Qimagine Productions

SAG screening odf Swing Vote this Wednesday

2010-05-25T11:31:00.005-04:00

SF2: SHORT FILM SHOWCASE - Female Directors!

Event Type:	Conversations
Title:	SF2: SHORT FILM SHOWCASE - Female Directors! Short films created by female directors - Q+A after!
Date:	Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Time:	7 to 9 P.M.
Location:	NEW YORK The SAG Boardroom 360 Madison Ave. (entrance on 45th St.)
	COMPLIMENTS OF THE SERPENT – Director: Canella Williams-Larabee 9:09mins Barbara and Mike Stanton, a middle-aged, professional African-American couple, endure the stresses of a strained marriage. When one of them visits the doctor for a routine examination, the couple receives news that alters their relationship forever. WRITER’S BLOCK – Director: Ana Cuadra 15:35 mins An obsessive writer discovers a new form of communication when she finds out her annoying new neighbor is the source of her inspiration. AMERICAN HERO – Director: Begonya Plaza 14:45 mins Bobby is an Iraqi Veteran of war, portrayed by James A. Lee, who returns home apparently intact, but psychologically and emotionally traumatized. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF KELLI HUGHES – Director: Tami Roman 12:38 mins Over 2 million children worldwide have become victims of child prostitution. This is a look at the life of one female victim, who was forced into prostitution by her mother, as she decides to let go of her past and gain her freedom-by any means necessary. IPSO FACTO – Director: Anna-Maria Vág 9:00 mins A failed and desperate writer struggling for self redemption becomes part of a perpetration of an illegal underground industry in quest of his best selling tome. SWING VOTE – Director: Rebecca Pelletier 15 mins

A new project in post production!

2010-03-22T12:10:00.001-04:00

our latest film...a "mumblecore" comedy feature currently in post production

Screening in Connecticut this Weekend

2010-02-10T22:52:00.006-05:00

Spend Valentines Weekend At The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

With The Connecticut Film Festival
February 12-14, 2010

More than 35 Films, 5 Workshops and 2 Really BIG Films & Parties On Both Friday & Saturday Nights!

SUNDAY - Feb. 14

3:30pm - Length Doesn't Matter - Shorts Program - Glimpse - Animation. Tuesdays Are Orange, Dir. Cuyler Bryant - Alone in his apartment, a young man clings to routine as he struggles to cope with everyday life. Today is Tuesday; on Tuesday he takes the orange pill. But is the shift in reality that follows just part of the routine, or a chance to escape it? The Brick Wall Bubble Gum Girl,Dir. Benjamin Rutkowski -An impressionable apprentice photographer bites off more than he can chew when real life mixes with the movies he's been watching. BEST SHORT FILM WINNER 2009: Swing Vote, Dir. Rebecca Pelletier - What side are you on? Forming an underground organization of women, best friends Casey and Billie concoct a scheme to convert Republicans and swing the Presidential election using sex.Superglue, Dir. Billy Duberstein-When Dave (a screenwriter) moves to Los Angeles, he reluctantly accepts an invitation for dinner by his distant cousin Paul - an established actor on a daytime soap but finds himself in mortal danger between Paul and his underwear-model girlfriend Lauren. Prayers For Peace - Animation. Tickets $7.50

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T12:48:00.008-05:00

Happy Holidays!
Yesterday I got a surprise in the mail. It was a Holiday album with a variety of songs song by one of Swing Vote's stars, Miss Marlee Roberts and her little sister Karlee. I was charmed and blown away by their talent! My new favorite Christmas song is Christmas Shoes performed by these young ladies. As a Merry Christmas to everyone I'd like to share this with you all.
buy/listen to their album here:
Marlee & Karlee Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Cast & Crew DVDs are in!!

2009-12-08T12:35:00.007-05:00

We would like to thank everyone who helped make Swing Vote a success. We are very pleased to announce that our DVDs are in and ready to be picked up/shipped etc.

