Big Mamma's Boy Red Carpet Premiere Experience

The 12th of July 2011- Big Mamma's Boy Red Carpet 


I have been involved with a Melbourne-made feature film for just over one year now, and it was finally time for the world premiere to take place this month ahead of it's hopefully successful season in cinemas around Australia. No, not an arty farty film with limited releases in arthouse cinemas, but a feature film Set to be released in about 32 well known cinemas around Australia!


The premiere was held at Village Cinemas, Crown where the red carpet was rolled out for the stars as the press snapped away and interviewed the actors of the film as well as distinguished guests. Of those that walked the red carpet was Big Mamma's Boy star/writer/producer- Frank Lotito known in the comedy circuit for his 'ethnic style' of stand up. Along with the actress/musical artist, Holly Valance for her role as Flick in Neighbours. Adding to the Neighbours cast to walk the red carpet as an invited guest included Scott Major (Lucas in Neigbours) and Jordan Smith (Andrew in Neighbours). Also walking the carpet are featured actors in this feature film including Simon Palomares, Natalie Gauci, George Kapiniaris, Tony Lewis and Costas Kilias. (Tony the Yugoslav in Wog Boy).

My highlight of the night was seeing two of my friends absolutely over the moon with excitement. One of them, Juliana, was wrapped to get to speak to Costas Kilias who plays Mr. Colletta in the film but famously known as Tony the Yougoslav from The Wog Boy movie. Her face instantly lit up as she had the opportunity to converse with Costas as he whispered in her ear something I don't think she will ever forget.. 'Thanks Farken". I think the photos will explain her excitement! Costas was lovely it was great to see him take the time to converse as well as crack some jokes and insist that 6 copies of the photo we took with him, were to be on his desk the following morning, Haha!


Then there was Isabella, jumping around the room as she went through, excitement, nerves, shyness all at once as she saw some 'hot' minor celebs especially the guy who plays Andrew in Neighbours. She didn't give in to our subtle pushes so she could 'walk into' him though as she was walking behind him as we exited the cinema. Too cute!

I also had the chance to briefly catch up with George Kapiniaris well known as Memo from Acropolis Now and most recently touring with Joe Avati, Simon Palomares and Jason Chong as part of Il Dago! I recommend you go and check out this show if you're a wog or know a wog :) This is my second plug for the day Il Dago.


Back to the movie!!
As we entered the cinemas we were handed a bag of Baci chocolates each and  I was then taught the correct pronunciation of these chocolates being, 'BA-CHI'. As we walked to our seats a friend I made on set,also named Jade, called out to me and it was nice to see her. We were extras for a small scene in the film and both made the final cut so were excited to see each other on the big screen. PRior to the commencement of the film, Frank Lotito and some of the major production figures made a speech and introduced their work and the cast to an eager audience. 


The film was brilliant! Hilarious, typical relations between the onscreen actors and the audience with the film values mirroring the values of the audience such as, the Mama finding it difficult to let her son live by himself as well as the Mamma always making large proportions of food for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. I will not go into the film too much as I want you to go and see it! You will love it and definitely if you are of any sort of wog background! This niche of the audience will particularly LOVE this movie. It's up there with the famous, 'The Wog Boy' and 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' with an oregano flavouring added on top! It's a fun family friendly film with lots of surprises, that you can even watch with your Nonna and Nonno without making excuses to leave the room! Who knows, maybe they will learn from the movie and will let you move out of home when you reach 30? 


For all film screening details and an overview please check out the website www.bigmammasboymovie.com  

The month of July begins

So it is my final month of holidays before semester 2 commences and I tell you, time as flown by so fast. It felt like only yesterday I was celebrating my 19th birthday with some close friends, stuffing our faces with pizza and dancing into the early hours of the morning! The month of June has however, opened up a variety of options for this current month of July.

Firstly out of bordom and tradition, I decide to enter a competition which gives you the opportunity to see an exclusive, live performance by none-other than the paparazzied, poker faced and superstar on the Edge of Glory, Lady Gaga. In a concert in Sydney only for her Little Monsters whom had to win tickets showing their inner little monster. So in typical Jade tradition, I enter and win with what I call an average entry based on costume and photoshop. I say average as I didn't wrap meat all over me, or tattoo myself. Anyway that morning began with a wake up call by a well known Melbourne radio station, Fox FM. Notifying me that my entry was shortlisted. I was half asleep and my response was a little casual but that soon changed when it was my chance to be the first of three callers to get through on the radio station. I screamed my lungs out.. in disbelief, in shock and in a 'omg you idiot' spirit. I first called Mum and then called my best friend, who was extremely patient with me and applied the Gaga makeup on a very fidgety model.. LOL as she was going to come with me! So free flights, free accommodation at the Sydney Hilton and a free concert by Lady freaking Gaga!  So to the leadup to the concert which is on the 13th of July we have been attempting to learn Gaga's latest Album and failing haha. We are so excited to be able to have accommodation in the city of Sydney to which we can squash in typical sights such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Fortunately I went to Sydney at the start of the year,  so I am pretty confident in navigating the two of us around town without wasting too much time (as it is an overnight stay)!!!!

