As a Trekkie, I need to get this off my chest right away: the Vulcan salute in the picture above is incorrect. Zoe Saldaña's thumb should be extended.
The above picture is from Steven Spielberg's 2004 film "The Terminal," a film inspired by the true story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri. The story goes that Nasseri, an Iranian citizen, was traveling from London to Brussels via Paris, but was waylaid in Paris when he lost his refugee passport. Unable to leave Terminal 1 of the Charles de Gaulle Airport, Nasseri simply stayed there. He lived in the airport from 1988 until a medical emergency in 2006.
In Spielberg's film, the Nasseri stand-in was a character named Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) a citizen of a fictional Eastern European country called Krakozhia. While Viktor was traveling, there was a violent coup in his home country and its very existence was thrown into question. He was...
The above picture is from Steven Spielberg's 2004 film "The Terminal," a film inspired by the true story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri. The story goes that Nasseri, an Iranian citizen, was traveling from London to Brussels via Paris, but was waylaid in Paris when he lost his refugee passport. Unable to leave Terminal 1 of the Charles de Gaulle Airport, Nasseri simply stayed there. He lived in the airport from 1988 until a medical emergency in 2006.
In Spielberg's film, the Nasseri stand-in was a character named Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) a citizen of a fictional Eastern European country called Krakozhia. While Viktor was traveling, there was a violent coup in his home country and its very existence was thrown into question. He was...
- 2/3/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Nichelle Nichols herself told the story in Roger Nygard's 1997 documentary film "Trekkies." It seems that a young Black girl, maybe 11 or 12, was watching "Star Trek" for the first time in the late 1960s. When that girl saw Nichols portraying the communications officer on the U.S.S. Enterprise, she leaped up and ran to her mother to share the good news. The girl yelled, "There's a Black woman on TV, and she ain't no maid!" That girl was Whoopi Goldberg.
Goldberg was a "Star Trek" fan ever since, and would eventually be given a role on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" some 21 years later. Goldberg, it seems, was friends with LeVar Burton, who played Geordi La Forge on the show, and requested that he do her a favor. Since Goldberg was a big movie star, the makers of NextGen were happy to have her on the show. According to...
Goldberg was a "Star Trek" fan ever since, and would eventually be given a role on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" some 21 years later. Goldberg, it seems, was friends with LeVar Burton, who played Geordi La Forge on the show, and requested that he do her a favor. Since Goldberg was a big movie star, the makers of NextGen were happy to have her on the show. According to...
- 10/28/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Barbie leads the feature competition of the annual Hpa Awards, whose nominations in features, TV, documentaries, commercials and restoration were announced Tuesday.
The postproduction community nominated Greta Gerwig’s hit film for outstanding color grading, editing and sound. Close behind with two nominations apiece in the feature categories are Oppenheimer (color grading and editing), Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (sound and visual effects), Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (color grading and editing), Tár (color grading and editing) and Avatar: The Way of Water, for which teams at Weta FX and Industrial Light & Magic were both nominated in the VFX category.
The eligibility period runs from September 2022 to September 2023, which is why some of last year’s Oscar winners and contenders are nominated alongside some of the upcoming season’s contenders.
The winners will be announced during a Nov. 9 ceremony at the Hollywood Legion Theater. The complete list of nominees follows:
Outstanding...
The postproduction community nominated Greta Gerwig’s hit film for outstanding color grading, editing and sound. Close behind with two nominations apiece in the feature categories are Oppenheimer (color grading and editing), Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (sound and visual effects), Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (color grading and editing), Tár (color grading and editing) and Avatar: The Way of Water, for which teams at Weta FX and Industrial Light & Magic were both nominated in the VFX category.
The eligibility period runs from September 2022 to September 2023, which is why some of last year’s Oscar winners and contenders are nominated alongside some of the upcoming season’s contenders.
The winners will be announced during a Nov. 9 ceremony at the Hollywood Legion Theater. The complete list of nominees follows:
Outstanding...
- 10/3/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In Roger Nygard's 1997 documentary film "Trekkies," actor Wil Wheaton, who played teenage Wesley Crusher on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," pointed out that few groups of fans spend more time, energy, and finances on their object of affection than Trekkies. Anyone who has been to a "Star Trek" convention knows the sheer volume of "Star Trek" merchandise in the world. There are models of ships, tricorders, uniforms, communicator badges, and trading cards, not to mention t-shirts, phone cases, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, and any number of household items emblazoned with Trek indicia. This author owns a pizza knife in the shape of the U.S.S. Enterprise, with the ship's saucer section serving as the cutting blade.
