TAKE Three

Official Selection...

2011-10-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Lex Talionis is an Official Selection
in the
2011 LA Femme Film Festival!

CLICK HERE for screening time and information!

Lex Talionis Press

2011-09-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Refine Films Exclusive: Melissa Kosar

Interviewed by Anthony Pang at
The Temecula Valley International Music & Film Festival 2011

My final interview with a filmmaker was a pleasant surprise. I actually had an opportunity to screen her film during the submission process, and when I met her at the festival, she was more than gracious enough to sit down with me to talk about her film, Lex Talionis, which premiered at TVIFF this year.

Anthony Pang | Let's start with the film's title. Tell me about it.

Melissa Kosar | Lex Talionis is Latin for "eye for an eye." I didn't want to call it "Revenge" or "Retribution," I wanted to be creative and wanted to make people think when they read it.

AP | Well, it's a good title, definitely more attractive than "Revenge" or whatever. So, where did the film idea come from?

MK | I wanted to write a revenge story that revolved around a female lead with an alter ego. I love psychological-thrillers and wanted to do a half-psychological, half-heavy drama. The different elements came together and once they did, it just snowballed from there. I do a lot of writing at night because that is when I feel most creative. After I had my outline I began writing and four hours later I had Lex Talionis. It helps when you have different emotions and feelings helping to get the words onto the page.

AP | What did you learn during the filmmaking process and what would you do differently next time?

MK | I chose to do this film extremely late during my last year at graduate school as an independent study. I wrote the script in October of 2009, started pre-production in March of 2010 and shot it in April, one month before I graduated. It wasn’t a matter of needing credit, it was about having another opportunity to shoot a film before I graduated. There are always limitations doing a student film, especially that late into the curriculum. No matter what type of film you are making, a short, a feature or a documentary, there are many things to do and it can be stressful. Budget issues come up, time restraints, schedule conflicts, locations, permits, equipment, etc. The one consistent thing I always learn from each film I do is to stress a little less the next time. Things have a way of working out, sometimes not exactly as planned but the job gets done. There is much to be said for a hard-working and talented crew as well. They are invaluable and it allowed me to focus on my responsibility as the director. Looking back now, it is hard to pinpoint one thing because you learn by doing. And you take each experience with you as you continue on your journey, and sometimes you can’t do anything but roll with it.

AP | Fair enough. You talked about shooting on film. Now, that medium presents its own challenges. Any thoughts on that experience?

MK | Yeah, again, being in school, the advantage we had was having the option to shoot on film. I knew I wanted to shoot it on film so we shot on Super 16 for this particular project. I didn't want to shoot this one digitally, I wanted keep it on film, just one more time before graduation. I knew it would be awhile before I would shoot on film again, so I figured, I might as well take advantage of this opportunity. Gail Duncan, our film rep from Kodak was so generous, she gave us a huge deal and helped us out tremendously with getting film stock and such. There's nothing like shooting on film, even with the times changing to digital. I think there's something to be said for [shooting digital], but I think there are still films that should be shot on film. You just have to look and see what the story calls for. Michael Mann is one director who I admire. For Collateral, he shot on both film and digital. You can't see the skyline at night if you shoot on film, it's too dark, so that is one example where he shot on digital. I didn't combine mediums on my film, but for me, it’s gaining knowledge and inspiration from other directors and other filmmakers that inspire me to do what I do and make the choices I make.

AP | Besides that, what was the most difficult challenge and how was that resolved?

MK | One particular challenge was trying to hit the budget to make the film. The amazing thing is that there were so many people that were willing to step up and support and be a part of this project, which I am truly thankful for. My cast were flexible with their schedules and my crew came on board knowing that this was not a “class project” or thesis film. I am always inspired to do better when those around me challenge me to do so. My brother, Anthony is a special FX artist and illustrator. He came out from Chicago to help and do all the special FX make-up for the film. Having him there gave me a sense of comfort and was a set of eyes I could trust. My brother and I are close and when things became intense from time to time, he was always there to reassure me, which definitely eased the load. There were a few people in particular who supported me throughout the entire process and words could never express my gratitude: of course my immediate family and Anthony, but also Bryan N., Mike V., and my school advisor on the project, James Gardner. When everyone else was telling me ‘no,’ they all said ‘yes.’

