It’s Wednesday. Here’s Your Roger Smith Short.
Posted on 30. Jun, 2010 by Birdsong in Uncategorized
In on the rocks, two dudes are confronted with the task of scoring ice for drinks for their dates. What happens to them on this journey is both destructive and life affirming. The protaganists are faced with a grisly task in order to get the ice cold redemption which they seek. We are faced with the question: Will this experience put their friendship “on the rocks” or will it strengthen their resolve?
Director: Sean Cunningham 2009
Follow Friday ~ Close To Home Edition
Posted on 11. Jun, 2010 by BrianSimpson in Community, Hotel, Lily's Restaurant
Here at the Roger Smith Hotel, social media is less about being a ‘department’ and more about building a culture. People and stories have always been a part of the hotel and now with the reach of social networks more people can participate, connect and enjoy our community. We have an amazing staff here at the hotel and some have taken the initiative to make social networking a part of their jobs on a daily basis. If you have ever been to the hotel you have probably met them and hopefully agree with me when I say these three individuals are worth the follow on this wonderful June Friday!
Yamile Diaz:
Yamile is the face, heart and soul of Lily’s restaurant here at the Roger Smith Hotel. He takes customer service seriously and it shows. He speaks multiple languages ( great for our visitors from overseas ), he is willing to do whatever it takes to make a guest happy and most of all he cares. If you have the stomach to handle one of the most energized people you could meet please stop by and say hello to Yamile…Or you can find him on Twitter as @RSYamilio
John Knowles:
John is the President and CEO of Panman Production and has produced numerous films, live broadcasts and content for the Roger Smith Hotel.Most recently John and his team produced a series of six short films called “The Roger Smith Shorts” which were screened last night at the Brooklyn International Film Festival. His creative juices and passion for new innovative ways of sharing visual arts on and off line have taught me about a whole new way of creating and sharing stories.
John can easily be found -> On Twitter @PanmanProd @Pancity or see his YouTube channel Roger Smith News.
Melissa Rodriguez:
Melissa is one of our friendliest bartenders, although she is so much more. Aside from entertaining, serving and being a creative mixologist, Melissa is in culinary school and has started a food blog FoodVixenNYC. Melissa is a text book example of what it means to be a Roger Smith employee.
Many of you know Melissa in real life… until now you may not have known how to find her when not sitting at her bar…now you can 
On twitter @FoodVixenNYC
Have a great weekend and enjoy the World Cup!
GO USA!
Roger Smith Shorts – the story…
Posted on 21. May, 2010 by DanielKalmar in Arts, Hotel
The Roger Smith Shorts Series started in 2009 as a short film festival / workshop and was designed to facilitate filmmaking opportunities for up and coming directors. The Roger Smith Hotel has become the backdrop for filmmakers as they put their creative talents to the test. The 2010 Roger Smith Short Directors are John Knowles, John Birdsong, Aleks Degtyarev, Melissa Gonzalez and Abianne Prince.
Title: CHECK MATE
Directed by: Abianne Prince
Written by: Robyn Day
Running Time: 3min 30 seconds
Premiere Status: World Premiere
Cast: Robyn Day, Lars Gerhard
Crew: Screenplay by: Robyn Day & Abianne Prince – Executive Producer: John Knowles – Producers: Abianne Prince – Line Producer: Cedric Youngelman – Director of Photography: John Birdsong – Lighting Design: Pete Eilenberg – Sound Director: Pete Eilenberg – Editor: Abianne Prince
Email – abiprince@gmail.com
Website: www.rogersmithsshorts-myshorts.tumblr.com/
Synopsis:
This short experimental film explores one woman’s active imagination and how it keeps her mate in check.
About the Director When Abi was 6 years old her Uncle Bob told her that life wasn’t worth living if she didn’t find a passion and follow it no matter what. Once Abi discovered photography and filmmaking she realized that she had found her vocation. As a Producer, Director, Editor & Director of Photography, Abi has seen all sides of filmmaking. Her experience spans from live television production to commercials, documentaries and webisodes. Her passion is storytelling.