Trekkies aren't as keen on action figures as their "Star Wars" fan counterparts, but one can find just about any character they want. Having been to Trek conventions, I recall actor Jonathan Frakes...
Trekkies aren't as keen on action figures as their "Star Wars" fan counterparts, but one can find just about any character they want. Having been to Trek conventions, I recall actor Jonathan Frakes...
- 2/21/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Here’s the latest episode of the The Filmmakers Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out previous episodes on the official podcast site, whilst we’ll be featuring each and every new episode as it premieres.
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmaker’s Podcast #276: ‘The Office’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ – Masterclass...
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmaker’s Podcast #276: ‘The Office’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ – Masterclass...
- 5/16/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The American Cinema Editors (Ace) has nominated “Belfast,” “Dune,” “King Richard,” “No Time to Die” and “The Power of the Dog” in the category of feature film drama at the 72nd annual Ace Eddie Awards.
In the best edited comedic feature category, “Cruella,” “Don’t Look Up,” “The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza” and “Tick, Tick…Boom!” all received nominations.
Among the animated features nominated were “Encanto,” “Luca,” “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Sing 2.” The TV nominees include “Succession” and “The White Lotus.”
The Eddies are considered a precursor for the best picture and best editing categories at the Oscars. Five of the past 11 winners for best edited drama feature went on to win the film editing Oscar.
Since 1961, only 10 women have won in the best edited drama feature category. This year, there are two women who made the cut: Pamela Martin (“King Richard”) and...
In the best edited comedic feature category, “Cruella,” “Don’t Look Up,” “The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza” and “Tick, Tick…Boom!” all received nominations.
Among the animated features nominated were “Encanto,” “Luca,” “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Sing 2.” The TV nominees include “Succession” and “The White Lotus.”
The Eddies are considered a precursor for the best picture and best editing categories at the Oscars. Five of the past 11 winners for best edited drama feature went on to win the film editing Oscar.
Since 1961, only 10 women have won in the best edited drama feature category. This year, there are two women who made the cut: Pamela Martin (“King Richard”) and...
- 1/27/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The American Cinema Editors has spliced together the nominees for its 72nd annual Ace Eddie Awards.
The editors behind Belfast, Dune, King Richard, No Time to Die and The Power of the Dog will compete for Best Edited Dramatic Feature Film. Up for Comedy Feature are Cruella, Don’t Look Up, The French Dispatch, Licorice Pizza and tick, tick…Boom! The Animated Feature race will be among Encanto, Luca, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Raya and the Last Dragon
and Sing 2.
Vying in the Documentary Feature competition are Flee, The Rescue, Summer of Soul, Val and The Velvet Underground. See the full list of the Eddie Award nominations below.
Trophies will be presented during the guild’s awards ceremony on March 5 at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The half-capacity show originally was set for February 26.
A highlight on the TV side is Kevin Can F**k Himself,...
The editors behind Belfast, Dune, King Richard, No Time to Die and The Power of the Dog will compete for Best Edited Dramatic Feature Film. Up for Comedy Feature are Cruella, Don’t Look Up, The French Dispatch, Licorice Pizza and tick, tick…Boom! The Animated Feature race will be among Encanto, Luca, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Raya and the Last Dragon
and Sing 2.
Vying in the Documentary Feature competition are Flee, The Rescue, Summer of Soul, Val and The Velvet Underground. See the full list of the Eddie Award nominations below.
Trophies will be presented during the guild’s awards ceremony on March 5 at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The half-capacity show originally was set for February 26.
A highlight on the TV side is Kevin Can F**k Himself,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
“Belfast,” “Dune,” “King Richard,” “No Time to Die” and “The Power of the Dog” have been nominated as the best dramatic film editing of 2021 by the American Cinema Editors, which announced the nominees for the 72nd annual Ace Eddie Awards on Thursday.
Those five films will compete in the Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic) category, while the field in Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy) will consist of “Cruella,” “Don’t Look Up,” “The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza” and “tick, tick…Boom!”
