Special Guest Contributor, J.P. Cummins: A Chance to Talk Film
“And the Oscar for Best Picture goes to….” Were you convinced that “The Artist” deserved that award? Or should the George Clooney vehicle, “The Descendents,” have received the highest recognition for film excellence? Meryl Streep portrayed “The Iron Lady,” former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and received another Best Actress Oscar which was her third against 17 nominations – a record! Was this her best performance ever?
As you might guess, I have a passion for movies. And I have been lucky to be able to combine my passion with my career and my family life here on the Main Line. At this year’s Sundance Film Festival I had the pleasure of being part of the third Philadelphia Industry Lounge, which showcases the resources our city has for all filmmakers. My partners were Nicole Shiner with the Greater Philadelphia Film Office (Sharon Pinkenson, we missed you!), Lori Landew, Esq. of Fox Rothschild, and Nicole Cashman of Cashman & Associates.
The stars did come out to visit with us; Justin Long (“For a Good Time, Call…”) enjoyed telling us what he loved about Philadelphia (our beautiful city and inviting people) and Andie MacDowell (“Footloose [2011],” “Four Weddings and a Funeral”) signed our LOVE statue. Anthony Mackie (“Man on a Ledge,” “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) stopped by to chat and sign our poster for Philadelphia-lensed “Night Catches Us,” a Sundance 2011 favorite. Other visitors included Casper Van Dien (“The Pact,” “Starship Troopers”), Laura Prepon (“Lay the Favorite,” “That ‘70s Show”) and Mark Webber (“The End of Love”), who satisfied his need for that Philadelphia food staple, a Tastykake!
The experiences on opening weekend at Sundance allowed me, a board member of the Philadelphia Film Society, the best chance to get the real stories behind the world of film from creators of the art. We might even get an early look at an Oscar contender – and a chance for me to “talk film” and share my passion once again! Not bad for a guy who manages money during the day!
To see more pictures from my Sundance Film Festival experience click here.
- J.P. Cummins
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