Young Independent Filmmakers Making Magic Happen in CLE

There is a powerful underlying culture of young, talented, innovative and professional filmmakers and actors creating awesome projects in CLE right now. Our arts and culture scene is thriving. Although we have a collective network of arts organizations which fosters artists' growth (i.e. Cleveland Public Theatre, MOCA, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, etc.) some of the arts have yet to establish a platform to nurture, network and help navigate the path for emerging artists/creators. Enter young independent filmmakers in CLE! They have yet to experience a network to take them in, help develop their craft, provide resources, and establish a platform to showcase these fantastic films to our comminity. Have you heard about "The Avengers" filming in CLE? I bet! How about the tax credits for big budget films to come to our city and shoot movies? Yep, probably familiar with that too! And don't get me wrong, I think it's great to offer a temporary economic boost to our region and gain notoriety by having big budget films takeover the city...but what about the spectacular artists/innovators/filmmakers making magic come to life here, everyday, on a shoe-string budget with a high caliber message, quality, vision and film that can attest to the born and bred generation of Clevelanders who are making it happen?



The wonderfully talented production team Studio on Mars
bringing you the upcoming film, THE SAMARITANS
Zach Shildwatchter, Executive Producer. Jen Poland, Director of Photography. J. Buckner, Director.

Well a wonderful opportunity recently came to fruition and I was so happy to be a part of it and share the story with you, my CLE Believers! My good buddy Justin aka J. Buckner invited me to come for a day of filming on set for a short film called THE SAMARITANS.

J. Buckner: ACTION!

This, my friends, is the type of project that puts fire in my belly. The young people who defy the odds, who commit to their dreams, who pound the pavement to build a sustainable support network of filmmakers/artists in CLE, who resist Ohio "brain drain" and commit to our region's success,  and  who truly make our city's culture and arts so dynamic.

I knew it was going to be a spectacular experience for a laundry list of reasons, but considering I have already seen his last short film, "I AM ALIVE," which was just screened as the feature film in Rock Island, Illinois last week, and as part of the Monster Mashup in Chicago a few weeks ago-- I knew the quality of film that I would witness in the making.

Yeah....AWESOME!
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Seriously, this guy and his team are too legit to quit. The short film has already gained notoriety and a post-apocalyptic following of zombie fans...so I knew a wild CLE adventure was ahead as he invited me to hang out on set for a day of filming his new film "THE SAMARITANS."

The story of "THE SAMARITANS" was written by William B Keller (Bill) of Columbus, OH. Bill originally wrote the the short film to focus on the idea of peoples' reactions during moral dilemmas by turning seemingly innocent decisions into life-impacting events. Bill has been writing for over 30 years with a long list of credentials. But 3 1/2 years ago he lost his life long partner, Jill. He said he really struggled with just giving up and had all these thoughts in his head that he just needed to get out. He knew he had to pull something positive out of the tragedy of losing his high-school sweetheart, so he based the couple in the film on him and his wife, and used that as a foundation to build the story. (BTW Bill is the SWEETEST man ever and incredibly inspiring!) He wanted to make people stop, and think about how each action has a reaction.

"THE SAMARITANS" writer, left Bill Keller pictured with his son Will

The story centers around a young couple who skip out on work to go enjoy a beautiful day at the park, when they are unexpectedly faced with an unusual situation as a man, claiming to be a priest, emerges from the woods, panic-stricken and collapses onto the couple's car begging for help...



I'm pretty sure I'd be a liiiiittle bit alarmed if I was in the car right now too..




Pictured, Eric Small as Priest, Kellen Boyle as Tom, and Samantha O'Brien as Sarah

I have to give a huge round of applause to Eric Small who played a lead role as the priest. He delivered some serious drama and emotion--take after take...meanwhile in 40 degree temperatures.. and half-clothed. He was a tremendously talented actor and demonstrated some serious commitment to his craft! More people like him on the move in CLE!



Orderlies taking action...
Pictured Mike Chastain

I then met some similarly awesome people, Mike Chastain of Akron and Pakob Jarenpone of Akron, who played the role of the orderlies. Both gentlemen served as extras during the recent filming of "The Avengers" in Cleveland and haven't looked back since. They agreed that there is the sudden churning of independent filmmakers cranking out steller productions in our city and hope to see more and be more of a part of it.

Pictured Mike Chastain, left and Pakob Jarenpone, right
majorly B.A. & would NOT want to mess with these guys!

When I asked J. Buckner his opinion on why Cleveland is a great place to make and film movies he responded, "There is not as much red tape here compared to places like NYC or LA. People in Cleveland think it's cool when they see someone out filming, rather than as an inconvenience or passé, like a film shooting on the streets of NYC. We have four beautiful seasons here and every shot you may need can be accessed in just an hour drive--rural farms, big city skyline, well-known restaurants, manicured parks, Lake Erie beaches. It's all at our fingertips."

