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A Chip & A Chair Films to produce video insallation for world premiere of USER 927
On the heels of of one successful foray into the world of live theatre (with Greg Marcel’s Burning My Dreams to the Ground), A Chip & A Chair is producing a full-length video installation for the world premiere of Brat Productions’ USER 927). Written and co-conceived by our own Katharine Clark Gray, the play combines live performance with near-constant audiovisual projection to take a provocative look at cyberstalking, search engines and the way information is obtained and manipulated in our wired world.
Framed by the true events of America Online’s leak of 658,000 user search logs to the public-- and the subsequent uproar over one deviant user-- USER 927 has caught the eye of some high-profile blogs recently, including Battelle Media, Ars Technica, and the Consumerist. -- the last of which was first to report on the existence, and inherent creepiness, of the User.
Performing June 6-22, 2008 at the Studio @ St. Stephen’s Theater (10th & Ludlow Sts.) in Philadelphia, USER 927 is directed and co-conceived by Brat’s Producing Artistic Director Michael Alltop. Tickets and info at www.bratproductions.org.
The video installation is co-directed by Jess Vogt and Nicholas Gray, with additional footage directed and recorded by Vincent Lombardi. Special animated sequences composed by Evan Magoni; original score by Carl Cheeseman. Recorded and mixed by The AudioLab and Tony Mascara. |
Posted: 5/29/2008 9:17 AM |
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It Ain't a Film, but...
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A Chip & A Chair Films is helping to produce a play -- Gregory Marcel's one-man show "Burning My Dreams To The Ground." The play is an exploration into the mythologies behind success, failure, and how the two coexist. Armed with a repetoire of embarassing personal anecdotes, Greg will alter the performance according to the audience each night. "It's the love child of Spalding Gray and Denis Leary," said Nicholas Gray, Creative Director of AC&AC, who is directing the piece. "It might be the funniest thing I've ever worked on in any capacity." Greg is a burgeoning talent who has had small roles in big films (The Good Shepherd), big roles in small films (Sunkissed), with TV work (Guiding Light, Sex and the City) and off-Broadway plays in between. Greg also cameoed as "Skinny White Boy" in AC&AC's film "If You Could Say It In Words." For those who are in the New York area, the show will be doing a one week workshop March 26-30 at The Michael Weller Theater in Hell's Kitchen to tune up for a potential New York International Fringe Festival run in the summer. Tickets and more information are available at www.BurningMyDreams.com. |
Posted: 3/5/2008 7:47 AM |
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FINIS!
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Imagine our delight when we tell you that If You Could Say It In Words has, after nearly a year, wrapped production on July 30! We are thrilled with the footage, as we hope you soon will be as well.
In the meantime, expect a wave of updates to hit our movie site, www.IfYouCould-Movie.com, within the next couple of weeks. You'll soon see a full cast list, new production stills, and a short trailer with the first glimpses of our score! Meantime we'll be sipping what we feel is some well-earned champagne... |
Posted: 8/16/2006 12:29 PM |
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In a Word: OBIE!
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We're beaming like proud parents here at AC&AC-- our Marin has just won an Obie! Ms. Ireland snagged the honor for her portrayal of an emotionally neglected donut gal in Cyclone, presented this spring by Michael Imperioli's Studio Dante in NYC.
The Village Voice Obie Awards were created in 1956 to celebrate excellence in Off- (and Off-Off) Broadway theatre. Other recients this year include Law & Order's S. Epatha Merkerson (Birdie Blue), Dana Ivey (Mrs. Warren's Profession), and Christine Ebersole (Grey Gardens), so Marin finds herself in some esteemed company. Congratulations! |
Posted: 5/21/2006 6:52 PM |
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"IYC" Cast Member in CYCLONE
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If You Could Say It In Words' Marin Ireland (Sadie) is keeping busy between shoots: she's currently starring in the new play Cyclone by Ron Fitzgerald, in previews March 15-17 and running in limited engagement through April 8 at Studio Dante. The production is directed by Brian Mertes and co-produced by Michael Imperioli of HBO's The Sopranos. More information can be found at www.studiodante.com.
