CONGRATULATIONS TO GREGORY PRINCIPATO AND THE CAST OF 'CRACKERS' FOR WINNING BEST NARRATIVE SHORT!
Showing posts with label Crackers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crackers. Show all posts
Monday, April 8, 2013
'Crackers' short with Vincent D'Onofrio wins at Garden State Film Festival
GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL
Friday, April 5, 2013
'Crackers' short with Vincent D'Onofrio screening at Garden State Film Festival this weekend
EXAMINER.COM
By Jennifer Principato
By Jennifer Principato
Wednesday, April 3 - The Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park kicks off today and will run throughout the weekend to showcase independent films from New Jersey and around the world. Attending a film festival is a great way to catch thought provoking films, various off beat story lines, (unlike the predictable Hollywood films that are most often available to us at mega theaters), and a chance to get acquainted with otherwise unrecognized talent. Often, one leaves pleasantly surprised and will think about the films they saw days afterwards. If you can get over to Asbury Park try to view at least one of the many interesting Independent films being screened over the weekend.
I highly recommend seeing the award-winning New Jersey-made short film CRACKERS starring Vincent D’Onofrio (Law & Order Criminal Intent), Brenda Vaccaro (Midnight Cowboy), Dan Hedaya (Cheers), Sal Richards (Out for Justice), Anthony Laciura (Boardwalk Empire), Beth Ann Bonner (One Life to Live) and Vincent Mora.
The film is part of a shorts showcase and will be screening at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park on Saturday, April 6 at 8:15 pm. The short film, with a run time of 32 minutes, has been widely received throughout the country and been the recipient of six awards including The People’s Choice Award and Best Short Film at the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival, Best Short Comedy at The World Cinema Festival, Audience and Juried Award for Best Short at the Teaneck Film Festival and Special Jury Award at the San Diego Film Festival.
It is a dark comedy, about the unraveling of an otherwise content chef (Vincent D’Onofrio) who now finds himself out of work and having to share his home with his cantankerous mother in law (Brenda Vaccaro), and her nutcracker collection. It’s only until he turns to his oddball neighborhood friends, (Sal Richards and Anthony Laciura) for help when things get worse and he slowly loses his paradise, his sanity and all that is sacred to him.
The film was shot in South Amboy and made by New Jersey resident, and award–winning filmmaker, Gregory Principato, (Mr. Laughs –A Look Behind the Curtain – 2009), who has directed, produced and co-wrote, along with fellow Union county resident, Timothy Reinhardt. When asked how they came up with the story, Principato said the experience had been surreal. The story had been twirling around my head for years, and once I met Tim, a novelist, we decided to work together, our ideas just came together so quickly. It took us three weeks to write the full story. Some of the characters come from our personal experiences and upbringing, so the dialogue felt real, but I was particularly amazed about how smoothly the partnership between us evolved as we met weekly at our local Barnes and Noble to work on the story.” Although Gregory has directed projects before and Tim has other fictional works written, this was the team’s first attempt in writing a screenplay.
“There were times I was pacing, waving my hands and yelling out profanities as part of the dialogue, while Tim was sitting on the floor with his laptop plugged in to the wall in the back of the store by the restrooms. One time, there was this elderly woman on her way to the bathroom when she had caught us in mid-dialogue, with me yelling, 'Now Gus, feed the crazy old broad some kind of potent drug." I felt like a deer caught in the headlights when I turned around to see this sweet old woman staring at me. The look on her face was just priceless.” Principato explains. “If you have a warped sense of humor you will definitely enjoy the movie.”
If dark comedy is not your thing, there are many other films to choose from, go to www.gsff.orgor call (877) 908-7050 for more information and movie times.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
'Crackers' starring Vincent D'Onofrio screening at Artisan Festival International
FILM THE HAMPTONS
OSCAR WINNERS AND ESTEEMED FINE ARTISTS SHOWCASE DURING HAMPTONS WORLD PEACE INITIATIVE
(JULY 20, 2012) Hamptons World Peace Initiative is pleased to announce
the program line up for August 3-5th 2012, at Southampton Inn, in
Southampton New York. The initiative consists of Artisan Festival
International with its World Cinema Festival, and Renaissance Art Fair
branches. The evening festivities will comprise of fashion fused with
music in addition to the film and fine art. “Bridging the gap of
cultural diversity is imperative to creating social change in an
environment where one individual can make a significant impact. We all
have the gift to manifest, create and aid in peace relations. By
bringing individuals together from all walks of life, to focus on
enjoying culture through an appreciation of the arts, we can create
the needed dialogue for change and cross cultural acceptance. Some of
the films showcased are not necessarily a promotion of peace: thus the
goal is to congregate and explore dialogue. Where there is conflict we
must resolve, and agree to differ,” stated multi-media talent Princess
Angelique Monét, AFI World Peace Initiative founder and Executive
Director.
