Alicyn Packard - News

Big news from the film I acted in!

Los Angeles, CA - May 25, 2010) - The multi award-winning feature film "Alondra Smiles: A Quinceañera Story" garnered the Dove Family-Approved Seal from The Dove Foundation. The Dove Seal has been a symbol of trust assigned to family-friendly entertainment since 1991.

Currently, families face tough decisions on movies they can go see or rent that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Thanks to The Dove Foundation, Hollywood is beginning to recognize that there is a need and market for quality entertainment free from offensive material. The foundation enables families to make intelligent choices concerning the entertainment they allow their children to view. They search for entertainment that is safe for families and award those films a Dove Family-Approved Seal.

"The Dove Foundation has established itself as a valuable resource for consumers seeking quality entertainment and programming that's suitable for their entire household," said Jeff Yordy, VP of Marketing at Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, about the organization.

"Alondra Smiles: A Quinceañera Story" is a modern-day Cinderella story with a modern spin. Two cousins prepare to have their 15th birthday celebrations. Alondra (Natalie Gomez-Robinson) is a sweet, hard-working fourteen-year-old student who's planning to have a very special quinceañera, and her spoiled cousin Tatiana (Paloma Rodriguez) wants to ruin Alondra's plans.

"Alondra Smiles: A Quinceañera Story" is an independent film that has traveled in film festivals throughout the U.S. and internationally, from a small screenings in Iowa to sold-out crowds in Los Angeles, to festivals in Canada, South Africa, Dubai, Colombia and England, where it garnered the Best International Feature Film at the Heart of England International Film Festival.

"Alondra Smiles" will be released on DVD worldwide on June 1 at www.alondrasmiles.com and also available June 5th at www.filmbaby.com


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Villa Media Productions
Juan F. Villa
(626) 893-0536
Villa Media Productions
Conchita Nora Villa
(626) 485-2582

Posted by Alicyn at 11:22 AM | Permalink

The independent feature I acted in "World Full of Nothing" was reviewed by www.filmsnobbery.com.
You can check it out here:

http://filmsnobbery.com/review/world-full-of-nothing/

"World Full of Nothing" is now available on DVD at: http://worldfullofnothing.com/

Posted by Alicyn at 11:53 AM | Permalink

I've been thinking a lot about what I value in my life. What is important to me? What drives me to move forward?

Posted by Alicyn at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Jenn and Jen (Alicyn Packard and Jennifer Fenten), lend a contemporary "Marvelous Wondrettes" ambience as they clutch their cell phones, gush over loser guys and seem confused about Echo's discontent. "

To hear more of what the Topanga Messenger thinks of "Earth Sucks," visit: http://www.topangamessenger.com/articles.asp?SectionID=2&ArticleID=3321

And come see the show!! Only two weeks left!!

Posted by Alicyn at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So the "LA Times" reviewed "Earth Sucks" today and had some great things to say! From reviewer Charlotte Stoudt and published in today's paper (10/10).

Diversion from a crummy planet

Every era of global crisis needs its extraterrestrial epic, a way to gain intergalactic perspective on human folly. Now Joel Farkas, Rick Ross and Citizens of Earth Productions present "Earth Sucks," Jonas Oppenheim's sweet, infectious rock musical at the Art/Works Theatre in Hollywood.

Meet one Earth girl who isn't easy: Echo Bell (Emily Stern, daughter of Howard) suffers from the classic plagues of any decent underage protagonist. She has one dead parent -- Mom was killed at SeaWorld -- and an emotionally distant one (Christopher Fairbanks). School bores, her iPod's played out and she's just dumped her "real aspiring session musician" boyfriend (Rawn Erickson II). But when an alien rock band takes refuge in Echo's Texas town, they need Echo's help to vanquish a nefarious pop diva (Nakia Syvonne) who is one song away from controlling the universe.

