Michael Copon and Kim Kardashian dating?

Latest gossip: Star Michael Copon is reportedly dating Kim Kardashian. Google it. Is this true or some fancy rumor because Michael misses working with his favorite Armenian producer?
“Armenians are alot of fun so it’s possible.” Says Ajemian, the Massachusetts based film producer who worked with Copon on her indie comedy Boyband: Breaking Through in ’82.

Is Mike Copon missing his Armenian producer Andrea Ajemian? Or is it the Basturma?

Anyway- if you haven’t seen it lately check out the trailer for BOYBAND; BREAKING THROUGH IN ’82 which stars Michael Copon.  It’s currently playing at film festivals.

BoyBand spotted in Worcester Magazine

Worcester Magazine

That ’80s film
Rutland filmmaker debuts trip back in time on Friday
Melissa McKeon

Rutland native Andrea Ajemian hardly remembers 1982, but like many who were just entering their teens later in the decade, she does remember the music that was born during that era.

“When I was in high school, everybody was crazy for New Kids on the Block,” she recalled.

Ajemian, who graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1993, admits she wasn’t much into the music scene in college; she was too busy preparing for a career in film, with some business thrown in. It’s a path that has led her to producing, where her business education and experience comes in handy.

When she heard John Artigo’s idea for a film about the boy bands of the 1980s, she jumped at the chance to produce it.

Artigo’s vision–a comedy about a high school quarterback who leaves it all behind to turn his heavy metal band into the first boy band–had everything Ajemian likes: fun, nostalgia and opportunities for young musicians and for teenage actors to get a foot in the door.

But it also had its challenges. Neither Artigo nor Ajemian were musicians.

“John and I were at a loss when we came up with this concept and put the script together,” Ajemian said. “We said, ‘we can’t pull this movie off without a real music person.”

Enter Kaz Gamble.

Gamble grew up in Worcester but was pretty far away from home pursuing (with great success) a music career of his own. He came home for a visit and was presented by his parents with a newspaper clipping about the movie. They were looking for someone just like him. It was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

Gamble had recently spent some time DJing oldies, so he admits the music of the 1980s was fresh in his mind.

But the task was daunting: come up with 20 original songs with the boy band feel.

“I went to film school, so I knew that making a film is a lot of work,” he said. “And it’s always harder than you think it’s going to be.”

Gamble went at it full bore. He researched extensively and then did what seemed impossible: produced modern music with an ’80s feel, and without the modern methods to prevent the modern sound from creeping in.

Harder than it sounds, he admits.

After accepting that he’d have to ditch a lot of the modern methods he was so familiar with, he faced the task of trying to replace them.

“You can’t believe, audio production has evolved so much since the ’80s,” he says. “It’s so out of fashion, so you can’t even get a lot of those sounds.”

Gamble couldn’t even find information online about mixing techniques; he went to thel ibrary to find a 1980s book about mixing to guide him.

Gamble wasn’t just writing music to sound like the 1980s; some themes were meant for older characters, whose music was from another era. And to be authentic, he realized that he’d have to take into account all the influences of the 1970s as well.

He’s feeling confident that he’s achieved the gaol: Folks who’ve previewed the movie think some of his songs are authentic to the era, not new imitations.

The movie has plenty of local appeal. Besides set at the fictional Worcester High School, it was filmed entirely in Worcester County. Also, besides Ajemian and Gamble, several local actors and musicians get their screen time with the bigger stars: Recent Wachusett Regional High School grads Nina Genatossio and Ryan Letourneau go to work beside One Tree Hill star Michael Copon and well-knowns E-Knock, Lorenzo Hooker III, Robert Hoffman, Ryan Hansen and Ming Na.

Mixing locals with Hollywood types is part of what makes the film so satisfying to Ajemian.

“In Worcester County, kids in that age group don’t get the opportunities to work as they do in L.A. or Boston or New York,” she said.

BoyBand: Breakin’ through in ’82 opens Friday, June 4, at Showcase Cinema North for a week’s run. An after-party at 9 p.m. ($7 cover) at Gilrein’s, 802 Main St., Worcester, will feature composer Kaz Gamble, who wrote the movie’s 20 original songs, as DJ, spinning 1980s music as well as the film’s soundtrack. boybandmovie.com

The Sentinel and Enterprise loves BoyBand

June 4 marks premiere for local independent movie

June 4 marks premiere for local independent movie
By Dan Magazu

LEOMINSTER–Residents who packed the stands at Doyle Field during the summer of 2008 for the filming of an independent movie will have a chance to see themselves on the big screen when it premieres in Worcester next week.

