Press Release 2

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GO TO SUNDANCE

Filmmaker Lisa Virtue, from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada will be screening her short film, “CUBEd”, in Park City, Utah next week during the Sundance and Slamdance film festivals. What’s unique about this screening is that it is not officially in either festival. Virtue has joined with a few other filmmakers to showcase their films in what they call “Cinema Slam Park City”.

The films will run from 9am – 1:30pm Tuesday January 22nd and Thursday January 24th at the Main Street Mall, 333 Main St., Second Floor. CUBEd will play in the 9-10am block on the Tuesday, and has the coveted spot closing out the show on the Thursday.

Virtue is becoming known for her “do what it takes” attitude. Producers in L.A. were impressed with her efforts and wherewithal while she was in town for the L.A. Shortsfest, where CUBEd had its world premiere this past September.

Park City is Virtue’s next target for doing whatever it takes, now that she has a film idea spun off from her short to promote.

Virtue shows her determination by not letting a little thing like a “no” stop her. Thousands and thousands of people did not make it into the Park City festivals, but Virtue found a way to not only be there, but to show her film. A quality she hopes will go over well with industry executives.

"I think her short was well done and I think she's very talented and I wish her the best of luck."
– Ira Pincus, Executive Producer, Blueprint Entertainment, Los Angeles

CUBEd was a Top 5 Finalist in the Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival in November 2007. It has also screened in the LA Shortsfest, and The Vine Shortsfest. It will screen this Thursday January 17th at the Run For Your Shorts festival in Ottawa, Canada and has been invited in advance to another US festival.

Press Release 1

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Ottawa filmmaker Lisa Virtue will be attending the World Premiere of her short film, "CUBEd" at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival on Thursday September 6th, 2007. LA Shortsfest is the largest short film festival in the world. "CUBEd" will play within Program 9, in Theater 4, at the AMC Burbank Town Center 6. "This is a great opportunity, and a wonderful entry into the international scene, for both the film and myself as a director."

The film is creating a quite a buzz, both in and out of the production community. Mrs. Virtue and her film are shining examples of why Gary Marshall from the television series "On the Lot" espouses, "the world needs more female directors." Mrs. Virtue has chosen an impressive way of making her film.

She is stepping up to the plate in style. "CUBEd" stars women, was created from the female perspective and is already resonating greatly with the female audience. "But the story is universal and men are appreciating not only the message but the quality of how the film was made," says Mrs. Virtue.

To showcase her talents as a director, she chose to shoot this eleven-minute piece about following your heart, on 35 mm Kodak motion picture film, not the typical format of today's short filmmaker. "With the wide availability of digital technology, anyone can shoot a short film these days. Yet predominantly you hear how they are trying to give their projects "the film look". Having been in the industry for fourteen years, I wanted to make a film that reflected that experience. I decided to go for the top and make what can be looked upon as a short example of a feature film." In Mrs. Virtue's opinion, the other key to great filmmaking is surrounding one's self with talented people. "I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best crew in Ottawa, world class in my opinion. I think we've come out with a stunning product and I'm very proud of what we were able to achieve as a team." Mrs. Virtue not only worked with renowned Ottawa talent such as DOP Michael Tien and music and audio post-production company Bartmart Audio, but had internationally recognized companies Kodak, Panavision and Technicolor on the roster as well.

She also decided to forgo the typical route of applying to funding sources to finance her film. "I wanted to make this quickly, and applying to funds can mean months of waiting for decisions. I was able to keep what should have cost well over $100,000 within my means, and in doing so was able to pay for the film myself. This allowed me to keep control over all aspects of the production. A luxury you don't have once other people have invested their money."

"This is a wonderful time for me. I'm living my dream and heading full force into what I hope will prove to be a long and successful film career."

"CUBEd" is being submitted to film festivals around the world to garner more exposure for Mrs. Virtue. Be sure to keep your eye on festival listings for your chance to catch this up-and-comer's debut film.