Rex Sikes' Movie Beat

Michael Caplan's career began in the early '90s, when he worked as a producer of independent films in Chicago. In 10 years he produced 3 critically acclaimed feature films, including The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, & Peoria Babylon,starring David Drake & Ann Cusack. Throughout the decade, Michael wrote and directed several dramatic shorts that screened on PBS in Chicago and film festivals nationwide. In 2003 he completed Stones from the Soil, a personal documentary about his father, who was one of 150 German Jewish teenagers sent to a farm in Germany by their parents during the Nazi period. The film aired on national PBS & at colleges nationwide. Michael's next documentary focused on a Chicago magician and scholar named Eugene Burger. Michael traveled across the country to interview Eugene, Max Maven, Jeff McBride, Luna Shimada, Larry Hass, and other magicians and thinkers fostering a movement to return magic to its roots. A Magical Vision was completed in 2008, premiered at The Gene Siskel The

PAUL PROVENZA an accomplished comedian, classically trained actor & an innovative filmmaker has worked TV, movies, theater & stand-up comedy for more than 2 decades. Paul has gone back & forth between acting & standup comedy in every medium from TV to theater to film. He has been a guest on every major talk show from The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson to The Tonight Show starring Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Jimmy Kimmel Show, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart & was a favorite on Live with Regis & Kathy Lee. He has written, produced, & starred in several comedy specials, including his own one-man show for Showtime, The Incredible Man-Boy. Paul wrote, produced, & starred in Comics Only, Pulp Comics & Lounge Lizards for Comedy Central Paul was a series regular on the NBC hit Empty Nest, & starred in his own ABC series, The Pursuit of Happiness, was a series regular on The Facts of Life. He co-starred with Keanu Reev

Orly Ravid, Co-Executive Director The Film Collaborative At TFC, Orly works primarily on distribution, sales/licensing and contract/negotiation services with a focus on new media digital distribution. She also handles theatrical releases. A “big picture” thinker, Orly created TFC in response to a dominant and overarching structure that favors middlemen, not filmmakers. Her intense diligence in protecting filmmakers' rights and revenues is equally matched by her passion for art film and socio/political issue-focused documentaries. Orly is committed to helping artistically and intellectually rigorous and important films reach their respective audiences via a financial model that is sustainable for filmmakers. She is also a programming consultant at Palm Springs International Film Festival and a Programming Associate for documentaries at Sundance. Her past affiliations include Senator Entertainment (VP Acquisitions and Distribution); Wolfe Releasing (Director: Acquisitions, Theatrical, Non-Theatrical, Business A

Jon Reiss PT 2 author of Think Outside the Box Office is the first nuts-and-bolts guide for filmmakers who want to take control of their own distribution and marketing destiny. Each chapter addresses an essential aspect of a film’s release and gives specific techniques to filmmakers to create success with their films in today’s marketplace. Jon Reiss named one of “10 Digital Directors to Watch” by Daily Variety, Jon Reiss is a critically acclaimed filmmaker who has produced and directed three feature films most recently Bomb It about graffiti and the battle over visual public space throughout the world. Based on his experience releasing Bomb It with a hybrid strategy has just published Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution in the Digital Era. He also speaks around the world at film festivals, schools and organizations on this topic. Jon teaches film the California Institute for the Arts where he created the class “Reel World Survival Skills: Everything I Wish I Had Been Taugh

Sheri Candler, a marketing & publicity specialist helps independent filmmakers gather an audience for their work. As the Marketing & Sponsorship Manager for the Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival, she encountered numerous talented filmmakers who possessed expert knowledge in storytelling & film production, yet lacked the knowledge of how to promote & distribute their films. It was painful for Sheri to see how opportunities were being missed & filmmakers being abused by the distribution process. Sheri helps independent filmmakers devise successful marketing & promotional strategies by identifying & connecting with their audience early in the production process by utilizing blogs, social media, online radio, forums, online publications & finding influential recommenders. Building connections continues well into the release of the film. She was involved with promoting 2009 NFB Cannes Short Film Corner winner "Sebastian's Voodoo"; "Butterflies," one of the firs

