"Girls Girls Girls" The Film

New GGG post!

2010-08-05T18:13:00.001-07:00

but you have to go here to read it : )

Email Forward

2010-07-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

My mom is the self-titled "Queen of the Internet" and has taken to sending me forwards. Weekly. But, this one was pretty cute and very relevant to GGG!

A friend of mine just finished taking an evening class at Stanford.

The last lecture was on the mind-body connection--the relationship between stress and disease.

The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman, whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends.

At first everyone laughed, but he was serious. Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences.

Physically this quality "girlfriend time" helps us to create more seratonin -- a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well being.

Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. They rarely sit down with a buddy and talk about how they feel about certain things or how their personal lives are going. Jobs? Yes. Sports? Yes. Cars? Yes. Fishing, hunting, golf? Yes. But their feelings? -- rarely.

Women do it all of the time. We share from our souls with our sisters, and evidently that is very good for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged--not true. In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as

smoking! So every time you hang out with a gal pal, just pat

yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health!

We are indeed very very lucky. Sooooo let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it's very good for our health.

girlsgirlsgirlsthefilm.com coming soon!

2010-06-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

buckle your seat belt because girlsgirlsgirlsthefilm.com is coming soon!

(yes we are aware that girlsgirlsgirls.com was taken.)

our new "home" should be launching soon so please stay tuned!!!!

thanks!

Hollywood reports

2010-06-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

Women in Film making a difference

A Great Short!

2010-06-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

check out this amazing short.

Their site.

I'd love to get in contact with the director. (and all 82 other filmmakers) Each answer so unique and genuine!

What film would you create if you had an unlimited budget?

"Somewhere"

2010-06-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Sofia Coppola's new film!

a few "fun" facts

2010-06-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Neither Warner Brothers nor Paramount Pictures hired a single female director last year. Walt Disney Studios and Universal Studios hired just one apiece.

- LA TIMES

Women accounted for 7% of directors in 2009, a decrease of 2 percentage points from 2008. This figure represents no change from the percentage of women directing in 1987.

- THE CELLULOID CEILING 2009

"One producer was candid enough to say 'We want to go to a guy."

- Catherine Hardwick

2% of all cinematographers were women.

- Center for the Study of Women in TV and Film

The proportion of women on screen hasn't changed since the 1940s.

- LA TIMES

Audiences, including females, are so used to hearing a male voice that when they hear a female voice they think something is wrong.

- Variety

new definitions

2010-05-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

how many times have you defined a movie as a "chick flick"?

don't get me wrong. i've done it and more importantly, i still do it. i don't believe there is anything wrong with the definition as long as its fair. there needs to be balance. that's all...

so i encourage you to go see the ultimate "chick flick" sex and the city 2 on friday and if you want to do a dbl feature go early and buy a "robin hood" matinee ticket. enjoy the 46 year old russell crowe prequel portrayal of the prince of thieves.

all the boyfriends/husbands that are dragged to SITC 2 will be happy to know that their gf/wives will be just as miserable sitting through ridley scott's "dick flick".

i know because i was....

chick flick - A film that indulges in the hopes and dreams of women and/or girls. A film that has a happy, fuzzy, ridiculously unrealistic ending.

dick flick - A man's movie. Generally contains lots of car chases, explosions, and boobs.

urbandictionary.com

Mother and Child

2010-05-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

I just saw an honest to goodness "Chick Flick" ...and that is soooooo not like me. I'm like the anti-chick-flick. I like action movies and dramas and comedies and etc, but definitely not something that I am "supposed to" like. Call it a childhood disorder that carried over into adulthood. Basically, if someone tells me to do something (be that a friend, a boyfriend, an advertising agency), EVERYTHING in me tells me to do the exact opposite. So, I have made it a point to not watch Lifetime, movies about being a parent or otherwise.
But, I really love Annette Benning and Naomi Watts and my mom and I had nothing better to do...so, I found myself at an arthouse watching "Mother and Child" this weekend.
Did I hate it? No. Did I love it? No. Is that because I am just being stubborn? Maybe. ...but, movies that are made specifically for women can be very contrived, focused on pulling on heartstrings and creating characters that are really "quirky." This one followed the formula to a T. ...but, the performances were amazing and some of the themes really stuck with me.
Am I turning over a new leaf? Don't count on it.
I'll still take an intense foreign film any day over a chick-flick.

