Granny Ranny's Coming Attractions

That’s how many plastic markers Crayola makes every year — enough to circle the earth three times! And since Crayola has no recycling program for used markers, many of those markers end up in landfills, or even worse, the ocean.

Elementary school kids take action. Land Wilson is a volunteer who works with the “Kids That Care” club at Sun Valley Elementary School in California. The kids were horrified to learn that their beloved Crayola markers could end up as trash in the ocean, killing wildlife like fish, sea turtles and marine birds.

You can help. Land and the kids started a petition on Change.org asking Crayola to start a program for consumers to recycle their markers. The kids believe that if thousands of people sign their petition, Crayola will let consumers make sure their markers end up in recycling bins, not oceans or landfills.

Click here to sign the kids’ petition asking Crayola to implement a consumer recycling program.

Here’s a lot more information about Land and the kids’ campaign, in their own words:

Every year, Crayola makes about half a billion markers — enough markers to wrap around the earth more than three times! — and sells them all around the world. Millions of kids use and love Crayola products — including the students at Sun Valley School, where I volunteer. That’s why we’re asking Crayola to make sure these markers don’t end up in our landfills, incinerators and oceans.

“I love your markers, but I’d like to tell you it’s polluting. So can I please send some of your markers back? I love your product, but hate pollution,” Zachary, age 9.

Around the world, people are starting to realize the massive problem of discarded plastics. It’s not only a waste of resources — it is detrimental to our well being. Plastics, which escape into the ocean, are entering our food chain as they are weathered and broken down into smaller and smaller pieces. By establishing a take-back program for their plastic markers, Crayola can stop millions of markers from becoming pollution and waste.

“I want to let you know that I am not a useless little kid. I can make a difference! By telling you to recycle your pens,” Dante, age 11.

“Will we ever be able to fix the hole in the ozone layer? I don’t like pollution because it hurts the Earth,” Georgia, age 7.

“If we all came from the Earth… Then why are we hurting it so much? Earth is all we have left,” Olivia, age 8.

We want Crayola to “make their mark” by starting a “take-back” recycling program for their markers. If Crayola can do it, we know other companies will follow. Crayola can be a leader for the environment.

Sincerely,

Mr. Land and his “Kids That Care” from Sun Valley School

Do you show films? Are you looking for films to screen for your youth audiences? Then, we may be the perfect source for you. KIDS FIRST! is looking for partners to screen our films, made for and by kids, that have been accepted for our traveling children’s film festival.

As our KIDS FIRST! Film Festival celebrates its 13th year, we are looking for new partners who would appreciate the wonderful diversity of programming that we have to offer. We offer films from studios, indie filmmakers and student filmmakers that have been though our selection process and we consider “best” to offer to the 100+ venues nation and world wide who affiliate themselves with us! Over the past 13 years, our affiliates include established film festivals and film societies, community centers, libraries, children’s hospitals and boat shows! Yup, a pretty diverse group. We help program for events that bring in tens of thousands of people and events that show films to intimate groups of 20.

Whether you have partnered with us in the past or are brand new to this type of event, we are a great resource for you because we have one of the best collections of films for a youth audience ages 2 to 15. And, it’s easy!. We have made some significant changes over the last year to make the selection and screening process so much simpler.

Most of our short films can be screened, in their entirety, on our vimeo site: http://shorts.kidsfirstmedia.com/ For longer films, you may watch the trailers at  http://vimeo.com/groups/kidsfirsttrailers. For the longer films, we ship screeners to you.

For the short films, once you select which ones you wish to screen, you may download them to your computer or flash drive for exhibition, provided that your annual membership ($100) is up to date and you notify us of times and dates for your  screenings.

Our annual membership is $100/ year, and for this you may screen as many films as you wish, year round. Go to http://bit.ly/IIOByv to download our application.

All the festivals we have worked with recently love this new process, as does our staff since it eliminates a lot of shipping and reduced the time involved.

