KIDS FIRST! News

“America’s ready for a black Santa!” says Snavely Claws, villain in “SANTA AND SONS & daughter!” movie marking 4th Anniversary Public Access TV Event showing.”That’s a funny, new wrinkle,” says Director, Robert Battaile. “We’ve had a black Santa wanna-be for years. His name is Snavely and he even wears a black, Santa suit!” He sings a mean, talking blues song “Snavely Claws” in our comedy movie “but I thought he’d been cured of his demented ambitions.”Now in its fourth anniversary year, “SANTA AND SONS & daughter!” (www.santaandsons.com) the family musical movie is showing on Public Access TV throughout December in 31 states – over 200 cities in the U.S. and internationally in Austria and United Kingdom; plus countrywide in New Zealand and Ireland. “We’re showing in Vienna, Virginia and Vienna, Austria.” adds Producer/Director, Robert Battaile.”If you’re not near an access channel, we’re available nationally on DISH Satellite at Starfish TV Network.”Watch a :60 trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBDEuextKFU and click on “high quality” for best viewing. Patience please. Or, go straight to Santa’s homepage at www.santaandsons.com and watch movie clips, photo galleries and more.”SANTA AND SONS & daughter!” is an indie musical movie that was produced by Battaile’s video company CALEXAS (www.calexas.com) in northern California in 2004, and appeared in three festivals, Gloria Film Festival, KidsFirst! Film and Video Festival (where it was also nominated for “Best Movie for 8-12 Years Olds”) and STARZ! Festival. Creative Child Magazine gave the film an Award.”SANTA AND SONS & daughter!” introduces Santa’s wife Sara, two sons Nicholas and Klaus, and daughter, Sandy Claus. Sandy flies a talking, anti-gravity sleigh named Blaise and falls in love with Zwerkin, the inventor of a teleportation device that helps Santa get into houses without chimneys. The villain, Snavely puts on his black Santa-suit and sings about “deer kabobs and antler soup.” The comedy musical features seven songs.

1.Martino’s journey from art school in Ohio to Monty Python to “Ice Age” to “Horton Hears a Who.”Martino was bitten by the animation bug in animation class in college while studying to be a designer. He realized that he could move an audience with moving graphics and he enjoyed making people laugh. In the early 1980’s, he worked for television stations doing animations for the Super Bowl, NFL  and ESPN. He found himself moving along with technology and its leaps and bounds. Back in the 80’s he would never have dreamed of feature films with characters like today. One of Martino’s favorite parts of his job is that he is lucky to work with talented people A highlight of his career was sitting with Terry Giliam at studio and story-boarding. Martino thinks Giliam is “one of most creative guys out there.” He had a huge influence of Martino. For instance,  Martino was inspired by stories on how Martino made “Brazil” and how they used clacking in “Holy Grail” as a necessity since the film budget didn’t include horses. Working on a variety of film from “Holy Grail” to”Ice Age” and  “Robots,” where he was art director, Martino gained the experience necessary for co-directing “Horton Hears a Who” along with Jimmy Hayward.2. Goals for the filmMartino had three major goals for this film. First, they wanted to adapt the book by a beloved, respected author, and remain true to the work in storytelling while expanding what was between the pages.The second film goal was the animation. They wanted to create flexibility and movement. The character development team challenge. As a team they worked together to create the perfect tools for animators to move characters around mixing creativity with technology, making the animation fluid.Thirdly, they wanted to keep true to the style. Dr. Seuss was production designer in Steve’s opinion. They promised Audrey Geisel, the widow of Ted Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) that they would stay true to the style. According to Martino, one of best moments in the project was when he had lunch with Geisel after the project was complete and they and saw it in a special showing in a theatre. Martino laughs about how his hands were clenched on seat throughout the film, as if her were in a dentist chair, wondering how she would react. Before the credits even rolled, she stood up and applauded and commented that they took the story and lifted it to a new place.  Martino expresses that it was the pinnacle of the filmmaking experience to sit with Audrey and have her applaud what they had done.3. Animating “Horton Hears a Who”Hayward and Martino both sat down to talk about the book and discovered that they agreed on how it should be portrayed. They discussed what they imagined as they read the book when they were kids. Martino also factored in ideas he developed as he read to his own kids, who are now 14- and 11-years-old.  