Secret Movie Night

2008/2009 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

2009-02-03T13:10:00.001-05:00

* 2 shows at the Ira Allen Chapel, University of Vermont. Friday, February 6th and Saturday, February 7th
* Proceeds to benefit the UVM Outing Club
* Tickets are $12 per show

The World Tour brings a selection of the best films from the Banff Film Festival. The Banff World Tour generally offers about 30 films, including many of the award winners from the festival in a variety of subjects, styles, lengths and activities.

Don't miss out. Pick up tickets at Skirack (Burlington, VT) or www.skirack.com

Secret Movie Night goes on Winter Break

2009-01-05T13:40:00.002-05:00

Considering the c0ld and the snow and the general desire of most people to sit by the fire and read a good book (well, that's what I'd be doing if I had a fireplace), I've decided to send Secret Movie Night into hibernation for a while.
Not so much because of the weather (I love the snow) but because I need time to work on other projects and gather new material for the next stage of movie nights.

In the meantime, I will possibly plan random movie events. And I'll try to be more diligent about posting to the blog and adding clever videos for all to see.

See you in the Spring.

A Christmas Story- Gangsta Remix

2008-12-24T09:49:00.001-05:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

Special Holiday Seasonal Affective Remedy Episode

2008-12-15T15:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

If you're into that sort of thing.

For those confused and depressed by the increasingly gloomy and cold days and nights of winter, I've come up with a special Holiday Seasonal Affective Remedy Episode;

an evening of fun, silly and colorful short videos guaranteed to brighten your spirits, holiday or otherwise.

It's also the final Secret Movie Night of 2008, a most historic occasion indeed. You don't want to miss out.

bring your friends and holiday cookies (optional but appreciated and yummy).

You Can't Go Wrong With Zombie Strippers

2008-12-15T15:13:00.002-05:00

From the depths of Mr. B's Bad Movie Review Archive, comes this fantastic review of a film that would certainly be an instant SMN classic.
It features none other than Robert "Freddy Krueger" Englund as the owner of an illegal strip club with "super-strippers" that inevitably become flesh-eating zombies.

Enjoy!

Get Fit with the SPEEDFIT Treadmobil

2008-11-25T11:32:00.001-05:00

As featured on last weekend's edition of "Wait Wait..".
How do I order one of these things?

...is this the headquarters for something?

2008-11-17T21:29:00.002-05:00

Secret Movie Night returns on Tuesday, November 18 with Brett Ingram's "Monster Road", a dazzling documentary about cult legend and clay animator Bruce Bickford.

Winner of "Best Documentary" at many festivals, including Slamdance Film Festival, Monster Road combines verite footage, interviews, home movies, childhood drawings and never before seen animation.

Brett is an old friend of mine, going all the way back to screenings of my Comet Movie Night (Raleigh, NC) in the late 90s. So I'm ridiculously excited to share both his work and the work of Bickford to a new audience.

I'll try to get some more clips and links up soon.

Halloween Spooktacular Part Two

2008-10-19T20:31:00.003-04:00

This Tuesday night it's part two of the SMN Halloween Spooktacular. I'm still working out the program. But here are a few artists on the short list:

Brett Ingram
Bruce Bickford
Brothers Quay
Jan Svankmajer
Paul Berry

Last week featured around 30 different shorts. Obviously quite short. This week I'd like to mix it up with either a couple shorts and a feature or a selection of longer short works. Still undecided on this. But either way, It will be a most exciting program.

Keepin' It Reel

2008-10-10T16:24:00.005-04:00

If you listened to NPR this morning, you may have heard this wonderful story about Marcia Nasatir and Lorenzo Semple Jr., two 80-something film critics and former writers.
Known as the Reel Geezers, they review films old and new with a sense of admiration and honestly seldom seen these days.
Read more on their site or watch their reviews on the Reel Geezers YouTube channel.

SMN Halloween Spooktacular 2008

2008-10-06T13:22:00.004-04:00

IT BEGINS. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7. 8pm.

SMN: New Filmmaker Showcase

2008-09-29T22:46:00.002-04:00

Thanks to SMN friend Caroline B., we've discovered the work of Portland, OR's Julie Perini.
Originally from upstate NY, she now creates films & videos, organizes events, writes and much more. We're super excited to screen two of her short works tomorrow evening.
Be there to check it out along with past favorites and a few surprises.

Cecile Starr returns to SMN

2008-09-16T13:46:00.003-04:00

Tonight marks the eagerly awaited return of Secret Movie Night's most accomplished guest film curator, Cecile Starr.
Tonight she presents clips from three films about music:
Song of Ceylon
Raga
Jazz on a Summer's Day

I am super excited!

Bush in a Skirt crossing the Bridge to Nowhere

2008-09-16T10:54:00.004-04:00

As if this whole campaign wasn't messy enough already. No, more like incredibly frightening.
But I was heartened to see this article in The Nation. It only supports my belief that Sarah Palin represents merely the far right fringe of American women. Pro war, anti-choice, anti teen pregnancy support (clearly she is no fan of irony). Nothing like turning back women's rights a few decades.
So I'm glad to see that an anti-Palin rally in Alaska can be so successful. If only the rest of country can get motivated on this. If not, Secret Movie Night may be moving to Canada.

This one is for Rose

2008-09-12T16:44:00.003-04:00

On Monday my friend and coworker Rose Long was the unfortunate victim of a hit and run while cycling with a friend.
I say victim because this was clearly no accident. The driver, 22 year old Adam Desjardin, was driving his SUV on a suspended license, failed to yield on a left turn and drive through Rose. After this, instead of taking responsibility for his criminal actions, he fled the scene.
Read the Burlington Free Press article here.

Amazingly, this asshole actually pled not guilty. As if he had somehow had the right as a vehicle operator to drive into another person.

