Viewing & Interview of Getting Lucky on Television Show!

Santa Claus came early this Holiday Season as I had the fortunate opportunity to be interviewed on the show: Watch My Shorts. A show committed to showing short films and interviewing up and coming filmmakers. Getting Lucky was selected as one of the films to be viewed on the show, which airs in Springfield, IL.

This is what I love about the festival circuit---you never know what may happen with your film and what opportunities may arise.

I had submitted Getting Lucky to the Route 66 Film Festival that took place in September. Getting Lucky was selected to the film festival, but unfortunately, I was not able to attend as I had already committed to another film festival that was taking place at the same time.
My good friend and talented filmmaker, Julia Rodochia, was going to be in attendance at the Route 66 Film Festival as her film, Eddie's Winning Date, was selected for the festival as well. She agreed to represent Getting Lucky as she was a consultant for the film.

Getting Lucky was well received at the Route 66 Film Festival. In particular, a couple of producers, the Berry brothers, were very complimentary of the film. Two months later, the film festival director, (the wonderful and multi-talented Linda McElroy) contacted me to see if I would be interested in showing my film on their program as well as be interviewed about the film.

Of course I was ecstatic and said yes! The interview took place on December 19th and it went extremely well. I had a great deal of fun chatting with Rachael (the hostess) and Linda McElroy, the Route 66 Film Festival Director.

The actual viewing date of Getting Lucky along with the interview, will be on February 9th.

A special thank you to Linda McElroy , Rachael, the Berry brothers, and everyone at Watch My Shorts for having me be a part of their wonderful show--- I hope to be a part of more collaborations!

What an amazing way to end 2006! I have so much to be thankful for and I feel truly blessed by all the success and opportunities the film has garnished and afforded me over the past year.

The film continues its successful journey on the film circuit as it was recently accepted to the Trail Dance Film Festival in Oklahoma! The festival begins at the end of January in 2007.

Happy Holidays and here's to a prosperous New Year!

Getting Lucky wins the Bronze Pecan Award!

The Seguin Film Festival was amazing! Shane and I saw 98% of the films and there were some really wonderful films that were a part of this festival. Shane and I did get a break to view some of the art at the arts festival. The people in Seguin were so friendly and gracious--we were treated like celebrities! Many thanks to Denise Crettenden, Seguin Film Festival, and the city of Seguin for their warm hospitality.

Towards the end of the day they announced the winners of the festival. I was thrilled that my dear friend Julia Radochia took the Directors Award for Eddie's Winning Date. Yay, Jules! Congrats!

As they announced Getting Lucky for the Bronze Pecan Award, I was shocked and extremely grateful. I'm always happy to have Getting Lucky be a part of a festival, let alone win an award. Here I am with fellow filmmakers and winners Joey Carrillo; winner of the Robert A. Burns Award (Best Horror) for his film, Cliptomaniac. Denise Crettenden, The Seguin Film Festival Director, me, and Erik Bosse, won The Director's Award for his Comedy, Operation Hitman.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween came early this year at the Seguin Film Festival! Here a *ghoul* come out from the dark night and makes his way to Palace Theatre to attend the Seguin Film Festival. A special of horror films that were playing pre-Halloween to get everyone into the mood. Happy Halloween!

Also, photographed here are volunteers helping out at the film festival in the ticket booth.

As Shane and I left Seguin, we were told that a production photo of Getting Lucky was in the newspaper that day. We stopped off at a store and sure enough, there it was, the lead story in the entertainment section! What a wonderful way to end the our adventures in Seguin. It was great day and fun festival!

The Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre is a gorgeous older movie house built in the late 1930's/early 1940's. Unfortunately, just a few years after it was built, a fire destroyed most of the theatre. However, the theatre was re-built in 1947 to look like the original building/structure.

It is said that several celebrities visited this theatre as many Westerns were filmed in the area--John Wayne being one of them celebrities that frequent here in the Palace Theatre and Seguin area.

Here is Shane and in the front of the entrance of the Theatre. On display behind us is the Getting Lucky poster.

Seguin Film & Arts Festival

The Seguin Film and Arts Festival is about 50 minutes South of Austin, TX. My dear friend, Shane, lives in Austin so it was the perfect trip to visit a close friend and to venture to another amazing film festival.

We got on the road early so that I could participate in a Q&A discussion on behalf of another good friend and fellow filmmaker, Julia Radochia. Her film, Eddie's Winning Date was also screening at the Seguin Film & Arts Festival. On the freeway, Shane and I missed our exit (due to much talking and laughter) however, thanks to Shane's expert driving and speedy convertible, we made it to Seguin and with time to spare!

