All about Oscar

As most of you know by now, my foremost passion and profession (usually) is in the film industry. Last night, for the first time in many years, I actually sat down and watched an entire Oscars telecast AND was completely delighted with it overall. I wasn't even upset by who won which award. 


Fresh off the heels of last night's red carpet (upon which I someday hope to be), here's my rundown of the BEST and the WORST of Oscar Night 2010.

BEST FASHION

Anna Kendrick, Nominated Up in the Air

 

Sandra Bullock, Winner (!) The Blind Side

She looked like a lovely Oscar! Oh, heart Sandra Bullock.

 

WORST FASHION

Sarah Jessica Parker, Presenter

Don't get me wrong- I'm a big SJP fan but this dress just looked like a big bag on her (to me). Nice to see her on the red carpet with her hubby Ferris/Matthew Broderick.

 

Jennifer Lopez, Presenter (I was wondering what she was doing there...)

Was it me - or did this dress look like it was made of bubble wrap or something? Not my favorite.

 

BEST and WORST FASHION IN ONE DRESS

Zoe Saldana, Presenter/Na'vi Representative

So I fell in love with the top of her dress... and really couldn't stand the bottom. Best = the top, Worst = whatever is going on in this skirt. Oh and her hair and make-up were equisite.

  

THE HOSTS

I've loved Steve Martin pretty much since the beginning of time and Alec Baldwin's resurgence has endeared me to him. I really enjoyed them as hopes but wasn't quite sold on Neil Patrick Harris starting the show. I love NPH too, but Steve and Alec are my old school stars for the night.

THE BEST JOKE

Okay, maybe it's because I'm Jewish but I seriously lost it when Steve Martin told Christoph Waltz (the Jew Hunter in Inglorious Basterds) that he had found the motherload of Jewish people in the Kodak Theater. In stiches. Heart Steve Martin.

THE WORST JOKE

Whatever Sean Penn alluded to in his presentation of Best Actress that made absolutely no sense.

BEST ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

Without a doubt, Sandra Bullock topped my entire night. My favorite movie of all-time is While You Were Sleeping so it was definitely a Julia Roberts-finally-won moment for me. Everything from her going to thank Merryl Streep then turning away, to her heart-felt self-deprecating speech that ended with her calling Merryl her lover... it was amazing. Kudos to her. You can enjoy part of the speech here - Highlight's from Sandra's speech.

WORST ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

Sandy Powell, AKA the woman with the weird hat who won for best costuming. Literally the first words out of her mouth were, "Wow, I already have two of these..." She then proceeds to half-heartedly thank other costumer designers who don't win Oscars like she has. Maybe it was an attempt at dry humor but man, I wanted to rip the Oscar out of her hand.

BEST WIN

Kathryn Bigelow for Best Director and The Hurt Locker winning Best Picture. No better way to stick it to your ex-husband by beating him twice and having two gold men to show for it. I'm sorry, Avatar's prize is it's the highest grossing film of all time. Jim Cameron can have that victory but I'm so glad I didn't have to hear him give a speech last night.

Double awesome points for the first woman director to win an Oscar and Kathryn receiving it from fellow film director Barbara Streisand.  

WORST OSCAR SEGMENT

It's a tie! Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner speaking/doing anything at the Oscars - The Horror Movie Montage - The dance to original score segment! Really? Dancing to the score from The Hurt Locker? And not performing the original songs in favor of it? Craziness, sheer craziness.

IN CONCLUSION

Was it the best Oscar's ever? No, not really. Was it satisfying, were there beautiful dresses, were there ample close-ups of Clooney? Yes, yes, and yes. And for that, and Sandra Bullock getting a standing ovation and appreciation for what she's contributed to movies thus far, I say thank you to the Academy for Oscars 2010.

What did you think, my fellow film fans?

   

Decor Alert - Reimagined Movie Posters

As many of you know, I'm a big movie nut. One of my favorite pastimes has been the art of movie posters. I used have several framed in my bedroom in fact. A few months ago, I did a post dedicated to posters chic enough for adults to have in their homes. 