While Rose will certainly recover (she's an amazing person and incredibly positive and resilient) she is currently dealing with severe facial lacerations, a collapsed lung, a broken wrist and a broken jaw, nose and pallet, shattered bones in her forehead and alot of missing teeth. On Thursday she underwent reconstructive facial surgery.

There may be no limit to my utter sense of anger and disgust at this tragedy. If justice does not prevail in this case then what chance does this world have for survival?
But most of all, my thoughts will be with Rose and her family as she recovers.

I'd love to be able to focus on movies right now. But there will be time for that later. Rose was also a fan of Secret Movie Night. And I'm sure that everyone at SMN wishes her the best.

GREMLINS vs. BATMAN....sort of

2008-09-07T18:51:00.001-04:00

Filmmaker Sacha Feiner has made a fun short with some rather clever insertion of Gremlins into various popular films, including Batman, Goonies and the Exorcist.

Get on your bike for polo action

2008-08-27T11:45:00.000-04:00

Burlington's very own hardcourt bike polo crew gets a little love from the Free Press.
Check it out HERE.

Will the real Watchmen please stand up?

2008-08-25T16:21:00.003-04:00

Ever wonder why so many films get remade, get held up in development, go through numerous rewrites, change directors, change actors, change directors again, and sometimes completely disappear only to be revived years later as a new project.

Michael Cieply exposes the dirty dealings and redtape miasma behind some of Hollywood's biggest productions in "The Murky Side of Movie Rights" from this week's Sunday New York Times.

Hipster Olympics: Only in NYC

2008-08-19T15:50:00.001-04:00

Drugs and Modern Living

2008-08-19T13:06:00.003-04:00

Sasquatch has been discovered in the Georgia woods, Musharraf has resigned and the Olympics enter month three of competition (or so it seems).

Meanwhile, back at SMN HQ I'm busy planning tonight's festivities.
The probable theme for the evening:
Drugs & Modern Living

Yea, I'm quite curious myself how this is going to work out.
Needless to say, there will be a fair amount of last-minute preparation involved.
Regardless, I'll make it happen.

Modern Toss - Video Shit Naks

2008-08-15T23:09:00.003-04:00

Yea, It's all over the internet

Schwarzenegger on 1974 Dating Game TV Show

2008-08-15T23:09:00.001-04:00

AAAHH-NULD shows us how it's done.

SMN attends the Seven Daysies Awards Party

2008-08-11T15:02:00.003-04:00

Last Friday evening Emily and I attended the annual Seven Daysies Awards Party. tons of yummy food. Beautiful people. Good music. Fun times.

and we ended up on the House of LeMay blog (voted runner-up for Best Non-Political Blog).

And sure, I know what you're thinking: Secret Movie Night was obviously the winner for best local movie theater, right?

Well, not officially. But we all know it's true. Roxy? yea, right.
So stay tuned as SMN continues to get bigger and better. and more outrageous.

SECRET MOVIE SUMMER

2008-07-28T20:20:00.002-04:00

Well into our second year, Secret Movie Night continues to entertain and surprise. The crowds are fantastic. Standing room only and the film programs well-received. The last screening was perhaps the most successful yet. One of the largest crowds and possibly my tightest program yet. Food & Politics for those that missed it.

Now it's on to the next program. and much much more.
Tuesday, August 5 is "Secret Date Movie Night". more info to follow.

And if all goes as planned, I'll be participating in this year's Art Hop.
Stay tuned..

2008-07-07T00:59:00.001-04:00

Just a little summertime bike fun

2008-06-22T19:30:00.000-04:00

MACAFRAMA Trailer from MACAFRAMA on Vimeo.

Secret Movie Night: ORIGINAL SUMMERTIME JAMS

2008-06-16T15:45:00.001-04:00

Summertime is finally here. For real this time. And we plan to celebrate in proper Secret Movie fashion. With a superspectacular action-filled funstravaganza of projected material.

We'll have bicycles, classic shorts and other surprises. Lots of silliness and good times.

Secret Movie Night
Tuesday, June 17
12 North St :: Burlington, Vermont
8pm :: $3

And in related news, the Seven Daysies ballots are out in this week's Seven Days and online.
Please vote Secret Movie Night for best local movie theater. After all, where else can you watch over twenty fantastic short films in one night?

See you on Tuesday. ride your bike. bring your friends.

LANDO RULES

2008-05-26T16:26:00.004-04:00

ROLLER DERBY INVADES HIGHER GROUND

2008-05-26T15:41:00.003-04:00

For the fans of all things roller derby, spandex and solid rock and roll, this Wednesday night is for you. The newly formed Green Mountain Derby Dames
will host a Fun-Raiser at Higher Ground, featuring the rock power of Böne Cöbra, Party Star and Y69.
Get your tickets now.
SMN will be there to represent and get down with the roller girls.

FIX PUSH - from the velodrome to the coffee shop

2008-05-14T21:23:00.001-04:00

A conversation tonight reminded me about this video. Thought I should share in case you haven't already seen it.
I'm also forming a local fixed push gang. Are you in?

LCD Soundsystem - "North American Scum"

2008-05-11T19:13:00.001-04:00

Proves my theory that you can't go wrong with cool spacesuits. I want one.

Saturday, May 10 is PANGEA DAY

2008-05-10T00:36:00.003-04:00

Today at 2pm EST, the Pangea Day screenings will take place. 4 hours and 24 films being screened all over the world.
you can either find a local venue or watch online here.
You also may be able to catch a screening on a local television station or on your mobile phone.

Airport Malaise

2008-05-08T10:33:00.003-04:00

One thing about airports. If you can tolerate the lack of functional AC, the annoying Dolce Gabana-clad travelers, the horribly overpriced (and just horrible) food and coffee, the mind-numbingly long layovers and general ennui you can manage to get a bit of work done. none of the distractions of home. no TV, no radio, no friends to meet out for drinks. So with a four (yes, I said FOUR) hour layover at JFK, I can just sit here, drink bad coffee and do a bit of freelance work. and, time permitting (that shouldn't be an issue) I'll even get a moment to read or sleep.

