Showing posts with label Movie. Show all posts

Born To Be Blue & Regression to hit screens

Main St Newmarket, Ontario, Canada - movies location

Born to be Blue is a feature film bio pic coming out in theatres this week that tells the story of a jazz legend, Chet Baker, during a certain period of his life in his forties. The lead role, played by Ethan Hawke, nearly never came to be, yet seemed destined to always. Explanation....

The only reason Hawke took / was offered the role is because it was convenient for Director Robert Budreau to drop off a copy of the script at the hotel to read while he was staying in Toronto filming the Alejandro Amenabar horror film, Regression, in Newmarket, Ontario which open in theatres next month as well, and then pop by on occasion to meet at the bar and discuss his vision on the role / movie while Hawke was missing his family, and between being on set. Geez Canada has paid off well for this Ethan Hawke lad.

The ironic part, and reason for my earlier, "yet seemed destined to always", statement refers to the fact that earlier in his career Hawke had been involved in his own production for a Chet Baker film with Richard Licklater but the film about the legend jazz/blues player, which took place at another time period in the performers life, never got off the ground. So this role has actually been 12 years in the making for him.

Well you never know, maybe York Region will prove yet another set location for the next music legend bio-pic or Tommy Boy scene, what with Newmarket becoming Main Street USA of late, and even the winter blues can be dispelled at Aurora's Winter Blues Festival this weekend!

All Star jammers @ 2015 Aurora Winter Blues Festival click here for 2016 info

TP out

2015 Playr Film Video Festival TPE Shortstop

Carole Pope flanked by Canada's first legal gay couple Ian Taylor and George Olds as Toronto Sun photos

2015 PLaYR Video Festival a short film stop for TPE Productions

Festival Debut May 13 2015 Rainbow Cinema

I'm always the procrastinator. The two entries TPE put forward to be in the York Region Film and Media Festival, now called the Playr Video Festival I believe, and which has movie house locations set up at various locales across Y.R. for the duration of the festival at which you can attend for free, are not my most recent but they deserved a release despite their owners tardiness. so Wed May 13 at Richmond Hill's Rainbow Cinema on Yonge St, they get their due.

That's right...free! I was surprised when I heard that, but it makes good sense to try and get people in the seats for a newish festival still finding it's place, but this keeps the Y.R. version rather unique. It's not so rulesy as some and has enough categories to keep things interesting, from emerging to pro.

The first was a short drama called Shoots, Scores that has little to do with hockey, and more to do with youth and relationships and mental health with a fateful twist left to the imagination that acts as a turning point.

It was originally shot as part of The Quest for Youth organized yearly by the Y.R.D.S.B. and I'd been asked to write a piece for it which was themed " Mental health, coming out of the shadows", thus you see shadows imagery throughout.

Tom Pearson

Because it was originally shot to jump to live from live stage action to music to live art, I probably should have reworked the transitions or voice-overed a poem left out that was part of the original mix, but in the end it is what it is and stands alone as a short film. It still gives a message in its own unique way, leaving the ending and "interpretation' of what you see, up to the viewer.

TP asked everyday people their thoughts on the issue

My Actors had no experience - some with special needs - and I had to act as Camera Operator, Lighting, Director and Actor during it, as well as try and get an inexperienced but eager Editor to go faster...trying desperately to duplicate what I wanted with limited software and a sick wife..Even the music, if you want to call it that, I created on my keyboard at home. Ha..In the end it's a great job by the cast though, with my hope that in the end there could be seen no difference between kids. I think it works that way. At the end of the day its a short with some disturbing intimations that make the viewer think...and that's all I wanted to do with as Jason Baulch and Mark Cardinelli's performances in particular an added bonus in my eyes. Creepy Guy played by Keith Campbell was also worth an honourable mention. Here's some Clips.

A Thin Pink Line

I decide to enter A Thin Pink Line because I was once hired to produce the world's first same sex wedding show held in 1995 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, when it was just becoming legal. Now in its 10th anniversary year of becoming legal across Canada, coupled with the USA political landscape towards similar sentiment I believe it very fitting, as A Thin Pink Line was a behind the scenes snapshot of that time period including flying in couples from places where banned to marry legally. One contest winning couple came to marry here from Nebraska where same sex marriage is still outlawed today. The couples appeared in the media and in tv shows drawing attention to the issue and TPE saw fit to capture it all and use a shadow documentary crew to follow me around.