April Wade

Searching for Debra Winger

2010-05-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

I watched this documentary a few years ago.

The director Rosanna Arquette interviews leading ladies in a discussion about the pressures that they face as women in the entertainment industry, juggling their professional commitments all while maintaining personal responsibilities to their families and themselves.

Fortunately, we have a lot of really smart women in the business.

Rosanna Arquette

I've recently had an urge to watch it again...

Where am I?

2010-05-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

I just wrapped on a feature that I produced and acted in and feel like I just ran a marathon...but I wanted to share this one thought before I drop of exhaustion: I am absolutely where I am supposed to be.

I am working with people that inspire me and aspire to be in greater places, tell more stories. I am dog-tired and working with micro-budgets can be frustrating - but, making movies independently is also the most exhilarating experience anyone could ever wish for.

I feel like I just got home from Summer Camp, full of unforgettable memories, somewhat older and more experienced and with a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth, wishing so badly for it to be Summer again.

This project reflects that truth. Right now, we are making plans, packing, getting ready for the school bus to take us to the wilderness. WE are exactly where we are supposed to be: nervous, excited, trying to fill our packs, take out the things we don't need and making sure to bring our favorite t-shirt.

April Wade

woman crush

2010-05-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

I attended a screening of "Please Give" recently with a Q&A by the writer/director Nicole Holofcener.

The film is fantastic and stars some amazing female talent. (Catherine Kenner, Rebecca Hall, Amanda Peet, Ann Morgan Guilbert and Sarah Steele from "Spanglish")

Of course, the real star of the show is Nicole Holofcener. She creates such thoughtful, smart, deeply flawed, honest characters that after I finish watching her films I can't help but feel vulnerable and inspired. It's a delicious high.

She writes movies with female characters. Real female characters.

Thank God.

Look, I don't really relate to Katherine Heigl. She has to wear a bra for a late night Baskin Robbins run. (Not that she would EVER go to a 31 flavors...) I just don't know this world.

If Helen Hunt makes Jack Nicholson want to become a better man then Nicole Holofcener makes me want to make better movies.

I was fortunate enough to work with her on her film, "Friends With Money". Must admit I was terrified. First time on a film set that wasn't a friend of a friend's basement with which we only had 1/2 hour window to shoot 7 pages. You know what I'm talking about...

Nicole booked me off my taped audition. She hired 3 other friends the same way for various roles in this (estimated) $6.5M dollar picture as well. This was no accident. All four of us were working at Jeanne McCarthy Casting Office. Jeanne put us on tape for various roles and Nicole hired us. She hires interns?! The woman has a halo people or perhaps hard work can pay off.

Or did I forget to mention my scenes were with Scott Caan and Jennifer Aniston playing the "other" woman. (It's called acting people...)

On top of that I went to an early screening at Sony where I met Charlie Kaufman and attended 2006 Sundance film festival, Crazy right?!?!?!

But more than anything else this was the film/the opportunity that I was able to take my parents to a screening of the film and see my name up on the big screen. Where my Father turned to me, pointed at my credited name and said, "See kiddo. Now you will live forever".

How can I thank someone for giving me all of these gifts?

By making movies and creating more opportunities is the only answer I can come up with. (Because I've already sent a thank you card.)

Thanks for reading...

Support "Please Give" and see what all the fuss is about.

FACT: Woman crushes last a hell of a lot longer than any male infatuation. (Jim Sturgess, your clock is ticking. )

First Project locked in!!!!

2010-05-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

Ok! I'm not going to say who it is, I'm not going to list the AMAZING incredible women involved. But I am going to tell you how excited I am for this short.

