Planet Ibsen

Planet Ibsen is live on Babelgum

2009-05-12T09:22:00.003-05:00

Dear Planet Ibsenities:

Planet Ibsen is live on Babelgum (http://www.babelgum.com/channel/film). We are proud that the hard work and effort of our cast and crew will now been seen by millions of viewers domestically and internationally. Please spread the word.

We will continue to update you as more information comes our way.
Jonathan Wyche & Erica Arnold-Wyche
Planet Ibsen, LLC

Spike Lee in Online Prowl

2008-09-12T19:17:00.005-05:00

Spike Lee in Online Prowl
10th September 2008~MILAN AP

Film director Spike Lee is again on the prowl for new filmmaking talent in his second year heading the jury of the Babelgum Online Film Festival. No red carpets and no cinemas. Babelgum — an Internet company that streams videos online for free — has made the Internet its venue. Independent filmmakers upload their entries onto Babelgum’s platform, and audiences vote for their favorites.

Last year’s inaugural edition of the festival received 1000 entries from 86 countries, according to Babelgum. More than 1.5 million viewers voted to select the final cut for the jury. “The results from the first Babelgum Online Film Festival proved that audiences from all over the world are eager for new content, and that independent filmmakers are excited to have found a new place to showcase their work,” Lee said, adding that the festival “has the potential to reach more audiences than any other festival in the world because of the Internet’s global reach.” Last year’s short film award winner, 39-year-old Richard Recco, has since received half the financing he needs to turn his directorial debut into a feature-length film, Babelgum said. The film, Officer Down, is about a corrupt policeman.

Babelgum is accepting uploads of independent short- and medium-length films through the end of the year. The winners will be announced early next year at a time and place still to be determined. This year, the festival has reduced the number of categories from seven to four, including short films up to 20 minutes, documentary and animation. Babelgum viewers will select the top 10 films in each category. From those, Lee will then choose a winner in each category for the Spike Lee Award, worth $A30,000). A four-member jury also will choose a winner in each category, with prizes still to be determined.

Another prize of $A30,000 will be given to an emerging talent from any of the four categories. Babelgum, which was started by the founder of Italy’s second-largest telecommunications company Fastweb, launched its site for the general public in 2007. Supported by advertising, Babelgum uses peer-to-peer technology and focuses on content from independent producers. Competitors include Joost and VeohTV.

Babelgum, which has been pushing to expand its North American presence, also announced a new venture with the Cinetic Media, an industry consulting company that concentrates on financing and sales, to show 12 festival-quality feature-length movies, one a month for a year. The planned offerings include the 2005 film Planet Ibsen by Jonathan Wyche and the 2006 film Hamilton, by director Matthew Porterfield chronicling two summer days in the life of a young family. Mark Cranwell, director of acquisitions for Babelgum, said the deal demonstrates that the Internet is a “viable platform for recent, high-quality pictures”.

On the Web:
http://www.babelgum.com/
http://www.cineticmedia.com/

Planet Ibsen Q&A Update

2007-10-22T09:20:00.004-05:00

We posted this Q&A in response to the numerous emails we received asking about the status of Planet Ibsen.

Q: When can I see Planet Ibsen?
A: We are in the process of working with Cinetic Media (CRM). We anticipate that Planet Ibsen will find its way to you very soon.

Q: What else has Jonathan Wyche (Director, Writer, Producer) been working on?
A: Jonathan, after completing 21 episodes and the opening title sequence for Miami Ink, has been working with the Discovery Studios as a Series Producer & Director. He is working between Miami and DC. Jonathan recently completed the third season of Home Made Simple (HMS) for TLC. At present, he is in pre-production for the fourth season of HMS and is collaborating on a couple TV pilots for Discovery. In addtion to shooting in Miami, LA, DC and Chicago Jonathan is also writing scripts; for both film and TV.

We very much appreciate your ongoing interest in Planet Ibsen! Please continue to check back for updated information.

Planet Ibsen in FilmMaker Magazine

2006-11-26T12:42:00.000-05:00

Check out the Fall edition of FilmMaker Magazine for an article on the making of Planet Ibsen.

http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/fall2006/

Planet Ibsen: Moody, magical, and very honest

2006-03-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

Apparently, women have been leaving their husbands for as long as there has been marriage. Unfortunately, no one told August Strindburg.

This is an excellent picture about the true story of the ego of August Strindburg, infamous playwright and typical chauvinist male. The film is told from the perspective of Strindburg's equally famous arch-rival, Henrik Ibsen- a very interesting choice of narration, because the movie itself is about a frustrated man who seems to desire attention in full. Funny? No. Fitting? Yes.

This film will make you torn between your feelings. It explains everyone's "side", so it's hard to formulate an opinion. I love that! It was nice to see a movie about how far a man will go to create his own world, and his own rules. You almost have to identify with Strindberg after watching. Not that he's everyman, but the film explains what happens when his wife gets a hold of a copy of Ibsens play "A Dolls House", and evolves in a way Strindberg is not pleased with. The rest of the film is an explanation of his resulting behavior.

