Philly Chit Chat

Last week Universal Language screened at the PFF. It was a sold out silent crowd. “Universal Signs”, a deaf love story. One of the first of its kind a movie all in sign language with captions.

Claire Brown-Kohler introduces the film with an American Sign Language interpreter signing along for the deaf audience

After the show their was a Q&A with the director and actors
I was especially excited to be invited to this screening as Sabrina Lloyd from ‘Sliders’ fame was in the starring role. I later learned that she accepted the role as soon as she was asked, and learned ASL in only 3 months. It took me two years of training to get a complete sentence correct. The after party was held at McCormick & Schmidt’s where specially labelled Universal Language bottles of wine were given as parting gifts.

There was a nice turnoutActress Sabrina Lloyd and Director/writer Ann Calamia converse as producer Catherine Miller looks on. Sabrina and her friend Chelsea pose for photos. When Chelsea met Sabrina at the college they both attend in Manhattan, Chelsea had no idea about Wade, Numbers or Sports night. One of their mutual friends told her who Sabrina was and then lent her a DVD of Sliders. She thought it was cool, but I can tell she wasn’t really impressed by it, she likes Sabrina because of her personality and friendlyness. Hottie Anthony Natale and Sabrina Lloyd, the stars of the movie Deaf Robert DeMayo, Deaf Actor Anthony Natale; Actress Sabrina Lloyd; cinamatographer; producer Carol Finkle; producer Catherine Miller and Writer/Director Ann Calamia at the premiere of their movie “Universal Signs” at the Philadelphia Film Festival
I always wanted to chat with a celebrity about the business of celebrity; Sabrina doesn’t get asked for her autograph much, and most of the people who get a glimmer of recognition of her think its because they they went to school with her, or maybe from the neighborhood, or just look bewildered. Paparazzi rarely shoot her, and she’s been to the Waverly Inn a few times.
Last night producer Catherine Miller and Writer/Director Ann Calamia won the Philadelphia Film Festival ‘s Full Length Movie Award for “Universal Signs”; Here they are at the closing night party at the Top of the Bell Atlantic Building.

(ThIS IS JUST A DRAFT ENTRY – WHEN I HAVE MORE TIME ie not working my 9 – 5 job today, I will fill in the blanks and missing names) The Gate Keeper staff and volunteers that keep the festival running behind the scenes. Thank you so very much!!SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS – Thank you, thank you, thank you. Here is George Reppert Regional Director for ZYR Vodka http://www.zyrvodka.com/ (in the center) on the left Laura’s future husband, she says and on the right James Duggan, CFO BUCKmonkey and assistant to the Development Director Thom Cardwell who acquires sponsors. Now that’s a hard job to me, I have such trouble asking anyone for anything, so my hats off to those guys!!
Our friendly Festival Photographer Gail Kamenish , what can I say about her. Love her to death, it’s so wonderful to work alongside a professional who knows what she is doing, gets the job done and is sensitive to others. Also YaYa Liem, welcome aboard as the new managing director, another sponsor from Assouline Caviar Liz Martin, and TLA Kelly Burkhardt

I’m their biggest fan as you know, Sharon Pinkenson and Joan Bressler of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office

The Burkhardt Girls – Kelly and Laura Burkhardt

The moment has arrived and Patti Smith is hereDirector/Columnist Mary Patel and author screenwriter Steven Byler If your photo has appeared in Philadelphia Magazine, then Zoey has taken it and her friend has written it down

Mary Patel, Luke Erle (who won best Independent Film) and Scott Seigman

Separated at birth, Jay McCarroll and Mark James

Then it was over to the Prince Theater. It was fun to walk along Chestnut Street as a Patti Smith groupie. No one recognized her, but they must have known it was someone. A chef in training popped out of the Art Institute and as he looked trying to figure it out, I said it was Patti Smith, “Who?” he replied; Patti Smith, you don’t know Patti Smith, I guess your too young. Then it dawned on him and he nearly collapsed of disbelief. I thought he was going to run after her, which really would have pissed people off I think, but he ended up just admiring her as she walked slowly towards the theater. Below is Thom Cardwell and , giving out the special Archie Award, the Archie Award is named in memory of Ruth Pearlmutter’s husband, Archie. He was a big fan of movies and a supporter of all things film.. The Patti Smith Film was shown “Dream of Life”, as Patti, her son Jackson and director Steven Sebring relaxed in the audience to catch the flick.

