THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS was one of my favorite films from this past year’s SXSW film festival. Co-written and directed by Austin filmmaker John E. Bryant, THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS is finally getting its chance to be seen by a much wider audience. Starting Februrary 17th, THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS will be available through IFC Films ON DEMAND. In the Austin area, IFC ON DEMAND is only available on Time Warner. Check it out.
Posts Tagged ‘SXSW’
THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS LANDS DISTRIBUTION
February 6th, 2010SXSW Wrap Up – Notes on THE 2 BOBS
March 23rd, 2009
SXSW 2009 has come and gone and I was able to see only a couple of films this year. Now that there’s a little time to breathe I’ll post some thoughts on those two films. First up is THE 2 BOBS.
To be sure I’m well beyond the demographic that THE 2 BOBS targets, 15-25 year olds. The ones who get off on edgy video games, F-bomb humor and copious amounts of exposed flesh…real, illustrated or animated. You know, the age group that actually spends a lot of money on movies AND video games.
THE 2 BOBS starts at an almost frenetic pace that sucks in even the ‘old farts’ like me (I guess I didn’t really need the quotes around ‘old farts’, but I’m still coming to grips with being one) with clever graphics and effects work that give the film an initial visual style and appeal that seems opposed to the reality that this movie was shot for well under one million dollars on a SAG modified low budget agreement. Score one for the writer-director and his post-production team.
The film rocks along as we are introduced to the two Bobs – Horizontal Bob (Devin Ratray – the shorter, heavier one) and Vertical Bob (Tyler Francavilla - the taller, thinner one). Nerds to the core, these two otherwise complete losers discovered computer programming in high school, created their own video game and were transformed from a couple of loser, high school dweebs into a couple of loser, ex-high school dweebs…with money.
Here’s the story according to Voodoo Cowboy Entertainment and Texas Avenue Films:
The 2 Bobs is a video game geek comedy based in Austin, Texas. The story follows two gaming legends known as The 2 Bobs. But just as they finish their ground-breaking violent video game masterpiece, these gaming gurus discover their precious game software has been stolen – and with it, their livelihoods, genius reputations, and everything they own. To get back their game – and their lives -The 2 Bobs and their fellow-geek employees Munch, Doofus and The Dark Prince are forced to ‘turn detective’ and plunge into the strange world of Christian Venture Capitalists, aged Dixie Mafia hoodlums, and bizarre Internet Spammers that inhabit Austin.
The cast, a mixture of Texas pros and L.A. and NY actors all give enthusiastic, ‘can you believe we’re actually getting paid to do this?’ performances. But what the hey…this movie is a lot more PORKY’S than PATTON…uhhh, actually there is no PATTON here, but you get the picture…and the cast delivers the required goods. A particularly strong performance was turned in by Leonardo Nam as The Dark Prince, the most complete and interesting character in the ensemble.
Overall, THE 2 BOBS works as a broad comedy with a ‘keep Austin weird’ mentality. While it will be interesting to see how THE 2 BOBS plays at the upcoming AFI Dallas Film Festival, the full crowd at the SXSW screening I attended found no shortage of laugh out loud moments.
McCanlies’ fans who might be drawn to a film by the director of SECONDHAND LIONS or DANCER, TX POP. 81, should probably skip THE 2 BOBS if they’re expecting similar fare. Instead wait for the release of his next film, the more family friendly, ALABAMA MOON.
Attend SAG’s ARMADILLO DAY at 501 Studios – Austin!
March 14th, 2009Just a reminder of today’s SAG event at 501 Studios:
Don’t Become Media Roadkill
This SRO event returns to Austin to speak of all things Screen Actors Guild.
Keep your career in the fast lane and off the shoulder.
Get all the info you need for your next film, webisode, video game, commercial, industrial or music video.
Join SAG Experts:
Darrien Michele Gipson, National Director of SAGIndie
Bob Jensen, Manager of National New Media Department
Steve Graham, National Director of Digital Marketing (iActor)
Todd Amorde, National Director of Organizing
Indie filmmakers, game developers, animators, directors, cds, agents and performers get together to get questions answered and discuss building the biz.
When: Saturday, March 14, 2009
2 – 4 p.m.
(Members only reception begins at 1 p.m.)
Where: 501 Studios
501 North IH-35
Austin, TX 78702
Free parking
Cost? Zip. Zilch. Nada. Nothing.
