acallis's blog

Hello Everyone...

I'm sure you're all dying to know... and I am SO ready to tell you!!  Our list of top ten films is as follows (in no particular order, just how I happened to write them down on my piece of paper ;):

- What is Democracy? By Skelly Aggett-Carosella, Ivar Cloudshadow, Trevor Green, Gabe Greenberg, Noa Greenwald, Jade Hunter, Aidan McGinnis, Izaiah Read, Sienna Richert, Emma Wilson - Located in Boulder, CO

-Democracy is a Spectacle By Joseph La Sac - Located in Tacoma, Wash.

-Democracy: a Steady, Loving Confrontation By Jen Saffron, MFA - Located in Pittsburgh, Penn.

-If You Really Knew Me By Betsy Leighton - Located in Denver, CO

-Democracy: A Marriage By Isha Aran - Located in Lakewood, CO

-Demokratia By Josh Massaro, Isaac J. Ramos, Melissa Lane, John Knauff - Located in Highlands Ranch, CO

-The Right to Have a Voice By Jessica Rosenberger, Austin Talley - Located in Chicago, Ill.

-Original Music Video "Sunrise" By Sylvia Florescu, Robert Florescu - Located in Denver, CO

-Cinema+(Dem)ocracy=Cinemocracy By Alan Dominguez - Located in Denver, CO

-You Can't Eat Freedom By Martin Higgins - Located in Lonetree, CO

Cinemocracy also chose 3 special Award Winners, whose films will be screened at the Red Rocks event but will not be entered in the final competition.  These choices are as follows:

-Cinemocracy Local Awareness Award: A Vision Of Democracy By Jennifer R.S. McDaniel - Located in Denver, CO

-Cinemocracy Special Jury Selection: The Short End Of The Spaghetti By Ryan Charmatz - Located in Greenwood Village, CO

-Cinemocracy Best International Submission: Everyday Democracy By Charlie Timms - Located in Gospel Oak, United Kingdom

So those are them folks :D  I just want to thank everyone who submitted a film, AND everyone who didn't but still participated in the wonderful discussions and watched and voted.  YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!!  There's no way we could have done this without YOUR help :)  I am honored to be a part of something as new and exciting as this and just wanted you all to know that.  Ok, enough of the sap right ;)  I'm sure I'll talk to you'll soon,

A

Hey guys!

This blog is not going to be as fun as some of the others (assuming that you even thought those ones were ;).  It's been REALLY crazy around here getting ready for the festival.  I just had some important updates that I wanted to get out to you today.

So the winning films and filmmakers will hopefully be announced by this evening.  We had to plug the voting numbers into our weighted voting system.  It's taken a little longer than I expected... I apologize for that.  But as soon as I have a list of the top ten I will send out congratulation emails as well as an email announcement.  I promise that I won't keep you in the dark any longer then I have to!  Remember that the winners will get one plane ticket and one hotel room (if needed) to and in Denver.  So if you win, don't worry about the plane ticket or finding a place to stay... I got you covered :)

Right now, we have three bands booked and confirmed for Cinemocracy ROCKS.  They are... The Apples in Stereo (http://www.applesinstereo.com/), Okkervil River (http://www.okkervilriver.com/), and Jill Sobule (http://www.jillsobule.com/houdiniintro.html).  I hope you'll are excited... I know I am!!! 

Alright guys, I have to go... back to the "grind" ;)  I'll keep you updated on all of the info I get so you won't be in the dark!  Talk to you soon,

Angelina

Good Afternoon Ladies and Germs ;)

I know you have all been waiting with anticipation to hear the news on tickets... WE ARE UP AND RUNNING!!! Here is the link to purchase them http://www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/index.aspx?date=8/25/2008&year=2008...

So let me explain the deal with the tickets. When you purchase a GOOD seat you receive a years subscription (6 issues) of GOOD magazine. You will also receive a seat in the reserved section of Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Just so you guys know, all $20 is designated for your magazine subscription and 100% of the money will be paid to a select non-profit organization as a charitable contribution. So trust me, this little "fee" will get you an awesome time up at beautiful Red Rocks (http://www.redrocksonline.com/) as well as that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you do something that's giving back! Who can say no to that?!

At this moment we have The Apples in stereo (http://www.applesinstereo.com/) all set up and ready to go! Take a look at their site and get a little preview of their show for Cinemocracy! As more info comes my way I will forward it on to you so you readers of my little blog will be in the know!!!

There are a couple of things I wanted to talk to everyone about...

Keep in mind that voting for films officially ends in only 4 DAYS!! So if you've been putting off sending out those bulk emails... you better get up and get it done! We are now in time crunch mode :) Let me know if you'll want any jpegs or something quick and easy like that to send out. I've had one person take me up on that offer, and I have yet to receive a complaint ;).

