the Silent blog

Reeling them in -- at the Buffalo International Film Festival

2010-10-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Buffalo International Film Festival was a tremendous success. We'd like to thank the festival for the generosity and hospitality. We had a blast! We'd personally like to thank the festival's director and founder Edward Summer.

'SILENT' has become an Official Selection of the Buffalo International Film Festival!

2010-10-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

'Silent' Wins!!

2010-06-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that 'Silent' has won the prestigious NY Post.com Award for 'Best Feature Film Trailer' at last night's HIFF gala awards ceremony! Silent' received 545,672 votes out of a total of 936,835 votes.

Thanks to all who voted, especially Mr. Ken Stein.

'Silent' takes Hoboken by storm!

2010-06-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

'Silent' was awarded the honor of being the first film to kick off the Hoboken International Film Festival on Saturday June 5th. In attendance were actors Tony Dadika, Katie Ritz, John Caponigro, Ken Stein (who traveled all the way from Texas!), Laurence Gates, Bob Socci, AD Joe Fortunato, 2nd AD Jen Dadika, Writer/Director Michael Pleckaitis and Producer Andrea Pleckaitis.

Nice article about 'Silent' via The Bioscope

2010-05-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

In a world of silence …

Silent is the name of an independently-financed feature film three years in the making which premiered in November 2008, and which is currently doing the rounds of festivals. Were it up to me, it would gain an award for its plot idea alone. Its subject is a world such as we understand in silent cinema, where everyone is silent. Into this world comes Abigaile Archibald, who discovers she can communicate in a completely different way to anyone else – she develops a speaking voice. She is delighted at being able to talk and sing, but the suspicious townspeople are horrified by this freak of nature and launch a witch hunt…

This ingenious concept you can see in action through the trailer, in which everyone inhabits a silent film world except for the vocal Abigaile, who sings of her woes in the mournful “Will I ever be heard?”. The look of the film (shot in black-and-white), which the director describes as a ‘gothic comedy’, takes its cue from Nosferatu but also the Universal horror films of the 1930s. It was shot in New Jersey, which has a noteworthy history of filmmaking itself, starting from Thomas Edison’s Black Maria studio at West Orange way back in 1893. Fort Lee was a popular area for outdoor filmmaking in the 1910s, and companies such as World, Eclair and Solax had studios there. The filmmakers are keen to reference this history, even if their own efforts take their inspiration from later, and elsewhere.

The film is written and directed by Michael Pleckaitis for Revscope Pictures, and stars Katie Ritz (as Abigaile), Dan Bailey and Sam Sebastian. Silent has a website with background information on the film, photographs, production news and a blog. They have also produced a serial of sorts, documenting the film’s production, all episodes of which you can follow on the website or via the film’s website – or you can just follow the links here (Chapter 1 seems only to be available on the film’s website):

Chapter 2 – Deconstructing a villain
Chapter 3 – Making a silent film
Chapter 4 – Red carpet premiere
Chapter 5 – Katie Ritz
Chapter 6 – Dan Bailey
And for your special delight, here’s the music video for “Will I ever be heard?” (which bears more than a passing ambition towards the work of Andrew Lloyd-Webber):

The film has been around for a year now, but despite the filmmakers’ online efforts, it doesn’t seem to have gathered all that much attention. It is hard to see why, given the quality of the trailer (though some of the supporting information in the production serial is a tad underwhelming). For ingenuity of concept alone it deserves a wider audience, and let’s hope that the Bioscope’s noble readership can do its bit to spread the word. A DVD release is promised in due course – I’m looking forward to it.

Link to original article: http://bioscopic.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/in-a-world-of-silence

NY POST CONTEST

2010-05-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

As many of you already know 'SIlent' has been selected to participate in an online voting contest courtesy of the NY Post. We appreciate your dedication to voting for 'Silent'. Below is the link to the contest:

http://www.nypost.com/promotions/hoboken/

'SILENT' to screen at one of the world's top ten film festivals!

2010-05-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

The Hoboken International Film Festival ("HIFF") received over 1,000 film submissions this year; the selection process was rigorous and difficult given the numerous talented filmmakers who submitted their works. After a final review, HIFF has selected fewer than 5% of the projects submitted.

'SILENT' IS ONE OF THE OFFICAL SELECTIONS!

