Begleiter 
| Directed by: | Dan Margules |
|---|---|
| Written by: | Dan Margules |
| Starring: | Aleisha Russell, John Henry Litten, Brian Taraz, Spencer |
| Country: | U S A |
| Created: | 2006 |
| Runtime: | 27 min. |
| Member: | happythedog |
Average rating: 5 by 3 users
Film Description:
Synopsis
In 'Begleiter,' Happy, an orphaned dog in search of a new master, finds a kindred spirit in Marion, a lonely woman still pining for the man who left her three months ago. But Marion and Happy’s new bond is quickly broken when Marion’s ex-boyfriend returns. The betrayal is too much for Happy and he decides to take matters into his own paws. Will he find fulfillment in his new life? First-time filmmaker Dan Margules presents a short film suggested in part by the German film 'Der Himmel über Berlin.' 'Begleiter' asks, what if the main character in Wim Wenders’ 1987 classic were a dog instead of an angel? Shot in 6 days in San Diego, California, 'Begleiter' features a special guest appearance by Ken Osmond from the classic 1950s TV show “Leave it to Beaver” and an original score by Alphonse Mouzon of the seminal jazz fusion band Weather Report. The film also stars Aleisha Russell, John Henry Litten in his screen debut and a championship Rhodesian Ridgeback named Spencer.
Forms: Narrative Fiction, Short
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Independent, Magical Realism, Spoof, Art, Spiritual
Screenings & Events
Solstice Film Festival
Film Festival
St. Paul, MN, U S A
June 2006
Anchorage International Film Festival
Film Festival
Awards: **** WINNER - BEST SHORT ****
Anchorage, AK, U S A
December 2006
Trail Dance Film Festival
Film Festival
Duncan, OK, U S A
January 2007
Delray Beach Film Festival
Film Festival
Delray Beach, FL, U S A
March 2007
Sunscreen Film Festival
Film Festival
St. Petersburg, FL, U S A
April 2007
Akron Independent Film Festival
Film Festival
Akron, OH, U S A
April 2007
Pet-Style & Gen Art Pet-Centric Short Film Competition
Internet/Broadband
Awards: **** FINALIST - FIRST RUNNER-UP ****
petstyle.com, Internet
May 2007
Big Island Film Festival
Film Festival
Awards: **** WINNER - BEST FAMILY SHORT ****
Waikoloa, Hawaii, U S A
May 2007
"For The Love Of Dogs" (Museum Exhibit)
OTHER
Delray Beach, FL, U S A
June 2007
Best of Big Island Film Festival
OTHER
Honolulu, HI, U S A
July 2007
Southern Winds Film Festival
Film Festival
Shawnee, OK, U S A
September 2007
Cast & Crew
Production
Dan Margules (Executive Producer, Producer, Director (1st Project))
WritingDan Margules (Writer (1st Project))
PerformanceAleisha Russell (Lead Actor), Brian Taraz (Lead Actor), Cassie Benavidez (Supporting Actor), John Henry Litten (Lead Actor), Ken Osmond (Supporting Actor), Spencer (Lead Actor)
CameraJoel Deutsch (Cinematographer/DP)
Post ProductionGarrett Krnich (Picture Editor), Robert W. Mason (Sound Editor)
MusicAlphonse Mouzon (Original Music/Composer), Leah (Original Music/Composer)
Top 3 in New York!
Nov 19, 2007 12:47PM
My New York Premiere last week was a big success! My award-winning short film "BEGLEITER" was NOMINATED for Best Domestic Short!
Only 3 films were nominated, so that means it was in the top 3 out of 21 eligible films that were shown in competition. Thank you Queens!
For more info, go to happy-the-dog.com.
My Surprise New York Premiere
Oct 24, 2007 05:05PM
Just noticed my award-winning short film "Begleiter" is listed on the web site for the upcoming 5th Annual Queens International Film Festival. I had pretty much written this one off. I didn't get any notification and it's a week and a half past notification date. I checked the web site last week and saw about 15 shorts were already listed but no indication if it was a partial or complete listing. Turns out, it was a partial list and "Begleiter" was quietly added. Awesome! And as a bonus, the opening night film at this festival is "THE DUKES" which features my film's composer, Alphonse Mouzon, so he's in there twice now! Good going, Alphonse!
Cebebs at my LA Premiere
Oct 08, 2007 01:11PM
Just got back from the Los Angeles premiere of my award-winning short film BEGLEITER at the Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival. It was an unusual setting -- literally in a barn at a ranch in Malibu. The wind blowing twigs across the tin roof added sound effects to each film that made it seem like we were watching them from inside a popcorn popper.
My two lead actors had both moved up to L.A. shortly after we wrapped, so they were both able to attend and it was John Litten's first time seeing it on a big screen with an audience, and my first time seeing him in over a year. My composer Alphonse Mouzon, from the legendary fusion band Weather Report, came and brought a lot of musical friends. Joining us were record producer Michael Jay (Celine Dion, Eminem, Mandy Moore, etc.), award winning film composer Cesar Benito from Spain, and even Tito Jackson of The Jackson 5 showed up! The film was also watched by Julienne Irons and John Lim, who play Uhura and Sulu, respectively, in "Star Trek New Voyages." Ken Osmond, who appears in the film, couldn't make it, unfortunately, because he's busy promoting a 50th Anniversary reunion of "Leave it to Beaver" on TV Land.
It was a good turnout. My family also came. The disc froze in the middle, a first for me, though I'd seen it happen enough on other films at other festivals that I was prepared with a backup. The festival organizer said he will also be showing my film at WonderCon in San Fransisco in February. He programmed a set of children's films from his previous festivals at Comic-Con this summer and they were seen by an audience of over 400 people.
We had a fun after party, then an after-after party at a nearby recording studio where we met, among others, the writer of the song "Barbie Girl" as well as the unofficial lead vocalist on Paris Hilton's album.