ARTISAN FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL (World Cinema Festival)
HIGHLIGHTED FILMS
Over 20 films from around the world will have world premieres or be
featured during Artisan Festival International (World Cinema
Festival). Spotlighted films are:
Bryce Dallas Howard’s directorial debut ‘When You Find Me,” produced
by her father Ron Howard for Canon C300. (Short)
“Crackers” by Gregory Principato Starring Vincent d’Onofrio (Men In
Black, Brooklyn’s Finest), Oscar and Emmy nominated Brenda Vaccaro,
Anthony Laciura (Boardwalk Empire) (Short)
“Voice Of Love” by Gary Keys starring Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick,
Cissy Houston, Sweet Inspirations, The Drinkard Singers, Roberta
Flack, Gary Houston, and the Drinkard Singers II,
Veteran Filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles scores sound track for “Death is
No Escape,” by Franklyn Strachan
Pulitzer Prize Nominee Kevin McKiernan and Oscar winner Haskell Wexler
(Medium Cool, Latino) “Bringing King to China,”
Fela Anikulapo’s historic visit to NY in the mid 80′s “FelaNYC” by Jaheed Ashley
“Ante,” by Emilio Rosa starring Angel Salazar(Scarface), Jaime
Tirelli(Girl Fight, Carlito’s Way)
“Pay It Forward” by Frank M. Calo, a reality show that showcases real
events of specific people or organizations that go unnoticed. (Reality
Show)
In addition to the film line up, workshops and panel discussions will
take place.
- Technology, Culture and Connectivity in a Digital Environment
- Booking the part
- How children can be successful in the entertainment business
- Making Dreams Reality
- Industry tastemakers provide a talk back and answer audience
questions Saturday
For ticket prices and general information, please visit,
http://www.afiworldpeaceinitiative.org.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Update on 'Crackers'...
Saw these tweets from the co-producer of 'Crackers' that says the short film will possibly make the festival circuit and have a release next year. I also noticed that 'Crackers' isn't listed on Vincent's IMDb page anymore.
The short film, Crackers, directed by Gregory Principato was very funny.
Saw, Crackers, a short film I co-produced starring Vincent D'Onofrio & Brenda Vaccaro at a private screening at the New York Film Academy.
Monday, April 30, 2012
'Crackers' wins People's Choice Award at FMBFF
HOLIDAY TRIPPER
After a 7-year hiatus, the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival returned to the beach and attracted an impressive lineup of films and shorts. Last night, the winner were announced at the Awards and Final Ceremony at the Fish-Tale Marina – see the result below!
The Festival
Independent movies were screen continuously at the Beach Theatre with a brief director Q&A following each screening. The highlight was two free full length features displayed on a giant inflatable screen directly on the beach, behind the Holiday Inn.
People’s Choice Winners
SORRY, THE VIDEO FOR 'CRACKER'S HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN AT THE REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR, GREGORY PRINCIPATO, WHO WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE CINEMATOGRAPHER HAD POSTED IT.
Fans at the independent film festival voted for “Crackers,” in the People’s Choice category. The comedy stars BethAnn Bonner, Vincent D’Onofrio, Brenda Vaccaro, Sal Richards, Anthony Laciura,Dan Hedeya and Vincent Mora. Writer, Timothy Reinhardt and director/producer, Greg Principato, accepted the award along with a shared Best Short Film award. The other short film is “Easy Street,” directed by Russell Greene and starring Andrew Blair, who won the film festival’s Best Actor Award for most promising up and coming actors.
"CRACKERS" - Short Film - Super 16 from Scott Pelzel on Vimeo.
Best Feature Winner
“The Descending,” written and directed by Kyle Thompson, nabbed the Best Feature Award. Producer Chad Gurdgiel and actor Chris Harbur were on hand at the festival to accept the award. Best Documentary is “Virtual JFK,” directed by Koji Masutani.
The Descending Theatrical Trailer from Red Flight Pictures on Vimeo.
Student Film Winners
Among student films that were screened at the festival, “Broken Silence” directed by Gerrad Wilson, got top honors.
Local Film Winner
Films that were locally produced, were screened in the Beach Theatre and Madison Absher’s “White Out,” acted, written and produced, by this Fort Myers filmmaker, received the local film award.
Other Winners
Other awards from the 6th Annual Fort Myers Beach Film Festival were: Rising Star Award: actress and director, Kimberly McCullough. Star Achievement Award: comedian, singer, and actor, Sal Richards.
After a 7-year hiatus, the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival returned to the beach and attracted an impressive lineup of films and shorts. Last night, the winner were announced at the Awards and Final Ceremony at the Fish-Tale Marina – see the result below!
