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Mitra Ahouraian, Esquire

AROUND TOWN LOS ANGELES.

As part of the 3rd Annual Bel Air Film Festival which runs through October 19, 2010, there is a special Filmmaker Panel and Lounge being held tonight Saturday, October 16, 7:30 pm at the James Bridge Theater at UCLA.

The panel, “Breaking Through & Being Heard In Hollywood,” will bring together some of Hollywood’s foremost film producers, financiers, directors, screenwriters and entertainment attorneys in an informative session on filmmaking.

With tens of thousands of people trying to break into the entertainment industry with screenplays, short films, YouTube videos, and talent showcases, this panel discussion (which will close with a question and answer session), will be indispensable to those trying to figure out the best way to get their work noticed and rise above the pabulum.

Topics will include finding representation, project financing, networking, feature film publicity, producing on a budget, and film distribution. The panel will be moderated by entertainment attorney Mitra Ahouraian, who adds, “The panelists with all their years of experience and success will truly be able to dispense practical, need to know insights that you really can’t learn from any book or website. This event is about acknowledging the difficulty of not just breaking into Hollywood but achieving and maintaining success. Our panelists this year are unique in that they want to share their knowledge and insight in recognition of their journey to the top.”

Panelists Include: Palak Patel, Bianca Bezdek, Mills Goodloe, Salaam Remi, Hal Sadoff, Michael Becker.

Best of all: Mention “CelebMagnet” at the door, and you will get in for free!

AROUND TOWN LOS ANGELES.

Last night marked the opening night of the 3rd Annual Bel Air Film Festival which runs through October 19, 2010.

The Bel Air Film Festival is a blossoming showcase for films from around the world, including many world premieres. Movie screenings will be held at the UCLA James Bridges Theater where 58 films will be presented including 35 world premieres and 12 Los Angeles premieres.

The opening ceremonies were marked by presentation of four awards: Brian Austin Green (Best Actor), Kathy Najimy (Best Actress), Mark Rydell (Legendary Filmmaker Award) and Salaam Remi (Best Music in Film).

Here is a video of Brian Austin Green accepting his Best Actor award. He starts by referring to a 10-minute reel of his on screen achievements which was shown just before the award presentation:

Here is some of the interview with Brian Austin Green before the opening ceremonies:

Here is Kathy Najimy acceptng her award:

The opening night ceremony also showed a screening of Walk a Mile in My Pradas, a film by the festival’s headline sponsor Dream It Productions.

Cast of Walk A Mile In My Pradas

This “Work in Progress” feature film starring Nathaniel Marston, Tom Arnold, and Tom Archdeacon, tells a timely story about relevant issues such as Prop 8 and gay rights. The film offers messages of tolerance and acceptance, in a light and heart warming, comedic fashion and marks director Joey Sylvester’s feature debut.

The screening also presented my favorite of the night, the Los Angeles Premiere of the short film Turning Japanese, starring Brian Austin Green. Turning Japanese tells the story of a couple struggling with their finances that stumble upon an unknowing sleepwalker and exploit her nightly episodes by selling tickets. Brian Austin Green is well known from his role on the hit TV series Beverly Hills, 90210 as well as his performances in the sitcom Freddie, the films Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Domino and recurring roles on the TV series Smallville and Desperate Housewives.

Kathy Najimy introduced the Los Angeles premiere of the documentary The Last Elephants in Thailand and brought attention to a cause she personally supports: the fight to save the dwindling population of elephants in Thailand and expose the abuse of elephants in amusement parks and the way elephants are forced to paint. Named Ms. Magazine’s “Woman of the Year” in 2005 and known as the voice of Peggy Hill on 14 seasons of the animated series King of the Hill, she is also easily recognized for her roles in the films Sister Act I and Sister Act II, the animated film Wall-E and over 20 feature films including Hocus Pocus, Rat Race and The Wedding Planner. An active philanthropist, she has been recognized frequently for over 20 years of charitable efforts.

Mark Rydell (Middle) with Stuart Acher (R) and Eric Goldfarb

Mark Rydell received the Legendary Filmmaker Award, presented by Katharine Kramer. Rydell’s credits include: The Rose, On Golden Pond, and The River. In accepting his award, Rydell said, “I’d have a terrific life as an actor, director and hopefully, as an artist. I’d like to be remembered as an artist.”

Salaam Remi

Salaam Remi was recognized by BAFF for Best Music in Film. He has produced for Nas, The Fugees, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys and Ricky Martin among others and is responsible for the sounds of Sex and the City and Rush Hour 3. A favorite of directors Brett Ratner and Michael Patrick King, Remi is one of the most sought after producers in Hollywood. He recently finished scoring an upcoming documentary on Mike Tyson.