This film was done in an extremely interesting and artistic way. The director of this film had just the right amount of vision to communicate this twisting and flowing drama into an entourage of different personalities that co-exist in the same room, but not necessarily in the same time.

It's not at all complicated to follow, which is good because of the subject of the film. The director kept it unbroken and timely, and the actors were so helpful in explaining what was going on with delivery and non-verbal communication (especially Steve Dumouchel) that you wont find yourself getting lost in the coolness. Gabriel Damon is so fun to watch as an overbearing husband, and Clint Howard's detail showed that he truly enjoyed himself.

I'm recommending this film to people who like movies, not just the subject matter. There's not one cuss word and absolutely no nudity, just a good story done well. (J. Branch)http://www.imdb.com/user/ur5488331/comments

Planet Ibsen: "It’s definitely BRILLIANT”

2006-03-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

“…I’ve had so many people come up to me and say ‘Wow, what an incredible film (Planet Ibsen); this is the best film in the festival. I didn’t expect to like it so much but it’s just a really incredible film.’… I think it is an incredible film-festival film. It’s definitely brilliant.” ~Cevin Cathell, SBIFF Program Director Variety

Visit Download cathell_on_ibsen.wav to listen to Cevin Cathell's audio podcast. variety yahoo MSN

Planet Ibsen ENTERTAINMENT TODAY Review

2006-03-10T10:25:00.000-05:00

5 Films

When I attended the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February, certain types of films caught my eye. I found myself in the audience for Mozart and the Whale, The West Wittering Affair, Shadowboxer, Planet Ibsen, and Believe in Me. Of course, I didn’t really just wander into those screenings – I put them on my schedule of festival happenings and made sure to see them. And you know what? I’m glad I did. All of these films explore, at some level, assumptions about gender in Western society.

Next is Planet Ibsen. This is a surreal take on gender issues quite specifically, based on Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play, A Doll’s House, which is considered to be the first stage production with a feminist slant on marriage. Director Jonathan Wyche creates a world of the mind to ponder marital power struggles, women’s awakening consciousness, and men’s dawning realizations. The images and the plot are all fantastical and vaguely historical, supposedly originating in the head of one of Ibsen’s real-life contemporaries, writer August Strindberg. But the issues and messages are absolutely contemporary and very real in their import. This is not classical realist cinema in any sense of the word. So it’s avant-garde not only in terms of the look and feel of the film, but in its positioning of gender dynamics as still requiring thoughtful analysis and remedial work to bring about true equality. Variety

Excerpt from Entertainment Today. See the Mach 3rd Edition for reviews on Mozart and the Whale, The West Wittering Affair, Shadowboxer, & Believe in Me.

Entertainment Today (March 3, 2006), by Madelyn Ritrosky

Planet Ibsen: "Provocatively strange..."

2006-03-07T22:27:00.001-05:00

“Provocatively strange Planet Ibsen, Jonathan Wyche’s highly stylized play-within-a-nightmare fantasy about tensions between Scandinavian playwrights Ibsen and Strindberg." ~Josef Woodard, Santa Barbara Independent Variety

So, here's a film that deserves a look...Planet Ibsen

2006-03-07T22:27:00.000-05:00

“So, here's a film that deserves a look...Planet Ibsen is about a tormented playwright who is forced to revisit his past while being trapped inside his archrival’s most famous play. Tre clever no? In Planet Ibsen, Strindberg believes he is trapped inside Ibsen’s A Dolls House and his only means of escape is to rewrite Ibsen’s play, in the attempt to revise his life. Out there? You bettya - and it's starring that underrated nugget of talent, Clint Howard - a BluntReview fave ~Emily Blunt, Blunt Review Variety

Planet Ibsen is an intriguing experiment, engaging at various levels: shot composition, editing, story, and theme.

2006-03-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

“Planet Ibsen is an exploration into the realms of what-if and altered realities - to that other planet of surrealist exploration. Planet Ibsen is an intriguing experiment, engaging at various levels: shot composition, editing, story, and theme. But it's not about surrealism. At the levels of story and theme and in its formal construction, the film is concerned with self-examination and revelation, gender and power, representation and (non)realism, and historical or "period" stories as prisms for considering our own times. It feels like you're diving into something below the surface, through the looking glass, into cogitation on gender and on heterosexual relations and marriage in particular. Director Jonathan Wyche, in his first feature, wants the viewer to think, to connect images and ideas through association and abstraction rather than through continuity editing and traditional storytelling. There is, however, an overarching narrative trajectory - a character's interior journey and realizations - that will satisfy viewers who want some sort of storyline to follow.” ~Madelyn Ritrosky, Entertainment Magazine Variety

“Planet Ibsen, an eerie, modern thought pyschologically based and extremely creative..."