Named one of the world's "top 10 film festivals" by major media and backed by powerhouse partners that include The New York Post, RXP 101.9, Stella Artois, Lightyear Entertainment, The Marriott, Blue Streak Limousine, Cedar Lane Cinemas, Project Sandwich and many more, HIFF’s fifth annual film festival, running from June 4 through June 10, promises to be its most successful thus far. Supported by a celebrity jury comprised of Academy Award and Emmy winners, HIFF is dedicated to showcasing the edgiest domestic and international movies and their filmmakers. A Gold Coast/Hudson River extravaganza, HIFF's primary screening location is Cedar Lane Cinemas in Teaneck, NJ… Now hosted by Jackie Martling (Sirius Radio personality; formerly of “The Howard Stern Show”), this year HIFF will feature many celebrity, red carpet and other exciting events!

'SILENT' to be featured on NY POST.com

2010-04-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE TRAILER FOR "SILENT" HAS BEEN SELECTED TO BE PART OF THE NY POST/HOBOKEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TRAILER CONTEST. BELOW IS A LINK TO THE CONTEST:

http://www.nypost.com/promotions/hoboken/?id=1458_922686

THE FILMMAKER WITH THE WINNING TRAILER WILL RECEIVE AN AWARD AT THE HOBOKEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL'S GALA AWARDS CEREMONY, JUNE 10, 2010.

PLEASE BE SURE TO CLICK AND VOTE FOR 'SILENT'!!

Pocono Mountains Film Festival UPDATE

2009-10-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

"SILENT" has been nominated for BEST FEATURE at the Pocono Mountains Film Festival.

Silent Production Reel # 6 - Silent But Deadly (Dan Bailey)

2009-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Silent Production Reel # 5 - Katie Ritz

2009-10-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

SILENT to screen at the Pocono Mountains Film Festival

2009-09-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that “SILENT” has been accepted into the 7th Annual Pocono Mountains Film Festival.

The festival will take place October 22, 23 and 24th in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The Festival will showcase feature length documentaries and short films that represent some of the best independent cinema from around the world.

There will be three days of screenings and special events culminated with the Festival Awards Ceremony and Honorary Dinner. Awards will be presented to the best independent film makers from all over the world.

More details to come....

She sings.....

2009-08-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

Changes in the air??

2009-07-02T08:51:00.001-07:00

SILENT Production Serial #3

2009-02-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

Production Serial #2

2009-02-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

A small milestone...

2009-02-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

The SILENT Teaser Trailer officially hit 10,000 views on YouTube today!

Revscope Pictures, Inc.

SILENT Production Serial #2

2009-01-29T15:00:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone -

The second installment of our ongoing SILENT Production Serials is now available for your viewing pleasure on YOUTUBE. Click on the link or image to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWHphNxz4-o

Revscope Pictures, Inc.

Man Down - Silent Miracle

2009-01-09T12:13:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone -

I try to keep the posts on this blog professional and not personal.

However, last night I learned some disturbing news.

One of very own, Assistant Director Joe Fortunato was involved in an automobile accident. A few weeks ago Joe was hit by a car while walking near his home (anyone who knows Joe knows that he enjoys his evening strolls). Joe had to be revived by a defibrilator and was taken to the hospital were he was treated for his injuries.

The good news is I spoke with him last night and he expects to fully recover. Truly a miracle.

Most of you never got to see all the 'little things' that Joe did to making SILENT a success. 90% of the work we do is behind the scenes on non-shooting days and in post production. I recall one night when I was editing the film and my video deck died. I called Joe up and within an hour he was at my doorstep with a replacement deck. That's the kind of guy he is.

Please say a prayer for Joe's speedy recovery, drop him an email or visit his Facebook page to wish him well.

Sincerely,

Michael

2008 Recap

2008-12-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

2008 was a BIG year for us all. Not only did we see SILENT premiere on the big screen but my beloved Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship!

Since the premiere, we have been relaxing and enjoying the holidays. We have submitted the film to several more film festivals and are putting the final touches on the bonus material for the DVD. As Silent comes to a close we look forward to working with many of you on our upcoming project.

Take care and Happy New Year!

Revscope

SILENT The Aftermath.....

2008-11-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Almost a week has passed and the feedback continues to roll in. As the dust settles we are doing our best to put the event into perspective.