“There are a few different football scenes in the film and each one has a lot of crowd shots and close-ups,” said Andrea Ajemian, producer of the film “BoyBand: Breakin’ Through in ’82.” “A lot of the people who were in the stands during filming will appear in the movie.”

The film is scheduled to open to the public on Friday, June 4 at Showcase Cinema in Worcester, where it will run for one week. Originally called “We Got The Beat,” the film was shot entirely in Worcester County over the course of five weeks during the summer of 2008.

“It took us a year and a half to cut the movie down from three hours to an hour and a half,” Ajemian said. “I’m extremely happy with the final cut. We did a lot of test screening to figure out which scenes to keep and which to cut out.”

The movie is a commercial teen comedy set in 1982 about a high-school quarterback who qui9ts the team to turn his heavy-metal band into the first-ever boy band.

The film is being self-distributed in select theaters in Massachusetts and Ajemian hopes to create a national buzz. She said the movie differs form typical arthouse indie films, because it’s a wacky teen comedy with commercial appeal.

The writer and director of the film is Jon Artigo, whose other films include “Rutland, USA” and “Freedom Park.”

The film features 11 actors and actresses who have appeared in various television shows and movies.

The star of the film is Michael Copon, 27, who has appeared in “One Tree Hill,” “Beyond the Break” and “Reno 911.

“Michael will be at Friday’s opening,” Ajemian said.

Ajemian is a producer and partner with Artigo Ajemian Films, based in Worcester. The group’s first film had just a $4,000 budget, but “BoyBand: Breakin’ Through in ’82″ cost $750,000 to make.

“We’ve come a long way,” Ajemian said. “We always promote Central Massachusetts in our work.”

The film isn’t yet rated, but filmmakers anticipate a PG-13 rating for language and sexual references.

There will be three showings on Friday. For more information, visit http://www.boybandmovie.com

An after-party open to the public will be held at Gilrein’s, located at 802 Main St., Worcester, following Friday’s opening. Doors open at 9 p.m. and there is a $7 cover charge.

Film Review for BoyBand

Locally filmed ‘BoyBand’ conveys entertaining parable
Jeffrey Long
Telegram & Gazette Reviewer

Filmed and set in Worcester, “BoyBand” is an amusing film about youth culture that returns us to the early 1980s, a time as twisty and colorful as a Rubik’s Cube. People did word processing, but couldn’t yet send e-mail. They could watch a video, but where were the video rental stores? And a cowboy from Illinois was in the White House.

Written and directed by Jon Artigo and produced by Andrea Ajemian, this comedy follows the fortunes of talented high school quarterback Brad (Michael Copon). This guy’s gridiron achievements are so legendary and he is personally so charismatic that his male schoolmates believe the mere invoking his name when out on a date will help them score.

But for Brad, all is not right in paradise. There is a hollowness in his life that no cheerleader or state championship can fill. He has been leading a double life, furtively hooking up in dark alleys with some “metal heads” (as his father disdainfully calls them). Brad dreams of openly performing with a heavy metal teen band, even as mainstream pop music culture is stumbling away from Disco and toward Madonna.

Moreover, even at the professional level, not many individuals transition well, in the long run, in trying to move from a life in athletics to one in the performing arts. For every Mark Harmon or Jim Brown, there is a least one Tanya Harding or O.J. Simpson.

So when Brad decides to take off his cleats and climb up on stage, he is greeted by looks of icy betrayal when at home and a sloppy Joe on the side of his face when walking across the school grounds.

With the full-throttle launching of his artistic energies, Brad in effect has hurled his life forward like a Hail Mary pass. But will his efforts connect or fall short?

This movie is hardly groundbreaking in its plot structure, as it is a straightforward narrative that has no reason to call attention to itself.