Today, I'd like to share with you some incredible "alternative" movie posters that are out on the internet these days. Artists have taken their favorite movies and put their own amazing spins on them. Enjoy and happy shopping my fellow film/art aficionados!

OLLY MOSS

21 year-old UK Artist

www.ollymoss.com

 

JAMIE BOLTON

Graphic Designer

http://www.shoottheglass.bigcartel.com/ 

MICHELE ROSENTHAL

"The Breakfast Club" Prints available for $10.00

http://themuststash.bigcartel.com/product/the-breakfast-club

BRANDEN SCHAEFER

"The Dark Knight" and other prints available in several sizes, from $24.99

http://www.inprnt.com/details/1921/

ERIC TAN

Pixar-movie inspired prints

http://erictanart.blogspot.com/

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards

Congratulations to Disney-Pixar's Up for being nominated for both Best Animated Feature, Best Original Screenplay, Best Score, aaaand Best Picture!

To view the entire list of nominees, click here. They were announced today by Anne Hathaway in Los Angeles. I must say it's also great that Princess and the Frog was nominated for Animation and for two of its amazing songs. The winners will be announced on Sunday, March 7 at the ceremony hosted by two equally incredible actors- Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.

My picks for the top 10 films of the year can be found here - though as caution, I haven't seen all of the films nominated for Oscars today. I'd also like to add (500) Days of Summer to the list because I saw it recently and it really impressed me. Definitely worth a netflix!

For anyone interested in knowing more about screenwriting

So as you may have noticed from my blog, I have a passion for writing AND for filmmaking. In keeping with said passion, I have started a regular column on Examiner.com as their National Screenwriting Examiner. 

I know a lot of readers dig my home decorating and baking posts, but for those of you interested in knowing more about screenwriting and how movies are written, I welcome you to also follow my column at Examiner. I will also be continuing to write Living with Annie to please all the decor-loving masses :).

Link to Annie's Column at Examiner

From now on, there will also be a button on the side of the blog if you'd like to check out the column periodically or simply when you're bored-out-of-your-gourd.

xo, Annie

A-Flix - My Top Movies of 2009

I work in the 'biz and am a bit of a movie buff so I couldn't resist making a great list of 2009. Mainly I'm doing this for my own benefit, but I hope it inspires you to check out some wonderful movies from this year.

ANNIE'S TOP 10 (in order, best first)

Up

Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince

The Princess and the Frog

The Brothers Bloom

Up in the Air

Avatar

Away We Go

The Proposal

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Sherlock Holmes

In making this list and perusing EVERYTHING that was released this year, I realized a few things. 

1) There weren't a ton of notable movies, for example, I never thought I'd put The Proposal  on my list but really, it was a lot better than most of what was released this year. 

2) There are still several films that have major buzz that I've yet to see and are therefore not included above: Invictus, Precious, and The Hurt Locker just to name a few. 

3) I think it's kind of funny that I thought Sherlock looked terrible but ended up seeing it AND liking it enough that I added it.

4) Avatar is only on the list because it was too important to filmmaking visually not to include it.

5) Probably the most important lesson of all, while Princess and the Frog is a Disney classic in my eyes and particularly special since I was working for Disney when it was released- Up is most definitely the best movie made in 2009. Not just animated movie, but movie overall. One of the most heartfelt, genuinely funny, and captivating movies ever - Up has convinced me that Director Pete Docter is truly onto something brilliant and I can't wait to see what he does next.

So how bout you? What made your list this year?

How to Make it in Hollywood

So, as I go on this crazy ride of life and get more and more involved in the film industry, I'm constantly getting questions about how it works, how you get started, and how you keep going in this insane business. Here's a few thoughts from me about what's it's like to work in Hollywood.


The basics


What's your background?
I decided I was in love with movies around the age of 14 when I wrote a screenplay off a zany idea inspired by my dad and I's love of the Food Network: "Spilled Milk." From there, I wrote a few more, went to film camp at NC School of the Arts, and kept the bug for years. I went to Duke and majored in Literature (thinking it was as close as I'd get to learning how best to analyze films and scripts) and created and produced 2 years of an annual 24-hour filmmaking competition called "The Movie Making Marathon" with some friends and a very supportive professor.


