Vampires, George Takei & Big Bird: 3 New Digital HD & On Demand Movies – 5.5.15

Taika Waititi Jonathan Brugh Jemaine Clement WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS Photo Credit Unison Films

What We Do In The Shadows – available online

Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav are vampires who are finding that modern life has them struggling with the mundane – like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts.


eat with me

Eat With Me – Digital today, DVD June 5th

EAT WITH ME is a poignant and life affirming comedy-drama that celebrates the unconditional love between mother and son and the strong cultural bonds of family, food and friendship. Written, produced, directed and edited by David Au, EAT WITH ME is Au’s personal and vibrant tribute to his Chinese-American family, the cultural glory of food and its ability to heal and bond family, and most of all, his mother. The film offers a fresh take on life, love, and food in the heart of Los Angeles through a deliciously emotional and redemptive story, supported by adept cast and featuring a pivotal surprise moment with George Takei.

EAT WITH ME had its World Premiere at the 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival and has since played at dozens of top LGBT film festivals in the US, including the Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco, Boston LGBT Film Festival (Opening Night Film), Houston Film Festival (Closing Night Film), Chicago Reeling Film Festival and Out In Film Atlanta Festival. EAT WITH ME has also picked up several prestigious festival awards, includingBest Comedy Film and Best Actress at the 2014 Out In Film Atlanta, and Best Feature at the 2014 Florence Queer Film Festival.


Caroll Spinney in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

Caroll Spinney in I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY a Tribeca Film release.

I Am Big Bird – Available on iTunes, VOD and Amazon Instant May 5, 2015, In theaters May 6th

Directed by:       Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker
Producer by:      Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker
Written by:         Dave LaMattina
Starring:               Caroll Spinney

For 45 years, Caroll Spinney has been beloved by generations of children as the man behind Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch – and at 80 years old, he has no intention of stopping. A loving portrait of the man in the yellow suit, I Am Big Bird features extraordinary footage of Spinney’s earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces his journey from bullied child to childhood icon. And as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.

Hobbits, Vampires & Why You Should See ‘What We Do In The Shadows’ In a Theater

WWDITS-00009Even though I had seen What We Do In The Shadows, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to attend the Center For Communication screening and Q&A with the co-directors/co-writers/co-awesome Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement.

You may remember Clement from the sleeper HBO hit, The Flight of the Conchords with Bret McKenzie. Since then he’s been keeping busy with roles in Muppets Most Wanted and Men In Black 3. Waititi directed and starred with Clement in Eagle VS Shark, then gained notoriety with Boy, with 11 nominations and 6 wins at the New Zealand Film Festival.

Here’s the audio from Q&A:

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS Photo Credit Unison Films

With their signature deadpan (excuse the pun) style, the comedy works beautifully with a live audience, as there are roars of laughter and chuckles filling every moment. It’s both obvious and unexpected hilarity. The story loosely follows four vampire flatmates in the year leading up to the Unholy Masquerade, an annual gathering. Each character has their own unique charm and the supporting characters lend their own charm.

Taika Waitit

Taika Waititi

During the Q&A, the two revealed they first had the idea over 10 years ago and made a short film. They admit that the movie was “5 weeks of fun and 14 months of editing” explaining that one cut was heavy on story, but not funny, the other was hilarious, but no story.

Jemaine Clement1WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS Photo Credit  Unison Films (2)

Jemaine Clement

Clement also admitted that they owe their crew to Peter Jackson, as he let them use the second unit from The Hobbit, as well as camera equipment and some of the green screens.

WWDITS-00002The movie has already opened in New Zealand, and rather than sell to a U.S. distributor, they opted to create a Kickstarter campaign to raise the money to distribute to over 70 cities themselves. Their goal was met on February 13th and opened in New York and Los Angeles. The rollout continues to more cities every week.

Taika Waititi1 WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS Photo Credit Unison FilmsThe event was an advanced screening hosted by the Center For Communication with tickets free to students and faculty. After the screening a 30 minute Q&A was led by Indiewire, followed by a spread of cheeses and custom drinks.

What does Jemaine Clement, Vampire Roommates, Students & Free Screening have in common?

Ever since I heard about What We Do In The Shadows, I’ve been dying to see it. The movie has gotten RAVE reviews and has been released in New Zealand and soon to be released in the UK. It’s finally being released in the US February 13th and there’s a special advanced screening the night before at the SVA Theatre in Chelsea. The only tickets left are for students and faculty of universities and they’re FREEThis event is FREE to university undergraduate, graduate students and faculty only. A school issued ID will be required for free admission to this event. Read More →