As Patti was waiting to go on stage she was standing right next to me. I told her and Steven how much I really enjoyed the movie, and asked her where she grew up in Jersey. She said it was Deptford, and she went to Deptford High School. I mumbled do you know such and such and then realized I was talking to Patti Fucking Smith and I crumbled at the realization. I mumbled a few more words of admiration, told the director how much I enjoyed his shooting the concert scenes in black and white, and hotel scenes in color and the one on one scenes in vivid color. How angelic Patti looked, very pure and thanked Patti for her candor and dedication to America. At one point in the movie she read the constitution and the audience clapped, then she said that George W Bush should be impeached and imprison, and the audience went wild.

In the movie we meet her parents, and we go to their house in Depford. I was curious about how Patti got her sense of independence, and lead a life so free of the everyday trappings (ok except for her penchant for Prada) Her father is a man of little words, but speaks volumes in the words that fall from his mouth. Her mother a wonderful wife and mother from her era, a women as Patti might have describe as living and existing in New Jersey, which is perfectly acceptable, but Patti found herself wanting to expand and explore so she left her home to find herself. Her mother collected cows, cow cookie jars, cow S&P shakers, cow everything. A funny story Patti tells about her parents, who Patti calls Mommy and Daddy, which is so endearing, was that one day Mommy comes in from the yard and says to Daddy (who she calls daddy too) “Daddy there’s a boar in the yard what should I do?” in which Daddy responds “if he’s a bore, don’t talk to him!”
The joy and pride in Patti’s face when she talks about her son Jackson. Here Patti surprises the audience with a few songs, her son Jackson accompanies her. I stole a few moments from Patti, at the cocktail party, and right before she went on stage. My previous thoughts were wrong, as I went on hearsay of others, Patti was genuine, sweet, kind, caring, thanked me for taking her photo (although I know I took too many) and just seem so appreciative of life and believed in living by the golden rule, which as you may know I seriously try and apply to myself; do unto others as they would do to you, even if they’re bastards – LOL ok I added that last part, but even if they’re bastards I still like to treat them with respect, it’s a waste of my energy to do otherwise. ok I digress, this is Patti’s day and I am talking about me on my blog. Talk about misunderstood. My autograzzi friends “Team Derek” was there. They are fans, I saw them in the audience watching the film enjoying the Q&A and later they cleaned up with ‘graphs galore. It just goes to show that Patti Smith is generous. I know she was beat after arriving at the Film Festival. She had literally just flown in from Paris, the only other City where she showed up to a festival where her documentary was showing. She loves Paris and she loves the City of Brotherly Love, which she repeated a few times.

LARE from Kleenagel, LTD Fine Wine Importers and another wonderful sponsor, with Claire Brown-Kohler and the wonderful PFF volunteers

Gay Black Republican Donald Carter and Luke Erhle. I hear Donald gave Luke quite a tongue lashing over his movie, Choosing Connor, and its depiction of Republicans, specifically gay republicans. But you will have to see the movie to see what he is talking about. I thought the movie was good, but went in a direction I wouldn’t have gone in. Kenneth, Ritchie, Susan, Brad and opps
It was a nice crowd with plenty of room to move on the 52nd floor of the Bell Atlantic BuildingJeff and his friend David It was great meeting new friends this year, like Lewis Tice and oh I am getting old cant remember Lewis’ friends name
My favorite children’s TV Host (I will be looking up names later, I have go to get to bed it is 4am)

