Proud!

Becoming Redwood DVD on sale now, yahooooo!!  So to do a little shopping, go to www.becomingredwood.com to buy your very own copies. 

And now I have to watch my waistline and dust off my party dresses. I'm very proud to announce and share that my film Becoming Redwood has just been nominated for 14 Leo Awards!!  Yes 14 and couldn't be prouder.  Wahoooo!!  I'm so grateful to all of the amazingly talented people who helped make Becoming Redwood such a special film.  I always joke that Redwood is my second child, so is it a coincidence I should hear this news on Mother's Day!  Love it. 

Congrats to all fellow nominees!!

Leo Awards

Joely

Coming to the BIG screen!

Hi everyone,

Well lots of wonderful news to share.  BECOMING REDWOOD is now playing at Cineplex's International Village Cinemas in Vancouver as of April 12th and is set to be released in Toronto's Yonge and Dundas Cineplex theatres April 26th. Yeehaah!  Redwood also has a brand new website so you can stay up to date on what's happening with the film. Come find us on Facebook and spread the love!  

Becoming Redwood is also screening at the Beijing International Film Festival April 18, 19 and 22nd. So if you happen to find yourself in that neck of the woods, come join us!

Stay tuned for more adventures!  

Joely

2 Festivals, 3 Wins!!

Becoming Redwood finally made it's big screen debut at the Edmonton International Film Festival and the Vancouver International Film Festival...and I have some amazing news!!

In Edmonton we won the 2012 Jury Award for Best Canadian Film.

In Vancouver we won the Audience Award for Most Popular Canadian Film and Honourable Mention for Best Canadian Film.  

YEEEEHHAAAAH!!

Stay tuned for where you can see Becoming Redwood next :)

Joely

Edmonton and Vancouver!!

Hey folks,

I'm very proud to announce that my film Becoming Redwood has been chosen to be the Opening Gala Film for the Edmonton International Film Festival. Not bad eh? Super stoked. We've also been selected to screen at the Vancouver International Film Fest. This will be young Redwood's foray into the world and I couldn't be more excited. It is a very rewarding feeling to not only accomplish making a film but to have people who want to go and see it!!!
And that's how this business grabs ya and doesn't let go. Even through the blood, sweat and tears, you know that if you just hang on that little bit longer, it will be worth it. I'm amazed all the time that films ever get made at all. There are so many elements that need to come together just at the right time, and when I used to stand in the video store looking at all the movies (note I wrote 'used' to stand...alas they are no more) I'd say to myself, wow all these films got made...unbelievable! Cuz it is. Maybe that's why I love it so much...but when people are standing there clutching their Oscar, telling the world that it took them 10 years to make their film, they aren't joking. Films are little miracles. So come out and see mine!!

For those of you in the great Northwest this is where you can see Becoming Redwood. Don't wait too long to buy tickets ;)

Edmonton: Sept 28th @ 7pm at Empire City Centre theatre. http://www.edmontonfilmfest.com/

Vancouver: Oct 11th @ 6:15pm and Oct 12th @ 2:45pm at Empire Granville 7 theatre. http://www.viff.org/festival

For those of you in other parts of the world, not to worry, we are working hard to bring Redwood somewhere near you very soon!
Stay tuned!
Joely

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Becoming Redwood

So this past summer I made a film called 'Becoming Redwood'. It's a story about a young boy named Redwood, who believes that if he can beat Jack Nicklaus at the 1975 Masters, he will reunite his parents. Yes lots of long hair, funky tunes and groovy fashion....

This is StoryLab Productions first film and you can view the promotional trailer below.

You can also check us out on facebook.com/BecomingRedwood and tell us what you think.

Be sure to stay tuned so you'll know when and where you can see it. You don't want to miss it!!

Thanks for all your support!
Joely

Becoming Redwood from Becoming Redwood on Vimeo.

Lights, Camera, Action!

I am officially on day 12 of shooting my film "Becoming Redwood", StoryLab's first production. I feel blessed to have such an amazing cast and crew...and I sincerely mean that. You can work really hard to find the right people to work with but that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone's going to get along, so to have everyone working together so well, makes the experience even more special. Making a film is like birthing a child. It takes an enormous amount of energy to bring one to life and I've loved every bit it, including the gut wrenching obstacles that have littered my path along the way. I guess without those, one doesn't tend to learn as much. But yes, Redwood is coming to life and I cannot wait to tell you where you can go and see it. I will keep you updated as things progress...becoming soon to a theatre near you!