Jason Brubaker is a Hollywood based independent movie producer, passionate about helping other filmmakers make their movies and apply proven marketing strategies to reach a global audience through new movie distribution models. With over a decade of movie making experience, Jason has produced numerous shorts and THREE feature films including (Special Dead 2006, Rattle Basket 2007 and Toxic Soup 2009). Jason is a contributing author of The Independent’s Guide to Film Distributors (2009 Independent Media Publications), he is the founder of Filmmaking Stuff, an educational resource for independent filmmakers and screenwriters. His articles on independent movie marketing, distribution and film production have been featured in The Independent as well as the New York Film Academy. Brubaker has has lectured on these subjects to filmmakers from around the globe at the Maine Media Workshops. Brubaker began his movie making career paying his dues at a small market production company in Pennsylvania. In January 2002 Jas

Kristen Shaw PT 3 Acting & Audition Coach & actor has appeared in over 2 dozen Film and Television projects, as well as having more than 25 National Commercials to her credit. Kristen was recently seen as "Nora", the First Gentleman's Chief-of-Staff, in ABC's hit Commander-in-Chief, with Geena Davis and Donald Sutherland. She was called a "modern day Lady MacBeth" by the New York Times, for her portrayal of "Fiona", William Petersen's tough-talking wife in the Oscar nominated film, The Contender. She received an Emmy campaign by the producers of the critically-acclaimed ABC series, Line of Fire, for her role as "Janet Malloy", wife to the mob boss, played by David Paymer. Look for her in Resurrecting the Champ with Samuel L. Jackson, The Last Castle, with Robert Redford, Nothing But the Truth, with Kate Beckinsale, and many others. Since arriving in Atlanta in April of 2009, Kristen has appeared in the Kevin Spacey film Father of Invention, as well as filming a

Sam Witwer, PT 3 actor, has worked as a regular on the series Battlestar Galactica and Smallville. Among his numerous television appearances are Bones, Dexter, Csi, Jag, NCIS, Cold Case, Angel, Dark Angel, ER and many more. He’s has appeared in movies as well, recently in No God No Master directed by friend of Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Terry Green and The Return of Joe Rich directed by friend of RSMB Sam Auster. Samuel Witwer, was raised in Glenview, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois and attended Glenbrook South High School where he was active in theater and drama. He dropped out of Juliard in New York and moved to California to pursue acting as a profession. He appeared in several TV series and eventually landed the role of Lieutenant Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo on Battlestar Galactica. For three episodes Sam played Neil Perry, the “supposed” Ice Truck Killer, of Showtime's Dexter in 2006 and Officer Casella in two episodes of CSI. He went on to play Doomsday, the new rival of Superman in the 8th Season Sm

Michael Sonntag PT 3 is a casting director, film producer, teacher, and actor. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Michael began his career producing local evening news for NBC, after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. He has worked both in front of and behind the camera, in a wide range of positions - most recently casting the feature film, Nephilim, as well as a number of commercials for clients such as Walt Disney Studios, TV Land, and DeclareYourself.com, with his business partner, John Coppola.  Michael has also worked as the casting director and line producer on the television series, Bourbon Street, for Rampart Entertainment. His other producing credits include Co-Producer on award-winning director Vince DiPersio’s acclaimed feature documentary, Truth In Terms Of Beauty, and Associate Producer & UPM on Semper Fi: One Marine’s Journey, for Showtime.  His next project, the romantic comedy, Detour, is slated for production in 2009.  Prior to producing, Michael held the title of Director of De

Curtis A. Smith, 1st AD. PT 2 grew up Oak Park, Michigan enrolled in Specs Howard's School of Broadcasting Arts. After graduation 1997, he landed an internship on the feature film Marriage Material, directed by Jody Poldolsky. The film starred Leslie Ann Warren, James Rebhorn, Alanna Ubach & Michael Silver. Curtis was offered a paid Set Production Assistant position on Out of Sight, directed by Stephen Soderberg, starring George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez & Ving Rhames. He then worked on Cherry, starring Shalom Harlow & Jake Webber. As 1st Assistant Director, Curtis is responsible for overseeing the majority of the preproduction & production phases of a film. While scheduling the entire photography of the film, Curtis works very closely with directors, assuring their creative vision is adhered to. He also works with producers to insure a film has what it needs to be a quality project, as well as finish on budget and on time. Curtis has worked very close with experienced professionals of the indep