2006-03-07T22:25:00.000-05:00

“Planet Ibsen, an eerie, modern thought pyschologically based and extremely creative version of 1800's Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House” ~Mike Takeuchi, Filmfestivals.com Variety

Far riskier choices...Tsotsi, Joyeux Noel, and Planet Ibsen

2006-03-07T22:24:00.000-05:00

“One of our film selection criteria was to pick films …, far riskier choices, but choices that maximize the opportunity offered by the festival to see things that you might not otherwise get a chance to see. Some of our interchangeable passes ended up around the necks of people seeing Tsotsi, Joyeux Noel, and Planet Ibsen.” ~EdHat.com Variety

Planet Ibsen "....a historical fantasia."

2006-03-07T22:22:00.000-05:00

“And with so many American indies rehashing the same old family dramas or quirky tales of teen angst, I had to take special note of this film (Planet Ibsen) , which is a historical fantasia about the rivalry between August Strindberg and Henrik Ibsen.” ~Scott Macaulay, Filmmaker Magazine Variety

Planet Ibsen ".. low-budget film homage to Orson Welles' The Trial

2006-03-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

“The film's called Planet Ibsen, it takes place in the mind of playwright August Strindberg, largely including schizophrenic nightmares of fellow playwright Henrik Ibsen (Clint Howard). It really seemed like a sort of low-budget film homage to Orson Welles' The Trial. It's always a good thing to see that there's another well-shot movie floating around, someone still knows they have to light their movie.” ~Rav, Ain’t It Cool News Variety

George Clooney: On the Road to the Oscars

2006-02-27T07:16:00.000-05:00

Actor Clint Howard–a familiar face in his brother Ron’s films like Cinderella Man and in Santa Barbara to promote his new indie Planet Ibsen–showed up because he goes way back with Clooney. “I did a TV movie with George back in the mid '80's called Sunset Beat that I think he would definitely like to forget about, but every time I see him I don't let him.” Despite his subsequent superstardom, Howard said Clooney’s still very much the same guy he was pre-fame. “Here's a guy who's put himself into a really unique position, and yet he's just a regular guy who likes to hang out and have fun.”

To read the full article by Scott Huver visit http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/feature/id/3480341

Hoffman, Panels, & Fan Mail

2006-02-20T11:26:00.000-05:00

“..One of our film selection criteria was to pick films that wouldn’t be coming to the Riviera this year, far riskier choices, but choices that maximize the opportunity offered by the festival to see things that you might not otherwise get a chance to see. ….some of our interchangeable passes ended up around the necks of people seeing Tsotsi, Joyeux Noel, and Planet Ibsen.”

http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1198

SBIFF program director CEVIN CATHELL'S thoughts on Planet Ibsen

2006-02-18T14:48:00.000-05:00

“So Jonathan and Erica Wyche of Planet Ibsen have worked really really hard to try to get their film seen. It’s not the kind of film that’s an easy film to sell because you really have to think and you have to be active when you’re watching it. But, I think when people see it, and they… I mean I’ve had so many people come up to me and say ‘Wow, what an incredible film; this is the best film in the festival. I didn’t expect to like it so much but it’s just a really incredible film.’ And they (Jonathan and Erica Wyche) have been around all week long, talking about it, attending all the press breakfasts, talking it up with people, and getting to know the other filmmakers; which is really important in getting their support. And I think it’s going to pay off in a very big way. I think it is an incredible film festival film. It’s definitely brilliant.” --Cevin Cathell SBIFF Program Director

Visit Download cathell_on_ibsen.wav to listen to Cevin Cathell's audio podcast.

Visit Download rononibsenclint.wav to listen to Academy Award winning (for "A Beautiful Mind") director Ron Howard who was present for one of the screenings and spoke about the film and his brother Clint Howard's performance audio podcast.

Visit the following links to listen to Jonathan Wyche’s audio podcasts:
Download Planetibsenaccepted.wav How Jonathan found out that "Planet Ibsen" was selected for the SBIFF.
Download wychefestexp.wav Without star driven power, studio backing, and advertising, how did they get people to see their film?
Download wycheworthit.wav Was it worth the effort?

Posted by Takeuchi on FilmFestival.com http://www.filmfestivalstv.com/santabarbara/2006/02/planet_ibsen_1.html

Planet Ibsen's Creators TRUE to Self and Others

2006-02-18T14:37:00.000-05:00

Despite tirelessly promoting their film "Planet Ibsen", an eerie, modern thought pyschologically based and extremely creative version of 1800's Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House", the wife and husband team of producer Erica Arnold-Wyche and director Jonathan Wyche look no worse for wear at the end of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. (Photo by Mike Takeuchi)