Hillary and Steve Shemin. I met Hillary last year the first night of the film festival. She’s a great photographer too. Here is some of her work: http://cleantth.smugmug.com/gallery/4733545_LoXpb/1/280359649_Jz3dV#280359649_Jz3dV
Robert Mendelson from the Philadelphia TribuneThe best DJ, Robert Drake spins, and spins well Love the tutu

In a quick style change, Kelly dresses comfortable for the evening festivities. Heather, well she is hot, creative, aura of bright yellow and sweet. Glad to see them this year.Thanks to Dwayne and Laura. Dwayne is another sponsor and as soon as I find his card I will tell you who what when and where, good night I am falling asleep at the key board

Uma Thurman showed up. Did I mention I got a new camera. I have barely read the manual, but the camera takes awesome photos. I have a good Uma story on about last night on www.ConfessionsofaPaparazzi.com Garrison Keillor, the one thing about shooting celebrities, you learn to spell their names correctly
Can you believe this women slept with Warren Beatty, Jack Nicolson and Nick Nolte, ok I might believe the last one
Meryl “the Icon” Streep, never took her sunglasses off for us.
www.ConfessionsofaPaparazzi.com Tomorrow we will go back to the Film Festival and over the next few days do a wrap up.

Oh I would love to go into a long story about who sat in these chairs Thursday night, but I have to go, it’s 4AM and I’m tired. Now just because I got in at 1AM doesnt mean the work stops when I step into my cab, as I have to process the 400 photos I took and narrow it down to a reasonable “best shot” of 35 – 50 to send to my agency and other media Can you see, ok it’s Carrie Ricky on the left and
on the right is – see picture below. Having been one of 2 photographers back stage, I did get some good shots. But it will all have to wait ’cause I gotta work my day job in 4.5 hrs. Its a good thing it’s TGIF today. Although I do have a movie at 9:30PM to cover, maybe you’ll come out to see it to “Placebo” at International House, then I will sleep in on Saturday. Next week lots and lots of photos, maybe Perri will finally see hers, because god knows its awkward running into her having not put it up yet. Thanks for visiting the blog, numbers are up, about 600 a day – Whoopi. Someone besides mom likes to read what I write and look at my pictures. Thanks HughE

My Friends Mary Patel and Joe Barber finally delivered their baby at the 17th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival last night; they’ve named it

Before the show began Joe gave me a peek at the giant HGTV projector he rented from Texas. All week as the date approached he would tell me about this projector, and how special it was, otherwise the film would have been shown with the regular signal. He wasn’t nervous at all about the delivery or whether it would come in on time, or maybe he just didn’t let it show. Sure enough it did arrive in time…The view from the projector room. Joe did a little bit of the run through.An empty house, but not for longThe show was sold out and the line went out the doorThom Cardwell, Director of Development listens intently as Mary and Joe do the Q&A after the movie, which by the way was awesome. I saw an earlier print last May, just as the film was in post production. What a difference a year makes. The sound, the print, the HGTV, the editing, the soundtrack was fantastic. The story, the interviews, everything, I was really, really impressed and entertained. This movie is looking for a distributor, and it really deserves one. Really, am I gushing, ok so when you see something in post production its not really all that good unless you have a vision I guess. But the final print, OMG so good, and funny too, but isn’t politics a funny business? Then it was off to ONE, formerly the Mansion. It still looks like a mansion in many of the rooms.
like this one.