Abianne started her professional career at Plum TV as a “preditor” (producer/director/editor) and continued to practice all the tricks of the trade with Panman Productions in New York City. Her recent endeavors also include working with the art news website RogerSmithLife.com, as well as projects with Voluntary Instinct Productions. V.I. is a non-profit media company, whose purpose is to enhance public awareness of under-represented social and environmental issues. When not making films, she enjoys swimming in the ocean, lost causes and painting.
Film Title: THE COUNTERPANE FAIRY
Director: John Knowles
Running Time: 15 minutes
Premiere Status: World Premiere
Cast: Justin Hall, Lauren Frances, Aleks Degtyarev, Betsy Holt, Craig Russell , John Knowles, Phoebe Knowles
Crew: Assistant Director: Melissa Gonzalez – Directors of Photography: Adam Wallace and Abianne Prince – Editor: John Knowles – Line Producer: Cedric Youngleman – Special Effects Supervisor: Aleks Degtyrev – Sound: Aleks Degtyarev – Set Design: Peter Eilenberg – Light Design: Peter Eilenberg – Assistant Set Design: Lucinda Lin -Production Assistant: Rex Leung – Costume design /Hair and Makeup: Joel Yapching – Hair: Katie Arbore – Makeup: Denise Mojica – Wardrobe: Veronica Zhou
Email: jknowles@panmanproductions.com
Website: www.thecounterpanefairy.tumblr.com
Synopsis:
Teddy (played by Justin Hall), an 11 year old boy left alone in a hotel, decides to wander after his parents go out for the evening. In an empty penthouse he encounters The Counterpane Fairy (Lauren Frances) who takes him on a storybook adventure. He is put to the heroic task of saving an enchanted princess while freeing her from a spell that has been cast on her by a little gray spider (Aleks Degtyarev).
In the real world, the adults around him are constantly trying to box him into a conformed norm. His adventure reminds us that a child’s imagination is pure. The Counterpane Fairy is a modern day fairy tale that takes place at the Roger Smith Hotel.
The story of the Counterpane Fairy is an adaptation from the “The Counterpane Fairy” by Katherine Pyle.
About the Director
John Knowles is the CEO of Panman Productions, an interactive production company based out of New York City that focuses on live broadcasting, film, fashion, art and social media. Panman Productions consists of a five member team that operates collectively with the understanding that ours is a company where “All of your dreams come true.”
After being introduced to Live production at Plum TV, John worked to adapt the Live production model to his endeavors online. In the last several years, John has worked in collaboration with the Roger Smith Hotel on a number of projects. He helped to create and build the Roger Smith Social Media program and was the executive producer of the 2009 Roger Smith Shorts Film Festival which generated six original short films.
Title: THE END
Director by: John Knowles & Melissa Gonzalez
Running Time: 10 minutes
Premiere Status: World Premiere
The End Trailer from Panman Productions on Vimeo.
Cast: Starring: Melissa Gonzalez, Jerome Richards & David Henry Gerson
Crew: Screenplay by: Melissa Gonzalez & Michael G. Richards – Executive Producer: John Knowles -Producers: Melissa Gonzalez & Abianne Prince – Line Producer: Cedric Youngelman – Assistant Director: Lucinda Lin – Director of Photography: Aleks Degtyarev – Lighting Design: John Birdsong – Sound Director: Pete Eilenberg - Editor: John Knowles – Costume Design: Veronica Zhou – Production Assistant: Rex Leung – Makeup: Denise Mojica – Hair: Katie Arbore
Email: Melissa Gonzalez, Lion ‘esque Productions mg@lionesqueproductions.com
Website: www.theendfilmblog.tumblr.com
Synopsis:
In the mid 1940s Sam Clarke fell madly in love with a young woman named Clare Hayes. It was WWII in Europe, a time of heightened emotion and adventure. Their time together lived in his heart forever and inspired the project of his lifetime. With hope and doubt, he hires actress Alex Keyes to assist in his endeavor.
Will Alex be able to embody the woman who stole Sam’s heart half a century ago? “The End” is a screenplay adaptation of the novel “A Century of Dust” by Michael G. Richards.
About the Director Melissa Gonzalez
Melissa Gonzalez: Creator, Producer, Performer.
Melissa is no stranger to the camera or producing. Melissa, former co-host of Latin Beat on BET, has made numerous television appearances on NY shows including Chappelle’s Show, SNL and the FOX Pilot NY-70. In addition she produced and starred in the indie feature Spanglish Girls and Broken Hearts which premiered at LAIFF. Currently you can catch Melissa online hosting Homemade BFF’s and uncovering new fashion icons onwww.rspopshop.com.