And the story is, admittedly, chock-full of stock characters: the Jock, the Sweetheart Left Behind, the Evil Authority Figure,, the New Age Freak, to name a few. The actors inhabit these roles credibly, although suspension of disbelief is needed to accept the legitimacy of some of the relationships between characters. (For example, why on earth would Brad remain with Pamela for so long? And what is up with his parents’ bizarre living arrangements?)

More than 20 original songs, composed by Worcester’s own Kaz Gamble, fuel this hard-driving comedy.

There is considerable sexual talk and posturing, both in and out of the film’s many dance numbers. But raunchiness is not what primarily supports “BoyBand,” which is ultimately a broadly entertaining parable about following one’s dreams. (The scene featuring the band’s performance of the song “Dreams” is a standout.)

As the narrative advances, so does the engaging quality of the dance sequences. Particularly notable are Michael Copon’s deft footwork and the break dancing and other athletic moves performed by Derf (E-Knock) and Joda (Lorenzo Hooker III).

In the end, this is both a rousing and sweet film about a teen whose “road less traveled” turns out to be paved with heavy metal.

It is hoped that this fourth collaboration between Jon Artigo and Andrea Ajemian will, like its story’s protagonist, emerge as a hometown hero. Locally filmed ‘BoyBand’ conveys entertaining parable

BoyBand to Open in Theaters!

Hey everyone! BoyBand is beginning it’s theatrical run in New England with two major theaters! Here are some dates to put on your calendar. Keep checking the blog for updates and become a fan of BoyBand: the Movie on Facebook.

Wednesday, June 2nd, from 6-8pm, BoyBand’s 80′s rollerskating party at Skylight Roller Rink at 648 Park Ave. We’re wearing 80′s clothes! You should too…but you don’t have to.

Thursday, June 3rd, cast/crew premiere – invite only

Friday, June 4th – Public Opening of BoyBand at Showcase Cinema North in Worcester. (Showtimes to come!) Q&A with stars Michael Copon, E-Knock, Lorenzo Hooker III, Writer/Director Jon Artigo, Producer Andrea Ajemian, and Music Producer Kaz Gamble to follow the 7pm and 9pm screenings. (check your local listings for exact screening times)

Friday, June 4th – After party at Gilrein’s, 802 Main Street, Worcester, 9pm-2am. There will be a cover.

Sat, June 5th – Q&A with Director/Producer/Music Producer after 7pm screening at Showcase Cinema North

Showcase Cinema North Worcester run from 6/4/10 – 6/10/10 – additional weeks may be added

Friday, June 11th – BoyBand opens at Showcase Cinema in Revere, MA – everyone come out and show some love for the opening in Revere – Q&A with stars E-Knock, Lorenzo Hooker III (from Status Quo), and Producer Andrea Ajemian after 7pm screening.

Showcase Cinema Revere Run fro 6/11/10 – 6/17/10 – additional weeks may be added

Check your local movie listings for exact screening times. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
More news to come. See you at the movies!
-Andrea (Producer)

Jon Artigo develops curriculum for ID Tech Camps

Hey All – check out the nice article on Director Jon Artigo discussing not only the new editing curriculum that Jon developed for ID Tech Camps, but the relationship Jon and Andrea have had with ID Tech camps over the years. It just goes to show how much Jon and Andrea have been giving back for so long. It’s really inspiring.

Click here to read the article

Producer Andrea Ajemian speaks at Society of Professional Communicators

BoyBand’s tireless producer, Andrea Ajemian, takes a break from her Holly-woo lifestyle to speak at the Society of Professional Communicators on Tuesday February 9th. So come check her out if you want to get educated. She will speak about promoting Central, Massachusetts through film and video and her experience producing four feature films during the last eight years. That’s right, she’s produced 3 more feature films in the last 8 years than James Cameron!

Click Here for more details!

Producer Andrea Ajemian in Boston Globe

“POST PRODUCTION” by the PRODUCER – Andrea Ajemian

I feel like my life has just been a blur since May.  Once we secured funding for “We Got the Beat,” (something I worked towards for two full years), everything happened so quickly.  From hiring the crew, to casting the film, to securing locations,  we finally got to that first day of the shoot.  That’s the day it all comes together and the magic happens.  Of course, at the time, my mind was spinning.  My uncle had a massive heart attack just a week earlier and we didn’t think he’d make it.  The day prior to production beginning, one of our main cast members dislocated his knee cap (he just happens to be the main breakdancer in the boyband), and one of my grips got into a car accident, in the rented Budget truck, on that lovely first day of production.