The script made me laugh out loud and tear up in the matter of ten pages. It's creative, out of the box, touching and compelling. The director has a way of looking at the world that manages to show realistic true grit balanced perfectly with a realistic true beauty. Her vision matched with the DP she has, holy cow, watch out!. And the cast? Don't even get me started on the CAST!

How intrigued are you now? So intrigued I hope. More details and names to come.

So stay tuned!

America

Marketing Campaign Research

2010-05-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

2010-04-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

"Men have built the cities, made and defined the culture, interpreted the world. At no time in recorded history have women been culture-makers.

Movies are arguably the most influential, important medium in the world. Because women are now making movies, then women's ideas, philosophy, point of view will seep into that culture. And that's never happened in history. We can't even see the impact of that yet."

- producer Laura Ziskin

Matchmaking

2010-04-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

So far, the dynamic that has really been working on the project is when we have a strong and motivated point person to take the reigns on their individual short. They bring on their friends, start to create their own concept and we, more or less, get to sit back and watch the magic.
We are also working at being matchmakers, which poses interesting challenges and, hopefully, rewards. The women that we are most attracted to as filmmakers are dynamic, strong leaders. Pairing people together so that all of their talents compliment each other is part of the role that we have taken on and are starting to get a little better at each day. When we make a serious love-match, we'll be sure to let you know!

Creative Controllers

2010-04-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

Best compliment so far?

Having someone compare "Girls Girls Girls" to Pixar.

I know! I know! I'm blushing as I'm typing this.

The comment was made when discussing the role April, America and I play in development with "GGG".

We are the curators or studio of the entire film. Making sure that each film stands on their own, has an unique voice but all are cohesive to the project's entirety. (and are present if someone needs an emergency boom operator. FYI America has the upper body strength in the group.)

We wish to give creative freedom for filmmakers and this anthology is a forum to present it.

I have been so bold as to say that we are the "new studio".

Which is what I mentioned to a talented writer I meet with a few days ago... and what has inspired this entry.

Have it be known kids that flattery DOES get your somewhere... (or at least a shout out in a blog)

Thanks.
Jenn Fee

Roldex

2010-04-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of this project so far, which is exciting since we are still in the gearing up phase, is the number of talented filmmakers who happen to be female in our rolodex.

Before when we'd be crewing up for production, we'd call the same people we've worked with before. And while there is nothing wrong with loyalty, there is something wrong with stale. Everyone has their own style and influence on what they work on. No matter what you do. The type of food at craft services can influence the project. Definitely people's mood on set. Every DP has a style. Every director has a vision. Every writer has a rhythm. Everyone. So while always working with the same people is great for loyalty, it's also nice to have the option to mix it up and put a different spin on things depending on the project.

And now we can! So if any of you out there is looking for an amazing ________ Let us know! We know even more talented and amazing filmmakers (male and female) than ever now. And hopefully the more we meet, the more that will continue to grow our rolodex and inspire our work.

America

Speaking into the Void

2010-04-19T23:42:00.001-07:00

We have been writing this blog for a few months now and, well, I'd be interested to know if anyone is listening.
Are you? Do you think we are clever? ('Cuz, I may not be, but America and Jenn clever like foxes!)

One of the thing that strikes us most when we meet with women filmmakers is that they all speak to us like they are breathing for the first time. We run over on most meetings, we connect almost instantly ...and we all are desperate to create in a space where we feel respected and relieved that we can easily feel comfortable with each other. Our decisions on filmmakers thus far have been measured, but still emotional. We are attracted most to the women that are like us - ready to roll up their sleeves, do some hard work and prove that this project can be entertaining on all levels.

So, is Hollywood listening? Are YOU listening?
We're talking. :)

8 x 5 = 8?

2010-04-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Two of the most popular questions that arise when I mention "Girls Girls Girls"...

1. "How can I get involved?"

2. "Is it a porno?"

When I first developed the idea for this female anthology the tentative title was "8 Hearts".

However, it didn't really embody the overall theme of the project. It also, unfortunately, showcased my poor math skills. 8 films x 5 filmmakers = 40 not 8... And to think that I was in math club in jr. high. (I have the metal to prove it BTW.)