Hoping to reconnect with a few old friends in Raleigh and perhaps even solicit new work for SMN. But now that I've gotten a bit of work done, I think I'll head over to Invasion Cinema for a bit of short-term amusement.

Attack of the Invasion Cinema

2008-05-05T12:14:00.004-04:00

Through my usual internet meandering of all things monster movie and classic sci-fi, I recently discovered the Invasion Cinema blog. A great read on vintage horror, monster movie, sci-fi and just weird cinema. In other words, all the things that I like in a motion picture.
And since I own quite a few of these films, don't be surprised to see them at a future Secret Movie Night.

SEASONS :: Mountain Bike Film Premier

2008-05-04T22:27:00.002-04:00

Whether you're into mountain biking or not, The Collective make some amazing videos. And this time we have the opportunity for an East Coast premier screening at Burlington's Waterfront Theatre. visit The Collective's site for more info and clips. Or just show up for the screening. I'm sure tickets will go quickly for this one. Unfortunately, I'll be in NC for the weekend.

Where: Main Street Landing, 60 Lake St, Burlington, Vermont
When: Saturday May 10, 2008

Two shows, 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, tickets at http://www.flynntix.org. Prizes and raffle to benefit mountain bike advocacy in Vermont. At Main Street Landing, Burlington. Presented by Vermont Mountain Bike Association.

SMN Birthday Party Celebration

2008-05-04T22:07:00.002-04:00

Everybody's favorite local movie night is turning one year old and everyone is invited out to help celebrate.
Besides an evening of fantastic short works of film and video, we'll have snacks and a trivia contest (with prizes).
Of course, the films themselves will remain a secret. but there may be a few hints dropped before hand.

more fun video clips and bits of info to follow.

Lederhosen + iPod = dream come true

2008-04-28T22:09:00.002-04:00

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I was born in Germany and that I once wore lederhosen in a school play.
I often look back on those days and wonder why such an amazing fashion choice never took off in the US. Perhaps the time has come. As everyone and their grandmother now owns an iPod, it's time for total fashion-tech integration with Lodenfrey's new lederhosen with iPod controls.

I kid you not. You know what's on my Xmas list.

Average Homeboy

2008-04-27T23:24:00.001-04:00

If you haven't seen this yet, then I'm not quite sure what rock you've been hiding under. But I'll save the lenghthy intro. Enjoy his tight flow and groundbreaking video effects. After you see this, I think you'll just be "Blazed"

Nature v. Nurture?

2008-04-13T09:36:00.004-04:00

I clearly need to get out more. Living along in the woods really has impaired my sense of humor. This is what cleaning the litter box suddenly made me think of this morning. Thank David Cross and Michel Gondry!

I'm Your Turbo Lover

2008-03-30T19:13:00.001-04:00

Remember MTV when they showed amazingly cool music videos all the time? Remember when videos were more than just a montage of live shots and completely inane shots of the band? Videos in the 80s meant cheesy computer effects, animation, strange creatures, puppets and amazingly bizarre storylines. Yea, this is why I loved this video so much when I was younger. And for what it represents, It actually holds up. Sure, It's ridiculous. But so were the 80s. and I think we've lost that in terms of modern music video and film production. There are a few exceptions here and there. Anyway, I'll just let you enjoy the video. More to come on classic 80s music videos.

1000 Journals

2008-03-28T11:27:00.007-04:00

Andrea Kreuzhage has created a doc about the 1000 Journals project, in which, yep, you guessed it, 1000 art journals traverse the globe to be filled in the creative meanderings of artists, writers, makers and other types.
Check out the doc's site here, including a trailer and lots more about the film.
Last year I created a similar, albeit much smaller scale, project with journals traveling around the world. They were all lost. Perhaps they will one day return to me.
For a little more inspiration, check this out.

Now, let's go and make a movie.

Get Swedin'!!

2008-03-26T20:44:00.004-04:00

Want to Swede a movie but don't know the first thing about filmmaking?

I don't know about you but I can't wait to Swede Footloose! Oh, wait... I don't own a camera. I don't know the first thing about filmmaking -- just a lot of experience watching them. Well, I guess there was one "movie" that I made, but I don't think my parents want to know about it.

(<---- Mary)

A good friend of mine, and documentary filmmaker, Mary Arbuckle has agreed to host a weekend intensive workshop this spring or summer for those interested in video production. I've been trying to coordinate times with her to learn editing and production 101 skills for months now. Just think, if enough people Swede a movie of their own, we can have a SMN Swede fest!? What'd'ya think Will?

She has taught at Burlington College and recently Middlebury college, and also runs a local community access television station, which means access to equipment! Mary's very flexible to other people's schedules and depending on the level of interest and initial success willing to host more than one. If anyone is interested raise your hands, send a flair, show up at the next movie night and we can discuss the details.

Getting Excited About SMN 2.0

2008-03-17T19:13:00.002-04:00

Despite how busy I've been over the past few months and how little time I've really had to devote to planning a new Secret Movie Night, I'm getting quite excited about tomorrow night's program. Those familiar with the usual SMN format won't be disappointed. But I hope to introduce a stockpile of brand new material over the next few months. And I'd like to consider changing the format a bit - perhaps with the addition of a few well-selected longer works. And a bit more serious fare that I find particularly inspiring, technically ingenious and worth exposing to the SMN fans.

As the blog continues to warm up (and add new contributors) I'll start to reveal some of my favorite all-time works, both feature-length and short, animation and live-action.

Top 10 Fan-Made Sweded Films

2008-03-16T10:24:00.006-04:00

David Chen at Always Watching has compiled a fantastic Top 10 Fan-Made Sweded Films, inspired by Michel Gondry's Be Kind Rewind.

