Natasha - The Artist

I am a filmmaker… I am an inspirational filmmaker… I am an inspirational filmmaker in the making. Oh, how to begin this post.

I am a filmmaker. I am currently seeking the right people and the money to create an inspirational feature film.

About two years ago, I saw a girl on a city bus. Our car being repaired, I took the bus to work — which rarely happens. I sat quietly, observing people coming in and thinking about the day ahead, about their family, money problems, their ex they wish they hadn’t broken up with… I thought to myself “wow, I should take the bus more often, I see so much”. Then I noticed Abigail. The bus full and no more seats available, the teenage girl was standing near the front. She was inside herself, wondering why life was giving up on her, why she was in her body not being able to be happy. She didn’t look at one person in that bus, from fear of being judged or… from fear of meeting that one person who can tell her who she really is.  How I wished at that moment I knew how to help her find her heart.

I took out a notebook and started writting about her. I wrote about how she finds herself, how she fulfills all her dreams. I wrote about the people she encounters on her path and how they help her discover who she is, how she falls in love with herself and her heart. I wrote about how she discovers happiness and how she is guided to her ultimate future.

Today, two years later, my notes have become a feature film script. I have fallen in love with Abigail and all the characters in her life, as they are all a part of me. They ARE me. The movie is me, not about my life — but who I am at every moment.

I know this film will be made and will be successful. Abigail will inspire people, teenagers especially, to follow their heart and their instincts. Every time I think about Abi and the movie, I am attracting the right people for this film — I feel it in my heart. An example — Jessica wrote a comment on my last post, inviting me to visit her myspace page and listen to her music. I cried when I heard the first note. She is the one. She will create the music for Abigail. I invite you to be mesmerized: http://www.myspace.com/jessicaleiathompson.

If you want to see this film, I invite you to comment on this post. The more people demonstrate interest, the more the right people will be attracted to be a part of it.

Much love,
Natasha
xxoo

I finished writing my first script for a feature film and I realized that I absolutely love writing (I kind of knew that before, but now I’m sure). When my head doesn’t get in the way and I write from the heart, I can write for hours. I just finished my script and I am already thinking about the next one I will be writing. I am also thinking of how to direct the film I just finished writing. So, I think I will simply jot down my new ideas and concentrate on directing first.

I know my film will be produced AND distributed AND be very successful. I feel it in my gut. I have never directed before, but for some reason, I just know I am directing this feature film. I see it clearly in my mind and my heart. I just have to convince a producer that I can do it, and do it well for that matter. I will do that by developing the storyboard!  

Gotta go… I’ve got a storyboard to do!

Revenge of the Hunted, a film by Aaron Floresco of Past Perfect Productions, was chosen by the “Run for your Shorts” film festival in Canada’s National Capital Region to be screened tonight, the last night of the festival.

I play the lead - Karin, a twenty-something woman who tries to move on with her life after getting out of an abusive relationship. Her ex, Ryan, doesn’t want things to end and moves along with her every step of the way. Trying to ignore Ryan while on a date, Karin decides that she must confront her stalker.

I saw the film for the first time as it was screened on Monday of this week, at the ACTRA - Ottawa gala, where someone pointed out that the film reminded them of the style of David Lynch — true! It was difficult for me to judge the film, as I wasn’t really watching the film or listening to the dialogue, but mostly listening to the audience’s reactions. People laughed, gasped, became quiet and started breathing again. This film contains everything.

If you would like to attend the screening, the details can be found on the festival’s Web site: http://www.cineo.ca/.

My friend Claudia Jurt has submitted her short-film A Buck Ten for the reality show On the Lot from Steven Spielberg. On the Lot will have 16 young filmmakers fighting viewer vote elimination each week to win a $1-million US development deal. You can help Claudia!!!

How? Visit http://films.thelot.com/films/29183, watch her film and submit your rating along with your comment on the film.

Once you’ve viewed, rated and commented on her film, do it all over again!

We’re rootin’ for you Claudia!

… is the tagline for the movie Snow Cake.

I just came back this afternoon from a business trip in Moncton, New Brunswick. I got to watch a movie on the plane. It’s pretty cool, all seats had an individual screen from which you can choose what to watch from an extensive list of movies — including Canadian films. I chose to watch Snow Cake and I sure was not disappointed.  

Synopsis: A man (Alan Rickman) is traumatized after a car accident kills Vivienne (Emily Hampshire), whom he was giving a lift home. He develops a friendship with Vivienne’s mother (Sigourney Weaver), a high functioning autistic woman.

The film is extremely well written and both Rickman and Weaver’s performances were riveting. A must see!

I don’t often watch Quebec productions, but this one I couldn’t resist. After hearing it call my name a few times at the video rental, I picked it up and watched it. I was amazed!

Luc Picard wrote, directed and starred in “L’audition“. He is a genious. The movie keeps surprising over and over, and all the while teaching life lessons you can take away with you.

I was personally touched by Louis, the lead character, who has always dreamed of becoming an actor but never took that leap. The emotions he conveyed around that dream were compelling. It was like looking into a mirror. 

All I can say is: watch it!!! It’s captivating.