As the SBIFF wound down last week Jonathan Wyche, the writer/director/producer of "Planet Ibsen" finally got to lounge on the couch of the Santa Barbara Hotel. Someone remarked that it was the first time they have seen him sitting down all week. Wyche just smiled. Was he weary? It had been a long week of promoting his and wife Erica Arnold-Wyche's film, where in addition to attending seemingly every movie and all the special events, the couple tirelessly hit the streets to get the word out about their film. But his smile had less to do with fatigue than joy. As with a few other movies that did very well, "Planet Ibsen" was granted another showing at the Festival. Alas, the couple would miss it, as they had a plane to catch. But it didn't matter. They did everything they could, and it was beginning to pay off. One has to admire their determination and resolve to grind it out and take something as far as they could go. And they did it while being genuinely nice, real people that is the antithesis of stereotypical Hollywood. Perhaps it had something to do with his parents being academics (both are university professors), or being reared in different socioeconomic parts of the country, or even his own academic pursuits and life interests. Maybe it is all or none of the above. But after spending some time with both speaking about race, politics, and philosophy, this writer can opine that they did it right. Shakespeare could have had them in mind when he penned "To thine own self be true."

In addition to "Planet Ibsen" being written and directed by Jonathan Wyche and produced by Erica Arnold-Wyche and Jonathan Wyche, Clint Howard and Gabriel Damon are co-producers. The film stars Steve DuMouchel and Clint Howard. For more information on "Planet Ibsen", visit their Web site at http://www.planetibsen.com/.

Posted by Takeuchi on Filmfestivals.com
http://www.filmfestivalstv.com/santabarbara/2006/02/planet_ibsen_1.html

Planet Ibsen with fellow filmmakers at SBIFF

2006-02-16T13:13:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Wyche, Renee Sotile, Mary Jo Godges, & Erica Arnold-Wyche at the 21st SBIFF

Mary Jo and Renee are the Directors/Producers of Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars. Narrated By Susan Sarandon and Songs by Carly Simon.

Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars is a story of a courageous woman and passionate teacher and how her tragic death brought a nation to tears and tore a family apart when Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on January 28, 1986. Please visit http://www.TEACHER1986.com for more information or to purchase a copy of their inspiring documentary.

Q&A After Planet Ibsen Premiere at SBIFF

2006-02-14T15:40:00.000-05:00

Clint Howard, Gabe Damon, Steve DuMouchel, Jonathan Wyche, & Erica Arnold-Wyche

Clooney: A Modest Modern Master

2006-02-13T08:17:00.000-05:00

By Scott Steepleton, News-Press Senior Writer, February 4, 2006 2:17 AM , http://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?Section=LOCAL&ID=564676372165951585&ARCHIVES=true

He's on the short list for an Oscar or two, but George Clooney still is able to joke about the incredible fortune that has come his way this past year. "My career's on its way down," the co-writer and co-star of "Good Night, and Good Luck" said as he walked the red carpet Friday night before receiving the Modern Master Award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. In reality, the former "ER" star who has made an easy transition to film is on a high -- and much of it is owed to "Good Night, and Good Luck," which is up for six Academy Awards, including best picture.

Mr. Clooney, who co-wrote the original screenplay and directed the film, is up for Oscars in those categories, and he's also nominated for best supporting actor in "Syriana." "I'm plummeting," he joked, flashing his million-watt smile. A segment of the audience that has shown surprising support for the film, he said, is made up of young people, who weren't around in the 1950s for broadcast journalism's early days and have not seen anything like Sen. Joseph McCarthy and the Permanent Sub-committee on Investigations. "It's exciting how well we did with young people, but I was sort of surprised by that," Mr. Clooney told the News-Press outside the Arlington Theatre. "Usually they're almost immediately turned off by the idea it's black and white. But, you know, you show a kid 'It's a Wonderful Life' and they hate it for a second, and then they watch it and they like it."

Sharon Stone was on hand for the Clooney tribute, and she dodged any talk of her role in "Alpha Dog," the film based on Jesse James Hollywood, the accused mastermind behind Nicholas Markowitz's murder in the hills outside Santa Barbara. "We're here opening our film 'Special Thanks to Roy London,' " said Ms. Stone. The late Mr. London was an influential 1980s acting coach, and Ms. Stone is one of about 50 people appearing in that film, which screens at 3:30 p.m. today at Victoria Hall, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Jonathan Wyche and Clint Howard -- Ron's brother -- were on hand to promote their new film, "Planet Ibsen," a fantasy tale of a tormented playwright forced to revisit his past by being trapped inside his archrival's play. Their film screens at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Metro 4. "When I read the script I was impressed, and when I met Jonathan (the director, writer and producer) I was impressed with his focus and felt comfortable that he could pull it off," said Mr. Howard, who co-produced and plays Henrik Ibsen, the film's title character. "It's not mainstream. It's an intellectual art-house movie.

Clint Howard, a lead actor in "Planet Ibsen" where he portrays Henrik Ibsen.Copyright Eric Isaacs 2006 http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=1300

The Riviera Award HONORING Phillip Seymour Hoffman

2006-02-12T04:45:00.000-05:00

Erica Wyche, producer "Planet Ibsen" and Jonathan Wyche, director "Planet Ibsen"21st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival - The Riviera Award Honoring Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Planet Ibsen Back by Popular DEMAND

2006-02-11T19:27:00.000-05:00

Back by popular demand, four films, including Planet Ibsen will have an additional screening at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Sunday, February 12 at 7:00 PM at the Metro 4 Theatre.