SAG Actors Gather during SXSW 2009
March 10th, 2009
Indie Comedies at SXSW – 2 BOBS and THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS
March 10th, 2009SXSW is fast approaching and there are more than a few things to plan for. To start with, check out premiere screenings of the latest from Austin filmmakers Tim McCanlies and John Bryant.
Tim McCanlies, well known for his family friendly fare such as DANCER TX, POP. 81 and SECONDHAND LIONS as well as the award winning screenplay for IRON GIANT offers up a complete change of pace with this low budget comedy that, based on the script I read, is definitely not one for the kiddies to attend.
The 2 Bobs
Director/Writer: Tim McCanlies
Just as they finish their groundbreaking violent video-game masterpiece, the two gaming legends known as “The Two Bobs” discover that their precious game-software has been stolen… and with it, their livelihoods, genius reputations, everything they own. Cast: Tyler Francavilla, Devin Ratray, Mika Boorem, Cody Kasch, Leonardo Nam (World Premiere)
Narrative Feature
World Premiere
screening in: Spotlight Premieres
Screening Times
6:45 PM, Friday March 13th – Austin Convention Ctr
6:30 PM, Monday March 16th – Paramount
John Bryant has taken his award winning short, BROTHERLY LOVE and transformed it into a feature length film called THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS. I saw an early screening some months ago at the Austin Film Society that had the audience alternately laughing and wincing as the brothers duke it out…literally and figuratively turning a family get together into an ‘all hell breaks loose’ dramedy.
Having read the script, I was eager to see how a particularly ‘edgy’ scene would play. I must say, my inner boy took over and I laughed a lot. Looks to me like John Bryant is just scratching the surface of his talent here and I recommend you check out THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS.
The Overbrook Brothers
Director: John Bryant. Writer: John Bryant and Jason Foxworth
Jason brings his girlfriend home for Christmas… and bad things happen. Cast: Nathan Harlan, Mark Reeb, Laurel Whitsett, Steve Zissis, John Jones (World Premiere)
Screening Times
4:15 PM, Sunday March 15th – Alamo Ritz
9:30 PM, Monday March 16th – Alamo Lamar 3
10:00 PM, Saturday March 21st – Paramount
Austin Film Society SXSW Film Guide
March 9th, 2009
Below is a reprint of an email received from the Austin Film Society. Hopefully this will be useful to those who are not on the AFS email list.
SXSW, March 13-22, 2009AFS Screenings & Special Events During SXSW
1. SXSW PANEL: GET THE MOST OUT OF SXSW (3/13)
2. AFS SXSW Member Showcase 1 & 2 (3/14, 3/15)
3. SXSW PANEL: A CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD LINKLATER AND TODD HAYNES (3/17)
4. SXSW PANEL: TEXAS FILMMAKERS PRODUCTION FUND MINI-MEETING (3/17)
5. SXSW PANEL: SURVIVING THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT (3/17)
6. AFS/Austin Studios @ SXSW Film & Interactive Trade Show (3/14-3/16)
7. AFS Documentary Tour: THE EYES OF ME (3/15)
8. AFS Co-Sponsored Screening: THE 2 BOBS (3/16)
Friends of AFS and Program Alumni Screen at SXSW:
1. ALONG CAME KINKY… TEXAS JEWBOY FOR GOVERNOR – Directed by David Hartstein
2. FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES: THE STORY OF AMERICAN FILM CRITICISM – Directed by Gerald Peary
3. THE LEAST OF THESE – Directed by Clark & Jesse Lyda, Produced by Marcy Garriott (former AFS Board President)
4. LOVE, SADIE – Directed by Naiti Gamez
5. THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS – Directed by John Bryant
6. OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY – Michel Orion Scott
7. SKIP AND LESTER: HERE’S THE STAPLER IF YOU NEED IT – Directed by Lance Myers
8. ST. NICK – Directed by David Lowery
9. SUNSHINE – Directed by Karen Skloss
10. SWEETHEARTS OF THE PRISON RODEO – Directed by Bradley Beesley
11. TRUST US, THIS IS ALL MADE UP – Directed by Alex Karpovsky
See ticketing information at the bottom of this message.
AFS Screenings & Special Events During SXSW
1. SXSW PANEL: GET THE MOST OUT OF SXSW FILM (3/13)
WHEN: Fri March 13, 2-3 PM
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
COST: SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/talks/schedule?acti…
Created for SXSW Interactive attendees, but useful for everyone, here’s an introduction to SXSW’s film conference and festival. Learn how to make meaningful connections with all the movie professionals in town for the event.
