A Documentary on Uniqueness

 A documentary, 'The Sorcerer' by Felix Guardia, chronicles the legacy of artist, Julio Zachrisson - and is a must see.

The film blends various media forms: animation, archival footage, interviews, and present-day filming to exhibit Zachrisson's artworks (known for their unsettling depictions) to life. "Art is useless, said Zachrisson, "but we can't live without it."

Zachrisson at home in Madrid

The film is about Guardia's quest to meet the artist. A friendship is developed, and the film offers viewers a reflection into this relationship. We are treated to photos of Zachrisson's works - the exaggerated human forms which were, at first, unaccepted by the public. He left his native Panama in 1953 never to return and died in 2021 in Madrid, at the age of 91. 

The documentary's goal is to preserve and amplify the artist's impact on contemporary art, which has reached across the globe. Interactive museum exhibitions are planned and a comprehensive digital archive of Zachrisson's works is on-going.

"I want the audience to feel the same shock and fascination I did when I first encountered his work," says Guardia, "I want them to question their own perceptions and dare to see beyond the surface."

Zachrisson's paintings and drawings can be seen in art galleries and museum across the world, at the MOMA in NYC, the Smithsonian in DC, to the Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad.

If you get the opportunity, this is a must-see film about an artist with a view of the world like no other as depicted in his works. Truly one-of-a-kind vision.

By: Jim Lavorato

YouTube...The King of Media

Yes, as YouTube marks its 20th anniversary, the Google owned video platform is the crowned King of all media.

Much bigger than any Hollywood player, YouTube is poised to gobble-up more screen-time than any other media outlet and will be more ubiquitous in the future. It's the home to countless self-made influencers, podcasters, commentators, and entrepreneurs.

If you want to find anything on video your first stop is YouTube. Today YouTube is television. It's short-form video, long-form video, live video, and cable TV all rolled into one.

For 2025, YouTube will surpass all other media companies in revenue. If YouTube was a standalone business, it would be worth half-a-trillion dollars or about 30% of Google's (Alphabet's) worth.

"YouTube has substantial runway for further growth-not just in monetization but also in expanding into new business segments, such as, becoming the premier streaming aggregator." says Michael Nathanson, Principal at MoffettNathanon. "If executed effectively, this could further widen the gap between YouTube and the other media players."

YouTube's income is estimated to be $10.2 billion this year and $13.8 billion in 2026. It's difficult obtaining financial data on YouTube, as Google holds YouTube performance figures close-to-the-vest.

There is no doubt that YouTube will continue to prosper and retain it crown as media King over the foreseeable future.

By: Jim Lavorato

Finally...An Oscar for Stunt Achievement

 

From 'Fast & Furious'

The Academy announced today the creation of an annual competition Oscar Award for Achievement in Stunt Design, beginning with films released in 2027.

Director/Producer David Leitch led the charge on behalf of the stunt community to finally be recognized for their work in films.

From 'The Matrix'

Since the very beginning action and designed stunts have been an integral part of filmmaking. From Buster Keston and the Keystone Cops to the earliest Westerns, and the latest Mission Impossible, stunts are a major generator of box office attendance. 

According to Janet Yang, President of the Academy, "We are proud to honor the innovative work of the technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion."

Oaters had great stunts from the very beginning

The last new Award category created was Achievement in Casting, established in 2024, beginning with the 2025 Oscar ceremonies. 

Reeves with stunt double from Wick films

This was a long-awaited Award category that should have been Oscar-worthy years ago. Regardless it is now etched in stone and the Oscar for Best Stunt will finally be bestowed each year.

By: Jim Lavorato

Hollywood's Painter...Extraordinaire

 For seven decades, Don Bachary has painted the Hollywood elite.

Don Bachardy with Marilyn Monroe - 1951

A-list stars would and still sit for hours as Bachardy painted their portraits at his studio in Santa Monica Canyon. Bachardy painted over 17,000 portraits - some now residing in the Smithsonian, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Bachardy also made sure he was photographed with "friends" like Bogart, Bacall, and Lucille Ball. His close friend, Karla Nielson states, "He just wanted to be near this world and was really interested in capturing it."

