Last Leg of Toe Tactic Tour

Weekend in Atlanta

The weather turns cold, but it’s winter (so why complain?)!

The drive to Atlanta is more tiring than I’d expected, but I have a delightful and delicious meal with Teresa Hollingsworth, our effervescent leader, and am revived until I fall fast asleep in Atlanta.

My hosts Terry and Eileen take me to a great breakfast at Homegrown and on to the High Museum – where my favorite art (apart from 2 Adolph Gottliebs and one unusual Rothko) is by Bill Traylor. I have to buy the book. 

On the way home we see this billboard for Delocated, created by and starring Jon Glaser, who plays Toooot in The Toe Tactic.

On to the show. At the  Clarkston Community Center, there are a number of cool activities going on – Zumba singers, a fundraiser – I meet the gregarious Lesley Dixon and we set up for the screening – not a huge crowd but an entertaining discussion afterwards.

2/13

The brief radio interview w Jeff Stiles on WGOW is moved up an hour. I speed up to Chattanooga and meet my host David Cook just in time to go on air. Exciting. I’m followed by Occupy Chattanooga – listen in the car.

After checking in, David takes me up to Lookout Mountain – nice view of the city and the river – not much of a photo, I’m afraid, but I’m an animator, not a photographer…

We visit the home studio of Judith Mogul (artist/animator) and are impressed by the pool in her basement!, and the creatures she’s created form the alternate universe in her back yard.

High quality burger before the screening – everything looks good – wonderful gallery space. I pose with the Chattanooga Film Society (the stylish board members). Great group.

 Photo taken by and sent to me by Barry Snyder. Thanks Barry!

2/14

Hectic gas-up and drive to the airport at 5:30 am – dark! Fly to Charlotte/to Greenville… met by Michael Crane holding up a tic tac toe board at the airport. I’m too tired to catch the reference immediately. Need a nap! I speak with Rex Logan Rose for an article for the East Carolinian about the screening – link here:

http://theeastcarolinian.com/?p=3360t

Work all day at the comfortable Fifth Street B&B then go for a little hobble around the town before the screening. (This turns out to be a mistake – the leg is not happy.)

The event (with participation of some cool faculty) is put on by a student-run Film Guild – so exciting. There is a mix of students and non-students and the film is exceptionally well received. An exuberant Q+A follows and I don’t watch the clock, but the next thing I know, people are folding chairs and loading them onto a truck. Thanks Greenville. Augusta-ho!

2/15

Finally and stupidly miss a plane! Day spent at the Charlotte Airport (things could be worse).  I get to Augusta late, but not too late.

I do NOT miss the show – arrive and have a very fun chat with my host Michelle and the projectionist (projection’s great) Matt. Take a stroll by the river – gorgeous (even if you can’t tell from the picture)…

The Q+A goes well. We discuss grief, love and the creative process. Nice woman reprimands the venue for scheduling events on a Wednesday in the Bible Belt (choir night)… I appreciate the concern. It’s a nice group for the final night. Make it to my B&B and hit the hay.

HUGE thanks to South Arts for allowing me to share The Toe Tactic with a diverse and new audience. The experience was illuminating and inspiring. On to the next film – I hope to return in another 20 years.

Cheerio!!

-Emily Hubley

On The Road With "BARBERSHOP PUNK" aka Georgia in Georgia

Ok,

Solo roadtrip should have involved an Ipod or something, but I have been having fin with the radio cranked jamming down the highway. Did I mention people around Atlanta drive FAST!  We are talking about a 70mph speedlimit and folks zooming past -- totally goes with the Steppenwolf, AC/DC et all... and this car is HUGE!

So the Drive From Madison to BEAUTIFUL. Rolling hills, green fields and tall trees flank the road.

I wish I had a better understanding of time and distance and it seems a pity not to get to pull over and wander around a bit.  I just am so worried about being rudely late that I press on.

Gainesville is a much bigger city than Madison, however: unlike Los Angeles, there is still a strong

"town center," and unique flavor of community.  I do a bit of site-seeing and make a plan for tomorrow morning on my day off to see more before I head to my screening.

(I'll add some more pic's later - having camera issues....)

 I love discussing the issues of my film, but it's really important to me that people understand that I came into the issue via the film.  I wasn't an advocate for an issue seeking an outlet, rather, we were following a compelling character/individual who led us there.  With that in mind it's always a real treat for me to get to talk about the process of filmmaking as well as Telco and Internet policies
(woo hoo) so this audience filled with film students was a blast. 