Oppenheim, who also directs, has a gleeful trash-and-vaudeville aesthetic: Mel Horan's set consists of cheap painted flats, and Arianna Pistilli's costumes feature plenty of Lycra and Lurex, and choreographers Reed Farley and Gustine Fudickar give the musical numbers a spacey, absurdist physicality.

The plot wobbles, but what keeps "Earth" spinning is its engaging score (vehemently delivered by the onstage band, whose members also play aliens), droll script and the light touch of the principal performers: Stern has a lovely nonchalant innocence; as lead singer Fluhbluhbluh, Lucas Revolution almost manages to sell you on his sock puppet; Syvonne's dry scream of wounded narcissism should be patented; and Fairbanks manages to imbue the proceedings with emotional stakes. Daffy, smart, energized -- Oppenheim's "Earth" might be fun as an after-hours show, with audience participation and more numbers with budding talent Stern.
_____
"Variety" not so much, however they did called Jen Fenton & I "comely". Which I had to look up, and was happy it did not mean the same as "Homely." Also, they mentioned that one of the songs we perform with Scott Palmanson, "Insecurities" is a highlight of the show. and state that "Also laudable is the cutesy Jenn & Jen outing on "Report on Pluto."

Visit: www.earthsucksmusical.com to get tickets.

Posted by Alicyn at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Opening night was so much fun!! Our first review is in! Check it out!!

Continue reading "LA Splash Reviews "Earth Sucks"!" »

Posted by Alicyn at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Our cosmic rock musical "Earth Sucks" was featured on the 11 o'clock KABC News! George Pannacchio came to our rehearsal and interviewed some of the cast and crew.

Check it out here:

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=6396080

R O C K * O N ! ! !

Posted by Alicyn at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The cosmic rock musical that I've been working on the past few months is finally here! If you live in the LA area, I really hope you can come out to see it. This musical is one of the most entertaining comedies to hit the stage in quite some time. I am thrilled to be a part of it.

It's about a renegade Earth girl named Echo who teams up with an alien rock and roll band to save the universe from an evil pop diva who enslaves whole galaxies with a song so catchy that once you hear it, you can't get it out of your head.

The play is hilarious, it's sweet, the music is great, the cast rules. If you're one of the few remaining souls whom I have not called upon to help out, I invite you to support the show in the most enjoyable way possible – come see the darn thing. As always, small theater thrives by word of mouth. Come early in the run and we'll deputize you as an official "Earth Sucks" spokesperson. Organize a group and get a recession-busting discount. Or simply forward this email to ten of your friends and you will have good luck within one year (it really works!).

Ticket information is below. You can also buy tickets and learn more at our web site, earthsucksmusical.com. I hope to see you at the show!

EARTH SUCKS
a cosmic rock musical

Written and directed by Jonas Oppenheim

Starring Emily Stern, Nakia Syvonne, Lucas Revolution, Christopher Fairbanks, Rawn Erickson II,
Alicyn Packard, Jennifer Fenten, Scott Palmason, John Hanson, Duncan Mackay, Paul Wyderka

Lighting and technical direction by Cris Capp
Sound design by Tim Boyce
Set design by Mel Horan
Costume design by Arianna Pistilli
Vocal direction by Normandie Wilson
Choreography by Reed Farley and Gustine Fudickar
Stage and production management by Rachel Wohlander and Jessica Wohlander
Web design by Jason Reim
Graphic design by Forest Erickson

Produced by Joel Farkas, Jonas Oppenheim and Rick Ross

WHEN:
Previews: September 26 thru October 3
Performances: October 4 thru November 2
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 7 pm

WHERE:
Art|Works Theatre
6569 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90038
(between Highland and Cahuenga; cross street Seward)

YOU WILL BUY TICKETS:
(323) 960-7744 or www.earthsucksmusical.com

HOW MUCH:
General admission: $25
Earthlings 65 and older: $20
Earthlings 21 and younger: $15
Previews: $15

WEB SITE:
www.earthsucksmusical.com

Posted by Alicyn at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I found some additional video from the Cartoon Voices Panel at Comic-Con. We were asked to do a completely cold-reading of a "Superman" script from the early days of radio. Much of this was improvised, which made the experience a total blast. ENJOY!

