Edgewood
INSIDER
Spring 2007
By Carson Markus (Entertainment stylist and Indy film fan)
When I started this blog, my first statement was; “As one of Edgewood Studio’s biggest fans (I have seen all of the studios films, lets say more than once…) I was honored when asked to be the one chosen to compile and write on the inner details of the studio’s workings, related stories, gossip, and upcoming projects for it’s ever-expanding circle of fans and supporters”. At that time I must admit I had no idea the position that I had just put myself into.
Edgewood Studios has, in the words of it’s founder DAVID GIANCOLA “Broken the glass ceiling…” with it’s latest release of “ILLEGAL ALIENS” on DVD May 1st and running throughout the country Theatrically in select cities starting in April. The feature film stars ANNA NICOLE SMITH and JOANIE LAURER and was partially produced by her son DANIEL SMITH. The film has (as you may know unless you have been living on the moon) garnered an outrageous amount of attention with the tragic deaths of both Anna and Daniel, along with the various custody and court battles that have captured the nation’s emotions and attention.
With the loss of a Producer, and the one of the Stars of the film, along with the very public meltdown on LARRY KING LIVE of co-star Joanie Laurer and her public admission of “living the same dangerous lifestyle” as Anna once did, (and her pledge of change) Edgewood’s staff has been a flurry of shock, mourning, and frantic activity to meet the needs of the voracious appetite of the press for all things “ILLEGAL ALIENS”.
I was an insider on some very tense negotiations and the decision-making for the final distribution of the film and I must say, (although you know I am biased) I am very proud of the decisions made by the studio, especially Producers MARY BETH FRENCH, JOHN JAMES, and of course, Mr. Giancola.
In the face of offers from some very big studios (lets call them mini-majors) that wanted to rush the film out as soon as possible to capitalize on Anna’s death, Edgewood stayed loyal to its supporters and true to its claimed mission. Mr. Giancola decided that the Theatrical dates previously announced would be re-scheduled to April, along with numerous important benefit screenings. “I want people to have some time pass so they will be able to laugh freely, as would have Anna wanted them to” noted Giancola, who also basically just bet his studio’s fortunes on the success of this expensive film by collapsing the Theatrical window and self-distributing at each theatrical venue, while going back to smaller distribution companies for DVD and International release. These are companies that have had relationships dating back over a decade with Edgewood; MTI Home Video and Artist View Entertainment. “They have supported us over the years through good films, bad films and and I feel my loyalty to them is more important than the what anyone would perceive about the film if it is not released by a major” stated Giancola, who also said, “These companies, unlike most of Hollywood, are honest, and we are working as a team to successfully release the film.” Retaining control and maintaining loyalty, is a risky tactic for Giancola to employ in the face of some big offers to cash out on the Publicity frenzy. (I heard of one big offer three weeks ago and I am sure it was tempting!)
Supported by Veteran Publicists JEFFREY LANE and ED BARAN, the film will start a promotional tour in late April along with the Theatrical release. “We never have used a publicist before and now we have TWO of the them!” reflected Giancola. The Theatrical dates will be announced only a few days after I submit this blog so check on this site’s home page for dates. The DVD release on May 1st looks to be a juggernaut, the film will be everywhere, including WAL-MART, BLOCKBUSTER, MOVIE GALLERY and of course, your local video store. (If you don’t see it on the shelf, jump on the counter and DEMAND they stock it – I have seen the film, it is a riot! …Imagine Mel Brooks directing Monty Python…really!) There has already been tightened security at Edgewood and stringent anti-piracy measures put in place. (Some production photos and props have come up “missing” and re-appeared on eBay…) Oh and the teaser has been downloaded over a quarter of a million times on U-Tube’s website to date.
Lest we not forget Edgewood’s other ’07 release, the gory and darkly humorous “ZOMBIETOWN” which is also garnering quite a bit of attention these days as filmmakers DAMON LE MAY and ZORINAH JUAN have been hitting the Horror and Sci-Fi Festival and Convention circuit and plan a Premiere soon. (“Zombietown” will also be released by MTI Home Video either this Summer or Halloween)
So while I could babble on with excitement that’s enough for this issue, you MUST see “Illegal Aliens”. I do not exaggerate when I say it has transcended the status of just being a “film” and is now a bonified, must-see Pop Culture Event.
If you have questions or comments about “The Insider”, please e-mail them to mb(at)edgewoodstudios(dot)com (she will forward all messages directly to me). And please, let me know what any tidbits YOU have to share about Edgewood and it’s films, cast and crew. We would love to hear from you. This will at least be fun to watch, have a great spring!