Last, if you have not watched our youth film critics reviews yet, let me encourage you to do so. We are now into the 2nd year of this program with 16 youth film critics ages 7 to 15 who won a spot through a national competition held every fall. The kids are quite wonderful. All are film buffs in their own right and all, youngest to oldest, are quite articulate and thoughtful in reviewing the films they are assigned. Please take a look at our homepage where they are features. www.kidsfirst.org

That’s it for now. Lauren and I look forward to working with you. Please let us know if there’s anything we can help you with. Call our office at 505-989-8076. We’re in the mountain time zone and are here M-F, 9-5.
best,
Granny Ranny

Celebrating its fifth year, Focus Features’ Africa First Program will accept entries beginning this Monday, May 14th and continuing through Monday, August 20th.

The uniquely conceived initiative, with funds earmarked exclusively for emerging filmmakers of African nationality and residence, is for the fifth consecutive year offering eligible and participating filmmakers the chance to be awarded $10,000 in financing for pre-production, production, and/or post-production on their narrative short film made in continental Africa and tapping into the resources of the film industry there. The program also brings the filmmakers together with each other and with a renowned group of advisors, major figures in the African film world, for support and mentorship. Past short films to come out of the Program have been showcased at the Sundance, Toronto, London, and Berlin Film Festivals; on The Africa Channel; and with the Museum of the Moving Image and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, among other venues worldwide. A compilation of films completed through the Program is available on DVD and across VOD and EST platforms. Complete details on Africa First – including application information – can be accessed year-round through www.focusfeatures.com/africafirst.

Africa First is supervised by Program Director and producer Kisha Cameron Dingle (…Sometimes in April), whose company, Completion Films, has a first-look and consulting deal with Focus, and who coordinates the Program’s submissions and evaluations with Focus director of development & production Christopher Kopp. In addition to on-site work in Africa, the winning filmmakers of Africa First will visit New York City in the fall of 2012 for a weekend of one-on-one workshop discussions with each other; members of the advisory board of experts in African cinema; such Focus executives as Mr. Schamus and president of production Jeb Brody, covering topics like international distribution and the economics of studio financing; and Mrs. Dingle and Mr. Kopp.

Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today, adding, “In celebrating the fifth anniversary of Africa First this year, we are also celebrating the dynamic and talented group of filmmakers we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with during the Program’s tenure. The kudos and acclaim their films have generated around the world is gratifying, and we look forward to working with them again.”

The submissions period begins on Monday, May 14th, 2012 and runs through Monday, August 20th, 2012. The five filmmakers selected will be notified by October 2012 and will retain the copyrights and the distribution rights to their completed shorts, with the exception of North American rights; Focus retains those, as well as the right of first negotiation to productions derived from the shorts, such as a feature-length expansion.

Completion is developing feature, documentary, and television projects. Its president, Mrs. Dingle, previously worked as director of development at Walden Media, and as an executive at New Line Cinema, where she oversaw the development and production of Spike Lee’s Bamboozled.

The Africa First advisory board members are Ms. Mahen Bonetti, founder and executive director of the African Film Festival; journalist and documentary filmmaker Ms. Jihan El-Tahiri; Ms. June Givanni, who for four years programmed the Toronto International Film Festival’s Planet Africa series; Ms. Sharifa Johka, film programmer and independent producer; Mr. Pedro Pimenta, producer and manager of training programs throughout South Africa; and Mr. Keith Shiri, founder/director of the Africa at the Pictures film festival in the U.K.

Focus Features and Focus Features International (www.focusfeatures.com) comprise a singular global company. This worldwide studio makes original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success. The company operates as Focus Features in North America, and as Focus Features International (FFI) in the rest of the world.

