Becoming Aya in My Heart Playing Aya in My Heart – Ya Albi was a pivotal role for me. Part of the joy of being an actor is exploring the depths of another being, creating a life and making it real…hoping to do service to the story and writing. It is a joy to do this even when it is difficult. Becoming Aya was difficult. Not only because she is so far removed from me, but also because it was personal and the subject matter important. Personal Ties to My Heart I am part Syrian. Since this war has started…

Dear Universe,   I want an Oscar (SO MUCH) – the elusive golden statue that appears in most filmmakers’ dreams, a symbol that validates all the blood, sweat, and tears, and one of the highest honors a filmmaker can hope to achieve. Once, this goal seemed barely obtainable, but now “My Heart – Ya Albi” is one of the 160+ Oscar qualified live action short films contending for a spot on the “Short List” for a 2018 Oscar nomination.   My Heart - Ya Albi is an Oscar qualified live action short film I am so thankful that we have...

So it’s that time again for the big movie folks to gather around and be awarded. This year marks the 87th gathering of the Academy Awards. So I’m going to throw out some Oscar predictions on who will be taking home that golden bald man. Best Picture Nominated: American Sniper, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Boyhood, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, Selma, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash My Pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel Predicted Winner: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Out of Left field: American Sniper or Selma Actor Nominated: Steve Carell(Foxcatcher), Bradley…

The idea to reality of A Bird’s Nest has been a whirlwind. It took one short story, by Eric Hwang, written almost a decade ago and the right lead, Deke Garner, to spark the inspiration for this short film.   The screenplay, adapted by Christine Chen, will be shot in Shreveport, Louisiana, May 28-30, 2014. More updates to come. Here is our first official poster designed by Alicia Marshall.

So this Sunday is the Oscars, now to most people it’s a time to look at celebrities on E! and talk about what they are wearing and who showed up with who. Not many though actually watch the entire telecast, I can count maybe a handful of people that I personally know that actually watch the Oscars. Each year I plan my day around watching the Oscars, I will cancel meetings, and  reschedule things so I can be at home to watch.   Now you may ask when did this start and why? Well simply put I love films, I…

What is the Longhorn Startup Camp? Longhorn Startup Camp is a startup for startups. A bare bones startup incubator, LSC offers UT students an unprecedented opportunity to develop their ventures in a professional atmosphere. The 30,000 square feet of office space seemed infinite when the camp opened in January 2012. By the time the camp ended in December 2013, all offices were full and over 500 university community members had gained access. Those 500 Longhorns contributed to the growth of over 50 innovative startups, 10 of which raised money. Many more are still operating today in the woodwork of Austin’s...

One of the coolest things about doing what you love is that you get to film and meet other people who are just as passionate about what they do. This past weekend, Moth to Flame stopped by the Essential Oliver brand launch party, held at Delta Millworks.  Essential Oliver is a vintage lifestyle brand specializing in high craftsmanship clothing. Besides the awesome new looks, our favorite part about the party was meeting all of the sponsoring brands and companies.   Along the lines of our theme of Funemployment, Moth to Flame talked to many local brands ranging from coffee to…