For example, Bachardy painted Bette Davis three times. They both loved the process, and sitters went without makeup or retouching of his final painting. "That's the only way I wanted to work" says the 90-year-old artist.

Three documentaries have been produced on Bachardy, which is rare for someone who is a portrait painter, they include 'The Eyes of Don Bachardy', 'Face to Face: Don Bachardy, and the latest, 'Chris and Don: A Love Story'.

Jack Nichelson 1982

Posing for Bachardy is not glamorous. He demands total stillness and silence during sittings. His work is always completed in one session and is a no-frills experience. States Angelina Jolie, "When I was pregnant, I called and asked Don to paint me. I'd never sat for an artist before. Every moment of that sitting is etched in my mind. There's a magic to his work. He captures the spirit and soul of the person he's painting." 

Frances McDormand 1992

"Can you imagine living here all these years. I'm a steady worker. My work is a history of my lifetime, about all the people I've known...all the ones who sat for me." says Bachardy. 

Bette Davis 1973

Our tribute to a man with a very special skill of capturing the essence of who he painted. Congratulations Don Bachardy.

Self--portrait 2004

By: Jim Lavorato

Cannes Film Festival...Trying to Be Relevant

 

2025 marks the 78th year of the Cannes Festival which will be held from May 13-24th. Dubbed, "the festival with a conscience", this slogan embodies what this festival has become, arrogant and unforgivably boring.

For example, the Short Film Competition is described as being the 'discovery of the filmmakers of tomorrow and allow for a greater diversity of sensibilities and talent.'  What does this mean? It is so nebulas. 

The festival's website states, 'The secret of success lies in all the little stories that have built the festival into the film industry's highlight'. Really! The film industry's highlight?"

The trademark red carpet, instead of being tossed out each year is now being reused and repurposed. Who is the genius who thought of that? This should have been done years ago. 

The Cannes Festival has become a metaphor for the whole of Western Europe: boring, bloated, over-sold, old, bureaucratic, and very expensive. The glitterati will be out in full force. I expect there, as always, will be protests by 'whatever' groups advertising their cause du jour.

After 78 years one would think the Cannes fest would have mastered the purpose of any film festival, which is, to celebrate the art of moviemaking which documents the story of human history.

The average cost to attend the Cannes fest is high, expect to pay $25,000 on the very low side. Red carpet access alone is $10,000. To attend prestige events like the Varity Fair Party - $11,000. Lodging varies, but a good hotel like the Carlton or Martinez will run $30,000 for the stay. Villas can go as high as $450,000. Cannes is, by far, the most expensive of the major film festivals to attend as compared to Sundance, Toronto, Tribeca, Berlin, etc.  

The Cannes Festival has become 'the big yawn'. It's well-off people making films about poor people that are watched by even richer people. 

By: Jim Lavorato 

Rug Pull? Money Grab? ...You Call It

 I very rarely blog about my personal encounters. In fact, since CMG was launched in 2006, I have only written about a personal experience one other time. Yet, I could not dismiss the encounter I had yesterday when answering a phone solicitation.

A group called, The People's Union USA asked if I would like to join them in boycotting and in supporting the Group financially. My first thought was, how had they gotten my cell number? Regardless, I checked their website to find out they are a political/boycott group. Their mission statement reads, "We are not a protest group. We are a movement to take back control of our economy, our government, our country." WOW. Is that all?

Why would I want to support any group, from the left or right, that wants to control our economy and government and, by extension, my life? The Group states, "Our goal is to boycott retail stores, online platforms, private label brands, pharmacy and health services, finance services, warehouse club outlets, all grocery and delivery entities, and subscription services."  I'm speechless! 

Naturally, they sell merch. Tees are $20

The People's Union USA's weekly goal for April 7-14 is to boycott Walmart (past boycotts included Amazon and Nestle). At first, I thought, this is a joke, right? No, it's all true. The sad thing is that there are individuals who believe in this nonsense - rhetoric (however crazy) that provides fodder for their unfounded and misplaced beliefs in American culture, lifestyle, and inner workings.