Just a little something to amuse you until the next Secret Movie Night. Enjoy!

Be Kind Rewind Sweded Trailer

2008-03-12T18:40:00.001-04:00

Now we just need to swede secret movie night. who's up for it? SMN returns March 18. in the meantime, go and see Be Kind Rewind. discussion to follow

So much for that idea

2008-03-10T22:30:00.003-04:00

OK, so that was a huge waste of my time. I guess VH1 decided to air a completely different and unimaginably inane episode of the Salt N Pepa Show. what an amazingly horrible show. so it's back to my regularly scheduled attempt at setting up a MySQL database. so far I've figured out how to create the database. but no idea how to access it.

I should probably just stick with creating graphics. this whole design, database, php mess just frustrates me.

SALT N PEPA Learn To Snowboard

2008-03-10T15:32:00.003-04:00

Anyone who knows me is aware of my disinterest of (no, more like disdain for) reality television. If I want reality, I'll watch sports.
Or Jeopardy. But this one particular episode I just have to see. Two of my friends and fellow snowboard instructors have taught Salt N Pepa to ride.
The episode airs tonight at 10pm on VH1.
Feel free to join me. Then we can watch some real snowboard videos to justify our time spent in front of the televison.

Our Winter Vacation

2008-03-10T14:34:00.003-04:00

You may have wondered what we've been up to during the SMN winter break. Since I love to make lists, here are a few things we've been doing:
+Snowboarding
+Sledding
+Spending time with family and friends
+Drinking Coffee
+Watching Movies
+Riding my bike in the snow and ice
+making lists
+planning future Secret Movie Nights

If You Love It, Swede It!

2008-03-10T00:03:00.003-04:00

Saw BE KIND REWIND the other day, the latest from the rather unique mind of Michel Gondry. Fantastically fun film. What can I say? I won't get into the details of the film. But I'll just say that I plan on "Sweding" a few movies of my own. To be screened at future Secret Movie Nights I hope.

Return of the Living Movie Night

2008-03-09T22:29:00.002-04:00

It's now official. Secret Movie Night will return on Tuesday, March 18.
12 North St :: 8pm :: from there I hope to host screenings each first and third Tuesday of the month. Now I just have to get a program together. Can't wait

Uncertain Futures

2007-11-09T18:17:00.000-05:00

So it seems that I'm at a crossroads of sorts. Studio STK is closing for good this time and, while Secret Movie Night is more popular than ever, my own plans seem in doubt. The space itself is up for rent soon and we at SMN HQ are seeking new environs. Entirely out of necessity mind you. I could not have imagined a more ideal space in which to host a weekly movie screening.

Nevertheless, we must move on. So if anyone has suggestions for potential venues, please please please be in touch.

In the meantime, I'll be out location scouting.

Missing the 70s? Get a load of this

2007-11-02T11:10:00.000-04:00

Fortunately for me I was only three years old in 1977. But I can still recall the fashion disasters (not to mention the accompanying music) of that period. Now, at a safe distance, we can all look back and laugh. I'm sure you'll agree. Looking for a stretch terry jumpsuit and lots of chest hair? Here you go.

But don't say I didn't warn you.

Last chance for SPOOKY MOVIE NIGHT

2007-10-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

Yea, That's right. You with the face. Yes, you. and your friend. Tonight is our last chance for totally spooky crazy funny weird Secret Movie Night action. next week we resume our regular programming. more on that later.

tell your dad. tell your friends. round up a few zombies, aliens and werwolves and join us.

Funniest Horror Movies

2007-10-28T16:46:00.000-04:00

Because I just love to make lists myself and I love funny horror movies, I couldn't resist Cinematical's Funniest Horror Movies of all time. A few personal favorites, Sean of the Dead, Army of Darkness and Black Sheep(well, sort of) made the list.
Reminds me of so many other great bad movies that I need to rent. Enjoy!

LET'S GO FOR A SWIM

2007-10-27T14:00:00.000-04:00

Just taking a little stroll through monster movieland over at Monster Island News, a great blog about upcoming monster-ish feature films and classics like Alien, House of Wax, Godzilla and then some.

SPOOKY MOVIE NIGHT: The Final Chapter

2007-10-27T12:20:00.001-04:00

Just a quick reminder. Our five weeks of spooky video goodness concludes Tuesday, October 30. Special early start time: 7:30pm.

at least 2 hours of halloween video shorts.

wear a costume.

bring your friends.

bring snacks to share.

Halloween afterparty at the Old Northender.

Perfecting my own race of atomic supermen

2007-10-24T12:37:00.000-04:00

What can i say that hasn't already been said about the "brilliance" of Ed Wood films. Besides an assortment of Bela Lugosi and Criswell clips (most of which made no sense at all) we enjoyed ourselves some Bride of the Monster, one of Ed Wood's masterpieces perhaps forever immortalized by Tim Burton's own work of genius, "Ed Wood". But it's hard to top Bela Lugosi playing a mad scientist attempting to harness atomic energy to create his own race of atomic beings in order to rule the world. Of course, this never transpires and we merely witness lots of bad sets, poor acting and lurking about by his large bald henchman Lobo, played by Swedish wrestler Tor Johnson. That's Ed Wood for you. And it wouldn't be complete without stock footage of an underwater octopus matched up (with no attention paid to continuity whatsoever) to shots of the actors writhing about in a foot-deep pool of water with an obviously fake rubber octopus prop.

Best of all, it ends with a bold of lightning and a "Big Explosion!"

A little Plan 9 remix action

2007-10-23T00:15:00.000-04:00

Ed Wood's classic, "Plan 9 From Outer Space", as remixed with Deltron 3030.
Think of it as a hint of things to come.