The biggest point each cast and crew member kept circling back to was the incredible potential for rising filmmakers and talented actors in Cleveland. As Zach Shildwachter, Executive Producer of "THE SAMARITANS" framed it, "Cleveland is a wide open market. Ripe. A lot of people are demanding high quality local films, but there is limited supply. Our biggest obstacle as filmmakers is cultivating a tangible network. We need a sustainable base to grow from. We don't want to be some circus act that just rolls into town." I couldn't agree more. As glossy and glamorous big budget films in Cleveland are, if we really want that industry to thrive, let's start building it--by the people and for the people of CLE!

Image source

So, CLE, are you ready? Are you jazzed? Well, may I present to you the long awaited, totally rad trailer for the making of this film I got to watch come to life. Click here for a link to the trailer of "THE SAMARITANS" or click the trailer below and be sure to like them on Facebook to stay tuned for the release of the final product! Young. Independent. Talented Filmmakers...making the magic happen in CLE! Enjoy :)

The Samaritans- Trailer

http://vimeo.com/52897175

www.thestudioonmars.com

Lady Luck? 10 Positives From Losing Your Wallet

Woooweee. Another challenging week but thankfully made up for it this weekend!! I finally started feeling better from the flu bug on Thursday. Woke up at 5:30am rearing to get in the office. Stopped to get a ton of Halloween candy for all my co-workers. Then pulled into the parking lot at 7:45am and realized I left my laptop AT HOME. Had a presentation at 9am, no laptop annnnd spilled an entire cup of coffee on my cute skirt (yes, I should probably invest in a sippy cup at this point.) Seriously, isn't that THE WORST? That kind of start to the morning really sucks rocks, for serial.

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After work, I met my buddy Kay (my very first friend I made in college!!!) at the Plank Road Tavern in Lakewood. Kay is definitely the "cool as a cucumber" friend that helps mellow me out whenever I get heated. Woooosah!! :)

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Circa New Years Eve of 2008

After having some good laughs about the level of ridiculousness I was experiencing lately, I said to Kay, "man, I really hope my luck begins to turn around soon!" He stopped me with the most glorious response that really hit home for me. "Jess, this has NOTHING to do with luck.... it's just another hurdle in life. You either got it, or you don't. And believe me...YOU GOT THIS."

Pyawww!
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A light bulb went off! Ah-ha! Yes, I've been experiencing some craptastic days lately, can I handle it? You bet! Is it helping me build up my "patient" and "mature" muscles? Absolutely!!! Luckily, I have awesome friends who know me so well--and have no problem checking my ass when I start to get down.


Kay and I at Plank Road Tavern. Check!

So needless to say, I was pretty jazzed for Friday to roll around. On top of it, I was geared up to take on the Horseshoe Casino for the FIRST time for my friend Brett's birthday.

Horseshoe Casino Cleveland
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I will be honest, I knew NOTHING, literally nothing about how to gamble--even the slots. Pahaha. So I was ecstaaaatic when I sat down at the first slot machine and... BOOM! I won $100. Beginner's "luck" or not, I was clearly verrrrry excited:



 



Ear to ear cheesing





Cheese McGee!

 

So, with my fresh hundy in my wallet. I headed to buy a round of celebratory drinks for the crew. It so much fun, and I definitely could understand why people develop gambling addictions...yikes. Gratefully, I called it quits and hung out and took in some amazing people watching and enjoyed the moment.

Danny, G, Ryan and Julie

 

As we were getting ready to wind down the fun-filled night, I then discovered, my wallet (with that crispy $100) was GONE. Boom! Seriously Lady Luck?

Boooooo! You tease!

 

Have you ever lost your wallet before? I hadn't, and let me tell ya, it's a pain in the arse! But yet again, Kay's infamous words rung true...it has NOTHING to do with luck! It's just another life hurdle :)

Building up that mental muscle!!

 

 

Saturday morning rolled around, and I was ready to tackle the "reissue my credit card, call the Casino security (again), figure out all the crap I once had in my wallet" task. But you know what? IT'S ALL GOING TO WORK OUT! Here are all the positives I learned from the experience:

1. Block your card immediately! Good piece of advice I was told. And I was actually able to get a semi-decent night sleep. Rather than worrying, chalk it up as a loss, and get a new card. Better to be safe, than sorry!
2. If you never had it, you never lost it! I put in $5.00 at the slots and won $100.00--at least we got a free round of drinks from it.
3. PNC has GREAT customer service, upgraded my account for me, and even called my local branch to aid in the effort.
4. This is just another reason that I totally NEED to get a passport!!! Motivation to get my travel abroad plans in order? I think so! :)
5. People at the bank have experienced this scenario way more often than I expected! And the really sweet bank teller even gave me a sucker to make my day better (you're NEVER too old for a free sucker)
6. I never liked my new ID picture anyways.
7. Don't keep your Social Security Card in your wallet. I don't know why, but I used to do this. I actually just took it out a few weeks ago before going on a trip. Thankfully, this was the one form of identity that semi-proved I still exist in society.
8. Speaking of identity--I get to be whoever I want for the next 5-7 days since no one can really "prove" who I am. I was thinking something more exotic. Suggested fake names I've received for consideration: Francesca Borgese. Cybil Shepherd. Sassafrass. Isabella. Natalia.Nancy Botwin. annnd Princess Consuela Bananahammock.
9. Buy a new wallet that makes you feel happy every time you look at it.