Film Title: HAIR BALL
Directed by : John Birdsong
Made in the United States at the Roger Smith Hotel in New York City. 2010
Premiere Status: World Premiere at the Brooklyn International Film Festival.
Category: Short Comedy
Format: Canon DSLR
Running Time: approximately 10 minutes
hair-ball: a roger smith short (teaser #1) from Panman Productions on Vimeo.
Cast: Brett Siddell, Bari Hyman, Matt Semler, Mala Wright, Wayne Soares, Fanny (Cat), Tomas Terstad
Crew: Written by Morgan-Jo Teller and John Birdsong Director, Producer, DP, and Editor: John Birdsong – Executive Producer: John Knowles – Producer: Melissa Gonzalez – Assistant Camera: Abianne Prince – Sound Designer: Aleks Degtyarev – Wardrobe: Morgan-Jo Teller – Boom Operator: Victor Reznik
Email: john.birdsong@yahoo.com
Blog(trailer): http://hair-ball.tumblr.com
Synopsis:
The only thing Louis loves more than being a bellboy is dancing. He makes the most of guests’ unattended rooms and personal possessions, practicing dance moves for nights at the club. Using a stranger’s toothbrush or sleeping in their bed was a victimless crime till now. Could a lude act with a suitcase send him back to prison? Can you taste another man’s mouth by sharing his toothbrush? Hair-ball is loosely based on a phone call from “Car Talk” on NPR.
About the Director
John Christopher Alexander Michael Birdsong was born March 19th, 1981 in Brooklyn and raised in Texas and the Hamptons. His first job was as a counter boy at a Chinese take-out restaurant. John is not Chinese. He studied photography before interning and working as a Producer/Director/Editor for Plum TV. John’s passions include looking for the end of the internet, smelling things, and staying up late. John works with Panman Productions in midtown and lives with his girlfriend Morgan-Jo Teller in Brooklyn with their cat Fanny and an unnamed school of goldfish.
Title: MOTHER TERESA’S HIATUS
Directed by: Abianne Prince
Written by: Robyn Day
Running Time: 2min 30 seconds
Premiere Status: World Premiere
Cast: Staring Kana Sato Supporting cast: Jay Cutler, Anwar Uddin, Dennis Lowell, Chad Miller,Sunjay Mishra,Chris Cotten, Rocco George, John Knowles, Roni Mazumdar, Dan Chen, Klive Robinson
Crew: Screenplay by: Robyn Day – Producer: Abianne Prince – Line Producer: Cedric Youngelman – Assistant Director: Melissa Gonzalez – Director of Photography: Aleks Degtyarev – Lighting Design: John Birdsong – Editor: Abianne Prince – Sound Director: Victor Reznik – Costume Design: Lucinda Lu – Art Direction: Lucinda Lu – Production Assistant: Susanna Lewitt – Makeup: Denise Mojica – Hair: Katie Arbore
Email: abiprince@gmail.com
Website: www.rogersmithsshorts-myshorts.tumblr.com/
Synopsis:
A woman’s epiphany about the role she plays in the lives of the men that surround her.
About the Director
When Abi was 6 years old her Uncle Bob told her that life wasn’t worth living if she didn’t find a passion and follow it no matter what. Once Abi discovered photography and filmmaking she realized that she had found her vocation. As a Producer, Director, Editor & Director of Photography, Abi has seen all sides of filmmaking. Her experience spans from live television production to commercials, documentaries and webesodes. Her passion is storytelling.
Abianne started her professional career at Plum TV as a “preditor” (producer/director/editor) and continued to practice all the tricks of the trade with Panman Productions in New York City. Her recent endeavors also include working with the art news website RogerSmithLife.com, as well as projects with Voluntary Instinct Productions. V.I. is a non-profit media company, whose purpose is to enhance public awareness of under-represented social and environmental issues. When not making films, she enjoys swimming in the ocean, lost causes and painting.
Title: SHOE FITS
Directed by: Aleks Degtyarev, aka Marlo L. Brown
Running Time: 21 minutes
Premiere Status: World Premiere
The Original Hooligans are back. Shoe Fits Trailer! from Panman Productions on Vimeo.