Over the college summers, I worked for Discovery Communications, Intandem Films (in London) as a script analyst, and New Line Cinema (as a floater). I graduated in May 2008 and moved to LA in July. After six weeks of intense searching, I got my first job as the 2nd assistant to Joe Drake, the President of Lionsgate's Film Division and CEO of Mandate Pictures.


After busting my butt for 10 and 1/2 months with Lionsgate (SAW, Tyler Perry franchises, Precious), I moved on to my 2nd job in the industry at Disney Animation - Assistant to the Producer on Disney's "King of the Elves" - a feature-length animated film coming out in 2012. In my "spare" time, I write this fun little blog, decorate awkward gingerbread men, and am working on a new screenplay.

What's the best way to get a job in the industry?

There's several different ways to answer this. My best advice is always - be tenacious about every means of finding a job - i.e. don't just apply online or just reach out to people you know or just sit at Starbucks with your book about the movies and pray someone discovers you. There's tons of ways to find a job but I'm a firm believer that the fastest and best way to be successful at it is to attack it from all fronts! 


Allow me to demonstrate: I got my first job through applying online to a posting at Entertainmentcareers.net. I got over 10 interviews through temp agencies, through being referred to recruiters by old bosses, and by making friends with other assistants. Lastly, I got considered for my current job by checking in again (following up, it's majorly important) with someone I knew because her dad was my professor at Duke. 


Here's a big tip from me - if you see a job posted that you're interested in - do not wait to apply to it! Jobs here are filled almost as quickly as they are posted. Jump on opportunities as fast as you can (but only if you're ready and able to work, ps).

Is it really like "Swimming with Sharks" and "The Devil Wears Prada?"
Yes and no. When I watch these movies, do I totally recognize my workplace in them - absolutely! Too many examples to count sometimes. But really, while everyone working in Hollywood has horror stories - it really amounts to who you work for and where you work. I've been lucky that my bosses have been really great, down-to-earth people. That doesn't mean I didn't have crazy stuff happen to me while I worked for them - but at least they weren't stapler throwers.  


There's also a huge difference between working in live-action and working in animation. At a live-action studio, I found things were much more formal and the amount of personal work for my boss nearly overtook things that had to do with day-to-day business.


Now in Animation, things are more in-house and team-based. Most of what I do relates to the production, whether it's glamourous or not. It's also a kind of environment where they don't expect you to skip your Grandmother's funeral because your boss needs his lunch delivered somewhere. :)

Wow, that's a lot of writing. What about you guys? Do you have any burning questions about the film industry? Let me know - I'll try to be helpful. Til then, I hope you've enjoyed this little peek into my life in the movies.

May I Recommend a Movie

This weekend, my friend told me she was in dire need of movie recommendations. Recently, she'd let someone comandeer her netflix queue to somewhat disasterous results: every movie was critically acclaimed for sure, but they have all been downers! 


I told her that me, along with my filmmaking prowess, could conjure up a list of very enjoyable recommendations. Then I got to thinking, perhaps you all would be interested as well. So here you go, movie recommendations from a movie-passionate person - me.

If you're in the mood for

SIDE-SPLITTING COMEDY

Christopher Titus' Love is Evol 

I got this special on DVD for free when I worked at Lionsgate. What a wonderful surprise to watch it and discover a hilarious stand-up comedy special full of amazing truisms about relationships and love. Gus and I watched it together and quote it constantly. 


Here's a quote - "If you are in here tonight and you have never contemplated suicide... you've never truly been in love. If you're in here tonight and you have never contemplated murder... you've never been divorced." 