AP | Talk about your approach to the filmmaking process.

MK | I played basketball since I was five years old. I was recruited in undergrad to play ball and I was also a basketball coach. That helped me as a director because you have to delegate responsibility; you have to rely on a team to do what they do best. So, that whole aspect helped set me up as a director to get all those elements to work. I approach filmmaking as I do a coach. You have to know your cast and crew, the different personalities, being able to delegate responsibility, and being able to answer all the questions that come to you like rapid-fire. You can't shut down, you have keep the ball rolling. I attack it like a basketball game, everybody has their responsibility to make sure everyone is doing their job to their best potential, and you create that team to the unified outcome. And depending on what genre I'm shooting or depending on what the film is, of course, I'll take liberties with how I'll approach it. The main thing is keeping everybody on the same page. Making sure at the end of day the voice you want represented is heard and the story comes out the way you envisioned in your head.

AP | You're the second straight interviewee to answer with the sports team analogy, very interesting. Switching to your film, Lex Talionis, how has the response been so far?

MK | The response has been great. We got into three film festivals, so far, and we have a screening next month for the LA Femme Film Festival. I did show it to a couple people during the process just to get feedback. It is a heavy story with a lot of information in 15 minutes. People really dig the premise. My whole goal for my film is to extend it into a feature and use the short as a tool to show the tone and visual style. The screening in Temecula was our premiere, some of my cast and crew came out to see it for the first time in its completion. It was great to hear their positive response to the film. I not only had a composer score the film, but also had Michael Del Palazzo of The Wake Effect allow us to use a track for the film. It was the first time he was ever part of a film and he was excited to see the finished product and was very happy to have been part of it. It always makes you feel good as a filmmaker when people who were a part of the project or are seeing it for the first time respond enthusiastically. I am always open to critique, I like people telling me the truth, but the reality is you ask 10 people, 10 people will do it 10 different ways. The most important thing is that I am proud of the finished product and I’m excited to see where the film goes and the prospect of turning it into a feature.

AP | What advice would you give to young, aspiring filmmakers? What's one thing you would say to them?

MK | The best advice I can give is that you really have to have a direction of where you want to go, really narrow it down, pick a field you want to get into and then go for it. A majority of the time it's a long, hard, difficult road. I'm the type that keeps fighting and never looks back, but that is what you have to do if you want it badly. You have to go out there and do it, get your hands dirty and make things happen on your own. The best thing anyone has ever told me was ‘no,’ it only made me work harder.

AP | What is one of your favorite films?

MK | There are so many films that I love and watch and get inspired by. There are two very specific favorite films, for two different reasons. First, Back to the Future II is one of my favorites and when I was in 7th grade I saw a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the film and that is what sparked my interest in film production. I thank my technology teacher for showing that in class or else I probably wouldn't be here today doing what I'm doing. David Fincher and Michael Mann are two directors I most admire for their style, storytelling ability and visual imagery. With that being said, Collateral is my favorite film. In my opinion, Mann hit that one out of the ballpark.

AP | On a lighter note, have you ever ran coffee for anyone?

MK | [laugh] You gotta pay your dues, you better believe I have.

AP | Who was the first person you ran coffee for?

MK | My mentor, Lee Shallat Chemel, is the first person I ever ran coffee for. She is a wonderful person and an extremely talented director who has been sharing her knowledge and craft with me over the last year. Lee actually came out to my screening over the weekend, which really meant a lot to me. I have nothing but respect and admiration for her and am happy to get her double decaf soy cappuccino whenever she wants! [laugh]

Here's to Dir. Melissa Kosar and the hope for her feature!

Read more interviews by Anthony Pang on Refine Films!

TVIFF Awards Gala

2011-09-21T00:07:00.001-07:00

Temecula Valley International Music & Film Festival black tie awards gala took place on Sunday, September 18th at Pechanga Casino & Resort. It was a wonderful evening filled with filmmakers, musicians, sponsors, programmers, and film enthusiasts. It was a great way to conclude the success of the 2011 festival.

(Picture taken by SWRNN)

Many special guests were in attendance such as: Joe Bologna and Renee Taylor, Virginia Madsen, Oren Peli, Connie Stevens, Cybil Shepherd and Peter Bogdanovich. For more information on the event, please click the link to read an article by the
Southwest Riverside News Network.

