Pittsburgh Film Maker in Now Festival on My Space

Pittsburgh Film Maker In Now Festival on My Space

Lucas McNelly's "gravida" creates a somber yet hopeful mood in a matter of twenty-two minutes with a little music, cinematography and soulful, expressive faces.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- Lucas McNelly was born in Maine, came to the Pittsburgh area to attend Geneva College from which he graduated in Broadcasting. He flirted with the idea of sportscasting, but McNelly found his anchor in directing with a short film for a college senior film festival.

He then went to Tennessee for a couple years studying and writing about film. After moving back to Pittsburgh, McNelly starting teaching himself the practical side of film making and film history.

He has done everything from a French Film about coffee to two documentaries: one on moose hunting and the other on civil rights.

"gravida" evolved from an idea that a beautiful photograph could come from a moment that is anything but. The protagonist (Rachel Shaw), McNelly knew, needed to be a talented actress with the looks of a model. Shaw, however turned out to pregnant, so, after consulting with her, McNelly realized that the story would prove to be more interesting if the protagonist was a pregnant woman.

Adam Kukic, plays the guy in the film. He is a Pittsburgh theatre director and actor who shares McNelly's artistic sensibilities. Kukic shot "gravida" during the tech week of a production of his theatre company, Thank You Felix.

McNelly's blog, "100 Films" has caught the eye of Hollywood. It started out as a regular day to day diatribe, but evolved into a review of, first, classic cinema, then micro budgeted independent film.

Critical response for "gravida" has been positive. Paul Clark called it "a serenely confident short film" and a "small film in the best sense, one that's exactly the right size for the story it tells." Cinema Styles called it "a film of understated elegance and thoughtfulness." TalkingMoviezzz.com called it an "excellent short film" that "almost works as a silent film, as the visuals are so strong."

The Now Film Festival is hosted by NOW Casting, the premiere leader in bringing talent to top studios, major agencies, and independent filmmakers. Currently in its third year, the Now Film Festival has seen previous finalists land distribution deals and awards ranging all the way to an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.

"gravida" is one of 25 semi-finalists for this year's Now Film Festival. The semi-finalists screen on My Space Film and You Tube, one per week for 25 weeks. At the conclusion of the 25 weeks, the general public will vote with the finalists screening at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences in Hollywood, California and competing for a high-def camera package.

Voting is currently scheduled to end in the middle of April.

People can vote at Now Film Festival. "gravida" can be viewed on My Space TV and You Tube or at the Official "gravida" web page.

Gravida is now On MySpace

Please go vote on My Space for a local Pittsburgh film maker,
Lucas McNelly..author of blog 100 Films
and local actors, Adam Kukik and Rachel Shaw.

Also on You Tube!

Gravida in Now Film Festival

View Lucas McNelly's film,
CLICK HERE
A study in loneliness.

"an excellent short film. Beautifully photographed with a terrific lead performance by Rachel Shaw...the film effectively creates a very somber tone that it is able to sustain throughout. It almost works as a silent film, as the visuals are so strong." -- TalkingMoviezzz.com

Five Budget Gift Ideas for Valentines

Many people love to say that Valentine's Day

is becoming too commercial, and claim that it is just another way for card and gift shops to make money. Personally, I feel it is lovely to have just one day out of 365 where people in love are reminded to celebrate one another and the special relationship they have. After all, I think it can get to the point where we begin to take each other for granted.

There are so many little things that can make someone's Valentine's Day. You don't have to spend a fortune on Valentines gifts, even if you have the money. It's more about the token of love and the thought that has gone into it, that makes a gift truly appreciated. The fact you can do so much, even if you have no money is what's so beautiful about Valentine's Day.

So here are a few gift ideas to inspire you to make Valentine's Day a special one.

Making an effort

For starters, the simple idea of a Valentine's Day card is always guaranteed to bring a smile to your partners face on Valentine's Day morning. It needn't be big or flashy, it doesn't even have to be shop bought. What can make a token of affection into something truly special is making it unique. Why not make the card yourself? Just some coloured card, a pen and a little imagination is all it takes. It could be as simple as a drawing of a heart with both your name inside, or maybe glueing a favourite picture of the two of you onto it, which can then be framed for posterity.

If you find you don't have time to make your own card, why not try and compose a little poem or message during your commute to work, or during lunch, which you can write inside your shop bought one. The gift idea is the same - it just needs a little thought and effort.

Cook a romantic meal for 2

Can't afford a meal out in a fancy restaurant? Then why not treat your girlfriend, boyfriend, husband or wife to a night off and cook a meal for them instead? It can be just as romantic as a restaurant meal - if not more so. Think of your partners favourite foods and drink and spend a few hours preparing a delicious meal. Think delicious, sexy food such as oysters or scallops for starters, a creamy pasta dish for main and chocolate or strawberries for pudding. Top it off with a bottle of bubbly, flowers on the table and a lit candle in a bottle and bob's your uncle. Even if the meal doesn't come out perfect, the fact you put so much thought into the gesture will make all the difference. It's an ideal way to celebrate if you cannot get a babysitter either.

Enjoy a night in and be pampered

This year, Valentine's Day happens to be on a Thursday - a very unromantic weekday. Many people will be at work during the day and it can be hard to find time for one another. With our busy lifestyle, it can be hard to get a chance to spend quality time together, just the two of you. So instead of thinking about making a day of it, how about making a night of it? Get prepared to enjoy a magical Valentine's night together. After a hard day at work, what better than a luxurious soak in a hot bubble bath? Light a few candles or get some floating spa lights, some soft music to relax too and help get you in the mood for a nice bathe together. Massage each others aching spots with some perfumed oil, whisper sweet nothings to one another and enjoy your time together.

I.O.U. tokens

A simple but effective idea that works a treat and costs you nothing at all. Simply write an I.O.U on a piece of paper or card offering to do something for your partner at anytime. It could be as romantic, sexy or simple as you like. Some examples are: I.O.U 1 massage, I.O.U the next choice what we watch on TV or I.O.U a washing up session. Alternatively you could suggest a night out for example I.O.U a visit to the cinema. This something cheap and cheerful, but it'll take you back to the days when you first started dating and holding hands. The only limitation with this Valentine gift idea is your imagination!

Games for two

Spending time together is crucial to your relationship together, and that is why I think Valentine's Day is an opportunity to bring couples closer together. How often do we get to spend time and do little things like play games or spend 2 hours exploring each others bodies and indulging in our pleasure zones. You can make up your own game, massage one another or get an adult game such as Nookii which costs under £25. The great thing is this game doesn't just last for the night, but for a lifetime, as you can use it over and over again. These games can be as fun, adventurous or sensuous as you wish. The key thing is to both enjoy it.

Hopefully these gift ideas have inspired everyone to have a fabulous Valentine's Day this year and in years to come.

Kim Clarke writes for GiftChooser which recommends Gifts and Gift ideas for any occasion and all budgets. Read more about gifts and presents online at http://www.GiftChooser.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_M_Clarke

Superbowl Party Ideas

Here are some great ideas for your superbowl party:

Whip Up Some Meatballs
http://amomslove.com/hg-recipes-meatball.html

Marinated Lime-Chicken
http://amomslove.com/hg-recipes-limechicken.html

Great Sandwiches for the Game
http://amomslove.com/hg-recipes-sandwich.html

Crockpot Recipes that might work....esp. the chili
http://amomslove.com/hg-recipes-crockpot.html

For alot more fabulous links that have an abundance of super ideas for your
party Look Here:
Super Bowl Links