My two lead actors had both moved up to L.A. shortly after we wrapped, so they were both able to attend and it was John Litten's first time seeing it on a big screen with an audience, and my first time seeing him in over a year. My composer Alphonse Mouzon, from the legendary fusion band Weather Report, came and brought a lot of musical friends. Joining us were record producer Michael Jay (Celine Dion, Eminem, Mandy Moore, etc.), award winning film composer Cesar Benito from Spain, and even Tito Jackson of The Jackson 5 showed up! The film was also watched by Julienne Irons and John Lim, who play Uhura and Sulu, respectively, in "Star Trek New Voyages." Ken Osmond, who appears in the film, couldn't make it, unfortunately, because he's busy promoting a 50th Anniversary reunion of "Leave it to Beaver" on TV Land.
It was a good turnout. My family also came. The disc froze in the middle, a first for me, though I'd seen it happen enough on other films at other festivals that I was prepared with a backup. The festival organizer said he will also be showing my film at WonderCon in San Fransisco in February. He programmed a set of children's films from his previous festivals at Comic-Con this summer and they were seen by an audience of over 400 people.
We had a fun after party, then an after-after party at a nearby recording studio where we met, among others, the writer of the song "Barbie Girl" as well as the unofficial lead vocalist on Paris Hilton's album.
Nominated for Best Short
Aug 29, 2007 08:43PM
I recently learned that BEGLEITER is among the six prestigious films NOMINATED for Best Short Narrative at the Southern Winds Film Festival!
See BEGLEITER in the historic 509-seat Hornbeck Theatre, 125 N. Bell, Shawnee, OK 74804 on Saturday night, September 15, 2007 at 9:00 PM. Then stay to find out in person if it wins the prestigious award!
It's not over yet!
Aug 01, 2007 10:23PM
Yesterday I thought the festival circuit was pretty much done with my film. Today I got a YES from one of the remaining festivals.
I'm very proud to announce that my award-winning short BEGLEITER will be playing at the inaugural Southern Winds Film Festival in Shawnee, Oklahoma. This will be my film's second appearance in the Sooner State. If you know any Okies, tell them the festival runs from September 12-16.
I'm very proud to announce that my award-winning short BEGLEITER will be playing at the inaugural Southern Winds Film Festival in Shawnee, Oklahoma. This will be my film's second appearance in the Sooner State. If you know any Okies, tell them the festival runs from September 12-16.
End of an Era
Jul 31, 2007 07:01PM
I've just sent what I think will be my last festival submission for "Begleiter." It's had its 2-year run, about 50 submissions, with 9 acceptances so far and 6 notifications pending. I attended 3 of them, won awards at 3 of them. It's been a good run. Time to move on.
Oh, if you're in Honolulu, it's screening in about 2 hours. See the entry below.
Oh, if you're in Honolulu, it's screening in about 2 hours. See the entry below.
One Night Only, in Honolulu!
Jul 25, 2007 10:12PM
Good news. BEGLEITER will be screening at the rRed Elephant Cafe's Garage Cinema in Honolulu, along with some of the other award-winning shorts from the Big Island Film Festival.
Details:
Tuesday, July 31, 2007. 7:30pm - 9:30pm
1144 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Call 808.545.2468 or email info@rredelephant.com.
Also, tonight I moderated a Q&A with SNL cast member Andy Samberg, SNL writer Jorma Toccone, and SNL Digital Shorts director Akiva Schaffer at a screening of their new Paramount film "Hot Rod." The PR people said I did a good enough job that they may have me do another one with Seth Rogen at Comic-Con this weekend.
Details:
Tuesday, July 31, 2007. 7:30pm - 9:30pm
1144 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Call 808.545.2468 or email info@rredelephant.com.
Also, tonight I moderated a Q&A with SNL cast member Andy Samberg, SNL writer Jorma Toccone, and SNL Digital Shorts director Akiva Schaffer at a screening of their new Paramount film "Hot Rod." The PR people said I did a good enough job that they may have me do another one with Seth Rogen at Comic-Con this weekend.
My Lead Actor Passed Away
Jun 20, 2007 01:21AM
Today I have some unhappy news to report about the championship Rhodesian Ridgeback who played Happy the Dog, the lead role in my award-winning short film "Begleiter."
SPENCER (Ch. Oakhurst Mountain Maverick, SC, VCD1, CDX, RN, ET, VC) died unexpectedly in his sleep last week of undetermined causes. He was only seven years old. Winner of numerous awards at dog shows around the world, Spencer was easy to work with on the set and BEGLEITER would not have been the success it is without his heart-tugging lead performance.
Condolences can be sent to his owner, Maril Suess, at P.O. Box 772, Pine Valley, CA 91962.
In other news, BEGLEITER will be showing continuously all summer long as part of the "For the Love of Dogs" exhibit at the Cornell Museum in Delray Beach, Florida.
June 14 - September 8, 2007
Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Old School Square
51 N. Swinton Avenue
Delray Beach, FL
Phone: 561.243.7922
$6 general admission
$4 seniors and students (14-21)
Free for Old School Square members and children under 14.
More information:
oldschool.org
press release
SPENCER (Ch. Oakhurst Mountain Maverick, SC, VCD1, CDX, RN, ET, VC) died unexpectedly in his sleep last week of undetermined causes. He was only seven years old. Winner of numerous awards at dog shows around the world, Spencer was easy to work with on the set and BEGLEITER would not have been the success it is without his heart-tugging lead performance.
Condolences can be sent to his owner, Maril Suess, at P.O. Box 772, Pine Valley, CA 91962.
In other news, BEGLEITER will be showing continuously all summer long as part of the "For the Love of Dogs" exhibit at the Cornell Museum in Delray Beach, Florida.
June 14 - September 8, 2007
Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Old School Square
51 N. Swinton Avenue
Delray Beach, FL
Phone: 561.243.7922
$6 general admission
$4 seniors and students (14-21)
Free for Old School Square members and children under 14.
