Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Maxima Alerta drops new video!!!

One of the hottest and most popular musical groups coming from Cuba has just released a new music video to their new single "Vive la Vida".  This is an energetic dance track infused with the vibrancy of Cuban rhythms.  The production values are top-notch, the dancing is exciting, and the performances jump off the screen... they are so good. 

Maxima Alerta has recorded with some of the best known Cuban artists, including Gente de Zona who has become internationally renowned due to their recordings with Marc Anthony, Pitbull, and Enrique Iglesias.

Watch it now:  Maxima Alerta - Vive la Vida


For more information on the group, please visit their Official web page: www.MaximaAlerta.com

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Feature Film by Hudson County Residents gets World-Wide Distribution Deal

Filmmaker Ruben Rodriguez and producers Cesar Orellana and Britney Godish are seeing their “horrific” dreams come to life as their independent feature film has received world-wide distribution.  The film The Death of April was released October 27, 2015 by ITN Distributors. 

The Death of April, directed by Rodriguez and produced by Orellana and Godish, was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign and was released on DVD and Video On-Demand (VOD) on October 27th, 2015 by way of ITN Distributions.  You can find The Death of April DVD at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, BestBuy, CDUniverse (http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=9943130)… and soon at Walmarts.  

With an indy cast that includes Katarina Hughes, Stephanie Domini, Adam Lowder, RayMartell Moore, Lucio Fernandez, and Travis Peters, The Death of April is a twist on the found footage genre and takes the viewer on a journey into the human psyche. It explores the world of the paranormal through the eyes of Megan Mullen, who believes she is being haunted by the ghost of April Fisher, a woman who was murdered in her apartment. 

About ITN
ITN Distribution, Inc. is a leading independent film distribution company that specializes in high quality, genre and star driven independent films for the domestic and international TV, VOD, DVD and theatrical markets. ITN releases 24 films per year with ITN's connection to all major retailers and rentals in North America, such as Redbox, Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, Amazon and Video-On-Demand (VOD) outlets. ITN produces, distributes and acquires films worldwide.

ITN attends the following 12 markets each year:  Cannes Film Festival, American Film Market, Berlin Film Festival-European Film Market, Hong Kong FILMART, MIP TV, MIPCOM, NATPE Eastern Europe, NATPE Miami, Toronto, Prague-World Content, Ventana Sur-Argentina  and  Busan, Korea The AsianFIlm Market



More to come:

FILMMAKERS BRING HORROR TO THE GARDEN STATE
This fall, filmmaker Ruben Rodriguez and his team of producers Cesar Orellana and Britney Godish will be bringing their unique take on horror to New Jersey once again as they go into production on their latest independent horror feature film project: Homebound

“This will be our second feature film project shot in New Jersey,” said Brit Godish. “We are all from the Garden State and love to shoot in our beautiful backyard. Horror brought us together; we love the genre and want to bring the art of horror filmmaking home to New Jersey.”  

New Jersey is currently known for a number of major horror movies: Friday the 13th, Alice Sweet Alice (starring a young Brooke Shields), Creepshow, Jacob’s Ladder, and Amityville Horror to name just a few. 

Rodriguez, Godish, and Orellana hope to bring even more independent film and television productions to New Jersey through their production group: MojoCreative Group, LLC.   

“We enjoy shooting our projects in New Jersey—Jersey has everything one could need to make a successful film,” Ruben Rodriguez stated. “We have access to great actors, amazing locations, and technical people willing to help us make our dreams a reality. We have shot and produced a number of television commercials and one pilot in the Garden State. However, Homebound will be our second feature film project. The first was a found-footage feature titled The Death of April that we shot in Jersey City and Bayonne.” 

“I‘m thrilled that The Death of April is finally coming out on DVD,” Rodriguez stated. “It‘s a fun film with just the right amount of twists and scares to keep audiences entertained! That said, I’m even more excited about starting production on our new project. Homebound is definitely going to be a white-knuckle journey into the heart of fear with a smart edge to it.” 

Homebound tells the story of two friends, Angela Hernandez (Paula Garces, of the Harold and Kumar movies, The Shield, and Devious Maids) and Jessica Dalle, who take a road trip to visit Jessica’s family and soon find themselves in a battle for survival at the hands of a sadistic psychopath who has invaded the family home. 

Homebound will be shot in New Jersey and parts of New York. Principal photography on the feature is slated to begin in late November and will wrap in January 2016.  Rodriguez, Godish, and Orellana all reside in New Jersey: Ruben Rodriguez in Jersey City, Britney Godish in Princeton, and Cesar Orellana in Union City. 