Hayward and Martino wanted to depict a sense of imagination  — not like this world. They felt the story needed to be more exaggerated and imaginative than our world and came to the conclusion that to depict this, they would create a unique two-dimensional animation style.Computers like to keep things on model and perfect form, and for this project the creators wanted to push character distortion –heads squashed or arms 3 times a natural length. The art team jumped on this challenge and embraced it although it was difficult.The animation project was huge. They had a special fur team whose entire job was to groom the fur digitally. This task encompassed the Who’s and the plants. There were very complex scenes, which pushed technical boundaries such as the field of flowers near the end of the film which had ½ billion clovers. The animators managed to fill space and even have clovers blowing in wind. In order to do this they had to intelligently render clovers based on the camera angle through some technologicalingenuity. Each individual frame for this scene took two to three days. Due to the complexity of the  scene, it took months to render.4.ResultsMartino  firmly believes the film became what it is because of the talent of the people working on it. The cast, in his opinion, was phenomenal and the recording sessions took the movie to a place he never would have conceived of as the actors improvised and all the talented people contributed with their expertise.Three years on a film is a long time to be working on one project. Especially when you are a parent with two children. In fact, his two daughters are in the movie as Who voices, and they were also part of the focus group. Martino loved the great story and great theme by Dr Seuss — no prejudice. He found that this was a great investment of time and life, stating that it was “so nice to work on a project where you can bring your family to the film without hiding your head in shame.”

Buddha Wild  Monk in a  Hut – the theatrically released feature film  Directed,Produced Written and Presented by Anna Wilding has been gifted to Princess Anne in Person,on her last day in New Zealand by the former Publicity Officer of NZ Save the Children Fund- Judy Wilding.The film has also recently sold to most of the Video Rental Stores in ChCh, including Blockbuster Riccarton,Alice in Videoland, Pannell Discounters Wainoni, Kaipoi Video Ezy and others. Over the next six weeks the title will be available throughout New Zealand.The film played din NZ at Rialto Christchurch and Hollywood Sumner in Christchurch. It may soon be seen in other cinemas in New Zealand.The film, mainly for adults also scooped an award  in Best Feature Documentary Category in the USA for Kids Ages 12-18 .The Award was presented to Miss Wilding in October 2008 at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences- Ms Wilding’s additional responsibilities included cinematography.Music was by Award wining composer Charlse David Denler. The film was shot on location in Christchurch New Zealand.The critically acclaimed feature film,that usually plays to adults, also garnered Critics Pic in LA Weekly and NY Times.   Buddha Wild Monk in a Hut, was  recently selected to launch the Film Center Cinemacafe Film Series in Santa Fe, New Mexico in July 2008 home of the Santa Fe Film Festivlaa. Spokesperson and Program Director for the Film Center Cinemacafe stated at the time,”We are proud to be showing this beautiful and moving film and praise the filmmakers for their incredible work.” Director and Actress Anna Wilding said that she is “honored” Buddha Wild has won a Kids Award. The film was also given the Quality Moniker by the American Coalition of Quality Children’s Media.Ms Wilding stated that “I hope that people will gain a greater insight and understanding into Asian cultures adapting to the West, the lives of monks throughout Asia and the South Pacific and the rest of the world, and a greater understanding of ourselves and a way to living in harmony with the world and environment around us.”The film has been praised by critics for its “well judged mix of seriousness and humor.”The film has been selected for numerous festivals and screenings throughout Canada, India and the USA, including Tibet House NY, Screen Actors Guild Series USA, National Academy of Arts and Sciences USA, the Academy Libraries and formal Oscar qualification ,Calgary Film Series, World Earth Week 2007, Indian International  Festival of  Films on Tribal Arts and Culture,The Kids First Film Festival(sponsered by HBO, Paramount, Universal, Fox, Sony, Discovery, Starz). The film has been selected for mainstream art house releases with more to follow. To date these include Laemmle’s Los Angeles, Santa Fe New Mexico, and Rialto and Hollywood Cinemas New Zealand.The film has been a high seller on Amazon.comAnna Wilding latest feature script,Counterswirl,was recently selected for  the 2008 Atlantic Film Market in Novia Scotia,which took place after Toronto. Ms Wilding has  been invited to speak on many panels and corporate and industry panels throughout the