I'm Featured in Backstage!

Check out the October 30th issue of Backstage:



On the very LAST page you'll see the "last words" quotes and one from yours truly!

Asbury Shorts Schenectady -- What a Night!

Asbury Shorts Schenectady: An Evening of the World's Best Short Films is now a thing of the past -- but, oh, what an event it was!

We couldn't of asked for a better crowd of short film fans and I could hear Proctor Theater's Philip Morris's laughter echoing within the beautiful G.E. Theatre.

WTEN's own Steve Ammerman, provided us the perfect atmosphere and guidance as Master of Ceremonies, while music performing wonder-woman Jill Jack, accompanied by wonder-man lead guitarist, Bill Dillion, made us all want to get up and dance as the event's main pre-show performance.

All in all, I'm glad that I could help in bringing Creative Director Doug LeClaire's brilliant short film celebration event to Schenectady.

Mr. LeClaire was so pleased with the audience's response and the great hosting done by Proctors that he said, "Well, I guess we'll have to bring it back next year!"

I second that!

"Across the River and Into the Trees" and Me

I just finished performing in a period piece entitled ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES, directed by the wonderfully talented Alex Uhlmann and crew -- including one of the most talent D.P.s I've run into in a long time, Danielle Krudy. The highlight? Being on set with my son, Max, and watching him take on his very first film role with talented aplomb.

If you'd like to learn more about this piece of indie nirvana in Upstate, NY, check out the newsletter article from the Official Woodstock Film Festival by clicking "here."

Otherwise, stay tuned -- with a little bit of serendipity, there will be more of such-exciting projects on the horizon!

Asbury Shorts: An Evening of the World's Best Short Films

The day is here -- my first, big producing endeavor -- check it out and come support the brilliant entertainment (if you're in the neighborhood:-)

Back in NY but keep a Foot in Germany

Ute Schneider of Schneider & Groos and I in Hamburg, Germany

I am back from Europe and building base, again, in New York, looking at the amazing amount of opportunities for self-actualization in the film, television and theater industry here.

Sure, the times are tough, but let's not forget that great creativity comes from taking a look inward during your darkest moments.

Thus, I'm off to the HD Expo in NYC this week, the New Jersey Reel Film Festival over the weekend, and Asbury Shorts: An Evening of the Worlds' Best Films on Sunday, looking to make contacts, learn new industry techniques, and promote my film/HD production company, Personae Productions & Entertainment, as well as my presenting/acting/voice-over career (www.heidiphilipsen.com).

Lots to do and see. Now, if only I could bicycle to save on gas!

Back to America

I just returned to Muenster, Germany, from a major trip across France, through Paris, Versailles, Bergerac, Mont St. Michel, and Chatelaillon-Plage, as well as in Brugge, Belgium.

Having been there before ten years ago, I'm an absolute fan of Mont St. Michel, with it's mystical mountaintop cathedral and movie-set like village and Deauville-Trouville, with their seafood shops, beach bungalows, and, of course, the American Deauville Film Festival!! (and who can forget Paris or Versailles),but I have to say that the absolute hit stops were in Bergerac and Bruges.

Bergerac, the fabled home of Cyrano de Bergerac, is a beautiful city with intricate cobblestoned street paths weaving in and out the beautiful, old buildings.

Bruges, an extremely well-preserved medieval town, with two town squares, canals and bridges throughout, as well as the best chocolate and diamonds that Europe has to offer, has become one of my favorite cities to visit.

The crazy thing is, we discovered it completely by accident.

Hoping to make the entire 600-km trip by car, but leaving Deauville a bit later than planned (I was procrastinating in hopes of staying long enough for the festival next weekend), we ran into an unexpected traffic jam that had us sitting in Rouen for nearly an hour-and-a-half.

"We'll just drive by night and get into Muenster by 1 a.m.," we concluded. Nothing doing. By 10:30 p.m., my eyes were drooping and, so, we decided, we'd have to find a place to stay.

We drove from one city to the next, through the industrial port of Calais in the north, to the Belgium border, where not a single light was to been seen lit in the windows at 11 p.m. -- not a single soul walking around! Every hotel, a local pension or BB-style guest-house, shut down for the night, the foyers dark and desks empty. We found nothing.