The Premiere was a terrific success. The Morris Museum wrote a very gracious letter thanking us for hosting such a glamorous event.
Sam Sebastian (Barnaby) sold the most tickets - 24
Hats off to Composer Tom Destefano and Krista Orefice for their fantastic live performance of "Will I Ever Be Heard?"

Special Thanks are in order for:

Dave and Missy Petersen and Eric Gorka for all their hard work behind the scenes leading up to the screening.
Joe Fortunato for arranging the on-camera interview area with Arrow In The Head News correspondent Mike Catalano who did a fantastic job. These interviews will soon be uploaded to the website and Youtube.com, so keep an eye out.

There is still so much more to come. Please keep visiting the Blog for updates......

"Silent" Red Carpet Recap!

2008-11-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

Monday November 17, 2008

By: Kevin Coughlin

Morristown Green/Star-Ledger

Stretch limo. Red carpet. Cast interviews.

Independent filmmaker Michael Pleckaitis threw a great party Sunday at the Bickford Theatre for the premiere of "Silent," his feature-length homage to pre-talkie classics made in Jersey.

Three years in the making, "Silent" boasts some fine performances by a volunteer cast, a lively musical score by Tom DeStefano and great North Jersey settings including Madison's Presbyterian Church and the Boonton falls.

A talented filmmaker, Michael clearly clearly did his homework on the silent film era.

It really was a labor of love: He married his wife Andrea in 2005, and ever since they have devoted evenings and weekends to this venture.

"Most newlyweds start by making a family or getting a puppy," Andrea told cast, family and friends prior to Sunday's screening. "We made a movie."

"Silent" marks the film debut of Plainsboro's Katie Ritz. She portrays Abigale Archibald, who risks execution by singing in a world where silence rules.

Her days as a lifeguard in West Windsor proved handy when the script called for her to be tossed, with hands and feet bound, into chilly October waters near the Boonton falls.

"I loved every second of it," Katie insisted.

Unfortunately, every second of that scene got cut from the picture!

Other notable performers include Katie's onscreen love interest, Dan Bailey (as the intestinally challenged "Finnius Furt"), who literally got religion while making this film.

Dan has decided to enroll in Drew University's theological school.

Sam Sebastian of the Franklin Community Players is deliciously evil in the bad guy role, and Kevin Simons, a ballroom dancer, plays a ghoul with gusto.

Fast-paced and sometimes funny, "Silent" has the makings of a cult hit.

That being said, there are two things you need to know if this film ever gets distributed.

First, the plot device--a mute world where vocalizing is a capital offense--is a trifle perplexing without the director's explanation.

That's because all the characters in this fable actually speak to each other. Their lips move as they emote, and their dialog appears in subtitles just like in any silent movie.

Michael, who co-wrote the story, described it like this:

They are speaking in captions. The other important thing to remember is, you will need a strong tolerance for bathroom humor.

Think D.W. Griffith-meets-Howard Stern.

Let's just say we're going to think twice before licking chocolate icing off a cake again

SILENT PREMIERE UPDATE

2008-10-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

All,

Tickets for the Silent Red Carpet Premiere Event held at the Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ, are now available for purchase on the Silent website, www.silentthemovie.com

Adult tickets are $30, and children ages 12 and under are $20. Each ticket includes the movie screening, and admission to our VIP gala cocktail reception including open bar, food, and entertainment.

There is limited seating for this event- be sure to purchase your tickets in time. Scroll down on any of the website pages, and you will be able to add tickets to your shopping cart. When checking out, you can add or delete the quantity of tickets you're ordering.

The dress code for this event is formal. Tuxedos, gowns, suits and ties, dresses are all welcome!

We're accepting sponsorships for this event. If you, or if anyone you know, may be interested in this opportunity, please let us know!

There's a video of the Reel Jersey Film Festival from the Friday night screening of Silent in September on youtube. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4sHamqFCdM

Be sure to check for up-to-the-minute updates on premiere information on the Silent website on the Blog.

Thanks in advance, and hope to see you there!

Silent dolls featured at Tonner Convention!

2008-10-18T11:03:00.001-07:00

Friday, October 17th ~

Sam Sebastian, Katie Ritz & Joe Fortunato appeared at the Tonner Doll Convention in Framingham, MA. They showcased the new Silent dolls and spoke about Silent and their experiences making the film.

