SPOTLIGHT Q&A with VCF Winner, Narmar Hanna

SPOTLIGHT Q&A Interview VCF 2012 Short Film Winner, Narmar Hanna " The Diner's Club" :

VCF ~ How did you get started in the Industry?

Narmar ~ I always loved my drama classes while I was in school, so after college and doing some traveling, I ultimately decided to take the plunge and move to Los Angeles. I started taking acting classes, and then started doing television and film work. And just recently,writing for film.

VCF ~ Did you go to Film School?

Narmar ~ No, I did not attend film school. Shooting my film turned into an accelerated version of it - I learned a lot about Budgets, Storyboards, finding locations etc ..
But I have taken a couple of writing classes in the past.

The Director, Ricky Lloyd George helped immensely with pre-production and hiring of the crew. He also worked with the D.P Matthias Schubert many times before. I am so glad we hired Matthias because he really captured the look and feel I was imagining when I wrote and envisioned the script. The entire cast and crew had plenty of experience. I am thankful to all them, for each part they played into making 'The Diner's Club' such a success!

VCF ~ What inspired you to become a Filmmaker?

Narmar ~ Film festivals. I started going to them years ago, and I always enjoyed watching the short films. And every time I left a festival I was inspired to write my own project!

VCF ~ What other projects are you working on?

Narmar ~ I'm currently creating a web series out of the short I made, we are currently in pre-production. I'm also writing a script for a feature film.

VCF ~ What does your family think of your winning film?

Narmar ~ They loved my film and They were completely thrilled! One of my secret goals when making this short, was to win Best Short Film at one of the festivals. I still can't believe It came true! I lost my dad about a month before the 2012 Vegas Cine Fest, but I know he was there with me in the room when they called my name.

VCF ~ What is your favorite Movie of all time & why?

Narmar ~ There are so many that come to mind, but one of my all time favorites is Legends of The Fall. I just thought it was so well done, and you really fall in love with the characters right off the bat. It's a great piece of story telling. The score is also fantastic and really moved the story so well.

VCF ~ Any words of wisdom for future filmmakers?

Narmar ~ Yes, create your own projects! It will be very fulfilling!

VCF ~ Has winning a award changed your life?

Narmar ~ It has, in the sense that now, I officially believe that dreams do come true!

VCF ~ Do you write your own projects?

Narmar ~ Yes, I absolutely love writing and creating stories !

VCF ~ What do you see for yourself in 3 years?

Narmar ~ I see myself doing a lot of directing, and also acting in a really well written series ( doesn't have to be written by me ). I also see myself creating a lot more projects. I would also love to be a part of an academy award winning film!


Trailer Link:
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=RYQIq-UTTvk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRYQIq-UTTvk

Spotlight Q&A with VCF Winner, MARC RUIZ....

SPOTLIGHT Q&A Interview with VCF Winner, MARC RUIZ. 
Marc won for Best Commercial 2 years in a row for 2011 & 2012. 

We asked him a few questions about his background & his Success.

VCF: How long have you been working in the Industry?

MARC: I have been working professionally since 2004 when I was in graduate school in Miami.

VCF: Did you go to Film School?

MARC: I pursued my MFA in Motion Pictures Production at the University of Miami.

VCF: What inspired you to be a filmmaker?

MARC: Films were always a passion of mine so film school and a career in film seemed like something I had to pursue.

VCF: Where do you get your creative inspiration?

MARC: Filmmaking is the most collaborative process I have ever seen. I work with wonderful people that are part of the creative process with me. Personally, I draw a lot of inspiration from the films I grew up with. Ultimately, every choice has to be motivated to fit the project.

VCF: Do you have any feature films in the future?

MARC: I have supported a feature film just this last year as a Line Producer. It is a very different animal. I am definitely interested in the future possibilities but am quite satisfied with the creative opportunities I receive Directing Music Video and Commercial productions.

VCF: What is your favorite Commercial & why?

MARC: My favorite commercial is the "Got Milk - Aaron Burr" Campaign by Michael Bay.

VCF: Who is your favorite Sports legend and Why?

MARC: It seems like the most common answer but I have to agree with the majority of people and say Michael Jordan. His dedication and success are iconic and inspirational.

VCF: What does your family think of your Awards?

MARC: I think awards are wonderful honors but I think the opportunity they offer to interact and socialize with your peers are what make them special.

VCF: How do you see yourself in 3 years in the Industry?

MARC: I am currently expanding the production company I work with (Seventy 7 Productions) and am looking forward to continuing to push my team and myself to make bigger and better. I look forward to the future results of everyone's hard work, effort, and dedication.

VCF: What is your favorite part about the process of making Commercials?

MARC: The biggest honor of being able to be part of this industry is that every single shoot is different. I look forward to every commercial being it's own unique set of challenges and the collaborative process that happens to make the final product that will eventually play on broadcast television.

Check out the 2 Commercials that put MARC on a winning streak at VCF 2011 & 2012:
VCF 2011 Commercial ~ https://vimeo.com/21536443
VCF 2012 Commercial ~ https://vimeo.com/20475979

Actor Ken Davitian joins Vegas Cine Fest Celebrity Board...

Welcome Actor Ken Davitian to "Vegas Cine Fest" Celebrity Board.....

Ken Davitian found himself in an Oscar winning film in 2012, with a cameo in the black-and-white silent film THE ARTIST. First introduced to audiences at the Cannes Film Festival, it was the first film sold to The Weinstein Company and has won a total of five Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and another 73 wins & 67 nominations.

Davitian can currently be seen opposite Katharine McPhee, Dave Anable and Kathy Bates in the action packed romantic comedy YOU MAY NOT KISS THE BRIDE. Up next are films Melvin Smarty and Shark Proof, both releasing in 2013.

The character actor is perhaps best known for wrestling his way into the Hollywood spotlight as “Azamat Bagatov” in the critically-acclaimed 2006 blockbuster, “BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN. He loves telling his audition story for the role and still fights the common believe that he has a thick accent. Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Davitian is as Angeleno as can be.

Davitian experienced his third consecutive feature film premiering at the top box office spot with the opening of Warner Bros. GET SMART as the TV show’s villain ‘Shtarker,’ alongside vets Steve Carell, Alan Arkin and Anne Hathaway.

Davitian’s film credits consist of a long list of studio and independent productions, including MEET THE SPARTANS, S.W.A.T, HOLES, and TWC feature SOUL MEN with the late Bernie Mac, who he also filmed a TV pilot with.

Among his guest-starring roles on television are Chuck, The Cape, The Closer, Boston Legal, ER, Six Feet Under, Gilmore Girls and The Ghost Whisperer.

Davitian’s additional projects include the indie features THE PRANKSTER,  MELVIN SMARTY,  ISABELLA, and a short film called BALLERINO with System of a Down Bassist Shavo Odadjian.

When not working in film or television, Davitian promotes education of the Armenian Genocide and supports Children’s and GLBT causes. Davitian lives in Los Angeles with his wife of 30 years, Ellen, and their two sons, Robert and Aaron. He also co-owns the Hot Dog restaurant “The Infield” in Sherman Oaks.

Check out VCF Celebrity Board:   http://vegascinefest.com/celebrity-board/