The Festival
Independent movies were screen continuously at the Beach Theatre with a brief director Q&A following each screening. The highlight was two free full length features displayed on a giant inflatable screen directly on the beach, behind the Holiday Inn.
People’s Choice Winners
SORRY, THE VIDEO FOR 'CRACKER'S HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN AT THE REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR, GREGORY PRINCIPATO, WHO WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE CINEMATOGRAPHER HAD POSTED IT.
Fans at the independent film festival voted for “Crackers,” in the People’s Choice category. The comedy stars BethAnn Bonner, Vincent D’Onofrio, Brenda Vaccaro, Sal Richards, Anthony Laciura,Dan Hedeya and Vincent Mora. Writer, Timothy Reinhardt and director/producer, Greg Principato, accepted the award along with a shared Best Short Film award. The other short film is “Easy Street,” directed by Russell Greene and starring Andrew Blair, who won the film festival’s Best Actor Award for most promising up and coming actors.
"CRACKERS" - Short Film - Super 16 from Scott Pelzel on Vimeo.
Best Feature Winner
“The Descending,” written and directed by Kyle Thompson, nabbed the Best Feature Award. Producer Chad Gurdgiel and actor Chris Harbur were on hand at the festival to accept the award. Best Documentary is “Virtual JFK,” directed by Koji Masutani.
The Descending Theatrical Trailer from Red Flight Pictures on Vimeo.
Student Film Winners
Among student films that were screened at the festival, “Broken Silence” directed by Gerrad Wilson, got top honors.
Local Film Winner
Films that were locally produced, were screened in the Beach Theatre and Madison Absher’s “White Out,” acted, written and produced, by this Fort Myers filmmaker, received the local film award.
Other Winners
Other awards from the 6th Annual Fort Myers Beach Film Festival were: Rising Star Award: actress and director, Kimberly McCullough. Star Achievement Award: comedian, singer, and actor, Sal Richards.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Lights! Camera! Action! Stars Align for Fort Myers Beach Film Festival
THE ISLAND SAND PIPER
As the buzz of the season winds down to a close, the buzz about the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival is kicking into high gear. With less than one week before the first film is shown, organizers of the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival learned that yet another World Premiere film will flicker across the screens at Beach Theater next weekend – 'Crackers'. Directed by Gregory Principato, 'Crackers' stars Film Coordinator Elizabeth D'Onofrio's brother, Vincent – who will hopefully make an appearance at this year's festival. The film will screen on the same ticket as a film that Elizabeth has a big role in, 'Slice' – so folks can see both films on Saturday at 9pm.
The Sand Paper also spoke with the director of another World Premiere film, 'The Descending' – Kyle Thompson - who actually lived on our island as a child, and he told us a little bit about how he got into filmmaking.
"My dad still lives in Fort Myers, and my brother was born there,” Kyle said. "When my folks got divorced we moved up north, where I went to a performing arts high school in New Jersey.”
Kyle told us that he originally wanted to be an actor but decided he liked life on the other side of the camera better because his acting was so bad.
"In high school I quickly discovered that I was a really bad actor,” he said, laughing. "Then I made a film that I didn't act in and it came out a lot better, so that got the ball rolling.”
Kyle formed his independent film studio, RED Flight Pictures, early in 2009 with two friends he met in high school – Terrell Gordon and Chad Gurdgiel.
"We do a lot stuff like music videos and short films, and plan to do two features a year,” he said. "The Descending is the 2nd feature film we've produced and our biggest project so far. We started shooting the film in January of 2011 and it was complete in November.”
The FMB Film Festival will be the first time 'The Descending' has been shown to a general audience. Premiering on the first night of the festival (Thurs., April 26th), the 1 hour and 46 minute long film is the story of a police detective who is put through a series of life changing and career altering situations – all told through a series of interrogations.
"The film includes a home invasion, where a family is taken hostage and a negotiator comes in to try and reason with them,” said Kyle, who wrote the screenplay. "I got the idea for it one day when I was sitting in a grocery store, waiting to pay for my bag of chips, and I thought 'wouldn't it be really crazy if this place got robbed right now?' That idea became 'The Descending'.”
The film that stars Vincent D'Onofrio, 'Crackers', is a short film (33 minutes) about Gus, an out of work chef who is content living in his small paradise where he is surrounded by his beautiful wife, vibrant garden and beloved opera music. Gus's life is turned upside down when his cantankerous mother, Bidelia and her precious collection of nutcrackers invades his home. He turns to friends, a blind bookie and a barber for help. Their oddball antics only make matters worse and Gus slowly loses his paradise and his sanity as Bidelia methodically destroys everything that is sacred to him.