The most surprising omission was probably “West Side Story,” while Ace Eddie voters also bypassed “Nightmare Alley,” “Coda” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
Nominations for the editing of animated features went to the same five animated films that have also been nominated by the Cinema Audio Society, Motion Picture Sound Editors, Visual Effects Society and Art Directors Guild: “Encanto,” “Luca,” “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Sing 2.
Those five films will compete in the Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic) category, while the field in Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy) will consist of “Cruella,” “Don’t Look Up,” “The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza” and “tick, tick…Boom!”
The most surprising omission was probably “West Side Story,” while Ace Eddie voters also bypassed “Nightmare Alley,” “Coda” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
Nominations for the editing of animated features went to the same five animated films that have also been nominated by the Cinema Audio Society, Motion Picture Sound Editors, Visual Effects Society and Art Directors Guild: “Encanto,” “Luca,” “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Sing 2.
- 1/27/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The American Cinema Editors (Ace) have announced nominations for the 68th Annual Ace Eddie Awards. The ceremony recognizes outstanding editing in 10 film, television, and documentary categories. Nominated for best edited feature film this year are “Dunkirk” and “Blade Runner 2049” in the dramatic category and “Baby Driver” and “Get Out” in the comedy category.
Read More:2018 Oscar Predictions: Best Editing
Emmy winners such as “Veep,” “Big Little Lies,” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” will also compete for Ace prizes this year. “Fargo,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” all have multiple Ace television nominees.
Winners will be revealed on January 26. Check out the full nominations list below.
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic)
“Blade Runner 2049,” Joe Walker
“Dunkirk,” Lee Smith
“Molly’s Game,” Alan Baumgarten, Josh Schaeffer & Elliot Graham
“The Post,” Michael Kahn & Sarah Broshar
“The Shape of Water.” Sidney Wolinsky
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy)
“Baby Driver,” Jonathan Amos & Paul Machliss
“Get Out,...
Read More:2018 Oscar Predictions: Best Editing
Emmy winners such as “Veep,” “Big Little Lies,” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” will also compete for Ace prizes this year. “Fargo,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” all have multiple Ace television nominees.
Winners will be revealed on January 26. Check out the full nominations list below.
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic)
“Blade Runner 2049,” Joe Walker
“Dunkirk,” Lee Smith
“Molly’s Game,” Alan Baumgarten, Josh Schaeffer & Elliot Graham
“The Post,” Michael Kahn & Sarah Broshar
“The Shape of Water.” Sidney Wolinsky
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy)
“Baby Driver,” Jonathan Amos & Paul Machliss
“Get Out,...
- 1/3/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Sociologists refer to subcultures as groups that reflect values, tendencies, interests, and activities that fall outside of the norm. We are likely familiar with subcultures as they have been profiled in notable feature films, on television shows, and in advertising and marketing campaigns.
One of the most important ways in which subcultures have been introduced to us is through documentary film. Documentary filmmakers use the evocative and personal medium of film to express some of the insights that would otherwise be lost if we were to merely read about subcultures.
Here, then, are 10 outstanding documentaries about subcultures.
10. Trekkies and Trekkies 2
Roger Nygard’s Trekkies (1997) and Trekkies 2 (2004) offer a unique look at Star Trek fandom. His first film focuses mainly on the U.S. Trek scene, while Trekkies 2 illustrates the many instances of Trek fandom from around the world. Nygard’s interviews with Trek fans show us the...
One of the most important ways in which subcultures have been introduced to us is through documentary film. Documentary filmmakers use the evocative and personal medium of film to express some of the insights that would otherwise be lost if we were to merely read about subcultures.
Here, then, are 10 outstanding documentaries about subcultures.
10. Trekkies and Trekkies 2
Roger Nygard’s Trekkies (1997) and Trekkies 2 (2004) offer a unique look at Star Trek fandom. His first film focuses mainly on the U.S. Trek scene, while Trekkies 2 illustrates the many instances of Trek fandom from around the world. Nygard’s interviews with Trek fans show us the...
- 11/12/2013
- by Scott A. Lukas
- Obsessed with Film
The American Cinema Editors (Ace) announces the winners of the 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards highlighting excellence in film and television editing. "The Descendants" took home the drama award, "The Artist" won the musical/comedy award, "Rango" was awarded the animated category, and "Freedom Riders" received the documentary award.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards (to see winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, visit our Awards Avenue coverage right here)
Winners And Nominees Of The 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
*** (Winner) The Descendants
Kevin Tent, A.C.E.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter, A.C.E.