DO UNTO OTHERS :: Craig Mitchell @ Studio STK

2007-10-17T14:18:00.000-04:00

This Friday at Studio STK, Craig Mitchell performs his one-person show, "Do Unto Others".

Friday, October 19 :: 7pm :: $10 advance/ $12 day of

ZOMBIECON this weekend in NYC

2007-10-16T12:17:00.000-04:00

Do you love New York City and Zombies? Then you should be at ZOMBIECON this Saturday. Join your undead friends for brains and bloody marys for the third annual undead fest.

Need a little video motivation?

capital-F Fun!

Equinox

2007-10-13T16:01:00.000-04:00

Probably an early influence on Sam Raimi (Evil Dead), Equinox is a fun horror film made first as a student project and then reworked for wider release. Features the special effects of a young Dennis Muren, who went on to create effects for the Star Wars trilogy. While this film won't win any awards or much acclaim, it is certainly fun to watch if you're a fan of Sam Raimi, Ray Harryhausen animation or Lovecraft stories.

Check out the Criterion Collection release and compare both versions. Enjoy!

Kronos = Total Destruction

2007-10-09T00:24:00.001-04:00

You'll have to be shock-proof to withstand the emotional assault of this "robot vampire". I just love 1950s movie trailers. mostly cold-war era paranoia turned Hollywood monster/terror from space/radioactive mutant. But Kronos? I have no idea what's going on here. looks like a giant box hovering around zapping things with lightning. Seriously, they just don't make 'em like they used to. I could watch these old trailers all day.

It's The Great Pumpkin [dubbed]

2007-10-08T19:23:00.001-04:00

Redub of the Peanuts classic. Enjoy!

MONTH-LONG HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

2007-10-01T13:59:00.000-04:00

Andrew Reach at Studio STK

2007-09-27T20:19:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow Evening::: Studio STK presents "Whimsies, Conflicts and Desires" :: the work of Andrew Reach :: large digital paintings

artist reception: Friday, September 28 :: 6-9PM
Studio STK :: 12 North St :: Burlington VT

www.andrewreach.com
www.studiostk.com

Short and Sweet

2007-09-24T20:03:00.000-04:00

This post will be brief as I'm super hungry and need to make dinner.
My point is this. Tomorrow night I'd like to see everyone that's even remotely interested in film at Secret Movie Night.

For (I believe) the third time we will be graced by film writer/author/curator extraordinaire Cecile Starr. In the past she has screened a history of women in film throughout the 20th century and an evening of films about and involving experimental animators.
This time the theme is simple. Her personal favorites. No more no less. And all fantastic. Personally, I can't wait to see what she has for us. Even I don't know yet. So we'll all find out at the same time.
you know the drill.

Art 21: Video Now

2007-09-22T22:53:00.000-04:00

This Wednesday (9/26) at Burlington City Arts, a special screening of the PBS Art21 program, which will explore the works of three contemporary artists challenging our perceptions of video art, scale, content and time. The show will include one of my personal favorite new media artists, Krzyzstof Wodiczko.

Emerging Film & Video Artists

2007-09-19T15:16:00.000-04:00

Last night was absolutely fantastic. good crowd and a crowd-pleasing program featuring works by many young and emerging film and video artists.
We had works by Evan Viera, Joanne Kalisz (sorry about the sound dropping out), Ruben Fleischer, Sage Tucker-Ketcham, Paul Helzer, Jeffrey Von Ragan and many more. Thanks to all that joined us. All i can hope for are more submissions like these. That's what makes Secret Movie Night what it is.

see you next Tuesday

Book Autopsies

2007-09-19T14:27:00.000-04:00

Playing around at Design Evolution and discovered the beautifully intricate Book Autopsies of Brian Dettmer. He carves into books to reveal the images inside, creating fascinating collages from the printed page.

SMN :: Our Weapon of Choice is Music

2007-09-11T10:59:00.000-04:00

Remember when there was a cable television station (even two) that showed the latest music videos nearly all hours of the day. There were video countdowns weekly. You could call in and request your favorites (there was no email). There were shows like 120 Minutes and Headbangers Ball. There were random shows mixed in with the videos. Shows actually worth watching, like Remote Control (anyone remember Adam Sandler as Stud Boy?).

So this week in Secret Movie Night, we're paying our respects to this now esoteric artform. Sure, music videos abound on the internet if you know how to find them. Problem is you have to wade through countless episodes of lonelygirl15 and numa numa remakes to find them.
:::::::: Here's a fun site if you want to watch 80s sitcom intros and music videos. If you know of other places to see retro or modern music videos, post a comment so we can all check it out. :::::::::
We'll also be screening a few music-related short documentaries. One's a cult classic. But I won't give too many hints. Here's your only hint : Judas Priest.

See you tonight for Secret Music Videos and much more.

Area Man "Enjoys the Shit Out of" All-Star Night

2007-09-07T13:56:00.000-04:00

Area Man "Enjoys the Shit Out of" All-Star Night
September 7, 2007

Burlington, VT - On Tuesday evening area man Gordon Chesterwick attended his first ever Secret Movie Night and claims to have "enjoyed the shit out of it!"
"Seriously, Holy Fuck!," exclaimed the visibly surprised 36-year-old after attending the Super Premium All-Star special edition of the weekly event, "I've been meaning to get off the couch for months, but I knew that wasn't possible until I had seen all of the Lost DVDs at least once. Now I can get on with my life."
And did he ever. Gordon's first foray into the outside world, except for his bi-weekly trip to the corner store for chips and soda, was Studio STK in the old north end of Burlington. The gallery, previously known for wildly popular art openings and craft events, is now the home of the weekly Secret Movie Night.
Asked if he would consider regular trips to the gallery for screenings, Gordon simply replied "Fuck Yes! But only after I've finished the first season of House DVDs. Or if I need chips."

