festival which runs from March 27 - April 3, 2008 in Calabasas, CA

Awards

WINNER Silver Medal for Excellence in the short film category, Park City Film Music Festival

Mermaids updated festival information

2008-03-19T04:26:00.001-07:00

Park City Film Music Festival, January 17 - 27 2008, in Park City, Utah (premiere screening)
WINNER Silver Medal for Excellence in the short film category, Park City Film Music Festival
(upcoming) Kent Film Festival March 27 - 30 2008 in Kent, Connecticut
(upcoming) Method Fest Film festival which runs from March 27 - April 3, 2008 in Calabasas, CA
(upcoming) Sweet Auburn International Film Festival, May 7-11, 2008 in Atlanta, GA
(upcoming) The ReelHeART International Film Festival, June 16-21, 2008 in Toronto, Canada
(upcoming) Central Florida Film Festival, August 29 - 31st, 2008, in Kissimmee, Florida

I Heard the Mermaids Singing @METHODFEST/KENT

2008-03-19T04:17:00.000-07:00

Our short film I Heard the Mermaids Singing (TRT:24:42) is making a bit of a splash on the film festival circuit. We are screening next at:

Method Fest Film festival

http://www.methodfest.com/

Friday March 28th - 9:45P in Shorts Program 1 – “Sexual Healing”

Carlson Family Theatre, Viewpoint School

23620 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas, CA 91302

Please come support us if you are in California- we have a 400 seat theatre to fill!

At the same time we are playing on the East Coast at:

Kent Film Festival, held in Kent, Connecticut

Saturday March 29^th, 12:00 noon

Community House / Theater 2

Synopsis

A loner (Kenneth Johnson, The Shield, Saving Grace ) meets a woman (Victoria Charters) outside a party, forming a connection in an instant. A classic & lyrical love-tale with a bitter-sweet twist, I Heard the Mermaids Singing is a short-film adaptation of a play written by legendary acting coach & casting director Michael Shurtleff who passed away January 28, 2007. I Heard the Mermaids Singing is an homage to him and his teachings which live on in our hearts & minds.

Dirtbox.tv launch

2008-01-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

I Heard the Mermaids Singing in post

2007-08-30T05:01:00.000-07:00

It’s official! CONGRATULATIONS to us :-)

We are now in post-production for our GORGEOUSLY shot, executed and performed film -
I Heard The Mermaids Singing.

Victoria Charters - as Sweetzer, Kenny Johnson - as Al

Victoria and Kenny:

Our lead-actors are Kenny Johnson and Victoria Charters.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0425543/

http://www.kennyjohnson.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0153559/

http://www.victoriacharters.com

Three of us: from left:
Victoria Charters - lead-actor/filmmaker
Karla Shelton - producer, 1st AD, line producer
Kenny Johnson - lead-actor, actor, actor!

I Heard the Mermaids Singing

2007-08-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

We are currently in pre-production for a short film "I Heard the Mermaids Singing".
We are so lucky and delighted to have the very talented Kenny Johnson starring in this production with me.

I Heard the Mermaids Singing

A lyrical love tale with a bitter-sweet twist,

I Heard the Mermaids Singing

is a short-film adaptation of

a play

written by

legendary acting coach & casting director

Michael Shurtleff

who passed away January 28, 2007

but lives on in our hearts and minds

I Heard the Mermaids Singing

is an homage to him

intended for submission to

Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2008

Produced by:

Victoria Charters

Karla Shelton

Starring:

Kenny Johnson

Victoria Charters

Sweetzer

Casting Director

Michael Shurtleff

www.iheardthemermaidssinging.com

For more information please contact:

Victoria Charters

Firehorse 5 Films

C: 323.363.0572

victoria@victoriacharters.com

www.victoriacharters.com

Karla Shelton

Travelingbear Productions

C: 818.414.4314

H: 805.682.3934

karla@travelingbear.org

This beautiful Mermaid was given to me by my coach Wendy Spiller when we first started working together.

ART TO LIFE AWARDS

2007-08-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

ART AND LIVING MAGAZINE CELEBRATES ITS
TWO -YEAR ANNIVERSARY BY SIGNING A
DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH INGRAM PERIODICALS

Art and Living To Host First Annual Art to Life Awards

(July 2007 - Los Angeles, CA) On the eve of its second anniversary, Art and Living magazine has signed a deal with Ingram Periodicals to distribute the publication to 657 Barnes & Noble stores throughout the nation. The deal officially brings the magazine to over 1000 locations nationwide, further solidifying its status in the art and design world.

"This is incredible," says Jeff Marinelli, Art and Living's publisher, "especially at such a key anniversary for us." The publication was also recently asked to participate in Art Basel, the international art show, in both Switzerland and Miami. Dedicated to creating a richer, more meaningful world through art and design, Art and Living has supported more than eight causes that have raised in excess of five million dollars for art and health-related organizations in the past year.

In August, Art and Living will hold its first annual Art to Life Awards at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. As the magazine is devoted to broadening the role that art plays in our day-to-day lives, Marinelli, was inspired to establish the awards to recognize people who best embody the spirit of Art and Living. "We have created these awards to honor those individuals in numerous disciplines who work day in and day out to bring art in all of its wonderful incarnations into our lives," said Marinelli.