One reason this took so long is because we decided to create a long version. This "Featurette" is mostly uncut, so everyone can enjoy Swing Vote in it's original form. That version as well as the 15 min award-winning version is on your DVD. We will start mailing them this week. If you address has changed please let us know asap.
Thanks again for all your hard work & creativity!
Happy Holidays!

PS. If you live in Inwood please stop by New Heights to pick up your DVD in person.

Interview with the Filmmakers

2009-12-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

This was shot in L.A. at our movie's premiere. Enjoy!

Swing Vote Trailer

2009-12-04T11:54:00.002-05:00

We never posted it here...so here it is!

Welcome to Inwood Video!

2009-12-04T11:51:00.002-05:00

Here's a short introduction video we produced. This is the first in a series of Travel Shows for Inwood John is planning to produce. Enjoy!

Moving on up!

2009-09-29T10:14:00.010-04:00

Hi Again! I know its been quiet here for quite some time but that's not because nothing is happening - to the contrary- its been too busy for us to document... but here's my quick attempt!

Swing Vote has finally ended its festival run with 5 festival acceptances and 2 wins including Best Short from the Connecticut Film Festival. The cast version of the movie is being created and duplicated and will be available soon.
Our feature screenplay (still untitled) is still getting tweaked but were planning an informal reading soon to polish the story before shopping that baby around

We have a brilliant idea (courtesy of my husband John) which we are developing into a television pilot. We plan to shoot it ourselves, enter the NYTVF and shop it around for pilot season. Script meetings have already begun.
Emily and I are also working on a few smaller projects including a health care reform commercial and a music video for Emily's song Get There.
Emily pitched another awesome screenplay idea that we plan to start writing soon.

We love hearing from our Swing Vote family and bragging about all your accomplishments. Please keep in touch!

Congratulations Jeff Branson!

2009-09-28T21:40:00.005-04:00

Just a quick note to congratulate Jeff Branson for his Daytime Emmy win for his work on Guiding Light!
Jeff is an old friend of mine from acting school who generously donated his talents to our first film, Swing Vote- What side are you on?, playing the role of "Jack". We are all very proud of him. Congrats Jeff!

you can watch his acceptance speech here.

A long time..

2009-07-17T10:42:00.009-04:00

I know- I've neglected this blog... I've been doing more photography lately. I love the immediacy of photography. You shoot, edit and then your pictures are done. That's it. You have something to show for all your effort.
Film is a much longer a process, with less guaranteed results, requiring group collaboration on all levels. The screenplay is merely a blueprint. Without the film in production...its pretty useless.
We want to get this project off the ground- but we're not sure what the next steps will be? I believe we need to polish the screenplay a bit and shop it around to some interested parties. A large part of me really wants to direct it but the idea of self-producing and raising over $200,00 dollars is daunting and unlikely in this economy.
The most likely scenario I think is finding a director who is interested in the script then latching on to a production company.
There's also the option of entering the screenplay into screenplay competitions. While that idea is appealing on some levels I also have my doubts. We've heard horror stories where ideas are stolen this way. It is impossible to actually copyright your idea and in Hollywood there is no room for "whistle blowers". It's not uncommon for people to shop around their screenplay, and then see it made- without their knowledge. They sue, usually lose and are then blacklisted in Hollywood. Actually Kevin Costner's film Swing Vote was accused of such behavior. A lawsuit is still pending.
This mental track leads me back to self-producing. Directing this film and pulling it together on a shoestring budget. Locations would have to be changed, name talent would probably pass- but at least it would be made...by us. See the dilemma? What to do? Well- Emily and I are pressing on and will let you know when a solution filters to the surface.

I Think I Can...

2009-06-30T23:10:00.027-04:00

This was one of those days.
I spent all morning getting ready and rushed to an audition to basically be asked to perform circus tricks. It seemed my pantomime skills were lacking, which somehow disappointed the panel.

I shuffled home only to come face to face with a big, ugly festival rejection letter for Swing Vote that was just received. (Yes- folks we do get turned down. But, to maintain our 'positive energy', we usually keep it to ourselves) But- like I said, today was just one of those days.

