10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival – Celebs, Directors & Filmmakers

Photo by David Woytowich. Stars of Knuckle Draggers: (from left) Paul J. Alessi, Danielle Nicolet, and Ross McCall

journeyPod was live and on the Red Carpet last Thursday evening at the 10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival. The Opening Night Film, “Lymelife,” featured Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessey, Rory Culkin and Kieran Culkin. While none of those celebrities were present, we did chat with Adam Gregory, star of the television program “The New 90210.”  Originally from Cincinnati, Adam now lives in Santa Monica and apparently isn’t much of a foodie. When I asked him his favorite restaurant, he told me “Subway.”

On the Red Carpet, we chatted with Matt Sobel, director of “X to Y” for the inside scoop on the inspiration for his short. Also on the Red Carpet filmmaker Carole Holliday gave us an inside peak at her film, “Witt’s Daughter.”  Her 40 minute film is about a father who comes home from the Korean War and meets his three year old daughter. Carole’s inspiration was the movie, “The Gladiator.”  Wanna hear more? Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast show.

The festival, in it’s fourth day now, is packed with filmmakers (who in many cases are the writers, directors, and producers), and actors and actresses. While waiting to screen the “Impact of War” shorts, first-time film maker Tomas Solli from Norway and I struck up a conversation. He is the only Norwegian filmmaker at the festival. His film, “Emergency Exit”  debuts today. While munching on popcorn in between films, I ran into Paul Alessi and Serah D’Laine, two stars of the much anticipated, “Knuckle Draggers.”  I was able to see Sunday’s sold out performance. If you missed it–be sure to catch it the second time around, later this week!

journeyPod experienced first-class service at the festival’s host hotel, The Island Hotel. In between films, I managed to squeeze in a little “me time” at the spa with their two-hour Island Boreh Remedy. Chef Bill Bracken (formerly of the Pennisula Hotel in Beverly Hills) took care of my growling stomach with a fabulous dinner tasting, paired with amazing wines. Be sure to read the upcoming Chef’s Corner with a very entertaining Chef Bill!   After dinner, I experienced award -winning performer Jimmy Hopper. Jimmy plays The Island Hotel lounge every Friday and Saturday night and whether your style is Justin Timberlake or Barry Manilow, Kansas or The Police, Andrea Boccelii or Bon Jovi–you’ll be dancing in no time. With dramatic make-up and crazy outfits, he’s a Liberace of sorts. It’s a must-see performance. Check out his amazing voice on our upcoming podcast show.

If you’re visiting the festival and want more of a “beach feel”, take the car ferry over the water to Balboa Island. It’s 2 miles from Fashion Island, but you’ll feel a million miles away.  There is a boardwalk with beachy shops and tons of restaurants and bars. journeyPod suggests you stay at The Balboa Inn—but be sure too request a “newer” room. The new rooms are amazing with Italian marble, and plasma tv screens–and all have water views.

The 10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival runs through April 30. Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast show for a complete round-up of the festival and up and close chats with the filmmakers, actors and actresses.