More information:
oldschool.org
press release
Big Island Film Festival
May 24, 2007 12:55PM
Had an incredible time at the Big Island Film Festival. The current issue of FilmMaker Magazine lists this as one of "20 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" and it's easy to see why. An oasis in the middle of an eerie desert of volcanic lava rocks, the Waikoloa Beach Resort is an amazing location to watch independent films on a giant outdoor screen in front of the ocean or beside the bay. Rather than a big opening night premiere, the only event on Wednesday night was a VIP party. At first, this seemed odd, not showing a film on the opening night of a film festival. But this strategy put the focus on meeting all your fellow filmmakers, not some "big star" paid to be there to pick up a "special award." It turned out the perfect way to start the week, giving us time to get to know who's films to see over the next three days.
There were some films I had to miss because they were too early in the morning, but Thursday afternoon I caught two very good shorts: the economical "Marlena" by my new friends Daniel & Brigitte Erickson, and "The Wine Bar," which I recognized from the WAB message boards. Thursday night was an impressive feature film called "Viola" made by high school students.
Friday night I caught a short homage to "The Conversation" called "Bunny Rabbit" by Jason Hallows. Unfortunately, I had to leave during the feature "Little Chenier" in order to get to my screening at another venue, and I was really enjoying the first 15 minutes or so that I caught. But from the screen at far end of the Hilton, there's a five minute walk to a boat tram that takes you to the main lobby, from which it's about another ten minute walk to your car in the parking lot and a 2 minute drive to the King's Shops where the Ohana Venue is. Good thing we had that extra first night to figure these things out.
My screening went well. It was followed by the feature "The Mini," whose director, I discovered, went to the same college I went to and whose lead actor, coincidentally, was from my home town and went to the same grammar school as I. Every filmmaker who attended the festival was introduced before their film and was allowed to do a Q&A afterward. Attendance for most screenings seemed to range from 30 to 70.
Saturday afternoon I saw bunch of shorts in the indoor venue at the Marriott and I attended a seminar on some cool music library software called Sonic Fire. One of the shorts in this batch, "Rita," won the audience award. It was by a local filmmaker, Alison Teal, who had just graduated from USC a couple days earlier with one of the co-producers of my film. Saturday night I enjoyed a very funny feature film called "Expiration Date," in the vein of "Harold and Maude." It won the audience award for features.
Finally, Sunday morning was the awards brunch. I got there a little early and spent the time lying in a hammock tied between two palm trees in front of the ocean. It was the quintessential island postcard moment. The food at the brunch was terrific. The awards were given out and my film, "Begleiter," won Best Family Short. I never got over missing my film's first award in Alaska last December, so I'm thrilled that I got to experience another win in person this time, and in a much better climate.
There were some films I had to miss because they were too early in the morning, but Thursday afternoon I caught two very good shorts: the economical "Marlena" by my new friends Daniel & Brigitte Erickson, and "The Wine Bar," which I recognized from the WAB message boards. Thursday night was an impressive feature film called "Viola" made by high school students.
Friday night I caught a short homage to "The Conversation" called "Bunny Rabbit" by Jason Hallows. Unfortunately, I had to leave during the feature "Little Chenier" in order to get to my screening at another venue, and I was really enjoying the first 15 minutes or so that I caught. But from the screen at far end of the Hilton, there's a five minute walk to a boat tram that takes you to the main lobby, from which it's about another ten minute walk to your car in the parking lot and a 2 minute drive to the King's Shops where the Ohana Venue is. Good thing we had that extra first night to figure these things out.
My screening went well. It was followed by the feature "The Mini," whose director, I discovered, went to the same college I went to and whose lead actor, coincidentally, was from my home town and went to the same grammar school as I. Every filmmaker who attended the festival was introduced before their film and was allowed to do a Q&A afterward. Attendance for most screenings seemed to range from 30 to 70.
Saturday afternoon I saw bunch of shorts in the indoor venue at the Marriott and I attended a seminar on some cool music library software called Sonic Fire. One of the shorts in this batch, "Rita," won the audience award. It was by a local filmmaker, Alison Teal, who had just graduated from USC a couple days earlier with one of the co-producers of my film. Saturday night I enjoyed a very funny feature film called "Expiration Date," in the vein of "Harold and Maude." It won the audience award for features.
Finally, Sunday morning was the awards brunch. I got there a little early and spent the time lying in a hammock tied between two palm trees in front of the ocean. It was the quintessential island postcard moment. The food at the brunch was terrific. The awards were given out and my film, "Begleiter," won Best Family Short. I never got over missing my film's first award in Alaska last December, so I'm thrilled that I got to experience another win in person this time, and in a much better climate.
Top 5 at PetStyle.com!
May 10, 2007 01:43PM
For a limited time, through May 18, you can now see BEGLEITER in its entirety online at PetStlye.com.
It is one of 12 finalists in the PetStyle & Gen Art Pet-Centric Short Film Competition, and BEGLEITER is currently ranking in the Top 5. Highest rated film wins $2000, next 5 runners-up get $500.
PLEASE VOTE! If you like dogs or Wim Wenders or "Leave it to Beaver" or Weather Report, you'll love BEGLEITER. And if you don't have time to watch the movie, help me out and give it a 5-star rating anyway. You don't have to register or watch the movie to vote.
Thanks for your help. Enjoy the movie. Feel free to leave a comment here and let me know what you thought of it. And tell all your friends!
It is one of 12 finalists in the PetStyle & Gen Art Pet-Centric Short Film Competition, and BEGLEITER is currently ranking in the Top 5. Highest rated film wins $2000, next 5 runners-up get $500.
PLEASE VOTE! If you like dogs or Wim Wenders or "Leave it to Beaver" or Weather Report, you'll love BEGLEITER. And if you don't have time to watch the movie, help me out and give it a 5-star rating anyway. You don't have to register or watch the movie to vote.
Thanks for your help. Enjoy the movie. Feel free to leave a comment here and let me know what you thought of it. And tell all your friends!
2 More Acceptances!
Apr 12, 2007 02:07AM
Things have been winding down here for BEGLEITER's festival run, but I was excited to get the fantastic news today of two more acceptance notifications.
The first was a late addition to the lineup at the Akron Independent Film Festival. If you happen to be in Ohio this weekend, please go check it out on Saturday the 14th at noon at the University of Akron. See akronfilmfestival.com for details.