Hugo
Thelma Schoonmaker, A.C.E.
Moneyball
Christopher Tellefsen, A.C.E.
War Horse
Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):
*** (Winner) The Artist...
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards (to see winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, visit our Awards Avenue coverage right here)
Winners And Nominees Of The 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
*** (Winner) The Descendants
Kevin Tent, A.C.E.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter, A.C.E.
Hugo
Thelma Schoonmaker, A.C.E.
Moneyball
Christopher Tellefsen, A.C.E.
War Horse
Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):
*** (Winner) The Artist...
- 2/19/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, The Artist The Artist, The Descendants: Cinema Editors Winners Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic) * The Descendants Kevin Tent, A.C.E. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter, A.C.E. Hugo Thelma Schoonmaker, A.C.E. Moneyball Christopher Tellefsen, A.C.E. War Horse Michael Kahn, A.C.E. Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical) * The Artist Anne-Sophie Bion & Michel Hazanavicius Bridesmaids William Kerr & Michael L. Sale Midnight in Paris Alisa Lepselter My Week with Marilyn Adam Recht Young Adult Dana E. Glauberman, A.C.E. Best Edited Animated Feature Film The Adventures of Tintin Michael Kahn, A.C.E. Puss in Boots Eric Dapkewicz * Rango Craig Wood, A.C.E. Best Edited Half-hour Series For Television Curb Your Enthusiasm: “Mister Softee” Roger Nygard * Curb Your Enthusiasm: “Palestinian Chicken” Steven Rasch, A.C.E. Modern Family...
- 2/19/2012
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The nominations for the 62nd Ace Eddie Awards were announced today recognizing outstanding editing in nine categories of film, television and documentaries. The Artist and The Descendants were still going strong after their respective wins last night at the Golden Globes Awards. The Eddie Awards will be presented at the Beverly Hilton Saturday, February 18, 2012. The ceremony will be hosted by actor/comedian Patton Oswalt. Later this month Ace will announce the Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year honoree and two Career Achievement honorees.
Nominees For 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
The Descendants - Kevin Tent, A.C.E.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter, A.C.E.
Hugo - Thelma Schoonmaker, A.C.E.
Moneyball – Christopher Tellefsen, A.C.E.
War Horse - Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):...
Nominees For 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
The Descendants - Kevin Tent, A.C.E.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter, A.C.E.
Hugo - Thelma Schoonmaker, A.C.E.
Moneyball – Christopher Tellefsen, A.C.E.
War Horse - Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):...
- 1/17/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan in Steven Spielberg's War Horse Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic) The Descendants Kevin Tent, A.C.E. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter, A.C.E. Hugo Thelma Schoonmaker, A.C.E. Moneyball Christopher Tellefsen, A.C.E. War Horse Michael Kahn, A.C.E. Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical) The Artist Anne-Sophie Bion & Michel Hazanavicius Bridesmaids William Kerr & Michael L. Sale Midnight in Paris Alisa Lepselter My Week with Marilyn Adam Recht Young Adult Dana E. Glauberman, A.C.E. Best Edited Animated Feature Film The Adventures of Tintin Michael Kahn, A.C.E. Puss in Boots Eric Dapkewicz Rango Craig Wood, A.C.E. Best Edited Half-hour Series For Television Curb Your Enthusiasm: “Mister Softee” Roger Nygard Curb Your Enthusiasm: “Palestinian Chicken” Steven Rasch, A.C.E. Modern Family: “Express Christmas” Steven Rasch,...
- 1/17/2012
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Each year American Cinema Editors [1] (Ace) recognizes the best editing of the year in narrative film, documentary and television through the Eddie Awards. The nominations for achievement in 2011 have been released [2]. They include a couple of expected films such as Hugo and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and feature a couple other inclusions that might count as surprises to some. The full list is below. This list comes from the Ace press release about this year's Eddies. In this case, I like that there are feature film categories for dramatic and comedy/musical efforts; not that editing one or the other is more difficult, but editing is such a core component of comedy and musical films, and one that so often goes unheralded and even unexamined, that it deserves a moment in the sun. Looking at the documentary selections, I was at first disappointed not to see Senna included,...
- 1/17/2012
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
By Sean O’Connell
hollywoodnews.com: The American Cinema Editors announced their nominations for the 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards Monday morning, recognizing outstanding editing in nine categories of film, television and documentaries.