This month I have also been promoting a hilarious new Australian romantic comedy starring some terrific talent from actor/comedians! It's called Big Mamma's Boy, and in cinemas around Australia from the 28th of July! Click for the Big Mamma's Boy Website!! So being within the street team I am very greatful to have the opportunity tomorrow, to see an advanced screening and I cannot wait!!! AND because it's a brilliant movie, I am going again and just booked tickets tonight to the Premiere with my closest friends on the 12th of this Month!

For a month which I have been expected to chill I have plans to catch up with some friends as well as have a family trip to Fiji, to conclude the month for a week. Family trips- gawd help me, but Fiji and a tan, come sooner! This has just been an overview blog about my plans for the month and hopefully I make an interesting blog of some of these experiences!!!!!  Anyway I'm off Facebook has decided to no-longer be 'temporarily unavailable.'  Toodloooz!

Characterful Snippits!

I've got just over 2 months of holidays starting from today so I guess I will get this blog more regularly updated with posts but for now, feast your eyes (in a non- pedophile way!) on a collaboration of video footage and random improvised scenes I have done with my friend Brooke!

The REEL thing!

So yesterday was officially a 'chill day' spent it not touching any uni work whatsoever, despite my plans to get a little bit done..

Had only one errand of the day and that was to go with Mum to get our passport interviews as I am currently in the process of getting a passport. It would have been in much more of a progressive state however the incompetent lady who took our 'passport photos' neglected to take the photo properly eve when they knew it was a passport photo... anyway I won't rant on about that. I had the opportunity to be trusted by Mum so I drove around locally so instil confidence within her so that I can get some driving hours up because I am not even a quarter of the way through gaining hours to go for my licence.

After facebooking as usual I decided to great a much long awaiting blooper reel of our day filming, 'Visitare La Nonna' which was a short film I made with some of the best friends ever. Took me about 5 hours to stitch together as I had to reupload footage. It is just bloopers and therefore it isn't cut perfect but rather a montage of our filming day. I have realised however that I need to take much more behind the scenes recording as we had hilarious discussions and moments.. such as making my friend, Amy have a big booty.

This is the video, yes we are a crazy bunch!

(if you haven't seen the short film, or would like to rewatch it, it's a couple of blogs down.)

Rock of Ages!

One of my favourite theatrical performances all year, Rock of Ages!

A love story told in the true rocker style. Crazy hair, bright lights, fog machines, glitter and pamphlets showering the audience.. no worries... oh yeah and a bit of bum. We had third row seats just off centre, perfect for capturing and being involved in the true essence of the production! Seats make ALL the difference, so if ever there is a chance of getting good seats and paying a tad more I try and take it! The ushers decked out in their 80s rocker and groupie outfits not only guiding us to our seats but asking if we wanted any drinks delivered mid performance, selling programs and CDs, merchandise (had to buy the tshirt and program), the works. Actually come to think of it, perhaps a concert environment better describes the atmosphere. (even with the expensive price for snacks! Hahaha)

From the first act, the audience were drawn back in time into this recreated world where a love story nestled, a love of a boy, and a boys love for the music. The theatrical performers successfully conveyed all the action, drama, dope from the late 70s and 80s. If I had the money I would go again without a doubt! -enters all the online competition for free tix- It's a must see!!!!! OMG GO AND SEE IT!!! 

Cannot forget the highlight of hearing the songs of the 80s soo smoothly weaved into a performance! 

Before I go I will leave you with a great quote, line, phrase, lyric...

Don't Stop Believing!

Doctor Zhivago the Musical Opening Night!

What's better than free tickets to a Musical?

Free tickets and sitting 2 seats away from Australian character legend, Chris Lilley!

