Temple Grandin on Adults with Aspergers

Famous People With Asperger Syndrome

Meet The Director Q and A at NYIT Part 1 11-22-2010

This is most of the Q&A at NYIT, which lasted about an hour from 9 to 10 PM. Vincent discussed many aspects of making the film, Don't Go In The Woods," including how he decided to make a rock horror musical in the first place, the importance of "a good song" and how a musical should sound good, his effort to get his actors to sound natural and speak with a flat tone, his observation that "everybody sings these days" and how the popularity of "Glee" has helped his movie "a lot," and how combining the elements of horror and music was like sabotage("You mean suicide?") since music actually breaks the tension a horror film is meant to create. Vincent also described how DuArt was critical in helping him with post-production on the film for "almost nothing" and how Michael Erman assisted in "grandfathering" DGITW into the film festival circuit to gain more exposure for the film and help sell it to Tribeca Films for distribution, a deal that was just finalized on 11-22-2010. During the second part of the Q&Q when members of the audience were able to ask questions, Vincent also explained how he embraced the absurdity of the plot of DGITW and decided to "let it play out" and would not rule out plans for a sequel or another horror film if it can be a similar low-budget affair. DGITW was filmed in 12 days on a $100,000.00 budget. Vincent also declared how much he loved acting, saying "It's my whole life, everything I do." To one young actor/writer, Vincent emphasized that "You have to be writing all the time" in order to become a good writer and described his early days as a struggling actor driving cabs, working as a bouncer in clubs, etc, and said that he continued to act "all the time" in order to sharpen his skills. "What better things do you have to do than what you love? Nothing." After a round of applause from the audience, Vincent told the young lady, "Go home and write."

Alberto's birthday party in school Pt 1 11-24-2010.avi

More Pics from the NYCHFF 11-12-2010

Here are a few more photos I took during the NYC Horror Film Festival on Friday, November 12, 2010.

NYIT Screening of "Don't Go In The Woods" and Q&A 11-22-2010

It was a balmy 62 degrees in New York City last Monday night and mid-town Manhattan was decked out with Christmas decorations, lights, trees and music. I visited the shops at Columbus Circle and checked out their Christmas light show before heading over to the NYIT auditorium for the "Meet The Director" event with Vincent D'Onofrio,scheduled for 7:30 PM. While some attendees, including me, were waiting for the 7 PM check-in in the lobby, Sam Bisbee arrived and we exchanged hellos as he briefly left the auditorium before returning later to introduce the film, "Don''t Go In The Woods". Vincent arrived in time for the Q&A at 9 PM with Sam, Joe Vinceguerra, Cassandra Walker and Brad Balfour. He looked dapper in a black suit, white shirt with no tie and black loafers and black socks. During the first half-hour, Brad Balfour moderated the question and answer session and the second half-hour was comprised of questions from the audience. The entire Q&A was filmed for broadcast on Channel 75 at a future date. I took some photos early on and made my own video from my front row aisle seat directly in front of Vincent, who was very relaxed and comfortable onstage. Vincent revealed that his film was bought by Tribeca Films for distribution and also revealed that he kept his plans to make DGITW under wraps until he was about to begin filming so that his lawyer, manager and agent did not even know he was making a film beforehand. As a matter of fact, Vincent completely bypassed the major studios when making and promoting his film. He also gave some advice to a young actress/writer later on, advising her that "in order to become a good writer (or actor) you have to write all the time."Vincent did briefly discuss his next project "Johnny and Me," describing the plot as a father-daughter story with a different twist than anyone ever experienced and "very interesting.". By the way, Vincent also pointed out how much he loves acting, saying "It's my whole life, everything I do." Wow!! At the end he was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a surprise gift. He left the auditorium shortly after the Q&A ended and he briefly paused outside to speak to several friends and smoke a cigarette before heading towards Columbus Circle with Sam, Cassandra, Joe and several others. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to speak to him this time, as he didn't remain on the scene very long and was surrounded by people, including his handler.  Hopefully, I will have other opportunites to see Vincent in future, as I did at Joe's Pub four months ago and at Tribeca Cinemas two weeks ago.

Sam Bisbee Intro to "Don't Go In The Woods" 11-22-2010