Opening Night!

2011-09-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

"The 17th Annual Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival got underway at Temecula’s Tower Plaza on Wednesday night. Classic cars sponsored by Lance Haynes of Haynes Chauffeuring delivered aspiring film stars, directors and musicians to the red carpet festivities at UltraStar Cinemas."

Read and see more pictures on the Southwest Riverside News Network HERE.

Representing Lex Talionis, Director/Writer Melissa Kosar with Editor F. Flobo Boyce
and Cinematographer Matt Dreiling on the red carpet.

Screening information...

2011-09-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

LEX TALIONIS screens this weekend at the
2011 Temecula Valley Int'l Music & FilmFestival!

Visit the screening schedule page for times
and ticket information!

CLICK HERE

Lex Talionis is an official selection...

2011-08-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

Lex Talionis has been accepted into the 2011 Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival in September!
More details to come, so check back soon!

SECOND SEASON ANNOUNCED!

2011-07-20T22:55:00.001-07:00

Photo copyrighted to respective owners at Happily Divorced/TV Land.

JUST ANNOUNCED:

TV Land picked up Happily Divorced for a second season!
The show is scheduled to return in the spring of 2012.

Don't forget to tune in and set your DVR's every
Wednesday night at 10:30|9:30c on TVLand!

Read the article in the L.A. Times by clicking HERE.

Meeting Emilio Rivera...

2011-07-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

I recently had the privilege of meeting Emilio Rivera, who plays the role of Marcus Alvarez, the leader of the Mayans in the Sons of Anarchy. He has been in many television shows and films, including Collateral, one of my all time favorites directed by Michael Mann. I have been able to talk with him on many occasions about film production and the upcoming season!

Ratings are in!

2011-06-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

According to The Futon Critic and a press release from TVLand: "Happily Divorced drew in 2.4 million total viewers at 10:30 p.m. and when combined with its encores at 11 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. attracted 4.4 million total viewers." Read more HERE!

(Photo copyrighted to respective owners at Happily Divorced/TV Land.)

If you happened to miss the premiere of Happily Divorced, you can watch the pilot HERE. Tune in next week for another hilarious episode at 10:30|9:30c after Hot In Cleveland on TVLand!

Check out the Happily Divorced web page and Facebook page to keep tabs on the show. You can view photos, leave comments on the message board, read bios and watch interviews with the cast!

"Happily Divorced" to Premiere... AND I'm in it!

2011-06-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

Sunset Blvd. and Vine St. billboard advertising Happily Divorced.

That's right, Fran's back! Be sure to tune into TVLand tonight, Wednesday, June 15th 10:30|9:30c for the premiere of Fran Drescher's new sitcom, Happily Divorced! The show has a great cast starring: John Michael Higgins, Rita Moreno, Tichina Arnold, Robert Walden, Valente Rodriguez and D.W. Moffett. It is based off of her life with her real ex-husband and co-creator, Peter Marc Jacobson.

I am and have been a director-in-training under the very talented director, Lee Shallat Chemel. By shadowing Lee, I have had the ability to learn an immense amount about single camera and multi-camera formats. I’ve been able to experience many different facets of the multi-camera format, which includes: rehearsals, blocking, studio notes, casting, camera blocking, color timing, post-production and of course, the live audience show.

I not only had the privilege of being behind the camera during the production of the pilot, but also in front of the camera. If you look closely during the concert scene you will see me as a background actor sitting three seats away from Fran! Live multi-camera shows are very exciting, the energy level is through the roof and the actors respond to the laughter of the audience. So the laughter you are hearing on television was recorded during the actual taping of the show!

Fran Drescher, Melissa and Director, Lee Shallat Chemel on set during the pilot.
(picture taken by G. Lurssen)

I feel so fortunate to be given the opportunity to shadow Lee from show to show and learn from a real pro. What I’m learning and what I’m able to be a part of is truly a one of a kind education and an opportunity of a lifetime. This is another one of those surreal moments where I feel like things have come full circle as I remember watching The Nanny back in the 90’s and recall seeing her name as the credited director. Lee also did the pilot episode of The Nanny along with 28 more episodes during its six season run.