Thanks to a lovely Great Aunty for getting us tickets to the opening night of one of the latest musical productions of Melbourne, Doctor Zhivago I was fortunate enough to relive the opening night experiences of Chicago, Fame and Mary Poppins once again. Held on Thursday the 14th of April, 2011 at Her Majesties Theatre, the red carpet was rolled out as local stars walked into the bar and theatre in fur to team with the theme of the Russian story which was about to unfold before their eyes. The carpet was home to the likes of Darynn Hinch, Alan Fletcher, Ronda Burchmore, well known presenters of the news past and present and even talented star of We Can be Heroes and Summer Heights High, Chris Lilley walked in with their 'plus ones' to witness the Musical of the film, Doctor Zhivago. It was lovely to see most people in fur hats and scarves on this Autumn evening however animal rights activists may not take the same perspective if it were real. What else could top off the night by personally given a front row seat to the show amongst celebrities! As we entered the auditorium I was fortunate enough to be able to speak to Chris Lilley as we briefly spoke about his latest series, Angry Boys. (on screens early May!) He was nice and modest and coincidently had seats 2 seats down our row!

This would have been the second production at Her Maj to be seated front row and I must say, rumours of the front row being a neck-breaker is absolutely false. These seats ultimately allow you to be further immersed into the production as you see not only the performance, the wig alignment to the actor's heads but the sweat and spit flying across the stage. (not at the audience.. that would be awkward, no need for another shower thanks!) To be honest I did not think that this musical would be my sort of style however I am extremely glad that I did take a day off work for this as it was SOOO worth it and changed my perspective. The voices were amazing, the set was spectacular, the acting was true, (even the crying!)  and the plot was a beautiful love story which had tears in the eyes of some of the audience. I heard sniffles a lady.. (quite possibly a well known figure... just not to me...) told me how touching and watery her eyes were. The sound effects were also brilliant and despite us knowing when a gun was to fire... I could still be surprised when it does and jump in my seat. Funnily enough, so did well known dancer Rhonda Burchmore as we jumped in unison and connected gaze as we quietly mimed a laugh as we were the only ones that jumped in out seats. Well at least I can say I had a moment with Rhonda right? haha. After the show there were camera and an interviewer going around and interviewed most of my relatives on their take on the show, including me and my sister. So if you see us in footage floating around, Let me know! 

Comedy Gala 2011

Since December my comedy gala ticket had been sitting in my 'ticket' draw on my desk (Yes, I dedicated a little draw to my tickets to future stand up and theatre shows) and today was the day they saw the blissful light of day.

The long awaited day began with a call as to a 'change of plans' to get to our destination thanks to the fantastically unreliable train system we have in Melbourne. However, it acted in our favour today as my best friend decided that she would drive us to the venue in St. Kilda. She hadn't driven solo around St Kiilda or the city so this was an adventure from the very start! In the spa of 10 mins, prior to her arrival to pick me up, I google mapped directions and grabbed dad's GPS... and the adventure began. To our surprise we managed to successfully get to the venue without getting lost (considered we are from the other side of town) and the real struggle was working out the ticket machine. Eventually working out the technicality of the machine, we ventured out to find a place to dine. After walking around for at least half an hour with our inner with Italy on our mind we had Italian and it was a great chance to catch up .

The evening proceeded as we entered The Palais Theatre full of eager punters set for a night of laughter! And so the night was just that... if not more, from side splitting laughter to a subtle exchange of a glance saying 'this hat guy is not funny.' It was great to see the gala live and unedited as I had always wanted to go since year seven. There were some fantastic acts from Zoe Lyons, Stephen K Amos, Steve Hughes, Laurence Mooney, Bob Franklin, Denise Scott, Cal Wilson, Reginald D Hunter.. the list went on and on! The show ended with the audience getting flooded with streamers and it was a great atmosphere! We took some photos whilst everyone forwarded out of the venue but I couldn't help but play in the streamers. Let's just say.. glitter and streamer were kept as a keepsake.

We then drove back to MacDonald's in a suburb closer to home and pig out as soon as we worked out how to get home and make sense of the crazy St. Kilda road markings!!! It was fabulash! Got home at midnight for an early morning of university the next day. We had such a memorable night. This is my favourite photo of the night, despite the bad colour and plastic arms in the shot, standing in streamers with the Gala sign truly captures the night that I hope will be annual from this year on!

Mambo Italiano

Here is a short film I made which got screened as part of the "Italian Short Film Competition" for La Dolce Italia Festival on Lygon St. Last Saturday. Despite the rain there was a pretty good turnout!

14 hours in the city!