Sarah Nean Bruce PT 2 of Bel Age Pix. A twenty year veteran in the entertainment biz, Recent projects: Additional Unit Producer of “The Delphi Effect” (aka “Kiss Me Deadly”) for Regent Entertainment; Co-Executive Producer of film festival award-winning noir sci-fi feature “Yesterday Was A Lie” for Helicon Arts Cooperative; Co-Executive Producer of the Hallmark film “Where There’s A Will” (Love, Clyde)” directed by John Putch, starring Marion Ross, Frank Whaley, & Christine Elise for Larry Levinson Productions; Co-Executive Producer of the Hallmark Romantic Comedy “The Family Plan” starring Tori Spelling & Little Miss Sunshine’s “Olive” Abigail Breslin for Larry Levinson Productions released domestically and worldwide; Director of the thriller / horror feature film “Bram Stoker’s Way of The Vampire” released domestically through Blockbuster Entertainment and worldwide; Director / Producer of the dramatic ensemble piece “The Marriage Undone”; Producer of the hybridized Live-Action / CGI television pilot

John Paul Rice producer PT 2 - Mr. Rice attended Georgia State University in 1997 with a focus on Business. In 1999, while at college, Mr. Rice was given a rare opportunity to work on Jerry Bruckheimer's Remember the Titans. After working almost three months on the film, John returned to school and directed his studies toward learning the history of cinema. Mr. Rice gained hands-on production experience by working on a handful of micro-budget independent films between courses before moving to Los Angeles January 2001 to pursue a career in film production. By mid 2001, John landed a position at the Los Angeles division of the German distribution company Senator International (which later became Mandate Pictures) lead by industry veteran Joseph Drake (Juno, The Grudge, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, 30 Days of Night, American Psycho). Under Joe’s mentoring, John developed an interest and dedication to producing feature films. John left Mandate in the fall of 2005 to form No Restrictions Entertainment LLC

ALAN L. GANSBERG (PT 2) Dean of the College of Columbia College Hollywood, a fully accredited private college offering degrees in Cinema and Cinema/TV. While running the key areas of the College, Gansberg continues his career as a writer-producer and occasional director. He has written and/or produced more than 100 hours of television, created more than a dozen nationally-distributed documentaries, and directed several longform TV projects. Gansberg has been nominated for four Emmy Awards (two for writing, one for producing, and one for documentary writing), and is a part winner and long-time trustee of The Humanitas Prize, which Daily Variety has called “The Pulitzer Prize of television writing.” He has also been honored with two Ohio State Awards, and been nominated or won a host of other honors, including nominations for the Writers Guild of America Award and the NAACP Image Award. Among his credits are “My Past is My Own?” a CBS film starring Whoopi Goldberg, for which Gansberg won the Humanitas Prize,

Eric Morris is one of the most controversial and exciting acting teachers in the history of American performance. Author of 5 best-selling books on acting, and having taught over 20,000 students in the last 40 years (including some of Hollywood's biggest stars), Eric's craft process is clear, specific and compelling. Eric goes far beyond the Method in dealing with the actor's instrument in the belief that it is virtually impossible for an actor to learn or execute a process of acting without first eliminating the blocks, tension, fears, inhibitions, and other obstacles to expression. He teaches you how to deal directly with freeing the instrument, allowing you to become a "professional experiencer." Eric Morris began his involvement in theater at Northwestern University, where he graduated with a degree in Dramatic Arts. His acting career of over one hundred Equity plays, twenty major motion pictures, fifty network television episodes, and running roles on two syndicated TV series led him on a searc

Chris Jones One of the authors of the popular “The Guerrilla Filmmaker’s Handbook” series, Chris Jones will be making his Movie Beat debut. Recently, Chris directed the short film “Gone Fishing” which was shortlisted for an Oscar. He chronicles his journey as a guerilla filmmaker on his blog Make Film, Teach Film (http://www.chrisjonesblog.com/) and recently launched an internet television show in support of the new book in the series, The Guerilla Filmmakers Pocketbook. Chris has 3 feature films under his belt (White Angle, The Runner, Exam) and soon will be launching his new film project. He will talk candidly about his run-ins with the law, meeting Prince Charles and give up the tips and tricks that low budget independent filmmakers need to know. The other authors are Andrew Zinnes and Genevieve Jolliffe. Stay tuned to Rex Sikes Movie Beat for other great archived interviews, cast and crew listings, events, festivals, premieres, and more at http://www.rexsikes.com