My family, who has lost many members of it at far too young, finally got our miracle.  My Uncle John not only survived, but after being told he’d have severe brain damage, is almost 100% now.  Sure, he gets upset if he can’t remember certain things about his past, but he looks healthy, knows everyone, is back to work, and is smiling like he always has.  Mr. Breakdancer came through and although he was told he wouldn’t be dancing for 3 months (keep in mind he was told this the day before he had 2 weeks to shoot his scenes), he somehow moves like Gumby in the film, and does things with his body that I couldn’t dream of doing with two healthy knees.  Oh yeah, and nobody got hurt during the Budget truck accident – thank God!  There were some minor damages, but luckily $7000 in insurance covered the $1000 in damages.  Hmm.  Now that I write that it doesn’t sound like such a great deal.  Ha. (I’m exaggerating on the $7000 of course, but it was pretty close.)

Once production ended, it was sad.  We had over 40 cast members, hundreds of extras (many of them like part of the crew, with us every day), and a crew with volunteers totaling around 40.  I loved all the people around.  Having such a high concentration of talent all working towards a common goal is a beautiful thing.  Everyone worked together and helped to make everyone else that much better at their jobs.  Production ended and people cleared out – went back to L.A. or New York, off to other jobs, back to school.  Kaz, Dave, and I remained in the production office in Worcester, with an office full of so much stuff it drove me crazy.  First thing I did was to have some Production Assistants come in and help clean the place.  That got rid of about 1/8 of the clutter.  Then I donated about 30 bags of 80′s clothes to the Salvation Army, redesigned the reception area of the office with some vintage couches from the film, and slept, for about 3 days straight.

For the last three months, it’s been all about editing.  We now have a solid cut of the film which we’ll be testing with audiences during the next couple of weeks.  Jon and I will review all the feedback and make final decisions on the cut at the end of December.  January and February will be for the audio mix, color correction, and music!  (Kaz has already written and produced over 15 songs currently in the film, but we need more.)

The best news is that the movie is hysterical.  It looks great and it’s funny.  Now it’s my job to sell it and make sure it gets out there so everyone can see it.  No pressure, right?

Worcester Magazine Sept 10, 2008 (PRESS)

The cell connection between Worcester and the Ogunquit beach where Andrea Ajemian is walking crackles with static, but hearing her is not a problem. She’s ready to talk about the post-production work on her fifth feature, We Got the Beat, and her enthusiasm springs through the earpiece.

“The typical comedy is 90 to 100 minutes, but we went into it with a 107-page script,” Ajemian says of The Beat, which charts the rise of the first boy band. “The first rough cut was three hours long. [Director] Jon Artigo and I are editing; we want to see what we can come up with on our own.”

The producer’s longtime collaborator, Kaz Gamble, with whom she creates the “Worcester Love” series of shorts, is handling all the movie’s music and sound design elements. Once those are in place, it’s likely more cutting will be necessary to meet a tight running time.

The film, shot at various locations in Worcester County, stars a mix of established actors like Ming-Na (“ER”), Kurt Fuller (“Wayne’s World”), with up-and-comers Michael Copon (“The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior”), Robert Hoffman (pictured, “Step Up 2: The Streets”), Rachel Specter (“The House Bunny”) and Ryan Pinkston (“College”).

To read the rest of the article -  http://www.worcestermagazine.com/content/view/3191/ (it’s in the middle of the page)

PHOTO OF ROBERT JAMES HOFFMAN by John Lenis

Sentinel and Enterprise July 31, 2008 (Press)

From the Sentinel and Enterprise:

Comedy set in the ’80s being shot at Doyle Field

By Dan Magazu

LEOMINSTER — An independent movie is being filmed at Doyle Field in Leominster, and the producer is looking for local residents to be in it.

“We want to pack the football stands on Monday,” producer Andrea Ajemian said Wednesday during a break from filming at Doyle Field. “We are shooting the big football scene in the movie and will be getting a lot of close-ups of the crowd.”

“We Got the Beat” is set in the early 1980s and tells the story of a top- recruited high school quarterback who quits football to start the first-ever boy band, Ajemian said.