Moderated by Agnes Varnum, Communications Manager for the Austin Film Society
2. AFS SXSW Member Showcase 1 & 2 (3/14, 3/15)
WHEN: Sat Mar 14, 2 PM & Sun Mar 15, 12 PM
WHERE: Hideout Coffeehouse & Theatre (617 Congress)
COST: $10/Free for AFS members with current membership card, SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum badge-holders & Film Pass Holders
INFO: http://www.austinfilm.org/film/2009_sxsw…
http://www.austinfilm.org/film/2009_sxsw…
SPANISH LESSONS WITH CHUPACABRA VOLUME 7: CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH by Bob RayThe Austin Film Society will present two programs of exciting, funny, eye-opening new short films from some of our 500-plus Filmmaker-Level Members at The Hideout during the SXSW Film Festival.
Program 1, Mar 14, 2pm:
SPANISH LESSONS WITH CHUPACABRA VOLUME 7: CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH by Bob Ray
BI DEFINITION by Kai Salim
TINKER TOY by Jabbar Raisani
REMAINS by Allison Cook
TYMPANIC by Benjamin Slamka
BLADE THROWERS by Mark Mederson
HEADCHEESE by Laura Android
Program 2, Mar 14, 12pm:
HEARTBREAKS by Avram Dodson
MARTHA by Katja Straub
SUNLIGHT by Alex Harder
JUNIOR by Allison Cook
VITULA ARCUS by Benjamin Slamka
DUPLEX by Cristina Salinas
SLEET/SNOW by Daniel Laabs
3. SXSW PANEL: A CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD LINKLATER & TODD HAYNES (3/17)
WHEN: Tue Mar 17, 1-2 PM
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
COST: SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/talks/schedule/?act…
Writer/directors Todd Haynes and Richard Linklater hardly require introduction. As two of modern cinema’s great standard-bearers, they’ve spent the last couple of decades forging filmographies as aesthetically rich as they are thematically diverse. Join us at SXSW Film Conference to witness a rare discussion between these fierce independents as they discuss their influences, inspirations, their innate sensitivity to actors, and their working methods; both within and outside the system. We can’t wait, and hope you can’t either!
Moderated by Richard Linklater, Artistic Director, Austin Film Society
4. SXSW PANEL: TEXAS FILMMAKERS PRODUCTION FUND MINI-MEETING (3/17)
WHEN: Tues March 17, 11 AM-12 PM
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
COST: SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/talks/schedule?acti…
Since 1996, the Austin Film Society’s Texas Filmmakers’ Production Fund has supported Texas filmmakers by giving out $930,000 in cash, goods and services to 265 film and video projects. The deadline for the 2009 cycle is June 1st and if you are a filmmaker who has resided in Texas for at least one year, you are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in funding for your project. At this workshop, the Austin Film Society’s Director of Artist Services will take you through the application process step-by-step.
This workshop is open to SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only, but AFS will host more TFPF workshops, free and open to the public, in April & May in Austin and other Texas cities. Stay tuned to www.austinfilm.org for dates, times & venues.
5. SXSW PANEL: SURVIVING THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT (3/17)
WHEN: Tue Mar 17, 3-4 PM
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
COST: SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/talks/schedule?acti…
Nowadays it seems like nearly every city has its own film festival, eager for your entry fees. Navigating the field can be a confusing, expensive, and nerve-wracking experience. Join experienced festival programmers and filmmakers for a discussion of the ups and downs of today’s film festival circuit and a look forward to how new technologies and new expectations will shape the circuit in the future.
Moderated by Bryan Poyser, AFS Director of Artist Services
6. AFS/Austin Studios @ SXSW Film & Interactive Trade Show (3/14-3/16)
WHEN: Sat Mar 14 – Mon Mar 16, 12-6 PM (ends at 4 PM on Tues)
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/trade_show/exhibito…
Austin Studios opened in the year 2000 as a unique public/private partnership between the City of Austin and the Austin Film Society. The centrally located 20 acre film/video facility contains 10,000 square feet of production office space (the ‘Red Building’) and over 100,000 square feet of production space.