As soon as I'd heard one well known tux and wedding apparel rental chain bowed out because they'd heard of others getting death threats for renting to a gay wedding, I knew this was worth documenting. At that point it became personal. These people were corporate bullies and treating people with disrespect. It was then that I realized this was a human right.

Even I myself had been on the fence admittedly at the time about the issue of same sex marriage, or, rather, didn't really care until then, as were many. Hell, our spokesperson and one of the performers for the event, Carole Pope, didn't even believe in the institution of marriage! Even certain media channels were reluctant to take our wedding show ads or call back.

Carole Pope flanked by Canada's first legal gay couple

From protesters at Queens Park, to people on the street, we interviewed and asked opinions, with not all being favourable and some outlandish remarks uttered and captured by our crew, " These people have a sexual disorder", and on..So obviously at some point my Filmmaker mind kicked in and said - Hey I can produce this live show and capture the story too!" And so that's what we did. This 10 minute short is but a miniscule portion of the feature length version which you can look forward to a a release from sometime in the future. It also features killer music by then supporters of the cause and a fave of mine, Sean Stephens and the Chaos System. I still love their music. Here's the latest morph of their Ride My Bike a song also in A Thin Pink Line, featuring some clips from the same sex show.

Are they the best I can do? Not yet, but the best stories. And I've worked much bigger budgets for films like Hansel & Gretel with Taylor Mumsen and Howie Mandel or Miracle Dogs with Kate Jackson, Ted Shackleford, Stacy Keach, Wayne Rogers and Betty White in the Retrievers etc. But it's not always about the Film or even the Actors, it's the subject matter, and sometimes the subjects aren't pretty, but that doesn't make the messages any less important.

Shoots Scores teaches we've come a long ways in identifying mental health as a disease and that circumstances can lead to disaster when coupled with it and for recognizing the rights and treatment of victims and sufferers. A Thin Pink Line reminds there was a fight for the rights for transgenders, gays and lesbians and all people to marry and of the importance that such films be made.
Lest ye forget. A Thin Pink Line.

Congratulations TPE! - May 28 at Newmarket Theatre 7pm is the awards gala for the festival with TP getting a nomination for an award which will be followed by an after party at Main St. Tequila 185. Tickets are available through TixHub

Regression - Movie Shoot on Main St Newmarket

Main St Newmarket becomes Main St USA

The town of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, doubled for a retro American town for a day as, Regression, a psychological thriller film Directed by Writer, Director & Composer, 29 year old Alejandro Amenabar (The Others, Tesis, Abre Los Ojos), starring Emma Watson and Ethan Hawke, wherein a police detective investigates activities of the paranormal and evil happening in a small rural U.S. town, was shot on location on their Main St. Insert scary music here.

Although the storyline had been kept under wraps, a style similar to Amenbar's previous work in the genre, like the snuff film based Tesis, is likely to emerge.

The film will be released by Dimension Films, owned by the Weinstein Company, in 2015.

The last time a movie production was in town with Main St. as it's set location, it was the remake of Carrie being shot, and, like then, locals turn into patronizing wannabes whenever the circus comes to town, just happy to be a part of it and willing to lend our streets out and restrict residents while the shoot goes on. The only thing missing was the red carpet, but hey, it's all part of the small town charm Newmarket maintains, at least on its Main St, as everything else seems to be under construction - but again - the magic of movies will edit that out for us thank goodness.

The movie shoot was fairly typical with Main St. being used for part of a chase scene. In a scene like this, continuity is very important so everything from the road being wet for a rainy scene, to the people walking down the street (extras) have to be the same and are shot from different angles so must be done numerous times. This shoot had several crane cams too which was very cool to see in action hovering high above the streets, which, while observing, I also noticed a dog in a window and wondered if it was part of the flick. Ha.

The crew and A.D.'s et al were actually quite accommodating I found, allowing me some pics and the like in between takes and posing for the odd one too. Last time out (Carrie production) I found them a bit condescending and pushy which always gets my back up a bit when I figure we're doing them a favour as locals, allowing them use of our beautiful Main St. (not an easy task for a local to do) and suspending our use of it for their movie - which I won't likely ever see until it hits cable.

But that's the charm of Main St Newmarket - and a charm that's beginning to pay off as movie credits for Main pile up with increased business in the shops and restaurants or those just soaking up the well preserved older historical-like buildings, including one of the few remaining Main St, old town clocks which sets her apart as a town, and, I guess, for the movie locations scouts.