If you're hungering for an interesting and hilarious

DOCUMENTARY

An Evening with Kevin Smith
Now, I'm not even a huge fan of Kevin Smith's movies. What I am a fan of however, is this incredible 2-disc compilation of Kevin Smith answering the questions of college students from around the company. Sounds like a bland way to spend an evening on the surface but Smith tells so many incredible stories, you may wish there were more discs. This special was so successful, he did another DVD (Kevin Smith: Evening Harder, 2006) as a follow-up. Warning: Lots of profanity in this.

If you want to get into the holiday spirit with a 

CHRISTMAS MOVIE

Miracle on 34th Street (the 1994 Remake)
I'll always have a place in my heart for this movie. My mom and I used to watch it every holiday season and for whatever reason, it always strikes a chord with me and gets me inspired. Some people are sticklers for the original version of this movie - but me, I'm 100% in love with this one and Dylan McDermott in it. Swoon. I may have to do a whole post devoted to great holiday movies - but for now, enjoy this one and believe in Santa again. (Pretty powerful endorsement from a Jewish girl eh? :) I'm a holiday movie junkie!)

If you're looking for something zany and 

ADVENTUROUS

 The Brothers Bloom
I would never have watched this if Gus hadn't netflixed it on a hunch. I'm really glad he did. The Brothers Bloom may not be for everyone but it's an incredible interesting adventure and look at the life of two con men brothers as they attempt to pull off the last con of their lives. Surprisingly funny and heartwarming at the most unexpected times, I think you should give it a whirl.

That's all for now. Let me know if you rent any and/or enjoy these by commenting below. If so, I'll do more posts with more movies and categories.

5 Reasons not to miss "The Princess and the Frog"

This weekend, I was lucky enough to go to the Cast and Crew Premiere of The Princess and the Frog, a beautiful film that ushers in a very welcome return to hand-drawn animation and the golden age of Disney musicals. The party itself was like nothing I've ever been to, especially in light of the fact it was technically "a work party."


Aside from the food, the New Orleans Jazz band, and the complimentary milk and cookies as we left the ballroom - I think the thing that will stick with me the most about the experience is the wondeful sense of togetherness and collective pride in the studio's accomplishments as a team. The applause was nearly constant for the entire duration of the five minute credit sequence.


I'm used to watching little short films I did with friends and being excited when we all applauded our work. This, there is nothing to really compare it to when you are in a room with people like John Lasseter and everyone who brought the film to reality, from the executive producers all the way to the lighting artists and assistants.


Having seen the movie for the first time on Saturday evening, I won't tell you spoilers other than it was easily another Disney classic, a beautiful movie with a great message, and something that should not be missed.


On that note, here are my top 5 reasons you should take my word for it and check out the film went it debuts in theaters nationwide on December 11.

1. It's directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Know what else they directed? The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Hercules. Remember those little movies from your childhood? Yeah, I know you're totally singing "Friend Like Me" in your head right now... dork.
2. Everyone knows that Princess Tiana is the first African-American Princess. However, did you know that she's also the first American princess? Forget the fourth of July, the time to be patriotic is now.
3. Miss those catchy Disney musicals? Not only is Princess a musical, the entire soundtrack is done by New Orleans native and acclaimed composer, Randy Newman. The genius behind "You've Got a Friend in Me" has captured the spirit of the city in songs that will entertain a whole new generation of kids and adults alike.
4. John Musker went to CalArts with John Lasseter, Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Incredibles), Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo) , and Pete Docter (Up). There's a reference in the movie to their classroom "A113" - you gotta see the movie to find it.
5. Oprah does the voice of Tiana's mother. Enough said.

Seriously, it's a fantastic movie and everything you've been wanting to see return from Disney Animation. Go see it and get back in touch with that incomparable feeling you get when you watch those amazing musicals you or your kids grew up with.

Oh, and I got to meet Jennifer Lewis (the voice of "Mama Odie") so that was pretty flippin' sweet.

Empire Magazine's Tour of Pixar

Originally spotted on Slashfilm, check out this sweetness from Empire Magazine- a tour of Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, CA -



Moreover, on Pixar and originally spotted on Slashfilm, Den of Geek reflects on Bambi and Pixar's latest Up.