The film’s star Paula Garces is also one of the executive producers on the project. For more than 20 years, Paula Garces has been breaking down barriers and opening doors for Latinos in Hollywood. The Colombian-born actress and producer was one of the first Latinas to star on hit daytime soaps like All My Children and Guiding Light and she paved the way for some of today’s biggest Latina TV stars with starring roles on hit primetime shows like The Shield, Defying Gravity, and Warehouse 13.

Friday, October 23, 2015

NoHu... Exciting & Elegant

There are two words to describe what's become the most popular film festival in the State of New Jersey... Exciting & Elegant.  But, there is so much more to this unique festival now in its 8th year.  What makes this festival standout from the rest is that they care about the filmmakers.  It show s in every aspect of their week-long event.  To begin with, no submission fee is charged.  Admission to all the festivities is free, and refreshments are bountiful.  But most importantly, the treatment is superb.  Yes, all the films are of high quality, and therefore the competition is tough, but the atmosphere is joyful and full of good spirits.

The closing night of the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival took place on Thursday, October 22, 2015 with an elegant Red Carpet filled with Hudson County’s elite filmmakers and artists, followed by fun-filled cocktail party and ceremony.  The event featured live music by The James Austin Trio and Banjoist Danielle Reid.  Highlights of the evening included special Guest Speaker renowned Writer/Director Dan Goggin, who received the “Key to the City” by Mayor & State Senator Brian P. Stack and his Board of Commissioners.  The “Key to the City” is the highest honor given by the City of Union City.   Also addressing the packed house were Broadway and TV producers Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter; and music producer and owner of Water Music, Rob Grenoble. 

The Award Recipients of the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival were:
U Su’
a film by Mimmo Mancini
Best Film

Time Square
a film by Alex Rask
Second Place

The Glove
a film by Aaron Peck
Third Place

Over The River
a film by David Giardina
Honorable Mention

Alex Rask
Best Director “Time Square”

Alex Rask
Best Screenplay “Time Square”

Mimmo Mancini
Best Actor “U Su’”

Ashley Kern
Best Actress “Time Square”

Jim Thalman
Best Supporting Actor “PLOY”

Jessica Silvestre
Best Supporting Actress “Nails”

Alex Rask
Best Special Effects “Time Square”

PLOY
Audience Choice Award





Thursday, October 8, 2015

Most Important Film Festival in NJ

8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival

(Union City, NJ)  The City of Union City will host the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival.  The week kicks-off with an elegant  Red Carpet event on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM, with the festivities beginning at 8:00 PM.  The opening night event will feature live music by Nuevo Flamenco Guitarist, Jonathan Fritz; a Wine & Cheese Reception; and the World Premiere screening of the film "La Academia" Written & Directed by Antonio Landeo Vega.  The director, producers, and many of the cast and crew of "La Academia" will be present on opening night. 

The closing night festivities will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2015 with a Red Carpet at 7:00 PM and the ceremony commencing at 8:00 PM.  The event will feature live music by The James Austin Trio; a Wine & Cheese Reception; Screening of the winning short films & Awards Presentation; and special Guest Speakers including renowned Writer/Director Dan Goggin, who will also be receiving the “Key to the City” the highest honor given by the City of Union City; Broadway and TV producers Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter; and music producer and owner of Water Music, Rob Grenoble. 

Free Admission.  Free parking on Monday and Thursday at the Colin Powell School inside garage, entrance on Palisade Avenue & 15th Street.

8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival
at the
William V. Musto Cultural Center
420 - 15th Street
Union City, NJ 07087

Festival Schedule

Monday, October 19, 2015
7:00 PM Red Carpet
8:00 PM Opening Night Festivities
Live Music by Nuevo Flamenco Guitarist, Jonathan Fritz
Wine & Cheese Reception
World Premiere Screening of "La Academia" 
Written & Directed by Antonio Landeo Vega
Produced by Italo Lorenzzi BolaƱos
Starring: Ivan Andia, Yesi Rodriguez, and Percy Malone 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015
7:00 PM
Screening of "In Sickness" 
Julius Kelly, Director
Judy San Roman, Executive Producer

Wednesday, October 21, 2015
7:00 PM
Screening of Short Film Finalists 

Thursday, October 22, 2015
7:00 PM Red Carpet
8:00 PM Closing Night Festivities
Live Music by The James Austin Trio
Screening of the Winners
Awards Presentation
Guest Speakers
Wine & Cheese Reception