Rover restricted during movie shoot

I likely won't rush out to see this movie Regression or anything, as thrillers aren't my thing, but I do look forward to seeing the final shots of Main St - especially with all the development hounds salivating over it of late including the clock tower - so we may lose attracting these movie shoots soon, as well as lose the charm.

Meantime, Newmarket has it's our own Talent Show in town tonight featuring Canada's Idol Star finder Farley Flex so who knows!? A star is born!?

Below a video I put together of some backstage stuff. See you in the movies!

Here's some more photos below and check out the TPE You Tube video of some behind the scenes scenes from Regression!

Mr. Newmarket checks in

Even extras are Stars in Newmarket!

Optical Delusion..Hey its a horror!

Aurora Audio Video Installation Products Screen Sale

Reference Entertainment Installs in Pubs

Installing is a job that someone has to do. While everyone enjoys listening to great recorded music or watching TV or video screen Movies, Sports, the Olympics, and latest UFC battles on their big screen tv, video and home audio entertainment centres - whether that be at home or in your favourite sports bar or restaurant, theatre, or entertainment hall / center, you need to be able to rely on the product and installation specialists to be skillful and knowledgeable, and to that end you can't go too much wrong with Reference Entertainment based out of Aurora, Ontario, Canada and just a half hour from Toronto or Barrie. With over 35 years experience, they've been supplying top quality products and installation service of #audio and #video delivery devises and have built up a wide distribution network of brands at their disposal and so price their products and service better and can CUSTOM FIT you for audio video product or installation with stellar reputation for quality service. Whether home theatre system, audiophile music system, multi-room keypad system, home automation, lighting they cover it all and use only top quality electronic components, speaker systems and flat panel displays.

Corporate system set ups

If you can get one of the owner- operators Ray to open up a bit, you'll find he knows a lot about audio and video and including being a recording artist, known to be very particular about sound. So you're getting experience plus a bit of a perfectionist in Ray Yapper, a good combination to have to trust your sound and visual installation or sales to @ very reasonable rates.

It was cool being behind the scenes at the World famous El Mocambo alongside Ray as he went to work displaying the sound he has so fine tuned, but he obviously get's it honestly and a love of a craft always means a better product whether live or memorex!
A Tom's Top 10 for Service

Is it live or Reference?

TPE says you can never go without a top notch sound and video guy, so before you open another bar, theatre ot just plain home living room set or centre call your reference point -
Reference Entertainment and enjoy the show!
Call 416 - 303-5451

Highlights Beatles Art Reveal and Pop69 Toronto Rock & Roll Revival Movie

I've attended a wack of gigs lately and none more exceptional than the #Pop69 Soiree held last Tuesday night, upstairs at Toronto's Hard Rock Cafe, during the peak of film festival season. With a Canadian who's who of rock and roll in attendance including Jason Paul "Cone" McCasl, music Producer, Bass guitarist and backing Vocalist of pop-punk band Sum 41 and Ian D'Sa, Producer & guitarist from Billy Talent, with a tag line inviting people to "Party like it's 1969",the bash was a smash hit; the feature highlight of the evening being an unveiling of a replica of some rare Beatles Art - the only collaborative piece ever made by all 4 Beatles - and the announcement of a documentary film, Pop69 being produced, having a historical Beatles connection.

Arriving early, a Toronto Jazz musician gave a helping hand by introducing me to the lovely H.R.C. hostess, and being the first on site representing City Vibe Contracting sponsoring the evening's food, I began to deflect a small bevvy of questions regarding the menu - wanting to feign some knowledge of the cuisine even though I hadn't a clue! Ha. I did remember a vague reference to samplings ala Yoko Ono and The Plastic Ono Band era however, so I threw that out there leaving it with, " That's all I know man" Ha. I was there to schmooze, do some P.R. and take some pics, but as for the food...the menu was still a mystery to me. Tony would be arriving soon anyway and some other "troops" too!

Chloe Rose left from Degrassi, a Rocker Chick? Who knew!?

Sure enough, he arrived shortly thereafter and I was introduced to Valerie Mcculloch of Canwood Entertainment who I was meeting in person for the first time and who turned out - to use the phraseology of the evening - to be really cool and whose relentless energy reverberated throughout the room as she seemingly tried to greet each guest personally. She makes things rock and roll for C.V.C. and over at Canwood is by all accounts an instrumental and invaluable cog in the production wheel there too.