"I can't believe this," I said, "it's too creepy; it's as if all the world has disappeared and we're left to wander the streets in search of life."

Finally, at 12 a.m., nearing the city of Bruges, I asked my husband to make one last attempt. I can only say that GPS in cars is one of the best inventions out, as we were able to locate a list of hotels, including contact information, nearby and make a reservation.

And, thus, at 1 a.m., tired and resigned to wasting a night in a dingy hotel somewhere in some unknown backskirt of Belgium, we drove down the empty cobblestone streets, through what appeared to be the back-end of the city, to the Novotel -- a sort of mod and hip Holiday Inn in Europe -- to find a bed and lie down our weary heads.

The next morning, we awoke to sunshine and the most glorious, alive European city, full of quaint shops, great cafe's and restaurants, horses and carriages trotting about, and chocolate -- glorious chocolate. That day, we decided to slow down our frantic pace, stroll around, and enjoy all of the sights. There's nothing like eating French fries in the land that helped to establish their good name!

I learned, as a result of this unexpectedly beautiful city on an unexpectedly gorgeous day, that the best things in life can pass your way when you least expect them -- and when the world seems lonely, dark, desolate and gray, all you have to do is "sleep on it," and, sometimes, the next morning's sunshine is enough to walz all your troubles and doubts away.

Now, onto the next adventure -- this Sunday, our trip back to New York and the good, old (although not as old as Europe) U.S. of A.

Two Weeks Left in Europe and Lots on the Lap

I've been in Europe all summer, living mostly in Muenster, Germany, leaving town for places like Berlin, Duesseldorf, Hamburg and Cologne, but also traveling to countries surrounding and beyond: the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Next week? France.

This week, however, I'm staying put in Muenster, taking advantage of all it has to offer, all the while researching for my production company's future Germany projects.

Last night, for example, I went to this incredible spa, complete with four different kinds of saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, cold pools, a solarium, and lounge chairs galore. A real paradise... for 17 euros. I'm not kidding - 17 euros. That's a steal for Americans, and as the former Assistant to the VP of Development at Mandarin Oriental in New York, I can tell assure you that I know what I'm talking about.

The only odd thing - for me, as a puritanical American - was the small fact that you were supposed to go "au naturelle," covered only by a towel.

Gosh, as liberated as I'd like to think I am, this was tough. And how do you NOT look, for heaven's sake?

Still, there was nothing kinky about any of it. In fact, the only weird one there was I -- I just couldn't get over the very obvious lack of interest in my naked body. Hey, the people weren't there for a strip tease, they just wanted to be healthy and chill.

So much for the idea that it's all about sex.

Prague, "The Beggar's Story" and My Role in the film

I'm back from my trip to Prague, where I took on the role of the Neighbor Elisabeth in Lucie Groene's film "The Beggar's Story."

As many of you may know, I’m living and working in Germany for the summer, writing my scripts, developing various productions, acting when the opportunity arises and enjoying the summer amidst cobblestones, castles, cafes, bicycles and biergartens.



For “The Beggar’s Story,” I took the train from Berlin to Prague and was picked up personally by the director, her self. We drove to the beautiful, tiny village of Zelenice, where the only other language the locals spoke was Russian, and I couldn't help but feel as if I had been transported 100 years back in time.

Filming with a Czech crew is like nothing I've ever experienced. The professionals on set were top-rate, but they sure do like their cigarettes and beer. Unlike in the States, where no one breaks until the official announcement is made, the Czech crew seemed to have just stopped for lunch and a beer whenever they felt like it.



The craziest moment was when we were all set for shooting the final scenes for the day. Everything was set up -- lighting, perfect, camera and crew, prepared, the director and supporting actors ready to go -- except for the main character, the shopkeeper. His name called -- no response. He was no where to be found.

And then, finally, after the Czech A.D. went on a search throughout the village, our actor was found. He had decided to go the local pub for another drink.

I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head.



Still, that being said, I was impressed by how well they all work together, how relaxed the atmosphere on set was, and how much we were able to accomplish in a short amount of time.

The biggest lesson learned? Tolerance and openness is part of international film-making. One person's beer is another's water.