Everyone at A Chip & A Chair Films congratulates Marin on her new project, and can't wait to meet her at the stage door after the show. |
Posted: 3/7/2006 6:05 PM |
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One Down, One to Go
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We have cause for celebration here at A Chip & A Chair Films—we have just completed principal photography on our fall shoot for If You Could Say It In Words!
Shot in and around New York City Sep. 19th – Oct. 1., this footage accounts for roughly 1/3 of the picture... thanks to our talented cast and crew.
The better news is, post-production has already begun for the fall segment, which means you will soon be able to see rough cuts of scenes and a proper trailer for the film.
Please check back with us soon for news updates, personnel additions, and word on our plans for the 2006 spring shoot, taking place over 3 weeks in Tennessee and Philadelphia. |
Posted: 11/11/2005 10:05 AM |
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CASTING UPDATE: SADIE
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A Chip & A Chair Films is proud to announce that Marin Ireland has been cast in the role of Sadie, the female lead of If You Could Say It In Words. Ms. Ireland was one of Time Out NY's "25 to Watch in '05"; her recent stage roles include Manuscript (Daryl Roth Theatre), Sabina (Primary Stages) and Far Away (w/ Frances McDormand, NYTW).
Says Words director Nicholas Gray, "I met Marin doing a reading almost four years ago, and I've been trying to work with her together on a project ever since. It took about fourteen tries, but it was worth the wait. She is a tremendously gifted actor, and I'm ecstatic that she's playing Sadie."
Ms. Ireland says of the project, "I've felt a connection to this story from the first time I read it--I love the relationships in this movie. I so appreciate how uncompromising and truthful they are, how the story is always surprising. I'm thrilled to get to explore this from the inside."
Words begins principal photography September 2005.
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Posted: 8/26/2005 11:47 AM |
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‘If You Could’ Gains Fiscal Sponsorship!
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A Chip & A Chair Films is pleased to announce that If You Could Say It In Words recently became a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas (www.fracturedatlas.org), a non-profit arts service organization. You may now make a contribution in behalf of ‘Words’, payable to Fractured Atlas, and it will be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We welcome this new relationship and thank Fractured Atlas for their support!
[To make your secure, tax-deductible donation, click here:
[To view our profile on Fractured Atlas, click here:
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Posted: 8/17/2005 11:14 AM |
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WE HAVE A NELSON!
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The latest in an exciting series of personnel additions, A Chip & A Chair Films has recently agreed to terms with Alvin Keith to play the role of Nelson in If You Could Say It In Words. Within the past year, Mr. Keith has appeared on Broadway, in the Oscar-nominated film Kinsey and as Levee in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Seattle Rep, a prodution on which August Wilson himself served as creative consultant.
"Alvin is a tremendous talent." says Words director Nicholas Gray. "I've watched him steal a play with a walk-on part, and I've watched him flat-out take one over as a lead. But beyond that, he has a dedication and commitment to his craft that makes him a true joy to work with. He's kind of a director's dream that way. He'll show up and get his hands messy looking for the truth of the character, and never shed that charisma that makes you just know he's on his way to stardom. We're lucky we got him early in his career, and I'm looking forward to showing everyone the full range of what he can do as an actor in this movie.”
Says Mr. Keith: “Sometimes you just know when a project is right; and this one definitely is. One read of the script and I knew it was hot and something that I had to do by any means necessary. Not only is this a great script; but Nicholas, Katie, and the entire gang are focused and smoking as well. I look forward to bringing this story to life and exploring the human condition and relationships in ways that only this script will allow us.”
Stay tuned for more casting announcements and additions to our production team! |
Posted: 7/23/2005 2:04 PM |
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Now Available: Nifty Company Merch
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People, we have heard your cries. "This is all well and good", you say, "But where is my ChipChair tee shirt?" Where, indeed. Well, have no fear-- our Online Merchandise Store is here! With the good people at CafePress.com, we've designed A Chip & A Chair tees, sweats, hoodies, wall clocks, messenger bags and thongs. That's right: thongs. So c'mon down to The ChipChair store on CafePress ( http://www.cafepress.com/ChipChair/ ) and pick up the sweetest of corporate swag. Dog tees available too!
