LAWTF Presents 'Of Culture, Of Self' At Ivy SubStation, Sept. 5, In Culver City

            For one night, the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival (LAWTF) comes to Culver City for a unique performance at 8 p.m., Fri., Sept. 5, 2014 at the Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd.

            The theme of the evening will be “Of Culture, Of Self,” featuring three of LAWTF’s favorite performers, as well as one artiste new to the Festival. Included are:

            Karen A. Clark: In this spoken word excerpt from “The Women,” Karen A. reflects on the powerful women in her family through music, poetry and storytelling. She recounts the ritual of baking bread at family reunions, an activity that brought everyone together. In particular, she pays homage to her loving mother, who added a “wow” factor to her life.

Sariyah Idan : "Homeless in Homeland" has a documentary hip-hop theatre aesthetic and is based on Sariyah’s journey that  took her to Israel and Palestine. It combines poetry, dance, and characters met. Idan conveys in this excerpt a young Jewish-American woman's struggle to understand her identity and the meaning of home through the lens of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ada Luz Pla: "Tracing My Lineage: A Story of a Puerto Rican Spitfire" pays homage to the many women who raised Pla in Puerto Rico and later in the South Bronx projects where 15 of her family members shared a small three-bedroom apartment. In the lively excerpted piece, Pla brings to life some of the amazing women in her family.

Kat Kramer : MY DUET WITH MICK is an original one-person-musical-solo-show that follows Kramer's journey down "Rolling Stones Road" to meet the great and powerful "Sir Mick Of Jagger." Along the way, in this excerpt, Kat meets some unique characters, and makes an important discovery about herself.  

 

The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival, a non-profits arts organization, was founded by Executive Producer Adilah Barnes and Miriam Reed. 

 

“Of Culture, Of Self” marks the LAWTF’s fourth-year program for residents of Culver City. This program is made possible in part by the City of Culver City Performing Arts Grants Program with support from Sony Pictures Entertainment.

 Tickets for the performance are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $18 for students, seniors, and groups of ten or more. 

Reservations: (818) 760-0408. Online reservations are available at http://www.lawtf.org 

 

To join and follow LAWTF on Facebook and Twitter, click on their links at http://www.lawtf.org

'The Remaining' Set For September 5 Release

CASEY LA SCALA DIRECTS THE SUPERNATURAL THRILLER

Los Angeles, CA (Friday August 8, 2014) - Releasing in theaters on September 5, 2014, The Remaining is an action-packed, supernatural thriller based on biblical accounts of the end times, in the aftermath of the Rapture. As a close-knit group of friends are celebrating a wedding, a series of catastrophic events turns the party into a life-and-death struggle. The young group desperately scrambles for refuge and self-preservation while a horrifying enemy unleashes its wrath against those remaining. They must figure out what is happening around them, and find a way to survive together in a terrifying new world of death and destruction. Directed by Casey La Scala and written by La Scala and Chris Dowling, the film stars Alexa Vega (Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D), Shaun Sipos (Texas Chainsaw 3D, TV’s “The Vampire Diaries”), Johnny Pacar (Flight 29 Down), Italia Ricci (TVs “Chasing Life”), Bryan Dechart (Step Up 3D) and newcomer Liz E. Morgan. The Remaining is produced by Brad Luff (Urban Legends), Marc Bienstock (Quarantine 2: Terminal) and La Scala. Rounding out La Scala’s team are cinematographer Doug Emmett (Paranormal Activity 4), production designer Brian Stultz (Iron Man 3) and editor Paul Covington (30 Days of Night).

Director Casey La Scala describes events that led him to write the script, “A couple of things happened at the same time. When my father passed a lot of things ran through my mind. One being to love the one you’re with before it’s too late, because things could end in the blink of an eye. When I had begun writing Amityville, I thought about what it would look like to have global paranormal activity. The same thoughts occurred when I was involved with the production of A Walk to Remember. Writer Nicholas Sparks has a faith-based, very family-oriented voice, which led to me think, what if I put the two ideas together? I wanted to create a story that would capture the imagination of everyone, mainstream and faith-based audiences. The Remaining captures both by centering on the extreme and horrific circumstances surrounding the biblical accounts of the end times. When the audience sees the movie they will feel like they are there.”

Producer Brad Luff adds, “The Remaining is a compelling story that is meant to entertain a broad audience while also connecting strongly with those seeking spiritually-rich content.” In order for the filmmakers to ensure the film would seamlessly speak to faith-based audiences while appealing to the mainstream, they took the script to several pastors and youth leaders around the country for their critique and input.