Going solo, city days are something I quite enjoy. Having the freedom to skim past uninteresting shops, spend as much time as I want trying on clothes and trusting my own instinct in terms transport and getting places. Day commenced catching the train to the Southern Cross Station and thank god I bumped into someone who knew Southern Cross Station as she quickly 'sign languaged' me to go in the right direction after I got off at the station as I had never been there before LOL.. nearly ended up at Edihad Stadium instead DFO Swanston Street.  Managed to work it out and I found some nice clothes at discounted prices.

Decided to walk to Melbourne Central as I was not gain enough to work out Southern Cross Station  (plus, it was good exercise) browsed through some shops, grabbed lunch and then decided to train it to Parliament Station as I had an interview nearby there.  I had my interview and hoping it went well and that I get it, because the pay is AMAZING lol. It's just a temp. For 3-4 weeks F.O.H position =D but A LOT of people applied so it would just be a blessing if I get it. Then my mobile went completely flat and I decided to buy a charger and charge it at Melb Central (they have plugs in the food court.. lol) so some lady sells me a charger, it wasn't for my model. so thats going back! LOL. Hung around there for a while bought a skirt and some stuff so it was a successful shopping day as I awaited the family to see ROB SCHNEIDER LIVE, ironically at the SAME place as my interview. 

In the pouring rain- that's Melbourne.. the show was amazing, we had average seats but you could still see him despite the shortness of us and him. It all started with 'YOU CAN DOO IT!' included a moth attack and a grasshopper and Adam Sadler impersonations! Loved it, very funny American. After the show he did a signing which I really didn't expect but was excited about! In the queue I met the same lady from the AFI Awards, who I bumped into in Taronga Zoo in Sydney and apparently we went to Wayne Brady too.. LOL she makes me laugh with her eagerness to meet people and get photos signed with them.. she goes to EXTREME levels! LOL. Anyway got to meet Rob, he was very nice and signed our tickets and got a nice photo! I think this is the first.. well known 'famous' American I have met.

The week that was......welll... last week.

Monday the day to which I had to enroll at my university. The day started pretty early as I posted off my entry into a competition and then 'killed time' in the city until my 2pm enrollment session at Swinburne University in Hawthorn. Amazed at the size of the campus, coloured levels and high tech ticketing system in the student information centre, it was defenently as nothing similar to the high school I attended the past 6 years. Thankfully I only got lost, once.. trying to get out of the building! I can now officially state that I am studying bachelor of arts- media and communication at the school.

Tuesday I had work and then my sister's friend slept over so we dressed up as bums and were lipsynhing and being idiots to I wanna be a Billionaire which turned into us dancing to songs on photobooth... they use me for my mac.  I guess I looked more bogan this day then Australia Day.. nevermind lol

Australia Day
Australian's all let us ring Joyce for she is young and free..
Considering the miserable weather I didn't have an 'AUSTRALIAN PRIDE-like' Aussie Day. Instead I caught up with a friend as I hadn't seen her in a while and shared university experiences and commented on the complexisity of enrolling at her University. Followed by playing Wii dancing like Michael Jackson and Rusputin followed by some good ol' guyitar Hero.. as my Mum was shocked at the 'terrible songs' that we were playing... my response being..Brooke picked them!

Coffee Catch -up was spontaneously planned when two people logged in to facebook bored converse on such a lovely day. Went down to Gloria Jeans in Williamstown and spoilt ourselves with Iced Chocolates and my favourite.. Cookies and Cream Iced drink mmm! Technically we didn't eat anything fatty.. we sucked it.. sucked up the fat and sugar eyy. Our day continued as we soaked up the sun in front of the pier sharing our excitment for the big drama catch-up to be had the following day.

Another early day in the city just walking around (good exercise!) as I avoid travelling and paying more in a zone that I am in for 2 minutes! Then met everyone at Crown as we were like little children amused by the lights, prize opportunities and car racing that Galactic Circus offered. As intended we played 3 games of Lazor tag and I can contently say I took first and second place in the first and third games against guys too! Obviously it worked to dance in the middle to the music whilst deactivated! Got accused as a bitch, cheat and fit person whilst whipping their butts at the game! Being short and wearing slidey shoes, has it's perks! I then trained it back to make my shift at the video shop. I ended up working overtime without pay- but didn't really mind considering we didn't have many customers for 2 of my 4 hour shift. Finished the night off watching a movie Dinner for Shmiks or whatever it is and fell asleep as it wasn't any good. Seriously, it is so easy for a movie to hit the cinemas these days they will screen anything even if it's pure rubbish!

I shall be off now as I get ready for a haircut and hopefully get a chance to dye my hair before going to an 18th party tonight!

Lights Camera Sleep!