Anyways the porn question was brought up again last week by one of the rad directors we met with. It seemed that her friends were both intrigued and genuinely concerned about the content of the project.

I just want to make it clear that this film is by no means a porno. I live in Glendale! Which is technically the valley but it aint Van Nuys, folks! Glendale's fire department extinguishes actual fires. They don't spreads STD's to young women named Jizzy Pantsmaster, Esq*.
*My actual porn name from Porn Star Name Generator. Find out yours HERE!

So, with the death of "8 Hearts" the title "Girls Girls Girls" was thrown out. It seemed like a perfect fit.

Some see it as taking the power back from the poles of the strip clubs that made Mötley Crüe famous or simply reminding people that every women young or old always is a girl at heart.

Whatever.

Who cares?

For better or worse "Girls Girls Girls" grabs ones attention. Which is the whole damn point of this film.

And that's what I have to say about that.

- jizzy fee

Plenty of female filmmakers

2010-04-16T00:22:00.000-07:00

I might be unpopular for saying this but there are plenty of female filmmakers but not many good ones. Just because they are woman doesn't mean they are good. I watch a lot of indie films for my film festival and while I'd love to screen more female made films, they rarely make the cut. And the ones that are good are always FEMALE Filmmakers. Not just filmmakers.

This fascinates me. I know women are creative, smart and great multi-tasker. So why is there such a lack in good films with women filmmakers? Is it because they are restricted by the "glass ceiling"? It is because they are told they can't do it? Is it because their minds just don't work that way? Or is it they are just in the process of starting to make their own waves? I think the latter.

So that is why I am so so so thrilled to meeting with so many TALENTED filmmakers that happen to be female. They are remarkable. They have amazing vision, and creativity and enthusiasm. And they are going to be working with us.

With our powers combined, we will continue the good sterotype of female filmmakers.

America

I'm feeling Insane

2010-04-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a little bit like an insane person right now (which, since I am aware of it...by definition does that mean that I am actually NOT insane?) ...and I know that my partners in crime totally understand this... but, my goodness, how much can one person do?
We each are working on multiple projects and now we are doing this project with people who are ALSO working on multiple projects. With all the multi-tasking going on, I feel like I am neither here, nor there or, really, anywhere. I'm a slave to my to-do list.
We have a series of three really amazing meetings with three phenomenal filmmakers tomorrow and I am sure that, somehow, all of us will manage to get there on time, prepared and ready for what comes at us. HOW that all happens is almost a mystery to me. But, somehow, it always does.

April

what's going on you ask?

2010-04-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

well...
it looks like 2 of the 8 projects will be shooting in May. we have a production meeting next week with one of the directors so hopefully we can share some of the details soon with you all! (when i say "you all" i mean the 6 followers that we have. thanks you 6 followers!)

the Big Sister program are very enthusiastic about the film and we will be working closely with them to figure out how we can have Bigs/Littles be apart of the creative process! apparently there are A LOT of young girls in the program who are interested in the entertainment industry so we are all determined to Tim Gunn* it.

*"make it work"

we have several exciting meetings next week with some amazing directors**!
**i cannot name names because they might google themselves and see that i am writing a blog post about them. because let's face it we all know about the genius that is the google alert.

also (enter union here) contracts are a real treat to work with. i love dealing with (enter union here). i almost feel guilty because April LOVES dealing with (enter union here) and currently i'm getting to work with (enter union here)... i really didn't sell it did i?

next week is American Idol's "Give Back" week and it will be Girls Girls Girls "Ask Week". will be focused on hopefully getting some head way to receiving some sponsorship.

on a completely vain note: we will be shooting promotional photos for our site later in the month. that way you don't have to continue looking at our stretched face mug shots up above.

yup. that's what's going on in these parts. more soon!

-fee

Why are there so few female film-makers?

2010-03-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

Found this great article. It's a little dated (right before Kathryn Bigelow won the oscar) but STILL VERY relevant!
-fee

A few photos from the fundraiser!