Early response to the film amongst Christians has been very positive. "There are few movies that provide an opportunity for evangelism, where a youth pastor can do an altar call as the credits roll. The Remaining is that movie, an important message and outreach opportunity for churches,” according to Lifeway Films’ General Manager Scott Mills.

Adds AFFIRM Films Senior VP Rich Peluso, “The Remaining is a ground-breaking venture for AFFIRM Films, exploring the thriller/horror genre to bring to life a character-driven end-of-days story that is a glimpse of what life might be like as the world we know comes to an end. The filmmakers and cast built and delivered excellent characters that pull the audience into the human journey in the midst of supernatural events.”

Alexa Vega is cast in the leading role of Skylar, the bride who is from a very religious family and, surrounded by turmoil, comes to the realization of what being a Christian is truly about. “I think it’s an incredibly beautiful story . . . Even though her family is extremely religious, she practices but was not necessarily a believer. It was amazing to play this girl that makes this transition and finds herself and her faith despite the things going on around her,” she states.

Tyndale House Publishers will be partnering with Sony in the publication of The Remaining, a novelization by critically acclaimed novelist Travis Thrasher that will release in September 2014. Readers can get a sneak peek by downloading the free e-book prologue, The Foreboding, in August (www.tyndale.com). Kingstone Comics brings top horror artist Kyle Hotz to the graphic novel adaptation of The Remaining, which is set for a mid-August release on ComiXology, at retail and on all digital platforms. Kingstone is the largest publisher of Christian comic books and Biblical worldview graphic novels worldwide, sold and distributed in 95 countries.

The Remaining is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of terror, violence and destruction throughout, and thematic elements. Running time is 87 min.

SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE REMAINING:

“There has never been a more critical time for the soul of a human being than the times we are facing. This film forces one to ask determinative questions about faith and eternity, life and everlasting life, relationship and religion. The Remaining is a life-changing movie that will literally jolt you into the reality of Heaven vs. Hell.” - Bishop Neil C Ellis

“The Remaining dives, unapologetically, into the tough question: When the world reaches it's end, will I remain? In a powerful and sterilizing way, it scares you into the realization that we all have a choice. What choice have I made? How can I influence the right choice? It is an incredible movie that will change lives across the world.” - Bishop George Bloomer

“The Remaining is an epic contemporary dramatization of apocalyptic events. Its compelling realism thrusts the audience into an involuntarily self-examination and reassessment of personal life priorities. Movies are created to entertain you, this one will challenge or change you!” - Leonard N. Smith, Senior Minister, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Arlington, VA, and Chancellor of Richmond Virginia Seminary, Richmond, VA

CONNECT WITH THE REMAINING:

Teaser Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEYj9rF8qrA
Facebook - facebook.com/TheRemaining
Instagram - instagram.com/theremainingmovie
Twitter - twitter.com/TheRemaining

About AFFIRM Films:
Affirm Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company, dedicated to producing, acquiring and marketing films which inspire, uplift and entertain audiences. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com

Wesley Snipes Stars In 'The Expendables 3'

 

Actor Wesley Snipes join Terry Crews, Antonio Banderas, Harrison Ford and Victor Ortiz in the action-packed installment of the record-breaking franchise The Expendables 3. Snipes plays Doc, a master knife expert that his old team breaks out of prison.

 

 

(l-r) Jason Statham and Wesley Snipes

In The Expendables 3, Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team come face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables -- but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.

 

The Expendables 3 opens nationwide August 15.

Beyonce Set To Perform And Be Honored At VMAs

Beyonce, who leads MTV Video Music Awards nominations with eight, including video of the year for “Drunk in Love” – will perform at the Aug. 24 show at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

The 32-year-old will also receive the video vanguard award, a lifetime achievement honor given in the past to Michael Jackson, Madonna and Britney Spears.

Last week Beyonce had everyone buzzing when she released a Nicki Minaj-assisted remix to her song “Flawless,” where she raps and references the leaked elevator video of her sister, Solange, apparently attacking Jay Z.

Beyonce’s collaborative tour with her husband wrapped its U.S. dates on Wednesday. They will play two shows in Paris next month.

Also set to perform at the VMAs are Ariana Grande, Maroon 5, Usher and 5 Seconds of Summer.