Stay tuned.
Joely

My May New Year's Resolution

HI there,

Well better late than never on making 'writing in my blog more frequently' my New Year's resolution! I have been thoroughly absorbed in motherhood and making movies. What an exciting time! And the sun is shining today finally! I have to say that generally I'm not the kind of person who is affected by the weather, but OMG we are mid May and I was wearing my ski jacket not even two days ago! On the upside, our prolonged winter has allowed me to thoroughly enjoy every sweater, coat and pair of boots I own. Even things hanging in the depths of my closet have gotten some attention due to the prolonged cold... But now the sun is out I realize that maybe I'm not as beach ready as I thought. See that's what is so great about winter. All the baggy sweaters!!! Now it's all about the itty bitty teeny weeny and if there was ever a time for a resolution (ie: go hit the gym) it's now. May can also be a very deceiving time in terms of thinking about summer, as it's still hockey season. Well it is for our boys, the Canucks!! And what a season they've had. If I haven't been there waving my towel and cheering them on, I've been glued to the telly and I intend to watch them all the way to the Cup! Of course nothing is better than eating and drinking while cheering on the boys and wearing a baggy jersey is always a great excuse to eat more. Well today I've decided to look fabulous under my jersey. I've been re-inspired. And if that means eating a salad whilst rooting for my team - I can do that. I hope you are all successfully emerging from hibernation and looking fabulous.
Enjoy the glorious sunshine everyone.
Take care
Joely

PS GO CANUCKS GO!!!!

How time flies!

No I didn't fall off the face of the earth, I've been busy....being a mum, a wife, a business partner, a friend, a daughter...you get the idea...BUSY!! But busy in a happy and enjoyable way of course!
Anyway I hadn't forgotten to update my blog I just thought I'd do it 'tomorrow' and that turned into 8 months, hence the name of my title... The first thing I can talk about to justify this statement is the fact that my daughter just turned ONE! I know I'm not the only one to have this experience but it does make me feel that I have officially lived the fastest (and bestest) year of my life. My little munchkin is one and is crawling and moving at lightening speed all over the place. Needless to stay I'm getting my exercise!!!
So now that it's 8 months later we are at that time of year again which means...you guessed it... Christmas is just around the corner! I swear as soon as those Halloween pumpkins are tossed in the bin the Christmas elves come dancing out and the Christmas carols begin. Seriously. It happens the very next day after Halloween. In fact I know for sure that they have all the Christmas stuff just lined up and ready to rock. I was in a department store in August - the summer time just for the record - and I happened to walk past an enclosed area and they were decorating Christmas trees!! I was wearing a tank top, shorts and flip flops at the time and had to express my outrage at having seen a Christmas tree in August! I was like NO NO NO Christmas is still miles away!!!!! As such, I feel like we never get the opportunity to truly absorb and enjoy each season. Even in the summer, just as the weather warms up the end of summer sales begin (actually not complaining about that). But then Halloween turns into Christmas and then the Valentines cards come out and then it's Happy Easter everyone!! No wonder people suffer from anxiety. Our lives are moving at the speed of light. We get pulled into the next season before we can truly savour and enjoy where we're at. I know I'm getting deep here but can we just slow things down a bit everyone?? Hallmark is ruling our lives!! So I've decided to really enjoy November for what November has to offer. Well since it's sort of a holiday free month - FYI I'm not disregarding Remembrance Day or the American Thanksgiving - but in Canada anyway there really isn't anything to decorate and write cards for so I'm using the month of November to get caught up on all the things around my house and in my life that need a little attention. November is time-to-get-organized month! Deal with all the stuff I've been putting off. Out with the old, in with the new. Reorganize the closets for my boots and sweaters and put the summer gear away (okay maybe you've done this already and good for you I applaud your organizational skills). Then come December I will be able to surrender to the season and sip my eggnog with peace of mind. I also officially designate November for enjoying the shorter days and getting cozy. Watch more movies and rock my boots. Actually I love November. What a great in-between-season month!
Okay I've had my rant and I've also been made aware that blogging every 8 months ain't cutting it. As an early New Year's resolution I will dedicate more time to my blog. So stayed tuned. And enjoy November!
Take care
Joely
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