The Art to Life Award will be bestowed upon four individuals for their significant contributions to the design profession, including John Finton of Finton Associates, Inc. for fine-living development; Janice Feldman of JANUS et Cie for furniture design; Richard Landry, AIA, of Landry Design Group, Inc. for architecture; and Barbara Lazaroff, ASID, of Imaginings Interior Design, Inc. for interior design. The private event will take place in the Poggenpohl showroom at the Pacific Design Center.

Art and Living is an informative, educational and passionate publication, presenting an abundance of information regarding the world of art in all its splendid forms. To support LA's art and design magazine, subscribe at www.artandliving.com

Caught in the Act - August shows 4th and the 8th

2007-08-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Our improv group has two shows this month.

Our regular first Saturday of the month show and then a show for 90 or so unruly U.C.S.B. interns!

the fun fun fun continues ...

7.16.07

2007-07-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Angels is on a night shoot tonight – 6pm to 6am. Hope I make it!! Got an audition and changed my flight out of NOLA. It’s a great part – in a short film called Lunch Date :

THE STORY: Jan’s life is good. A husband, two children, nice house, good job. So why isn’t she happy? Where does this sense of unease, of restlessness come from? On a morning like every other morning, a phone call from the guy she used to think of as the love of her life may change everything. What might her life have been had she made different choices? She meets him for lunch, and the intimate encounter that follows forces Jan to really look at her life. Memory is sometimes much more about imagination than recollection and Jan realizes that idealizing the past can blind you to the present...

07.13.07 - we film Mathilda's tarot card scene

2007-07-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Pictured above:

Heidi Van Horne as Angel

Armando LeDuc as Dee

Victoria Charters as Mathilda

It has not escaped my attention that we are filming my tarot card scene on Friday 13^th. Charlie Brown orchestrator of mayhem!
Since we have time today, Heidi and I hang out and rehearse in the am and then in the afternoon we go out to the quarter – I want to interview one of the fortune teller’s in Jackson Square and we trot off with my laptop in hand to see who we can find to talk to. So we sit down with a reader named Sharon Murphy and she permits is to interview her, which is very cool and we ask her questions about how she came to be a tarot card reader and what she does and what it is like to work out there in Jackson Square.
Call time for cast is 6pm. Jason picks us up. Heidi and I have the usual actor panic packing our props, costumes and make up and hoping not to forget anything!
For Mathilda, I bring my ancestors to the set with me. I have the tarot cards my aunt gave me when I was 16. My grandmother’s turquoise ring and my mother’s lapis ring.
We film in a tent out back of Caffea Coffee Shop. They’ve dressed it to look like a fortune tellers tent. Armando has to leave for work by 8pm so we get his shot off and then when it is time for my reverse Charlie reads Armando’s lines for him. Around the fourth take we get the one that everyone says – “we got it”! Whew! And we move on to Heidi and my scene in the tent. This is a really tricky scene – it is full of mechanics and lines that were a challenge to learn. It is ten pages long … Talking to Charlie about it later, he says we booked it and it runs only 4 or five minutes. So it plays out fast. Charlie was attempting some fancy camera moves, but couldn’t get the result he wanted - so we end up shooting it differently from as planned – Heidi and I have been rehearsing and researching since we got here, so were are solid, she’s great to work with – it doesn’t feel like we nailed it on any one take, but Charlie assures us that he has the footage he needs to cut the scene together. We are wrapped by 1.30am- not bad!

7.11.07 research for Mathilda

2007-07-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

I am ready to explore. It’s 2pm before I go off! I call a cab and set off for the heart of town, the French district.

I eat, and go to a tourist place to ask where I can find voodoo shops, get a map and start walking around, observing. The French Quarter is magnetic and like a set and has so much history it’s oozing out of the cracks in the walls. Some places smell pretty bad still, mould and musky. It’s just under 2 years since Hurricane Katrina came and blasted though this place.

I go to the Voodoo Museum and Madame Laveau’s House of Voodoo. Voodoo Museum has pictures (wild eyed folk) and artifacts (snakes in jars, dehydrated cats, an empty snake cage with signs dedicating it to their magical blonde python …) and an altar. I am allowed to take pictures. I do the ritual at the altar. I buy incense, candles and some potions for fast luck, love and success. Isn’t voodoo a way for people to ask for what they want or deal with their fears. Rituals are key.

I ask if I can take a copy of their print out which explains what voodoo is – suprisingly the lady is ok with that, I remember pulling it out of the protective sleeve, but when I look for it later it turns out I can’t find – I must have left it on the desk, or maybe I am not supposed to have it, and that is why it slips away. They are pretty much out of everything and I buy the last nag champa …

I learn that the Queen in voodoo has the highest power. In the part I am playing, I am a Queen. The script identifies me as the Queen of Swords.

I took a picture of a picture in the Museum of Voodoo.

