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Opening Nights with Director Robert O'Hara, SOA Theatre '96 (Directing) |
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Written by Chris Erric Maddox, SOA Theatre '03 (Acting)
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Tuesday, 24 November 2009 02:34 |
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 On October 15, a group of Columbia and Tufts University Alumni gathered at the Kirk Douglas Theatre to view fellow Alumnus Robert O'Hara's premiere of yet another successful show, "Eclipsed." Going to the theatre in Los Angeles can be a little unnerving because one never really knows what to expect. "Will I be entertained? Should I have stayed at home and watched TiVo? Or, better yet, watched a movie on the treadmill?" As soon as the lights dimmed, however, I was reminded why I continue to go to the theatre, despite the occasional blunder: I might just buy a ticket for a show like Robert's, one of power, intrigue, and age-defying laughter.
I have known Robert for many years, as we both went to Tufts University for our undergraduate degrees, where I had heard about this mysterious up-and-coming director. Nonetheless, my first time actually meeting him was in New York City while I was still at Columbia, where he had already cemented himself in the theatre world directing critically acclaimed shows like "Insurrection" at the Public Theatre.
At that moment, I realized "this guy is special. This guy needs to be followed." And at that time, being a young actor as I was, this was an important epiphany; it was, and still is, important to create alliances with strong directors, writers, and producers. So after all of these years, after accepting his Obie and traveling the world, it was reassuring to see this very unassuming young man mount a larger-than-life show. It made me think, yes we can. And he continues to do so. CM: Robert, you are working a lot these days? Did you anticipate that your life would be like this upon graduating from Columbia's MFA Directing program?
RO: Yes, I am working a lot these day, and I'm grateful for the work, but it does take its toll on the body and mind, though I always hoped that I would be able to make a living as a writer and director. So to answer your question, I hoped for this, but of course, no one knows what a theatrical career will be like, because there are so many outside forces involved. |
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Kathryn Bigelow unlocks the HURT LOCKER |
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Written by NaRhee Ahn (SOA Film '99)
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Sunday, 31 May 2009 13:55 |
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 Kathryn Bigelow SOA Film '79 is the recipient of Columbia University's 2009 Andrew Sarris award for alumni achievement. As a conceptual artist turned filmmaker, Kathryn studied at The San Francisco Art Institute and The Whitney Museum Independent Study Program before entering the graduate film program. In her multi-genred career, Kathryn has brought to the screen society's outcast bikers in THE LOVELESS (1982); vampires in a wild wild west in NEAR DARK (1987); Jamie Lee Curtis as a tough cop in BLUE STEEL (1990); Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze in the mother of all undercover FBI agent infiltrating surfing bank robbers flicks POINT BREAK (1991); STRANGE DAYS (1995) written and co-produced by James Cameron featuring a kick-ass Angela Bassett protecting Ralph Fiennes; THE WEIGHT OF WATER about complicated families (2000) and K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER (2002) starring Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson. In her own words, Kathryn's experience at Columbia wasn't the actual set up for her film career even though her thesis film ironically was titled THE SET-UP. "I transitioned from art to film while at Columbia, completing my first film, THE SET-UP, with voiceover commentary by cultural theorists Syslvere Lotringer and Marshall Blonsky."
I asked Kathryn if being a pioneering female action director in Hollywood was difficult and if looking back, she would have done anything differently. While she chose not to answer that question, she did say, "I choose projects that are artistically interesting and possess challenging subject matter." The statement is succinct and liberating. Any filmmaker, regardless of gender, race or creed, ought to have the freedom to speak about and interpret whatever subject matter they wish. Just so long as they accept the responsibility of having taken whatever that particular point of view is as an individual. |
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Written by NaRhee Ahn (SOA Film '99)
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Sunday, 31 May 2009 14:28 |
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SOA Film alumni now have their own writing groups focused exclusively on developing original feature screenplays and television pilots meeting in Los Angeles. Attendance is free, but each writing group has its own meeting and participation policies.
CU Eastside Writers meets every 3 weeks in Eagle Rock. Members are Ricardo Acuna, Danielle Beeber, Charity Bustamante, Mitchell Gutman, Micky Hohl, Matt Nasatir and David Olcott. To join please email Ricardo Acuna at
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CU Westside Writers meets every other week in Santa Monica at homes TBD and members are Odin Ozdil, Daniel Housman, Mike Stone, Michael R. Moore and Chanan Beizer. To join please email Daniel Housman at
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CU Greater Los Angeles Writers meets every other week Wednesdays at 7:30pm in West Hollywood. Members are NaRhee Ahn, Jessiline Berry, Ben Hayflick, Ted Kim and Alison McKenzie. To join please email NaRhee Ahn at
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3rd Annual CUE Summer Alumni Party, Industry Panel, Film Festival and More! |
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Written by CUE Webmaster
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Wednesday, 20 May 2009 14:07 |
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Click here to view the full invite and RSVP links.
June 3 - CUE and SoA Networking Party:
9:00pm - 12:00am - Raleigh Studios Lot
FREE Admission! Open Bar. Passed appetizers.
Come network with CUE in Hollywood at our first studio lot party! We will be taking advantage of the warm summer weather under a festively lit, expo-sized, outdoor canopy.
With the Faculty Screenings and Kathryn Bigelow’s Andrew Sarris Alumni Recognition Award preceding the party (See festival invite for more info), we expect an unprecedented turnout.
As at past events, capacity is limited and first come-first serve, so please RSVP now! (To RSVP, click here to view full invite, and click an RSVP link in the invite.)
Bring your own announcements and promotional material for projects upcoming or past and post them at our CUE community corner.
June 4 - From the Producer's Perspective: Getting Your Film Made in L.A.:
6:00 pm - Chaplin Screening Room
This promises to be an exciting and relevant panel, moderated by Amy Talkington (MFA '99) Panelists include: Simon Kinberg (MFA '03), Albert Berger (MFA '83), Eric Feig, Lucas Foster and others. RSVP now!
(To RSVP, click here to view full invite, and click an RSVP link in the invite.)
These FREE alumni-focused events are made possible through the generosity of the School of the Arts. In return we ask that you help support the festival and give a warm reception to the 2009 class of Columbia Filmmakers! (Click the link below for full festival invite).
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