The next thing I wanted to talk to everyone about is the Zoolander screening at Film on the Rocks (http://www.denverfilm.org/). I know this is limiting to only people in the Denver area, and I apologize for that, but I have something I could use a little help on. I will be up there on August 18th for the Zoolander screening trying to do some promo for the Cinemocracy ROCKS festival. I really need a "street team." Pretty much I need some volunteers to come up and walk around Red Rocks handing out Cinemocracy stuff and talking about their films! I can get you'll in to the Zoolander screening for free, and you can totally talk about your film while you're passing stuff out. I figure it's a great way for anyone who is interested, or has submitted a film in the Denver area to get out and talk to people about their film. So if you want to, I'm thinking I'm looking for five people, email me at acallis@cinemocracy.org.

On a final note, I wanted to thank everyone for being so involved. I've seen a HUGE jump in votes and views for all of the films, and I am really proud of you guys for doing some promotional work on your end. I LOVE the fact that your films are getting some play as well as sparking some great debate! Keep up the awesome work and thank you for allowing us to help you get your voice heard.

Well... I am going to get back to work now, the fun part of my day comes to a close with this blog and it's back to cracking the whip ;D I'll talk to you'll soon,

A

Hey guys!

Ok, so I know that there is going to be a press release on Tuesday of next week (8.12.08) telling everyone who, what, when and how to pick up Cinemocracy ROCKS! tickets.  I will post the press release here, as well as send out an e-blast.  I have an updated contact list all set and ready to go, however, if you haven't emailed in a question to Cinemocracy or if you used a fake email to create an account, I can't guarantee that you will get the goods.  So shoot me a quick email to acallis@cinemocracy.org with your address and a little blurb about wanting to be added to the list!  I will get you on.  I know everyone is waiting in anticipation... I swear I'm not trying to keep you on your toes on purpose ;P

Alright all,  I have to get!  I will be back soon, I promise.

A 

Hey ALL!!

Sorry it's been so long... it has been crazy busy around here planning for the festival and trying to get all these votes organized :)  I just wanted everyone to know that tickets HAVE NOT gone on sale yet.  I PROMISE I will let you know as soon as I can where and when you can get them!  I will send an e-blast to everyone on my list with all the details, I'll post it up too!  If you're not sure if you're on that list, just shoot me a quick email with your address that you want the emails sent to and I'll add your email to the list.  My email is acallis@cinemocracy.org!

As for now, I have to get going, like I said it's been CrAzY!!!  I promise I will be back as soon as I get any info for you!! 

A 

Hello to everyone fervently debating the appropriateness of the Anchor Center's film, "A Vision of Democracy." First of all, we would like to answer a few questions related to the site, which have arisen in the comment section under the blog.

1.  No one affiliated with Cinemocracy has any connection to the Anchor Center.  Yes, we are in Denver as is the center.  However, due to our own definition of Democracy, no one at Cinemocracy has an affiliation with any film on the site. 

2.  The deadline was extended due to a very large number of filmmakers (Anchor Center not being one of them) who called, emailed and petitioned for an extension.  In a matter of democratic decision-making, we
extended the deadline.

3.  The site has always allowed only one vote per person.  Details are on our end, but know that we're on top of keeping this as fair as possible.

4.  Votes are tallied on a weighted system.  It's a complex algorithm used by film festivals to determine audience favorites - and it works. And it's fair.  So know that those of you who are working hard to get
your film seen, won't be left in the dust.

5.  The film has been flagged for appropriateness - an independent panel of filmmakers, programmers and 1st Amendment Lawyers (okay... 1 lawyer) will review the film and make the decision as to if it should be on the site.  Typically films are flagged for content in terms of profanity or the like, but the viewers have flagged it and we will review it (it was flagged enough that the button is down - we got it!).

6.  We have gotten in touch with the filmmaker for "A Vision of Democracy" and are investigating what marketing techniques they are using to get people to vote.  We will do our best to make sure there is
no cheating going on here. 

7.  We are doing our best, in utmost faith, to make sure this contest is fair and democratic.

One of the questions we have about democracy is in regard to the notion of participation.  How do we get our populace to come together and participate in democracy?  It makes all of us excited and happy to see
that debate and voting and ideas are present right here on the site. And you care.  And that's why we're doing this. 

What we encourage everyone to do, is to use your own social networks to get your film seen.  Load it on your Facebook page.  Put it up on YouTube... then ask people to go to your film on Cinemocracy and vote. Campaign for your film, and essentially your idea of what democracy is. Get people to support your cause.  And let's see what happens.  We will make sure everything is fair.  You go out and get people to participate.

A

Hello ladies and germs :)

We have 27 days until the festival commences!!!!  I cannot WAIT!  It is going to be a whole bunch of fun.  Keep your eyes and ears open for the details... I'm hoping I can get you an e-blast by Friday.  Tickets should go on sale Monday August 4th and I will let you know where you can pick those up in that e-blast.

On to the business.  This Friday, Film on the Rocks is showing "Blade Runner: Final Cut"!  I will SO be there... but I can't think of what the food theme should be... Any ideas?  If you have any, email me and let me know (acallis@cinemocracy.org).  I think sci-fi themed food would be interesting, huh?  Anyways, come on down and see us.  You can get your tickets for Film on the Rocks at any King Soopers for $10 and the doors open at 6pm.  I hope to meet you there! 