This picture really struck me when I got home since there is a strange green light on the right and people here talk about that - because of the background and the effect of the light, I think it looks like a hand is coming out towards the viewer - sort of in a "stop" positon. Perhaps she didn't want to be photographed

Madame Laveau’s House of Voodoo has signs EVERYWHERE about not touching anything and not taking any pictures. They are very suspicious of the general public and the girl at the desk is positively pissed off. There are some cool daggers in there from Brazil, but I don’t buy one. I buy some candles, some sage and a postcard. Their tarot card reader comes out from out back and he has dreamy eyes. He is finding out his schedule and needs a break, he squats outside to smoke and read. It’s a job after all – like acting.

After shooting is done for the day Armando and Jessie take Heidi and I to get something to eat and then his friend Magic Mike shows up and gives us the ghost tour of New Orleans. It’s a very cool private tour and he tells us all the ghost stories. The last story is absolutely sick and horrific.

We learn that the king of France sent all the prisoners and thieves and prostitutes to New Orleans to build the city. “Gypsies, tramps and thievies …”.Of which I am one, I am feeling an ancesteral link to this city. There’s Chartres Street in the french quarter for example, which they pronounce Charters. A building on Charters street has a history of fire! It caught fire in 1700’s and because it was GOOD FRIDAY the owner and the priest could not ring the bell to alert the town, that a fire had started and 1200 people died in that fire. Later the same spot caught fire again – from a child playing with fire in the building behind the one on Charters street. As Magic Mike says as part of his tour “so, you see New Orleans is no stranger to disasters like Katrina” It is a city that takes that in it’s stride and picks right back up again, until the next time. The ghosty part of this story is that this building on Charters street is apparently built on American Indian burial ground, where they would keep two fires burning on poles for their dead.

Today I see New Orleans as a ghost town, of old souls and new. This city is imprinted on by a colorful past. The French quarter is like an old Hollywood set – after all it’s been used over and over for movies. When Katrina ripped through, some people died (numbers vary from over 1000 to less than 7000), some people disappeared and some people decided that they had had enough and left forever. Half the population have not returned and the people that stay live with the ghosts, the memorabilia and artifacts that have been left from all that has gone before.

Angels Die Slowly

2007-07-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here we are in New Orleans working on a feature film -

"Angels Die Slowly"

written and directed by Charlie Brown.

The back story - In 2001 Charlie cast me a Leigh in his a short film "A Couple on the Side" - you can download it at:
http://www.e-junkie.com/shop/product/19046.php

One of my co-stars in "Couple" was Heidi Van Horne
http://www.heidivanhorne.com/
she's a geniune @21st century pin-up girl/great actress and awesome fun to hang out with!
Re-united once again. Victoria, Charlie and Heidi.

Yesterday we shot at Caffea coffehouse.

Mid July in New Orleans and it is hot hot hot - especially when you have to turn the airconditioning off for rolling camera!!

Cool voodoo bathroom

This is my favorite shot that I took yesterday.

In the foreground:
The RHS picture on the fridge shows a broken down car and broken down houses in the background. Someone has spray painted "Merry Christmas" on the car and put a broken down raindeer on the roof.

In the background. Our set with Armando standing ready.

It's almost two years since Hurricane Katrina and the effects of that devastation are everywhere. New Orleans has lost half of it's population and the sign to rebuild is eveywhere.

It's good to be back

2007-07-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

So after a 6 month - was it really that long??? hiatus I am back performing with my improv group "Caught in the Act". Shows are the first Saturday of every month - so we did a show 7/7/07 - nice on the numbers. Eight performers and a funfun show.

The Memory of Water

2006-12-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

Last week I auditioned for a play to be produced at the Ensemble Theatre Company in their next season. It's The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson. What a great play. I auditioned for the part of Catherine, the youngest of three sisters, who is as the director said "on a tear for pretty much all of the play". I agree. It would be a great part to play, and exhausting. She's a high energy grieving whirlwind. She's the catylyst, the enabler, she makes things happen.

The audition went well I think, but I haven't heard those wonderful words - "you've got the part"! YET!!! We'll see if I am offered the part. I'd love to do it.

The Play
One of Britain's hottest new playwrights has come forth with The Memory of Water, a play about three sisters who return home after the death of their mother. Throughout the play, the sisters struggle over who remembers which events more clearly, only to find that individual memories and experiences can become fuzzy, and that family stories, many times re-told, become free game to be re-shaped and detailed until the story develops so far that it surpasses the memory. Playwright Shelagh Stephenson states that when she started writing the The Memory of Water, it was set at a family birthday party. During the development process, Stephenson lost her mother, and the play took a dramatic turn, shifting from one family event to another. Yet the age old tradition of recollecting family stories, bound by love, laughter, anger, and tears is still the center of this bittersweet, life affirming comedy.

History
The Memory Of Water first opened at the Hampstead Theatre in North London in July of 1996, and went on to a successful run in London's West End from 1998-1999. In 2000, it won The Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

The London cast was as follows:

Mary - Samantha Bond; Vi - Julie Legrand; Teresa - Alison Steadman; Catherine - Julia Sawalha; Mike - Patrick Dury; Frank - Mark Lambert.

