March 2010 Archives

Xena Season 1 DVD ReRelease No Extras Listed

Xena Warrior Princess Season 1 DVD ReRelease
Ships April 20.

Make way for one of the fiercest and most dynamic woman warriors to ever grace the TV screen as all 24 Season One episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess come to DVD. Lucy Lawless is Xena: a smart, tough, and fearless fighter who travels the dangerous roads of Ancient Greece defending the innocent from the forces of darkness and seeking redemption for her cruel misdeeds of the past. Along for the adventures is her devoted friend Gabrielle (Renée O'Connor), a compassionate girl who hopes to be a warrior one day, and other legendary figures, including the formidable Hercules (guest star Kevin Sorbo). Combining impressive displays of mythology, fantasy, and martial arts, it?s an iconic show that set the bar for all female action heroes.

Starring: Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor

Disc 1

* Run Time: 2 Hours and 57 Minutes
* MPAA Rating: Not Rated (N/A)
* Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (English)
* Subtitles: English SDH
* Picture: Full Frame (1.33:1)
* Color

Disc 2

* Run Time: 3 Hours and 42 Minutes
* MPAA Rating: Not Rated (N/A)
* Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (English)
* Subtitles: English SDH
* Picture: Full Frame (1.33:1)
* Color

Disc 3

* Run Time: 3 Hours and 42 Minutes
* MPAA Rating: Not Rated (N/A)
* Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (English)
* Subtitles: English SDH
* Picture: Full Frame (1.33:1)
* Color

Disc 4

* Run Time: 3 Hours and 42 Minutes
* MPAA Rating: Not Rated (N/A)
* Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (English)
* Subtitles: English SDH
* Picture: Full Frame (1.33:1)
* Color

Disc 5

* Run Time: 3 Hours and 41 Minutes
* MPAA Rating: Not Rated (N/A)
* Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (English)
* Subtitles: English SDH
* Picture: Full Frame (1.33:1)
* Color

2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction Update

Hi folks,

Well the auction has ended and I want to thank everyone, to those who bid and who won, for their support of this auction. It wouldn't be possible to achieve what we have achieved without your support.

I'll have some figures for you as to how much we have raised for Starship, ROC Outreach Fund and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Crystal Chappell) over the coming days.

Since the auction software is somewhat new(ish), there were some glitches. Nothing major but some glitches. Thank you all for your patience in regards to this; it did make for an interesting end to the auction.

For those that have won, you would have received an email to let you know how to pay for your item. For those who won items in the ROC OutReach Fund and Crystal Chappell items, you will be getting an invoice from our paypal account in the coming day/s. For those who won Starship items, please follow the directions in the FAQ on how to convert the US$ amount to NZ$ and proceed to payment on the Official Starship site.

Starship will be letting me know towards the end of the week or early next week (as it's Good Friday this coming Friday and it's a public holiday in New Zealand) including Monday, as to payments received. Once I've received their list and matched it with ours, we will begin to mail out the items won.

Payments for the ROC OutReach Fund and Crystal's items will be through paypal. Once payment has been received, the items will be shipped immediately.

Once again it's been an exhilarating, rewarding experience to be a part of this auction and knowing it will make a difference.

Oh behalf of myself and my hard working team (Christa and Roger), thank you for participating in this auction!

MaryD

2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction Ends Today!

The 2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction is nearing the end. Today is the last day to bid on all the items!

Check out the goodies. The auction ends between 5:30-6:30 pm US Pacific Standard Time.

- Starship Foundation
- Renee O'Connor Outreach Fund
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Crystal Chappell)

Fitful Behind The Scenes and Official Page

Wow, has it really been over a month since I last posted anything??? Sorry about the dry spell. Lot's going on with corporate projects but not a lot of film action - we're in the micro fine tuning stage and still in talks with distributors.

But the really big news is that the behind the scenes is complete and ready for your viewing pleasure! Check it out here. A shorter version is available on the Michigan Film Office web site here.

Click here for the video

You can find the Official Fitful page here

Submitted by: Barbara Davies

Beyond The Farthest Star Week 3 Update

The following is from Benjamine Dane, producer of Beyond The Farthest Star in their latest newsletter: We are in our third week of shooting in Leonard, Texas. Here is the latest on what's going on this past week!