Roger Durling, SBIFF Executive Director & Jonathan Wyche

"Journey to Planet Ibsen" Entertainment Magazine REVIEW

2006-02-10T02:16:00.000-05:00

Journey to Planet Ibsen
By Madelyn Ritrosky Entertainment Magazine

http://emol.org/film/archives/planetibsen/index.html

Planet Ibsen is not science fiction. Like sci-fi, however, it is an exploration into the realms of what-if and altered realities - to that other planet of surrealist exploration. Planet Ibsen is an intriguing experiment, engaging at various levels: shot composition, editing, story, and theme. But it's not about surrealism. At the levels of story and theme and in its formal construction, the film is concerned with self-examination and revelation, gender and power, representation and (non)realism, and historical or "period" stories as prisms for considering our own times.

Planet Ibsen had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara Film Festival this week. Director Jonathan Wyche, in his first feature, wants the viewer to think,to connect images and ideas through association and abstraction rather than through continuity editing and traditional storytelling. Wyche, who has directed TV commercials, shows for Animal Planet, and three documentaries, said he did not want to "spoon feed" the audience. There is, however, an overarching narrative trajectory - a character's interior journey and realizations - that will satisfy viewers who want some sort of storyline to follow. Read More

21st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival - "Planet Ibsen" - 3rd Screening

2006-02-10T01:31:00.000-05:00

Greg Miller & Family, Erica Wyche , Jonathan Wyche, Clint Howard, Gabe Damon & Family

Greg Miller, Gabe Damon, Jonathan Wyche, David Williams, Clint Howard

Diana Williams and David Williams (Composer)

Filmmaker PHOTOS in front of the Hotel Santa Barbara

2006-02-10T01:19:00.000-05:00

"Ed Carpet" in front of the Hotel Santa Barbara taking pictures and filmmakers interviews.

Clint Howard: http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1162&name=Clint_Howard

Gabe Damon: http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1162&name=Gabriel_Damon

Jonathan Wyche: http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1162&name=Erica_and_Jonathan_Wyche

The Attenborough Award HONORING James Cameron

2006-02-07T23:41:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Wyche, Director/Writer/Producer "Planet Ibsen" and Erica Arnold - Wyche "Planet Ibsen" Executive Producer...21st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival - The Attenborough Award Honoring James Cameron - Inside and Arrivals 2/6/2006

Clint Howard SHINES

2006-02-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

Photo bySanta Barbara News-Press, Elisa Fuentes

Role Reversal: While Clint Howard Shines, Brother Ron Happily Supports in the Background. While Ron Howard was getting awards and adulation from behind the camera for directing movies like "Cinderella Man", "A Beautiful Mind", and "Apollo 13", his brother Clint, despite over 160 roles in television and movies, toiled in relative obscurity as a character actor. On Saturday night outside of the Victoria Hall Theatre in Santa Barbara, the roles were reversed. Clint Howard was about to enter the second screening of his latest movie "Planet Ibsen" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Howard plays 1800's Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen ("Peer Gynt" "A Doll's House"). The movie, which is directed by Jonathan Wyche, is a stylized version of the latter play. While older brother stood happily by, younger brother was graciously accepting congratulations from friends, and the adulation of fans.

Ron Howard said that he loved his brother's part in the movie. I saw a cut nine of the movie nine months ago," Ron Howard said. "And I think that he (Clint Howard) gave a great performance. It is a really cool fascinating movie, that I am glad the Film Festival chose it. It is a good movie and a great showcase for one of the better character actors around." Read More

Article Posted by Takeuchi on filmfestivals.com

http://www.filmfestivalstv.com/santabarbara/2006/02/role_reversal_w.html

21st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival - "Planet Ibsen" - Screening

2006-02-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Wyche in the Projectionist Room

Clint Howard Before the Screening

Clint Howard, Gabe Damon, Erica Arnold-Wyche and Jonathan Wyche

http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====161409&VwMd=i

Modern Master Award HONORING George Clooney

2006-02-07T18:35:00.000-05:00

Gabe Damon, Jonathan Wyche, director "Planet Ibsen," Clint Howard and Erica Arnold-Wyche 21st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival - Modern Master Award Honoring George Clooney 2/3/2006

FILMMAKERS of the SBIFF

2006-02-07T18:12:00.000-05:00

Filmmakers of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival gathered at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort on the city's waterfront to discuss their films. Attendees included Alan Berger and Vincent Robert ("Halfway Decent") and Jonathan Wyche and Erica Arnold ("Planet Ibsen").