Cast: Aleks Degtyarev, Kelly Jo Johnson, John Larmor, Lucinda Lin, Frank Martinelli, Brett Siddell, Rich Staab
Crew: Written by: Aleks Degtyarev – Executive Producer: John Knowles – Line Producer: Cedric Youngelman – Assistant Director: Lucinda Lin – Director of Photography: Abianne Prince – Script Supervisor: Melissa Gonzalez – Casting Director: Melissa Gonzalez – Lighting Design: John Birdsong – Sound Director: Pete Eilenberg – Costume Design: Veronica Zhou – Boom-Pole Operator: Vic Reznik – Choreographers: Alex Smith and Eric Jacobson – Graphic Art: John Larmor – Special Effects and post production: John Chiarelli
Email: floatingopera@gmail.com
Website: www.shoefits.tumblr.com/
Synopsis:
The Original Hooligans are back. Another shoe fit another dolla! This time Marlo Lovely Brown has missplaced his dancing shoes. Confidant and partner in deviance, Pipe Adams is back on the scene to help Marlo locate his magical footwear. Marlo’s lover LuLu beckons from another dimension, while friend, and maddened inventor Bradrian W. Tangaurey laments at Camp Villain. Will Marlo be able to navigate his way through this fever dream to find the shoes or will humanity be doomed forever? If the Shoe Fits…
About the Director - Written by Pipe Adams
Born into a family of fur traders working their way through the Aleutians and the Bering Strait in the late 16th century, Marlo Leelan Brown was not always destined to make films. His name, literally translated, means the universal, or invincible prince. Young Marlo’s conception was nary cause for celebration, and his gestation and eventual birth a mere insurance policy to guard against the stark, endless Siberian winter. Just another maw to feed and, with hope, hands that would eventually grow strong enough to tear and render the priceless flesh from countless seals to add to the meager family coffers.
Time however, was on Marlo’s side and so Marlo danced the earth, a being reflected in the eyes of G-D, but yet a dead man inside, until the mid 90s. It was at this time that Marlo fell in with a bunch of like minded gents. Not immortals per say, but timeless characters nonetheless. For posterity’s sake, we shall call them the Original Hooligans. It was with the hooligans that Marlo discovered his true passion. Slowly, the hidden embers inside his mind, cold with age, began to warm, to glow. A fire was ignited inside of him. No longer the dancing dead, little Marlo Leelan was born anew. And the vehicle that brought young old Marlo back from the dead: Making Films.
But as he discovered his new found passion, changes began to occur. Each time Brown would look through his viewfinder a wrinkle would appear, a gray hair would sprout. Marlo Leelan Brown the foreverman, was now becoming just man.
Over the past decade Marlo has aged. Less like a fine cheese and more like a rusting washing machine in a dewy Bedford-Stuyvesant project courtyard, Marlo has forsaken eternal life for mortality to join the ranks of the Original Hooligan brotherhood and make films.
Jerry Rudes reporting from Cannes for Roger Smith News
Posted on 14. May, 2010 by DanielKalmar in Events, Hotel
Jerry Rudes is in France reporting from the world famous Cannes Film Festival, for Roger Smith News! Here are some short videos of interviews with people involved with Cinemonde and others. Enjoy!
John Knowles announces Roger Smith Shorts!
Posted on 16. Apr, 2010 by DanielKalmar in Art at Roger Smith, Arts, Events, Hotel
John Knowles of Panman Productions, and also the executive producer of Roger Smith Shorts, and his team have already begun the busy schedule of shooting and creating several short films within the confines of the Roger Smith Hotel in Midtown, Manhattan.
These films are in connection with the Brooklyn International Film Festival and John is super excited and pumped for the busy workdays and late nights. Here’s a detailed description of what’s going to happen and how much everyone is looking forward to the upcoming times! Enjoy!
“CLEAN THE ROOM”, A Roger Smith Short by Dmitry Povolotsky
Posted on 13. Apr, 2010 by DanielKalmar in Art at Roger Smith, Arts
Clean the Room by Dmitry Povolotsky from Panman Productions on Vimeo.