Thanks for making the long journey to represent Silent!

Red Carpet Premiere!

2008-10-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

Revscope Pictures, Inc. is pleased to announce that the Red Carpet Premiere of SILENT will take place Sunday, November 16th, starting at 5pm.

The event is being held at the Morris Museum located at 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ.

The limousines will begin arriving at 5pm for the red-carpet event. Silent will be shown in the Bickford Theatre followed by a gala reception inside the museum court . The dress code is formal/black tie.

Tickets go on sale next week. Information will be sent out very shortly. There are only a certain number of seats available for purchase so please act quickly - you don't want to miss this grand event.

"I can honestly say that you’ve never seen anything like it, and probably never will".

2008-10-10T16:13:00.001-07:00

REVIEW: Yeah, in case you couldn’t already tell, SILENT is one of those flicks that brings a little bit of everything to the table. I have to start off by saying that writer/director Michael Pleckaitis has created something that was by far one of the most original and strangely satisfying film experiences that I have ever had.

Click the link below to read Mike Catalano's rave review of Silent!

http://www.joblo.com/arrow/index.php?id=14014

Encore Presentation of SILENT!

2008-09-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

After a successful premiere screening on Friday night the gang returned to the REEL Jersey Film Festival for a special encore presentation on Sunday. The Festival Chairman Nelson Page commented that our film has created quite a buzz!

SILENT premieres at the Reel Jersey Film Festival!

2008-09-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight Silent made it's big screen debut at the Reel Jersey Film Festival. It was a smashing success!

Nelson Page, (Bergen County Film Commission Chairman) introduced the film before a packed audience.

More details and pictures will be posted soon! Stay tuned!

SILENT - Gypsy makes front page!

2008-09-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

Gilda Demartino is the latest SILENT actor to be featured in the news!

Mr Archibald Goes To Hollywood!

2008-09-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-

Check out this great write up about Tony in the Fairlawn Community Newspaper!

(Click on image to read article)

Revscope

Voices Heard....

2008-08-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

As you can probaly imagine we've been pretty busy these past few weeks. Recently we've had Kristin Troya (Little Abigaile), Katie Ritz (Abigaile) and Kevin Simons (Boo) in to record their voices for the film.

Assistant Director Joe Fortunato also has been instrumental in helping put the finishing touches on the film.

Encore presenation of SILENT has been scheduled!

2008-08-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand the REEL Jersey Film Festival will be giving "SILENT" an encore presentation Sunday September 28th at 4pm. Only a few selected films are given this honor.

The premiere screening will take place Friday September 26th @ 6:30pm. Followed by an encore presentation Sunday September 28th @ 4pm.

Revscope Pictures, Inc.

SILENT Premiere moved to PRIME TIME!

2008-08-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

Due to much interest and buzz, the Reel Jersey Film Festival will showcase the world premiere of SILENT on Friday, September 26 at 6:30PM with a red carpet premiere to be followed by a Q&A with the films director and cast.

SILENT (2008) World Premiere. Shot entirely in New Jersey, this film features a unique theme – a silent film featuring one character that speaks. The Red carpet premiere will feature live appearances by SILENT director Michael Pleckaitis and his cast and crew.

Where/When:Rivoli Theatre of the Williams Center - 6:30 PM – 8:45P M

'SILENT' Front Page News!

2008-08-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

In case you missed it, we were on the front page!

Laura Bruno of the Daily Record did a great write up about ‘SILENT’. If you didn’t happen to grab a copy here is a link to the article:

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080810/COMMUNITIES09/808100371&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

See you September 28^th!

'SILENT' Premiere Screening

2008-08-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

The Fort Lee and Bergen County Film Commission has invited Revscope Pictures to premiere ‘SILENT’ at their upcoming ‘Reel’ Jersey Film Festival: A Celebration of American Film Past, Present & Future. The festival runs September 25-29th at the Williams Center, Rutherford NJ.

"Silent" The video game??

2008-07-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't that Finnius Furt battling the ghouls of Silent Meadow?

The Silence has ended!

2008-07-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone -

The Blog and website are officially up and running. Feel free to leave comments. Hope everyone is having a great Summer!

Revscope Pictures