I've always try to embrace positive energy. I like to think I have a good perspective and understand that what might seem like a huge drama in my life is actually just a small, minuscule speed bump. Looking at the bigger picture- I have to admit my life is blessed. I'm fed, sheltered and doing what I love to do. On days like this I usually push through and force a positive attitude. Just like The Little Engine That Could, I repeat to myself: "I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can, I can do it! "
....until I read this article.

According to this new study our self esteem is not assisted by "positive thoughts", but rather contradicted by negative, competing thoughts. While trying to stay focused on positive thoughts, our brain becomes overwhelmed with the negative.
For example- the Little Engine repeating over and over again "I think I can" coupled with his fatigue and weakness leads to these thoughts- "Hell no- I can't", "I'm weak", "this f-ing sucks" etc. Those thoughts were therefore introduced by the "I think I can" attitude. humm....

I wonder if we would experience better results if we set ourselves up for disappointment? If we tell ourselves- "There's no way you're getting up that mountain" immediately our brains want to defend those statements and we become overwhelmed with all the reasons we can.
Maybe I'll try this approach with my next audition?

My love she speaks softly,
She knows there's no success like failure
And that failure's no success at all.
-Bob Dylan (Love Minus Zero/ No Limit)

No TV Breeds Creativity

2009-06-16T18:55:00.002-04:00

About four weeks ago our TV stopped working. This monstrosity (given to us for Christmas from John's mother) sits on the mantle proudly with a soft buzz and a solid blue screen. My super says we need a converter box. "Oh that thing I sold on Amazon.com- along with all my textbooks?" That's the one. Good luck finding one now.
So... the room is quiet. Our nights are filled with reading, writing, music, talking and I even bought a new canvas and some paints - anxious to start painting again!

Without TV- I live more. I create more. I read more. I learn more. I'm bored more and must fill that empty space with stuff to do.

In college I studied Anthropology. I remember we learned how to measure the success of a culture using a socioeconomic formula. The entire formula was based on a ratio between free time and work. Culturally rich societies were able to hunt and supply shelter quickly leaving more free time for crafts, dance, studies, music etc.
But what if our free time is wasted watching TV?
I guess the better question is- what if it isn't? What are we capable of creating? What are we capable of contributing to our culture?

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to" - Bob Dylan

Writing & Editing- Tips for survival

2009-06-12T09:34:00.001-04:00

We are in the throws of writing and editing our 92 page screenplay. It takes a full 2 hours just to read the thing out load so this tweaking process is taking forever! It sort of reminds Emily and I of the film editing we did on Swing Vote last year. It's all about endurance...and no sleep, no drinking alcohol, no television, no phone calls lasting more than 1 min. and eating while you work (in front of the computer).

Here are some of our favorite recipes for computer eating survival:

Coffee
Popcorn
Grapes
Coffee
Frozen Grapes
Popcorn with salt
Bananas
Coffee
Granola Bars
Coffee
Ice cream (kinda messy actually - but necessary for survival)

More Survival Tips:

When you need inspiration turn on some good tunes (or something that makes you smile- we seemed to find Shaggy's It wasn't me did the trick after 2:00am)
When you're stressed - pillow fight is out
When you get too full of yourself - pull up the rejection letters from festivals you really wanted to get into
When you feel depressed about your work- Go look at your first edit
When you're tired - keep working! You'll hit a place of over-exhaustion that feels like a high
When you REALLY need a break- use it as an unrealistic reward..."once we finish editing this entire movie- we'll take a break"
When you're questioning everything you're trying to do - hug your cat- he doesn't judge
When you're really freaking out- remember its just a movie... Obama won the election!, We're not starving!, We're not dead and We're doing what we love to do...

Taking the good with the bad...