“Clean the Room”, is a film about mistaken identity and serendipity. This physical comedy, which takes place in the Penthouse of the Roger Smith Hotel is a modern day Cinderella story in which the dreams of a maid strangely come true, while she cleans a messy hotel room. Clean the Room won Best Film at the Roger Smith Shorts Film Festival in August 2009.
About the Director
Dmitry Povolotsky is a writer, director, and choreographer living in Brooklyn. At the age of ten, he was selected to attend the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow to study classical ballet. After graduating from the academy nine years later, Dmitry was awarded a full scholarship to Juilliard in New York City where he received a BFA in modern dance and choreography.
Dmitry remained in New York City to perform with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet for eight seasons and to teach ballet and choreograph for inner city youth at the Harlem School of the Arts.
After making his first short film in 2003, Dmitry left the dance world to study film at Columbia University Film Division. PAL/SECAM, his thesis film, has played at 40 film festivals all over the world, has won several prestigious film awards and was sold to 6 territories so far.
Credits
Written and Directed by Dmitry Povolotsky
Story Idea by Bilge Ebiri
Executive Producers -?Brendan Crane, ?John Knowles
Cast?Maid – Susan Brady
Bobby – Michael Mason
Superstar – Sarah Lilley
Crew
Director of Photography – Christina Voros
Art Direction – Julia Cairo
Assistant Director – Rebecca Conroy
Sound – Marin Conroy
Editor – Julia Kots
Wardrobe Provided by CMarchuska and The Green Room NYC
Special Thanks to the Roger Smith Hotel
Filmmakers get Social – 4/14
Posted on 30. Mar, 2010 by DanielKalmar in Events
Join us for a short film screening, fundraiser and panel discussion on how independent filmmakers are using social and emerging media to fundraise, market and distribute their films. For bookings, here’s the link! – http://2tg.us/9x
We will also share some short films that have either had viral success or are being used to launch the filmmakers’ careers. This includes the short film Nailing Jello, which is hosting this event as a fundraiser for the feature version in conjunction with the short’s debut on MTV’s Logo Network. We’ll talk about what these filmmakers are doing with their campaigns, what they could be doing better, and how you can learn from it!
Panelists:
Leslie Poston is the co-author of Twitter for Dummies and is a speaker and leading authority in social networking, new media, brand and business development with a concentration in food, wine, spirits, off-beat brands, music and film. She is the Founder and CEO of Uptown Uncorked social media and business development consultancy and the Founder of Social Mic. She is also the Co-Founder of Film Pop!, a digital and new media services development agency for independent film. A firm believer in translating online relationships and successes into the offline world, she has also founded Social Media Breakfast New Hampshire, PodCamp NH, S•Cub3d Conference and the nationwide Strong Women in Tech initiative.
Michelle DeForest is Manager of Sales Marketing for Next New Networks, the leading online television company. Next New Networks’ hit programming includes online television networks ThreadBanger, Indy Mogul, Fast Lane Daily, Barely Political (home of Obama Girl), and Channel Frederator. The company has racked up over 500 million video views and seven Webby Awards – more than any other independent media company. Prior to Next New Networks, Michelle worked in film and television production on projects including The Departed, Dreamer, “Jericho,” and “The Bronx is Burning,” and was the producer, host, and community manager of The Daily Reel, a pioneering online video site.
Matthew Knell is a web technologist and marketer with a long history designing, developing, and marketing a wide array of successful products and brands including About.com, JetBlue Airways and MTV Networks. An active member of the New York Technology scene, he was the lead organizer of SocialChangeCamp NYC 2009, an unconference focused on the sharing of knowledge at the intersection of Non-Profits and Technology. Currently, he is the Director of Emerging and Social Media Strategy at CafeMom, and teaches Social Media and Information Architecture at NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Learn more about Matt at tagsmith.org and find him @matthewknell on Twitter.
John Knowles is the CEO of Panman Productions, an interactive production company based out of New York City that focuses on live broadcasting, film, fashion, art and social media. Panman Productions consists of a five member team that operates collectively with the understanding that ours is a company where “All of your dreams come true.”
After being introduced to Live production at Plum TV, John worked to adapt the Live production model to his endeavors online. In the last several years, John has worked in collaboration with the Roger Smith Hotel on a number of projects. He helped to create and build the Roger Smith Social Media Program and was the executive producer of the 2009 Roger Smith Shorts Film Festival which generated six original short films. John is currently in production of the 2010 series of Roger Smith Shorts, which are scheduled to premiere at the Brooklyn International Film Festival in June.