Current and upcoming Focus Features releases include Moonrise Kingdom, world-premiering as the opening-night film of the 2012 Cannes International Film Festival, the new feature from Wes Anderson, starring Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and Jason Schwartzman; Lorene Scafaria’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightley; Sam Fell and Chris Butler’s ParaNorman, the new 3D stop-motion comedy thriller from animation company LAIKA; Jamie Travis’ contemporary comedy For a Good Time, Call…, starring Ari Graynor and Lauren Anne Miller; Closed Circuit, the suspense thriller directed by John Crowley and starring Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall; Gus Van Sant’s Promised Land, the contemporary drama written by and starring Matt Damon and John Krasinski; the historical tale Hyde Park on Hudson, directed by Roger Michell and starring Academy Award nominees Bill Murray and Laura Linney; and Joe Wright’s epic love story Anna Karenina, starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law, and Aaron Johnson.

Focus Features and Focus Features International are part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

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Three of our youth film critics reviewed this film, which releases this week at WalMart and Sam’s Club. All loved it, particularly the horse lovers. Casey Chandler (age 10), one of our KIDS FIRST! film critics is also a horse owner. Here’s what she has to say about this film:

Flicka, Country Pride, is a heartwarming story about a girl who finds courage and determination to make her dreams come true.  This inspiring story is sure to touch the hearts of all you horse lovers out there!

The third in the series of Flicka movies, originally inspired by the classic novel by Mary O’hara, Flicka is based upon a beautiful mustang horse said to have a heart so bold, she can win a restless spirit.  In this movie, the “restless spirit”  is a girl named Kelly, played by KaceyRohl.

As a horse lover and owner, I have to admit that horse movies usually win me over.  There is such an amazing connection between riders and horses and I think that the Director, Michael Damien, once again, succeeds in showing us how truly magical that connection is between Flicka and Kelly.

The story begins when Toby (Clint Black) takes a temporary job at the Cherry Creek Stable with several horses, including Flicka in tow.  Lindy’s teenage daughter, Kelly, instantly connects with Flicka.  The spirited black mare helps Kelly get through her day of chores, school and thinking about her deceased father.  She no longer competes as a three day eventer and to make matters worse, she is pushed aside by her snobby ex-best friend.  Life is complicated for Kelly and she cannot seem to stand up for herself until Flicka comes along.  Flicka not only inspires Kelly to compete but also helps her find new and old relationships.

The movie was filmed in Kelowna, British Columbia with a storybook farm setting and countryside.   One of my favorite characters is Toby.  He became a strong link between the family’s tragic past and future filled with possibilities. Although the story was very predictable, it is hard to not enjoy the classic theme based on working hard and achieving your dreams!

I enjoyed this movie for its great cinematography and main characters.  Although the story could have been a bit stronger, I give it a 3 ½ out of 5 stars.  The movie is best enjoyed by pre teen and early teens

This is Casey Chandler reporting for KIDS FIRST!

If you haven’t seen this film yet and are still trying to decide whether or not to allow your child to go, here’s some help to make that decision. This highly anticipated film, based on the best-selling book that has been hugely popular with tweens is rated PG-13 for good reason – violence. If you are unfamiliar with the book, you might want to know that the storyline involves teens fighting one another “to the death.” The film portrays this pretty graphically, albeit with relatively short scenes. Beyond the violence factor, the film does offer some very thought-provoking concepts about reality TV, totalitarian government and violence as entertainment. Katniss, the protagonist, portrays a strong female role model who volunteers to fight in order to protect her younger sister shows great strength of character. Remember, the PG-13 rating does mean “Parental Guidance for kids 13 and under.” It’s up to you to decide whether or not you think this is right for your child. To help you decide, I want to share reviews by three of our youth film critics, Julianna Noone (12), Raven Devanney (14) and Anthony Aranda (9). Below are Julianna’s comments followed by links to video reviews by all three.

