A2-4U: Local Entertainment, Topics, and Happenings: October 2010

Last Friday, October 8th, my colleague, Liz Parker of Yes/No Films, and I approached the Michigan Theater on the brilliant sunny afternoon. A red carpet blanketed the cement in front of and around the area. A stretched limo drove up, then the driver got out and opened its doors for glammed up VIP party guests. The Ann Arbor premiere of the film "Answer This!" already seemed to be the fanciest shindig I’ve attended at the Michigan Theater before I’d even walked through the doorway. "Answer This!" is the brainchild of Chris Farah (director & screenwriter,) and Michael Farah (producer.) Chris Farah is a University of Michigan alumnus and both brothers are Ann Arbor natives. I caught up with retired University of Michigan professor and actor in the movie, Ralph Williams, during the VIP party before the film. He agreed to play his part after Chris Farah, his former student, emailed him. “I didn’t know it was such an enormous project,” he remarked. Williams found his role in the production to be a mammoth learning experience. “Acting for the stage, you project toward the audience…in film, the camera studies you,” he observed. Williams also discovered the extensive power and significance of film editors. He explained, “There are so many takes and you never really can predict how the editor will deal with those.”

Liz Parker & Christopher Gorham

Shortly after I talked with Williams, it was time to view the film. Ann Arbor pride radiated the filmmakers’ introduction of their work to hometown fans. Chris Farah, Michael Farah, their father, John Farah, and professor/actor Ralph Williams all psyched up local film lovers. And of course, the movie couldn’t start without a spirited organ-led chanting of “The Victors,” it being merely one day before the legendary ‘University of Michigan vs. Michigan State University’’ annual football tradition.

At the Ann Arbor inspired flick’s conclusion, I headed over to the Michigan League’s generously catered after-party. I spoke with Christopher Gorham (also in "Covert Affairs",) another leading actor. “Making a film is always a journey…the most fun is meeting new people,” he said.

Elyssa Eve & Arielle Kebbel

While it enthralled me to chat with some of the cinematic work’s main actors, I also met performers of smaller-yet-memorable characters, notably Brian Balzerini of Royal Oak. He elaborated on his experience. “When you see [the film as] words on paper, it is one thing, but when you see [the finished product] in real life, it’s incredible!”

Balzerini also reiterated the Farahs’ commitment to foster opportunities for Michigan grown talent.

Near the end of the evening, I conversed with producer Michael Farah, also the creator of popular website, Funny or Die. I asked for a word of advice to aspiring writers and creative professionals. “Make as much stuff as you can,” he proclaimed. “Take advantage of opportunities…Nobody is going to just give [success] to you.”

With those words of wisdom, I promenaded out of the League, heading back home to bed in anticipation of my 11:00 AM ‘day job’ the following morning.