“It’s a comedy starring Robert Hoffman and Michael Copon,” Ajemian said. “We’ve been shooting for about two-and-a-half weeks and we wrap up on Aug. 15.”

Music producer Kaz Gamble came up with the songs for the fictional boy band dubbed A New Condition.

FOR THE REST OF THE ARTICLE GO TO:

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/ci_10053292

Worcester Telegram & Gazette July 26, 2008 (Press)

From the Worcester Telegram & Gazette:

500 at Clark movie shoot
Crew is in Worcester filming new teen comedy

WORCESTER— Walking into Clark University’s Atwood Hall was like going through a time machine yesterday as 500 people with 1980s-style big hair and high-waisted Jordache jeans took part in the film “We Got the Beat.”

It’s the latest production by the dynamic duo of Jon Artigo and Andrea Ajemian, who made “Rutland, USA,” “Freedom Park” and the soon-to-be-released teen drama “Still Green.” Atwood Hall was the setting for “The Talent Show,” at which the lead character transitions from the hot-shot, high school quarterback to the leader of the “first-ever” boy band in 1982

FOR MORE GO TO:

http://www.telegram.com/article/20080726/NEWS/80726033

Uncle John had a heart attack

I know that these blogs are supposed to be entertaining and teach people something about making an independent film. This might be a bit more serious of a blog, but I have to write what I’m feeling. Two days ago, my Uncle John had a heart attack. Heart disease runs in my family. My grandfather died of a heart attack. One of my uncles died of a heart attack. My dad was having heart problems two years ago. He went to the doctor and they did a bunch of tests, including a stress test. He passed all of them. Because of his family history, they did some type of a dye test, where they put dye in your heart and they can tell if there are blocked arteries. Sure enough, my dad had two arteries that were seriously blocked, and they put in two stents. Since then, he’s been fine. So, Uncle John has always been expecting to have heart problems. He’s only 51 years old, works out, plays softball, and is in great shape. The last few months he hasn’t been feeling great. Two weeks ago, he went to the doctor’s office and told him that he’s been having chest pains. They kept him overnight for tests. He passed them all, including the stress test. He requested the dye test, but was told “no,” that it was too invasive, that they were 99% sure he wouldn’t have a heart attack in the next five years. Two weeks later, he had a heart attack.

I realize horrible things happen everyday, but it kills me that this could have been prevented. So, of course they go in and find out that one of his main arteries was 95% blocked and they put in a stent. (They could have done this two weeks ago.) Now his heart is fine, but he has brain damage. Last night, we weren’t sure if he was going to live, and if he did live, if he’d ever leave the hospital bed. Today he said “Hi Julie” to his wife. So, my family has hope. There’s hope he’ll recover. And even if he can’t ever work again, or play softball, if he can walk and talk, and know who we all are, than we’ll get him back. So, I’ll keep praying and hoping and sending my positive thoughts his way. What does this have to do with making a film you might ask? Nothing. But, we start shooting in a week. The actors arrive tomorrow. I’ve worked for 7 years to get to this point, and for 2 years full-time on raising money for “We Got the Beat,” yet right now, nothing matters but my Uncle John being ok. I have a great crew. We’ll get things done. Somehow the movie seems a lot easier today than it did last week.

Somehow, getting insurance, and renting UHalls, and giving actors per diems doesn’t really stress me out right now. I wish we had a different health care system. I wish we practiced preventative medicine more frequently. I wish doctors listened to their patients and were always thorough. Making a movie – yeah, it’s hard work. It takes a lot of people, a lot of love, a lot of time, and a lot of energy, but it’s not that important today. Today I’m hoping for a miracle.

Andrea’s budgeting woes and Jon dreams BIG for the movie!

Caffeine

I do not need caffeine. I am not supposed to have caffeine. I have really dry eyes, and dry skin, and am always thirsty. I’m usually pretty energetic too. Lately I’ve been drinking coffee. Andrea and coffee equals complete spaz. Yesterday in the office, I was so silly. I can’t wait until the first day of the shoot. I can’t wait. I’m freaking out I’m so excited. I get emotional just thinking about what I’ll say to everyone on set on that first day. This process has been tough, but that first day, with all the people, and all the equipment, that’s when it is all worth it. Until then, I’ll drink my coffee and practice old cheerleading moves in the office while I work on the budget.

