 |
|
| |
|
Valleywood II: 2nd Program for Celebrating the Digital Arts in the |
Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Jones Library, 43 Amity Street, Amherst, Mass.
Cost: $10 for the public; $8 Chamber members
Refreshments: Snacks provided by The Black Sheep Deli, The Loose Goose Café,
and Rao's
EMMY-NOMINATED SCREENWRITER DANIEL GIAT PRESENTING
Daniel Giat, who wrote the Emmy Award-winning television movie Bury My Heart
at Wounded Knee will discuss "Why You Hated That Last Movie You Saw" at 2
p.m. on Saturday, April 12 in the Jones Library, Amherst, Mass. as part of
Valleywood II - a celebration of the digital arts in the Pioneer Valley.
Giat's screenplay for Path to War -- a movie about former President Lyndon
Johnson and the Vietnam War, which aired on HBO in 2002 – was also nominated
for an Emmy. He has written for HBO since 1995.
Valleywood II is being sponsored by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and
Reader to Reader Inc., with support from the Amherst Town Manager Larry
Shaffer, A - Z International Associates and many other organizations. The
opening program on March 8 featured author John Katzenbach and was highly
received.
VALLEYWOOD II is planned as an ongoing series of afternoon weekend lectures
by regional writers, screenwriters, film-makers, animators, special effects,
sound and others who are developing content for Hollywood, television and a
wide range of mobile devices - all of whom fit into what is commonly called
the "digital economy" or "new media." The aim is to schedule one,
mid-afternoon lecture per month during the school year on either a Saturday
or Sunday in the lower level large meeting room of the Jones Library, or
other locations in Amherst to be announced.
PR patrons include ACTV, Amherst Leisure Services and Supplemental Education
(LSSE), Choreographic Design, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce,
Hidden-Tech, the National Writers Union western Massachusetts local, the
Regional Technology Corporation, and the Western Massachusetts Small
Business Development Center, among others.
On April 12, Giat will discuss the potential power of movie-watching and why
some movies work well while others do not. He notes that "while the rules of
drama apply in all forms of storytelling, the near dream-state of
movie-watching in a darkened theater with no interruptions can induce in the
audience a uniquely powerful emotional identification with the characters on
screen and their dramatic dilemmas. They can, but rarely do."
His talk, with accompanying film clips, will address the concept of a
"character's conscious desire and unconscious need, aiding the audience in
understanding why one movie works and another doesn't."
Giat has taught screenwriting at Mt. Holyoke College and lectures at Amherst
College. Outside of his work and family he says his "great passion is
community theater," and he recently appeared in the LSSE production of The
Music Man.
Valleywood II will conclude for the spring on May 10 with David Shepherd, an
improv theater and video master, founder of Compass (the granddaddy of
"Saturday Night Live") and Group Creativity, as well as the author of That
Movie in Your Head.
Patty Brandts, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce,
noted in a recent Chamber newsletter that "a big crowd turned out for the
opening of Valleywood II" with John Katzenbach, and she was hopeful many
more will attend the second program on April 12 to learn about screenwriting
and film from Daniel Giat.
She explains that “there is a wealth of amazing talent in our area” in terms
of those serving all aspects of the entertainment industry -- from the
creative to the technical. But Brandts points out that the digital economy
is even far larger, encompassing online learning and even the life sciences.
It’s her hope that many regional professionals working in the digital
economy will see through Valleywood II that the Chamber has much to offer
them in terms of networking and business support.
And Larry Shaffer, Amherst Town Manager, views Valleywood II as a means of
building awareness that the town of Amherst, as well as surrounding
communities, is chock full of extraordinary professionals who are playing
major roles in the new media and digital economies, while choosing to live
here. “Those in the know have long understood the prominent role that many
residents are playing in the new media and digital economy. Amherst and the
Pioneer Valley's role in this burgeoning industry is no longer a secret
thanks to programs like Valleywood II,” he said.
David Mazor, founder and executive director of Reader to Reader Inc. -- a
charity based on the campus of Amherst College and devoted to distributing
free books and other classroom resources to over 400 schools and public
libraries nationwide -- says he sees "a natural connection between promoting
digital artists, many of whom are writers and authors, and Reader to
Reader's daily mission. Afterall, the connection between literature and the
film world is as old as Hollywood and building bridges can only assist my
organization, as well as regional writers and authors," he said.
"Also, as a long-time resident of Amherst and the Valley, a former Hollywood
film distribution executive and a member of the board of the Amherst Cinema
Center, I want to highlight the many talented people residing in this
region," Mazor added. "I believe the digital arts, or the new media, has a
huge potential to boost the economy of this town and many other regional
communities. It's my hope that this lecture series not only provides
entertainment, but support for the digital arts, for individual artists, for
the distribution of books and for local students who are
interested in digital arts careers."
And Amy Zuckerman, principal of A - Z International Associates, an
Amherst-based strategic marketing business, founder of the Hidden-Tech
network, and the Chamber's 2004 Dakin Award Winner for Professionalism, is
delighted that the community is buzzing about Valleywood II, which she has
designed. Zuckerman is hoping that the many people who have expressed
interest and excitement about Valleywood II, but missed hearing Katzenbach
speak, will mark their calendars for the next two programs.
"Dan presented at the original 'Valley Goes to Hollywood' in 2004 and is a
superb speaker. You won't be disappointed," she said.
Seating is first come, first served.
For more information contact Amy Zuckerman, Principal, A - Z International
Associates. Phone: 253-4124; Email: Amy, and Fax:
413-303-9487.
|
|
|
|