It opened in New York at The Manhattan Theatre Club in 1998.

The cast was as follows:

Mary - J. Smith Cameron; Vi - Robin Moseley; Teresa - Suzanne Bertish; Catherine - Seana Kofoed; Mike - David Hunt; Frank - Peter McRobbie.

Lewis Gilbert, best known for his direction of Alfie, as well as three James Bond films, is slated to direct the upcoming film version of The Memory of Water.

Dirtbox

2006-12-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

So last week we filmed my bit on Dirtbox produced by Red Rocket productions.
My segment is called The War on Tourism ...

I played the anchor "Trisha Bitasushi" and delivered serious news with a twist!

We filmed at KEYT the TV station in Santa Barbara.

Here's the team: Libby, Ray Pierce (writer/director) with Dan thumbs up the camera guy.

I delivered most of my stuff in-front of a green screen. They will put in a snazzy background later in post production! neat huh?

Mock News Report - Red Rocket

2006-11-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

I just got cast as the anchor of a mock news report for Red Rocket Productions. My character is Trisha Bits-a-sushi! More later as we shoot the reports!

The Bugville Critters

2006-11-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

I finished recording The Bugville Critters, a collection of short stories for children by Robert Staneck/Reagent Press. Buster Bee is the main character and there are 16 characters voiced by me so far. It’s loads of fun. Check the voiceover page for a sample - it's the audiobook demo.

updated

2006-11-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

I just transferred my journal entiries to my blog since I am oficcially now a blogger. If I can only figure out how to upload pictures we will be golden.
Oh!
I think i got it...

journal entry from 6.7.2006 - four four media

2006-11-07T17:09:00.000-08:00

I just recorded some commercials for four four media, in a lovely studio in Santa Barbara. They record all sorts of things in this studio, from Oprah and John Cleese to Depeche Mode. It's a privilege to follow in their footsteps! Check out their client list ...

Client List

Depeche Mode
Joe Cocker
Michael McDonald
Kenny Loggins
David Crosby
Jackson Browne
Ringo Starr
John McEuen
Mason Williams
Joe Walsh
Ottmar Liebert

Blues Traveler
Jim Messina
Willi and Lobo
Peter White
Shania Twain
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Dishwalla
Yes
Music Academy of the West
Santa Barbara Symphony

Jazz greats include
Herbie Hancock Chick Corea Stanley Clark Mark Egan Maynard Ferguson Steve Swallow John Pattatucci Charles Lloyd	Grant Geisman Paul McCandless Jimmy Haslip Alex Acuna Flora Purim Airto Moreira Peter Erskine Giovanni Hidalgo Adam Nousbaum

Narrative Clientele
Robert Mitchum Dennis Miller John Cleese Michael Douglas Kathy Ireland Monty Roberts	Jonathan Winters Jack Canfield Fannie Flagg Bo Derek Cindy Williams Diane Ladd

journal entry from 6.3.2006 - The Cookie Thief

2006-11-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

Recently I was cast in The Cookie Thief, a short film (20 mins) by Adam Davis. It's a wonderful script and he has assembled a very talented cast including Academy Award Nominee Eric Roberts in one of the lead roles. Check my film gallery pages for news and pictures from the set. Also keep your eye on www.thecookiethief.com for updates on what's happening with the film.

We shot in a big studio in the San Fernando Valley. It's known as "Air Hollywood". If you see a scene that's set in a plane in a movie or a TV show (24 for example) odds are they shot the scene there. They have sets which represent all the different locations you could imagine in an airport or on a plane. Just like traveling movie shoots involve lots of waiting and delays, so it looks and feels like you are traveling while you are there.

Read on to find out what a day on the set is like.

I played a flight attendant, so it was fun to be in uniform for the shoot. We had a costume fitting at Universal Studios, and the wardrobe mistresses were delighted that I actually fit into the uniforms they had pulled, that I was actually the size I said I was ;-).

When I arrived at "Air Hollywood" at 8.00am, they threw me straight into hair and makeup which took 1 1/2 hours and so no time for breakfast. I have NEVER had so much hairspray in my hair. It was a helmet!!! The hairdo stayed intact for 14 hours!!!

The morning and early afternoon was lots of standing around in the background of a scene between the lead and Eric Roberts - for HOURS! Mr. Roberts is surprisingly charming and goofy and friendly to one and all on the set. It was cool to watch him work in the monitor when he did his monologue, he does the underplay thing to great effect. Star power really creates a dynamic on the set.

journal entry from 3.28.2006 - Art & Living Mag Party

2006-11-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

I have the priveledge of writing for a fabulous publication Art & Living
They hosted a going awayparty for Miss California, Miss USA. Great event.

journal entry from 2.2.2006 - Santa Barbara International Film Festival

2006-11-07T16:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally made it to the SBIFF. Highlights for me were Roberts Peters musical feature film. Half Empty starring himself and the lovely German actress Mareike Fell. I hosted Robert and Mareike and they hosted me to the festival ... We had many fun evenings out, including sneaking me in to the George Clooney award show - no small feat. Having weathered the press lines in Hollywood, I have to say SBIFF does a fab job at security, but they are no match for Mr. Robert Peters :-)

journal entry from 1.26.2006 - Sundance

2006-11-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Well! I finally made it to Sundance film festival this year. It is a lotta fun. Park City is beautiful. Sleep who needs it right? Here's the quickie Sundance Roundup from my friend Jeff Gund:

THE FILMS!

