Follow Friday ~ Ladies Kicking Butt Edition
Posted on 10. Sep, 2010 by BrianSimpson in Community
Today I want to feature three ladies that contribute to the world being a better place, inspire others around them and are all-around genuinely kind people.
I have known Brittany for years, shared meals with her family and consider her a dear, close friend.
I met Melissa almost 2 years ago and now work with her.
Jennifer, I had the luck and pleasure of meeting, in the middle of a street fair, on 7th st. in the East Village over an acai smoothie from Xoom!
I could go on-and-on about the way they exist in my life – I encourage you to read the brief bits of information I have included in my post, follow them and see for yourselves why these three women are worth a #FollowFriday!
Brittany Bang: Owner of Audrey’s Boston on Newbury St.
This taken from the home page of Audrey’s Boston website:
“Having a pet is a wonderful addition to our life style but can at times provide challenges as we want to make sure we give them the best possible care while still trying to accomplish all our daily chores. Let Audrey’s help you by delivering to your front door, walking your dog while you are busy, save you time and money with automatic replenishment, or by checking up on your cat or critter while you are away.
We will take the best possible care of your pet because we understand your four legged friend is more than a pet… they are family.”
You can find more information and contact Brittany directly on Twitter or visit her Facebook fan page and leave comments on Yelp.
Melissa Gonzalez: RS Pop Shop Co-Owner +
Inspired by the talent and dreams of emerging designers and artists this former Wall Street Executive and Host of Latin Beat on BET teamed with John Knowles, CEO of Panman Productions, to transform the storefront on Lexington Ave between 47th and 48th Street in New York City into a Social Media Pop Up Shop, known as the RS Pop Shop.
Connect with Mellisa on Twitter, Facebook and visit her blog.
Jennifer London: Chief Smoothie Operator ~ Xoom NYC, Inc
Here is Jennifer’s story as she tells it on the Xoom homepage:
“It all started when my husband Marc and I moved to Tucson in 2001. I had a hard time finding a quality smoothie until the day I drove past a typical strip mall with an atypical sign: xoom juice. I was intrigued. I went in, only to find out it was training week and that Xoom wouldn’t open for another few days. The owner and founder, Ari Shapiro, sensing my disappointment, gave me a free smoothie card and said, “Come back next week.” Well, not only did I go back the next week, I went back every week (ok, multiple times a week) for the next three years . In the meantime, Ari opened two additional Xoom shops in Tucson.
When Marc and I moved to New York, Ari said, “If you ever want to start a Xoom in New York, you let me know.” So, in the spring of 2009, I let him know…Welcome to Xoom NYC, in the East Village.”
Amazing Menu At Xoom
If you can’t find Jennifer at work – try to find her on Twitter or Facebook.
Happy Follow Friday everyone – I hope you enjoy my three suggestions!
ANIMATED CLOSET OPENS AUGUST 3rd AT RS POP SHOP
Posted on 02. Aug, 2010 by melissagonzalez in fashion, Hotel, RS Pop
Forward fashion, clothes that actually fit, independent designers, AND 10% of our profits go towards supporting economic development initiatives for women and children.
Inspired by women who love color and lead an active lifestyle, Animated Closet is something new, fresh and truly unique. Drawing comparisons to Custo Barcelona and Desigual, with an emphasis on creativity and individuality. At the epicenter of their look is an upheaval of contrasting patterns and colors. The prints and patterns are splashed boldly across our asymmetrical skirts, fun tops and outerwear, and flattering dresses.
You can’t go wrong!
FREE EVENT: Roger Smith Shorts 2010 Screening this Wed 9pm @RSHotel
Posted on 26. Jul, 2010 by Birdsong in Arts, Community
Dear friends,
you are cordially invited to attend a screening of the 2010 Roger Smith Shorts this Wednesday July 28th 9pm @RSHotel. The screening will be held on the second floor in the Starlight ballroom.
Six handmade short films: by us, for you.
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.
Facebook invite, Eventbrite invite
Film Trailers and information:
Title: CHECK MATE
Directed by: Abianne Prince
Written by: Robyn Day
Running Time: 3min 30 seconds
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
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
Directors: John Knowles & Melissa Gonzalez
Running Time: 10 minutes
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 Director Melissa Gonzalez: 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 on http://www.rspopshop.com
Film Title: HAIR BALL
Directed by : John Birdsong
Running Time: 13min
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 a Siamese Fighting Fish named Rufio.
Title: MOTHER TERESA’S HIATUS
Directed by: Abianne Prince
Written by: Robyn Day
Running Time: 2min 30 seconds
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.
Title: SHOE FITS
Directed by: Aleks Degtyarev, aka Marlo L. Brown
Running Time: 21 minutes
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.
DOLICIOUS SUMMER Collection arrives at RS POP Shop
Posted on 06. Jul, 2010 by melissagonzalez in Events, fashion, Hotel
DOLICIOUS SUMMER
From Paris design houses and magazines to New York City, DOLITA PARIS arrives with her sensual and seductive summer collection.
Her clothes fit like a second skin and enhance all the natural beautiful female attributes. To Dolita every woman is her muse!
“DOLICIOUS is for the free-spirited, self assured woman who is youthful at any age.”
Drop your business card and you can win a DOLITA “Sexy in the City” design at 6pm daily!!
visit us online at www.rspopshop.com
IMANI ALEXANDER ARRIVES AT RS POP Shop
Posted on 15. Jun, 2010 by melissagonzalez in Arts, fashion, RS Pop
CEOLA, by Imani Alexander
New York City based fashion designer, Imani Alexander debuted her first resort collection in June of 2008. She was an instant success and was tapped to sell at some of the finest boutiques in the West Village.