2009-06-08T23:52:00.002-04:00

The ups and downs can take some getting used to in show business. I was an actor for more than 15 years and have since built a thick skin - almost expecting the terrain to even when things start to look too rosy.
Thursday we were bummed after a our screening suffered some technical issues. My confidence continued to sink as we watched too many brilliant, well-financed films to even appreciate our little contribution to the festival... then we were slapped with an award for "Best Short Film" of the festival!
We rode that high for a few days until I noticed a "review" that pulled me to the ugly depths once more. I'm not usually offended by reviews. People have their own opinions. They have a right to share them , and quite frankly some of my favorite movies of all time got tanked by reviewers (see I'm Not There for instance)...anyway...what makes this a buzz kill is that I traced the source and I know who wrote the offending words. This person is close to me and did not even see the movie. They have a different political ideology and expressed to another source that what we created (based on viewing our trailer) was "shameful".
We are not ashamed of Swing Vote and unfortunately I feel the need, at this time, to defend our project.
Swing Vote is funny and clever and an audience favorite wherever we go.
On a deeper level Swing Vote symbolizes the immersion in politics we all witnessed during this past election. The days of wearing a button, or tee shirt were surpassed by people taking it to the streets, campaigning, phone banking, waiting in the rain for hours. That passion is celebrated in Swing Vote- with characters who throw themselves into their cause: mind, body heart and soul.
We are also not ashamed of the sexuality presented. Our film celebrates sexy women of all shapes, ages, ethnicities and sizes. They are all intelligent women who are in control and powerful. A different film with blood and guts, rape, murder or war is socially acceptable- but somehow a sexy, powerful woman is not?
I am really proud that we made this film. I'm proud of the success its seen. I'm glad too that it makes people think, argue and connect. After all behind all the witty one-liners that's really our film is all about- connection.
So I pull myself up and embrace the good vibes all around me. Our new project is well under way, we had a fun week at the festival, we made tons of contacts... It seems those words had an unintended affect- they've pushed me forward...its a good day again.

WINNER BEST SHORT FILM!

2009-06-07T23:53:00.001-04:00

We just won BEST SHORT film at The Connecticut Film Festival! It was a blast and we met some really incredible filmmakers. After watching so many amazing shorts in the program we didn't even think to attend the awards ceremony!!! We were so shocked when a fellow filmmaker called from the awards show to give us the good news! This was an amazing festival, with delicious catering, great people, awesome parties, panels, workshops and concerts... We were just blown away to be a part of it! I don't think I'll be able to offer much valuable insight tonight- we are just really happy to receive this affirmation as we push forward with our next project. Thanks CTFF!!!

some terrific films we enjoyed at the festival:
Children Of Invention
The Beautiful Hills of Brooklyn
Old Days
First Time Long Time

A new screenplay is born!

2009-06-01T22:24:00.001-04:00

We're back to those late night readings, edits and sleepless nights. A new screenplay is born!
This is our first completed feature script and we're really excited! The story is something I would definitely buy a ticket to see at the movies. This movie is romantic, funny, sweet with some supernatural elements and dark corners...a winning combination- in our opinion. The story came from an idea I had a long time ago, combined with family dramas and journals from my youth.
We're especially thrilled to have this in our back pocket as we network at the festival this week. I'm not sure what direction to go with this project... Try to finance it & do it ourselves? Enter the screenplay into festivals? Get a literary agent? Shop it around to production companies? All of the above?
I guess we'll figure it out as we go. It's all part of the process!

Come see Swing Vote-What side are you on? this week at The Connecticut Film Festival!
Thurs. June 4th 7:45pm
Sat. June 6th 12:30 pm
Sun. June 7th 4:30pm

Friends and Festivals in Connecticut

2009-05-23T07:45:00.003-04:00

We are screening Swing Vote at The Connecticut Film Festival in a few weeks. We are really excited about this festival because we grew up in Connecticut, and this screening brings us home.
Emily and I have a long history. We have been friends since kindergarten (when I was still known as "Becky"). I can't remember how we met exactly but it probably involved sharing a fruit roll up or something. Whatever the fated event, we soon became inseparable. We dressed up like Madonna and sang into fake microphones on the backyard picnic table, we rode our bikes past sunset, swam all summer in my above ground pool, joined girl scouts,worked a paper route, pretended to be superheros,played house, Barbies and make-believe...