The second bit of good news for the day is that BEGLEITER was selected as a finalist in the PetStyle & Gen Art Pet-Centric Short Film Competition. I don't have the specific details just yet, but you will be able to see the film AND VOTE FOR IT online at PetStyle.com beginning next Monday (April 16) thru May 18.
Vote for Happy!
happy-the-dog.com
The first was a late addition to the lineup at the Akron Independent Film Festival. If you happen to be in Ohio this weekend, please go check it out on Saturday the 14th at noon at the University of Akron. See akronfilmfestival.com for details.
The second bit of good news for the day is that BEGLEITER was selected as a finalist in the PetStyle & Gen Art Pet-Centric Short Film Competition. I don't have the specific details just yet, but you will be able to see the film AND VOTE FOR IT online at PetStyle.com beginning next Monday (April 16) thru May 18.
Vote for Happy!
happy-the-dog.com
Fun in Florida!
Mar 25, 2007 01:19PM
Big shout out to "Mad Doc" Michael Posner at the Delray Beach Film Festival for the week of incredible parties. I've been back home for a whole week and I'm just now recovering enough to blog about what a great time I and my lead actress, Aleisha Russell, had at this extravaganza.
So we screened early on the first day. Not the ideal slot. After an open-bar party the night before, not too many people showed up that early the next day. But later that night one of the other films broke and didn't have a backup, so they replayed mine and we managed to get a slightly bigger audience. Still later, we showed it to fellow Wabbit Lou (winner of the screenplay competition) and one of the groups of filmmakers who were in the contest to film Lou's winning screenplay. This private screening on a laptop, in a van, drew some of the best reactions I've heard about BEGLEITER ever. It was very flattering. If only the festivals with higher attendance would select it, or even the smaller festivals would program it in time slots when people will see it, the audiences will dig it. BEGLEITER got a prime slot in Anchorage and over 200 people saw it and it ended up walking away with the award for Best Short.
It was great meeting some fellow Wabbits and seeing their films. Hi Carissa! Thanks for hanging with us Griffin and the rest of the MR. EXTION crew from Alabama! Hope you get a chance to catch BEGLEITER at Sunscreen. Lou, thanks again for your kind words. And Carlo, not sure if you're here on WAB, but it was a blast. Also a big shout out to all the very helpful volunteers in Delray Beach, especially Cyndi and Sonia and Melinda and Geri and Aundré.
Finally, I was once again reminded that the fictional story I wrote as a fantasy has as its basis a serious, real-life situation that many animals find themselves in, and they don't have Eddie Haskell to help them through it. My festival roommate Scott Lynch (thanks for the rides!) produced and edited an exceptional documentary called AMERICAN OPERA that chronicles the rescue efforts of the thousands of pets who were stranded by Hurricane Katrina. It's a heartbreaking film, but worth seeking out.
Floridians, if you missed BEGLEITER at Delray Beach, you can catch it again the weekend of April 6 at the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg/Clearwater!
So we screened early on the first day. Not the ideal slot. After an open-bar party the night before, not too many people showed up that early the next day. But later that night one of the other films broke and didn't have a backup, so they replayed mine and we managed to get a slightly bigger audience. Still later, we showed it to fellow Wabbit Lou (winner of the screenplay competition) and one of the groups of filmmakers who were in the contest to film Lou's winning screenplay. This private screening on a laptop, in a van, drew some of the best reactions I've heard about BEGLEITER ever. It was very flattering. If only the festivals with higher attendance would select it, or even the smaller festivals would program it in time slots when people will see it, the audiences will dig it. BEGLEITER got a prime slot in Anchorage and over 200 people saw it and it ended up walking away with the award for Best Short.
It was great meeting some fellow Wabbits and seeing their films. Hi Carissa! Thanks for hanging with us Griffin and the rest of the MR. EXTION crew from Alabama! Hope you get a chance to catch BEGLEITER at Sunscreen. Lou, thanks again for your kind words. And Carlo, not sure if you're here on WAB, but it was a blast. Also a big shout out to all the very helpful volunteers in Delray Beach, especially Cyndi and Sonia and Melinda and Geri and Aundré.
Finally, I was once again reminded that the fictional story I wrote as a fantasy has as its basis a serious, real-life situation that many animals find themselves in, and they don't have Eddie Haskell to help them through it. My festival roommate Scott Lynch (thanks for the rides!) produced and edited an exceptional documentary called AMERICAN OPERA that chronicles the rescue efforts of the thousands of pets who were stranded by Hurricane Katrina. It's a heartbreaking film, but worth seeking out.
Floridians, if you missed BEGLEITER at Delray Beach, you can catch it again the weekend of April 6 at the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg/Clearwater!
buzz is building
Mar 11, 2007 01:40PM
Delray Beach Film Festival is only a couple days away. Already, "Begleiter" is the 4th most popular film according the festival's online "BUZZ" list!
Also, last night we just got accepted to our 6th festival, the Big Island Film Festival in Waikoloa, Hawaii!
Also, last night we just got accepted to our 6th festival, the Big Island Film Festival in Waikoloa, Hawaii!
One Week from Today
Mar 07, 2007 04:50PM
"Begleiter" has its Florida premiere one week from today at the Delray Beach Film Festival.
See "Begleiter" on Wednesday, March 13, 2007, at NOON, at the Regal 18 Cinemas in Delray Beach, Florida. It's playing in the "Animal Shorts" program along with two animal-related documentaries, "Prison Pups" and "Wild Horse Spirit" (featuring Viggo Mortensen).
Click here for more information.
See "Begleiter" on Wednesday, March 13, 2007, at NOON, at the Regal 18 Cinemas in Delray Beach, Florida. It's playing in the "Animal Shorts" program along with two animal-related documentaries, "Prison Pups" and "Wild Horse Spirit" (featuring Viggo Mortensen).
Click here for more information.
eventful 2 weeks
Mar 02, 2007 06:55PM
Been a while since I've had a chance to update this blog.