Director Terry Green PT 3 has 25 years experience in the entertainment industry, with 13 years managing a successful motion picture production company. He is an Award-winning writer & director with access to the highest levels of talent, production staff & project financing. In 1997 he founded an independent company Strata Productions, Inc. that has financed $20 million in private equity for the production of 3 feature films, amassing over 750 financial partners over the past 13 years. Garnered awards from some of the nation’s most prestigious film festivals. Worked with Academy Award caliber talent, including David Strathairn, Timothy Hutton, Virginia Madson & Lindsay Crouse, among others. Strata Productions, Inc. is in Chicago, where it was instrumentally involved in advancing local film education and awareness, offering internships to local high schools and universities. The principals of the company have worked directly with state and local film offices, including the offices of the Honorable

Kristen Shaw PT 2 Acting & Audition Coach & actor has appeared in over 2 dozen Film and Television projects, as well as having more than 25 National Commercials to her credit. Kristen was recently seen as "Nora", the First Gentleman's Chief-of-Staff, in ABC's hit Commander-in-Chief, with Geena Davis and Donald Sutherland. She was called a "modern day Lady MacBeth" by the New York Times, for her portrayal of "Fiona", William Petersen's tough-talking wife in the Oscar nominated film, The Contender. She received an Emmy campaign by the producers of the critically-acclaimed ABC series, Line of Fire, for her role as "Janet Malloy", wife to the mob boss, played by David Paymer. Look for her in Resurrecting the Champ with Samuel L. Jackson, The Last Castle, with Robert Redford, Nothing But the Truth, with Kate Beckinsale, and many others. Since arriving in Atlanta in April of 2009, Kristen has appeared in the Kevin Spacey film Father of Invention, as well as filming a

Michael A. Hoffman editor/director Pt 2. Originally from South Florida; Michael A. Hoffman has worked in all facets of the entertainment industry. An accomplished IATSE editor (Los Angeles Local 700); his credits range from moderate independent productions to large scale features. Highlights include; the upcoming Vindicated Pictures release “Forget Me Not”, which stars Carly Schroeder (“Firewall”, “Way of the Dolphin”) and Cody Linley (“Hannah Montanah”); his directorial effort “ROT: Reunion of Terror“ (released March 9th); and the upcoming “Beware” (aka “Cuidado”). In 2008, he was appointed as the head of Bongiovi Entertainment’s HD and film department (credits include Ron Howard’s “Gung Ho”, the Johnny Depp documentary “Rock and a Hard Place: Another Night at the Agora” and Stephen King’s “Pet Semetary”) and became an accomplished editor on the Industry Experience Roster . Mr. Hoffman is also a successful Production Manager (the 2008/2009 St. Louis Cardinal’s “Play Like a Cardinal” ad campaign), producer (t

Patrick Giraudi PT 2 is a pioneer in using digital workstation in sound editing and mixing films. He is a well established Sound Supervisor/Re-recording Mixer in the film industry with over 330 film credits to his name. From music engineer to sound editor, he started to work as a freelance dialogue editor. He quickly became renowned for his professionalism and knowledge of digital technology. In 1991, a State Of The Art post production facility in Culver City hired Patrick, and from editor and became within a couple of years lead Re-recording mixer using the top digital equipment available. He was nominated and won MPSE awards for shows such as Tales From The Crypt, Xena Warrior Princess and many other. Sometime in 1994, while mixing Now and Then produced by Demi Moore, the studio was upgrated with a new digital editing system which also allowed sound mixing within a software called Protools. From that day on, the possibilities became endless and Patrick never went back to using analogue outboard gear and tra

Kristen Shaw Acting & Audition Coach & actor has appeared in over 2 dozen Film and Television projects, as well as having more than 25 National Commercials to her credit. Kristen was recently seen as "Nora", the First Gentleman's Chief-of-Staff, in ABC's hit Commander-in-Chief, with Geena Davis and Donald Sutherland. She was called a "modern day Lady MacBeth" by the New York Times, for her portrayal of "Fiona", William Petersen's tough-talking wife in the Oscar nominated film, The Contender. She received an Emmy campaign by the producers of the critically-acclaimed ABC series, Line of Fire, for her role as "Janet Malloy", wife to the mob boss, played by David Paymer. Look for her in Resurrecting the Champ with Samuel L. Jackson, The Last Castle, with Robert Redford, Nothing But the Truth, with Kate Beckinsale, and many others. Since arriving in Atlanta in April of 2009, Kristen has appeared in the Kevin Spacey film Father of Invention, as well as filming a str