Renee Mentions/Pics (click on the thumbnail for the larger scan)

Wheels and Deals!
One of the stars of BEYOND is cars! Each character has their own vehicle and the autos must be available throughout filming. The vehicles say a lot about each character. So as you can imagine, it adds up to several different types of vehicles. From the Wells family car… to Stephen’s beat-up old Ford pick-up… to Calvin’s 2010 Porsche Panamera, it takes a force of people to make it happen. Staff members and individuals donate most vehicles. The Porsche was graciously provided by Randy Stuewe and is an important part of the film.

Watch For It!
THIS WEEK BeyondTheFarthestStar.com takes on a NEW LOOK by adding video blogs from the set, weekly updates, NBC News footage and cast bios. The site currently displays the One Question Video where viewers are challenged to answer the question, “What Do You Think is Beyond The Farthest Star?” Tell your friends and get the word out! Viewers can also promote the movie to their friends by selecting Facebook, Twitter and MySpace links from the site.

Let The Cameras Roll - Words Unspoken

Words Unspoken’

Renee O’Connor might be best known for playing Xena’s sidekick Gabrielle in the long-running series, “Xena: Warrior Princess,” but the Manhattan Beach resident has also dabbled in directing, writing and producing as well.

Her short, “Words Unspoken,” will be screened at Method Fest Sunday, March 28, beginning at 1 p.m. as part of its “Sibling Sacrifices” block of shorts. The short is the story of a man and his estranged sister who battled childhood demons as their abusive father lay dying. The short was based on a story in a New Zealand paper.

“I wanted to explore the themes of people exploring their sense of feeling free in their life and finding the path to forgiveness,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor said it took her six months to write the script.

“I explored it with actors in a class to see what was working and then I would go back and create some revisions,” said O’Connor from a set in Dallas where she’s shooting her latest film. “The actual preproduction of the short film took one month.”

Besides herself, her husband, Jed Sura, stars as her brother. Randy Crowder stars as her father. The challenge, she said, was working with the two children in the film, but she said it was an “exhausting and exhilarating” experience.

“I’ve been doing lots of things in my many years as an actor and also as a director and now producer, but the one thing I really have never done before is working with children in the capacity of directing them to have an authentic, very natural performance,” she said.

Read More

Former `Xena' Star Takes Turn Behind Camera

The TV series "Xena: Warrior Princess," with its brazen beauties,
captured the attention of viewers in the late 1990s and has maintained
a cult following since its final broadcast in 2001. At the forefront were Xena, portrayed by Lucy Lawless, and her blond-haired, blue-eyed, faithful sidekick Gabrielle, played by Manhattan Beach resident Renee O'Connor.

Born in the small town of Katy, Texas, O'Connor moved to Los Angeles
after high school like so many other Hollywood hopefuls. She booked a
multitude of projects, but it was landing the role of Gabrielle in
1995 that gave her the chance to expand her career.

"My most beloved character that I have played is Gabrielle," O'Connor said.

"I worked in New Zealand for six years on the show and it stills holds
a great place in my heart," she said. "What was important about
working (on `Xena') is that it offered me the opportunity to grow as a
person and actress. ... (It helped me to understand) my place in the
world and also allowed me to observe all of the directors that came in
over the years and learn their skills and tools. That's part of the
reason that I wanted to write and direct in my own project."

O'Connor, a wife and mother of two, has kept true to her ambitions,
and will showcase her second directorial project at the Method Fest
film festival. The festival opens Thursday and continues through March
31, with screenings and events in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Woodland
Hills.

Read More

Beyond The Farthest Star NBCDFW.com Video

Lights, Camera, Action! In a Sleepy Texas Town
Randy McIlwain, NBCDFW.com

The cities of Leonard and Celeste in Fannin County have become the backdrop of a new independent film. (No Renee in this news item)

News submitted by Barbara Davies

AUSXIP Charity Auction - ROC OutReach Fund List

Here are the items to appear on the AUSXIP Charity Auction for ROC OutReach Fund

http://charity.ausxip.com

The auction is now live.

