Spielberg in the making
When I start to get tired of all the formula garbage being served up from Hollywood, I take heart in the future of film.
Young people know about film, not just from going to the multiplex but from videotaping their friends from the time they're old enough to press a record button. Making movies to them is like a first language. (For me, I had to sneak the super 8 from my dad's closet... not an easy task.)
Making my point today is local teen James Killian, a sophomore at St.Mary's High School, whose awesome short film, "The First Day of School" is competing on a site by Kohl's department store.
Check it out (and vote for it) at http://www.shockwave.com/2006/kohls/filmcontest/index.jsp
That's his brother Alex doing his hair and trying to get dressed. What fun. Check out the smooth special effects as one pair of shoes changes to another. These kids have talent.
posted by Warren Epstein @ 7:59 AM
17 comments
17 Comments:
As the contributor of half the DNA young James (AKA Joe, or “Spielberg”) walks around with, I have to agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Epstein. Obviously, Joe and his brother Alex are talented. Less obvious is the fact that they get it all from me. Most would say that their mother, who is much more outgoing and “talented” would be the key contributor, but this is merely an illusion. It is I, with my generations of pedigree arising from the Isles of Green that provided the “eye to see beauty” that is so prevalent in my sons’ masterpiece. Oops, gotta go, my wife just walked in the den…..
…WOW! What can I say to all of that? I may resemble those comments.
At this moment I am just so thrilled for the guys and their great opportunity here, I can hardly stand it! On top of it all, they are amazing kids in every other area as well! (Honesty in journalism, right?!)
Congrats, Killian boys!
Thanks Warren, for your encouragement!
They are great guys! Please vote for their film at www.shockwave.com
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
- a friend
I am so lost for the right words to say about these amazing kids. I am so proud that they are great role models for my son. I truly love to go support them with there talents of acting and movie making skills. As I leave this anonymous I know that if they ever need a little guy to help with any of there movie making scenes they know who to call for the role.lol Just kidding, Great job you guys we are so proud of you
We are so proud of Joe & Alex. While their talent in film is apparent to all who watch this video, this is really on part of the story. These boys are top notch in all they do. We are proud to have them as examples for our family. Keep up all the hard work and good luck! Aunt E & Uncle D
Guys, I'm not finding it at that link anymore. I wanted my kids to see it. Is the contest over? Is there someplace else we can find it?
If you want to see the short film, and vote for the guys, go to
www.shockwave.com
choose GT Film Contest on the right side of the screen, then vote for THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - by James Killian
Warren's link is not working because of the period after jsp
THANKS FOR POINTING THIS OUT! :)
BTW - Voting ends on October 9th - so please vote ASAP!
Thanks!
I'm proud of these guys too. My son wants to make videos and perhaps they've inspired him? Anyway, thank you too Warren for showing encouragement. Hard to believe that videography has come so far that two young men such as these can actually produce a movie of this caliber with a camera, a computer and oh, yeah.... talent. Great job guys.
Saw the film at school. It was great.
Well, I'm an "objective" observer in a way (I don't know Joe Killian personally, but my sons atend St. Mary's), so here's my take on Joe's work in relation to the nine other films that reached this finalist stage. "The First Day of School" fits the "you can do anything" theme perfectly, better than all the rest I'd say. The acting is as awesome as the cinematography. Only two other films of the ten seriously compete with it: "Almost Three" (because of the subject and the filmwork) and "Celebration" (because it's funny and filmed pretty well). "The First Day of School" can easily win over "Celebration," but it's hard to compete with that almost-three-year-old. It will be interesting to see which film wins the grand prize, but I vote for Killian's film. He's amazing.
I would like to thank everyone for being so supportive, and Mr. Epstein for writing this blog about Alex and I. Thank You.
When will you find out if you won? We think it has to be you guys, it's just the perfect combo for the contest! Can't wait to see your names in lights!
The official results will be published at www.shockwave.com on October 24th, but we hope to find out a bit sooner, since we live with "Spielberg in the making" and "the next George Clooney"! We will keep you all posted, and thank you so very much for enjoying this fun ride with our entire family!
Speaking of "entire family" because these great boys began acting and producing while involved in television commercials for our family business, we would like to thank all of you who voted for this great film, and also those who are involved with Joe and Alex day to day.
As long as we are taking credit for this success, we might attribute some of it to their "Southern roots".
Proud grandparents, Mema and Papa
Charlotte, North Carolina
Just wanted to give anyone waiting out there an update - Joe did not place in the top three finalists :(
It was a little disappointing, considering all of the great reviews he received - however - he is on to his next project with excitement. Who knows, Warren may be writing about Joe & Alex again someday soon!
Kohls is a good shopping store. Kohls Coupons are available right from kids to adults. This is a very good news for people to get a great advantage from Kohls Coupons....!!
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