Like the Golden Globes, the editors divide their films between “Dramatic” and “Comedic” categories, so its tough to peg how (or if) they play into the five Oscar nomination slots. At the very least, you can guess that the Academy’s five nominees will come from the five features listed below.
Winners will be revealed during Ace’s 62nd annual black-tie awards ceremony on Saturday, February 18, 2012 in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. As previously announced, the ceremony will be hosted by actor/comedian Patton Oswalt. Later this month Ace will announce the Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year honoree and two Career Achievement honorees.
Here are the nominees for 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards:...
hollywoodnews.com: The American Cinema Editors announced their nominations for the 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards Monday morning, recognizing outstanding editing in nine categories of film, television and documentaries.
Like the Golden Globes, the editors divide their films between “Dramatic” and “Comedic” categories, so its tough to peg how (or if) they play into the five Oscar nomination slots. At the very least, you can guess that the Academy’s five nominees will come from the five features listed below.
Winners will be revealed during Ace’s 62nd annual black-tie awards ceremony on Saturday, February 18, 2012 in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. As previously announced, the ceremony will be hosted by actor/comedian Patton Oswalt. Later this month Ace will announce the Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year honoree and two Career Achievement honorees.
Here are the nominees for 62nd Annual Ace Eddie Awards:...
- 1/16/2012
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
A look at what's new on DVD today:
"Gasland" (2010)
Directed by Josh Fox
Released by New Video Group
"Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work"
Directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg
Released by Mpi Home Video
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" (2010)
Directed by Banksy
Released by Oscilloscope Laboratories
If you haven't caught up on the year's best documentaries in time to fill out your top 10 list, three of them will be hitting DVD shelves this week, beginning with Josh Fox's Sundance award-winning "Gasland," an exploration of the "hydraulic fracturing" going on in own backyard, a type of drilling that has spread to 34 states in the U.S. and has left a host of reservoirs of toxic waste and frequent gas explosions along the way. For something less serious, but equally compelling, there is also Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg's "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work," which follows the...
"Gasland" (2010)
Directed by Josh Fox
Released by New Video Group
"Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work"
Directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg
Released by Mpi Home Video
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" (2010)
Directed by Banksy
Released by Oscilloscope Laboratories
If you haven't caught up on the year's best documentaries in time to fill out your top 10 list, three of them will be hitting DVD shelves this week, beginning with Josh Fox's Sundance award-winning "Gasland," an exploration of the "hydraulic fracturing" going on in own backyard, a type of drilling that has spread to 34 states in the U.S. and has left a host of reservoirs of toxic waste and frequent gas explosions along the way. For something less serious, but equally compelling, there is also Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg's "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work," which follows the...
- 12/12/2010
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
A decade ago, journeyman television director and editor Roger Nygard helmed “Trekkies.” This well-received documentary profiled the rabid “Star Trek” enthusiasts who give all other fans a bad name. What did he follow it up with? Well, a sequel. But after that? An investigation into “The Nature of Existence.” Says Nygard, “All my documentaries tend to be, it turns out as I look back, portraits of subcultures and human beliefs.”
But Nygard didn’t just go looking for another subculture to document. The questions he raises in “Existence” have haunted him since childhood. “When I was seven years old, I realized that I was going to die one day,” he says. He realized this when he was reading an encyclopedia article about tuberculosis. “I started to realize, ‘Hey, wait a minute! I cough a lot. I’m fatigued all the time. Maybe I have tuberculosis!’” Then, when he was 13, his dad died,...
But Nygard didn’t just go looking for another subculture to document. The questions he raises in “Existence” have haunted him since childhood. “When I was seven years old, I realized that I was going to die one day,” he says. He realized this when he was reading an encyclopedia article about tuberculosis. “I started to realize, ‘Hey, wait a minute! I cough a lot. I’m fatigued all the time. Maybe I have tuberculosis!’” Then, when he was 13, his dad died,...
- 6/18/2010
- Moving Pictures Magazine
“Making a personal documentary can consume you. When I started out with just one question — “Why do we exist?” — I didn’t realize it would take me 85 questions, four years, 170 interviews, traveling across six countries, and 450 hours of footage to get an answer,” says Roger Nygard, the director of “The Nature of Existence.” “If I knew what I was in for before I started any of my film projects, I would probably have gone to medical school. Sure, medical school is hard, but you don’t have to create a new idea every day. I decided to self-finance the project, so that meant traveling light and cheap, either by myself or sometimes with one other person to shoot B camera. [My co-producer] Paul Tarantino watched a rough cut of some scenes and, as I struggled with a way to tell a story, suggested I put myself into the movie.”...