Introducing: Quote of the Week

My Blog will now be featuring a "Quote of the Week," by individuals both well-known and unknown. The idea and thought drives.

Enjoy!

New Website

My new website is up and running: www.heidiphilipsen.com.

Check it out and come back for more!

Projects on the Slate

Here are some of the latest on my desk:

Seeking Distribution:
A Fork in the Road -- The award-winning short, narrative drama about a father, his son, and the connection they find after an unexpected twist in fate. Written and directed by H.E. Philipsen, shot on location in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, Michigan, and premiered to the public in Los Angeles as a part of the official program at the Reel Women International Film Festival, mature teens and adults of all ages will be moved by the performances of Michigan's most talented actors, Grant Krause and Barbara Coven.

Post-production:
Schenectady (working title) -- The first of a ten-part series about the various local businesses that make Schenectady, New York, the dark horse of cities within the Capital Region.

Development:
Three short films about women to begin pre-production in late summer 2008.

A full-length documentary about working in America. Please check back, again, for further information about funding.

Preparing for Prague

I'm heading to Europe soon -- Muenster, Hamburg, and Berlin, Germany; possibly Cannes, France; and then onto Prague, Czech Republic.

Muenster will be my home base for the summer -- from there, I plan on venturing out on as many adventures to meet women directors, screenwriters, and producers as feasibly possible. And stay tuned -- I'll most certainly be writing about them all in my Blog.

The first big adventure starts when my mentor and friend, Melissa Costello , a brilliant director who specializes in political campaign commercials.

Melissa and I will be making a pilgrimage to Hamburg to meet former Road Movies Development Director, Ute Schneider .

Ute Schneider and I go back to my internship at Wim Wender's Film Production Company in Berlin, nearly six years ago. She now heads her own company in Hamburg, Schneider & Groos, and I can't wait to see what she's up to.

And then it's on to Berlin -- ahhhhhh, Berlin -- the home of my inner, Bohemian heart, to meet old friends (I lived there for five years, from 1995 to 2000) at the English Theatre of Berlin and Deutsche Welle-tv and make new, specifically with the women of Women in Film & Television , Germany.

Finally, Melissa and I will part ways in Berlin and I'll be taking a jet-plane to the beautiful and mysterious city of Prague.

In Prague, I'll be working on a short film with Czech director, Lucie Groene, as Assistant Director of the English-speaking shoot, as well as taking-on a small, manageable part, as actress. It's been great communicating with Lucie, as I've been able to put my German-speaking-skills back into full action. Lucie feels more comfortable speaking German than English.

I couldn't ask for a more ideal gig -- working with a competent director in one of the most beautiful European cities and being assigned the responsibility of organizing around my own native language, while speaking another and learning a third (Czech) -- I've died and gone to heaven!

Wheewwwwww! That's a lot -- and I promise to keep you up-to-date on everything. For now, however, I better get packing!

The One That Got Away

I've been traveling a lot lately:

I made it to the Reel Women International Film Festival in Los Angeles in early March, where my film A FORK IN THE ROAD, was an official part of the student film program within the festival line-up. That was an amazing experience, meeting and networking with industry professionals committed to bring films made by or about women to the screen.

The L.A. trip was smack-dab-in-the-middle of several "mini" excursions to New York City to take part in the Advanced Scene Study Class at Stella Adler Studios with Stella Technique pro Patrick Quagliano. I recommend returning to a learning and growth environment for every actor, whether just beginning or advanced, as it allows you to push your inner envelope and get more out of your talents and skills with every new scene being studied.

And now, I find my self in Michigan, home of the Purple Rose Theatre -- Jeff Daniel's Equity theater located in the heart of Chelsea, lead by Artistic Director Guy Sanville, with aplomb.

I just auditioned for the "Rose's" 2008/2009 theatrical performance season and do hope to be recognized for callbacks. But I'm also energized by the opportunity to step on stage there, again, and show what I've learned in the last year.

Tomorrow, it's back to Schenectady, New York, home of Proctor's Theatre, where I will most likely check out the New Plays Festival.

That, my Dears, is the one that got a away.

I had auditioned for the New Plays Festival over two months ago and was called back to read for the part of Desdemona in General Desdemona. I received an email that I should be there by 6 p.m. only to get a call at 3:30 p.m. from the producers asking me why I was late. "I was not to go on until 6 p.m.," I panicked. "Don't worry," they said, "we'll wait for you."