Matt Gielen is a video and film producer and audience development expert. After graduating from Columbia in 2007 Matt began his career in media by Executive Producing “The Graduates” with his brother Ryan Gielen. After completing “The Graduates,” Matt headed up their online and social media campaign in conjunction with Ryan to produce an extremely successful online release of the DVD and digital versions of the film. Since then, Matt has produced and orchestrated the distribution and audience development for several web series including, “DiGiTS” and “Tony & Cal” among others. Matt currently works at Driver Digital where he is a campaign manager and audience development guru.
Cinemonde: Wonderful World
Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by admin in Arts, Community
In December, James Knowles of the Roger Smith Hotel presented the Rogé award at the Cinémonde film event. Cinémonde is all about great drink, great food, and great film. The screening on December 14th, at the School of Visual Arts Theater (on 23rd Street, bet. 8th & 9th Aves, in NYC) featured WONDERFUL WORLD, directed by Josh Goldin, starring Matthew Broderick, Sannaa Lathan and Michael K. Williams.
It was a smashing event. Not only did we have the pleasure of watching two fantastic films but we were able to engage some of the people who make this soiree possible. One such person was the director of the School of Visual Arts Theater, Gene Stavis.
James Knowles speaks with Chef Nata Traub about her childhood summers in France, and her love of Mediterranean flavors. Nata Traub has amazed and excited Cinémonde’s guests with her delightful dishes and exquisite taste.
Last but certainly not least we spoke with the director, Josh Goldin. Lets go Behind the scenes and check it out.
Roger Smith Shorts (The Trailer)
Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by AdamWallace in Arts, Community
6 filmmakers created 6 short films at the Roger Smith Hotel in one week. The 2009 Roger Smith Short Directors were Daniel Brothers, Sean Cunningham, Sherng-Lee Huang, Jacob Mendel, Dmitry Povolotsky Ted Wallach.
http://rogersmithshorts.wordpress.com/
Roger Smith Shorts ‘09 (Festival Workshop) Winner: Dmitry Povolotsky
Posted on 01. Sep, 2009 by AdamWallace in Community, Hotel
Congratulations to Dmitry Povolotsky, who was presented the Roger Smith Shorts ‘09 (Festival Workshop) Bronze Sculpted Creativity Award for his film “Clean the Room” on Saturday, August 22nd. The Judges Panel, which included James Knowles (President, Roger Smith Hotel), Ben Famiglietti (The Weinstein Company), Neil Alumkal (5WPR), Adam Neuhaus (Original Media) and Tommy Popps (Independent Producer) based their decision on 3 criteria: vision, craft and execution.
After deliberation, the judges decided on “Clean the Room” for it’s simple but concise execution; as with all the films, this modern day Cinderella story takes place all within the hotel, in which a dream comes true while a maid cleans the room, all under 6 minutes.
About the Director
Dmitry Povolotsky is a writer, director, and choreographer living in Brooklyn. At the age of ten, he was selected to attend the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow to study classical ballet. After graduating from the academy nine years later, Dmitry was awarded a full scholarship to Juilliard in New York City where he received a BFA in modern dance and choreography.
Dmitry remained in New York City to perform with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet for eight seasons and to teach ballet and choreograph for inner city youth at the Harlem School of the Arts.
After making his first short film in 2003, Dmitry left the dance world to study film at Columbia University Film Division. PAL/SECAM, his thesis film, has played at 40 film festivals all over the world, has won several prestigious film awards and was sold to 6 territories so far.
“Clean the Room”
Written and Directed by Dmitry Povolotsky
Story Idea by Bilge Ebiri
Executive Producers
Brendan Crane
John Knowles
Cast
Maid – Susan Brady
Bobby – Michael Mason
Superstar – Sarah Lilley
Crew
Director of Photography – Christina Voros
Art Direction – Julia Cairo
Assistant Director – Rebecca Conroy
Sound – Marin Conroy
Editor – Julia Kots
Wardrobe Provided by CMarchuska and The Green Room NYC
Special Thanks to the Roger Smith Hotel