Posted by Alicyn at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"ALONDRA SMILES"
Best International Feature Film
Winner at the Heart of England International Film Festival

Link to Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxUVBqlQLGs
or
www.alondrasmiles.com

England, June 2008 - The family feature "Alondra Smiles" was a top winner at the Heart of England International Film Festival, giving the movie its third festival recognition so far this year.

Continue reading ""ALONDRA SMILES" Wins Best International Feature Film in England" »

Posted by Alicyn at 03:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The trailer for the independent feature by Jesse Pomeroy that I shot last year is here.
In the midst of an epidemic of teen suicides, filmed and posted to the internet, and while adults, newscasters, analysts and law enforcement officials try to bring order through moral condemnation and legislation, fifteen year old Rachael seeks her own answers to the mysteries and vagaries of life through a series of video blogs threatening her own suicide if no one helps her uncover the truths she seeks. Her videos attract the attention of a pedophile and an FBI agent and the race is on to see who can get to Rachael first before she adds herself to a long list of statistics. World Full of Nothing is the first feature film from writer/director Jesse Pomeroy. It stars Bella Nelson in a stand-out debut performance along with Angela J. Anderson, Markus Innocenti, Oliver Cowley, Sandy Greenwood, Alicyn Packard and Hannah Cowley. The film was produced by Jesse Pomeroy and Markus Innocenti and is currently being edited by Jules Portman at Mission Post.

Posted by Alicyn at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I starred in another "Starring You" video shoot for Jib Jab. This time around I got to work with Andy Ochlitree & Devin Bell, an amazing stop-motion animator.

Hilarity ensues! I'll keep you posted when this is released!!

Posted by Alicyn at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

More excellent news from the indie feature that I had a suppporting role in:

"ALONDRA SMILES"
Wins Audience Award at the Reel Rasquache Film Festival and is Nominated for the Best First Film USA at the International Film Festival England-UK (IFFE)

Link to Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxUVBqlQLGs

Continue reading "Family-produced feature "Alondra Smiles" is audience favorite, earning the Audience Award at Los Angeles festival " »

Posted by Alicyn at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I shot a video for JibJab.com where I got to do some HILARIOUS antics which I am not currently allowed to discuss but I promise to fill you in on it in August. For now, I'll leave you with this inticing image.

Y O W Z A !

Posted by Alicyn at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Villa Media Productions
Juan Francisco Villa
(626) 893-0536
Conchita Nora Villa
(626) 485-2582
"ALONDRA SMILES"
Wins the Directors Gold Award at the International Family Film Festival
A Heartwarming Feature Film Produced by a Family

Hollywood, March 5, 2008 - Independent film "Alondra Smiles" premiered in Hollywood this weekend at the 13th Annual International Family Film Festival, and garnered the festival's top recognition, the IFFF Directors Gold Award.

Villa Media Productions, along with an up-and-coming cast, brings this heartwarming story to life. In "Alondra Smiles," we meet Alondra, a fourteen-year-old who's planning to have a very special 15th birthday celebration, and her spoiled cousin Tatiana, who wants to ruin Alondra's plans.

Alondra (Natalie Gomez) has a positive attitude towards life despite having lost her parents to an accident seven years ago; she is grateful for her loving grandparents (Jose V. Villa and Josefina Ortega-Villa), whom she now lives with. Alondra befriends Armando (Anthony Marquez), a nice guy she met while working at her uncle's restaurant. Unfortunately, Alondra's manipulative step-cousin Tatiana (Paloma Rodriguez) wants Armando as her date for her debutante party, and with the help of her sidekicks she keeps Armando and Alondra apart while making them believe that she's just trying to help.