OMG, the Hunger Games is a MUST SEE! Adapted from the first of three novels, written by Suzanne Collins and directed by Gary Ross, this film brought such an adrenaline rush of excitement that I couldn’t sit still watching it. It takes place in the not too distant future, where North America has been replaced by Panem, where there is a Capitol and 12 Districts. The movie is about the struggles of a nation divided, where the districts must fight for survival and where the Capitol controls all of the districts. Each of the 12 districts must have one boy and one girl enter the “Hunger Games”, where they represent their District in a battle for their life, while their citizens watch the action live as it happens. Twenty-four entrants, but only one will survive. It’s reality TV at its absolute worst.

The main characters that we learn most about are Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, X-Men: First Class) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island), who are from District 12, the poorest of the 12 districts. They are also my favorite characters. I like Peeta, because he is the underdog of all underdogs, and he wanted to stay true to himself and not let the games change him in any way. I love Kat, because she is a great role model for young girls like me. She is smart and courageous and she is always looking out for those who need her. She shows that just because you may not be the richest, or best looking, or most liked person, if you have the will and fight to survive, you can overcome any obstacle.

While the movie contains some graphic violence, it is necessary to stay true to the storyline. It is certainly no worse than a lot of video games that kids play today, it’s just difficult to watch kids killing other kids. For me, I not only want to see the film again, but I started reading the books as well, so I can compare them when the next film is released. I think this movie is appropriate for ages 11 and up, though you should know that it may not be appropriate for some younger kids. The few instances of violence are intense and graphic, but they are short lived. I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars, but only because I can’t give it more than that. Even my dad stayed awake throughout the whole movie and that never happens! This has been a review from Julianna Noone, reporting for KIDS FIRST! “May the odds be ever in your favor!”

See Julianna’s video review here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHyKC-RSNnw

See Raven (14)’s video review here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuSNvlEt5og

See Anthony (9)’s video review here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acTAvDc5_AE

Technical executives from 13 television broadcast organizations from around the world today completed signing a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) to officially form the global Future of Broadcast Television (FOBTV) Initiative. Announced during a well-attended general session at the National Association of Broadcasters convention, the MOU builds on the Future of Broadcast TV Summit held in Shanghai, China, in November 2011, where world broadcasting leaders established a framework for cooperation to chart the future course of terrestrial television broadcasting.

The signatories of the FOBTV MOU believe that terrestrial broadcasting is uniquely important because it is wireless (supports receivers that can move), infinitely scalable (point-to-multipoint and one-to-many architecture), local (capable of delivering geographically local content), timely (provides real time and non-real time delivery of content) and flexible (supports free-to-air and subscription services). The attribute of wireless delivery of media content to a potentially unlimited number of receivers
makes terrestrial broadcasting a vital technology all over the world. Broadcasting is, in fact, the most spectrum-efficient wireless delivery means for popular real-time and file-based media content, according to the MOU. The MOU underscores the goals of the FOBTV Initiative, which include:

• Developing future ecosystem models for terrestrial broadcasting taking into account business, regulatory and technical environments,
• Developing requirements for next generation terrestrial broadcast systems,
• Fostering collaboration of Digital TV development laboratories,
• Recommending major technologies to be used as the basis for new standards, and
• Requesting standardization of selected technologies (layers) by appropriate standards development organizations

FOBTV is a voluntary, non-profit association that is open to any organization that signs the MOU. FOBTV is now forming a Management Committee that will include representatives of the founding members. FOBTV also will have a Technical Committee that will be responsible for solicitation and evaluation of technical proposals and recommending major technologies to be used as the basis for new standards. Participation in the work of FOBTV Technical 2 Committee will be open to all MOU-signatory organizations that have a direct and material interest in the work of FOBTV.

The complete MOU – signed by technical executives of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC), Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC), Digital Video Broadcasting Project (DVB), European Broadcast Union (EBU), Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Globo TV-Brazil, IEEE Broadcast Technology Society (IEEE-BTS), National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), National Engineering Research Center of Digital TV of China (NERC-DTV), NHK Science and Technology Research Laboratories (NHK), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the Brazilian Society of Television Engineers (SET) – is available at: http://tinyurl.com/FOBTVMOUApril2012