My Mike and my friend Tim (on the right). Before I got into the paparazzi/blogging thing, Tim and I would work on lots of political campaigns together, let’s see our first one was Rendell mayor 2nd term, Katz, Clinton, Spector, Rendell, Gore, Katz, and I am sure a few in between I can’t remember. Bobbie, Mary & StephenTim and Mary

Our friendly Festival photographer Gail http://imageevent.com/phillyfilmfest , and Joe Barber’s girlfriend Mary Beth. Happy Anniversary Mary Beth & Joe. I was there on the day you two met at Fork! for the Film Office Seminar on getting a screen play made. I took your first photograph together, I did.Joe Vignola and Thom’s perfect head Beth, Scott and Mara (It’s funny, and flattering that Beth reads my blog, and sent me a “fan” email a few weeks back. I am so embarrassed as I put it in my “need to respond” folder, but never had a chance to as I forgot to check the folder.) Nice to meet you Beth, thanks for reading. This guy is going places…I would like to see him work because his work is so goodKate and ChadDonald Carter, the former VP of Log Cabin. The only black, gay republican I know. Thought he’s not supporting John McCain, he thinks Ron Paul still has a chance.Oh Mary, Mary, Mary, I am so, so proud of you. The movie was really great. I was so busy today that I didn’t have a chance to return your call from last night, I wish I had to gauge your feelings right before the show. I bet you were nervous, because these next series of shots really reflect how you feel, and how you deserve to feel. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow and recap the days events, gossip and to give you a big hug!! Love HughE, the Paparazzi Guy as she likes to introduce me to people as – LOL

The portraits presented in the First Person documentary are based on kids living in Philadelphia, in tough neighborhoods. Not unlike kids in the “better” neighborhoods, these teenagers also have obstacles such as lack of motivation and peer pressure, but while also battling the violence that sometimes permeates their world. Most of the kids parents were very supportive and encouraging, although some of the kids did grow up in different parental situations, with single parents, and with little structure, and discipline. What was truly brave of these kids was their candor regarding their situations, particularly Macho, who confesses that he puts on a tough exterior to get through the day, or Fresh who contemplates selling drugs on the street because he doesn’t ever want to work at McDonalds. First Lady Lisa Nutter; Scion rep, James Johnson, Director/Producer Benjamin Herold who received the Scion Award for Best Director of a documentary, First Lady of Philly, Lisa Nutter and Thom Cardwell, PFF Dir. of Development
Here are the kids again…A big obstacle for the kids was the school system. Either teachers didn’t seem to care, especially towards grading the students and just passing the ones that were getting the failing marks too or they were too overwhelmed with the responsibility of being the only parental force in the kids lives, which is really a losing battle. As it is teenagers don’t always have the respect for adults in any neighborhood, and without parents to enforce discipline, the kids can run amok. It was heartening to see the teens as dreamy eyed Sophomores and psyched by the prospect of college and becoming professionals; but as the years waned on, the motivation eased and only 2 out of the 7 profiled made it to college. (Although another one is studying Real Estate in jail, as he serves out his term for murder)

Ursula Rucker entertains at the after party at the World Cafe
As much as I was disappointed in the kids who for some reason or another dropped out of school, because of the lack of motivation, or hopelessness. The support of their parents was amazing, and really impressed me. In the end it just seemed that peer pressure was too much to overcome for most of them. How many of us would rather be accepted by our friends, then to study alone for a future that seems so far off.

What a shock it was for me and Malikka Saeed to find out that the key to college costs are out of reach for so many. I was wondering was she the only student to go to a non-coed school? Maybe taking the distraction of the opposite sex out of the equation was helpful to reaching her education goal.

The candor of the students was amazing, even with my blogs I don’t think I could be so brave and vulerable in admitting my fears in such a public way. Finally, come on, don’t you think it’s our responsibility to educate the kids of our future. College should be affordable. Thank you Steven Parr, Malikka Saeed, Kurtis Graves, Shalisa Ousley, Macho, Doug Fresh for your courage in sharing your stories. I do hope you live your best life, but you’d better start soon or you might become one of those people Sharlisa describe so perfectly “I see my friends basically just sitting at home, doing what they was doing when they was little kids, watching TV and eating cereal in the afternoon.” TO SUPPORT FIRST PERSON and to read more about the documentary:

http://firstpersondocumentary.org/ And thank you Ben Herold for the story.