Check back for more updates and don't forget to tune in tonight!

Meeting Ron Perlman...

2011-05-15T22:58:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting the amazing and talented Ron Perlman! It was great talking with him about production and the upcoming season of Sons of Anarchy. Not only was he funny, but extremely nice and pleasant to talk with. He also gave me some valuable insight as an up-and-coming director.

The new season of Sons of Anarchy airs this September.
Be sure to tune in, it's a GREAT show!

BIG "LEX TALIONIS" NEWS...

2011-04-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

My short film, LEX TALIONIS, is an Official Selection for the 2011 Central Florida Film Festival!

Check out the trailer HERE!

The official Lex Talionis page has up-to-date news posts, production pictures and stills, along with cast and crew biographies, which can be viewed HERE!

Be sure to check back soon!

Working with Christopher Lloyd

2011-04-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to work on a pilot for NBC Universal where I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Christopher Lloyd! During the course of production, Christopher and I would talk in great lengths. He would tell me stories about different sets he'd been on, different directors he had worked with and he also gave me some great advice along the way. The pilot was directed by Ted Wass; other cast members included Jean Smart and Jere Burns. Check back soon for an update on the show!

By meeting Christopher, I feel my journey has almost come full circle since Back To The Future was the reason why I wanted to become a filmmaker in the first place.
I'm excited to see where the journey leads to next!

My TV debut --- be sure to tune in!

2011-01-11T22:17:00.000-08:00

(Photo copyrighted to The Middle/abc)

Be sure to tune in to The Middle Wednesday, January 12th as I will be making my television debut as a background shopper in a GAP store!

The episode is called "The Big Chill" and airs 8|7c on ABC.

"Rising Above" an Official Selection NYTVF!

2010-08-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

The dramatic television pilot shot this past January,
Rising Above, is an Official Selection in the
2010 New York Television Festival!

The trailer will be released soon, so be sure to check back!

Film Festival News . . .

2010-07-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

Disney Shot Kennedy, the feature film shot in Atlanta last summer where I was the cinematographer, was an official selection in the 2010 San Antonio Film Festival! The film was one of a handful of features selected, it screened on Friday, June 25th and was listed as "one of the films not to miss" at this year's festival! The film has also recently been accepted into the 2010 Atlanta Underground Film Festival which will take place in August - check back for more updates!

"Rising Above wins best TV show!"

2010-05-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

The television pilot Rising Above won for "Best Television Show" at the 2010 Cecil Awards, which took place on Friday, May 21st. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! The pilot, in which I was lead director, is in the process of being submitted to festivals, please check back soon for updates!

"The Right To Go Insane" music video is complete!

2010-05-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Megadeth's music video Right To Go Insane has been completed! Click on the link and check out the music video when you get a chance.

The video is a fictional dramatization based on a true story and real events.

That's a wrap!

2010-04-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Just wrapped production on Lex Talionis, a short psychological drama shot on super 16mm that I wrote and directed. Pre-production began 2 months ago, and production lasted 5 shooting days.

Huge thanks to an amazing and talented cast, and the hardest working crew I have ever worked with!

More information and behind-the-scenes photos to come, so please check back soon!

"Suburban Superhero" to premiere!

2010-03-01T20:30:00.001-08:00

World premiere of the short film Suburban Superhero screens Friday, March 5th!

I was the cinematographer on this short about a young boy learning the difference between reality and fantasy. More to come after the screening!

Megadeth music video shoot

2010-03-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

(Photograph copyrighted to Megadeth)

I was brought on board to work on Megadeth's latest music video "Right To Go Insane." The song is off the bands latest album, Endgame. It was an awesome experience that involved a re-creation of a real life situation with a tank - check out a few pictures from the set below!

I will announce when the video will premiere, so be sure to check back!

Update on Disney Shot Kennedy feature film . . .

2010-03-01T19:41:00.001-08:00

Post-production on the feature I shot last summer in Atlanta has been completed!

If you are on FaceBook become a fan of Disney Shot Kennedy and don't forget to check out the trailer!

More to come on screenings, etc. so be sure to check back!

Rock n' Roll

2010-03-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to see Halestorm in Las Vegas at the House of Blues on February 13, 2010. It was a rockin' show and I was able to have a drink and talk with them later on that evening. If the band is in your city, do yourself a favor and check them out!