The local screening last Wednesday was awesome. A few friends from my past lives as a jazz critic and software engineer, who missed the cast/crew screening, were able to attend. Apart from them, the room was mostly strangers and attendance was much higher than expected. It's been a while since I've seen the film with this big an audience and the first time with this many strangers. It was so great to hear all the laughter and the "awwws" over some of the cute dog footage. The Q&A lasted about 15 minutes. They were very inquisitive. And it was good practice for the Delray Beach festival I'm going to in a little over a week.
Last Tuesday, the day before this screening, I received notification about my fifth festival acceptance -- another one in Florida, called Sunscreen, in St. Petersburg. All right!
Unfortunately, I didn't get much time to enjoy that news. Moments after I read the email, I got a phone call that a close friend of mine had been found lying on the floor of his apartment and paramedics were working on him. I rushed right up there but he was already gone. He died of a heart attack believed to be caused by a rare disease called sarcoidosis. He was only 44.
In a case of life imitating art, Jason left behind a dog, Andy, just like the old man at the beginning of my film. I made sure Andy was taken to a no-kill animal shelter, so he will not be euthanized. Then I helped spread the word that he was up for adoption. There are already three people on the waiting list, plus Jason's half-sister, so Andy is sure to find a good home without having to go through all the trouble Happy the Dog goes through in my film. I wonder if Eddie Haskell would have taken in Andy if necessary?
It was strange watching the film again, for the first time in a while, the very next night with this real-life situation on my mind. But the job of the writer is to capture the authenticity of a human experience, even when it hasn't been experienced first-hand yet by the writer. I think I've done that with "Begleiter."
The local screening last Wednesday was awesome. A few friends from my past lives as a jazz critic and software engineer, who missed the cast/crew screening, were able to attend. Apart from them, the room was mostly strangers and attendance was much higher than expected. It's been a while since I've seen the film with this big an audience and the first time with this many strangers. It was so great to hear all the laughter and the "awwws" over some of the cute dog footage. The Q&A lasted about 15 minutes. They were very inquisitive. And it was good practice for the Delray Beach festival I'm going to in a little over a week.
Last Tuesday, the day before this screening, I received notification about my fifth festival acceptance -- another one in Florida, called Sunscreen, in St. Petersburg. All right!
Unfortunately, I didn't get much time to enjoy that news. Moments after I read the email, I got a phone call that a close friend of mine had been found lying on the floor of his apartment and paramedics were working on him. I rushed right up there but he was already gone. He died of a heart attack believed to be caused by a rare disease called sarcoidosis. He was only 44.
In a case of life imitating art, Jason left behind a dog, Andy, just like the old man at the beginning of my film. I made sure Andy was taken to a no-kill animal shelter, so he will not be euthanized. Then I helped spread the word that he was up for adoption. There are already three people on the waiting list, plus Jason's half-sister, so Andy is sure to find a good home without having to go through all the trouble Happy the Dog goes through in my film. I wonder if Eddie Haskell would have taken in Andy if necessary?
It was strange watching the film again, for the first time in a while, the very next night with this real-life situation on my mind. But the job of the writer is to capture the authenticity of a human experience, even when it hasn't been experienced first-hand yet by the writer. I think I've done that with "Begleiter."
Encore San Diego Screening
Feb 14, 2007 03:46PM
Those of you here in San Diego who missed the cast & crew screening of my award-wining short film BEGLEITER last March, and who have been asking when they can see it without having to fly to Alaska (or Florida or Oklahoma or Minnesota), I am very happy to announce that the Kensington Talmadge Community Association has invited me to show the film at their monthly dinner this month. (About half the film was shot in Ken-Tal.)
This event IS open to the public. Tickets are $10 and include a full dinner.
Reservations:
Call Kensington Video, 619.584.7725
NO LATER THAN February 19, 2007
Event:
Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 6:30 PM
Kensington Community Church, 4773 Marlborough Drive (92116)
This event IS open to the public. Tickets are $10 and include a full dinner.
Reservations:
Call Kensington Video, 619.584.7725
NO LATER THAN February 19, 2007
Event:
Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 6:30 PM
Kensington Community Church, 4773 Marlborough Drive (92116)
first time i did it over the phone!
Jan 26, 2007 03:29PM
No, not that. My first film festival Q&A over the phone. "Begleiter" was playing at the Trail Dance Film Festival this afternoon in Duncah, Oklahoma. I couldn't make it over there, but I called in while it was screening to find out how it was going. It was in their biggest auditorium and the audience was digging it.
So after the film they put me on speaker phone and held the microphone up to it and let me do a short Q&A. That was really cool. It felt just like I was there.
Thanks again to Trail Dance for selecting "BEGLEITER" to screen at your inaugural fest!
My Film Profiled in SD U-T Today!
Jan 14, 2007 02:27PM
There's a great profile on me and my film, "Begleiter," in the Arts section of today's San Diego Union-Tribune. You can see it online at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20070114-9999-mz1a14view.html
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20070114-9999-mz1a14view.html
festival #4
Jan 10, 2007 11:10PM
I'm very happy to announce that BEGLEITER is an Official Selection at the Delray Beach Film Festival in Florida. I've heard some great things about this town and I'm freezing my butt off here in the chilly mid-60s San Diego winter (haha), so I can't wait to get there!
Dog Tricks
Jan 01, 2007 09:53PM
I just listened to the commentary track on "Eight Below," my favorite film of 2006, and I learned a few tricks on how they handled some of the same problems I had working with dogs on my film, "Begleiter."
I had a lot of footage of the dogs doing exactly what I wanted that I couldn't use because the trainers ended up in the shot. It turns out this happened just as often on "Eight Below," but they were able to digitally remove the trainers. If I had a CGI budget, I might have been tempted to use a CGI dog.
The other problem I had was the dog would arrive on set full of energy but his character needed to be tired and slow and hungry. "Eight Below" director Frank Marshall ran into the same problem with "Max" running around like a puppy when, in the story, he was supposed to have been on his own in the Arctic for 152 days with very little food. Marshall solved the problem by slightly speeding up the camera to slow the dog down. I actually suggested this to my DP, but the effect doesn't work the same with digital video.
