Oh!!! What a Weekend!!!

Let's start with Friday 10/4/13. It was a red letter day for Willy-Gilly Productions and our IT specialist, Connor Harrison.  At the OSCEAN (Orange/Sullivan Employment Alliance Network) annual breakfast event, he received an award for his extraordinary contribution to the organization. They had been attempting to get a website up for years and Connor provided them with the much needed portal.  We also received a certificate of acknowledgment for working with Connor, but the day clearly belonged to him, along with many other businesses and individuals in the Hudson Valley for their work with the developmentally challenged and those battling mental illness.

Connor, who has struggled with mental illness for the better part of the last decade, has been working with Willy-Gilly for the past three (3) years, handling all of our web development. In that time he has made tremendous strides in overcoming his previously crippling bout with chronic paranoia. When he came to us he could not enter a room in which there were people he did not know. On Friday morning in beautiful Graham M. Skea Recreational Center at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery, NY, he addressed the entire body of breakfast attendees (approx. 300) at the awards event.

Following an inspiring and powerful keynote speech by Michelle Benjamin, CEO and founder of Benjamin Enterprises (and, coincidentally, his prior employer) Connor stood and delivered one of the most sincere and humbling speeches we have ever heard.  As an advocate for the mentally challenged, after acknowledging us, his Mom and the health care professionals at OSCEAN he gave God center stage in his recovery and was treated to a standing ovation by the distinguished body of business, healthcare and political professionals as a result. IT WAS ALTOGETHER OUTSTANDING!

OSCEAN does amazing work in placing the physically handicapped, mentally challenged and learning impaired in jobs with companies all over the state, Hudson Valley and New England region. Working with companies locally like, Benjamin Enterprises, Price Choppers, Wal-Mart, Crystal Run, Walgreen's, Chili's, Best Buy and Mighty M Gaming & Raceway, they provide the connection and manage the placement of their especially gifted, 'special needs' workers. They do FANTASTIC WORK and we at WGP are proud and delighted to work with them and their charges. We look forward to a growing commitment to OSCEAN over the years to come. We congratulate all of the recipients of their awards and we want to tell the world how proud we are of Connor Harrison and how much we love him. We invite everyone to join us and say, "ALL HAIL CON-NOR!"

Willy Gilly Production's mission is to build the Independent film and television industry in New York's Hudson Valley. If you'd like to continue receiving an occasional update about our films in production, acting and technical training, please sign up at our new website's contact form. 

http://willygilly.com/contact-us-3

And thank you for you interest in and support of Independent Film production.

http://willygilly.com/oh-what-a-weekend

Peace,

Nan and David

Acting Anyone Academy Presents the Actors Playing Ensemble

Acting Anyone Academy Presents the Actors Playing Ensemble

The principals of Willy-Gilly Productions, seeing the opportunity to develop a new industry for the region have created a program for training actors and technicians to fill positions that will be more and more critical to the entertainment industry. By developing local talent of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities we believe that we can create a sustainable economic force for the future.

Due to the diversity in hiring requirements for qualification under the tax credit system in New York, it is incumbent on employers in the industry to hire across a broad range of well-qualified, well-trained individuals.  Acting Anyone and the "Actors Playing Ensemble" provide a platform for men, women, seniors, and the developmentally challenged to acquire skills that can lead to careers in this constantly expanding industry.  According to best selling author, Dr. James B. Huntington (PhD) in his book, "Choosing a Lasting Career," his criteria for jobs development and career opportunities over the next 20 years puts employment in film, television and stage among the highest ranked.  His evaluation includes acting, writing, editing, videography and production at all skill levels.

It is the purpose of Acting Anyone and APE to showcase local talent and expertise through all of their projects, which are chosen and produced specifically to maximize opportunities for that purpose.  We are currently being sponsored by Fractured Atlas (https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/fiscal/profile?id=4686) to obtain 501c3 status. It is our intention to engage local individuals, businesses, agencies and civic organizations in sponsoring these productions, one of which will be staged at SUNY-Orange County Community College, beginning the weekend of October 11 and completing on the following weekend (10/18-20). They are all relevant to the community and the issues of them, while showcasing local craft.