Photo by Ms. Rebecca for the SBIFF.
http://www.filmfestivalstv.com/santabarbara/2006/02/_filmmakers_of_.html

REVIEW of Planet Ibsen

2006-02-03T01:48:00.000-05:00

Directed by Jonathan Wyche and featuring a talented and versatile cast, PLANET IBSEN uses the contentious relationship between playwright Henrik Ibsen and writer August Strindberg as its jumping-off point. The two men never met, but Ibsen's 1879 play ‘The Doll's House’ had a strong negative impact on Strindberg, who felt it was based on his life and the people in it, and that Ibsen had it all wrong. Several years later he retaliated by writing an attack on Ibesen in the form of a short story collection (Giftas). In Planet Ibsen, Strindberg finds himself as a character in the play, albeit one who is not seen or heard. As key scenes in the play are acted out, the two writers argue about marriage, social mores, writing and plagiarism. Strindberg attempts to draw parallels between characters in the play and people in his life, and accuses Ibsen of ruining his marriage and ultimately his life. Convinced that "Nora" is based on his wife Siri, Strindberg attempts to convince her to behave like a respectful, traditional wife, proving himself to be exactly the type of character that Ibsen criticized in his plays. Visually and intellectually intriguing, this spiraling story keeps the viewer engaged, as literature, history and speculation merge.

Jacqueline Spafford (http://www.edhat.com/sbfilm/onemovie.cfm?onetitle=Planet%20Ibsen%20%20)

World Premieres to Watch For at the 21st SBIFF

2006-01-30T22:07:00.000-05:00

World Premieres to Watch For by Josef Woodard

http://www.independent.com/cover/Cover003.htm

"Also in the sizable 'world premiere' corner is the provocatively strange Planet Ibsen, Jonathan Wyche’s highly stylized play-within-a-nightmare fantasy about tensions between Scandinavian playwrights Ibsen and Strindberg."

-Santa Barbara Independent

CLINT HOWARD on the Role of Henrik Ibsen

2006-01-29T00:09:00.000-05:00

“In my opinion, Planet Ibsen is about how the inflexibility of a brilliant mind can be the strongest bars of a very wicked jail. I always felt that Ibsen was bright enough to know that he might not always be right. I imagine Henrik reveled in putting together the puzzle that is reality. From the moment I met Jonathan, I had an eerie sense of confidence regarding his ability to tell this story on film. My instincts were correct. I've been acting a long time and my experiences on Planet Ibsen are some of the highlights of my career."

Clint Howard, Henrik Ibsen

STEVE DUMOUCHEL on the Role of August Strindberg

2006-01-23T22:48:00.000-05:00

"I believe Planet Ibsen is a tale of the descent into madness of the playwright August Strindberg. Portraying August Strindberg made me realize several new things about myself. Also, it confirmed several things I had already known. The Director Jonathan Wyche’s sense of humor kept the production on an even keel, no matter what the circumstance. He assembled, I believe, a well rounded close knit group of actors and production crew."

Steve DuMouchel, August Strindberg

MAYA GILGENBACH on the Role of Greta

2006-01-22T08:41:00.000-05:00

"I liked the day at the beach (Filming at Virginia Key Beach). It was my favorite part. There were raccoons everywhere and one ran away with my doll (The Hero Doll). I was afraid of the raccoon, but somebody else chased him and the raccoon dropped the doll. I’ll always remember it."

Maya Gilgenbach (Age 6), Strindberg’s Daughter Greta

AGUSTIN REXACH On Editing Advice for Indie Filmmakers

2006-01-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

Q) What advice would you give first time filmmakers?
A) Get your editor involved at the pre production stage. Contrary to popular belief, not everything can be “fixed in post”. An editor’s input can help filmmakers work smarter, not harder by designing strategies that will help them get the rights shots the right way. An editor is invaluable in designing a successful workflow that will enable filmmakers to deliver their finished film in the best format possible. Let’s face it, all that hard work and creativity is a moot point if you cannot deliver a finished product that meets strict distribution standards. Always keep the big picture in mind. Before grabbing the camera, block out your scene with the actors. Look at the scene like you would look at a play. This will give you clues as to how you would like to plan your shots in order to capture the scene successfully. So many first time filmmakers just start shooting without enough planning or blocking. This usually spells disaster. When you shoot without planning, you shoot without confidence. This lack of confidence usually translates into lack of continuity from shot to shot making the editorial process a nightmare. Read More

Agustin “Auggie” Rexach, a graduate of Boston University’s film program, is celebrating his tenth year as an editor. He lives in San Antonio, Texas where he provides creative editorial services through Match Frame, San Antonio. Planet Ibsen is his sixth feature film. Auggie can be contacted via email at: txmonkey@sbcglobal.net

BARRY OLIVER CHASE On Legal Advice for Indie Filmmakers

2006-01-18T13:28:00.000-05:00

Law Office of Barry Oliver Chase http://www.lawharvard.com/FSL5CS/Custom/home.asp