Seguin is know for Pecans--apparently the exotic nut was first discovered in this area in North America. The weather was gorgeous and there was a nice turn out for both the film festival and the arts festival that was taking place in the downtown area. Here is Shane and I in the City Square where on display, is the famed Pecan.

The Party!

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Let the celebration begin!!!

The top photo is me with Donna Musil who won Best Documentary with her film, Brats: Our Journey Home about children that have grown up on military bases.

Directly above is Cliff Armitage, Jenna McGregor and Sean Doherty and I with the Getting Lucky poster. These people were amazing and made the Estes Park Film Festival an amazing success!

What an incredible night! Thank you all and thank you Estes Park!!!

Getting Lucky wins Best Short Film!!!

The Awards ceremony took place at the Estes Park Lodge. The lodge overlooks a beautiful lake and it is, of course, surrounded by the mountains.

Cliff got up to annouce the award for Best Short Film. All the films were exceptional and to be honest, I was happy just to be a part of such an amazing film festival, see incredible films, and meet some wonderful people and filmmakers. Cliff got to the podium and spoke. "The top 3 short films for Best Short Film are: Escape Velocity, 3:16, and Getting Lucky. And the winner of for Best Short Film is...... Getting Lucky!

I was taken aback. I made my way through the crowd, reached the podium and gave Cliff a big hug as he handed me a microphone so that I could make a speech...
Hmm... maybe I should of prepared something just in case. When in doubt, go with your heart-- And that's what I did, I spoke from the heart.

People came up to me afterwards to congratulate me and told me how moved they were by my speech. Several people from the Colorado Film Commission talked to me about shooting my next film in Colorado. With such beauty all around along with some nice filming incentivies--it may be a good idea.

The photos and party began soon thereafter and we were there until the early morning. Above are the filmmakers who received various awards, including: Best Documentary, Best New Filmmakers, Best Actor and Best Student Film.

Some wonderful and talented filmmakers and I'm happy to have met them and to have Getting Lucky be a part of an incredible line up of films. Special thank you's are in order to: Cliff Armitage, Sean Doherty, Jenna McGregor, Estes Park Film Festival and the people of Estes Park. I truly loved being a part of your film festival and meeting such wonderful people in your beautiful city. Congratulations to everyone! Cheers!!!

More views of the Rockies and Estes Park

It's Sunday--another beautiful, bright, sunny morning! The wind has pick up (up to 25 mph) however, with the sun out it's doesn't feel as cold.

Here are a few more photos of the Rockies and surrounding area of Estes Park.

Also, here is a photo of my cute rental car (it was a lot of fun to drive!) in front of the hotel where most of the filmmakers were staying. A very fun place as they boast having an 18 person hot tub!

The Historic Park Theater

The Historic Park Theatre is the venue for the Estes Park Film Festival. Built in 1913, it's a beautiful theatre and an amazing venue to have Getting Lucky screen at this gorgeous historical landmark. Here, I'm with Marketing Director and co-Film Director, Cliff Armitage, in front of the theatre's entrance after the filmmaker's Q&A.

Screening of Getting Lucky @ Estes Park

The day appeared daunting as the rain continue to come down at a steady pace. The sun, however, came out and the clouds cleared by noon. The city was packed as local artisans came into the center square to sell their goods. The town was alive and bussling. Many people came to the opening night of the film festival last night and attendance has been exceptional.

When I arrive at the theatre, there were numerous people there to check out the line up of today's films. I have been very impressed with the films I'd seen thus far.

Sean Doherty, Cliff Armitage, and Jenna McGregor are the festival directors and coordinators. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home in this beautiful city. They also commented on how much they enjoyed Getting Lucky and were happy to have the film be a part of their festival.

I had some time before the screening of Getting Lucky so I decided to shop around and check out some of the local artists at the fair in the center of town. There were all kinds of art available including: photos, paintings, sculptures and instruments.

It was 4:00pm and decided to make my way back to the theater for the screening of Getting Lucky which was @ 4:30pm. I arrived at the theater to find that the screening was sold out! Close to 200 people were there to see the short film program.

As the program started, I saw some incredible films, people were really enjoying themselves and having a good time.

Getting Lucky was next. I held my breath. Within the first 2 minutes, the audience began laughing. From there, the laughter continued to grow louder and louder until the audience was howling with the final date between Kat and Leo! I was ecstatic that the film was receiving such a wonderful response!

Afterwards, they had all the filmmakers come up on stage and introduce themselves as well as have a Q&A. It was an incredible event and screening and I feel honored and blessed to have been a part of it all. Thank you Sean, Cliff, Jenna and Estes Park. Now it's time to celebrate at Ed Cantina!

