Tag: Newport Beach Film Festival

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journeyPod 10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival

film-festival

Photo by David Woytowich. Stars of Knuckle Draggers: (from left)
Paul J. Alessi, Danielle Nicolet, and Ross McCall

journeyPod was live and on the Red Carpet last Thursday evening at the 10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival. The Opening Night Film, “Lymelife,” featured Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessey, Rory Culkin and Kieran Culkin. While none of those celebrities were present, we did chat with Adam Gregory, star of the television program “The New 90210.”  Originally from Cincinnati, Adam now lives in Santa Monica and apparently isn’t much of a foodie. When I asked him his favorite restaurant, he told me “Subway.”

On the Red Carpet, we chatted with Matt Sobel, director of “X to Y” for the inside scoop on the inspiration for his short. Also on the Red Carpet filmmaker Carole Holliday gave us an inside peak at her film, “Witt’s Daughter.”  Her 40 minute film is about a father who comes home from the Korean War and meets his three year old daughter. Carole’s inspiration was the movie, “The Gladiator.”  Wanna hear more? Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast show.

The festival, in it’s fourth day now, is packed with filmmakers (who in many cases are the writers, directors, and producers), and actors and actresses. While waiting to screen the “Impact of War” shorts, first-time film maker Tomas Solli from Norway and I struck up a conversation. He is the only Norwegian filmmaker at the festival. His film, “Emergency Exit”  debuts today. While munching on popcorn in between films, I ran into Paul Alessi and Serah D’Laine, two stars of the much anticipated, “Knuckle Draggers.”  I was able to see Sunday’s sold out performance. If you missed it–be sure to catch it the second time around, later this week! ... READ MORE

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Partners In Crime Films Announces the World Premiere of Knuckle Draggers

artners In Crime Films, an emergent L.A. based production company is proud to announce the World Premiere of the feature film Knuckle Draggers at the 10th annual Newport Beach Film Festival on Sunday, April 26th, 2009, at 4 p.m.

Written and directed by Alex Ranarivelo, produced by Paul J. Alessi, and co-produced by Amie Barsky, Baptiste DeRivel, and Lamese Williams. Knuckle Draggers takes a humorous but very real look at the state of modern male/female relationships. Knuckle Draggers is the relationship movie from a male perspective.

The story follows Ethan, an all around nice guy who gets dumped because he wasn’t able to provide his fiancée with the plush, stable life her friends were living. Desperate to get her back, he seeks help from his older brother Kyle, a tough talking sexist who seems to have a way with the ladies. Kyle gives Ethan a crash course on women and dating much to the disgust of some of Ethan’s female friends. Just when it seems Kyle’s misogynistic theories are about to prove themselves to be true, things take an unexpected turn and force Ethan, Kyle and their friends to reassess their views on relationships.

In the spirit of movies like Swingers and Brothers McMullen, Knuckle Draggers gives us a unique point of view, a timely message, and a lot of heart. Not another indie film about friends hanging out, Knuckle Draggers provokes questions about what modern couples want versus what they need, and how their needs may not have evolved much from those of our caveman ancestors.

The Credits:

Alex Ranarivelo is the editor, writer and director of Knuckle Draggers. This is Alex’s debut feature film following a string of award-winning short films.

Ross McCall heads a dynamic ensemble cast in the lead role of Ethan. Ross’s extensive credits include the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers and most recently Crash, the Starz TV series.

Paul J. Alessi is the co-founder of Partners In Crime Films as well the film’s producer. Paul also stars as the co-lead in Knuckle Draggers, playing the part of Kyle.

Amie Barsky is a co-producer on the film and stars as Ethan’s good friend, Patricia.

Danielle Nicolet plays the feisty Renee. Her long resume includes 3rd Rock From the Sun, Heartland, and she currently co-stars on the USA series, The Starter Wife.

Justin Baldoni plays Gavin, the Rocker. Justin is the newest Hero on the hit NBC show Heroes.

Jennifer Alden plays Ethan’s ex-fiancée, Heather. Jennifer’s list of credits includes Wedding Crashers, and the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Serah D’Laine plays Erica. Serah’s list of credits includes General Hospital and Wild Things: Diamonds in the Rough.

Brandon Olive plays Kyle’s buddy, Matteo. Brandon will be co-starring in this summer’s highly anticipated A Perfect Getaway alongside Timothy Olyphant, and Steve Zahn.

And Omar Gooding stars as Ethan’s best friend Russell. Omar’s list of credits includes Baby Boy, the HBO series Deadwood and he’s just joined the cast of an upcoming Jerry Bruckheimer TV series.

Knuckle Draggers features a musical score by Austin Wintory, whose credits include Captain Abu Raed and Grace. A dynamic soundtrack accompanies the score, featuring tracks by J Mello & Dave Navarro, Tyler Hilton, Marching Band, Pollyn and Jennifer Love-Hewitt.

The World Premiere screening takes place on Sunday, April 26th, 4pm at the Edwards Islands Cinemas (in the Fashion Island mall) 999 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, 92660. For more info, go to www.newportbeachfilmfestival.com or call 949-253-2880. Tickets go on sale April 1st.

For all inquiries please contact Paul J. Alessi at paul@partnersincrimefilms.com

See the trailer at www.KnuckleDraggersTheMovie.com