Almost all the films I saw this year were in the thumbs up category (the benefits of waiting to hear the buzz before choosing what films to see - you really can't tell a thing from the description in the film guide!)

THUMBS UP ...

KINKY BOOTS Although the film's title may make a few wonder about the subject matter, it's actually quite tame, and is one of the most wonderful, heartwarming films of the festival. In a nutshell, it's the story of how a failing shoe factory that produces boring work shoes makes a big comeback by teaming with a flamboyant transvestite to produce a line of shoes that is anything but boring (and maybe for a different sort of "workplace"). :) When you start out with a great script and combine it with great directing, you can't go too wrong - especially when the cast is made up of truly talented actors. Chiwetal Ejiofor, a British actor who has played a range of roles (from Serenity, to Dirty Pretty Things, to 4 Brothers) has created an endearing, interesting, and multi-layered character in Lola the transvestite, and with the help of wonderful performances from the rest of the cast, has helped to create truly one of the standout films of the festival.

ALPHA DOG Written and directed by Nick Cassavetes, this is also one of the standout films of the festival. Alpha Dog is a gritty story based on the true life account of Jesse James Hollywood, one of the youngest drug dealers to make the FBI's most wanted list. And for those who wondered if Justin Timberlake can act, all I'll say is that I'm sure he'll have no shortage of offers after his performance in this film. Featuring a great cast including names such as Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, Harry Dean Stanton, and Dominique Swain, one of the real standout performances in this film came from Ben Foster, who steals every scene he is in. Looking forward to seeing his work in the upcoming X-Men 3. The rest of the rather sizeable cast all deliver great performances as well, including up and comer Anton Yelchin's endearing portrayal of Zack, the younger brother. Cassavetes' extraction of a well told and focused storyline from the huge amount of information and eye witness accounts is a credit to his writing and directing abilities. Definitely a film to catch.

THE DESCENT If you like a good scary thriller, then you should run (don't walk!) to the theater to catch this one the moment it opens. Easily one of the scariest movies I've seen in quite some time. Already released in the UK, and picked up by Lion's Gate in the US, The Descent should place Writer/Director Neil Marshall at the top of the studio list of people to work with. I'm not so much a fan of horror/thriller films that rely on gore alone to keep the audience interested - The Descent, however, employs a good storyline, and true, well delivered suspense to keep you at the edge of your seat. While he uses some of the cliché techniques of the sudden jolt/loud sound effect/etc., it's obvious that Marshall uses these only as the occasional tool to remind us of the genre we're watching, as an addition to - rather than instead of - good storytelling, suspense, and thrills, which he has indeed proven his adeptness at. My only complaint is the how and why one of the characters dies towards the end (I don't want to give too much away, but you'll know exactly what I mean after you see the film). A not-to-be-missed film for anyone who likes to be scared!

GOD GREW TIRED OF US This film won both the Audience Award and the Jury Prize for Best Documentary. A truly inspiring look at three Sudanese refugees - it gives us a peek into another culture, and more importantly, give us a unique look at our own through the eyes of someone else. Some absolutely delightful moments, as well as thought provoking and dramatic issues.

A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS Dito Montiel took home the Dramatic Directing Award for this inspired film, which also won for best performance by an ensemble cast. A great film, and worthy of both awards, which shows off some great performances by Robert Downey Jr., Diane Weist, and particularly Chaz Palminteri. Rosario Dawson had small screen time, but made up for with her usual ability to deliver an inspired performance as well (and, of course, looking stunning in the process...) And last, but certainly not least, the cast of up and comers Shia LaBeouf, Channing Tatum, Adam Scarimbolo, and Peter Tambakis gave top notch performances that had as much to do with the award as any of the big names. Melonie Diaz and Eleonore Hendricks also gave great performances as the girlfriends.

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE An enjoyable feel-good film, and great performances by Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Colette, and the rest of the cast - the most enjoyable moments for me came from the underutilized Grandpa character, wonderfully played by Alan Arkin. The meandering focus brought this otherwise very enjoyable film down one notch, but still a treat due to the many great moments.

THE ILLUSIONIST One of the Premieres (i.e., not in competition), this was a very enjoyable film - a period piece set in 1900 Vienna about a Magician who uses his skills at magic to get his true love and outwit the Crown Prince and Chief Inspector. Some great twists in this intricately written script where all the pieces ultimately come together at the end. Definitely an enjoyable ride, both plotwise, and cinematographically. My only complaint about this film is that the script focuses so much on the intricacies of the plot that the characters don't have much depth or space to evolve - and with such fine actors as Ed Norton and Paul Giamatti (who give great performances within the limits of their characters), it's almost a waste. But you won't mind too much, as Neil Burger's excellent script and direction put all the other pieces most definitely in place.