Then when I was 11 years old my family announced that we were moving to Virginia.Emily, Amy and Alicia threw me a "going away" party at Lake Compounce. Belinda Carlisile performed with inflatable globes as we rode the roller coasters and pigged out on fried dough. My going away gift? A California Raisins tee shirt that had the words "We'll miss you- BF Forever" scribbled across the front in puffy paint. The year was 1989.
Over the years we wrote letters and sent tapes of ourselves singing songs and talking about random things. We even had a few visits, but by the time we were adults, had our first dates, graduated high school and applied to colleges, life happened and we drifted apart . This was the 90's before Internet and facebook and we lost contact.
Then when I was 20 years old I got a letter from one of our pack- Alicia. I was living in New York and in acting school at the time. This letter found me after being rerouted a dozen times by the US postal service. I was more than thrilled. That summer Emily, Alicia and I had a reunion in Maine. From the first "hello" we knew that we could somehow pick up right where we left off.
Today Emily and I live in the same city, ride subways instead of bikes and try to fill Madonna's shoes in a different way. We both love filmmaking and Emily is also a talented musician working on her new album. Reconnecting when we did was in many ways like reintroducing ourselves to the child we had been. When I look at Emily I can still revisit that time when there was no limit on our imagination, no dream too big, when we believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that we were unstoppable super heroes...
Hopefully our next film will have a budget, a professional crew, some funding, secured locations, a sound editor, a score, a distribution deal, Sundance, a literary agent ...yes, yes - Young Becky- we can still dream.

Swing Vote winding down...now what?

2009-05-16T10:04:00.002-04:00

I love making movies. I've been shooting some semblance of a movie since I was just a kid when video cameras were the size of a small child, editing was done by recording a television screen and creativity was abundant. Back when the young mind didn't judge or ask questions like "how can a cockroach talk?" They just did. These videos were by no means "masterpieces" but they were full of passion.

Lately I've been looking back over my hundreds of journals I wrote in since I was 8 years old. They are a time machine and after a night of reading I am transported back to days when homework was interrupted with scribbles of boys names on notebooks. When sisters invaded my privacy and war was declared. When a father's absence was explained by long business trips without question or doubt.

I'm finding these books hold a great amount of inspiration and I feel a new connection with "Young Becky". I think our next project will be a a story that reflects these years and showcases this awareness.

A year or so ago one of my best friends, Emily Morse, and I sat down to write a movie. A month later we got together our SAG contract, held castings, hired a DP, shot it, tried to hire an editor- then edited it ourselves, our hard drive crashed, we lost the project then re-edited a better project and here we are today...
It just somehow, miraculously came together. We spent too much money, shot too much footage but what we learned and took away from this experience, we both agree, is way more valuable than a Film School Graduate degree.

Swing Vote is a funny, sexy, and smart film that we are very proud of. It was nominated, screened at several film festivals around the country and even won two awards including Best Short and Best Female-Filmmaker. Putting this thing together was near impossible, but that just leads to my next thought...if we were able to pull this off....what's next?

Right now I'm re-editing a film I project I worked on for three years and started in school at Purchase College. It was a documentary about street performers and regulations on public space. I was an anthropology major so the piece was a bit too academic for festivals. I'm starting over with the footage , adding new material and plan to submit it to a few festivals this year.

I'm also writing a few stories trying to find a new screenplay idea that will birth our new big project... Our first feature!

I had what I thought was a great idea for a movie but after meeting with Dan at Renart Films I reconsidered. As he suggested, we should write what we can shoot...even on a tiny budget. That meant my 1963 road trip movie would have to be put on hold.

The good news is that we have some really great ideas that are starting to come to life and take shape on the page. We met some great actors on Swing Vote and are excited to work together again. We also met many filmmakers, crew, and production people on the festival circuit and this puts us ahead from where we started a year ago.

I plan to document this new adventure on this blog.
stay tuned...

Rebecca Pelletier