And so, I rushed, no make-up on, frazzled, and panting heavily--I so wanted that role! Kevin McGuire, the Festival Director, was more than generous and did his best to calm me down. I auditioned and he praised my work.

But I certainly was not as calm, cool, and collected as I had been the first time around. And I left feeling a bit let down.

Alas, I did not get the role.

And though I can't help wondering what might have happened if the time from the producer on the email would have been correct (3:30 p.m. rather than 6 p.m.), in the end, all you can do is write it down in your journal as an experience and realize that the one that got away is the one that was not meant to be...

I'll keep on moving, keep on learning, keep on auditioning until I get the part that is right for me.

Reel Women International Film Festival

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL
REEL WOMEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The fourth annual Reel Women International Film
Festival, featuring films directed by women from all
over the world, will open March 7th with Reservations,
directed by Aloura Charles. Set over a night in a New
York hotel, Reservations unexpectedly connects the
lives of several strangers in startling moments of
passion, friendship and hope. A reception will follow
at the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive.

Academy Award winner Helen Hunt's directorial debut
Then She Found Me serves as the Festival's centerpiece
presentation. Adapted from the novel by New England
Book Award winner Elinor Lipman, the film follows
April Epner (Hunt) and her touching journey to
happiness after separation from husband (Matthew
Broderick) and the death of her adopted mother.
Academy Award nominee Bette Midler also stars as
exuberant talk show host Bernice. Reception to follow
at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive.

With films from 17 countries, the Reel Women shorts
presentation sheds light on a variety of social and
political issues. In Migration, internationally
acclaimed director Mir Nair (The Namesake) examines
the AIDS crisis in India. Ghosts of Abu Ghraib
director Rory Kennedy looks at how the Iraqi prison
abuses in the fall of 2003 still remain etched in our
national consciousness. In Bling, director Raquel
Cepeda travels with hip-hop artists on an emotional
journey to Sierra Leone where they meet face-to-face
with victims of conflict “blood” diamonds. Featuring
interviews with Kanye West, Big Daddy Kane and
Jadakiss, Bling is a riveting documentary that teaches
the audience the real price of diamonds.


To purchase tickets and view the complete festival
line-up please visit www.reelwomenfest.com

Notice: This film was made without physically, mentally, or verbally abusing WOMEN

Violence Against Women

I had a disturbing experience on a film set recently, in which I had to put up with words such as "cunt," "bitch," "pussy," (among others) while working with the actors and crew.

I was accompanying two, male actors in MY heated car (it was an outdoor shoot in the blustery winter), when I couldn't believe my ears: the one actor related his latest difficulties in dating his "fat opera-singing bitch girlfriend" to the other actor, apparently not even noticing, or not caring, that he happened to be sitting in a woman's car.

I turned around, after getting an ear-full, and politely said,

"I hate to interrupt your exciting conversation. But I would appreciate it greatly if you would NOT speak so derogatorily about women while sitting in my, i.e. 'A WOMAN'S' CAR. Thank you."

There was a mild feeling of tension, as well as embarrassment, before he apologized and tried to change the subject to something less abusive.

Of course, only two hours later, after having being asked to take over audio, because the audio technician had flown the coup, I listened with headphones, as the actors, now set up on wireless microphones, proceeded to tell jokes to each other.

"What do you call a dead blond in a closet?"

"I don't know."

"A good screw."

Now, I'm all for passing the time away on film sets with silliness and jokes, but I fail to see the humor in this, especially when they knew that I was in charge of audio.

It was too much. I couldn't take this abuse any more. It put me in a bad place, mentally and emotionally, and totally left me in no mood to work with the actors, pitting me against the wishes of the director, as a result.

To completely honest, after running on "high gear" four days with an average of only three hours of sleep per night, I lost it. I broke down. I caved in.

If animals don't have to put up with cruelty on the set anymore, why do we women?!

Do we really need to generate an honor pledge or oath by all involved to NOT verbally and physically abuse women?

If discrimination is not allowed in any other workplace, why should it be tolerated on film sets or locations?