Q) What is one of the biggest mistakes first-time filmmakers make?
A) Probably the biggest mistake (from a legal point of view) is launching expensive and time-consuming pre-production/production without creating a paper-trail to show the eventual distributor that you actually own the movie. It isn’t enough to say that the movie is “yours.” You need to have written agreements with every creative participant, agreements that leave you owning the “results and proceeds” of their work. Would you buy a car without being certain that the seller actually owned the car? Well, distributors feel the same way about a film that comes to them without “chain-of-title” papers saying, for example, that the female lead has actually agreed that the filmmaker owns her performance in the film. Under the copyright laws, these need to be written and signed agreements, and even if you paid the participant, you don’t own what she did for you without one. Read More

From its office in Miami, Florida, the Law Office of Barry Oliver Chase provides legal advice and representation to clients in the national and international entertainment, arts, sports and media industries. The firm provides a full gamut of legal services to clients in these industries. Mr. Chase has a unique combination of education and experience that sets him apart from most other entertainment attorneys. As a well-trained professional (honors degrees from both Yale and Harvard) with an insider's perspective on the entertainment industry (he’s a former programming head of the PBS National Television Network), Mr. Chase provides his clients with legal representation at what he likes to call a “Harvard level.”

Planet Ibsen World Premiere DATES

2006-01-17T19:33:00.000-05:00

The 21st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will host the world premiere of Planet Ibsen at 6:30 PM on Saturday, February 4th at the Victoria Hall Theater. The Victoria Hall Theater was originally built in 1921 and is the perfect setting for Planet Ibsen, a Victorian Fantasy film. The Victoria Theater was renovated in 1993. It was carefully designed to retain the look and feel of its early beginnings, including the traditional charm of original stained glass and mahogany. In view of the fact that the film is an extreme adaptation of Ibsen's "A Dolls House" play, this historical theatre is the ideal venue for viewers to experience Planet Ibsen. A second screening of Planet Ibsen will be held at 4:45 PM on Wednesday, February 8th at the Metro Theatre. Additionally, SBIFF will host a sneak preview of Planet Ibsen at 1:45 PM on Friday, February 3rd at the Metro Theater. This screening will have some seats available for public purchase.

~To purchase Tickets please visit http://www.sbfilmfestival.org

~To view the Planet Ibsen Trailer visit http://www.planetibsen.com/

"The Victoria Hall Theater"

Cineworks’ President VINNY HOGAN on Planet Ibsen

2006-01-17T16:48:00.000-05:00

"Jonathan Wyche is a very talented director, writer, and producer – we were happy to provide him with any support possible. Planet Ibsen is as ground-breaking as the characters it reflects. Cineworks provided full post production services through to Digital Intermediate" stated Cineworks’ President, Vinny Hogan. “This collaboration with Jonathan allowed us to contribute extensively to Jonathan’s creative and artistic vision,” acknowledged Digital Grader, Bradley Greer. Cineworks Digital Studios, an 18,000 square foot facility in Miami, Florida, is comprised of a full service lab and comprehensive digital infrastructure. "Cineworks is making Planet Ibsen look like the Rolls Royce of the indy films,” offered Wyche. Cineworks has designed a state-of-the-art facility to support the ever-increasing demands of today’s industry and introduces high-end Digital Intermediate service to the Southeast. Please visit http://www.cineworks.com/ to learn more about Cineworks Digital Studios.

Norway kicks off IBSEN CENTENARY

2006-01-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

Excerpts and AFP Photo from http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060114/1/3xw87.html

Norway has kicked off celebrations marking 100 years since the death of its greatest playwright, Henrik Ibsen, whose works are still among the favorites of performers and theatre-goers worldwide. The ground-breaking social themes of his plays and their presentation shook conservative moralists and audiences alike, but lifted Ibsen into the avant-garde of contemporary European theatre. Ibsen rivals William Shakespeare as one of the most performed playwrights in the world. The Ibsen Foundation reckons each week 130 stages across the planet puts on one of his works. The Bank of Norway has even struck a coin with Ibsen's likeness. Don’t tell Strindberg! Click on the link next to the Ibsen’s photo (above) to read the full article.

EMILY BLUNT on Planet Ibsen News

2006-01-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

BLUNTLY/ABOUT TOWN (http://www.bluntreview.com/enews.htm)

INDIE FILM ALERT: PLANET IBSEN @ SANTA BARBARA INT'L FEST FEBRUARY You know I'm always lookin' out for you kids! So, here's a film that desrves a look...Planet Ibsen is about a tormented playwright who is forced to revisit his past while being trapped inside his archrival's most famous play. Tre clever no? Planet Ibsen is what you'd call, an extreme adaptation of A Doll's House play, written in 1879 by Henrik Ibsen. The story is told from the perspective of Ibsen's real-life antagonist, August Strindberg, who never met Ibsen, but yet he publicly blamed him for the loss of his wife, family, and career. In Planet Ibsen, Strindberg believes he is trapped inside Ibsen's A Dolls House and his only means of escape is to rewrite Ibsen's play, in the attempt to revise his life. Out there? You bettya - and it's starring that underratted nugget of talent, Clint Howard - a BluntReview fave. Naturally, ahead of the curb, The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is including PI in their coveted schedule this (2006) February.