HOUSE OF SAND The previous winners of the Alfred P. Sloan Award have always been good films in my opinion, and this year's winner House of Sand is no exception. In Brazilian Portuguese with subtitles, it's the story of a woman and her family who by circumstance are stuck in the middle of a desolate Brazilian desert (I never knew Brazil had vast deserts like this!). The film helps bring you into their world by mirroring that desolation and emptiness - i.e., long scenes with sparse dialogue. It moves very slow, so it's not one to see while you're sleepy (what, who's not well rested at Sundance? :) ) However, the stunning cinematography, good storyline, and excellent performances more than make up for the pace, which is necessary to put you in their world.

WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY Now this is one great example of fresh filmmaking. Delightful characters combined with a script that's whacko in just the right way come together for one enjoyable romp of a movie. Ever wonder what happens to those who off themselves? This movie may not give you the answers, but you'll enjoy every minute of it nonetheless - even the black hole on the floor of the car through which items are lost and never found again (I'm sure there's one of these in my car as well, and I think it's also connected to my washing machine...) So, if you're planning on offing yourself, at least wait until you see this movie first...

STEEL CITY Well done are two words that come to mind when describing this heartfelt film. Brian Jun has created characters that you can identify immediately, but that still have depth, believability, and sincerity. It's the story about the relationships between the men in a somewhat dysfunctional family in a rural steel town. Tom Guiry's performance is full of integrity and is the ballast against which the real standout performances from veteran actor Raymond Barry (as Uncle Vic), who dominated every scene he was in, and Clayne Crawford who played the lousy trailer trash brother you love to hate.

journal entry from 3.24.2005 - Caught in the Act

2006-11-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

I perform regularly with my improv group Caught in the Act. Checkout

http://sbimprov.com/

for details

journal entry from 1.27.2005 - Caught in the Act

2006-11-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

Improv show at Jefferson hall.
Check out the hilarious clip on at http://victoriacharters.com/clips.htm posted as "Live Improv". We are singing the Do-Op song.

journal entry from 10.07.2004 - Caught in the Act

2006-11-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Improv show at Center Stage

journal entry from 10.2004 The Real Thing

2006-11-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

I am playing the role of Charlotte in Tom Stoppard's play The Real Thing at the Ensemble Theatre in Santa Barbara. Beautiful production directed by Assad Kelada. Produced by Albert Ihde. The 24 page scene Act I Scene II is killer!

journal entry from 2003 Firespinning at Cirque du Soleil

2006-11-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

In a nice act of synchronicity, my last performance of 2003 was a fire dance and as is the first performance of 2004, as we follow the Cirque Du Soleil troupe on their Southern California tour. We perform at the opening night party in Orange County this time, and light up the path from the big tent to the party for the party goers and perform for them on an outdoor stage inside the party. Different performers with different props and tools make this an interesting evening for us all. funfunfun ....

journal entry from 12.4.03 Firespinning at Cirque du Soleil

2006-11-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

I get hired to fire spin out side the opening night party for the Cirque du Soleil new show "Varekai". I am one of 14 fire spinners/dancers and we have an absolute ball keeping the flame alive and spinning in turn either poi or staff or fire breathing. I lit up so many times I loose track of how many times I spin. Mucho thanks to Josh Egelston for putting this all together and Mark DeCew for doing fire safety and diligently watching us like a hawk during the event. The next week we go to see “Varekai” which is spectacular and awe inspiring and breathtaking. It’s a great celebration of all the extraordinary things the human body and spirit can do.

journal entry from 11.2.003 Spotlight Humane

2006-11-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

This is an event held at the Hollywood Palladium. It’s all about cruelty free fashions and products. The fashion parade - “Compassion in Fashion” - focuses on Couture Cruelty Free Fashion or “workin’ it for the planet” - no leather, no fur, no silk, no pearls. I make the huge faux pas of grabbing my leather jacket on my way out the door to the event. Great! I am told by one of the exhibitors “don’t let anyone see you with that jacket”, and spend the rest of the event freezing and trying to hide the leather jacket that rests on my arm.

journal entry from 11.2.003 interview with Shannon Elizabeth

2006-11-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0002436/
Victoria: What do you think we’ll be seeing here today?
Shannon Elizabeth: A lot of cruelty free fashions. No leathers, no suede, nothing like that.
Victoria: What do you think the highlight will be?
Shannon Elizabeth: I have no idea, but I wanted to come here and support them because we have an event tonight that is kind of the same thing.
Victoria: What are you working on right now?
Shannon Elizabeth: I’m working on That 70’s Show. And I’m working on a film called Cursed with Wes Craven.
Victoria: Horror?
Shannon Elizabeth: Yes, it is.
Victoria: Are you doing a lot of running or are you the avenger?
Shannon Elizabeth: I’m not gonna say …
Victoria: What character do you play on That 70’s Show?
Shannon Elizabeth: I play Ashton Kuchner’s love interest. My first episode airs November 19th.
Victoria: So it’s a recurring role?
Shannon Elizabeth: Yes.
Victoria: Great!