The Rocky Mountains

The next morning I hear a light rain gently falling on my window. I draw back the curtains to see the sun trying to break through the dark, foreboding clouds. Just beyond, is a gorgeous, beaming rainbow across the mountains. I take this as a very good sign.
I get dressed, grab some coffee, and head for the mountains. Although it is a bit soggy, the views are breathtaking as the road weaves through the towering mountains and enormous boulders. The leaves on the Aspen trees are already golden as well as bright orange leaves from other various trees dot the moutainsides.

As my cute rental car climbs the mountain, the rains turn to flurries and suddenly I'm in a winter wonderland. The snow dusts the ground and mountains all around me. It's so quiet and peaceful, it's almost as if I have ascended into another world. There are a few horses that hardly take notice of the flurries (or me) that come down all around them. I, however, marvel at this beautiful sight. The snow seems to silence everything around me; the maddening fast pace world, my racing mind, even the occasional car that drives by I barely notice as the stillness is so captivating and entrancing.

I breathe in the cool, crisp, air and relish in the peaceful, quiet sound of snow. This is the beauty of nature at its finest.

Estes Park, Colorado

I've arrived into Denver airport Friday morning and went directly to the rental car agency to pick up my car. The weather is much cooler (about 30 degrees) and the wind is blowing at 20 mph. I get my car and head for the mountains as Estes Park in about 1 1/2 hours from Denver. The scenery is gorgeous as I near the Rocky mountains. Along the way are beautiful rolling hills, farms, and open fields of land. I finally arrive in Estes Park and realize that I am minutes away from the Rocky Mountain National Park. Maybe I will entertain a morning hike in the mountains tomorrow.

Estes Park is a beautiful town located in a central valley as the mountains literally surround the town. The people are friendly, courteous, and are very interested in the upcoming film festival. In my first 2 hours in Estes Park I have seen 4 elk, a coyote, a buck, 3 does and 2 fawns. This is a city among the wilderness and it's spectacular. Also, the Stanley Museum/hotel is here. Famous as it was the setting for The Shining starring Jack Nicholson.

Here are some views of Estes Park. The white tower you see in the background of one of the photos is the The Historic Park Theatre- home of the Estes Park Film Festival.

Dances with Films Awards Ceremony

Pictured right is Joe McClean, the lead actor in the feature film, That Fall --- part of feature film competition at DWF. Joe was a huge supporter of the festival and a fan of Getting Lucky. Thanks Joe! He did an incredible job in his film as well. Also, below is a link to more photos at the Dances with Films Festival. Enjoy!
http://www.danceswithfilms.com/pics2006.html

Dances with Films Awards Gala Event

Closing night ceremonies at the Dances with Films Festival!
It was exciting, thrilling, and wonderful event --seeing so many fellow filmmakers and new found friends.
After a week of marathon film viewing, it was nice to meet up at the Italian restaurant, Maggianos, in the Farmer's Market and enjoy each others company and triumphs in filmmaking.
Above is Eric Casaccio (Jaime) and Kim Estes (Scott) from Getting Lucky, who were able to accompany me to the gala event.
A great time and I was happy to celebrate with fellow cast members and friends!

A toast!

Of coarse we had to have a celebratory drink to toast a successful screening of Getting Lucky at DWF!

Here are some of the cast, along with Dallas Travers, and fellow filmmaker, Lee Davis. A great time was had by all and the $4.00 happy hour margaritas at Tart can't be beat!

Friends and cast @ DWF

My friend Hope and Pam Levin-Winn (who plays the voice of my mom in the film) came out to support and celebrate Getting Lucky at the Dances with Films Festival. Both are very talented and amazing friends whom I adore.

Also, Kim Estes (above, who played Internet date, Scott) and Dallas Travers of Sage Inc. (who assisted with casting the film) have a chat in the lobby after the screening of Getting Lucky.

"Dates" of Getting Lucky @ Dances with Films

Here are a few of my handsome "dates" in Getting Lucky. The actors came to the screening and were able to stay after the Q&A for some press photos.

They are: Andrew Welsh (Leo), Eric Casaccio (Jaime), Sean Biggins (Sydney), and Kim Estes (Scott).

All are exceptional actors and wonderful friends. I feel very blessed to have them be a part of the film.