Clowny Clown Clown

2007-09-03T21:29:00.001-04:00

File this one under: Has to be seen to be believed.
Either Crispin Glover is a misunderstood genius or completely nuts. Or perhaps both.

SUPER PREMIUM ALL-STAR NIGHT

2007-09-01T17:23:00.000-04:00

The other night, someone asked me if "Super Premium All-Star" is the name of a film? While it may be, in this context it is an evening of the finest visual entertainment you'll find in all of Burlington. on any night of the week. This just happens to transpire on a Tuesday. convenient, no?

So what is this Super Premium goings-on that i speak of? It's a special edition of Secret Movie Night decicated to the best most entertaining and most super crowd-pleasiest movies from our first six months or so. Which means that by attending just one episode of SMN, you can catch up on what you've been missing out on because you had previously set aside Tuesday evenings for washing your hair or alphabetizing your socks. All noble pursuits and commendable in their own right. But SMN is truly something special. In the next couple of days I'll drop a few hints and previews.

And if you have any particular favorites from previous screenings that you'd like to see again, drop me a line.

Robot vs. Donut

2007-08-29T16:04:00.000-04:00

On a recent foray into the wilds of the internet I stumbled upon the fantastic robot/donut art of Eric Joyner His illustrations feature not only lots and lots of old school tin robots and sprinkle-covered donuts, but some of my favorite giant city-crushing monsters as well. Even the rough sketches are amazing.
Enjoy!

Proper Helmet Use

2007-08-27T12:34:00.000-04:00

Found this on the Bikecentric blog. Fantastic bit of photoshop goodness. Just in case you need a quick refresher in proper helmet use.

Secret Bike Movie Night 2:: Tuesday, August 28

2007-08-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

After a wildly successful all-bicycle edition of Secret Movie NIght last month, we're doing it again. With brand new material and a few crowd favorites from last time. Including an encore screening of "The Great Pedicab Race".

Don't miss you. and be sure to ride your bike to movie night.

Tuesday, August 28
@ Studio STK :: 12 North ST :: Burlington, VT
8pm
$3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY S.R. WILD!

2007-08-21T12:44:00.000-04:00

Bigtime Happy Birthday to S.R. Wild. Drop by Secret Movie Night tonight to wish him a happy 30th and buy him a beer at the Old Northender. Plus, you should be here watching movies anyway.

All of you.

Duck and Cover

2007-08-20T15:19:00.001-04:00

Here's a preview of what's in store for tomorrow's Secret Movie Night. Lots more where this came from too. Be there to find out.

Any Blog experts out there?

2007-08-18T23:50:00.000-04:00

OK, so i seem to have completely destroyed my blog. Permalinks aren't really working. and to be honest, I'm not entirely certain what a permalink does anyway. And I've managed to lose the entire archive. so most of the older entries may be gone at this point. not really sure how to get to them.
Beyond that, everything is fantastic. No idea what to screen at the next secret movie night or if anyone will even show up. Not sure why I bother.
But if you have any idea of how to fix my blog, please let me know. I'm a bit lost at the moment.

[UPDATE]
Ok, so i think the archive is back to where it was before i messed it all up. Although I'd rather have a simple monthly listing for the archive.
But why doesn't Blogger just have a simple "turn on Permalinks" button? that makes so much sense, right?
I've searched everywhere for help on this and there is not one straight-forward method to solve my problem. Unless, of course, I use the basic blogger template.

OK, enough blogging. time for sleep. Something that i can certainly do well.

I seem to have misplaced my something something

2007-08-14T11:29:00.000-04:00

I seem to be suffering from a recent rash of lost and/or misplaced objects. first nail clippers, then my favorite wine tool, then my sanity. no, wait, I believe the sanity is still barely intact. Ok, so that's not exactly an epidemic per se. More of a minor nuisance.

But moving on, It's Secret Movie Day in these parts. which means super slow motion activities. And I DO know the whereabouts of tonight's movie night material. It'll be a slow moving night of (in)action. But exciting in it's oozing goodness nonetheless. The videos will be fantastic, don't get me wrong. But the point is to sit, relax and take ourselves a bit less seriously for a couple of hours.

sounds like a plan to me

Time to SLOOOOOOWWWW Things Down

2007-08-10T14:22:00.000-04:00

Founded by Ryan Junell in 2006, the Slomo Video Festival has screened all over the world for over a year now. The festival features 100 one minute slow motion videos by 85 different artists. It is truly a sight to behold.
And it's not merely 100 videos shot in realtime with framerates adjusted in Final Cut Pro. Although there is a handy tutorial here, if you you'd like to take a shot at your own slomo video goodness. The artists all seem to find their own way of interpreting "slow motion".

The overall experience is nothing like going to the cinema for a two-plus hour action-filled feature. It's one hundred minutes of meditation, as diverse in scope and theme and vision as it is truly fascinating on the most basic visceral level.

So, you're ready to slow down? Then you'll want to meander over to Studio STK on Tuesday, August 14 to experience the slowness for yourself. No hurry though.

In showbiz, every city is your favorite

2007-08-09T11:01:00.000-04:00

Now first I have to say that i have the utmost respect for DJ Z-Trip. I've spent a bit of time chatting with him and i absolutely love his live sets. One of the best party DJs anywhere. incredibly meticulous, enviable work ethic and ability to mix almost anything (from dolly parton to pantera).
But live hip hop shows are a funny thing. I love how every town is "the best show of the tour". or how a the DJ has this special mix that "no one has ever heard before" but he's going to drop it on us cause we're "live as fuck". Yea, I'm taking some liberties with the paraphrasing here.
Perhaps I've just gotten bitter with age. Or I've seen these shows way too many times. The show was better than average. I had fun. danced a bit. maybe l need to loosen up. The visuals were fun, the mix was fantastic. Ok, I'll shut up now.