Director Conchita Nora Villa says, "My family and I wanted to produce a movie that an entire family can watch together. It was also important for me to portray Latinos in a positive, non-stereotypical way."

Ms. Villa's credits include working on "Selena" and "Mi Familia/My Family" as well as producing various independent projects. After over 10 years of experience in the various facets of the film industry, she decided to team up with her brother, Producer/Writer Juan Francisco Villa, and her family to produce and finance "Alondra Smiles." This film is Ms. Villa's directorial debut.

"Alondra Smiles" has also been selected to the International Film Festival in England (June 2008), the International Film Festival in South Africa (October 2008) and the Kids First! Film Festival. "Alondra Smiles" is currently looking for distribution. Trailer, photos and further information are available at www.villamediaprod.com and www.myspace.com/alondrasmiles.

Villa Media Productions is a family-owned and operated company. It is currently developing an "Alondra Smiles" television pilot.
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Posted by Alicyn at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello Gang!

Just a quick update to let you know that independent feature 'Alondra Smiles' which I had a supporting role in, has been accepted into two International Film Festivals.

1. 13th Annual International Family Film Festival - HOLLYWOOD, CA (Details below)
2. International Film Festival England - ENGLAND (June 2008)

Hopefully these are the first in many to come. Below is the information for the upcoming film festival, I suggest you buy your tickets soon! One of the screening rooms will be very small. If the screenings become "sold out" please ask to be on a "waiting list" (if possible), this shows the organizers that many people are interested in seeing the film.

13th Annual International Family Film Festival

Feb. 28 (Thurs.) - 4:00pm (Bigger Theatre) Approx. 140 seats
March 2 (Sunday) - 11:30am (Small Theatre)

Raleigh Studios
5300 Melrose Ave. (at Bronson)
Hollywood, CA
(Across from Paramount Studios)

For tickets log onto - www.iffilmfest.org - Click "screenings" on the very top

For more information about 'Alondra Smiles', check out: http://www.villamediaprod.com/prod.htm

I hope everyone is fantastic!!

Much Love,

Alicyn

Posted by Alicyn at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Shot a supporting role in World Full of Nothing", an independent feature directed by Jesse Pomeroy. I play the role of Taylor, a troubled teen who commits suicide. I added some production still to my pictures if you're interested! Here's a synopsis of the movie.

Friends, this weekend production begins on "World Full of Nothing", a feature film directed by your humble blogger. Inspired in part by last summer's 'LonelyGirl15' posts (which turned out to be a work of fiction but only after nearly 500,000 people a day were tuning into Bree's rants) and the constant blabbing of TV 'journalists' who act as if their presence on our Plasmas, LCDs and quaint 4:3 tv's means they should be taken seriously for the betterment of American society, 'World Full of Nothing" at first depicts the 'YouTube'-like video of a typical teenager committing suicide, a video that kick starts a series of copycat suicides which leave law enforcement, community activists and parents stymied: their children are making statements that leave no room for discussion. In the midst of this unfolding epidemic, Rachael, a teenage girl who is weighing the possibility of her own web-cast suicide, posts a series of confessional and questioning videos attached to an ultimatum: if someone can convince her that there is a reason not to kill herself, she won't. Her plea is heard, at first by Ben, a possible pedophile, and then by FBI Special Agent Kris Templeman, a woman who poses as teenagers both in the virtual world and the real world to bring pedophiles to justice and endangered children to safety. Both set out to find Rachael for their own reasons against a ticking clock.

Production will continue through February and will be complete in time for the Fall 2007 festival season. Starring Angie Bozarth, Olly Cowley, Hannah Cowley, Sandy Greenwood, Markus Innocenti and introducing Bella Nelson, "World Full of Nothing" is being shot HD on location around Los Angeles. Mission Post, as you may imagine, will be taking care of all post-production.