journal entry from 11.2.003 interview with Amy Smart

2006-11-07T16:41:00.001-08:00

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0005442/
Amy Smart: There oughta be a law, that people eat organically and treat animals humanely.
Victoria: Why is that important to you?
Amy Smart: Because we are all living on this planet and I’m for the preservation it, and by living organically and doing things humanely we are preserving the planet as well as nature and animals that don’t have a voice so we have to step in and speak as their voice.
Victoria: Are you presenting today?
Amy Smart: No actually I’m not I’m just here to enjoy the show and I’m on the honorary committee.
Victoria: And what are you working on right now?
Amy Smart: I have the Butterfly Effect coming out in January. January 23rd.
Victoria: What’s that about?
Amy Smart: It’s a sci-fi type of movie with Ashton Kuchner.
Victoria: What kind of character do you play?
Amy Smart: I play, well … my character goes through four different realities, the same girl but in different circumstances.

journal entry from 11.2.003 interview with Dana Daurey

2006-11-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0004859/
Victoria: Was there something that you wanted to say about the event today?
Dana Daurey: I’m just grateful to be here, this is just … everyone is here for the right reasons.
Victoria: You look gorgeous today, what are you wearing?
Dana Daurey: Oh thank you, I’m wearing Arden B, these are Diesel, Melrose shoes and then I can’t remember where I got this - but I like it! Oh! Planet Funk.
Victoria: What have you been up to? What’s coming up for you?
Dana Daurey: I’ve been working a lot, but not consistent like Providence was, you know, I did a guest star on 7th Heaven a couple of weeks ago, doing radio ads, I’m doing cartoons, On a cartoon, just keeping busy
Victoria: There are so many beautiful exhibitors here today, who is your favorite?
Dana Daurey: The doggie couches.

journal entry from 11.2.003 interview with Jennifer Blanc

2006-11-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0004760/
Victoria: What have you been doing since Dark Angel?
Jennifer Blanc: I have a movie coming out just after January, that Brian Austin Green directed called Fish Without a Bicycle (Victoria’s note listed on imdb as Girls Will be Girls: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0366517/) It’s Brian Austin Green’s directorial debut.
Victoria: Like the joke - “a woman needs a man, like a fish needs a bicycle”?
Jennifer Blanc: I love that you just said that! I love you! I officially love her! That’s one of my lines in the movie, in the infamous words of Bono -“a woman needs a man, like a fish needs a bicycle” I love that you got it.
Victoria: Great! What kind of character do you play?
Jennifer Blanc: I pay a girl named Vicki, I had short black hair in a bob, I play this total Goth chic who … it’s basically a coming of age movie for people who are a little bit older.
Victoria: Right.
Jennifer Blanc: And I sort of come of age as well in the movie, It’s about a girl named Jules who’s trying to figure out what to do with her life, I’m her best friend, and I end up falling in love with her.
Victoria: Cool … What’s your favorite thing that you’ve seen today?
Jennifer Blanc: Oh my god! I’m in love with the faux fur coats. I used to be a vintage fur person and then I became a vegan and an animal rights person and obviously you can’t mix the two, I’m in love with the faux fur coats, I’m in love with the faux leather bags, I’m in love with the stuff that Kate Spade did that was all woven faux leather material. I bid on it. And one other thing - the beds, those pet beds.

journal entry from October 2003 Good Morning Big Bear

2006-11-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

Out of the blue I get a call to come and host the hour-long morning show at Big Bear. Amazingly in just 2 hours you can go from the corner of Hollywood and Highland where they hold the Oscars to atop Big Bear Mountain, where the air is crisp and you have snowfields and the most gorgeous lake and views. The station puts me up at the Stargazers bed and breakfast and observatory. Over the next week, I film 5 shows and we have a great time, with lots of guests on the show. Then as mysteriously as it appeared, this gig goes away.

journal entry from 9.16.03 Silverlake Film Festival

2006-11-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

It’s always fun when the indie movies you do get into film festivals which are a complete blast. This year, A Couple on the Side, is selected for the Silverlake Film Festival. I can’t make the screening, so I go to the closing night party and hobnob with all the directors and producers at a gorgeous restaurant/bar in Silverlake.

journal entry from 9.11.03 Jay Sul Band

2006-11-07T16:27:00.001-08:00

I get hired as a back up singer in the Jay Sul band, singing international music. Two months of rehearsals and one gig. That’s it so far.

journal entry from 2003 Burningman

2006-11-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

Go. Just go. And go to www.burningman.com for details.

journal entry from 4.5.03 Sam & Zooey

2006-11-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

When I first meet with director Graham Tallman I am horrified that he wants me to play a character that has an 18-year-old son. O.K. It's biologically possible. But a bit of a shock! Great shoot. Nice people. My big scene gets cut. Pearls before swine. Oh well.

journal entry from 3.27.03 Table and 2 Chairs

2006-11-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

A night of One Acts by Gordy Hoffman (yes he's Phillip Seymour Hoffman's brother). Great script. I'm in two one acts. So fun rehearsing with my scene partners Lisa Buda and Skip Moore. My fav is Hill's Shortest - the one with Lisa, a story about two girls who steal other people's mail. Our director has a major family crisis the night of the show and has to travel to New York. We miss her but the show goes on, directorless.