For example, the Group states, "We want corporations to start paying their fair share of income taxes so there won't be any more federal income tax for the people"

Revelation: 40% of all federal income taxes are paid by the top 1% of taxpayers. 60% is paid by the top 10%. Most people pay very little federal income tax. The tax burden is mostly State and local income tax, sales taxes, property taxes, utility taxes, etc. 

In short, The People's Union USA is just another grift. A cash scheme. Unfortunately, many people, for whatever reason, believe we are living in a bad nation. They get caught up in the narrative of Groups like The People's Union and support them financially and/or through boycotting and civil disorder.

Sorry for the rant, but the call to arms from various groups and causes has reached a peak and is tearing at the fabric of our culture - proposing solutions founded on misconceptions or outright lies - The People's Union USA is just another money-grab Group.

By: Jim Lavorato

 

Lengthening the Theatrical Release Window...the Sage Continues

 On 4/4/25 I wrote, what now appears to be a very apropos topic, lengthening the theatrical release window to a minimum of 60 days - and stated my case as to why this one action would greatly bolster box office attendance. 

At last week's CinemaCon (Hollywood's annual trade show), which I normally do but did not attend this year, the topic of the release window was debated. It appears however that the digital streaming platforms, some of which are owned by the film studios, are against increasing the window. 

Calls from the exhibition community for a universal 45-day theatrical release window fell on deaf-ears, as the studios do not want to take the risk - well, at least three didn't. As it stands, the window is now 17-36 days for all studios except Disney which waits 60 days.

Some of the stars that attended the 2025 CinemaCon Show

Having a short window robs movie theatres of moviegoers. Sony is on board with a 45-day window, however, Universal will be tough to convince, as well as Warner Bros. and Paramount.

Pre-COVID there was a 74-day window to which Michael O'Leary, Head of the exhibition trade group, Cinema United says, "the movie industry cannot afford the loss of a percentage of moviegoers who went to the movies when the window stood at 74-days."

Having, at least, a 45-day window would somewhat ensure that the theatrical system is and remains healthy. Cinemas must have release exclusivity. A short window leaves audiences with the impression that the moviegoing experience is only for big blockbusters.

By: Jim Lavorato

LA Movie Production at Lowest Level EVER!

 

FilmLA, the nonprofit group that issues film permits for the city and county of Los Angeles, reported that the average occupancy rate for the 17 studios that operate film production stages was 63%, the lowest in recorded history

This serves as another data point that filming in the greater Hollywood area is down and not increasing as was widely thought after the union strikes of 2023. 

.

For 2024, there were only 8,671 onstage shoot dates for 1,275 productions. The decline, however, was not from less moviemaking but from lower TV show production coupled with completion from other locations including the United Kingdom, New York City, Georgia, Ontario, etc. 

FilmLA spokesperson, Philip Sokoloski, stressed "the significance of California's plans on expanding subsides to the entertainment industry as very much needed to bolster both movie and TV production - and this is in the works." To his point, California is launching 'Stay in LA, an initiative which calls for emergency measures to restore LA's film and TV production.

By: Jim Lavorato

 

Coyote vs. Acme - The Movie, At Long Last

 

Yes, you wanted it and now it's coming. Ketchup Entertainment has acquired the worldwide rights to the film 'Coyote vs. Acme'. The live-action/animated hybrid feature will bring the iconic Looney Tune to life on the big screen - which was no small task as Warner Bros. had originally decided against a theatrical production and release. 

Ketchup and Warners finally worked out a deal. According to Gareth West, Ketchup Enter. CEO, "We're thrilled to have made the deal with Warner Bros. 'Coyote vs. Acme' is a perfect blend of old and modern storytelling. We believe it will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike."

The theme of the film centers on Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation for the countless faulty products that have hindered his relentless pursuit of the Road Rummer.

Beep...Beep

Jim Lavorato

Disabled Moviegoers...Forgotten

Inevitable Foundation

65% of disabled moviegoers said they prefer to watch a movie at a theater vs. at home, but only 4% say that movie theaters meet their accessibility needs.