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Posted: 6/29/2005 4:22 PM |
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Welcome Richard Sands
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A Chip & A Chair Films is thrilled to announce that we have agreed to terms with Richard Sands to serve as Director of Photography on If You Could Say It In Words. One of the film industry’s top gaffers over the last twenty years, he has been transitioning into visual effects supervision, camera operations and cinematography, working on such films as Independence Day and A.I. Says Words director Nicholas Gray, “Rico has had the chance to work on some amazing films over the years, with some of the top directors in the business. We are fortunate and eager to be working with someone of his caliber and experience."
Says Sands: "After my first meeting with Nicholas, I was excited to meet a filmmaker as focused as his project so greatly deserved. During our second meeting, [he] sold me solid on his knowledge and compassion of each character within the creation of the story. I knew then the project was on a straight and true track." |
Posted: 6/29/2005 7:29 PM |
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AC&AC Managers Take REVENGE
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General Manager Nicholas Gray and General Secretary Katharine Gray have each had a short stageplay accepted to REVENGE, a themed series by NYC's Drilling Company ( www.drillingcompany.org). "Revenge" features commissioned works by emerging and established playwrights built around the theme of getting even. Nicholas' "Thor's Hammer" and Katie's "Served Cold" will appear in the series' Winter installation (dates TBA); the Drilling Company's Summer installation runs June 3rd - 19th.
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Posted: 6/29/2005 4:19 PM |
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Coming Soon: Video Presentation, IF YOU COULD SAY IT IN WORDS; including first look at Concept Artwork
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A Chip & A Chair Films, LLC has just completed shooting a comprehensive video of the investor presentation for our first feature, If You Could Say It in Words. Included are:
-- an overview of the film industry, discussion led by Legal Manager Joshua Wallenstein and General Manager Nicholas Gray;
-- a summary of this film's business plan, by Wallenstein;
-- an outline of the creative process behind Words, by writer/director Gray; and
-- a storyboard rendition of selections from the script.
With concept drawings from our art department, narration by Michael Poignand (Don Juan in Chicago), and featuring the voices of Alvin Keith (Kinsey) as Nelson and Ericka Kreutz (Sex & The City) as Sadie, this storyboard portion of the presentation serves as an illustrated first look at our film, lifted from the confines of the page.
The video presentation was directed by Rennik Soholt (Assoc. Prod., Superbowl XXXIX) and lensed by Jim Kiernan (Access Hollywood). The post-production team includes editor Chris Vernale and AC&AC's own IT Manager and Web designer, Jerrod Reaux.
The Video Presentation will be available on the "Our Films" page of our website as soon as final editing is completed... likely within the next few weeks. Stay tuned! |
Posted: 6/29/2005 4:18 PM |
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Radio Free Chip
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General Manager Nicholas Gray was a guest this morning of syndicated radio talk show host Brother Wease, to discuss the progress of our upcoming project If You Could Say It In Words. Brother Wease, a.k.a. Alan Levin, hosts Radio Free Wease on 96.5 WCMF in Rochester (our GM's former stomping grounds) and 92.9 WBUF in Buffalo, and was a one-time weekend mainstay on New York's WNEW 102.7.
Brother Wease was in New York City this week receiving treatment for a rare form of cancer; we at A Chip & A Chair Films wish him the best of luck on a speedy recovery. |
Posted: 6/29/2005 4:16 PM |
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Another Letter of Interest
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A Chip & A Chair Films is proud to announce that we have received another letter of interest in a role in our upcoming project If You Could Say It In Words. Veteran actor Douglas Stewart has written to express interest in the role of Mark. Mr. Stewart has been featured in Lightning Jack (with Oscar®-winner Cuba Gooding, Jr.) and in TBS’ The Lazarus Man. He now acts as COO of Inside Moves, Inc., a company specializing in oral presentation coaching. Inside Moves has a success rate topping 85 percent, supporting over $15 billion in contract awards.
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Posted: 6/29/2005 4:15 PM |
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Congrats to One of Our Own
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Congratulations to General Secretary Katharine Gray for two upcoming publications... Her play "Wired Shut" will appear in the Estrogenius 2004 collection (TheatreSource Press), and two of her monologues (from THE B SIDE and RIOT STANDARD) have been chosen for Smith & Kraus' latest edition of "Audition Arsenal: Monologues 2 Minutes & Under", Women, 30s category. Both volumes are slated for spring 2005.