Lack of sleep

For two years my life has been trying to get this film made. Now it’s happening and I’m so nervous that I’m going to do something to screw it up, I’m forgetting to enjoy it. Do you know what I mean? There’s a lot of stress on the Producer – insurance, payroll, SAG paperwork, hiring crew, making deals with companies to save money, cast, logistical things, mansion concerns (our crew is living in a mansion turned college dorm in Worcester).

Anyway, I love making movies. If I didn’t, I never could’ve pulled any of this off. Right now, what’s making it worth the lack of sleep, super long days, and constant feeling that I haven’t done enough as I lay in bed at night, is my team. My Production Manager Dave is amazing. My assistant Christina is keeping everything organized. I’m very lucky to have the team I have. It’s everyone’s movie now. OK – I have to try and go to sleep. What can I count in my head to try falling asleep? I’ve tried sheep and I know this makes no sense since my eyes are closed, but it hurts my eyes when I try to count sheep, because I move my eyeballs from left to right trying to watch the imaginary sheep I’m counting.

Amazing day for New England sports fans thanks to Jon & Andrea.

The Boston Celtics won their first championship last night since the 80s. Even though the trades for KG and Ray Allen were factors, another big reason is that Jon Artigo and Andrea Ajemian are doing a movie here in Massachusetts.

Every time Jon & Andrea make a film in the area – another New England sports franchise wins their first championship ever or first in many many years.

Check it out:

“RUTLAND, USA” >>> NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1st Super Bowl win ever)

“FREEDOM PARK” >>> RED SOX (1st World Series in 86 years)

“WE GOT THE BEAT” >>> CELTICS (1st since 86)

Are the BRUINS NEXT???

BRUINS FANS CLICK HERE TO HELP BRING THE STANLEY CUP BACK TO BEANTOWN.

It was going to make my life easier. $%^*(#

So as we increase from film to film with regards to budget, we are able to have more help on each film. For instance, for this film I get to hire more people, pay a lot of them, have more Hollywood actors, etc. In the past, I always used Excel to do my budgeting and the shooting schedule. In fact, both the budget and the schedule for this film have been done with Excel. BUT, I decided that after 3 films I would splurge and buy actual software for budgeting and scheduling. For just $800.00, or something like that, the software arrived and Jon installed it on my computer. I have no clue how to use it. I cannot find a free tutorial online, and Dave just told me there’s a tutorial but you have to pay for it. WHAT? Does anyone else agree with me that if you spend that kind of money on software that is supposed to make your job easier, that the company (Entertainment Partners/Movie Magic) should offer a free tutorial that is easy to find online and easy to use? This is stupid. It’s easier to use my Excel spreadsheets. Now I have to spend tons of time I don’t have learning this software.

Worcester Telegram & Gazette June 13, 2008 (Press)

From the Worcester Telegram:

Jon Artigo and Andrea Ajemian are looking for a little help from their friends, their acquaintances and anyone else willing to pitch in.

After two years of hard work, the filmmakers have raised enough money to shoot their third teen comedy set in Central Massachusetts. They have raised $500,000 from local investors to make “We Got the Beat,” the minimum needed to move ahead, Ms. Ajemian said. Originally, the goal was four times that amount.

“Persistence pays off,” Ms. Ajemian said from her office in the Printers Building in downtown Worcester. “We’re excited to move forward, but we are going to rely heavily on the Worcester community to come through with donations in order to make this movie look like it was shot for $2 million.

TO READ THE REST CHECK OUT:

http://www.telegram.com/article/20080613/NEWS/806130603

Does anyone understand this?

Does anyone understand this:

A bunch of football players are about to get into a fight, and one of them calls someone else a “fairy.” Then when the one group walks away, someone yells “Yeah, I won’t clap for you, fairies!”

I don’t get it. Jon thinks people are gonna get this joke. Right now, if this gets posted, he’s gonna come into my office and say “Andrea, why are you giving away the movie in our blog?” But as the Producer, it’s seriously my job to make sure the humor all works, right? So, if any of you understand this fairy humor, you can let me know, because I don’t get it at all. I think it’s supposed to have something to do with Peter Pan. I was in Peter Pan. Granted it was years ago in a high school play, but I still have no idea why this is funny.