"Status Quo Vadis", a two act 'dramedy' by Donald Driver. It deals with social class struggles, set in a contemporary corporate culture. It has a cast of 15 and a crew of 8-10, who are  predominantly, amateurs seeking to show their skills, transition into the professional ranks and enhance their ability to find work in America's #1 growth industry. The developing talent includes men and women, young and old of all ethnicities, as well as 'specially gifted,' developmentally challenged individuals.  They are people who have had other careers looking for a change, people who have had an 'unrealized dream' (which they are now living), young people looking for their future (which they will soon be able to sustain right here), and those with 'special needs,' all looking for the optimum opportunity to show their God-given abilities.

 (In fact, two of our 'special needs' actors were prominently featured, recently in a true story reenactment for Animal Planet's "Monsters Inside of Me," which will be aired later this year.)

Moreover, during the past four years Acting Anyone and its parent company Willy-Gilly Productions have championed the establishment of the film and television industry in Orange County.  They have been a vital force in creating the conversation which has led to the establishment of film offices in both the City of Newburgh and Orange County at large for the purpose of promoting the area to the greater industry.  Due to the focus that they have drawn to the region, there are many new opportunities for film makers to both produce, distribute and exhibit their work, here.

In conclusion, Acting Anyone has trained dozens of new performers over the past two years and will continue to do so.  It has provided internships and paid positions for many behind the scenes, as well.  We look forward to working with many more individuals and businesses within the community to expand the growth of entertainment throughout Orange County and New York State.

Finally, we are looking to create a model for communities throughout the US that will open doors to many who have previously not had access to such training and the incentives that come with it. With the success of our new model, we will soon begin to export the talent that has been developed locally to work globally. American economics may not be what they once were, but neither our entertainment expertise and abilities, nor the products, goods and services that spring from them have ever been in greater demand. We look forward to a better day and a better way through developing this program.

For more information, please go online, visit and contact us at www.actinganyone.com. You may also reach us at our offices by calling (845) 294-7500 or by writing or stopping by at 222 Greenwich Avenue, Goshen, NY 10924.

For Tickets to “Status Quo Vadis” by Donald Driver and Sponsorship Opportunities please go to:

http://www.actinganyone.com/statusquovadis.html

Thank you.

www.willygilly.com

Ten days after, it's a double shot of TEN YEARS AFTER!

Ten days after.... it's a double shot of

TEN YEARS AFTER! Last night at the Iridium Room on Broadway in Manhattan, my beautiful wife/partner, Nan and I, celebrated four (4) years of Willy-Gilly Productions, Inc. (founded 8/17/09) by seeing  our new favorite (and the best ever 'Live') band inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame! WHAT A NIGHT! It was just a week ago that we experienced the greatest single 'Live' performance that this music maniac has ever seen at Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT. I thought it would be impossible to top that wild ride, but last night I saw and heard things that just defy description. God bless, Alvin Lee! Beyond a shadow of a doubt, he is walking in the Pantheon of players, stroking some of the meanest riffs ever to fly from the frets of a Fender (or a Gibson or Martin, for that matter). But, last night, I could swear I saw Joe Gooch grow a second pair of hands to play runs that can't be played by mere mortals! His fingers moved so fast that it looked like they weren't moving at all, without dropping a beat! I've been looking at all the live footage of Ten Years After that I could find and there are some things that are blatantly obvious, Alvin Lee was an Original! A Guitar genius! A Master musician! A Great creative force! His work and craft will stand forever. He will never be forgotten. But, as God is my witness, I tell you this: Joe Gooch could cut heads with him any day of the week and come out on top EVERY TIME! If you missed Alvin in the band, too bad! He ain't coming back! But, if you call yourself a guitar fan and you don't catch this 'guitar man' in this original unit (w. Leo, Chick and Ric) soon, you will have missed one of the greatest blues/rock experiences, EVER! HE IS AND THEY ARE THAT GOOD... AND GETTING BETTER EVERY DAY!!! The next place I'll be looking to catch their act is at 'The Garden' when they come back next Spring! YOU BETTER BE THERE! For now, it's thanks for the memories of this 'mini-tour', from a new 'True believer'! TEN YEARS AFTER, FOREVER! €8-.O

http://www.tenyearsafternow.com/

Willy Gilly Production's mission is to build the Independent film and television industry in New York's Hudson Valley. If you'd like to continue receiving an occasional update about our films in production, acting and technical training, please sign up at our new website's contact form.

http://willygilly.com/contact-us-3

And thank you for you interest in and support of Independent Film production.