Original Cast Of 'The Awakening' To Join Project Awakening Stop The Violence Walk in Chicago

Darlyn Turner and Dr. Clifford E. Turner

Chicago - When Dr. Clifford E. Turner, founder of Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church and World Outreach Ministries, presented the "The Awakening" in 1990, his vision  galvanized not only the local Chicago community, but also eventually an estimated 100 million viewers around the world. The show, a production from his Holywood Studios, followed the perils of a young, south side Chicago inner city teenager, Marquita Perry, and her struggles with premarital sex, drugs, peer pressure, and gang violence. "The Awakening" started as a two-part skit for television and evolved into a seven season, 150 episodic Emmy Award winning series, becoming the longest running Christian mini-series ever produced. An inner-city minister, Turner's goal for "The Awakening" was to capture the attention of youth and to speak to them about the high costs of low living, and specifically the perils of living in a culture of violence.

That goal is still a mission almost 25 years later as the original cast of "The Awakening" returns and joins Dr. Clifford E. Turner and Holywood Studios to facilitate the Project Awakening Stop The Violence Walk on Saturday, August 30, 2014. The walk will take place starting at 6200 S. Lake Shore Drive on Chicago's south side at 7:30 a.m. and is a determined show of strength toward empowering the local community against the continuing onslaught of violence.   Turner and his team hope to propel worldwide attention, support and prayer while creating teamwork between the family, churches and the police to work together for peace.

The Project Awakening campaign is Dr. Turner's latest broad based concept to facilitate change. Sponsors and participants can support the Stop The Violence Walk via a variety of initiatives. In addition to personally joining the walk, residents and non-residents alike can participate with prayer, donations and also by purchasing the original "The Awakening" series, available for online viewing at http://www.awakening.com/.  

All proceeds will help to support selected organizations in their fight against violence along with assisting Project Awakening's own endeavors, including the expansion of The Awakening Life Lessons curriculum targeted for use in schools nationwide.  Some of the Project Awakening partners include The NFL Alumni Chicago Chapter ( http://www.nflalumnichicago.org), Billionaire Minds (www.billionaireminds.org) and Love in Action (www.4loveinaction.org).

As Dr. Turner expresses, "I realized when I started Holywood Studios in 1985 that the vision I received from God would impact lives for years to come. 'The Awakening' series has been a most powerful transformative tool. To have the cast come back almost 25 years later to continue with the work we started is an amazing testimony. Our communities are under siege right now with nonsensical violence escalating daily. This campaign effort is more than a fundraiser, it is a time for the entire community to join together in a day of camaraderie, inspiration and above all, hope."

The original cast from "The Awakening"

Chief Apostle Dr. Clifford E. Turner is a powerfully progressive and trend-setting leader whose bold and convicting messages of salvation, healing, deliverance, and restoration have torn down the barriers of religion while building up the lives of the people in this nation and countries across the world for over 35 years. Apostle Turner founded Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church and World Outreach Ministries on March 14, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois; the church started with two members, with Dr. Turner as Pastor. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, Apostle Turner became the trailblazer of an apostolic movement that the City of Chicago had not seen before. By 1985, Liberty Temple had become one of the fastest growing ministries of its time, outgrowing three locations in three years. His Holywood Studios serve as an extension of his ministry, reaching the masses through film production.

The Project Awakening Stop The Violence Walk is the second venture sponsored by HolyWood Studios and Project Awakening. A successful walk was staged in Zion, IL late last July.

To join the walk, become a sponsor, or to support the event with a purchase of the original series, now available for online viewing, go to http://walk.awakening.com/ for additional details.  Join Project Awakening on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/projectawakeningcampaign?ref=hl .  

Cast Set For David Mamet's Provocative 'Race'

L-R (back row): Chris Bauer and Dominic Hoffman 

L-R (front row): DeWanda Wise and Jonno Roberts 

during the first rehearsal for David Mamet’s “Race.” 

            Casting is set for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet’s “Race,” which opens September 7, 2014, at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.  Previews begin August 31, and performances run through September 28.

Directed by longtime Mamet collaborator Scott Zigler, “Race” features acclaimed stage and screen actors Chris Bauer (“True Blood,” “The Wire,” Broadway’s “A Streetcar Named Desire”), Dominic Hoffman (Mamet’s world premiere of “Faustus”), Jonno Roberts (Broadway’s “Take Me Out”) and DeWanda Wise (ABC’s “Firelight”). 

“Race” has set design by Jeffery P. Eisenmann, costume design by Leah Piehl and lighting design by Josh Epstein.  Casting is by Mark B. Simon, CSA, and the production stage manager is Kirsten Parker.            