Please check back late Tuesday (1/17/06) afternoon for Planet Ibsen SBIFF screening dates.

Black Filmmaker JONATHAN WYCHE on Planet Ibsen

2006-01-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

In Planet Ibsen, Jonathan Wyche challenges mainstream expectations of black directors. Wyche, a black filmmaker, set out to avoid making a "Blacksploitation” or "Gendersploitation" film and in the process created a FANTASY FILM set in the VICTORIAN ERA. Wyche states, “I recall reading somewhere that the majority of women who have received acclaim for their acting roles was when they were playing either a hooker or prostitute. I have no interest in portraying a cliché, convention or the expected. In this day in age I give the audience a lot more credit.” Wyche maintains that the story drove him in the right direction. The filmmaker says, “I was simply passionate about a little hidden gem between two famous playwrights in history that not everybody knows about. From that I just told the story in the most interesting way I know. Something I would go see.” Planet Ibsen is about a tormented playwright, August Strindberg, who is forced to revisit his past while being trapped inside his archrival’s most famous play. Planet Ibsen is an EXTREME ADAPTATION of A Doll’s House play, written in 1879 by Henrik Ibsen. The film explores the similarities and differences between the characters in Ibsen’s play and Strindberg’s life.

DAVID WILLIAMS on Composing the Score

2006-01-14T09:24:00.000-05:00

“Planet Ibsen is, for me, about one man’s mental and emotional Journey, from Denial to Self-realization. It is so often sad, funny, poignant, and nightmarish all at the same time. My contribution was to write the musical score for the film. It was, I think, a rather daunting task to convey the films emotional underpinning when the film exists on so many layers. Jonathan and I decided that we would approach the music from August Strindberg’s point of view. So, in a sense, the music reflects what he is going through. It was a great pleasure, and great fun, to work with Jonathan. Not only was the professional collaboration rewarding, we have become good friends also. Although I am still trying to convince him of the virtues of having a great wine! I believe our relationship; both personal and professional is going to continue for many, many years to come."

David Williams, Composer

The Planet Ibsen Soundtrack is now available.

GABE DAMON on Role of Young Strindberg

2006-01-12T14:18:00.000-05:00

“Planet Ibsen is Jonathan Wyche's extremely creative suggestion of what it might have been like for the aging August Strindberg to face the demons of his rather checkered (and intermingled) personal and professional life. The most personally interesting facet of the project is it's example of the inevitable failure of the chauvinist's one-sided, choking marriage and how it ironically speeds the broadening of woman’s’ place in society. The young Strindberg is egomaniacal, tortured, frustrated and short. I love that his trophy wife is taller than him, it fits perfectly. Strindberg is too busy trying to fill the void to enjoy his genuine talent and what had all the makings of being a swell life. When the feel of a movie set isn't good, that's the fault of the guy running the show. When things are fun even under tough circumstances, team spirit reigns and everybody is busting their butts without a lot of griping, that's all to his credit. There is something about working with Jonathan that makes people (including myself) want to really nail it. I would happily p/a to be on his set again."

Gabe Damon, Young Strindberg

IMG on Planet Ibsen Sound Design

2006-01-10T20:03:00.000-05:00

"Planet Ibsen was intriguing from the moment Jonathan and Gabe played the first few scenes for me. Although the sound was not yet present, I was immediately inspired and could already hear where I wanted to go with it. From our very first meeting, I could tell Jonathan was very passionate about wanting to make a film without compromising any portion of it. Very rarely is a first time filmmaker able to hold out for what he believes in and the finished product reveals that he did just that. Congratulations on SBIFF, Jonathan! I would work with you again in a heartbeat. And that goes for Clint, Steve, Gabe, David, Auggie, and all the rest…..it was a pleasure. "

Greg Miller, Immersion Media Group (Post Audio)

EDHAT on on the 21st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)

2006-01-08T09:26:00.000-05:00

Poster design by Barbara Boros

Getting psyched for the 21st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). . . Planet Ibsen To Make World Premiere. Go to http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1107 for an overview of Planet Ibsen.

INDIEWIRE on the 21st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)

2006-01-08T09:22:00.000-05:00

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has unveiled details of its upcoming 21st edition, including 20 world premieres and 11 U.S. premieres, which will screen in the picturesque California seaside town February 2 - 12, 2006. Planet Ibsen will have its World Premier opening weekend. Go to http://www.indiewire.com/ots/2006/01/ask_the_dust_an.html
for the 21st SBIFF list of events and films.

TRAILER for Planet Ibsen

2006-01-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

To view the trailer of Planet Ibsen click this link (please be patient while it loads).
http://www.planetibsen.com/trailer/movie/final-web.wmv