Beyond The Farthest Star Update and Movie Still

Received the first newsletter from the producers of Beyond The Farthest Star:

Cameras continue to roll in North Texas on the set of BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR. Please see the latest update below with our first photo stills from the actual footage. More news to come soon.

BEYOND UPDATE! - The Latest from the feature film Beyond The Farthest Star

Todd Terry (“Lonely Hearts”, “Arlington Road”, “Fissure”) is assuming the role of Adam Wells. The producers are very excited about this new addition to the film. He joins an impressive cast which includes Renee O’Connor ("Xena", "State Of Hate", "Boogeyman 2") as Maureen Wells, Barry Corbin (“No Country for Old Men”, “One Tree Hill”, “War Games”) Billy McNamara (“Copycat”, “Chasers”, “Legend of Hell’s Gate”) and Andrew Prine (“The Miracle Worker”, “Gettysburg”, “The Dukes of Hazzard”). Mr. Prine also recently joined the cast as Senator John Cutter.

Todd is perfect for the lead role. He is local to Texas, has stellar credits and has worked with us before. He has assumed the role seamlessly, and is doing an incredible job.

Todd Terry previously worked with director, Andrew librizzi in our award-winning short film “Still Born.” The film was completed from concept to final edit within two weeks, for Project 168 in Los Angeles. “Still Born” was nominated for eleven awards and won both Best Acting categories, including Todd Terry as Best Actor

One Down. Three To Go.

Our first week is now complete. Shooting took place at a home in Leonard, Texas (one hour northeast of Dallas). This is the Wells house where the family spends most of their time. It was an intense effort as the crew braved two days of rain and long cold nights, shooting into the early morning. Some nights didn’t wrap until 4 am. This week, the company will spend two days in Celeste, Texas shooting school scenes and then it’s back to Leonard.

Beyond The Farthest Star Looking For Extras

Want to be in the Movies?

We specifically need extras, age 50 and up, for several key scenes in the film. Please email a current photo, your name and contact information to Natalie Gore (natalie@beyondthefartheststar.com)

Beyond Word of Mouth!

Keep watching the Beyond website at BeyondTheFarthestStar.com!

NEXT WEEK the site will begin to change by adding video blogs from the set, interviews, updates and cast bios. The site currently displays the One Question Video where viewers are challenged to answer the question, “What Do You Think is Beyond The Farthest Star?” Please tell your friends and get the word out. Viewers can also promote the movie to their friends by selecting Facebook and MySpace links from the site.

When you register, you will receive updates from the film and some of the latest and most exciting developments. Go Beyond and help get the word out to the world!

New Message From Renee

Renee has posted a new message on her site while filming in Texas...

Hello everyone! I am filming in Texas. It feels great to be working on such an incredible, layered role, with a purposeful team. Hopefully, you will hear more about it soon...

Read More

Words Unspoken at Method Fest Screening Info

The following information was posted on Renee's official site

Words Unspoken' Method Fest screening details:-

Go to www.methodfest.com click on screening schedule.
Under Shorts Program #7 SIBLING SACRIFICES
1st screening on Sunday March 28 at 1:00pm at the Founders Hall. 2nd screening on Monday March 29 at 5:00pm at the Founders Hall.

You can also find the screenings listed if you click on the link to buy tickets. It will take you to the brownpapertickets website.
'Words Unspoken' is listed under the Shorts program #7 SIBLING SACRIFICES.

Unfortunately Renee will be unable to attend as she is currently filming in Texas.

AUSXIP Charity Auction Update 18 March 2010

hey folks,

Just a few more days to go and the auction will begin (22 March) I've just finished adding all the items in both the Starship and ROC OutReach Fund sections. This year I'm doing things just a little bit differently which should make finding things so much easier!

I've created categories:

1. CD & DVD
2. Collectables
3. Apparel
4. Photos and Posters
5. Magazines & Books

Tomorrow I willl post a list of all items that will be in the auction for both charities.

If you haven't registered for the auction, may I suggest you do so if you wish to participate. Register here

You can now read the Auction FAQ on how the auction works, how to register, how to pay (when you win) for Starship and for the ROC Outreach Fund. Read Here

Enjoy!
MaryD

Attention Renee O'Connor Fans Dallasvoice.com

Attention Renee O'Connor Fans - DallasVoice.com has an upcoming story from the set of Renee's new movie "Beyond the Farthest Star"

Renee O’Connor — best known to many from her days as Gabrielle from “Xena: Warrior Princess” — is on location in North Texas this month, filming the locally-produced movie “Beyond the Farthest Star.”