Her inspiration? Extensive travel abroad and the her beloved grandmother, Ceola Holland.
The collection incorporates fine silk fabrics and are feminine and flattering- from the beaches of St. Tropez to the streets of NYC!
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION JUNE 17th, 6-8PM
Rspop shop presents: Ceola by Imani Alexander from Panman Productions on Vimeo.
Brooklyn International Film Festival : Roger Smith Shorts AFTER PARTY
Posted on 07. Jun, 2010 by AdamWallace in Events, Hotel
This Thursday at 8pm BIFF is hosting The Roger Smith Shorts 2010 screening.
THIS IS THE AFTER PARTY!
PLEASE JOIN US from Panman Productions:
John Knowles
Melissa Gonzalez
John Birdsong
Aleks Degtyarev
Abianne Prince
along w/
The Roger Smith Film Crew
at
Public Assembly Loft
http://www.publicassemblynyc.com/about.html
70 N. 6th St.
between Berry and White
Williamsburg BK
MUSIC by DJ AK!
http://ak-dj.com/?page_id=1585
http://www.facebook.com/#!/djakfanpage?ref=ts
The SCREENING will be held on Thursday June 10th, 8PM @ indieScreen in Brooklyn.
ABOUT THE BIFF AND ROGER SMITH SHORTS:
Brooklyn International Film Festival is hosting “Roger Smith Shorts 2010″, an annual film festival workshop featuring 6 directors / 6 world premieres… all shot in one hotel.
The Roger Smith Shorts Series started in 2009 as a short film festival / workshop and was designed to facilitate film making 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. Find out more about Roger Smith Shorts at: WordPress or at Vimeo Group.
http://www.brooklynfilmfestival.org/events/roger_smith.asp
Check out the trailers of all the Roger Smith Shorts on the BIFF website, Panman Productions, and Look Listen Play :
http://www.brooklynfilmfestival.org/events/roger_smith.asp
http://panmanproductions.com/roger-smith-shorts-festival-workshop/
http://www.looklistenplay.com/rogersmith
About Panman Productions:
http://panmanproductions.com/about/
Roger Smith Shorts – the story…
Posted on 21. May, 2010 by Editor in Arts, Events, 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.
RS Pop presents Holiday Bazaar: Emerging Designers ’09 and LIVE VIDEO STREAM
Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by AdamWallace in Events, fashion, Hotel, RS Pop
Please join us for our upcoming Shopping Event!
On December 7th and 8th, we will be showcasing some of our favorite emerging designers from Homemade BFF’s & Roger Smith Life. The event will take place each night from 6-10pm at The Roger Smith Hotel- 501 Lexington Avenue, NYC.
Designers scheduled to participate at our shopping party: NFP Studio by Gail Travis, DOLITA by Dolita Paris, Lejkarama by Lejka Sievert and Nicole Arama, Poupette by Geri Roucaute, Fleabags by Shira Entis and Alexandra Bell, Peter Charles Scarfs, Alex Pimienta Jewelry, Victoria & Richard MacKenzie-Childs, BOOBA by Nicole Arama, Argan Oil Beauty by Jebel and Others.
Brought to you by Panman Productions and Lion’esque Productions. Musical Performances produced by Folk Yeah!
Sponsored by Voli Spirits! Come visit their tasting table.
Kiki Valdes Debuts Pop Up Show in NYC
Posted on 22. Oct, 2009 by AdamWallace in Arts, Events, Hotel, RS Pop
Oct 09 – New paintings from Miami artist Kiki Valdes appear for 5 days only at the Roger Smith Hotels new social media experiment, the Pop Up Shop. Reception will be on Thursday, Oct. 22nd 2009 with the artist creating a piece on sight. Time is between 7 – 9pm. It runs from Oct 20 – 25th. The mini show is curated by Melissa Gonzalez and produced by John Knowles & Panman Productions. Special thanks to everyone at the Hotel for making this possible.
Thursday, Oct 22nd 2009
47th Street and Lexington Avenue, Midtown NYC
6pm – 9:45pm
Kiki Valdes was born in Miami. FL at the same downtown hospital Bob Marley passed away just a month after in 1981. He attended the New World School of the Arts high school along with other ambitious classmates Jessica Sutta of Pussycat Dolls and paper artist Jen Stark. He later attended Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. During this time he published with his brother Humby a punk rock, culture and humor underground zine called OpenZine (which later became http://www.facebook.com/l/bc279;www.OpenZine.com, a site where anyone can publish web magazines) During the evenings Kiki would paint in his studio and later on pass out the newsprint publication at mostly punk venues such as CBGB’s in New York and Churchill’s in the inner city of Miami.
Models on the Street: Dolita Paris NYC Fashion Week 2009 Sidewalk Runway Show
Posted on 25. Sep, 2009 by AdamWallace in Arts, Events, fashion, Hotel
Models @ rshotel. This video coverage is part of the roger smith hotel’s participations in NYC Fashion Week 2009. Dolita is no stranger to the fashion industry. She worked in the couture studio of Jacques Esterel when she was 16, and now she is producing her own collections. Last season her runway looks were a huge success and garnered a lot of attention, including that of megastar Beyonce. Her designs are sensual and seductive. She uses sexy fabrics like Silk jersey, Lace (from France), Lycra, and Velvet; her clothes feel like a second skin. Its clear that Dolita Paris is on the path to becoming a signature brand! She is FANTABULOUS! Dont miss her. www.dolitaparis.com -Melissa Gonzalez