The newly renovated Austin Studios’ five stages include full soundproofing and air-conditioning for two stages, improved security and safety, and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure including 3 wall hard cyc – largest in Texas (23×87x23) – ideal for photo, commercial and visual effects shoots. With the upgrades, Austin Studios will be a competitive draw for commercial, gaming and feature film production, bringing increased economic activity to Austin.
Attendees must be SXSW badge holders or iF! pass holders.
7. AFS Documentary Tour: THE EYES OF ME (3/18)
WHEN: Thu Mar 18, 7:15 PM
WHERE: Alamo South Lamar (1120 S Lamar Blvd)
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
http://illegalfilms.net/
The AFS Documentary Tour and SXSW present Keith Maitland’s THE EYES OF ME, an extraordinary look at 4 blind teens. The parallel stories of 2 freshmen and 2 seniors unfold over the course of one dynamic year at the Texas School for the Blind in Austin. THE EYES OF ME was a 2008 TFPF recipient and screened as part of AFS’s Docs-in-Progress program.
Other screening times for THE EYES OF ME:
7:15 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Lamar 1
11:30 AM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Lamar 3
8. AFS Co-Sponsored Screening: THE 2 BOBS (3/16)
WHEN: 6:30 PM, Monday March 16th
WHERE: The Paramount Theater (
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
Just as they finish their groundbreaking violent video-game masterpiece, the two gaming legends known as “The Two Bobs” discover that their precious game-software has been stolen… and with it, their livelihoods, genius reputations, everything they own. Directed by former AFS Board Member Tim McCanlies.
Other screening time for THE 2 BOBS:
6:45 PM, Friday March 13th – Austin Convention Ctr
Friends of AFS and Program Alumni Screen at SXSW:
The following films and filmmakers have been supported through AFS’s filmmaker programs like the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund (TFPF), fiscal sponsorship and our Docs-in-Progress and Narratives-in-Progress series. See ticketing information at the bottom of this message.
Along Came Kinky…Texas Jewboy for Governor by David Hartstein1. ALONG CAME KINKY… TEXAS JEWBOY FOR GOVERNOR – Directed by David Hartstein
Screening in Lone Star States. 2006 TFPF recipient, Docs-in-Progress alumnus
AFS Fiscally Sponsored Project
Documentary Feature
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
This documentary chronicles singing Jewish cowboy Kinky Friedman’s 2006 independent gubernatorial campaign in Texas.
7:30 PM, Thursday March 19th – Paramount
2. FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES: THE STORY OF AMERICAN FILM CRITICISM – Directed by Gerald Peary
features appearances by AFS Artistic Director Richard Linklater and AFS Advisory Board Member Harry Knowles
Documentary Feature, Spotlight Premiere
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
The first documentary to dramatize the rich, fascinating history of American film criticism.
8:00 PM, Monday March 16th – Alamo Ritz 2
12:00 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Ritz 2
4:00 PM, Saturday March 21st – Alamo Lamar 3
3. THE LEAST OF THESE – Directed by Clark & Jesse Lyda, Produced by Marcy Garriott
Documentary Feature, screening in Lone Star States
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
Detention of immigrant children in a former medium-security prison in Texas leads to controversy when three activist attorneys discover troubling conditions at the facility. This compelling film explores the role – and limits – of community activism, and considers how American rights and values apply to the least powerful among us.
11:00 AM, Monday March 16th – Alamo Ritz 1
7:00 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Lamar 3
11:00 AM, Friday March 20th – Paramount
4. LOVE, SADIE – Directed by Naiti Gamez
Narrative Short, screening in Texas Shorts
2006 TFPF recipient
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
Sadie and her high-school friends struggle to escape the banality of everyday life. Her friends search for approval, and answers about life, from Sadie, the one confidant who can’t articulate her own reality.
4:30 PM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Lamar 1
7:30 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Lamar 2
11:00 AM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Lamar 2
THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS by John Bryant5. THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS – John Bryant (2007 TFPF recipient)
Narrative Feature. In Competition
Narratives-in-Progress alumnus
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
Jason brings his girlfriend home for Christmas… and bad things happen.
4:15 PM, Sunday March 15th – Alamo Ritz 1
9:30 PM, Monday March 16th – Alamo Lamar 3
10:00 PM, Saturday March 21st – Paramount
6. OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY – Michel Orion Scott
Documentary Feature. Screening in Lone Star States
2007 TFPF recipient, Docs-in-Progress alumnus
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
This documentary chronicles the journey of the Isaacson family as they travel through Mongolia in search of a mysterious shaman they believe can heal their autistic son.