2010 Grammy Awards

2010-02-01T10:20:00.001-08:00

Where to even begin . . .

Its hard to put the evening into words when you are rubbing elbows with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Its not everyday one could walk down the red carpet with Usher, John Legend, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Ryan Seacrest, and Adam Lambert to name a few I saw!

I have watched past Grammy shows on television and only could imagine what it would be like to be in attendance. Attending the 2010 Grammy Awards was one of the most exciting and most entertaining experiences! The evening was spent talking with some wonderful people and watching amazing performances by the biggest names in music.

Unfortunately we were prohibited to take any pictures on the red carpet, but the rush of living it will never be forgotten. From a technical stand point, this was the largest LIVE taping event I have ever been to and to see it flow like clockwork was just incredible.

I'm going to the Grammy Awards!

2010-01-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

Keep a look out this evening as I will be walking the red carpet and attending the Grammy Awards!
More to come . . .

Update on my website . . .

2010-01-25T08:55:00.000-08:00

I have recently updated both my director and cinematography demo reels. Both include some new footage from several different productions. Click here to check it out!

New TV Pilot

2010-01-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

I'm kicking off 2010 as lead director on a television pilot called Rising Above. It shoots through the month of January on HD. The story follows a woman who is a rehab counselor at a halfway house for drug-addicted men, she struggles with her past and her need to help each one of the young men get back on the right track. Check back for more as I progress through production!

Behind the Scenes

2010-01-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

The BEHIND THE SCENES picture gallery on my website has been updated. Check it out to see me and my crews in action!

Here is a Sneak Peak...

SEE MORE
behind-the-
scenes pics:
HERE

ROCK ON!

2009-09-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have been updating you all on my film projects since starting this blog and feel like switching gears a little bit. Besides the love of filmmaking and basketball, I love rock music!

(Photo copyrighted to Halestorm and Atlantic Records)

I've been recently introduced to a new up and coming rock band called Halestorm and feeI compelled to pass the word on. Halestorm is a rock band from the east coast, and they have recently released their first self-titled CD. I heard their first single "I Get Off" on the Loop 97.9, a Chicago rock radio station, and immediately checked them out. The best way to try and describe Halestorm is a modern day mix of Joan Jett, Lita Ford, and Heart. The band is fronted by an amazing female vocalist with quite a range and is backed by some amazing talent. Their entire CD is filled with power, passion, and several fist pumping anthems. If you love rock as much as I do, take a moment and check out Halestorm! I will be attending their concert at the House of Blues in December, check back for a review on the concert!

Update on "Kate So Far" . . . .

2009-08-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Kate So Far, the television pilot I co-directed in January has recently been named as an Official Selection in the New York Television Festival, which will take place at the end of September! Take a moment and check out the Kate So Far trailer!

The pilot was also selected as a finalist for the Los Angeles Television Festival in June under the dramatic category.

Please check back for more updates on the pilot and more!

Update on Atlanta feature . . .

2009-08-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Disney Shot Kennedy is feature film shot entirely in Atlanta, Georgia over the month of June. Written and Directed by David Lawrence, I was the Director of Photography and Camera Operator. Disney Shot Kennedy is a comedy about a group of friends trying to save a conspiracy theory newspaper from going under.

Here are some production pictures from set.

The actors prepare for a scene.

Last looks before we get ready for a take.

Framing up a shot.

One of many night shoots, this is where we blocked the entire street to shoot a police bust.

During a film shoot, you fight weather conditions, but in Atlanta it was the bugs - especially at night!

No your eyes are not deceiving you - this bug is enormous!

(Pictures supplied by Melissa Kosar, John MacDonald, Jeff Robinson, and Randall Taylor)

Please check back soon for updates on Disney Shot Kennedy!

After production . . .

Nothing beats a little fishing for some rest and relaxation after a month long film shoot!

"Kate So Far" wins for Best Television Show!

2009-05-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Kate So Far won the Cecil Award for Best Television Show! The awards ceremony took place Friday, May 22, 2009 and many were in attendance. The Cecil Awards began with an interview and a trip down the red carpet, during the awards show there were surprise guests and interviews, followed by an after party with Saints Motel and DJ Yoshi performing.