I feel like I'm making friends :)

xo - G

Birmingham offers Excellent Tacos and Great Discussion

from Emily Hubley -

Flight’s delayed and I miss the connection, but after a wait in Houston, I fly to Birmingham.

Drive to the Springfield Suites – upgraded to a swanky suite and get ready for the show. The Alys Stephens Center is enormous. I have not eaten but fortunately there’s a taco truck in front of the center that looks great. I call my host, Eric Essix to ask his opinion of La Cantina and he says, “run there, don’t walk!” (It’s not far, so I sort of speed-walk over) and order a Cuban taco from the nice man inside who even takes time to help me adjust the settings on my camera. Unfortunately, he can’t come to the movie (and unfortunately I miss focus).

 

In the theater, we adjust the brightness of the projection (thanks David!)  and Eric shows me to an unexpected spread of snacks. Together w the taco, I’m fortified for the screening.

The show goes well. It’s not a huge crowd, but a nice mix of students and artist/filmmakers. Stay late swapping a wide variety of movie recs (horror! Historical drama, animation) with students and John, the theater mgr/usher who walks me to my car.

PS --the next day I drive to Atlanta and stop in the GA welcome center to make some calls.

The bathroom door has the best “handle” ever! This is my husband’s new Facebook photo: 

Final Reflections from Ellen Bar

Over the last two weeks, as I zipped around to ten cities in the South as part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, a question formed in my mind that became more and more urgent with each new city that I visited and with each new screening filled with curious, intelligent, arts-craving audiences.  That question was why - why doesn't this exist anywhere else?  Why doesn't every region in the United States have a circuit tour? 

From the grand, ornate Lucas Theatre in Savannah, to the Baptist-church-turned-black-box-theater in Tupelo, to the college auditoriums of Clemson and Johnson City, our thoroughly unconventional abstract narrative dance film was received with excitement, enthusiasm and gratitude.  The Q and A sessions raised questions that were insightful, challenging, and unique to the cultural viewpoint of the South.  The outreach efforts of the local venues were fun, creative and effective. 

 (In Savannah, a sneaker design contest inspired by the colorful sneakers of the film resulted in a free pair of Converse for one lucky ticket holder - and a lot of great designs that Converse should really consider.)  

Thanks to those efforts, the screenings brought together groups of people that might not normally cross paths:  cinephiles and jazz aficionados; retirees, college kids and pre-teen dance students; ex-pat New Yorkers and lifelong Southerners.  Some were longtime fans of New York City Ballet while others had barely heard of it.  Regardless of their background, most audience members seemed to relish the instant gratification of getting to share their thoughts and questions with the filmmaker, person to person, with the film fresh in their minds.  

As a filmmaker, I've walked to the post office countless times to ship our film to the 65 cities and 6 continents where it has screened theatrically, always wondering how the audience members received our unusual project in places as diverse as Johannesburg, Lisbon, St. Petersburg, and Albuquerque.  The Southern Circuit was my first and only opportunity to travel with the film and see those reactions for myself.  After the lengthy, difficult and often discouraging process of making a film, these opportunities to connect with the audience and see the film's impact have given me the much-needed inspiration to continue on to new projects. 

I hope other organizations and regions will be inspired by what South Arts is accomplishing with their Southern Circuit.  Not only are they enriching the artistic life of the communities on the circuit, but they are contributing to the tourist industry that is now at the forefront of most Southern economies.  On my few free hours during the tour, I took in local sights and ate at local restaurants, all the while plotting how and when I could find a way to come back to these charming places and really get to know them.  When a tour guide in Charleston thanked me for my business, I told him that he should thank South Arts, not me.  South Arts has created the model and proven its value; I hope that other regions will be inspired to follow suit, for the benefit of filmmakers like me, and for the benefit of communities across the country.

More Adventures with Emily Hubley

2/8 blog

Up early enough to get to Price’s House of Barbecue – delicious breakfast biscuit – remembered the sauce this time.

On to a FAST run through of the Jule Collins Smith Museum. The nice guard remembers me from last night. I enjoy the Freedom exhibit and make a wish in the fountain, but don’t have time to take a photo.

Drive to the airport and board the plane almost immediately. Lots of seat swapping followed by a long wait in Atlanta during which I type yesterday’s blog into my blackberry – busy digits!

In Lafayette I meet my host Aimee Pawloski for tapas at Pamplona before the screening. Really nice place – I recommend it. The theater is new and beautiful. The projection is perfect (thank you George). At the Q&A I don’t grope for words – the film is well-received by a diverse and intelligent crowd.  We discuss (and enjoy) the adventure of human interaction.