[Insert random movie quote here]

2007-08-07T10:24:00.000-04:00

Ah, the movies. Weekly at that. At least if we're talking about the secret movies. Decided not to send out an email this week. This way the movie night will be a true secret. Unless, of course, you ask me. It's also a bit of an experiment to see if anyone shows up without the weekly reminder. At nearly twenty weeks in, I feel like movie night can stand on its own. but i could be wrong.
Then it's back to planning a few theme nights. For example, more bike movies, an evening of slow motion, music videos and much more.
And thanks to a few recent submissions, an evening of animation and the surreal is in the works.

Ramble Hangover

2007-08-01T13:33:00.000-04:00

Except for the heat, today is turning out to be a thousand times better than yesterday. No day's worth of work lost by my new hard drive (yet), no wicked bike crash (yes, i was going fast and no, i wasn't drunk). But it's nothing a few bandaids and extra hours on the computer can't fix. Besides needing more coffee, things are alright.

But on to the highlight reel. For those in the 'No, and Burlington in general, you may be well aware of the Old North End Ramble this past Saturday. which was, in my estimation, a smashing success.
but don't take my word for it, see for yourself. Eva did a fantastic job documenting the events of the day, particularly the Field Day. You'll even see clips of yours truly, wearing a goofy hat and competing in the standing long jump. And for anyone that knows me well, it's a rare thing to see me caught on film. I'm usually the one behind the lens.

For example, SR Wild and I spent the day posing as the "old North end News Network", complete with giant cardboard video camera and microphone, and press passes. Funny thing is that people thought we were legitimate members of the press. Then again, we're bloggers. that counts, right?

The day o' fun concluded with the annual bike parade and party. Video of that will be up very soon, i promise.

Ramble photos submissions are also coming in. So i'll get those posted very soon. Keep an eye on the official site for updates.
Stay tuned for more...

In Secret Movie Land, a few exciting updates. We've been receiving some fantastic submissions lately. Dee's feature documentary on Brazilian and Cuban musicians, Evan Viera's SYCAMORE EVE and a new film by Jeffrey Von Ragan.

Tour de France leader caught smuggling plums

2007-07-29T18:16:00.000-04:00

Pull the Strings: or, has anybody seen my theremin?

2007-07-26T15:36:00.001-04:00

Fantastic clip with composer Howard Shore talking about the theremin and Tim Burton's Ed Wood. which, incidentally, features some fantastic graveyard scenes. Can't wait for October. expect many special horror editions of Secret Movie Night.

So, the funny thing about snowball fights....

2007-07-25T20:20:00.000-04:00

In the middle of July that is. how many chances do you get to say that, in the middle of the night, on a hot summer evening, you struck up a random snowball fight with about twenty of your friends?
Yea, that's what i thought. not terribly likely. and yet there we were, sitting in front of secret location along the bike path, a few miles north of waterfront park. I think we just stopped to regroup. and then i had one of my more brilliant ideas: "snowball fight!"
So we did. no one was seriously injured. and for good measure, we saved a few snowballs for random dudes in the parking lot.

but now i have to ask you? think back. did you ever play "ghosts in the graveyard"? but wait, let me back up.....
Somehow, we ended up in a cemetery.

SR Wild, cue the spooky sound effects.

RADAR[theory] vs. SR Wild: the crossblog begins

2007-07-25T12:40:00.000-04:00

After an evening of bike movies, beer, random bike riding, snowball throwing and lots more, SR Wild and i decided the best way to chronicle the events of the evening would be to join forces and start a crossblog, utilizing the latest in blogging technology and as much of our hazy memory as we can manage to access.
So let's begin, shall we?

p.s. in yellow, i'd look something like this:

I took a few liberties and made myself a cowboy. makes sense, right?

BIKE MOVIE NIGHT is Tuesday, July 24

2007-07-20T17:54:00.000-04:00

Spread the word. Tuesday, July 24 will be our first Secret (Bike) Movie Night. an entire evening of bicycle-related movies and other wacky goodness.
Followed by the Secret Bike Ride. Ride your bike to movie night and be prepared for post movie bicycle action.

Strangers In The Night at SMN

2007-07-16T10:36:00.000-04:00

Described as "the misadventures of three thirty-something couples as they do a little too much drinking and thinking," Strangers In The Night is the first feature film of Burlington director Tom Connelly. Influenced by the likes of Cassavetes, Antonioni and lots of coffee and shot mostly in Chittenden County, Connelly produced this digital feature on a shoestring budget in sixteen days. View the trailer here or here.

Screening is tomorrow night (July 17) at 8pm.
Studio STK. 12 North St Burlington VT

Michael Bay vs. the Optimus Prime Directive

2007-07-15T23:12:00.000-04:00

or.....why Transformers really isn't a huge waste of time.

While I still maintain that the most noteworthy things about Michael Bay is the way in which he is ridiculed in Team America (Fuck Yea!), I can at least now claim to have genuinely enjoyed one of his films. Although described as an "American Pie meets Generic Things Blowing Up movie" by one blog poster, the good news about Mr. Bay's latest summer blockbuster offering is that it doesn't suck. Not even remotely. And that's quite an amazing feat for the director of Armageddon and Pearl Harbor. Sure, most of the jokes were rather forced and there were plenty of cliched moments ( like the hot young female computer expert and the nerdy black introverted hacker genius teaming up to break the seemingly impossible alien code and save all humanity. or something like that).

With more than a nod to current events, the worst case scenario presented is not the annihilation at the hands of giant alient robots, but the possibility of all-out-war with nations like North Korea and Iran. And then there's the brief shot of a bumbling president character with a distinct Texas twang.

And while Michael Bay (as he often does) gives more than a passing nod to the defense-industrial complex and American military enthusiasm, It's less of a glorification and more of a reflection upon current events and a not-so-subtle critique of Bush regime militaristic strategy.