DAN GOGGIN (Writer/Director) came to New York from Alma, Michigan to study as a classical countertenor.  He began his professional career singing in the Tony award-winning Broadway production of “Luther” starring Albert Finney. While appearing in a comic folk-duo called “The Saxons” he began writing.  This led to scores for the off-Broadway musical, Hark! (in which he also appeared) , the Broadway production of Legend and two revues.  Goggin received the 1986 Outer Critics’ Circle Awards given to Nunsense for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Music.  His “nunless” musical Balancing Act has toured the U.S. and played in London and Australia.  Nunsense and Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, both starring Rue McClanahan have been recorded for the A&E Television Network.  Nunsense 3: The Jamboree toured the U.S. starring Georgia Engel and has been recorded for television at the Grand Ole Opry starring Vicki Lawrence.  Nunsense A-Men! opened at the 47th Street Theatre in New York in June 1998 and has since been produced with “Laugh-In’s” Arte Johnson, impressionist Frank Gorshin, and Olympic Champion Greg Louganis.  Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical premiered in October 1998, followed by a national tour starring Dody Goodman, Jeff Trachta and Dawn Wells.  The Nuncrackers television special playing on the PBS network starring Rue McClanahan with guest star John Ritter, received and Emmy nomination for Best Musical Score.  Meshuggah-Nuns: The Ecumenical Nunsense premiered in September 2002 and is currently out on DVD.  The All-Star touring production of  Nunsense featuring Kaye Ballard, Georgia Engel, Mimi Hines, Darlene Love and Lee Meriwether marked the 20th anniversary of the original show. In 2004 Dan’s “serious piece” The Traditional Latin Mass was recorded by cast members and friends. In 2005 Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue premiered and in 2008, there was a national tour starring Sally Struthers. Last year Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class (A one-nun musical) and Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show opened. Most recently, the original Nunsense celebrated it's 30th Anniversary at the Saint Louis Muny featuring a cast of 50 nuns,  10 Broadway stars, and 19 children. Dan is currently working on the pilot for a new Nunsense TV Series. www.nunsense.com. 


***

Nunsense is the first production by Frankenmel Films. Frankenmel founders Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter were previously executive producers for director Ira Sachs’ latest film Thank You For Being Honest starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Ehle, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, and Paulina Garcia. Prior to this Melissa was an Associate Producer for Ira Sachs’ film Love is Strange and is a Tony award nominated Broadway producer. Franklin was previously Head of Production/Senior Producer for FlickerLab, an animation, design, and production studio based in NYC who’s clients included A&E Networks, AMC, Barnes & Noble Digital, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, The Colbert Report, HBO, Michael Moore, Nickelodeon, and more.

***


Rob Grenoble was signed to RCA Records as an artist and to BMG Music Publishing as a songwriter. He worked with producers Michael Barbiero (Guns N' Roses, Metallica, John Lennon & Yoko Ono), Scott Litt (REM, Indigo Girls) and Peter Coleman (Pat Benetar, Blondie). In 1982, Rob and his bandmates built the first Water Music. Since then Rob has worked with BeyoncĆ©, Shakira, Allman Brothers Band, Dave Matthews Band, Esperanza Spalding and many others. The studio has won multiple Grammys, an Emmy and other awards. This year Water Music set a new record for consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Song Chart with the Pretty Reckless. 

Monday, October 5, 2015

Special Concert by Legendary singer Fernando Villalona in Union City 
& Featuring one of the best known fusion reggaeton groups from Cuba making its USA debut, Maxima Alerta 

(Union City, NJ)  The City of Union City will be presenting a special concert by legendary singer Fernando Villalona on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City, NJ.  The concert will also feature the US premiere of one of the most popular reggaeton fusion musical groups from Cuba, Maxima Alerta. Admission is free.  Doors open at 5:00 PM and the concert will begin at 6:00 PM.  

(Please note:  general admission; space is limited; first come first served; preference to senior citizens and Union City residents; no alcoholic beverages allowed; and no big bags allowed.)

Free parking at the Municipal Parking Deck located on 23rd Street between Summit & Kerrigan Avenues.

Fernando Villalona in Concert
featuring Maxima Alerta

Sunday, October 11, 2015
Doors Open at 5:00 PM
Concert at 6:00 PM

Union City Performing Arts Center
2500 Kennedy Boulevard
Union City, NJ

Free Admission 


Friday, September 11, 2015

Registration for FREE classes in the Performing Arts


The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. will be having Registrations for its professional theatre training program for children ages eight and up on Mondays through Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Avenue, Union City.  Registrations begin on Monday, September 21, 2015.

Unlimited FREE classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Salsa, Tap/Rhythm, Singing, and Acting.

To register, kids must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  All classes are FREE. No special clothing or equipment needed. Registration fee is $30 per student. All of the instructors are professional performers.  Open to all residents of Hudson County.

For information, log on to www.GraceTheatre.com.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Mr. international KREONE


Chilean superstar Mr. International KREONE drops down on the Hudson to release his new single. Pina Productionz has put together a super album release party featuring DJ Bacan, DJ Boom, and DJ Raymambo.  For more info, call:  201-941-3000