Kate So Far was a pilot shot in January about a high school girl who moves from the East coast to California to live with her sister who she rarely speaks to. This is her journey coping with the lifestyle change, and the rebuilding family ties. The pilot is being submitted to several television oriented film festivals. Please check back for updates!

The award was presented by Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong from Boy Meets World. As one of the directors of Kate So Far, receiving the award was quite a surprise and greatly appreciated! Much thanks go to those who supported the project, the wonderful cast and amazing crew.

(From L-R) Preston Zeller (Producer), Melissa Kosar (Director), Kyle Berns (Producer), and Heather Schlossnagle (Director/Writer).

"Maxwell's Demon" has been completed!

2009-05-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Post-production on Maxwell's Demon has recently been completed. I shot the short film in the beginning of March on Super 16mm. The film was written and directed by J.R. Robinson and produced by A.J. Jackson.

Synopsis of Maxwell's Demon:
Following the catastrophic failure of his experiment, Max, a young scientist, is thrown backward in time and is forced to try to rewrite history, by convincing his girlfriend, Eve, to sabotage his work.

Check back for updates on Maxwell's Demon!

Sedona International Film Festival

2009-03-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Sedona International Film Festival was a great festival that showcased amazing films, great panels and beautiful surrounding sights. The festival took place from February 24th through March 1st in Arizona at Harkins Theatre. The Doll Hospital screened on Friday, February 27th and Sunday, March 1st before Nothing Really Matters, a feature film by Jean-Marc Piché.
At the Filmmaker’s Reception, my brother and I had the privilege of meeting Doris Roberts (“Everybody Loves Raymond”). She was present for the screening of Play the Game. A very funny romantic comedy about a young ladies’ man that teaches his dating tricks to his lonely widowed grandfather while playing his best mind games to meet the woman of his dreams (imdb.com).

And a final stop at Cooperstown in Phoenix!

"THE DOLL HOSPITAL" WILL SCREEN AT SEDONA!

2009-02-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

The Doll Hospital is an official selection for the 2009 Sedona International Film Festival! The festival takes place from February 24th through March 1st in Arizona. The Doll Hospital will screen twice in the shorts program, check back next week for updates from the festival!

Bikes, Camera, Action! Premiere Party

2008-12-23T21:08:00.000-08:00

Some of the cast and crew from Girls' Night Out! on the "orange" carpet at the Bikes, Camera, Action! Premiere Party hosted by Harley-Davidson on Thursday, December 11, 2008.
(L-R) Bryan Nash, Kitty Mulvey, myself and Amanda Guerriero.

Karen Davidson announcing the winners of Bikes, Camera, Action! before the screenings of the top 3 films.

I was interviewed by Speed TV, the network covers the top motor sports in the world. Check out SpeedTV.com for more information. The interview will air sometime in March 2009, stay tuned for more details!

Karen Davidson and I.

Amanda and I talking with Nancy Schreiber, the Director of Photography of Her Need for Speed.1st Place winner Girls' Night Out! cast and crew with the crew of Grand Prize winner Her Need for Speed. (L-R) Amanda Guerriero, Nancy Schreiber, Vickie Sampson, myself, Bryan Nash and Kitty Mulvey.

Women in Entertainment: Power 100 Breakfast

2008-12-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

The Power 100 Breakfast was held on Friday, December 5, 2008 and sponsored by Lifetime Movie Network and The Hollywood Reporter, the event recognized the top 100 women in entertainment. The red carpet event had 650 in attendance, some of the guests included Oprah Winfrey, Glen Close, Sigourney Weaver, Nicole Sullivan, Gayle King, Lisa Ling, Marcia Cross and Garcelle Beauvais.

The event began with a champagne reception sponsored by American Women in Radio & Television, followed by a welcome from Lifetime Networks president and CEO Andrea Wong. The event recognized myself as well as the 1st place winner from Lifetime Movie Network's: "Every Woman's Film Competition." Sigourney Weaver was the guest speaker, who has a recent television movie soon to be released on Lifetime, entitled Prayers for Bobby.