world.Recently Wilding was the guest spotlight speaker on an industry environmental,humanities driven panel at the American Pavillion in Cannes Film Festival 2008. She was also a key note guest speaker for World Earth Week 2007 speaking in the same week long program as Ralph Nader and Dr Kevin Denneher. She recently appeared in the Observer NY Politker section over two days following a succesful debate on foreign policy with Gerneal Wesely Clark and will appear in the biogrpahy on General Wesely Clark by Gordon Suber.Buddha Wild” by Ms Wilding, has been called “beautiful” by Moving Pictures Magazine2008, and “a must see film” by Splash Magazine 2008. It garnered critics pick in LA Weekly Magazine 2007, and Union Jack Newspapers said, “Anna Wilding Captures Our attention.” Moonrise Movies Magazine in Canada said it was “Worth a look. A delightfully sweet and accurate and a fine film for family viewing.”Ms Wilding combined with Rialto Cinemas Australia (New Zealand) to give the proceeds from the first public rough cut screenings to the Tsunami Relief Appeal in Thailand. The film has been welcomed at temples in the USA and elsewhere. The film is in early limited release stages. “Unpretentious,” providing an “affectionate glimpse” and a well-judged mixture of “seriousness and humor” into the cultural and monastic lives of missionary monks, the film explores the tenets of Buddhism, celibacy, politics, the role of women in Asian society, cultural life in the South Pacific, and the day-to-day lives of Theravadin monks. “Buddha Wild” has the tag line “Wild to be one with Nature.” Ms. Wilding’s career spans over a decade in Hollywood, UK and Australia as writer, actress, producer and director. In 2007 Ms Wilding was thanked through her lawyers in New York for her work on all three Lord of the Rings movies by Mark Ordesky, former CEO of New Line

Here’s an interview where Barbie gives us the scoop behind the scenes of her latest DVD release.1. What was your approach in making this film so it was different from all the “Scrooge” stories out there?No other classic “scrooge” story stars a singing diva played by Barbie®! This movie takes the classic Charles Dickens story and retells the it with fabulous fashions and lots of laughs. As any of my friends know, I always bring a special, unapologetically all-girl approach to everything I do.2. What can viewers look forward to in this film that is unique from the rest of the Barbie films?This movie is very special to me because it is my first holiday DVD! In addition, this is the first story which I get to sing my own versions of classic holiday songs!3. Please tell me a bit about the animation and why you chose that style?I can always count on the awesome behind-the-scenes team to ensure that the animation style is vibrant and high-quality. The movie’s animation worked perfectly to enhance my gorgeous, sparkling gown and winter wonderland scenery.4. Please tell me a bit about the music. Why did you choose those particular songs and styles?The music of the film consists of upbeat twists of some of my favorite Holiday classics such as “Jingle Bells”.  I wanted to incorporate Christmas songs that every girl and her family could dance to and sing along with. Families can expect a great time with songs sung by me, my co-stars and even a bonus music video with the hilarious, Chuzzlewit, the cat!5. What was something interesting you learned through this filmmaking process?I never fail to learn something new and exciting with each new movie. Through filming “Barbie™ In A Christmas Carol” I was reminded of the importance of giving and helping others – not only during the holiday season, but every day. The holidays mean different things to different people, but we all need to take the time to give. And, giving comes in all shapes and sizes- from a simple smile or sharing a laugh to donating food or toys. While the holidays are a great time of year to give, you can keep on giving throughout the rest of the year too.6. Please give me an anecdote of something unique that happened while you were making the film that affected the final production.From day one, our star cat in the film, Chuzzlewit, refused to wear what he considered the “silly” costume designed for his character. “Cats don’t need to wear anything but fur,” he protested. On a blustery day in London, we were caught in a huge snow storm that took the entire cast and crew by surprise! As you can imagine, he had no problems embracing the hats and jackets after the storm. Silly Chuzzlewit.7. Is there anything you would like to add?One of my favorite parts in the making of this film was the beautiful, shimmering white satin and silvery gown I wore. I want every girl to know that they can enjoy the beauty of my gown in real-life with the magical 2008 Holiday™ Barbie® Doll, whose beautiful outfit is the same as the one I wear in the movie.8.Could you please send me a current image?Yes, attached are images of myself as Eden from the movie and shots of the DVD’s cover.