11:00 AM, Tuesday March 17th – Paramount
1:30 PM, Thursday March 19th – Alamo Lamar 2
7:00 PM, Friday March 20th – Austin Convention Ctr
7. SKIP AND LESTER: HERE’S THE STAPLER IF YOU NEED IT – Directed by Lance Myers (2001 & 2005 TFPF recipient)
Animated Short, screening in Animated Shorts
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
It’s Lester’s first day on the job at Copy-O’s copy shop and his manager has given him one very important directive: don’t let the customers use the big paper cutter in the back.
2:00 PM, Sunday March 15th – Alamo Lamar 1
11:30 AM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Lamar 1
1:30 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Lamar 1
8. ST. NICK – Directed by David Lowery
Narrative Feature. Screening in Emerging Visions
2007 TFPF recipient, Narratives-in-Progress alumnus
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
A stark, haunting portrait of childhood following the adventures of a runaway brother and sister as they try to survive, all on their own, out on the wintry plains of the great southwest.
12:00 PM, Sunday March 15th – Alamo Ritz 2
2:30 PM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Ritz 2
12:30 PM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Ritz 2
9. SUNSHINE by Karen SklossSUNSHINE – Directed by Karen Skloss
Documentary Feature, Screening in Lone Star States
2003 & 2004 TFPF recipient
AFS Fiscally Sponsored Project
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
In 1975 rural Texas, the local mayor’s daughter grapples with an unplanned pregnancy finally deciding to have her baby in secret before giving her away in a hidden adoption. Twenty-three years later, the adopted child also has an unplanned baby out of wedlock. The film tells the intimate story of these two single mothers, while exploring the times and circumstances that afforded them very different options.
3:00 PM, Saturday March 14th – Alamo Ritz 2
9:15 PM, Monday March 16th – Austin Convention Ctr
2:00 PM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Ritz 1
10. SWEETHEARTS OF THE PRISON RODEO – Directed by Bradley Beesley (2004 TFPF recipient)
Documentary Feature, Special Screening
AFS Fiscally Sponsored Project
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
Amidst stories of murder, hardship, heartache and redemption, the film follows the convict cowgirls of the Eddie Warriors Correctional Center in their preparation for the only rodeo where female prisoners compete rough-stock and as equals against male prison teams.
11:00 AM, Saturday March 14th – Paramount
1:30 PM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Ritz 1
4:30 PM, Friday March 20th – Austin Convention Ctr
11. TRUST US, THIS IS ALL MADE UP – Directed by Alex Karpovsky
Documentary Feature, Screening in Emerging Visions
Docs-in-Progress alumnus
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
Immortalized in the world of improv comedy, Second City veterans TJ Jagodowksi and David Pasquesi explore the unique partnership and transcendental forces that govern their legendary performances.
9:15 PM, Friday March 13th – Alamo Ritz 2
6:30 PM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Ritz 1
8:00 PM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Ritz 2
SXSW Film Festival Admission Policies:
* Free admission for SXSW Platinum, Gold, and Film Badge holders and SXSW Film Pass Holders.
* Individual tickets are $10 and go on sale 15 minutes prior to screenings at the theatre box office, if space is available.
* SXSW Film Passes are $70 and are available at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas.
For the official SXSW website, please visit http://www.sxsw.com
Austin Studios South Austin Jug Band SXSW
March 19th, 2008
So…I ventured over to the Austin Studios open house last week during SXSW. There wasn’t a huge turnout when I was there as the video below will show. This rather shaky video (sorry) is from my handy Flip Video Ultra – 30 minute version (paid $50 off Craigslist). The band is the South Austin Jug Band and they deserve a better video representation than is presented here. But…all in all for an on the fly video from the Flip, it’s passable.
SXSW Interview With Facebook CEO Turns Ugly
March 11th, 2008
Actors Writers Artists Directors: Weekend Assignment
March 7th, 2008Other than soaking in as much SXSW as you can…if you’re in Austin… may I make a suggestion? A couple of days ago I stumbled onto a site that has taken up way too much of my time since. It’s called QUARTERLIFE.com.
You can spend a lot of time at this place just checking out all the art, videos, writing, etc. and if you join up (it’s FR**EE) you’ll probably meet some pretty cool types to hang with. I have and I’ve only been on the site a couple of days.
You can check my ‘Studio’ as it’s called on Quarterlife by clicking that link.