Screening of Getting Lucky @ Dances with Films

It's Sunday and a very hot day in Los Angeles. Not only is it hot, (in the high 90's) but there is a great deal of humidity as well. Highly unusual for California weather.
I'm getting ready for the screening of Getting Lucky today. A couple of my friends, Mary Salardino (who helped on the production) and Kim Estes (who plays one of the dates in the film) have invited me to brunch. I meet up with them at a popular cafe just down the street for the theatre. They are seated outside and I take a chair--- luckily in the shade. I chat with them for awhile and then start to head towards the theatre to get ready for the screening.

I get to the theatre and thank goodness for air conditioning as the heat outside is becoming oppressive. Actually, many people are seeking refuge from the heat and coming into the theatre, which is very exciting as the theatre is packed. I see a few of my friends beginning to arrive and line up for tickets to see my film! What a great moment seeing someone buying tickets to view your film! It's great to see so many people come out and support the film. Not only did many of my friends make it to the screening, but also several of the cast and crew came as well.

The screening went exceptionally well. Getting Lucky was screened with 4 other short films. There were some wonderful films in this screening segment and I was very pleased and proud to have Getting Lucky be a part of some terrific films at this particular festival. The theatre was about 2/3rd's full. That's about 250-300 people viewing the selected films!

Afterwards, the filmmakers were invited up on stage for a Q&A and to sign the Dances with Films Festival poster. Several people came up to me afterwards to ask me about my film, including some media representatives. How thrilling!

This is an amazing experience to have Getting Lucky be a part of so many wonderful festivals, and to have the film screened at Dances with Films here in LA where the film was shot, is especially sweet.

A spectacular experience; one that I will never forget!

Opening weekend @ Dances with Films

Wow!
DWF thus far has been an incredible exprience! The venue of the festival is at the Laemmle's Fairfax in West Hollywood. It's an older film house with a large screen and a seating capacity of 400.
So many amazing films that I've seen already!

I also have met so many wonderful people; filmmakers, actors, press, etc. Everyone is very supportive and ecouraging. It's inspiring to see such comradarie amoung fellow filmmakers and I'm proud to have Getting Lucky be a part of this film festival. The film festivals directors, Leslee Scallon and Michael Trent have done an amazing job putting this successful festival together-- kudos to them!

This is the lobby of theatre as the festival goes into full swing.

Dances with Films Festival - Los Angeles

I flew back from London and literally jump right into the Dances with Films Festival in Los Angeles. There have been a few articles regarding the film festival in both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety and the festival has consequently, created a "buzz".
Also, there was a feature article in LA Weekly about the festival and the various films that are being screened. I was too excited to feel my jet lag as I had heard from other filmmakers and friends that the Dances with Films Festival (or as many people refer to as DWF) was going to be a spectacular experience.

Above is the kick off party for the filmmakers at the restaurant, Tart. The place was packed with fellow filmmakers, cast/crew, industry, and press, etc. Great happy hour with $4.00 margaritas. The photo was taken later in the evening as the party was coming to a close and not quite as crowded.

Back in London

Another gorgeous day in London. I got in quite late last evening and therefore, I'm moving a bit slow today. I was planning to take a trip to either Brighton or Stratford upon Avon, however, since I had done so much traveling in Scotland, I decided to relax in London. These are just a few photos taken on my last day in the city. The first one is Picadilly Circus at night. The one below that is Picadilly during the day at the statue or Eros, (God of Love) a common meeting place for Londoners. The third photo is Trafalger Square; built as a testament of the Battle of Trafalger where England decisively defeated Napoleon in 1805 off the coast of Spain. Many Londoners congregate at this square to ring in the New Year---much like NYC and Time Square.
Near by are many West End theatres including the Old Vic Theatre, Royal National Theatre Company (founded by Sir Lawrence Olivier) and the Savoy Theatre, to name a few. In the background, you can see Big Ben and a portion of the House of Parliament.

Festival Party photos

A few photos from the festival party. It was late in the evening, however, it was just the beginning of the celebration for us! Much merriment and laughs abound that night.

Above are only a few photos of the many that attended the Awards Cremony. Wilma and Duncan Finnigan (judges of the festival and talented filmmakers as well) and Martin Greechen the Festival Director in his traditional Scottish kilt. Above I'm pictured with Martins, "Mum" -- who is a delight and absolutely adorable!

Festival Party!

I was running a bit late to the festival party. My day trip exploring Scotland took longer than I anticipated and I wanted to relax a bit before I headed to The Mint for the celebration.