Posted by Alicyn at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Alicyn shot a supporting role in the indie comedic short "Tempered", directed by Ruben Diaz, and produced and co-starring Jesselyn Desmond. The film centers around a pregnant woman who suspects her boyfriend may be cheating on her. Alicyn stars as the caring, yet overprotective best friend who will go to any length to support her pregnant pal. The film will be premiering this August at the Burning Man art & music festival in Black Rock City, NV.

Posted by Alicyn at 02:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The short film "Christian Sorority House Massacre" in which I had a supporting role, has just been posted on I-Film.
The 5 minute comedic short was written by Michael Busch as a video intersitial for his comedy show "Dante's Infernal Comedy Hour". In the short, four girls in a Christian sorority are visited in the night by a grad student who challenges their faith with philosophy and logic. Directed and produced by Nicholas Bunker and Robert Bowlus, the dark comedy features the talents of Alicyn Packard, Susan Burke, Jen DeFilippo, Anne Gregory, and special guest Pat Healy.

Click here to check it out.

http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2715322

Orginally screened at the Improv Olympic West, the short has also screened at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, and other various shorts festivals. Currently, the short can also be viewed online at:

www.robertbowlus.com/CSHM

Posted by Alicyn at 09:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ALICYN PACKARD TO CO-STAR IN “THE MARTIN VAN BUREN HOUR”

Alicyn Packard
Alicyn@alicynpackard.com
(323) 620-4254

McKiltree Productions presents The Martin Van Buren Hour, a new sketch comedy troupe comprised of emerging young talent from the EMERSON COLLEGE community, a hot-bed for comedic talent such as Jay Leno, Henry Winkler, Steven Wright, Denis Leary, David Cross, & Laura Kightlinger.

The Martin Van Buren Hour will be presenting a playfully energetic show entitled “Now Who Wants to Have an Orgy?” a series of short eclectic sketches. Written, produced and directed by Jessica McKenna & Andy Ochlitree of McKiltree Productions, the show boasts an animated cast of characters weaving together the talents of Sean Cowhig, Matthew Harker, Zach Johnson, Sarah Milligan, Andy Ochlitree, Alicyn Packard & Shane Reid.

The Martin Van Buren Hour Presenting: “Now Who Wants to Have an Orgy?”
A presentation of short eclectic sketches.

Performing at the Improv Olympic West on:

Friday April 7th 2006 8pm, Friday April 14th 2006 8pm, Friday April 21st 2006 8pm
Friday May 12th 2006 8pm, Friday May 19th 2006 8pm, Friday May 26h 2006 8pm

Improv Olympic West
6366 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Reservations: (323) 962-7560 Tickets: $10
More info: mvbhour@yahoo.com

Industry comps available

ALICYN PACKARD has just wrapped the lead in Space Cadets, a SAG signatory short and a supporting role in Alondra Smiles, a SAG indie feature. The Martin Van Buren Hour marks Alicyn’s return to the IO West mainstage after graduating from the Improv Training Center in the fall of 2005. Currently performing weekly with Improv comedy troupe ScripTease at the Lounge Theater, Alicyn brings a cute & quirky playfulness and immense talent to her roles. Her commitment to her craft and natural charm has led to numerous roles in film & television since graduating with honors from Emerson College. For a complete update on past projects or to view a video demo reel, visit www.alicynpackard.com.
______________________________________________________________________________
ALICYN PACKARD IS SEEKING NEW THEATRICAL REPRESENTATION.
FOR A MEETING CALL: (323) 620-4254

Posted by Alicyn at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Production has wrapped for SAG signatory short "Space Cadets" co-starring Alicyn Packard & actor Rob Smith.
Directed by Josh Porro and photographed by Rob White. The film is centers around Craig Flippy, a quirky space cadet with severe ADD who joins a support group to help him cope. Alicyn plays the role of Yolanda, the beautiful but feisty, long-time group member who has her own crazy ideas about diagnosing and treating ADD. Will an unlikely romance insue?