Inevitable Foundation, a disabled rights group, surveyed handicapped moviegoers' views on everything from seating to closed captioning. They found that 42% of respondents said that when they needed accessible seating it was not available to them, while a full 68% have been to cinemas without accessible restrooms.

As for captioning, the good majority of hearing impaired, at 58%, prefer on-screen subtitling over device provided captioning.  It was also found that, in many cases, assisted listening or film narration devices were unavailable or broken when requested. 

Various accessibility devices for movie theaters

The survey concluded, "By reimaging accessibility as an investment rather than a cost, theatre owners can foster loyalty, build trust, and capture an underserved market segment that holds $21 billion in discretionary income."

The Fab Four Return

Last photo of the Beatles together

Four films about The Beatles are scheduled to be released in 2028. A biopic on the historic English rock group has been labeled 'the first bingeable theatrical release',

"We need big cinematic events to get people back into cinemas" says Sam Mendes, who is directing the four films. Mendes, whose prior films include 'American Beauty' and 'Skyfall', has long wanted to bring the Beatles to the big screen. 

The films will be told from the perspective of each band member and will try and capture the improbably journey of four teenagers from Liverpool, England to the center of global pop culture. 

Musicmaking - and changing the world culturally

This whole project is a big bet as far as film production and distribution, but I suspect that there are many people from the sixties thru the two-thousands who will embrace this biopic.

Considered the most influential rock band of all time, the Beatles sold over 600 million albums and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. the Fab Four still have a huge fan base and I know I'll be at the cinema in 2028 to watch all four films.

Promoting 'Sargent Pepper' a transition rock album

The Beatles disband in 1970, and all moved on to successful solo musical careers. In 1980 John Lennon was assassinated in NYC, in 2001 George Harrison died of cancer. Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney are alive and hopefully will be able to view this biopic.

By: Jim Lavorato

To Increase Cinemas' Box Office - Do This!

The stalwart American pastime of moviegoing is under attack. Fewer people are 'going to the movies'. So, what can be done stop this box office bleeding, and more importantly, increase ticket sales. 

Get them back to the movies

Movie theatres' greatest competition are the streaming media companies, which is some cases, are owned and operated by the major studios. i.e. Disney+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime - in a sense competing against themselves by lowering movie attendance. 

There are 5,691 fewer movie screens then there were pre-COVID. Total U.S. movie theatres grossed $8.7 billion in 2024, a 26% drop from the $11 billion pre-pandemic level. This year the major studios will release about 110 movies of all genres, but movie theatres need more - as 20% of moviegoers have stopped 'going to the movies'.

To me, the most significant and quickest change to improve attendance is to reverse the lowered theatrical release window. 

A 60-day window is needed to boost ticket sales

Pre-COVID the window was 90 days before release to streamers, video, other media outlets. Now, that window is only 17 days! This must be expanded to, at least, 60 days before streaming, renting, or buying theatrically released movies.

Having a short theatrical release window keeps box office attendance down as potential moviegoers opt to wait a mere two weeks to buy or rent the streamed movie but a two month+ wait provides an impetus to view the movie at a cinema. 

IMAX, Dolby Atmos, and other premiere movie exhibition is booming. Leading one to believe that consumers want and are even willing to pay a high admission to see a movie. A lengthened theatrical release window would provide the needed boost to get people back into theatres.

By: Jim Lavorato

Personal Security is Booming in Hollywood and Everywhere Else

The personal security business is booming all over the world as executives, politicians, movie, music, sports stars, are hiring, in many cases, teams of security people to watch over them - if they can afford it. Security is not cheap and it's getting more expensive to get the best or even second best.

To give you an example, the ultra-rich employ 'tasters'. These are highly trained people that are members of a billionaire's advance team who is tasked with going into well-appointed kitchens (where food for a party is being prepared) or exclusive restaurants with a chemical kit which detects the presence of poison. Tasters are becoming the norm among the elitists of the Jetset.

The murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare in NYC established the new normal of executive security. Having no security is now out-of-the-question. Says, Chris Falkenberg, founder of Insite Risk Management, "The security business is the risk business. Real life attacks on the ruling class are becoming more prevalent, including President Trump's campaign season assassination attempts. Also in the crosshairs are the corporate elites, ala Elon Musk."

