I recently had the honor of attending The Weinstein Company and Lexus 2nd Annual Short Film Series “Life is Amazing."
I arrived at Regal Live Theatre in LA, and was greeted by a most warm and gracious Weinstien PR team. The first impression was that this event was well scripted, and the staff was calm, cool, and very helpful. I was invited to walk the red carpet, an experience that never lacks for glamour.
I was then ushered to the private green room where other celebrities lounged and grazed with ease. Hors d'oeuvres were served along with drinks, and there was plenty of relaxed conversation. The beautiful Actress Dania Ramerez sat at our table and we talked hair and style, a subject on which she embodies excellence on both counts.
And then, with the sudden appearance of Harvey Weinstien himself, the energy in the room clicked up several notches. People were drawn to him like iron filings toward a magnet, but I stayed calm and decided to wait my turn. He then walked straight to our table and introduced himself in a most gracious manner, which put everyone at ease. When it was my turn to shake his hand, a few of the chairs were in the way, so I got up, walked around the table and greeted him. Infront of me stood the man that Meryl Streep once called God.
One might assume that Harvey Weinstein would be above the pedestal of a short film festival? Well, think again! In conjunction with Lexus, The Weinstein Company showcased two new short films for their second annual “Life is Amazing” Lexus Short Films series, showcasing the film, 'Market Hours', and 'Operation Barn Owl'.
Mr. Weinstein’s introductory speech, an illumination of hope for all future filmmakers and writers, was nothing short of inspirational. Introducing Writer/Director Jon Goldman, Director Satsuki Okawa, and Co-writer Ken Ochiai, The Weinstein Company and Lexus have proven their commitment to giving back to the community of the filmmaking arts.
Harvey Weinstein is a man filled with Hollywood wisdom, and I found his words most encouraging. "Write your way into the business, because at the end of the day, a good script is undeniable. It's hard to make a movie, but it's not so hard to write a great script, because it's a solitary craft, and people are looking for good material."
Being an Indie Filmmaker myself, Harvey Weinstien has deepened my drive to continue the scripts I am developing with my chosen team of writers. I am grateful for his words of wisdom and encouragement, and I greatly enjoyed watching the short films that he helped cultivate.
"I learned what I really love is making films, not the film business. I want to be on set, meeting with writers, I want that freedom. I love it now." -Harvey Weinstein
About The Weinstein Company
The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes. During Harvey and Bob’s tenure at Miramax and The Weinstein Company, they have received 348 Oscar nominations and won 82 Academy Awards.
Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as GRINDHOUSE; 1408; I’M NOT THERE; THE GREAT DEBATERS; VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; THE ROAD; HALLOWEEN; THE PAT TILLMAN STORY; PIRANHA 3D; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; A SINGLE MAN; BLUE VALENTINE; THE COMPANY MEN; MIRAL; SCRE4M; SUBMARINE; DIRTY GIRL; APOLLO 18; OUR IDIOT BROTHER; I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT; SARAH’S KEY; SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD IN 4D; MY WEEK WITH MARILYN; THE IRON LADY; W.E.; CORIOLANUS; UNDEFEATED; THE ARTIST; BULLY; THE INTOUCHABLES; LAWLESS; KILLING THEM SOFTLY; THE MASTER; SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK; DJANGO UNCHAINED; QUARTET; ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH; DARK SKIES; THE SAPPHIRES; SCARY MOVIE 5; KON-TIKI; UNFINISHED SONG; FRUITVALE STATION; LEE DANIELS' THE BUTLER; THE GRANDMASTER; SALINGER; 12-12-12; PHILOMENA; MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM; AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY; VAMPIRE ACADEMY and THE RAILWAY MAN. Upcoming releases include THE IMMIGRANT; YVES SAINT LAURENT; BEGIN AGAIN; THE GIVER; FRANK MILLER’S SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR; UNDERDOGS; TRACKS; ST. VINCENT and PADDINGTON.
TWC also boasts an active television production division led by former Miramax Films Co-President of Production Meryl Poster. TWC garnered nine Emmy nominations in 2013. The Weinstein Company Television produces the reality powerhouse Project Runway, now in its 12th season on Lifetime; with its spin-off series Project Accessory and the critically-acclaimed Project Runway All Stars, hosted by Alyssa Milano. TWC recently launched Million Dollar Shoppers and completed Supermarket Superstar hosted by Stacy Keibler for Lifetime as well as Rodeo Girls for A&E. TWC is currently in production on Mob Wives Season 4 for VH1 and Welcome To Myrtle Manor Season 2 for TLC. Announced scripted projects in development include John Fusco's historical action-adventure epic Marco Polo and an adaptation of Daniel Stashower’s bestselling Civil War-era spy thriller The Hour Of Peril. TWC also developed Amy Sherman Palladino’s The Nanny Diaries for ABC and produced the award-winning HBO series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, directed by Anthony Minghella.
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