I got to go the location on Monday to talk to Renee and to Benjamin Dane, a locally-based actor who appears in the film and is a producer for it. The film also features locally-based actor Todd Terry and Barry Corbin, among others.

Watch Friday’s issue of Dallas Voice for the story.

Source

Top 50 Lesbian and Bi Characters Poll - Gabrielle

Gabrielle is #17 in AfterEllen's Top 50 Lesbian and Bi Characters poll

In our first annual Top 50 Lesbian and Bi Characters poll, we asked you to vote for your favorite characters from film, television, and internet shows.

You cast your votes, and now we have the results. Before we reveal the winners, let's take a look at some of the trends that emerged.

<snipped>

Also notable was the fact that some of your favorite characters, the leads from Xena: Warrior Princess (which ran from 1995-2001) and Idgie Threadgood from the film Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), were never officially presented as lesbian or bisexual.

Click here for more

Renee to Attend French Convention

2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction Coming Soon!

Hi folks,

We are 2 weeks away from the start of the 2010 AUSXIP Charity Auction to benefit The Starship Foundation (Lucy) and The Alissa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (Renee). The auction will start 22 March until 28 March 2010.

This will be our 4th AUSXIP Charity Auction and the AUSXIP team (myself, Christa and Roger) hope to bring you some amazing goodies.

This year we have got a ton of great autographed stuff specifically signed for this auction and non autographed stuff. There are a some VERY special items that I will go into more detail in the next few days that are just totally incredible. Two of the items are: a new ipod nano (16 gb) for Lucy (metallic blue) autographed by Lucy AND it includes a video to go with the ipod for the successful bidder which is extremely cute and very Lucy, a new ipod nano (16 gb) for Renee (metallic green) autographed with a Renee recorded message and some photos taken by Renee. That's only 2 of the items in a huge swag of goodies.

Other autographed Items are from:

Lucy Lawless
Renee O'Connor
Adrienne Wilkinson
Katherine Fugate
Michael Hurst
Jennifer Ward-Lealand
Erin Cummings
Lesley-Ann Brandt
Katrina Law
Rick Jacobson
Steven L. Sears

and a couple of others I'm working on :)

Stay tuned!

MaryD

Official Xena Photo Club Images Dec 2009 - Who's Gurkhan?

Sharon has posted the new batch of photos from the Official Xena Photo Club for December 2009. The images are from the Season 6 episode "Who's Gurkhan?" Click here to view the images

When Gabrielle learns that her niece has been captured by the vicious raider Gurkhan (Calvin Tuteao), she sets sail for North Africa on a rescue mission with Xena, Eve (Adrienne Wilkinson) and Virgil (William Gregory Lee).

Here's some multimedia from this episode

Montage | DJWP Synopsis | SLK Review | Screengrabs

Official Xena Photo Club Images Jan 2010 - Who's Gurkhan?

Sharon has posted the new batch of photos from the Official Xena Photo Club for January 2010.

The images are from the Season 6 episode "Who's Gurkhan?" Click here to view the images

When Gabrielle learns that her niece has been captured by the vicious raider Gurkhan (Calvin Tuteao), she sets sail for North Africa on a rescue mission with Xena, Eve (Adrienne Wilkinson) and Virgil (William Gregory Lee).

Here's some multimedia from this episode

Montage | DJWP Synopsis | SLK Review | Screengrabs

2010 Xena Convention Photos by Jennifer Crawford

Just posted absolutely gorgeous photos from the 2010 Xena Convention Photos by Jennifer Crawford.

Friday
Lucy
Lucy and Renee
Renee
Hudson
Elvis Sears
Katherine

Saturday
David
Adrienne and William Gregory
Paris and Musetta
Steven and Rob
Brittney


Sunday
Renee
Steven Sears
Cleopatra 2525 Renuion: Jennifer, Gina and Vicki
Gina
Jennifer
Vicki
Wendy and Tara

New Renee Subsite: Beyond The Farthest Star

Renee's new movie "Beyond The Farthest Star" now has it's own AUSXIP Subsite.