Who needs money, or an identity when you have such an adorably cute wallet, right guys?

    10. There's still HOPE they will find it. Now THAT would be some luck! :)

 

After the morning project. The day brightened up and so did the skies! Was that some perfect football weather yesterday? LOVE it! We headed over to Brett's birthday bash that we've been anticipating since the summer. It did NOT disappoint!

A stone oven pizza maker, cranking out pizzas all night (including a bacon nutella pizza--be still my heart!)

 

3 different bonfires going! Mmm fall fires!

 

Birthday cakes and singing!

Happy Birthday, Brett! Go Bucks!

They even had a huge screen projecter in the backyard to broadcast the game for all to enjoy. There was also a full supply of Brett's favorite fall drink: Captain Patterson! Fresh apple cider from Patterson's Farm served hot with spiced rum. Deeelish!

Hahaha! Love it!

Just when I thought the night couldn't get any more fabulous, my lovely thoughtful friend Julie showed up with a little white box for me. She was with me the night before during "Walletgate" and said, "Here's a little something for you, I thought you needed it more than I did"

Yes, a 4 leaf clover...IN REAL LIFE!

  

I obviously, instantly, burst into happy tears. Did I mention how awesome my friends are? So whether Lady Luck is real or not...whether she shows up at my doorstep, in my wallet, or totally wants to play hard to get. I know one thing is for sure:



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Wordless Wednesday: A "Political" Message Courtesy of JAM

In light of the Presidential Debates this evening and endless bombardment of political Facebook statuses, campaign attack ads, and endless mud-slinging on both parties sides,  ...may I bring to you, this "very important political" message:


Obama, "Jay-Z now knows what my life is like. We both have daughters. And our wives are more popular than we are...We've got a little bond."
vs.

Romney, "I'm kind of a Snooki fan. Look how tiny she's gotten. She's lost weight. She's energetic. Just her spark-plug personality is kind of fun."

Chew on that during the political debates tonight, 'Merica....

Ohhhh boyyyy! I am REALLY looking forward to Wednesday, November 7, 2012...

A Birthday JAM Weekend

I.LOVE.MY.LIFE...

For every phone call, text, post, tweet, email, card, office visit, hug, kiss, cake, drink and thought... THANK YOU!!! What a wonderful birthday feeling loved and blessed by each of you!


This is what it looks like to be 25...

Friday started off lovely. I walked into my office only to be stunned that my coworkers (who have made me feel extraordinarily welcome to the team this past month) had totally decked out my office for my birthday. I'm talking confetti, banner, streamers, and even a crown with the word "Queen" lit up on it.
(Luckily this picture was snapped before I was told I had to wear the crown...)

Then my amazing sister "happened to be in the area" and stopped by to check out my new digs and brought me a ridiculously cute tea cup orchid (seen above) along with a latte and other birthday goodies. Did I mention how awesome she is?


From her birthday the weekend before

 After a fantastic day at work, JMK and I met my parents down at the pier at Edgewater Park. I got to spend some time with my parents while taking in the magnificent view of the place I have called home for the past 25 years.

Thanks for the life you have given me, Mom & Dad!!!

After Edgewater Park, we shuffled on over to Whiskey Island for a laid back, carefree, live music, full of laughter, taking in the lake breeze kind of night. A bunch of my friends had never been to Whiskey Island/Wendy Park before, so it was an adventure for everyone. If you want a marvelous view of the sunset, boat access, volleyball courts, good atmosphere, and cold ones...defintely recommend.



Me and Marieeeee :)



Seriously unbeatable sunset



Taking in 25


The next day, we set off for a day which JMK entirely planned for us. And I must say, he totally knocked it out of the park!! We went to Gervasi Vineyard just a short drive to Canton. When we got there, I was completely blown away!!! It was GORGEOUS! We had a private two story suite in a villa that sat alongside a manicured lake surrounded by willow trees and wild life. I'm talking 4 Star classy.



A walk-in shower with marble tiles AND a heated towel rack. Win!

 

The living room with gas fireplace, and yes we did turn it on that evening despite it being 75 degrees



Totally RHONJ



Vineyards!

After having a glass of vino on the patio, we were treated to an in-suite hour long massage. OMG!!! What a perfectly relaxing afternoon. Once we peeled ourselves off the massage tables, we walked over to the Bistro next to the vineyards where there was live music, people of all ages, and those classic summer Adirondack chairs to set the scene. Here are a few more pics I snapped on an early morning walk around the property the next day. It was all around wonderful!

Our Villa





What more can a girl ask for? With the luxurious amenities, stunning surroundings and incomparable company--JMK set the bar high for future occasions! Highly recommend this place-- I could probably write a whole post about why it was so charming!!

We capped off the weekend with a family dinner at Washington Place Inn. Cozy, vintage and darn good food! Laughing our heads off--typical family dinner.

 

                                 

Whew! Whatta JAMmin weekend! Food, festivities, family, friends and fun! And thanks to each person who contributed to a memorable birthday. Here's to happiness, health and adventure! Cheers to a quarter century!