Peace,

Nan and David

 Nan Gill-Wilson and Joe Gooch, Lead Guitarist for "Ten Years After"

www.willygilly.com

www.collarthemovie.com

www.actinganyone.com

http://willygilly.com/ten-days-after-its-a-double-shot-of-ten-years-after

"Ten Years After...And Then Some"

I just saw the greatest LIVE Rock'n'Roll set (90 mins.) that I have ever seen! In a small venue (Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT, well-known to all true rock fans), after driving for two hours, I witnessed the band, '10 YEARS AFTER' (with Joe Gooch fronting) levitate an entire building and all of its patrons. Not only did they levitate, they were launched into orbit by four of the best musicians on this planet. I first saw the band at Woodstock in '69. (They played late on Sunday night, early Monday morning before Hendrix immortal set.) Alvin Lee and 'the boys' did their thing and it was fine. I saw them again at the 25th Woodstock reunion concert in '94 and they still had it. But, truthfully, I was never a 'real fan.'

Last night, in a quaint, historic, rock jewel of a venue, I saw the greatest single performance by a four man unit that I have ever experienced. SKIP THAT! THE GREATEST SET EVER!!! I have been in the entertainment business for over four decades. I have seen every great band live (except the Beatles). I saw Springsteen before he was SPRINGSTEEN at Max's KC. Hell, I was a backstage rat at the Fillmore East. I saw The Doors, Allman Brother's, The Stones, Cream, Airplane/Starship, Hendrix' Joplin, Dylan, The Dead, CSNY... all of them. I've seen more festivals (I WAS AT WOODSTOCK!) and amphitheaters than you can shake a stick at featuring hundreds of bands and thousands of hours of music! Good golly, Miss Molly! I saw 'The King,' 'Killer' and Little Richard, too!  BUT, as God is my witness, last night I saw and heard rock'n'roll heaven on earth. THEY WERE THE MUSIC! My only question is, "WHY AREN'T THESE GUYS IN THE HALL OF FAME?! No offense Alvin, but you can surely rest in peace knowing that you have turned over the front to one of greatest guitarists I've ever seen and I've seen them all, Clapton, Page, BB, Walsh, Winter, Jorma, Santana, you name them, I've seen them! Joe Gooch is AMAZING! If you ever get a chance to see this band live, DON'T BLOW IT!  Or, at least pick up a copy of, "Roadworks LIVE!"

(INSIDER HOT TIP: They are playing their last U.S. gig on this tour Monday, 8/25 at the Iridium Room in Manhattan!)

LEO LYONS, RIC LEE, CHICK CHURCHILL AND JOE GOOCH ARE THE BEST THERE IS! (And, maybe ever was!) TEN YEARS AFTER... FOREVER!!! Check them out at www.tenyearsafternow.com

'Nuff said! €8-.0
Greetings from Willy Gilly Productions, our mission, build the Independent film and television industry in New York's Hudson Valley. If you'd like to continue receiving an occasional update about our films in production, acting and technical training, please sign up at our new website's contact form.
http://willygilly.com/contact-us-3

Thank you for you interest in and support of Independent Film production.

Nan and David

www.willygilly.com
www.actinganyone.com
www.collarthemovie.com

"What's My Line?"

What's My Line?

In this case it refers to which cable conglomerate controls the free flow of information in your area. What happened to the free market and free enterprise in the telecomm industry?

We live in an era where more and more opportunities for open communication are available -- this blog is proof! But the control over how you disseminate those communications is increasingly manipulated by a select few (the cable oligarchy) who dictate quality, quantity and pricing!  The constant consolidation in the telecomm industry has once again led us into an era in which we must first ask what a monopoly is, and secondly, who is watching the watchers?

How is possible in this day and age 100 years after The Muckraker was published, we can be mired in a morass of price-fixing, regionalism and corporate dominance? As much as we believe that there are no political solutions, I am quite clear about the complicity of authorities who, while supposedly serving the public, act as facilitators of abusive business practices. Perhaps this is due to the trade-offs between corporate and government entities that allow free access to our communications by our leaders and the robber barons who gouge consumers at will, while providing this information!