-Andrea

Make a movie and live like we are in college

Our entire crew is living in a college dorm. OK, it’s technically a mansion, but Becker College in Worcester has turned a ton of beautiful mansions into dorms. These have got to be the nicest dorms I have ever seen. I’ve seen a lot of dorms because I worked in college admissions, I went to college, AND I used to be a Regional Manager for a summer camp company that ran computer camps at top universities. This dorm is no ordinary dorm. First of all, we have a midget bathtub. That’s right. AND, when I stepped on glass the other day, I just soaked my feet in the midget bathtub until my feet got soft enough and the glass came out. 2nd, in some of the rooms there are gnome closets. I’m not lying. Some people think they were contraptions to send things up the floors long ago, but I’m not buying that. There are naked gnome babies engraved above some of the fireplaces. That’s a hint. 3rd, we have a semi-professional baseball team living across the street from us, also in a Becker College dorm. The Worcester papperazzi won’t leave us alone. (That was a joke by the way) We have a parlor, two shower rooms, and our own RA named Christy. We get to make a movie and live like we are in college. This is so much fun!

EAST VS WEST

Paul Pierce is a hero, and Kobe Bryant should buy his wife another giant ring. I love Jon. He’s a brilliant director, but why does he have to be a Lakers fan? He flew in to Boston on the night of game 2 in the Celtics/Lakers series, so we watched it together. My father said he needed to apologize to Paul for calling him a baby, in order to be allowed in their basement to watch the game on their giant TV. Jon didn’t apologize, but I guess he got away with it because my parents feel bad that I’ve been such a loser for two year, bumming off them and living at home trying to raise the money for the film. If Jon’s upset over the Celts beating the Lakers, it could throw off his humor and we could fail miserably at making our film and both end up working at video stores…if they existed anymore. So, my parents probably decided they had to let him in the basement, for the good of my future. If Kobe is such a great guy, why didn’t he step up to finance the film? Huh Jon???

-Andrea

Our biggest film to date!

Two years ago, we had $250,000 lined up for this film. Then we lost it. Then I decided a brilliant idea would be to send the director and his assistant Hillary, a Clark University student at the time, to L.A. to audition actors, on my credit card. Why not get more in debt? We cast Michael Copon as the lead role of Brad Roberts. We had no idea that he was friends with Lou Perlman, the guy who started N’Sync and the Backstreet Boys. Since our film is about the first ever boyband, who supposedly paved the way for the other boybands, Perlman loved the concept. Cut to: Jon (writer/director), Kaz (Music Producer), Michael Copon, and I at Perlman’s steakhouse in Orlando during the fall of ’06. This guy practically owned Orlando. He tells us we should shoot for $2,000,000 and he’ll finance it. Kaz played footsies with him under the table, and knew his music producer, who randomly had just finished producing Jordan Knight’s latest love ballad cd, which sounded just like Clay Aiken’s latest love ballad cd, at the time. It was apparent then that we were to learn entirely too much about the history of boybands, what former boyband members are doing now, and all that is boybands. I’m not sure if Hanson is considered a boyband, but Hillary is obsessed with them, which I find weird since I don’t know anyone else who is a fan. I’m aging myself. Anyway, so we got Perlman on board. Cut to: Hollywood actors, Hollywood agents, Hollywood sleazebags. And then, two days after my phone conversation with Perlman when he was about to deposit $500,000 in our account to get us started, it was all over the internet and the news that he was being sued for like 60 million dollars. He fled the country. (This was last February.) He got arrested last June in Indonesia, turned over to American authorities in Guam, and just got 25 years in prison a couple of weeks ago. Now, two years after we started this process, we finally secured the minimum we need to shoot. It’s not the $2,000,000, but it is our biggest film to date, and our best chance at making a hit.

I gave up my apartment by the beach in L.A. two years ago to move home, live with my parents, and raise this money. I never thought I’d go crazy in debt, have so many rollercoaster rides, and finally two years later get the chance to make the film Jon and I have planned for years. I thought it’d happen faster, but I guess with everything in life, good things come to those who wait. Perlman should’ve waited longer to scam those elderly people out of all that money, and maybe he would’ve only gotten 12 years.

-Andrea