Turkey, potatoes, squash…bananas? Be sure to keep America’s favorite little monkey in mind when making your to do list this Thanksgiving. Curious George, the Man with the Yellow Hat and their friends bring a hearty serving of (mis)-adventures to the PBS KIDS Thanksgiving week marathon “Feast of Favorites” beginning Wednesday, November 26 (check local listings for days and times).The marathon features the broadcast premiere of two CURIOUS GEORGE episodes from the series’ all-new Earth Science-themed third season: “The Man with the Monkey Hands / Whistlepig Wednesday,” and “George Digs Worms / Everything Old is New Again.” While the turkey is roasting and the pie is baking, kids can watch George and his friends compete in a recycling contest, explore weather patterns, dig for worms, and learn which leaves to stay away from in the backyard.EPISODE 6The Man with Monkey Hands – After warning George about the poison ivy lurking in the park, the Man with the Yellow Hat loses his balance and lands hands first in a brush of the itchy, poisonous leaves! With his hands bandaged, he’ll need help with everyday tasks such as brushing his teeth, making dinner, even typing a letter.  So being a clever little monkey, George invents some ingenious ways to make the Man’s life seem normal – like wearing swim fins to assist in picking apples off the floor and taping salad forks to his arms to act as temporary hands.  But George’s creations are put to the ultimate test when the Man has to present Professor Wiseman’s newest invention to the science board, salad forks and all!Whistlepig Wednesday – Mr. Glass’ unique version of Groundhog Day is an annual city tradition of predicting when winter will start. Every year on the last Wednesday of August, Sherry the Whistlepig emerges from her burrow.  If she sees her shadow, it means cold weather is coming.  But what makes Sherry’s shadow so special? To find out, George and his animal friends camp out at Sherry’s burrow, but fall asleep while waiting for her to wake up.  At the shadow ceremony, Mr. Glass mistakes a sleeping George and each one of his friends for a whistlepig and presents them for the world to see.  But does a monkey, dog, cat, or pigeon shadow count?EPISODE 7George Digs Worms – Why is Bill yelling at a mound of dirt? He’s worm racing!  George turns to a pile of decomposed leaves to find his own prize worm and challenges Bill’s “Fast Freddy” to a race.  Pretty soon, the entire countryside catches worm-racing fever and watch as George’s worm, named “Ooh Ooh Ahh Ahh,” races its way to the championship.  But when Mr. Quint takes the wrong lunchbox on his fishing trip, George’s worm farm is in danger of becoming fish bait!  Can George save his slimy friends in time for the championship race?Everything Old is New Again – The city is awarding the “Golden Arrows Award” to the building that collects the most recycling.  George is eager to help-once he learns what recycling actually is, of course. The building’s Doorwoman next door turns out to be tough competition, so George hunts down recycling materials from everywhere he can think of. The only problem is, he doesn’t know that he only recycle products after they’ve been used!  Will the tenants with the missing recyclables forgive a monkey who’s not just trying to win a contest, but also save the environment?