Two Actresses Become Friends
May 8, 2011
It's been about a year since we first held open auditions for "The Monstrosity" and these two actresses, Leanna Zamora and Jordan Orozco, are still close friends. Pictured here the two girls recently participated in the youth development organization 4-H together. It's so wonderful to see the friendships that formed last summer during the production of the film.
The Monstrosity Hits the Beach!
April 22, 2011
The Newport Beach Film Festival is around the corner and "The Monstrosity" is a part of the program "Youth Struggling with Their Shorts". If you live near or around the OC definitely come check it out. The film will screen Wednesday, May 4th at 3:30 at Triangle Square. Visit the festival website for info on how to purchase tickets. Hope to see you all there!!!
Congratulations to Milly and the Whole Gang!
March 15, 2011
I am very excited to share that "The Monstrosity" won Best Narrative Short in the Central Coast Filmmakers category at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival! Congratulations to everyone who worked on and supported this film!
More Festivals!
March 1, 2011
In addition to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival "The Monstrosity" has been accepted into the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, the Newport Beach Film Festival, the International Family Film Festival, and the Kids First! Film Festival. Keep checking our blog for more Festival updates!
Cupcake Party!
February 3, 2011
For the world premiere of the film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, I met up with the cast and crew before the screening at Whodidily World where we got to decorate our own cupcakes. Check it out!
It's Going to be a Monstrous Year
January 12, 2011
On the very first day of the year I got an email saying "The Monstrosity" had been accepted into the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. In just a few weeks the film will have it's world premiere. I am so excited to attend the festival and see the film with an audience for the first time. Thanks for supporting our film and helping make this a reality!!! Definitely check back for festival updates in the weeks to come.
Our First Festival Submission!!!
November 4, 2010
We finished the film in time and today I put "The Monstrosity" in the mail! It feels so good to accomplish the goal of completing the film and start submitting it to festivals.
A Visit to Company 3
October 27, 2010
The editor of "The Monstrosity" is a good friend of mine, Charlie Lee (Charles David Lee), and he has done us a huge favor and brought on a colorist from Company 3. The colorist adjusts the values of the hues, contrast, and brightness of the film. Every major motion picture has a colorist and they really are a very important final element of movie magic.
Finishing the Film
October 20, 2010
Before finishing post production on the film, we needed one last element: voice over. Leanna Zamora, the actress who played "Milly" in the film, came to Los Angeles with her mom to record her narrative dialogue. Afterwards we went to lunch and Leanna got to visit the American Girl Store at The Grove in LA. Fun!
Milly's Fav Colors
October 6, 2010
In July I received this adorable photo from Allison of Solvang, CA in response to my last video blog: "What would Milly's room look like?" I know it's been two months since I first received it, but I had to share it with you and tell you that even though I didn't see the picture until after we shot the film, the color scheme in the picture is almost identical to the colors we chose for Milly's bedroom. I'll take this as confirmation that Milly's fav colors are definitely pink and green! Thanks for your patience Allison and thanks so much for contributing to the creative process in the making of our film "The Monstrosity!"
On the Set
August 7, 2010
This is a picture of some of the cast and crew of "The Monstrosity" at Jonata School in Buellton, where we spent 3 days shooting. It was such an amazing experience working with such a talented and hardworking group. Thanks everyone for your priceless contribution of time and energy!
Strike A Pose
July 24, 2010
A couple of days ago I headed up to Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley to do a camera rehearsal. Samrod, the Director of Photography, took this shot of the room we are using for Milly's bedroom - and of course we had to strike a pose! Next week we'll be in the same spot, but with a whole cast and crew. From right to left, myself, Steve Soria (the Artistic Director), Ricardo Veiga (the Producer and Composer), and Brandon Amelotte (the 1st Assistant Director and Line Producer).
Video Response from Kiana!
July 10, 2010
This week I got a great video response from Kiana, 13, of the Santa Ynez Valley to last week's question: "What would be in Milly's backpack?" Next week's question: What would Milly's room look like? What might be on her walls? On her desk? Bed? To participate please send all video and pictures to Alyssa@themonstrositymovie.com. Thanks!
Drawing Milly's World
June 26, 2010
When making a film the first step is writing a script. Once you have a good story the next step is to breath life, color, texture, shape and movement into your film. This video is all about the visual elements we are using to create the world of Milly, the main character of "The Monstrosity." Please send your video responses via sendspace.com to Alyssa@theMonstrosityMovie.com.
A Dance Film - shooting on the 7D
June 13, 2010
This week I want to share with you a dance film I made for my good friend, dancer and choreographer, Alison Rootberg. She presented this video at the Wisconsin Union Theater in celebration of the centennial year of the dance program at her alma mater, Wisconsin University. Samrod Shenassa collaborated with me on this project as the director of photography. We shot this video on the canon 7D, the same camera we are shooting with for "The Monstrosity."
City of Dreams - making the music for "Pearl"
June 12, 2010
As some of you may know, the producer and composer working on "The Monstrosity," Ricardo Veiga, also did the score for my award winning short, "Pearl." We really enjoyed using music and language to portray our experience of Los Angeles and what it feels to be artists trying to "make it."
If you want to check out more of Ricardo's music and work, visit RicardoVeiga.com
We also got some great coverage in the Santa Ynez Valley News click the links to read more!
Article announcing Pearl making the top 8
Article announcing our big win!
Hello, hello - welcome to our blog!
June 5, 2010
Hi there! Welcome to our production blog for "The Monstrosity." Check back here for updates on the film, fun production photos, video links and even some interactive projects!
When Samrod and I were location scouting we stopped in at Country Cuts in Solvang to hang with the locals. This young girl had her two front teeth missing, I remember when I was in first grade I had the very same smile!