The energy of the room seemed to intensify as the man of the hour, legendary promoter Johnny Brower arrived not too far into the evening. He seemed to genuinely enjoy greeting friends and likely some not seen in awhile. Brower, of course, was the man who persuaded John Lennon to perform at the famed Toronto Rock Revival Festival of 1969, and, in doing so, create a pivotal moment in rock history, as Lennon would go on to play with Yoko Ono as The Plastic Ono Band separate from his Beatle's band mates for the first time in history.
One week later The Beatles were no more.

More and more people began spilling into the upstairs bar as anticipation for the unveiling grew. The music tempo kicked up a notch while the munchies made their rounds, meantime beautiful women dressed to the nines started bobbing a bit to the music as I was silently loving the idea of them posing with the famous artwork and period posters later. For the sake of art I mean. Seriously. Okay, hey, I'm a freekin' guy. Give me a break.

It was 44 years ago today, on Sept 13 1969, when John Lennon communicated a message through Eric Clapton to Johnny Brower that he'd changed his mind about Rock & Roll Revival Toronto and wasn't going to come. What exactly did Johnny say to persuade him I wondered? These are some of the rock & roll mysteries that will be unraveled in Pop69 the movie. For music history buffs this film is sure to be a hit. A chance to get a first hand look at the goings on behind the scenes, of without question, an event in the running for Canada's most important rock moment in history. Certainly, behind only Bob Dylan's first use of an electric guitar, it was 1969's most important rock moment.

What if he hadn't persuaded him? Did having Bikers escort help persuade? Would Lennon have had second thoughts & returned to play with The Beatles again? Hopefully the doc will answer a few of these questions from behind the scenes that fateful day.

As the M.C., President Gordon Weiske of CanWood, made his way up to the stage finally, people leaned in anticipation, the lights adjusting, and a small Paparazzi clamoured for the best shots. Of course, I'd been keeping an eye and hovering, making sure to be right at the front to ensure optimal coverage, but was having some issues with using one of my cameras for the first time, conveniently stuffed in my man-bag that looks suspiciously like a purse at times and slung over my shoulder, and as I juggled them, buddy next to me may have gotten an arm nudging or two, mumbling something at me in protest. C 'est la vie, I still managed some good pretty shots out of the dozens I ruined. I just thank god it's not like in the 1969 using film and all that would have been wasted! Ha..my Scottish roots kicking in again..speaking of which..there was someone there related to Paul Mcartney I believe ..can you spot him in a pic?

Johnny Brower was officially introduced, and before pulling the cloak off, he spoke a bit about the experience of producing this historical event of 1969 - which also had on the bill in addition to Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band The Doors, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis & Chuck Berry among some and included Alice Cooper's debut here. No longer the brazen young 22 year old who dared to arrange this masterpiece of rock & roll-hood alongside Kenny Walker, but fiery as ever and with eyes ever-youthful, the excitement of his experience in putting together this momentous happening still obviously a part of his being, as his retelling oozed the same passion, I'd imagined, a youthful John Brower would have had.

As someone who has himself felt that sickly, panicky feeling in the gut when an event organized may not be going to plan, and a lot is at stake, including often your own money - and you have to portray a poker face to everyone that all is well too. I can almost envision the egads! moment when J.B. thought to approach Apple Records to have John and Yoko emcee when sponsor Eaton's Department Stores dropped out due to lagging sales the week before the event - only to have the couple make the provision that they be able to play if they hosted! Ha. Tough one there Johnny!

City Vibe sponsored food was just fab!

The unveiling itself was over in a wisp with quick a flip of the wrist, but everyone wanted a pic with the famous art replica and of Johnny B and company, followed by more nibblers and some Hard Rock refreshments. I'd like to have seen the D.J. throw some Beatles tunes and other 60's era music into the play, being that the upper level was for the #Pop69party but hey, you can't have everything! I mean....we can't all be able to break up The Beatles! Maybe I'll bring a band next time! Ha.

The Rock & Roll Revival Pop69 Party may have been a littler bit tamer than the wild rock and roll parties of 1969 but everyone had a blast! Ironically, I recently blogged of bringing a Beatles Fest to Newmarket and garnered interest to do so....so who knows? Another Art and Legends stop? Stay tuned!

I look forward to the 2014 movie release of POP69 and the answers to some more of these groovy, cool cat queries....stay tuned for updates! Peace out!

TPE's Spoof Video..Remember K-Tell?