Nevertheless, audiences are always telling me how amazed they are by Spencer's performance in "Begleiter" so I guess I didn't need those hi-tech tricks after all.
I had a lot of footage of the dogs doing exactly what I wanted that I couldn't use because the trainers ended up in the shot. It turns out this happened just as often on "Eight Below," but they were able to digitally remove the trainers. If I had a CGI budget, I might have been tempted to use a CGI dog.
The other problem I had was the dog would arrive on set full of energy but his character needed to be tired and slow and hungry. "Eight Below" director Frank Marshall ran into the same problem with "Max" running around like a puppy when, in the story, he was supposed to have been on his own in the Arctic for 152 days with very little food. Marshall solved the problem by slightly speeding up the camera to slow the dog down. I actually suggested this to my DP, but the effect doesn't work the same with digital video.
Nevertheless, audiences are always telling me how amazed they are by Spencer's performance in "Begleiter" so I guess I didn't need those hi-tech tricks after all.
2006
Dec 31, 2006 06:04PM
A quick look back before I head out to a New Year's party.
BEGLEITER was my first film. Shot in June 2004, but took my time in post finding the best editor, sound designer, and composer I could. Finally finished in January 2006 and started submitting to festivals.
Had a fabulous cast-and-crew screening in March. In April, the first festival notification I got either way was an acceptance (Solstice), so I got the false impression this was going to be easy. Reality hit me after I got rejected from every festival thereafter, including my own home town's major festival, which is run by a friend of mine! It seemed like it was all over for BEGLEITER.
Desperate to figure out why these anonymous festival programmers weren't connecting with the film, I sent it to a bunch of review web sites. The first review I got was a 4-star rave. The guy totally "got it." And then, finally, I got my second festival acceptance (Anchorage). Not only was it accepted, but it was also selected as a finalist for competition. But with all the previous rejection, I was sure that was as far as it would go. Shockingly, it actually ended up winning the award!
As the year was coming to an end, the project I assumed had died prematurely suddenly came back to life. It was accepted to its third festival, it received a distribution inquiry, and it led to my being hired to write a big-budget feature film with similar elements. With this new life breathed into BEGLEITER this past month, I'm hoping this means it will have more happy news to come in 2007.
Hope all of you have a happy 2007, too. Never give up hope.
BEGLEITER was my first film. Shot in June 2004, but took my time in post finding the best editor, sound designer, and composer I could. Finally finished in January 2006 and started submitting to festivals.
Had a fabulous cast-and-crew screening in March. In April, the first festival notification I got either way was an acceptance (Solstice), so I got the false impression this was going to be easy. Reality hit me after I got rejected from every festival thereafter, including my own home town's major festival, which is run by a friend of mine! It seemed like it was all over for BEGLEITER.
Desperate to figure out why these anonymous festival programmers weren't connecting with the film, I sent it to a bunch of review web sites. The first review I got was a 4-star rave. The guy totally "got it." And then, finally, I got my second festival acceptance (Anchorage). Not only was it accepted, but it was also selected as a finalist for competition. But with all the previous rejection, I was sure that was as far as it would go. Shockingly, it actually ended up winning the award!
As the year was coming to an end, the project I assumed had died prematurely suddenly came back to life. It was accepted to its third festival, it received a distribution inquiry, and it led to my being hired to write a big-budget feature film with similar elements. With this new life breathed into BEGLEITER this past month, I'm hoping this means it will have more happy news to come in 2007.
Hope all of you have a happy 2007, too. Never give up hope.
Our First Award!
Dec 10, 2006 07:32PM
"Begleiter" won the "Golden Oosik Award" last night for Best Short at the Anchorage International Film Festival!
I'm so excited! I wish I could have been there. If anyone was there, I'd love to hear about the awards ceremony and how the screenings went.
Thanks to my cast and crew and everyone who helped me make this award-winning film!
I'm so excited! I wish I could have been there. If anyone was there, I'd love to hear about the awards ceremony and how the screenings went.
Thanks to my cast and crew and everyone who helped me make this award-winning film!
2nd screening at AIFF
Dec 06, 2006 05:45PM
Tomorrow night at 8:15pm is your last chance to catch "Begleiter" at the Anchorage International Film Festival, unless it wins an award and is shown again at the awards ceremony Saturday night. It is a finalist in competition for Best Short. And if there's audience award balloting there, please vote for "Begleiter" (but only if you really love it).
PS: Just learned that Saturday night's screening was a huge success. The theatre was filled to capacity and they had to add the entire program to a second screen! see review
PS: Just learned that Saturday night's screening was a huge success. The theatre was filled to capacity and they had to add the entire program to a second screen! see review
Tomorrow night in Anchorage
Dec 01, 2006 01:53AM
If you're at the Anchorage festival, first of all, brrrrrr, right?
Please go to the "Funny Bone" program and check out my short film, "Begleiter," about an orphaned dog in search of a new master.
Showtimes are: Saturday, 12/2, 7:30pm and Thursday, 12/7, 8:15pm.
Let me know what you think of it!!!
Thanks!
Festival #3 - Happy goes to Oklahoma!
Nov 27, 2006 12:20PM
I am very happy to announce that my critically acclaimed short film, BEGLEITER, about an orphaned dog named Happy in search of a new master, has been accepted to its third film festival! The inaugural Trail Dance Film Festival will show BEGLEITER the weekend of January 26, 2007, in Duncan, Oklahoma, the birthplace of Academy Award winning director Ron Howard!
"Begleiter" Nominated for Best Short
Nov 08, 2006 11:19PM
Recently learned that in addition to being an Official Selection at the Anchorage International Film Festival, "Begleiter" has also been selected as one of 10 finalists running for Best Short!
Happy Goes to Alaska
Oct 02, 2006 11:33AM
Just found out through the WAB message boards that my short film "Begleiter," about an orphaned dog named Happy, has been accepted to the 6th Annual Anchorage International Film Festival. I don't know how this San Diegan will survive Alaska in December, but this is very exciting news!
