Finally, a TV Showcase for Short Films

About three months ago, a gem of a weekly television program called Shorts Showcase began airing on KVCR. The brainchild of Producer/Director Leanna Bonamici, the program is exactly what the title says - a showcase for short films.    Bonamici says the show, hosted by Filmmaker Christian Sesma, now reaches 18 million homes twice a week. It's terrific exposure for short films that rarely receive featured presentation outside of film festivals, and brings extended life to the films after filmmakers have exhausted the festival circuit.  Although youtube and other online video sites have download and screening opportunities, Shorts Showcase offers a place to screen without having to sort through millions of personal entertainment videos, a big plus for agents, producers, directors and film enthusiasts seeking festival quality short films.  The half-hour shows average two to three shorts, and include Insider Tips, Inside Biz and/or Calendar segments in the final four-or-so minutes. After the shows air, they can be viewed online at www.shortsshowcase.com and viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorites.  The top voted films are given awards and screened at The Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs twice a year.   "The Lifter Upper" Some of my favorites so far are "The Lifter Upper" by Micah Chambers-Goldberg, "Anything You Can Do" by Evan Wolf Buxbaum, the score by Sigur Ros on "Breadwinner," and the entire Show #13 featuring the excellent films, "The Big Sayonara" by Don Hamilton and "The Election" by Padraig Reynolds, plus an interview with actress Lin Shaye (from "The Election") at the end.  Actor Ray Wise, Director Padraig Reynolds, "The Election" The show seems to be getting better and better with each episode.  It airs on PBS SoCal station KVCR Tuesday evenings at 10:30 p.m. and again on Friday at 12:30 a.m. For info on how to submit a film, and to watch all the shorts you desire, go to www.shortsshowcase.com.  Here are the first 2-1/2 minutes of the 15 minute film, "The Big Sayonara:"

Whimsical Pet Paintings Raise Funds for Animal Shelter

Palm Springs Artist Shawn Savage is a busy guy. He has his hands in lot of projects, including a new series of Pet Paintings which he originally launched last October to support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

"Summer is the time of self reinvention for me and the 'Savage' brand," he says, "and I am very excited about the momentum that we are creating going into the new season." 

The new paintings are true to the whimsical Savage style, but are distinctly different from last year's bold color paintings.

Drawn on recycled paper, such as old Thomas Guide map pages, they reflect a looser style, but convey as much punch and fun as the color designs. They're also framed and ready to go. 

Some of the paintings from last year's series can still be found hanging at the PS Animal Shelter. They're available for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the Shelter. 

Savage says he's creating an entire line of products for the new drawings so if you can't afford an original painting or drawing, you can still get yourself a little pet whimsy on greetings cards, pet ware or t-shirts. The new series and design line are expected to be available later this month, and last I heard, Shawn is planning a showing at the Blu Print Green Gallery in Palm Springs. The date is not yet confirmed, so keep your eyes and ears open for that. A portion of the proceeds from the new series will also be donated to the PS Animal Shelter. 

But that's not all Savage is working on. This summer he's also teaming up with local craftsmen and launching a new furniture line that will include Sculpture Fountains. 

"The first pieces from my line will be two crendenzas, coffee and end tables and wall sculptures inspired by mid-century styling and Palm Springs architecture." 

Launch party for the furniture line is expected in late August or early September. 

Of course, if you're not in the Palm Springs area, you can always go online to check out the latest from Shawn Savage's many projects and designs.  

http://www.thesavagegallery.com/

http://www.sculpturefountains.com/