The Way of the Peaceful
Warrior
Dan Millman took the world by storm with his
autobiography, “Way of the Peaceful Warrior.” The story takes place
during Millman’s junior year at the University of California, while
Millman is training to become a world champion gymnast. Millman
encounters a 94-year old man named Socrates, who soon becomes his
mentor. By blending Eastern philosophy and Western fitness, Socrates
takes Millman on a journey that tests the limits of his mind, body
and spirit. This riveting portrayal of one man’s quest for happiness
became a national bestseller.
Now, the spiritual saga that
inspired millions is moving to the big screen.
Scott Mechlowicz
and Amy Smart, co-stars in last year’s “Eurotrip,” will star in the
film, and Victor Salva will direct. Production began in March in Los
Angeles. The film is in pre-production for release sometime in the
next six months, so keep an eye out for this mindful film.
Side Effects
After ten years as a
sales representative for the pharmaceutical industry, Kathleen
Slattery-Moschkau has seen more than her share of corruption. Now
she is fighting back, in a chilling exposé entitled “Side Effects.”
The film, set for release in select theaters on September 9, stars
Katherine Heigl of “Grey’s Anatomy.”
After leaving her job, writer-director Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau
began to peruse the many post-its notes that she scribbled during
her time as a sales rep. When she did so, the script practically
wrote itself. She showed her script to various people in Hollywood,
but was disappointed when Hollywood requested a more generic version
of the film – something easier to swallow. At that point,
Slattery-Moschkau knew that making the film herself was the only way
to stay true to her vision. In one month, she raised the $190,000 it
took to film the project and got to work. She shot in her hometown
of Madison, Wisconsin, using a cast and crew comprised almost
completely of locals.
On September 9, viewers across America will discover the truth
about the industry that they count on most to support their health.
According to Slattery-Moschkau, “Right now, it is an absolute
crapshoot as to whether any given individual will benefit from the
industry or be harmed by it.” She goes on to explain that ignorance
regarding the potential dangers of pharmaceutical drugs is not
restricted to the American public. Physicians, too, are relatively
uninformed about the pill-pushing reality of the pharmaceutical
business. If successful, the film will serve as an eye-opener for
doctors and patients alike.
Slattery-Moschkau also invites consumers to voice their own
grievances by creating 30-second drug commercials. Possible prizes
include $1000 cash and the chance to have the commercial included on
the “Side Effects” DVD. Applicants can go to
sideeffectsthemovie.com/bonus/ to submit their commercial. Contest
ends October 1, 2005.
So, what ethical disaster will Slattery-Moschkau reveal next?
When asked if she had any more projects in the works, she answered,
“I’m writing a script on marriage . . . as honestly as I can write
it.” Let’s just hope that one isn’t quite as disturbing as “Side
Effects” promises to be. |
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The Future Of
Entertainment?
Gaiam, Inc., the lifestyle media
company founded by Jirka Rysavy, recently announced a multi-faceted
strategic relationship with Revolution Living LLC, a company founded
by former AOL Chairman, Steve Case, to invest in businesses that
encourage healthy and balanced living. Also partnering in this
relationship is LIME media (previously Wisdom Media), the
multi-platform television and radio media network.
Revolution Living will invest $20 million in Gaiam, and Gaiam
will commit $7 million to purchase a minority interest in LIME
Media, in which Revolution Living holds a controlling interest. This
multi-faceted strategic relationship will yield a number of cross
marketing, distribution and promotional agreements.
Gaiam will become LIME’s exclusive retail distributor of DVD
programming, and LIME will become the exclusive broadcast
distributor of new Gaiam ‘how to’ programming. Gaiam will promote
LIME services in its catalogue publications, and LIME will air
advertising spots for Gaiam on its television and radio networks.
Jirka Rysavy and Lynn Powers, president of Gaiam, will join LIME’s
Board of Directors.
This newly formed partnership is designed to accelerate
mainstream acceptance of the LOHAS (lifestyles of health and
sustainability) market. |
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