Once again, we the people are being slammed between two leviathans bent on controlling our every move. The hideous truth is that they are condemning us to a world in which we have to say what they want to hear, and to add insult to injury must pay a king's ransom to say it!

So what are we advocating? We believe each individual in the land of the free stand up and speak out on what form may be available against the tyranny of these all-too-real weapons of mass distraction!

Willy Gilly Production's mission is to build the Independent film and television industry in New York's Hudson Valley. If you'd like to continue receiving an occasional update about our films in production, acting and technical training, please sign up at our new website's contact form. 

http://willygilly.com/contact-us-3

And thank you for you interest in and support of Independent Film production.

Peace,

Nan and David

"The Heat Is On!"

"The Heat Is On!"

Lyrics from the inimitable and immortal Glen Frey, but oh so true during these 'dog days!'

Last weekend was hot, very hot... in fact, the only thing that was hotter were the performances of "Status Quo Vadis" at the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen! Venue not withstanding (it was like working inside a brick oven while Sara Lee was baking),  fifteen of the most talented, dedicated and courageous performers we've ever seen, beat the heat and delivered an outstanding show. The hardy and overheated crowds loved the play and the players all the way around!

From top to bottom, we want to acknowledge every single performer who gave every ounce of their (stage) blood, sweat (lots!) and (alligator) tears to deliver the goods! Goshen local product Jennie Pines did an outstanding job as "Irene", the female lead. (This actress is going places!) Likewise, Suffern's own Ryan Paige (a first-timer) stepped out of the cold and into the heat... in a very cool way as the poet/protagonist, 'Horace Elgin'.  Erica Bahr, as the red hot 'Joyce Grishaw,' smoked the stage, along with her sidekick, 'Barbra' ( played to a tee by newcomer Goshen-ite, Jennifer Kirk), nearly stealing the show with sexy, savvy and baudy portrayals! And, we may have unleashed the next, 'Abbott &Costello' in the forms of Sean O'Brien and B.D. Anthony. THESE GUYS ARE A RIOT as holemakers, 'Reineke' and 'Laporski'! Constance Wehmeyer as 'Sara' played a perfect match for Ken Butler's loopy 'Rev. Dr. Purdy.' Actor/designer David Benedict, laid it all on the line as the factory foreman, 'Mr. Gramerky.'

The whole show is filled with laughs, more than a few provided by our very own, Nan Gill-Wilson (another 'first timer'). She brought down the house as 'Mrs. Elgin,' a woman with a heart of gold and a tongue like a bull whip, which she uses to punish 'Don Walgren,' the slime-ball of a corporate lackey, played to the hilt by Andrew Parsons (some of you may remember him as,'Tommy Bolton' in "Collar!") And, then there was this one, obviously schizophrenic fellow (David Patrick Wilson) who tore up the stage as an 'unholy Trinity' of characters ('Mr. Elgin,' 'Prof. Max Russel' and 'Father Mithais'). WARNING!: Having three names may have side effects. He also co-produced and directed this timely, contemporary 'dramedy.'  The 'on stage' talent was rounded out by Cassidy 'Cassie' Teresi (a young 'hottie' definitely going places in her own right.)

It was all held together and kept moving by a team of crack professionals. (Or, was that professionals on crack?! JUST KIDDING!) Behind the scenes support was headed by stage manager/understudy ('Barbara/Joyce') extraordinaire, Lisa Pearl (Brodsky?) with Samantha Hanson, Colin Maguire and Luke Segota on lights. The amazing sound is engineered by the 'master blaster,' Fred Mulharin. Wardrobe, hair and make-up were expertly managed by Monique Tranchina and Theresa Teresi.

All our thanks to all for a really great show! Thanks also to Goshen FPC for providing us the space to bake this tasty treat!

And now... its time to take "SQV" on the road! We are looking at every venue in the 5 state area (NY, PA, NJ, MA, CT) and beyond! The production is complete; we can pack it up and move it in a day! If you've got the place, we've got the players and the play! As 'hot' as this production is, we guarantee you can't get burned! Keep your eyes peeled for the next performance of this minor masterpiece by this zany troupe of performing zealots known as, The Actors Playing Ensemble. You never know what may evolve from the A.P.E.!