Some Costs

- Detection kit for poisons in food validated by the Dept. of Defense - $90

- Garrison Bespoke assassin proof menswear known for its style and secure bulletproof suits comprised of carbon nanotubes - $20,000 to start.

 - Miami Armored will outfit a Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV from attacks from grenades to high-caliber assault rifles - $700,000

With relatively easy access to firearms on a global basis and a growing disparity in income inequality the world is becoming a very dangerous place for the top 10 percenters and even those of lesser means. Historically, political figures, popes, and kings were prime targets for assassination. but today it's C suite occupants, and all the way down to influencers and podcasters. Mass media provides the information: names, photos, and even addresses of the Masters of the Universe.

Armored SUVs are the preferred mode of transport for security

All of these conditions have supercharged the private security industry in Hollywood. West Coast protection expert Gavin de Becker is in charge of protecting Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon. Bezos normally travels with nine bodyguards and three armed limos.

William Wilson, head of Wilson & Associates Security says, "We live in a world where there is a definite need for proactive security measures. Threats can come from anywhere, from corporate espionage to mentally unstable individuals who take up a gun and start looking to do somebody harm. I've worked with families that will spend $250,000 a year on protection, and companies that spend $15 million a year. Some corporate executives don't go anywhere without an armed protection detail and security drivers with armored SUVs"

So, it seems that the world is getting more dangerous for the rich and powerful and they are answering by upping their personal security and spend as much as they can afford. I think this trend will continue and even the less rich will find ways to protect themselves. 

By: Jim Lavorato

Bill Burr...Anything for a Buck

 Standup comic Bill Burr continues his babbling skits and non-funny take-offs on social issues, as if we don't get the nuance of what's happening around us.

This may be my own bias, but Bull Burr isn't funny. I've watched his specials. He takes the audience for idiots who need to be provided explanation on what is going on around them and impacting their lives. Burr's type of comedy has no lasting value. It's all about fake outrage and moral posturing - which provides him the convenance of playing both side of the political spectrum - rightist racists and leftist morons.

Burr's no Lenny Bruce or Richard Pryor but a comic who thinks he is funnier than he really is.

O'Brien to Return As Oscar Host

 

Yes, Conan will return for the 98th Oscars on March 15, 2026. He was a fresh and pleasant face and voice vs. Jimmy Kimmel, who brought nothing to the host function.

This year's Academy Show was made more upbeat, funny, and very entertaining vs. those of recent past. It was non-political and celebrated the nominees and the film community in general - as it should.

The recent Oscars show delivered the highest viewership in five years at 19.7 million coupled with 104 million social media views which surpassed both the Grammys and Super Bowl.

Also returning is the production team of Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan.

What Were the Goodies in This Year's Oscar Swag Bag?

Some of the presents in this year's bag

 Every year certain Academy Award nominees receive a gift bag. Those recipients, get to keep the bag regardless of winning an Oscar or not, knowing that they'll at least be receiving a six-figure gift for their efforts.  

The people receiving the "Everybody Wins" gift bags for 2025, included:

- The Host: Conan O'Brien

- The 5 Best Actor Nominees

- The 5 Best Actress Nominees

- The 5 Best Supporting Actors

- The 5 Best Supporting Actresses

- The 5 Best Director Nominees

The swag bags are the creation and work of 'Distinctive Assets', an L.A. based marketing firm. This year's bags were valued at $220,000 and included over 60 separate presents, such as:

- a $23,000 4-night stay at the Joali resort in Maldives

-  a one-year membership to Bright Harbor, an L.A. disaster recovery support group

-  a $50,000 certificate for project management services from Maison Construction.

-  $240 cutting board from John Boos

-  $400 gift card from Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas

-  $1,570 worth of luxury pocket squares from David Ashley

-  $700 worth of cannabis products

- a $5,250 stay at the Cotton House Hotel in Barcelona

and the list goes on.

Conan O'Brien received a bag for hosting this year's Awards Show

The bags are offered, and most recipients have representatives accept the bags on their behalf - but not every bag is accepted. Each year about one or two bags are not "claimed".