Other celebrities who appear in films making their premier at the FMB Film Festival are Brenda Vaccaro and Dan Hedeya in 'Crackers', James Cromwell in 'Memorial Day', Kevin Spacey in 'Inseparable' and Steve Phoenix in 'The Untold Story'. While these celebrities will not be here in person, actress Kimberly McCullough – Dr. Robin Scorpio on General Hospital – will be coming to the Beach Theater on Saturday, April 28th at 11:30am to present a workshop and luncheon where she will speak about how her career as a writer, director and actress has evolved and the process she used to create her last film 'Nice Guys Finish Last' which is showing on Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 7:30pm.
The Fort Myers Beach Film Festival is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th through Sunday, April 29th. Tickets are available online at www.fmbfilmfest.com until Wednesday, then folks can purchase them at the Beach Theater. For a complete list of films and times, see the four-page pullout section in this week's Sand Paper or go to the website for all information related to the festival.
See you at the movies! Keri Hendry
© 2011, Island Sand Paper, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This website is owned and operated by Delta Latitude, Inc.
The Sand Paper also spoke with the director of another World Premiere film, 'The Descending' – Kyle Thompson - who actually lived on our island as a child, and he told us a little bit about how he got into filmmaking.
"My dad still lives in Fort Myers, and my brother was born there,” Kyle said. "When my folks got divorced we moved up north, where I went to a performing arts high school in New Jersey.”
Kyle told us that he originally wanted to be an actor but decided he liked life on the other side of the camera better because his acting was so bad.
"In high school I quickly discovered that I was a really bad actor,” he said, laughing. "Then I made a film that I didn't act in and it came out a lot better, so that got the ball rolling.”
Kyle formed his independent film studio, RED Flight Pictures, early in 2009 with two friends he met in high school – Terrell Gordon and Chad Gurdgiel.
"We do a lot stuff like music videos and short films, and plan to do two features a year,” he said. "The Descending is the 2nd feature film we've produced and our biggest project so far. We started shooting the film in January of 2011 and it was complete in November.”
The FMB Film Festival will be the first time 'The Descending' has been shown to a general audience. Premiering on the first night of the festival (Thurs., April 26th), the 1 hour and 46 minute long film is the story of a police detective who is put through a series of life changing and career altering situations – all told through a series of interrogations.
"The film includes a home invasion, where a family is taken hostage and a negotiator comes in to try and reason with them,” said Kyle, who wrote the screenplay. "I got the idea for it one day when I was sitting in a grocery store, waiting to pay for my bag of chips, and I thought 'wouldn't it be really crazy if this place got robbed right now?' That idea became 'The Descending'.”
The film that stars Vincent D'Onofrio, 'Crackers', is a short film (33 minutes) about Gus, an out of work chef who is content living in his small paradise where he is surrounded by his beautiful wife, vibrant garden and beloved opera music. Gus's life is turned upside down when his cantankerous mother, Bidelia and her precious collection of nutcrackers invades his home. He turns to friends, a blind bookie and a barber for help. Their oddball antics only make matters worse and Gus slowly loses his paradise and his sanity as Bidelia methodically destroys everything that is sacred to him.
Other celebrities who appear in films making their premier at the FMB Film Festival are Brenda Vaccaro and Dan Hedeya in 'Crackers', James Cromwell in 'Memorial Day', Kevin Spacey in 'Inseparable' and Steve Phoenix in 'The Untold Story'. While these celebrities will not be here in person, actress Kimberly McCullough – Dr. Robin Scorpio on General Hospital – will be coming to the Beach Theater on Saturday, April 28th at 11:30am to present a workshop and luncheon where she will speak about how her career as a writer, director and actress has evolved and the process she used to create her last film 'Nice Guys Finish Last' which is showing on Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 7:30pm.
The Fort Myers Beach Film Festival is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th through Sunday, April 29th. Tickets are available online at www.fmbfilmfest.com until Wednesday, then folks can purchase them at the Beach Theater. For a complete list of films and times, see the four-page pullout section in this week's Sand Paper or go to the website for all information related to the festival.
See you at the movies! Keri Hendry
© 2011, Island Sand Paper, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This website is owned and operated by Delta Latitude, Inc.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
'Crackers'
Here's the 'Crackers' short film via YouTube for those who could not view it in its original vehicle.
THANK YOU, CAROL!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
'CRACKERS' SHORT FILM STARRING VINCENT D'ONOFRIO...
VIMEO
"CRACKERS" - Short Film - Super 16 from Scott Pelzel on Vimeo.
Out of work Chef Gus (Vincent D'Onofrio) is taunted and tortured by his boisterous Mother-In-Law Bedilia (Brenda Vaccaro) who is forced to move in with he and his young wife (Kat)herine (Bethann Bonner) after the untimely death of Bedilia's husband Jack (Dan Hedaya). The film also stars comedian Sal Richards, Anthony Laciura (Boardwalk Empire) and Vincent Mora.
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