2010-03-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

special thank you to cathryn farnsworth

-fee

We're off and running!

2010-03-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

Since our big public unveiling, we have really been moving and shaking!

We are starting to amass an amazing group of women filmmakers and have about 2.5 projects that are being developed at this very moment (details on each short to be released soon). On every level, this has been a joy.

Tonight is the eve before our first major Production Meeting. Bunches of really inspiring, totally accomplished women are going to fill the studio tomorrow. We have a plan, but fully expect it all to completely change.

Honestly, this whole thing is really coming together like a magic trick. I know that there has been some seriously intricate work involved, but it is all happening so quickly, it really does feel like it is appearing out of nowhere.

- April Wade

people are very nice

2010-03-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

last night's fundraiser was a HUGE success! we DOUBLED our goal and met some AMAZING people.

pretty incredible.

very exhausted today so this blog will be brief. i will have a better recap on the happenings of nights last soon. (PLUS VISUALS. who doesn't love a good visual?)

i promise.

thank you to everyone that attended and an extra special thank you to those people who donated...

quick recap....

aqua yost
cathryn farnsworth
krista knott
bryan kulisch
laurel shaffer
allie mcculloch
ron fallica
prima gonzalez
monica roache
moira shelvin
garrett strommen
dj whitebread
jason fresquez

thank you.

enjoy your day.

-fee

5 days away!

2010-03-08T01:36:00.000-08:00

Purchase tickets in advance for our fundraiser. Only $15 in advance or pay $20 at the door.

Offer ends Friday at midnight!

Thank you for your support!

Can't wait!!!

-fee

In the meantime check out America on fire...

Great Article!

2010-03-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

Writer/Producer/Friend, Natalia Munoz directed us to a great CNN article entitled, "Where Are the Women?"

Thoughts internet?

-Fee

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS FUNDRAISER!

2010-02-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

Hello!

We are having a fundraiser on Saturday, MARCH 13, 2010, for "Girls Girls Girls" at the Actors Creative Workshop!

All of the proceeds will be given to the film!

This will be an amazing night to meet the filmmakers and other professionals in the entertainment industry!

There will be drinks, music and some amazing donations being raffled off!

$20/door entry. This will give you a free drink and a free raffle ticket for the item of your choice!

If you would like anymore information please contact us at:
www.girlsgirlsgirlsevent@gmail.com

Thank you all for your support!

Look forward to seeing you!

A little about our film...

2010-02-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

Back in December I created an idea for a film... I teamed up with two amazing, powerhouse producers and we have begun development on this behemoth of a project. We have already had a tremendous amount of feedback and participation from all of the women in our lives.

It's a series of 8 short films written, produced, shot, edited and directed by women. Women of all ages, race and backgrounds will create a diverse 10-minute short, each with a different perspective on feminine power.

Our goal is to empower women within the entertainment industry to work together as artists and businesswomen, helping create more opportunity for one another.

We aim to create a project that will showcase the many talents of accomplished artists, as well as introduce unknown talent, and believe that this will be powerful for those involved creatively and, ultimately, the audience we serve.

We are asking a lot of these women professionals to create these short films. No one is getting paid. It's a complete passion project. We are only providing each short with a camera and $1,000.00. (Much like the 48 hour film festival.) And we are letting them loose to see how far their creativity can go with a budget that will basically cover food and permits.

We have teamed up with the Big Sister program and will be having teenage girls shadow the women professionals while at work. I find that observing a team of artists work from concept to the big screen will be very inspiring to young girls. Plus, a portion of the soundtrack proceeds will be donated to the Big Brother Big Sister Program.

It's overwhelming the amount of support and involvement that this little idea I had when I was frustrated in my little Glendale kitchen a few months prior has evolved to.

We need all the support we can get! Please follow us on our journey and check back in for updates!

http://twitter.com/girlsthefilm

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Girls-Girls-Girls/325157282197?ref=ts

Thank you so much!

-Jenn Fee

Stay tuned...

April Wade, Jenn Fee, America Young