Distinctive Assets ensures that each bag has the correct delivery address before distribution, and it should be noted that Distinctive Assets is not affiliated with the Academy in any way. 

By: Jim Lavorato

Netflix 2025 Content Spend Will Exceed $18 billion

"We're not anywhere near a ceiling with respect to content spending", says, Spencer Neumann, Netflix's CFO." For 2025 content spend will reach $18 billion from 2024's $16.2 billion, a jump of 11.1%,

"We have pretty good predictability about our anticipated revenue stream", quips Neumann. Netflix ended 2024 with over 302 million paid subscribers globally, which translates to over 700 million viewers. This is still small in relation to market size. For example, in the U.S. Netflix represents less than 10% of total TV viewing.   

"Our objective is to deliver more and more entertainment value per dollar and improve the overall experience" says Neumann.

Netflix serves up a mix of TV shows and movies across multiple genres and formats produced in over 50 countries - live events have become a major growth area. Netflix views YouTube as a competitor but not as you might think. Neumann says, "We share in the creative and economic risk with our creators.... but think we're the home for the best creators and storytellers on the planet."   

For 2025 revenues are expected to exceed $44 billion. It announced price increases in January. The standard, ad-free plan is the U.S. rose by $2,50 to $17.79/month. Ad-supported subscriptions were raised to $7.99/month from $6.99.  

'Squid Games' Season 2 was Netflix's most viewed series with 87 million viewers but it represented only 1% of total viewings. 

     

Netflix's new logo

Netflix has pricing power. It can raise subscriptions prices easily and with over 300 million paid subscribers a $2 raise equated to $7.8 billion in higher revenues            

Even the Award Shows are Cost Cutting

 

Several of the 2025 Golden Globe winners

It's official. Helen Hoehne, President of the Golden Globes, give voting members the bad news last week - going forward, the Globes would not be paying the voting members their annual stipend of $75,000. 

The 50 voting members (who are all members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association) would be paid a one-time severance of $102,500 and all other compensation would end. The 50 voting members are a subset of the 300 members that make up the Globe. 

Helen Hoehne, President of Golden Globes 

It should be noted that other major award groups, the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys do not pay their voting members, as it is considered an honor to be selected as a member of each group.

As a not-for-profit entity in 2024 the Golden Globes had expenses of $5.2 million, principally in salary and employee benefits costs and recently inked a five-year broadcast contract with CBS. There viewership for the 2025 Awards was 9.3 million.

It appears that payment for little work or non-work will no longer to be tolerated throughout many industries, governments, and non-profits and that's a good thing.

The King's Own Playlist

 

Young Charles kicking up his heels

Who would have thought it - King Charles has a pop music playlist that's coming out this month. Recording artists on the King's list include Kylie Minogue, Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Raye, and Davido, to name several.

To be released on Apple Music, under "The King's Music Room" his eclectic musical tastes go from disco to reggae, to Afrobeats and rock. "Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. It brings great memories and lifts our spirits; it brings us joy" says the King.

Narrating "The King's Music Room" for the playlist

In the recording the King shares anecdotes about his encounters with some of the stars on the soundtrack. Rachel Newman, Apple's Head of Content, stated "We are honored that King Charles chose to share his personal playlist with us, and with music fans around the world."

"The King's Music Room" will have its broadcast premiere on Apple Music today, March 10th with additional broadcasts scheduled.

For Hollywood, DEI Morphs into Meritocracy: No Big Surprise

 DEI is dead in Hollywood, and it has nothing to do with Trump, it is just the natural evolution of our culture. Companies, including those in the entertainment industry, must shift as the culture changes.

Under the Biden Administration, DEI was front and center and therefore companies adopted those policies into their own management, now that has changed. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) now stands for 'Didn't Earn It'. 

DEI is now being replaced with meritocracy as the cultural pendulum swings the other way. Therefore, companies are changing their approach and policies - there's no other choice. Like all things, culture changes. What was culturally relevant and meaningful becomes passe'. Diversity moves on to meritocracy (which in itself is diverse).  