Another Thumbs-Up Review for "Begleiter"
Oct 01, 2006 08:36PM
Michael Sheridan of Tail Slate (tailslate.net) gives "Begleiter" three stars and calls it "wonderfully clever."
"Begleiter is a clever twist on Wim Wenders' 'Wings of Desire,' a film that has already been remade into 'City of Angels' starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. And you know what? I found it far more entertaining!"
And Mr. Sheridan had this to say about the "charming" performance by Begleiter's lead actor JOHN HENRY LITTEN: "He emotes a sense of innocence that feels more like a curious puppy than a child. The part could have easily sunken into overacting, but Litten kept a sense of subtlety that preserved the performance and helped make this scenario all the more believable."
"Begleiter is a clever twist on Wim Wenders' 'Wings of Desire,' a film that has already been remade into 'City of Angels' starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. And you know what? I found it far more entertaining!"
And Mr. Sheridan had this to say about the "charming" performance by Begleiter's lead actor JOHN HENRY LITTEN: "He emotes a sense of innocence that feels more like a curious puppy than a child. The part could have easily sunken into overacting, but Litten kept a sense of subtlety that preserved the performance and helped make this scenario all the more believable."
Great Times at Imperial Beach Film Festival
Sep 10, 2006 01:58PM
The indie filmmakers panel I spoke on was a great success. The audience was so absorbed in our talks that we inadvertently went on for 2 hours instead of the scheduled 1, throwing off the schedule for the rest of the day. But nobody minded and the fest director praised us for presenting a more informed seminar than even some of the more established Hollywood producers they've had in previous years.
I showed a 30-second clip from "Begleiter" and it got all the laughs it was supposed to get and left 'em wanting more.
Got to meet one of my "WAB Audience friends" in person: Mark Thimijan (600films) who came all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska, to show his cool 2.35:1 short, "The Girl Who Could Run 600 Miles Per Hour." Check this one out if you get a chance. Also got to meet Star Trek writer Jimmy Diggs, who was the guest speaker after my panel finally finished yapping.
And what a beautiful, clear, sunny San Diego day it was at this awesome, right-on-the-beach location right next to the lifeguard station! This was definitely one of the friendliest and finest film festivals in San Diego.
I showed a 30-second clip from "Begleiter" and it got all the laughs it was supposed to get and left 'em wanting more.
Got to meet one of my "WAB Audience friends" in person: Mark Thimijan (600films) who came all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska, to show his cool 2.35:1 short, "The Girl Who Could Run 600 Miles Per Hour." Check this one out if you get a chance. Also got to meet Star Trek writer Jimmy Diggs, who was the guest speaker after my panel finally finished yapping.
And what a beautiful, clear, sunny San Diego day it was at this awesome, right-on-the-beach location right next to the lifeguard station! This was definitely one of the friendliest and finest film festivals in San Diego.
See Exclusive Clip of "Begleiter" at Imperial Beach Film Festival
Sep 07, 2006 11:10PM
I have been invited to speak about the importance of networking on a panel of filmmakers at the Imperial Beach Film Festival this Saturday, September 9, at 1:00 PM. Each of the panelists will be presenting a clip of one of their movies. I will be showing an EXCLUSIVE short clip of "BEGLEITER" that you won't be able to see at any other festival in San Diego. The session will be held at Dempsey Holder Hall. Don't miss it!
Imperial Beach Film Festival
Imperial Beach Film Festival
"Begleiter" Receives a 4-Star Rave Review!
Sep 03, 2006 09:19PM
Check out these quotes from film critic J.C. Maçek III at worldsgreatestcritic.com:
"'Begleiter' is a smart short film that manages to be touching and funny."
"In many ways this movie has been done before... but never like this!"
"The cohesion of the 'Angel' themes, as well as the varied other puzzle pieces, fits this engrossing tale perfectly. What's more, Margules seems to know exactly the time it takes to tell his version of the story. 'Begleiter' never comes off as too long or too short. Bravo!"
"It takes brains, an open mind and a bit of sensitivity to truly appreciate what 'Begleiter' has to offer."
"It's striking for a first film to be this well done. Dan Margules does a great job here, and I'm excited to check out what he's got to offer next."
Click here to see a longer excerpt from the review.
Click here to see the entire review.
"'Begleiter' is a smart short film that manages to be touching and funny."
"In many ways this movie has been done before... but never like this!"
"The cohesion of the 'Angel' themes, as well as the varied other puzzle pieces, fits this engrossing tale perfectly. What's more, Margules seems to know exactly the time it takes to tell his version of the story. 'Begleiter' never comes off as too long or too short. Bravo!"
"It takes brains, an open mind and a bit of sensitivity to truly appreciate what 'Begleiter' has to offer."
"It's striking for a first film to be this well done. Dan Margules does a great job here, and I'm excited to check out what he's got to offer next."
Click here to see a longer excerpt from the review.
Click here to see the entire review.
see "begleiter" at the Palm springs market august 24-30
Aug 21, 2006 05:33PM
If you're going to the Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films this year, BE SURE to go the Film Market section and check out "Begleiter" and come back here to let me know what you thought of it. Better yet, if you really love it, why not let those festival programmers at Palm Springs know how foolish you think they are for passing on this charming tale about an orphaned dog named Happy in search of a new master? I dare you.