A twist of fate brings the national spotlight to a forgotten Texas town and a once famous preacher has an opportunity to regain his former glory or seize one last chance to restore his fractured family. Narrated by his fifteen-year-old daughter, we watch as Adam Wells, a minister driven by the prospect of achieving greatness as the next nationally-syndicated TV Evangelist lays down his opportunity at “celebrity” and even his own life in order to become something even greater... A loving husband and father to his wife and daughter.

Click here to view site

Cast Grows for "Beyond the Farthest Star"

Beyond The Farthest Star Press Release: 03 March 2010

Barry Corbin (No Country for Old Men, One Tree Hill, War Games) and Billy McNamara (Copycat, Chasers, Legend of Hell's Gate) joined the cast of the new feature film Beyond the Farthest Star. The cast of the inspirational drama, which is set for a December 2010 release, also includes D.B. Sweeney (Miracle at St. Anna, Eight Men Out, The Cutting Edge) as Adam Wells and Renee O'Connor (Xena, State of Hate, Boogeyman 2) as Maureen Wells.

Writer/director Andrew Librizzi has already received critical praise for the screenplay's multi-layered characters and evolving story. Production begins Monday, March 8 in locations throughout North Texas.

To register for Beyond the Farthest Star updates and enjoy video blogs from the production, visit the film's website.

News submitted by Barbara Davies

Press Release: Beyond The Farthest Star

"Beyond the Farthest Star" Begins Filming in March
Press Release: 16 February 2010

D.B. Sweeney Goes Beyond In Texas
 
 D.B. Sweeney ("Miracle At St. Anna", "The Cutting Edge", "Eight Men Out"), joins the cast of "Beyond The Farthest Star", as Adam Wells. Co-Starring with Sweeney is Renee O'Connor ("Xena", "State Of Hate", "Boogeyman 2"), as Maureen Wells. Starting in March, the inspirational feature film shoots in North Texas. Pathlight Entertainment asks the question, "What Do You Think is Beyond The Farthest Star," on its film site.
 
 Dallas, TX (PRWEB) February 16, 2010 -- Pathlight Entertainment signs D.B. Sweeney ("Miracle At St. Anna", "Eight Men Out", "The Cutting Edge"), in the role of Adam Wells for its upcoming inspirational feature, "Beyond The Farthest Star". The film is set for a Christmas 2010 release and co-stars Renee O'Connor ("Xena", "State Of Hate", "Boogeyman 2"), as Maureen Wells.
 
 D.B. brings an authenticity and deep soulfulness to every performance which are qualities essential in the portrayal of Adam Wells, an austere preacher who discovers for the first time, the meaning of the message he's been preaching all his life.

 "Beyond" is produced by Benjamin Dane ("Significant Other", "Still Born"), Sally Helppie ("Exit Speed", "The Beacon"), and helmed by writer/director, Andrew Librizzi ("Holding On", "Still Born").

Tweets About "Beyond The Farthest Star"

The following tweets are about Renee's new movie "Beyond The Farthest Star"

From NatalieGore

# tomorrow we start filming behind-the-scenes stuff for the new movie Beyond The Farthest Star... & guess whose your host?!!!! ME! haha about 10 hours ago via web

HUGE NEWS! I will be hosting all the Behind-The-Scenes videos/ blogs for the new feature film Beyond The Farthest Star!
9:22 PM Mar 2nd via web

NatalieGore
Natalie Gore

News submitted by Barbara Davies

Renee's Video Channel Update

Renee has posted the following on her site - if you are not a member of her Video Channel, hop on over to her site and join.

Our March newsletter is up! We have a great segment with Michael Moore opening the premiere of Rich Brauer's feature film 'Fitful'.

We have changed the name of the ROC Members newsletter. It is now being called our Video Channel. We think this is a better description for what we are providing, new and original videos to entertain and to inspire you.

 

Beyond The Farthest Star Update

The following was posted on Twitter:

@benjamindane Starting filming on Beyond The Farthest Star on Monday!

News submitted by Barbara Davies