I had roughly 10 minutes to freshen up before I made my way over to the venue and the walk itself was 15 minutes. The Mint is a great pub & restaurant. They have a private room upstairs where they hosted and screened some films the first night of the festival. Tonight this is where the celebration and conclusion of film festival was to take place.
Apparently Wilma and Duncan were a wee bit worried as they thought something may of happened to me during my travels and adventures around Scotland. (I was 20 minutes late getting to The Mint) No worries though, as Duncan promptly got me a glass of wine and I began chatting with them, as well as some of the other filmmakers that were in attendance.
There were quite a few people at The Mint. The party was invitation only and it consisted of sponsors, filmmakers, friends of the filmmakers and of the festival. Martin was dressed in his Scottish kilt and was looking quite dashing.

I didn't realize that the festival was giving out awards until I saw the trophies and certificates on the stage. When they began announcing the awards, I wasn't really thinking about it because as I said before, I didn't even know there were going to be any awards at the festival. Plus, I was enjoying chatting with my new friends and fellow filmmakers. Wilma got up to present the award for Best Comedy. "The award for Best Comedy at this year's Deep Fried Film Festival goes to: Stacy Marr for her film, Getting Lucky!"

It was a bit of a shock and I felt my face get hot (or maybe it was the glass of wine) as I made my way to the stage. Wilma handed me the award and then asked me some questions such as where did I get the idea for my film, how did I hear about the film festival, what was on the horizon for me and Getting Lucky, etc. Honestly, I don't remember what I said, but I was having a grand time. There was cameraman there and afterwards, he asked me to do an interview. Again, not something I wasn't prepared for, but I had fun and went with it. A few minutes into the interview a fan of Getting Lucky came up and got on camera with me. (he is pictured in the photos)

The party went on until the wee hours of the morning. It was a fantastic festival and a great night of celebration. I was impressed with the caliber of films that were selected for the festival and it was nice to have this evening to meet some wonderful people and filmmakers. Many thanks to Martin, the festival director for a wonderful festival and to Wilma and Duncan for being not only great filmmakers, but wonderful hosts!

The festival has been such a wonderful success on so many levels --- I'm thrilled that I was able to come to this beautiful country of Scotland and be a part of it.

Helensburgh

I had a 1/2 day left in Coatsbridge and the ladies at the hotel/B&B (pictured above and whom I've come to know) suggested I go to Helensburgh, a quaint seaside town about an hour from the area.
It was a lovely train ride as I was going through the countryside and could begin to smell the fresh, crisp, sea air. All sorts of farmland and animals were dotted along the fields as I made my trek towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Helensburgh was especially busy today as it was extremely warm (for Scotland) and many people were out and about; either shopping in the town center or getting in line for the rides down at the amusement park on the pier. I strolled along the boardwalk and sat near the beach; watching the locals and taking in the atmosphere. It was a wonderful way to spend my last day in Scotland at this beautiful, relaxing seaside town.

Sterling Castle

About an hour outside of Glascow is Sterling Castle. Considered a part of the Lowlands and a central area of Scotland, Sterling Castle became a key stronghold for Scottish independence.

England had control of the castle up until around 1296 when William Wallace recaptured the castle by winning the Battle of Sterling Bridge. Eventually the castle went back to the English, but only for 10 years because Robert the Bruce reclaimed it in 1314 after he won the Battle of Bannockburn. Upon this victory, Scotland secured it's independence from England for quite some time. The castle is an ideal location as is in central Scotland and surrounded by some impressive mountains.
Also noteworthy is the fact that Mary Queen of Scots was crowned Queen of Scotland here at the mere age of nine months. Mary's son, James VI, was baptized down the road at the Holy Rue Church. Later on he would also be crowned King of England and renamed James I. James I was the first King to have it be a requirement that the Holy Bible be translated to English. Thus, the King James version of the Bible was created.

Again, the views of the countryside and the city of Sterling from the castle are incredible. You would certainly be able to see an enemy or foe from miles away at this vantage point.

What is also amazing is that they have kept all the original walkways along the upper decks of the outer walls. One does get a sense of being a guard on duty as your stroll along these walkways as they nearly wrap around the entire castle. These walkways can get high up and with no protective banisters, it can be a bit unnerving at times. Still, the walkways are rather wide so it's not too dangerous and are manageable.

There is a lone monument to William Wallace directly across from the castle as a tribute to the Scottish Warrior. In this particular area where the monument stands, is where Wallace camped before he took over the castle from the British.

Scottish countryside

More of the beautiful, picturesque Scottish countryside. I don't know if my photos do it justice but it is absolutely breathtaking. These areas are considered the lowlands of Scotland. The larger, more mountainous region are the Highlands, and they're locaated in the northern part of the country.
I will have to come back and venture up there as I don't have enough time on this trip---so much to do and see, so little time! The little white dots that you see in the first picture are sheep. They are a bit of a blur as I was taking this photo while I was on a train and the countryside was rushing by.