Of course, I realize that his may just add more fodder for many male filmmakers and film trade workers to say that they'd rather not have women, as a result, on their shoots, at all.

But what era are we living in, after all?

I refuse to give up my love of film-making and directing because I have breasts. I won't see my children has a liability, because they come first. And I cannot abide by such horrible, violent language against the other half of the human race.

Tales of Motherhood in Ann Arbor, MI!

It's official: The piece called "Tales of Motherhood" will be making its first staged appearance in Ann Arbor, Michigan this coming May.

More info soon...

Out and About on a Film Shoot

I was just in New Jersey 1st A.D.-ing on a film by London Film Schooler, Brian Hickey, who is directing his Master Thesis short film on HD with fellow classmate and Director of Photography, Johannes Schaff.

Brian brought the whole cast and crew in for a week to shoot his film, a brilliant take on lessons in life, misery and faith.

Thus, I drove southwest to NJ from the Capital District Region, and noted the snow flurries absentmindedly throughout the drive.

Little did I know. Little did I wonder.

The only thing I feel able to say at this moment is that I've never worked in such cruel weather conditions, in such a bitter, biting cold. I have frostbite on my hand.

And yet, still, never have I had such a marvelous time in the way that only a film-maker can understand. I pushed myself dangerously to the edge -- to the point that my health was in trouble -- without even realizing that I was that close, because I wanted to give the film my all.

Why? I was inspired by my fellow crew members and, above all, the top of the team, my director and his cinematographer.

Now, back at home, away from the perfect chaos, the intense cold, and utter fatigue glossed over by adrenaline, I feel that ache that you go through when you're withdrawing from something you love... almost more than life, itself.

I'm sure that you'll be hearing more about Brian Hickey and Johannes Schaff. And I hope that I do, too.

MY BIO

Heidi Philipsen, raised in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area, has been developing an international career in film, broadcast television and regional theatre that spans over a decade and encompasses writing, directing, acting and producing.

In 1993, she traveled to Germany to study German literature and the arts. Highlights in her seven years abroad include apprenticing at the politically provocative and acclaimed Theatre 89, as well as acting and directing at the Friends of Italian Opera English Theatre in Berlin; weather-presenting, field-producing, translating and on-camera reporting at the Berlin International Film Festival for a worldwide audience (over 28 million viewers a week!) through Deutsche Welle TV; and doing voice-over work at the legendary Grundy Ufa Studios in Babelsberg.

In 2000, Heidi returned Stateside to pursue her M.I.A. in International Media & Communications at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, while comparing notes between U.S. and European television broadcast formats as an intern at ABC’s “Good Morning America” and CBS’s “48 Hours.” Unable to give up the acting bug, Heidi also then filled her spare time with scene study acting at the T. Schreiber Studios, performing Off-Broadway, as well.

In 2004, Heidi moved back to Michigan and, after taking a break to start a family, started the socially motivated local theatre ensemble, “The Personae Ensemble,” understudied at acclaimed actor Jeff Daniel’s regional Equity theatre, The Purple Rose, and went back to film school at the Motion Picture Institute of Michigan, where she wrote and directed her thesis short, “A FORK IN THE ROAD” for which she received “Best Screenplay” and was nominate for “Best Director” at the MPI Student Film Festival.

“A Fork in the Road” has recently been accepted into the official program of the Reel Women International Film Festival in Burbank, California to take place in March 2008.

Today, after recently relocating to the Capital District region, Heidi has teamed up with award-winning cinematographer Robert Shenise and is in the process of working together with Bob and his production company, Shenise Productions, LLC, on several HD projects for television and film. She continues to write, act, direct and produce for both theatre and film through her company, Personae Entertainment, Ltd.

Back to the Basics and On to the Future

I will be returning to the basics -- acting, reflecting, writing, reflecting, and preparing myself for the next steps in my career.

First stop: ADVANCED SCENE STUDY at the pristine STELLA ADLER STUDIOS in New York City.

I've also taken the GOLD'S GYM 12 WEEK CHALLENGE to get in shape for the camera (and my own health). It's time.

And then, of course, too, as mentioned above, I'll be reflecting on my past experiences. Thus, please check back in to see clips of my work, as well as updates of what lies yet undone.