Omg!!

PROJECTS GALORE FOR SMOLANOFF
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 07/22/07
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MORE STORIES OF LOCAL talent getting things done:

First, there is Michael Smolanoff, a Holmdel author and screenwriter who has several projects under way, including a feature film based on his book "The Oval Portrait."

"It's now in pre-production, in the casting phase. They've already got Christopher Walken and Eric Roberts," Smolanoff said. "Principal photography starts in October."

The releasing company, of which Smolanoff is president, is Twin Faces East Entertainment. A release date in 2008 is projected, he said.

"The other thing that is happening is I just finished (the screenplay for) "The Scary Kids' Club,' which is based on my book "Scary Tales.' The Irish director Ronan O'Leary is working on that for a 2008 release."

Finally, Smolanoff said, he is working on an animated feature film project; plans are to have performers such as Bette Midler and Barry Manilow do the voice-overs. He said a 26-episode TV series is planned to be spun off the film. The series would be based on a children's book by Smolanoff, featuring stories he told his children when they were growing up.

"Bagel" in Red Bank


A bagel that talks.

The curious can take a look at "My Roomie the Bagel," free of charge (but "donations are appreciated") at 9 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Red Bank Arts Theatre, 36 White St., Red Bank.

Eric Raj of Jackson, founder of NJ Film Core, made the 60-minute film and describes NJ Film Core, with slight tongue-in-cheek, as "being on the right track to becoming champion of the independent Internet movie movement." More information is available at www.myroomiethebagel.com.

Gibson keeps busy


Russell Gibson of Brick, whose credits include roles in "Analyze This," "Unfaithful" and "The Yards," has added several more credits to his resume.

He just completed work on "My Father's Will," portraying a priest who performs a marriage, as well playing a casino croupier on TV's long-running soap, "One Life to Live," and a brief scene in TV's "Flight of the Conchords."

New arrivals


Movies opening this week include "No Reservations," starring Catherine Zeta-Jones as a high-powered chef whose life changes when she becomes guardian of her niece (Abigail Breslin); and "I Know Who Killed Me," with Lindsay Lohan playing the victim of an assault.