This 12 minute short was shot on 16mm and is currently in post-production.

To view more photos visit www.alicynpackard.com/photos

Posted by Alicyn at 09:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Friday, April 7th the Martin Van Buren Hour will be having it's World Premier at the IO West theater and after-party at the bar! We hope you can make it! Industry comps. are available.

McKiltree Productions
Presents
The Martin Van Buren Hour
A presentation of short eclectic sketches. In the present tense.

Preforming at the Improv Olympic Theater West on:
Friday April 7th 8pm
Friday April 14th 8pm
Friday April 21th 8pm
Friday May 12th 8pm
Friday May 19th 8pm
Friday May 16th 8pm

Improv Olympic West
6366 Hollywood Blvd.
(between Cahuega & Ivar)
Hollywood, CA 90028
Reservations: 323-962-7560
Tickets: 10$
More info: mvbhour@yahoo.com
www.iowest.com

Starring:
Sean Cowhig*Mathew Harker*Zack Johnson*Sarah Milligan*Andy Ochiltree*Alicyn Packard*Shane Reid

Written/Produced/Directed by:
Jessica McKenna & Andy Ochiltree

Posted by Alicyn at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Alicyn was just cast as the female lead in the comedic short film "Space Cadets" directed by Josh Porro, and written by Edwin LaNotte McDonald. Space Cadets is the story of one man with A.D.D. falling in love with a woman with the same symptoms. How can a relationship flourish with two people not paying attention to one another?

Shooting on 16mm, the 12 min. project begins production on March 11th.

Posted by Alicyn at 10:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've just been accepted to be listed with Discovergirls.com, an online portfolio for actresses, singers, models and other talented women around the world. I'm excited to be in the ranks with the very accomplished women of Discovergirls who are committed to their craft and improving the world around them.

Discovergirls works hard to support important charitable causes. For example, in March, 2006, they are releasing a CD compilation featuring 18 of the singer/songwriters on discovergirls.com for the benefit of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. A team of volunteers, including Paul Salveson (sound engineer for the late great Ray Charles and many other stars) and the Bevans Group (graphic artists), worked with us to develop a truly outstanding album. Visit this website on March 1, 2006, to purchase the CD, and help eliminate cancer.

My profile should be up in the next few weeks. In the meantime, be sure to check out the website at http://www.discovergirls.com

As artists, we have the power to reach out and make a positive difference in the world around us. Sometimes when life seems scarce, all it takes is the simple act of giving to get ourselves in balance again.

In October of 2005, I trained and completed the Nike Women's Marathon with Team in Training. I raised over $3,000 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to challenge themselves in an endurance event while raising money for a great cause, check out the Team in Training website at http://www.teamintraining.org

Posted by Alicyn at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just got word that I booked a supporting role in the SAG indie feature "Alondra Smiles" produced by Villa Media Productions. I've been cast as Maggie a warm, likeable, resilient and worldly woman with many talents. I'll follow up with a press release when it's available. Production is slated to begin in January 2006.
For more information, visit www.villamediaprod.com.

Posted by Alicyn at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In early October, production for the feature film currently the "Untitled Scary Project" began. Shot on SonyHDR-FX1 High-Defintion, film-look, video camera, this improvised horror defied traditional conventions of filmmaking. Completely unscripted, the actor's created their characters through a 6 week rehearsal project. Scenarios were set up by the director Steven Payne (www.paynie.com) and producer Eric Johnson (Tweek City, www.tweekcity.com) to catch actors off-guard and cause them to react completely to the situation at hand. We shot at the Lincoln Heights Jail in downtown Los Angeles, the location of such films as "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Colors." It was an amazing experience. Here are some production stills of the shoot. Click on the link below to view these photos. For more information on this project, check out www.paynie.com

Continue reading "Production stills from feature film "The Untitled Scary Project"" »

Posted by Alicyn at 05:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)