In “Race,” Mamet tackles America’s most controversial subject in his provocative tale of sex, guilt and bold accusations. In “Race,” two lawyers find themselves defending a wealthy white executive charged with sexually assaulting a black woman.  When a new legal assistant gets involved in the case, the opinions that boil beneath explode to the surface.

Milan Records To Release 'The Knick' By Martinez

The Cinemax® Series Marks The 11^th Collaboration 

Between Steven Soderbergh and Cliff Martinez

 

(August 6, 2014 – Los Angeles, CA) – Milan Records will release THE KNICK – Original Television Soundtrack digitally on August 19, followed by a physical CD release on Tuesday, September 16.  The album, which will also be released on vinyl later in the year, features original music by composer Cliff Martinez (DRIVE, SPRING BREAKERS), a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

 

“Working on a TV series was a round-the-clock-for-10-weeks endeavor for me. Lots of coffee...not so much sleep,” said Martinez of his first real foray into composing for an episodic television series. The composer, who previously scored one episode of PEE WEE’S PLAYHOUSE, joked about his approach.  “There's nothing like a 10-hour series to help you squeeze the maximum mileage out of all your musical themes!”

 

Set in New York City in 1900, this new Cinemax drama series from Academy Award® and Emmy®-winning director Steven Soderbergh centers on the Knickerbocker Hospital and the groundbreaking surgeons, nurses and staff who push the boundaries of medicine in a time of astonishingly high mortality rates and zero antibiotics. The newly appointed leader of the surgery staff is the brilliant, arrogant renegade Dr. John Thackery (Academy Award® nominee Clive Owen), whose addiction to cocaine and opium is trumped only by his ambition for medical discovery and renown among his peers. Soderbergh directs all 10 episodes of the series' first season.

 

“As usual, Steven and I rarely spoke and instead communicated via mental telepathy,” said Martinez.  “In so many words he told me: ‘We're all going to recreate early 1900s New York as authentically as possible...except for you. I want the music to be modern and electronic.’

 

"For The Knick, I revisited a time-honored Soderbergh/Martinez tradition that I like to call ‘one thing,’” Martinez added. “I try very hard to score an entire scene using only one sound or instrument. It's difficult and I usually end up cheating and using more. But by limiting the number of elements, I'm always guaranteed an expressively minimalist and fat-free soundtrack."

 

 

TRACK LISTING

1.     Son of Placenta Previa

2.     I’m In The Pink

3.     Placental Repair

4.     Finish Your Breakfast

5.     Thus Speak Thack The Wise

6.     Never Read Him

7.     Aortic Aneurysm Junior

8.     Goodnight Nurse Elkins

9.     Drizzled Him Good

10.  Not Leaving This Circus

11.  Falling Off a Bicycle Plus

12.  Call Me Dad

13.  Fire It Up Again

14.  Pretty Silver Stitches

15.  Douse This

16.  New Standard Hernia Procedure

17.  Sail To Europe

18.  Abscess

19.  My Book

20.  Will It Hurt

 

THE KNICK debuts on Cinemax August 8^th at 10PM. THE KNICK -- Original Television Soundtrack on Milan Records will be available digitally on August 19, 2014, on CD September 16, 2014, and on vinyl later this year. 

About Cliff Martinez

Perhaps it is because of his time in the punk scene playing for artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee), The Weirdos, The Dickies, Lydia Lunch and Foetus frontman Jim Thirlwell, and the final incarnation of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band that composer Cliff Martinez’s approach to scoring is nontraditional.  His scores tend towards being stark and sparse, utilizing a modern tonal palette to paint the backdrop for films that are often dark, psychological stories like NARC (2002) SOLARIS (2002), THE LIMEY (2009) WONDERLAND (2003), WICKER PARK (2004), DRIVE (2011) ARBITRAGE (2012), SPRING BREAKERS (2013), THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (2013), and ONLY GOD FORGIVES (2013).  He has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with director Steven Soderberg beginning with 1989s SEX, LIES, AND VIDEOTAPE and continues with such films as TRAFFIC, NARC, and CONTAGION. Martinez has been nominated for a Grammy Award (Steven Soderbergh’s TRAFFIC), a Cesar Award (Xavier Giannoli’s A L’ORIGINE), and a Broadcast Film Critics Award (DRIVE). Martinez received the Richard Kirk Award from BMI.  His recent projects include the HBO film THE NORMAL HEART.