Flashpoint Academy screened $ GAME to a class of film, video and digital students on Monday afternoon, followed by an evening screening for a group of old friends and former athletes from my alma mater, Northwestern University. Here's a shot of me with FP owner & founder Howard Tullman, my longtime pal. Howard gave us a tour of his state-of-the-art school, its hallways filled with his incredible art collection.
Here's a photo of Howard (and me) in a forest with former Northwestern athletes.
Some more photos...this one of former Northwestern athletes and staff.
And saving the best for last, here is a shot of me with my two college roommates, Steph and Lauryn. I enjoyed staying with them and spending time with their families.
Here's me handling Q & A during the evening session. (On Friday I see the doctor and if he says I'm done with rehab, I will no longer have a perfect excuse for wearing sneakers and jeans.)
These two screenings taught me the Flick the Bird Lesson. The younger crowd -- the students, mostly male 18 to 22 -- laughed loudly at the point in the film when the girl flips off Ruby (for no apparent reason). The Northwestern crowd did not laugh. (A few of my friends admitted they didn't get the bird scene either--nor did I, but as a writer-producer-actress who wants to respect a director's space, you must pick and limit your questions carefully.)
These two screenings taught me the Flick the Bird Lesson. The younger crowd -- the students, mostly male 18 to 22 -- laughed loudly at the point in the film when the girl flips off Ruby (for no apparent reason). The Northwestern crowd did not laugh. (A few of my friends admitted they didn't get the bird scene either--nor did I, but as a writer-producer-actress who wants to respect a director's space, you must pick and limit your questions carefully.)
The take-away from me was a reminder of what I knew but didn't appreciate until producing something for the screen: what I think is funny may not be funny according to others; what others think is funny sometimes doesn't make me laugh. (My 7th grade students often roared at Austin Powers scenes and jokes; I sat there laughing at my students, not at the screen.) I've heard this lesson from stand-up comedians who say they must adjust their game based on who's in the house. The problem with movie-making is that you want to fill the house and make everyone laugh from sixth graders to seniors without having to change a thing.
Overall both crowds enjoyed the short with the understanding that it's a selling tool for the full feature. But truth be told, the kids laughed more. I text-messaged Tom this assessment and he Tom says we'll take laughter from kids any and every day of the week.
Some more photos...this one of former Northwestern athletes and staff.
And saving the best for last, here is a shot of me with my two college roommates, Steph and Lauryn. I enjoyed staying with them and spending time with their families.
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