IMDb
Jun 28, 2006 07:44PM
We finally got added to IMDb. It must have happened some time while I was at the Solstice Festival. Seems they haven't added any of the cast yet and so far only added crew members who were already in IMDb, but not those crew members who did not already have another credit. I'll see if I can find out a timetable for when the rest of the data I submitted will go live. In the meantime, here's the link:
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0816141/
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0816141/
It's an Honor to be Nominated
Jun 28, 2006 07:36PM
Sadly, as my first festival experience comes to an end, I must report that "Begleiter" did not go home with an award. After the fun, closing night movie, a "Super-Size Me"-like documentary called "10 M.P.H." about a guy who travelled across the country on a Segway, the awards were handed out. First up was the award for Best Short, which went to the computer animated "Mantis Parable" by a fellow WABber. Congratulations, Josh. Strangely, there was a separate Best Animation award which went to a different computer animated short, Dreamworks' "First Flight." Since there were no animated features, and thus this award had to go to a short, it seems odd to me that there wasn't a separate Best Live Action Short category. And even though the festival's program and website said there would be audience awards, there was no balloting available and thus no audience awards were actually presented. Nevertheless, I didn't go to Minnesota expecting to win an award. I had a great time seeing a part of America I had never been to, met lots of nice people, and it was an honor just to have my film selected to be shown here.
My World Premiere
Jun 28, 2006 07:24PM
Saturday night. Despite overall disappointing attendance at the admittedly under-publicized first-time festival, especially in this third venue that was 8 blocks away from the main venues and difficult to find, the house was filled almost exclusively with people who came to Shorts Gallery #2 specifically to see "Begleiter," thanks to my effective networking. In addition to festival passholders (filmmakers and sponsors) I met during the festival, a family of 6 showed up tonight to buy tickets because their uncle's house was in one of the shorts. They went on to explain that it was "the one with the dog!" They turned out to be St. Paul-based relatives of Glen Grantham, owner of the "old man's house" that was used in my opening scene! So, the film premiered to its very first public audience and got a pretty good reaction. The most laughs came when Ken Osmond revealed his connection to Happy. Everybody said "Begleiter" was their favorite out of this collection of shorts. So thanks to the Granthams in San Diego for getting the word out, and their contingent in St. Paul, as well as Tony, Kate, Steve, Tom, Jenn, Jeff, and anyone else I forgot who made it to check out and enjoy my film. It was a fun and worthwhile experience.
Friday night at Solstice
Jun 28, 2006 06:42PM
Day 3 of the festival. Got a chance to check out the two other shorts collections and enjoyed seeing the wonderful work from some of the other short filmmakers I met, such as Justin and Kristin's cool "The Room Upstairs" and Tom & Jenn's comical take on the Lewis and Clark expeditions in "Bill and Merriwether's Excellent Adventure." I also met fellow WABber Steve F after seeing his fun-filled, crowd-pleasing documentary, "Ride of the Mergansers." Steve and I had previously communicated in the WAB message boards regarding this festival and he's the first WABber I've met in person. And I highly recommend his film. The Friday night party was a burlesque show, in honor of Elana's feature, "Stripped Down." The party featured one of the most bizarre acts I've ever seen -- a live, 3-D striptease. The stripper performed behind a special screen, in silhouette, while the audience watched through red/blue 3D glasses. Pretty weird!
The Mississippi
Jun 23, 2006 09:13AM
Thursday night the Solstice people sent us on a fun-filled (read: "open bar") VIP paddleboat cruise down the Mississippi River, followed by an after-party at the Artists' Quarter in downtown St. Paul. It was a great opportunity to meet more fun Minnesotans. Had a great time hanging out with Tony and Kate, Jessica and Nikki, and some of the other wonderful sponsors who are supporting this awesome event.
My Walk Down the Red Carpet
Jun 23, 2006 09:08AM
Opening night of the inaugural Solstice Film Festival in St. Paul, Minnesota, was a blast! This is my first time in Minnesota and the people here are so nice. Devin, the festival organizer, has done a fantastic job. Surprisingly, he even invited me to walk down the red carpet to be introduced to the crowd and have my picture taken by the papparazi! Moments before my stroll, The O.C.'s Nikki Reed walked down the same red carpet. Nikki was here to promote her latest film, MINI'S FIRST TIME, the opening night selection in which she co-stars with Alec Baldwin, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jeff Goldblum. It's a very edgy, dark comedy about a bored teenager (Reed) who decides to become an escort and her first client is her stepfather (Baldwin). I had a chance to chat with the film's first-time writer/director, Nick Guthe, at the after party. He's a really bright guy and I hope this movie finds its audience. I also met a few other filmmakers who have films playing later in the festival. Justin and Kristin ("The Room Upstairs") gave me a few tips about the best ways to utilize my Happy the Dog postcards to promote the film. Also met director Elana Kraus ("Stripped Down") and her producer/daughter Susan and I am looking forward to seeing their film Friday night.
Official Selection - Solstice Film Festival
Jun 19, 2006 10:38PM
"Begleiter," the first film by writer, producer, director Dan Margules, has been selected to screen at the first annual Solstice Film Festival in St. Paul, Minnesota. It will screen Saturday night, June 24, 2006, at 7:00 PM, in the Jerome Hill Theatre at The Great Hall as part of Shorts Gallery 2. This will be the film's world premiere and the filmmaker will be in attendance!
For more information on this enchanting short film, please visit happy-the-dog.com.
For more information on this enchanting short film, please visit happy-the-dog.com.
kenosmond
marion
dogsonbeach
BegleiterPoster
marion
dogsonbeach
BegleiterPoster
5 Comments about Begleiter
Mar 07, 2007 08:11PM
best of luck at Delray I hope we get to meet
Feb 24, 2007 01:13PM
We are highly impressed with your film and what it's about. We organise 3 supposed film festivals in India and would like to sell you advertising space in our publication. Someone has to make a movie about the Great Savio! Check out the message boards under "Pumelo." Anyway, your movie summary really intrigues me. I'd love to see a trailer if you have one. The, "Led to a new and unexpected destiny by Eleanor Roosevelt and Eddie Haskell made me laugh out loud! Best of luck to you.
Burnley
www.donttalksodumb.com
Sep 29, 2006 01:05PM
Thinking about a dog called Happy makes me feel happy.
Jun 26, 2006 06:06PM
Great talking with you on the boat and glad you enjoyed your time in the cities! Stop again anytime!
Jeff
Jun 21, 2006 12:28AM
What a lovely story! Must have been very challenging to shoot with dogs and still wrap the shoot in such a short time. Looking fwd to the film. Will we see it in India? -- Bindiya
Leave a comment about Begleiter