- 6/14/2010
- Moving Pictures Magazine
By Susan Granger - Ignited by the events of 9/11, independent filmmaker Roger Nygard travels around the world to places like Jerusalem, China and Rome to take a non-judgmental look at what various disparate people think about the most provocative questions of life: Why do we exist? What's the difference between science and religion -- and can they co-exist? What is the definition of God? Who is the Devil? What is faith? Is Holy Scripture really true? What is morality? What is sin? Do we have free will? Why is there genocide? Does prayer work? Do animals have souls? And is there an Afterlife?...
- 5/20/2010
- Arizona Reporter
I've always been fascinated with the topic of geek fandom, which is why I'm usually on the look-out for new documentaries that deal with that topic. Many of them aren't so great. There are a few that focus on the people who waited in line for Episode One. A couple of them focus on subsets of fans, like Lord of the Rings fans or Star Wars fans. Roger Nygard's Trekkies is one of my favorite documentaries, not just on the subject, but of all time. I would highly recommend that anyone who hasn't seen it -- seek it out. It takes a look at some hardcore Star Trek fans from around the U.S. I think it works because the fans Roger profiles and follows tend to be more quirky and interesting than your average fan. They even made a sequel which explored Star Trek fandom around the globe.
- 4/21/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Remaking a universe is tricky. There's a risk of destroying the whole thing in the process.
On May 8, Paramount will set out for a new and, it hopes, not final frontier when it relaunches the iconic sci-fi franchise "Star Trek." After 43 years, 10 movies and more than 700 episodes of six TV series, the Melrose studio has bet at least $150 million (and tens of millions more in planned marketing) that Trekkies of all federations again will climb aboard the Starship Enterprise.
But reaching blockbuster status is a challenge only slightly less daunting than the Kobayashi Maru scenario.
The films based on Gene Roddenberry's 1966 space Western serial have not been mega-hits, and, more importantly, they have failed to draw big audiences in increasingly crucial overseas markets. The top-grossing "Trek" feature was 1996's "Star Trek: First Contact," which grossed $146 million worldwide, with only $54 million coming from international (1979's "Star Trek: The Motion Picture...
On May 8, Paramount will set out for a new and, it hopes, not final frontier when it relaunches the iconic sci-fi franchise "Star Trek." After 43 years, 10 movies and more than 700 episodes of six TV series, the Melrose studio has bet at least $150 million (and tens of millions more in planned marketing) that Trekkies of all federations again will climb aboard the Starship Enterprise.
But reaching blockbuster status is a challenge only slightly less daunting than the Kobayashi Maru scenario.
The films based on Gene Roddenberry's 1966 space Western serial have not been mega-hits, and, more importantly, they have failed to draw big audiences in increasingly crucial overseas markets. The top-grossing "Trek" feature was 1996's "Star Trek: First Contact," which grossed $146 million worldwide, with only $54 million coming from international (1979's "Star Trek: The Motion Picture...
- 2/19/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
By Matt Singer
In honor of the new documentary "We Are Wizards," about people who take Harry Potter way beyond simply reading the books or watching the movies, we take a look this week at obsessive fan culture and the documentaries that chronicle their fandom. Fanaticism in these films takes on many different forms. Some fans only want to take what their idols give them; others want to give back by creating derivative works of their own, like fan fiction or fan songs. Some become unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Some -- like a dentist who turned his office into a "Star Trek" tchotchke paradise called "Starfleet Dental" -- willfully reject the distinction altogether. Some love to become lost in escapism; others obsess about it until they are trapped by it. On this list, we'll look at what makes these fans tick and find the exact point when...
In honor of the new documentary "We Are Wizards," about people who take Harry Potter way beyond simply reading the books or watching the movies, we take a look this week at obsessive fan culture and the documentaries that chronicle their fandom. Fanaticism in these films takes on many different forms. Some fans only want to take what their idols give them; others want to give back by creating derivative works of their own, like fan fiction or fan songs. Some become unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Some -- like a dentist who turned his office into a "Star Trek" tchotchke paradise called "Starfleet Dental" -- willfully reject the distinction altogether. Some love to become lost in escapism; others obsess about it until they are trapped by it. On this list, we'll look at what makes these fans tick and find the exact point when...