I’m inspired to return to the Acadiana Arts Center with a film/live music performance (many thoughts brewing) but of course I’d have to create one first.

 Aimee drives me back to my hotel where Jade, the physical therapy student working the front desk, is chilling my ice pack in the lobby freezer.  I’m exhausted. Good night Lafayette!

On the road with "Barbershop Punk"

From Georgia Archer -

DAY 1:


Talk about Mr. Toads Wild Ride (eek I hope there are still Wind In The Willows fans out there.)


So I woke up around 4:30 AM to hit the road.  Stopped to check my emails on the way out the door only to find and urgent email from our DP informing me that our website was down!
THANK YOU AMY!   So there I am keys in hand, on phone and trying not to freak out...


Well, the website took a chunk of time to fix, so now very late - jumped in the car, LAX bound.
I'll spare you the play by play,  (which included traffic jams, a broken zipper and running the distance of the terminal,) happily I did make the plane and landed in tact in Atlanta, which BTW is a giant airport.  Jumping into my rental I didn't really stop to question that I drive a little tiny car at home and
I'm loading into a Jeep with no real idea where I'm going...I am now that driver, you know, the one in the rental car - going too slow and swerving, and folks in Atlanta drive FAST -- a little grandma even flipped me off :(


Once out of the city limits the highway opened up into beautiful wide roads and skylines filled with trees. I thought it was supposed to be cold, but was closer to mid 70's and I admit I wished I was sharing this with Anthony, but had some selfish pleasure in the alone time.

The screening in Madison went well.  Direct questions. I realize how much SOPA has really helped in bringing Internet Issues into the public eye -- It's so important that we all take a look -- and at least it's one good thing that came out of that horrible slice of legislation.

The evening ended with a group of us heading into town for continued conversation and Cava's.  I was really sorry it was a Wednesday night, wish I had more time.  It's also during their fundraising drive to bring the tour back next year.  Can't speak enough about what a great program this is, and communities finding a direct way to support the arts is really where it's at. So three cheers for all you local patrons out there, you really are making it happen and three cheers for getting involved.

B.Punk!
xo - G

The Adventures of Emily Hubley

Early morning to Newark Airport - gimping along on a bum leg and hoping it'll weather the trip. On BOTH planes, other passengers are in my seat, confusing "C" with some other letter. No big deal, but an interesting (or boring) pattern.

The rental car starts without an ignition key - again, no bother, but it takes getting used to. I'm terrified of locking the "keys" in the car. Lots of triple checking.

Drive to Auburn. Grand hotel.

I do some email in the room and realize I'm starving. Get a pork sandwich "Alabama style" at Moe's down the street.

Yummy, but - should have gotten the hot sauce.

As I'm leaving for the screening, I have a sudden tsunami of a nosebleed... (Comedy ensues).

I'm late arriving at the Jule Collins Smith Museum as night falls.

I meet my lovely host Scott Bishop at the auditoreum. The film looks dark, but people are arriving and there's nothing to do but hope for the best. The film runs. I'm relieved that people sound engaged - and then the Q+A is warm and fun - even though I grope the word "inevitable".. . But the audience bears with me and they're a super nice bunch.

We retire to the cafe for cookies and coffee and I meet Lexa, Paige and Isabella - 3 adorable (not to be condescending - they ARE) Auburn women studying graphic design, chemistry and engineering. Quite the trifecta. They like the movie enough to take dvds home which is great cuz my suitcase is stuffed! I close down the joint talking to Daniel, a budding filmmaker.

Back in my room, I'm grateful for the freezer - the "ice peas" are nice and cold as I ice my knee and write the blog.

Good night night one!

On tour with "Barbershop Punk"

From Georgia Archer 

Before I left Los Angeles,  I spent a beach day with my husband, Anthony, and my dog, Booker. 

It was a perfect afternoon and a wonderful send-off for  this Southern adventure. I'm very excited about what is ahead and all the people I will meet and share the film with.  I do hope many of you come out and say "hello."  Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina - Here I come :)

NY Export screens in Winder, GA

South Arts' very own Teresa Hollingsworth had the opportunity to attend the screening on Sunday of NY Export: Opus Jazz at the Winder Cultural Arts Center. Along with glowing reports, she has also brought back with her many wonderful pictures from the Q&A and of fan appreciation. Here are a few of the highlights. To see more visit the South Arts Facebook page. Also, while you're there, "Like" South Arts and then you will always be in the know about the goings on with South Arts and all of our programs.