Meanwhile, on the "Collar" front...we'd like to "congratulate" the Florida legal system for showing their true colors (as it were) in handing down the decision on the Trayvon Martin case. In our opinion, it's a miscarriage of justice...but then again, 'TJ Williams,' even though a fictitious cop, walked on a similar charge in our film... which will soon be seen (after much trial and tribulation) in the form of a new cable/subscription/PPV -TV series!

It all starts with a story similar to the Martin case, but will follow the exploits of the unconventional 'TJ' as he navigates the treacherous waters beyond retirement! Although, he will remain a consultant for the Grossman PD, his adventures will take him far afield!  The first two hour-long episodes will fall under the title of "The Race"; the next two installments come under the heading of "The Mayan"' where 'TJ' takes a security job at a mega-sports and gun shop. The first six episodes will be distributed later this year... keep your eyeballs peeled to a channel near you!

Meanwhile, we continue to await funding on our six-picture slate, that will include "The Craven", "Shadow's Serenade" and "Nude Beach" (bring the family!) and others. We expect to be in production in short order; but if it stays *this* hot, we may take a summer vacation ourselves! (We hear the Canadian tax credits are pretty good...!)

Willy Gilly Production's mission is to build live stage production and the  Independent film and television industry in New York's Hudson Valley.  Our goal is provide a vehicle for local talent to assist them developing their gifts and in living their dreams.  If you'd like to continue receiving an occasional update about our films in production, acting and technical training, please sign up at our new website's contact form. 

http://willygilly.com/contact-us-3

And thank you for you interest in and support local artists in Orange County.

Peace,

Nan and David

http://willygilly.com/the-heat-is-on

Indepenent's Day

Independent's Day!

Here we are, another Fourth of July! And it's hotter than... how perfect! As we prepare for this coming holiday... a Great American one, here in Goshen... we wish all a Happy Fourth! We also want to remind everyone that it's not all that easy to be "independent"! To quote another great American (George Washington himself) facing the British in the summer of 1776, "the challenges are mounting daily, and the resources to wage the good fight remain scarce.” Some things never change!

These times are character builders, and boy, do we have a cast of characters! As we prepare a reshuffled company to present "Status Quo Vadis" from the12th to the 14th of July at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Goshen. The new cast includes local favorite Jennie Pines ("Irene"), a Goshen High School graduate...and as luck may have it, we may be doing our final three performances (July 19-21) on that stage where the lovely Miss Pines was first bitten by the theatre bug!

Joining her is first-timer, Ryan Paige ("Horace"), who brings a savvy edge to the character. But you definitely don't want to Miss Erika Bahr ("Joyce"), an NFA graduate, who lights up the stage with her own brand of fireworks! Nan Gill-Wilson and hubby David Patrick Wilson are set to play 'Mr. and Mrs. Elgin,' a real fun couple. Come out and enjoy the entire cast and crew, Constance Wehmeyer, B.D. Anthony, Sean O'Brien, Jennifer Kirk and Andrew Parsons (of "Collar” fame!) and more!

Tickets are just ten dollars ($10) and performances will be: Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. For more information and reservations call: 845/294-8444 or go to www.actinganyone.com

Meanwhile, it's amazing how eighteen months can radically alter the landscape of justice in this country. It seems as though it gets harder and harder to get the truth out of the legal system. (Maybe that's why so many lawyers become politicians...just kidding!) When Trayvon Martin lost his life in February 2012, it seemed pretty clear that one man was responsible.  As time drags on, though, the stories change. Such is life in the big, bad gated community! It all sounds a bit too familiar to us at Willy-Gilly; in fact, it's amazing how closely these issues mesh with the ones in "Collar". Oh, well...as they say, truth is stranger (and sadder) than fiction!

But, back to the Great American Weekend, Willy-Gilly will be there! We'll be working with Goshen Rotary, first at race day registration for the GAW 10K, then at the food concession (come by and grab a burger) and at the book fair for St. James Episcopal Church! It all happens this Saturday, July 6th! It'll be a hot weekend, in more ways than one!

Willy Gilly Production's mission is to build live stage production and the Independent film and television industry in New York's Hudson Valley.  Our goal is provide a vehicle for local talent to assist them developing their gifts and in living their dreams.  If you'd like to continue receiving an occasional update about our films in production, acting and technical training, please sign up at our new website's contact form.

http://willygilly.com/contact-us-3

And thank you for you interest in and support local artists in Orange County.

http://willygilly.com/independents-day