I believe companies will continue to adopt and recognize some form of diversity and inclusion. But the demands on society to adjust and accept evolving technologies force the hiring of people with specific skill sets. Meritocracy is color, sex, and ethnic blind. It's not who you are but what you can do.

'Facing War': An Extraordinary Documentary on NATO

 

Gulliksen filming NATO meeting and trying to stay 'invisible'

It's apropos given NATO's current huge crises over the Ukraine debacle that a new documentary film, 'Facing War', which opens March 19th at the Copenhagen DOX film festival, allows viewers a behind the scenes peek at the military alliance's inner workings.

Working alone, Tommy Gulliksen, after many months of trying, got access into the inner sanctum of NATO and its chief, Jens Stoltenberg. Gulliksen took over 200 hours of raw footage over 22 months of filming and boiled it all down to a 100-minute docu - that immerses the viewer into the power plays between the political and military leaders of our world. 

The film is remarkably timely given the current Ukraine/Russian War. "I knew that getting an independent camera in the war room would be unprecedented and tough, but I never gave up. Perhaps, at a time of fake news and mistrust of the media we were seen as transparent. I eventually signed an agreement which was very open and had few restrictions to filming and editing" says Gulliksen. "I had to become a fly-on-the-wall. I had to do everything myself - camera work, sound, setup, everything."

Gulliksen filming Stoltenberg on NATO surveillance plane

'Facing War' captures what isn't normally accessible and nothing was staged. Gulliksen leaves it up to the audience to make up their minds on what they see - pro or con NATO.

I don't know if I'll ever get a chance to view this film, but I'll make every effort to do so. It's a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes look on the masters of the world in which we live.

By: Jim Lavorato

IRL Movie Club - Right for Your Cinema?

 

A film used for the IRL Movie Club

In Real Life Movie Club is a nationwide initiative to connect independent exhibitors through in-person screenings and conversations. 

Annie Roney is IRL's mover and shaker but credits social author, Robert Putnam for the idea behind her venture. IRL's premise is simple: for $5 at participating theatres, attendees get to watch an independent movie and then stay for a discussion with the rest of the audience. 

"Robert Putnam showed in his writings that when people stop gathering in social communities and talking to each other, democracy unravels", say Roney.  Also, a documentary filmmaker, Roney frequently thinks about the relationship between the decline in movie viewership to the state of our communities.

Many independent exhibitors often try to bring in filmmakers for post-screening discussion. IRL Movie Club is an excellent substitute for this, in what appears to be a win-win for the theatre and patrons. How it works is that IRL subsidizes participating theatres' event costs to keep the admission at $5. People who feel they belong tend to repeat their attendance, and many with friends in tow - again good for the theatre.

Nationally, since its inception in November 2024 starting with 23 participating theatres the number has grown to 67. 

You might want to get on-board with the IRL Movie Club. Look into it - everything and anything you can do to make your cinema more connected with the local community is a winner - and this initiative costs you nothing.

By: Jim Lavorato

2025 Razzie Awards

There's the Oscars and then there's the Razzie Awards - awards for the worst films of the year. The Razzies Awards are given out one day before the Oscars.

This year the Worst Picture was 'Madame Web' which won three Razzies in all, including Worst Actress (Dakota Johnson) and Worst Screenplay. According to Johnson, "I had never done anything like it before. I will never do anything like it again."

Worst Actor went to Jerry Seinfeld for his starring role in 'Unfrosted' which he also directed and co-wrote with Amy Schumer. She received Worst Supporting Actress Razzie.

Francis Ford Coppola won Worst Director for 'Megalopolis' but unlike the other Razzie winners he chose to accept the Award via Instagram saying, "it is a badge of pride." Jon Voight won Worst Supporting Actor in 'Megalopolis' 

On the flip side, the Razzies also award the Razzie Redeemer, an award given to a former Razzie winner who is then celebrated in future work - this year the Redeemer went to Pamela Anderson. She won a Razzie in 1996 for her performance in 'Barb Wire' but won the Redeemer for her award recognitions in 'The Last Showgirl'.

The Razzle, the members who vote on the award recipients, consist of 1,217 movie buffs, film critics, and journalists from the U.S. and 24 other countries.