 Don Wildsmith conducts the Q&A with Ellen Bar after the screening

 Don Wildsmith of the Winder Cultural Arts Center; Ellen Bar, executive producer of NY Export: Opus Jazz; and Ellen's mother

 Ellen signs an autograph for a young fan and dance student who attended the screening

Introducing Georgia Archer

Welcome Georgia Archer and her film, Barbershop Punk, to the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers! Georgia's first screening is Wednesday, February, 8th at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center in Madison, Georgia. The film starts at 7 pm, so be there early and get the best seat in the house!

Barbershop Punk will also be screening in the following communities:

Gainesville, GA

Hapeville, GA

Manteo, NC

Orangeburg, NC

More about Georgia Archer: Georgia Archer is a graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory, where she was awarded both the Women In Film and George & Barbara Bush Foundation fellowships.  As a music video and still photography producer, Georgia worked alongside iconic visual artists including jazz photographer William Claxton.  She produced videos and album artwork ranging from Mariah Carey to White Zombie, with whom she received an MTV Award for Best Hard Rock Video.  Georgia moved into narrative filmmaking with the Sundance award-winning Peter Rabbit And The Crucifix, and Odd Man, featuring John Doe, with an experimental score from Nels Cline.

In approaching Barbershop Punk, Georgia drew upon her background in film, music, dance and photography – lacing the narrative structure by blending dialogue, motion, and visual elements within classic storytelling themes.
Georgia currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, filmmaker/producer Anthony Dominici, and their dog, Booker. Barbershop Punk is her feature documentary writing and directorial debut.

Introducing Emily Hubley

Welcome Emily Hubley and her film, The Toe Tactic, to the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers! Emily will begin her tour with a screening at the Jule Collins Smith Museum at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. The show starts at 6 pm so don't for get your popcorn!

The Toe Tactic will also screen in the following cities:

Birmingham, AL

Augusta, GA

Clarkston, GA

Lafayette, LA

Greenville, NC

Chattanooga, TN

More about Emily Hubley: Emily Hubley has been making short animated films for over thirty years. Her feature, “The Toe Tactic” (2008), premiered theatrically at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC in 2009 and was released on DVD by Kino International. She has contributed animation to the films:William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe, Blue Vinyl, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and to the play, Motherhood: Out Loud. She lives in South Orange, NJ.

Hi, I'm Georgia Archer and I am the Writer/Director of the documentary "Barbershop Punk."

I'm going to be blogging here about my tour with The Southern Circuit of Independent Cinema which will be bringing me to Madison GA, Gainesville GA, Hapeville GA, Orangeburg SC and Manteo NC over the next few weeks.  I'm very excited, a little bit nervous and, as always - a touch behind schedule in my preparations.  I'll also add, that while I blog, please join our page of friends on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.  We would love to have you along on Team Punk :)!  The issues at hand involve all of you from Left to Right, Grandparent to infant -- and it's important we get beyond ourselves and join hands together in this one. I'm also hopeful I'll meet some more filmmakers out there, love to hear what's going on. 

My filmmaking partner, co- Director, Kristin Armfield, and I have been friends since we were in High School.  This is a first feature film for both of us.  People often ask about the trouble of working with friends, to which we always respond - if you can make it through being teenage girls together , you can survive anything. Truth is our whole tiny crew are very much friends, and we wouldn't have gone a third of the way had that not been so.   It's been a journey of laughter and tears, and we are so proud where we have landed.

Here's our trailer:

Right now it's Superbowl Sunday and I am missing all the parties to pack and get ready for my trip.

At moments like this I worry about so many things - and I cant stop running the film over and over in my mind.  I think about a few interviews I wish I could have included, relive choices made in the editing room and more than anything else,  the question that always repeats in my head, "Should we have gone with a different title?"  But then, something always pulls me back and I  remember this is all part of independent filmmaking - making choices that aren't always in the mainstream - - and that can mean anything from packing myself into a tiny carry-on for a 2 week screening adventure, to finding themes within characters, to going with a title that just walks on the edge. It's all about taking a chances, and reaching for a little light.  And then I'm thrilled events such as this Southern Tour exist and that I'm going to get to meet and learn from so many of you. 

So I'm once again happy the film is called "Barbershop Punk." I really hope you will come, even if the title is confusing, I promise it won't be by the end of the night :) 

B.Punk!

xo - G.

www.BarbershopPunk.com