journal entry from 3.3.03 Duplex

2006-11-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

Surprised to find myself on the set of a movie that wrapped 8 months ago. They're shooting pickups. I play an undercover cop. LA is full of surprises! Like the location - downtown in the middle of a nasty section of derelict warehouses someone has dropped a mini studio. It's in a warehouse - so the dressing rooms are in one warehouse and then you walk through some barbwire sectioning and through another warehouse that has a loading bay full of bundles of stuff. Then in the next building there is a set of a police station and a court and all sorts of other sets upstairs. We are warned not to touch anything. Weird.

Big Production value here. It's always nice to be on set when it's done right. Craft service won't have me make my own cup of hot chocolate - he does it for me. Ben is directing and looks like he's having a ball. Drew looks exhausted and takes naps on the desk between shots. She is much more petite than I had imagined.

journal entry from 2003 Firespinning

2006-11-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

Having been spellbound by the fire spinning I saw at Burningman last year I decide that this year I will learn to spin fire. I make it my goal to light up before Burningman. I learn my moves and many many thanks to my private coach, Deb Wallace, who not only has a heart of gold, but also teaches me everything I know about fire spinning.

Here goes

2006-11-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

I just created this blog. So I can blog away...

V's blog

I Heard the Mermaids Singing - screening - THE COLUMBIA GORGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Come join Dr Megavolt on kickstarter!

I Heard the Mermaids Singing DVD now available through Createspace for $11.99.

I Heard the Mermaids Singing available on Amazon on demand! Download for $1.99

A worthy cause - 140

two articles coming up in Art & Living Now/Next!

140

A Film to Tweet About | Filmink News

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL JAN 21-31

It's official! We Won!

I HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING at FISHBON EVENT LAB

SPEC COMMERCIAL - "PARTNERS" - PLEASE VOTE 4 US

Meet the Megavolts - Fox LA News 5.12.2009

Mer has Mo legs ... Delray Beach Film Festival 2009

2009 Independent Spirit Awards Winners

Art & Living Magazine Winter 2009

Academy Awards main nominations 2009

Co-write screenwriting competition

classic onion - Google Launches 'The Google' For Older Adults

more cookie's

"The Cookie Thief" - more screenings

Lem's headstone

We won!

Here's to you, coach - article in the Erie Times-News

I Heard the Mermaids Singing - nomination

Naperville Independent Film Festival

Great Lakes Independent Film Festival

3rd Annual Celebrity Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament

Palm Springs International Shortfest & Market

I Heard the Mermaids Singing now has a DISTRIBUTOR

Mermaids signs a distribution deal

60th annual Emmy nominees announced

Mermaids at Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival

Mermaids @ReelHeART

Miss-Taken

Broadhumor Screenplay Lab - Saturday, June 14

Broadhumor is a festival of funny female filmmakers.

I was one of the actors reading the 2008 Screenplay Finalists for Broadhumor Screenplay Lab on Saturday, June 14, in the Studio at the Electric Lodge. The highlight for me was reading with Janina Gavankar, best known for her role as "Papi" on The L Word.

The writers select scenes from their scripts that they want to hear read aloud by a team of professional actors. The readings are for the writers, but are open to the public.

http://www.broadhumor.com/

http://www.broadhumor.com/

Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

from Dream Work by Mary Oliverpublished by Atlantic Monthly Press© Mary Oliver

61st Fesival de Cannes Redux

Cannes à la Flip Short Film Competition

Mis_Taken filmed in Cannes

off to Cannes May 14-24

The Cookie Thief

Mermaids updated festival information

Mermaids updated festival information

I Heard the Mermaids Singing @METHODFEST/KENT

Carlson Family Theatre, Viewpoint School

23620 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas, CA 91302

Dirtbox.tv launch

I Heard the Mermaids Singing in post

I Heard the Mermaids Singing

ART TO LIFE AWARDS

Caught in the Act - August shows 4th and the 8th

7.16.07

07.13.07 - we film Mathilda's tarot card scene

7.11.07 research for Mathilda

Angels Die Slowly

It's good to be back

The Memory of Water

Dirtbox

Mock News Report - Red Rocket

The Bugville Critters

updated

journal entry from 6.7.2006 - four four media

journal entry from 6.3.2006 - The Cookie Thief

journal entry from 3.28.2006 - Art & Living Mag Party

journal entry from 2.2.2006 - Santa Barbara International Film Festival

journal entry from 1.26.2006 - Sundance

journal entry from 3.24.2005 - Caught in the Act

journal entry from 1.27.2005 - Caught in the Act

journal entry from 10.07.2004 - Caught in the Act

journal entry from 10.2004 The Real Thing

journal entry from 2003 Firespinning at Cirque du Soleil

journal entry from 12.4.03 Firespinning at Cirque du Soleil

from Dream Work by Mary Oliver
published by Atlantic Monthly Press
© Mary Oliver