We have received A TON of new films in this past week!  I am SO excited that people are getting their films finished and uploaded.  Remember all you newly submitted filmmakers... bother all your friends and family and even people on the street to get online and vote for your film!!!  That is the only way to get your film into the top ten!  Like I've told everyone before... if you want me to send you some promo stuff just email me and let me know.  I can send you posters, or digital images... just let me know what you want and I can find a way to get it to you.

I am not only excited about how many films we have received, but also about how involved everyone is getting!  I haven't seen this much debate since I was in high school (and let me tell you this debate is MUCH more interesting)!  I love it guys!  You are getting online and practicing your right to voice your opinion, which is what this whole crazy "Cinemocracy" thing is about!  Keep up the viewing, the voting, and the debate!! :)

Alright guys I am out!  I'll be back later; I promise I won't keep you waiting ;)  Talk to you soon,

A 

Hey guys,

So I still feel like I'm losing my mind... so if I seem a little jumbled, forgive me :)

Voting is totally on the upswing!!  Which I am really excited about!  You guys are getting people on to vote and view your films, which is just amazing!  Hopefully I'm bringing in a couple of those votes, but mostly it's you guys.  So give yourselves a good cheer and keep on talking to your friends and family!!

Speaking of voting, we have figured out how we are going to determine the top 10 films... it is a weighted system based on the films that have the highest votes.  So if you want to you can get a general idea of who's doing well by looking at their film page.  Underneath the stars (where you vote) you will see an average vote and how many people have voted.  That should be able to give you a general idea if you want one :)

We have been working like crazy on the Cinemocracy ROCKS! party... it will be held on August 25th at Red Rocks Amphitheater.  GOOD magazine has sponsored this event, so a BIG thanks to everyone over there at GOOD!  There will be special tickets (which include reserved seating, free parking, and a years subscription to GOOD magazine) called GOOD tickets that will go on sale August 4th.  These tickets are $20 a piece.  The other half of the tickets will be free (first come first serve basis, and you have to pay for parking in the lot, $10) and will also be released on August 4th.  As soon as I know, I will fill you guys in on where you can pick up your GOOD or free tickets! 

I hope you'll are getting excited... it's getting close.  As soon as I know more about the music line-up I will let you guys know that too!  It's looking good, but I don't want to put anything out there that I'm not sure about yet.

Remember to keep an eye out on our About Us page.  We're adding to it almost daily now, and it's an awesome resource for any of our filmmakers out there!  So check back there whenever you can, it will be well worth it... I promise :)

Alright all, like I said my mind is close to being "lost" so I'm going to bounce for now.  If I get anything exciting I will let you'll know.

Talk to you soon,

A

Hello Everybody,

Let me start off by saying I'm sorry the blog on Friday kind of sucked :(.  It wasn't very upbeat and that was my fault.  I promise this one will be better :)

Ok, let's get started!!

We have received a TON of new films these past couple of weeks, and I am so thrilled to see that filmmakers are finishing up and getting their submissions in!!  I also wanted to tell you that these same filmmakers are doing an awesome job of getting responses from the outside public!  As we all know I try and do as much promotion as I possibly can... but the promotion that you guys do on your own can be a BIG help too!  I'm working on getting that image created for voting, so you'll can post it or e-blast it out.  I will let you know as soon as it's done!

We are getting super cereal about the festival... We're pounding out the details as I type and this will be the first place you can go to get the nitty-gritty!  Currently we're working on getting some music up at Red Rocks for the shin-dig, and let me tell you, you will not be disappointed!  So keep an eye out for updates on tickets and schedules... I wouldn't want you to miss any of the fun stuff we're planning!

The next Film on the Rocks will be this coming Thursday, they are screening "The Breakfast Club."  In a very appropriate gesture, Gina and I will be there with a picnic full of breakfast food.  So if you're in the mood, and in town, come on up and find us.  It's kind of a pot-luck thing, so if you're coming bring a breakfast food and join us for the picnic party!  I'm thinking that in order to make it easier for you to find us I'm going to make a Cinemocracy sign that we'll have up by our seat.  That way you'll know who we are, because that's kind of important if you're coming to picnic right?

Lastly I want to tell all of the newly submitted filmmakers that if you have any pictures  of your shoot, or took any celebratory pictures after you were done filming, SEND THEM TO ME!!!  I really want to get some pictures up on our site and our social network sites so that people can see all the hard work you'll put into these films.  Email your pictures to me at acallis@cinemocracy.org and make sure to include captions :)  I look forward to seeing whatever you guys send in!

Alright, I have got to get back to planning (I am so overly excited about this that it might be a little disgusting :).  So have a good day, and I'm sure I'll be talking to you'll soon!

A 

Ok all,

So this is going to be short and sweet, but really important!!  It seems that facebook doesn't allow organizations to have profiles... therefore our account has been suspended till further notice.  This makes me a VERY sad panda.  BUT, if you have a facebook, Cinemocracy has a group page.  So just search Cinemocracy and you will find our page... ADD US!!!!  It's the quickest way (besides this blog) to get info about what's going on.

Alright, I'm sure I'll post more later, but for now I am going to GET OUT OF HERE!!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I will talk to you soon :)

A