Yesterday I actually finished that short film I was making. I had had this set in my head around exam time last year as a little project to take up during the holidays after seeing a competition that I could enter. Me and my competitions, I enter anything and EVERYTHING. So yes there was a small incentive to get me through this project without giving up or being lazy about it. This kept me pro active whenever I had a day spare on the holidays as I planned out the all important 'on the day' running. In production land 'on the day' literally means on the day and refers to the time filming...on the day. okay, that really didn't need to be explained.. anyway as I had a 1 day shoot, which I thought was appropriate as I shot in the one location, my Nunna's house, conveniently in the following street behind mine. For continuity and just to save time it was enough to squeeze it all in one day. In saying that- this is truly when all the planning comes to life and  perhaps the highlight of the project. I cast my 2 friends of Italian heritage to feature in the short and my loyal friend Juliana assisted and contributed to the set that day. After my one week holiday break, I spent 4-5 days during the returning week editing. Being self taught everything was an experiment if I'd had the time I'd reshoot scenes, edit it for a wider screen and get a HD video camera to film it all.  But I learnt so much in the short space of days fiddling around on Adobe Premiere and stitching together this footage with transitions as well as using the colour correction tool to brighten up a couple of scenes and get rid of the yellow tinge on some clips. Honestly the initial intention to enter this short film in a competition has completely left as I am satisfied that this has been a better short video of mine and that I have learnt so much.

Now the most challenging part is putting it on a DVD of which I will endeavour this morning after my sleep. I am certain this post makes no sense is repetitive and a poor attempt of my use of 'smart words' as my sister today said.. "Jade, you really have a small vocabulary" - thanks younger sister of mine.
I'l read over this later, eventually.. soon. I feel so exhausted after editing all day and working 4 hours non-stop at the video shop always doing something. It was a good feeling I got some exercise.. and time went by faster. Anyways enough rambling. I'l tidy this blog up later.
Ta Taa!

For no apparent reason I will leave you with an innovative driving creation by none other than Mr. Bean!  

REFRESHED

My poor Safari Internet browser from 6:00pm yesterday, it survived more than 200 refreshes. Why?
University first round offers were coming out. Said to be 'revealed' at the unusual time of 7:30pm, most year 12s of 2010 in Victoria plastered themselves in front of the computer waiting for them to be released. For someone who does not get the Herald Sun or The Age Newspaper I was not informed that online and in the papers on the respected websites the courses are released an hour earlier! Trust me, when you are waiting for something so badly, an hour off the waiting time is EVERYTHING! Thanks again to lovely Facebook communication, found out you can access your offer earlier.

And as hoped for, my first preference offer for Media and Communications at Swinburne University 'popped up' as I searched my name. So I've been wrapped, absolutely over the moon that I got into a course which I hope can open me up to a variety of jobs in the future from radio production, journalism, PR, Communication research and publicity. Definitely the area I would like to get involved in!

Imagine how amazing it would be to have Angela Bishop's job, walk the red carpet, interview the celebrities, get invited to every opening night and after party. It would be a treasure and so many memories would be had. My goal has always been to have a career that I'd love or enjoy and not be crammed up in an office adding figures or selling donuts for the rest of my life. I also think that variety works best with me. I like to try new things and muck around. I would also like to act or perform. I love seeing someones reaction when I perform or tell the lamest of jokes.. that they are laughing at me failing rather than the humour of the joke. A laugh is a laugh as I see it. If you are genuinely funny and can make someone fall in stitches of laughter from a joke or completely bag yourself out and get a giggle out of that-I think that is special.

Anyway getting back on track from the tangents of my mind this year is going to be full of nerves, getting lost, new friends, new experiences and hopefully I can retain friendships from last year which I am worried will fade away.

A progress update on the short film, I have had the one day shoot, edited the scenes together, colour corrected a couple scenes (MY LIFESAVER!) and now need to work on the soundscore, audio and credits.

Amy as Nonna

Me as Director- one day that tiny camcorder will be replaced with a huge HD professional one.. right?

The year to be...

Here are just SOME dreams and goals for 2011. Some clearly more harder to reach. Either way let's make it a fun year full of new experiences and adventures!

Get into a course at Swinburne University
Make new friends
Get my driving hours up!
See Big Mamma's Boy in cinemas
Go to comedy shows
Meet Comedians
Win stuff
Get a good job/offer
Make a short film and get it screened
Audition for  a film or find some extras work!
Eurovision Party
Movie marathons
Crazy adventures with friends
Get a Big Mamma's Boy Poster for my room :D
Save up enough for my dream car
Wheezle my way and perform somewhere


Strikethroughs mean achieved :)