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So, basically, it's "CSI: 666." Makes sense. Jerry Bruckheimer doesn't really do horror films. When you look back at his long and storied career as a producer, you see several recurring things, but horror seems like it's never really been part of his cinematic diet. I guess you could argue that some of the "Pirates" movies have some creepy elements, but those films are ultimately family adventure movies with a healthy dose of comedy thrown in. So what attracted him to the story of Detective Ralph Sarchie, a real-life NYC officer who gets involved in a case that subjects him to some insane supernatural attention? Hard to tell, but the finished film, directed by Scott Derrickson and adapted from Sarchie's non-fiction book by Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman, plays like a police procedural first and foremost. It's a dark and grimy film, and while I think it's juggling a whole lot of cliches,...

The final installment of the First Time Fest… The First Time Fest’s closing night was held on March 4th. Hosted by Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist), the Players Club lit up with flashes of cameras and smiles of the first time filmmakers anxiously awaiting whose film will win the grand prize- the chance to have their film distributed by Cinema Libre Studios.

Johanna Bennett and Mandy founded the festival after noticing there wasn’t a venue for where new filmmakers can get their film viewed and appreciated. In attendance at the closing night ceremony were Tony Bennett and Jack Huston, as well as Martin Scorsese, who presented the First John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky, who was also in attendance. Anthony Rapp presented the awards as guests ate food from Chef Diane Dimeo and drank champagne by Nicolas Feuillatte. Also in attendance...

Stars: Lethia Nall, Eric Yves Garcia, Rob Hollander, H.R. Britton, Olivia Horton, Jenny Grace, Michele Cesari | Written and Directed by Max Weissberg

The First Time Fest is a proud sponsor of first time filmmakers, and thus the festival sponsors a friendly competition among twelve first time filmmakers which involves a screening of their films which will be reviewed by five judges, including the audience counting as a judge. The winner will receive the benefit of having their film distributed among theaters worldwide, as well as the bragging rights that come along with winning such a special honor.

One of the screenings was a witty tale of trying to be a working actor in New York City called Summertime. The story revolves around first time actress Julia, who is in the running for a part in a new movie. The plot follows not only the actress as she interacts with several...

The First Time Fest was created by Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward as a way to showcase new upcoming filmmakers and their works, and to get them a head start in their industry. The festival occurred on March 1st to 4th at The Players Club in New York, which was a club started by some well-known writers and actors, including Edwin Booth (John Wilkes Booth’s brother), Mark Twain, and more.

While the festival does support new filmmakers in their journey, it also awards previous filmmakers who have made names for themselves. Being that this is the first year of the festival, the first ever John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema went to Darren Aronofsky. The award is named in honor of John Huston as he was a esteemed member of The Players Club, as well as considered to be one of the most influential writer, actor, director and producers of all times.

Room 4 Rent, a seven and a half minute film premiering at SXSW this year is an excerpt from director Max Weissberg’s first feature-length film called Summertime, yet to be released.

The screener that arrived at my house came with a small square package that I thought at first might be one of those wet paper towels you get on international flights. It turned out, of course to be a condom, and Mr. Weissberg had my full attention. But the words stamped on the plastic package said “Summertime,” –the condom was promotional pizzazz for Room 4 Rent’s sexier older sister.

While the trailer for Summertime features guns and crazy-eyed women, Room 4 Rent is exactly what the official synopsis says it is:

“Anna is looking for a place to rent from Max. The two seemingly have nothing in common until they discover they both love to dance.”

There’s something endearing about awkward,...