- 11/13/2008
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. -- With "Star Trek"'s phenomenal popularity growing even after 30 years, it was inevitable that a film would come along to document the particular fanaticism exhibited by devotees of the show's various incarnations. Adopting the more commonly used label for its title -- true fans, of course, prefer Trekker -- this is an entertaining documentary that should exploit its subject matter nicely.
Although slightly dragged out to achieve feature length, it is a fun look at a colorful subculture that should achieve a long life on video after modest theatrical play.
Director Roger Nygard adopts an affectionate, nonjudgmental tone toward his subject -- which, as becomes increasingly clear as the film goes on, must have taken a little effort. Still, by letting his subjects speak for themselves and not adopting a wiseacre attitude a la Michael Moore, he manages to poke fun of the Trekkies without seeming mean-spirited.
The film chronicles the development of the Trekkie phenomenon, beginning with the first convention in 1969, during which the show's creators and original stars were astonished to discover what they had started. Amusing interviews with cast members of the various series reveal their unpreparedness to deal with the fanaticism that "Star Trek" generated.
Among the more amusing subjects on display are Barbara Adams, the Whitewater juror who showed up for court in her "Star Trek" costume; a Florida dentist whose office, dubbed "Starbase Dental", has been decorated in a "Star Trek" motif, complete with uniform-wearing receptionists; an obsessed 14-year-old who has already managed to attend 28 conventions; the hosts of a radio talk show, "Talk Trek", devoted to Trek issues; and a man who admits to wanting to have his ears surgically altered to resemble a Vulcan.
Some of the scenes are positively priceless: a class at the Klingon Language Camp; William Shatner barely able to contain himself from cracking up while standing next to a guy in a "Star Trek" uniform; a scary interview with a Brent Spiner fan who comes this close to being a stalker; and a look at a Midwestern town that proudly bills itself as "the future birthplace of Captain Kirk."
TREKKIES
Neo Motion Pictures
Director-editor Roger Nygard
Producer W.K. Border
Executive producers Michael Leahy,
Joel Soisson
Co-executive producer Denise Crosby
Director of photography Harris Done
Music Walter Werzowa, Jimmie Wood,
J.J. Holiday, Billy Sullivan
Color/stereo
Running time -- 87 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Although slightly dragged out to achieve feature length, it is a fun look at a colorful subculture that should achieve a long life on video after modest theatrical play.
Director Roger Nygard adopts an affectionate, nonjudgmental tone toward his subject -- which, as becomes increasingly clear as the film goes on, must have taken a little effort. Still, by letting his subjects speak for themselves and not adopting a wiseacre attitude a la Michael Moore, he manages to poke fun of the Trekkies without seeming mean-spirited.
The film chronicles the development of the Trekkie phenomenon, beginning with the first convention in 1969, during which the show's creators and original stars were astonished to discover what they had started. Amusing interviews with cast members of the various series reveal their unpreparedness to deal with the fanaticism that "Star Trek" generated.
Among the more amusing subjects on display are Barbara Adams, the Whitewater juror who showed up for court in her "Star Trek" costume; a Florida dentist whose office, dubbed "Starbase Dental", has been decorated in a "Star Trek" motif, complete with uniform-wearing receptionists; an obsessed 14-year-old who has already managed to attend 28 conventions; the hosts of a radio talk show, "Talk Trek", devoted to Trek issues; and a man who admits to wanting to have his ears surgically altered to resemble a Vulcan.
Some of the scenes are positively priceless: a class at the Klingon Language Camp; William Shatner barely able to contain himself from cracking up while standing next to a guy in a "Star Trek" uniform; a scary interview with a Brent Spiner fan who comes this close to being a stalker; and a look at a Midwestern town that proudly bills itself as "the future birthplace of Captain Kirk."
TREKKIES
Neo Motion Pictures
Director-editor Roger Nygard
Producer W.K. Border
Executive producers Michael Leahy,
Joel Soisson
Co-executive producer Denise Crosby
Director of photography Harris Done
Music Walter Werzowa, Jimmie Wood,
J.J. Holiday, Billy Sullivan
Color/stereo
Running time -- 87 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/29/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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