During the event a panel was held with the top 3 women in entertainment. Oprah took the number 1 spot and Anne Sweeney, Disney Media Networks co-chairman, and Amy Pascal, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group and co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, took 2nd and 3rd on the Power 100 list. The biggest advice from the panel was when Oprah said "be truthful and be yourself" in regard to being successful.

Glen Close, the talented actor who has been seen on film, the stage, and television was recognized for her outstanding achievements by being honored with the Leadership Award presented by Sherry Lansing.

"Girls' Night Out!" won 1st Place!!!

2008-12-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

Bikes, Camera, Action! challenged female filmmakers from across the country to capture in a 2 minute short film the spirit of freedom, empowerment and adventure that is inherent when women hit the open road on two wheels.

Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to the making of Girls' Night Out! Especially the writer, Catherine Babcock, Harley-Davidson Fullerton, and The Eddie Nash Foundation.

Click here to watch!

"The Doll Hospital" voted Fan Favorite!

2008-12-03T21:38:00.001-08:00

To everyone who voted for The Doll Hospital as Fan Favorite:

THE DOLL HOSPITAL WON!!!

Words cannot express how much I appreciate your help and support over this last month. It was a close race until the end, and it was because of your support and votes that pushed The Doll Hospital to the top! I cannot thank you enough for voting and for passing the word along to family and friends. The Doll Hospital was a personal tribute to two very special people that were important influences in my life…my two Grandfathers Peter and Joseph. I have received many touching e-mails and phone calls about my film and it such a rewarding feeling to hear how well the film was received.

The Doll Hospital could not have been completed without the wonderful group of people who worked with me on this film; a huge thank you to the cast and crew for their time and effort. Everyone's contribution and cooperation added to the success of this short film and I could not have done it without any of them.

I am forever grateful, and could not be more thankful to each and every one of you! I wish you all the best always, and have a wonderful holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

All My Best,
Melissa Kosar
www.kosforthreeproductions.com

http://www.mylifetime.com/fun-games/sweeps/vote-your-favorite#video

Please Vote for Fan Favorite...

2008-11-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

Please pass this on to your family and friends...

As some of you may already know, I won 2nd place with my short film “The Doll Hospital” in the Lifetime Movie Network’s “Every Woman’s Film Competition” and was flown out to the Hamptons International Film Festival in New York where the film was presented.

Now, it is time to vote for the Fan Favorite, and I need your votes! Please go to the following website address and vote for "The Doll Hospital:"

http://www.mylifetime.com/fun-games/sweeps/vote-your-favorite#video

I think you can only vote once per day per computer, so if you have several computers, please use them to vote the same day, and try voting again each day until November 20th when the voting ends.

Thanks for your help! It is really appreciated!

Breaking the Cycle...

2008-11-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

On March 13, 2008, I recorded an interview with Author and Public Speaker, Bryan Nash of the Eddie Nash Foundation for Child Awareness month in April.

The Interview can be viewed here

Check out his book:
A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments

Omar Live...

2008-11-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

On February 9, 2008, I recorded a special live taping of the single "Run Away With Me" by musician, Omar Akram for his recent CD release "Secret Journey."

View the Concert here

For more on Omar's music, visit:
www.OmarMusic.com

2008 Sundance Film Festival...

2008-11-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

I attended the 2008 Sundance Film Festival from January 17 through January 23rd in Park City, Utah.

Here are some of the films that I saw:

"The Last Word" starring Wes Bentley, Winona Ryder, Ray Romano.

"Sleepwalking" starring Charlize Theron, Nick Stahl, AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Hopper, and Woody Harrelson.

"Downloading Nancy" starring Maria Bello, Rufus Sewell, and Jason Patric.

"Phoebe in Wonderland" starring Patricia Clarkson, Elle Fanning, Felicity Huffman, and Bill Pullman.

"Sunshine Cleaning" starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, and Alan Arkin.

"Be Kind Rewind" starring Jack Black, Mos Def, and Danny Glover. Directed by Michel Gondry.

"Good Dick" starring Marianna Palka, Jason Ritter, and Tom Arnold.

"The Merry Gentleman" starring Kelly Macdonald and Michael Keaton.

"In Bruges" starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes. Directed by Martin McDonagh.

Greetings...

2008-06-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to TAKE THREE, the blog site of filmmaker Melissa Kosar. Please check regularly for news and updates.