But that's not really the point of the film or this review. What is most important is that the robots are absolutely fantastic and kick much ass. If anything, I'd like to have seen less humans getting screen time and more robots transforming and fighting. Hopefully the next film (and there almost certainly will be a sequel) will focus more on characters like Starscream ( a pivotal character in the original series). And Mr. Bay, in case you're listening, please please please turn Soundwave into a boombox again.

So yes, the film could have been better. But it served its purpose. I was entertained for well over two hours, I'll watch it again on DVD and, well, it has robots. Lots and lots of robots.
And best of all, Ben Affleck is nowhere to be seen. That, in itself, is step one towards creating a successful film.

Yes, It's True

2007-07-12T12:09:00.000-04:00

We have confirmation. Just as i always suspected.

Analog Departure

2007-07-10T11:45:00.000-04:00

Besides film, i'm also keenly interested in analog pursuits such as mixed media collage, sketching, bookmaking, mail art. So in my latest venture I've managed to combine most of those together. While I've tried my own mail art journal projects in the past, I've never had much success. somewhere along the way, the books go missing. This time around I got my hands on a Book Magazine Book from Australia.
I added a page of my own and redesigned the cover.

Experimental Animation and the world of art

2007-07-09T13:31:00.001-04:00

"Kinetic Art is the first new category of art since prehistory. It took until this century to discover the art that moves. Had we taken the aesthetic qualities of sound as much for granted as we have taken those of motion, we would not now have music. But now, in kinetic art and animation, we have begun to compose motion. We've all been conditioned to viewing film as an adjunct to drama and literature, as a medium for story-telling. These virtues are absolutely secondary to the kinetic fine-art end of motion composition." -- Len Lye, animator, kinetic sculptor, Figures of Motion, 1964

I'm particularly excited this week about the return of guest curator Cecile Starr. She'll be screening a series of movies featuring various animator. The focus will be on the relationship between animation and the greater art world (graphic arts, sculpture, music, illustration, painting, dance). Through the films we'll see how these artists have found their way into the practice of experimental animation from their respective crafts.

Featured artists will include Lotte Reiniger (know for her amazingly detailed silhouette cutouts); Hans Richter (painter and Dada pioneer); Alexandre Alexeieff; Mary Ellen Bute; Len Lye; Kathy Rose.

Between Before and After

2007-07-06T13:06:00.000-04:00

Anyone that knows me well is quite aware of my acute interest in the subject of implied or figurative time travel. That is to say, the exploration of space and time via imaginary journeys, carefully constructed cartographies of the mind and tales of mythical places (suggested reading: Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities). In the case of Darren Almond's immensely large and engaging video works now being screened at the Musee D'Art Contemporain, he explores “in-between” zones, spaces with no determined sense of place, neither past nor present, departure nor arrival. They simply exist in a temporal flux, leaving the viewer to decipher the proper direction and destination, if in fact they exist at all.
In the featured work, "In The Between", Almond's camera follows the new railway line between Xining, China, and Lhasa, Tibet, crossing the Kunlun Shan mountain range, the natural boundary along the northern edge of the Tibetan plateau.
The subject matter is both controversial and mesmerizing. And while you can't help but imagine where the journey may take you, It's the journey itself that makes this work so fulfilling.

Art-To-Go tonight at Studio STK

2007-07-06T10:51:00.000-04:00

It's First Friday, which means it's time for the Art-to-Go Show & Sell at Studio STK.
Friday, July 6 | 5-8pm | 12 North St Burlington Vt.
And if i can manage to get organized, I may even try to sell a few of my handmade books there. Either way, I'll be dropping by the check out the goods.
and you should too

Leave it up to the Korean animators....sort of

2007-06-27T23:01:00.001-04:00

From the Clerks animated series, one of my favorite clips ever. Especially love the Transformer.

Why won't he just go away?

2007-06-26T13:15:00.000-04:00

In the news once again, cult actor(pun intended) Tom Cruise. Apparently, he's been told by the German defense ministry that he can't shoot his next feature in Germany because he's a Scientologist, considered a cult by their government. Personally, I'd ban him from shooting in any country due to the fact that he's an asshole. But pehaps that's just me. And while i don't think anyone should be prohibited from working due to personal religious beliefs (even though i'm far from "religious" myself), It's a bit of a moot point when the beliefs he so vehemently espouses are that of a pay-per-holiness cult anyway. Furthermore, I think it's only respectful to those actually portrayed in this film, to either shoot elsewhere or find someone else for the role, especially when it's the son of the main character that objects to Cruise not taking the role.

According to German defence ministry spokesman Harald Kammerbauer, the Germany's military "has a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20, 1944 and Stauffenberg's person". How much farther from "serious and authentic" can you get than by casting Tom "the Messiah" Cruise in any role not involving inane cliched action nonsense.

Anway, that's all I have to say about that. According to my latest E-meter readings, It's time to plan a Movie Night.

SecretMovieNight.com has arrived

2007-06-21T14:15:00.000-04:00

It's now official. just registered www.secretmovienight.com
so all browsers can be directed there for all SMN-related info.
for now, it's the blog. but I'd like to eventually have more video clips, reviews,
perhaps even how-to sections for low-budget filmmaking.

Secret Movie Night episode 14

2007-06-19T00:14:00.000-04:00

This is your first hint. unless, of course, something goes horribly wrong or I simply change my mind at the last minute. Or perhaps I'll find something even stranger. It's quite possible. So far, no Craig Baldwin films have been screened.

The Worst Movies Ever

2007-06-16T14:08:00.001-04:00

So there's "BAD" (Spiderman 3 for example) and there's "So Bad It's Funny". Like this. Broken down categorically for your viewing pleasure. You can never go wrong with ninjas. But it's that horrible yet incredibly entertaining shark CGI disaster that takes it. Fantastic stuff.