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Posted: 6/29/2005 4:13 PM |
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Filling In The Blanks
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For the detail-oriented who may have noticed a gap on Pg. 4 of our Offering Memorandum: fret no more. Under the heading "Our Strengths", you will find a list of actors expressing interest in our project; one of those actors, Ilene Bergelson, is credited with playing "the leading role of _________ in Phantom of the Opera." The Webber-philes among you know this, but for the rest of you: the role is Christine. Also: having trouble getting to our Offering Memo? You may think to click on the "Investors" button, but you'd be wrong. The "Investors" button is a private page that is not accessible to you until, well, you've invested. SO: To get to the Offering Memo, click on "Our Films", choose "If You Could Say It In Words", and click on the link that says "here". See? Cake! |
Posted: 6/29/2005 4:13 PM |
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A Chip & A Chair offers interest in If You Could Say It In Words
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(New York) -- A Chip & A Chair Films, LLC, made available an offering memorandum today for shares of interest in their upcoming feature project If You Could Say It In Words. The 43 page offering details the business plan for the film, with risk analysis and the company's planned responses to those risks. It also includes as an appendix, letters from several Broadway veterans expressing interest in the major roles.
"We are extremely proud to make this offering available," said General Manager Nicholas Gray, "A lot of hard work went into making sure that we could offer the best possible return to investors in this project, and we hope we've made an offer that is not just competitive with other indie film projects, but better.
"We set up a tiered pricing system for the Series A Preferred Shares, which I thought was rather innovative. Sort of a discount for investing in bulk. We set up our distribution model so that AC&AC doesn't make a penny of profit until after the Series A Shareholders have more than recouped their initial investment, and I think the percentage of the Net Proceeds we're giving to them is exceptional.
"We're excited to get this out there, and hopefully get started soon with selecting our cast and crew." The Offering Memorandum is available to read in full on the company's website. |
Posted: 6/29/2005 4:12 PM |
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Two Upcoming Readings of If You Could Say It In Words in NYC.
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(New York) -- A Chip & A Chair Films is hosting two invitation-only readings of the screenplay for its first project If You Could Say It In Words this month in New York City.
The first will be held on Thursday, June 24th at the Kraine Theatre (85 E. 4th St., btwn 2nd/3rd Ave) at 4:00 PM. The second will be held at Emerging Artists Theatre (432 W. 42nd St, 4th floor, btwn 9th/10th Ave) at 5:30 PM.
At both events, invitees will have the opportunity to give feedback either by form. On the 30th, invitees may also stay to particpate in a Q& A session.
Screenwriter Nicholas Gray says, "I'm a little overwhelmed by how great the casts are. I hope casting goes this well when we hit pre-production."
Depending on the reading, the casts will include some combination of the following (in alphabetical order):
- Ilene Bergelson (Carousel on B"way)
- Daryl Boling (founder of Manhattan Theatre Source)
- Jessica Calvello (voice of Kay on Pokemon)
- Adam Fitzgerald ("because i adore Adam" - Nicholas Gray)
- Patricia Hodges (Rose"s Dilemma on Bway)
- Malcolm Ingram (Match on Bway)
- Fiona Jones (founder of the EstroGenius Festival)
- Alvin Keith (Cat On A Hot Tin Roof on Bway)
- Ericka Kruetz (award winning regional actress)
- Kristi Little (Romeo & Juliet at Cleveland Stage)
- Robert Emmet Lunney (The Graduate on Bway)
- Greg Marcel (currently in David Bell"s The Gay Naked Play)
- Caitlin Muelder (Engaged at the Lucille Lortel)
- Lori Prince (Sarah, Sarah at MTC)
- Postell Pringle (Romeo & Juliet at the Lucille Lortel)
- Q Smith (Fame on Bway)
- Elisa Terraza (currently in Time To Burn at Manhattan Ensemble Theatre)
If you would like to attend the reading, please see our Contact Us section.
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Posted: 6/29/2005 4:09 PM |
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