the official Hopelessly In June blog

Hopelessly In June screened this weekend, March 25th at the 10th 

Annual Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ.  Producer, Allison Vanore, actually grew up about 20 minutes away from Asbury Park in Wall Township.  This ‘homecoming’ of sorts was also marked with the first award for Hopelessly In June, the Bud Abbott Feature Comedy Award*, and recognition for Ed Asner who received a Lifetime Achievement Award in association with Hopelessly In June.  Along with Allison and Ed, Vincent Brantley, Arlan Jay Vetter, Carolyn Neff and Marty Blackshear were also in attendance (pictured here).  

Photo by Robert Ward of the Asbury Park Press

The screening was filled with a very enthusiastic audience who seemed thoroughly entertained, laughing through a good portion of the film.  Following the screening the team participated in a Q & A where they were bombarded with many insightful questions and interest from the room including questions about each person’s background: schooling and experience and about the release of the film (coming soon!).

That same night at the Awards Dinner at the Crystal Point Yacht Club, Hopelessly In June was honored along with a handful of talented filmmakers.  A big thank you goes out to the Garden State Film Festival and to the Festival Director, Diane Raver, for a wonderful festival experience and her hospitality.

*Bud Abbott (of Abbott and Costello) received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting (posthumously) from the Garden State Film Festival in 2006. Bud was born and raised in Asbury Park, NJ.

We are excited to announce that Hopelessly in June will screen at the 20th Annual Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles on February 18th, 19th and 20th!  We couldn’t get closer to home than this festival.  Come out and see the film and bring your friends who haven’t seen it yet!

About the Pan African Film Festival:

Established in 1992, The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of cultural and racial tolerance and understanding through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression.

It is PAFF’s goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes. We believe film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

Each year, PAFF presents:

• Over One Hundred Fifty (150) quality films from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the South Pacific and Canada, all showcasing the diversity and complexity of people of African descent.
• One of America’s largest fine art shows featuring prominent and emerging Black artists and fine crafts people, including local, national and international poets, musicians and storytellers.

Festival Dates: February 9 – 20, 2011

Theatre:
Rave Cinemas
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 15
4020 Marlton Avenue, Los Angeles 90008
(Corner of Crenshaw Blvd and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd)
(323) 296-1005

First Screening of Hopelessly In June
Date: Saturday February 18, 2012 
Time: 7:45p.m.

Second Screening of Hopelessly In June
Date: Sunday February 19, 2012 
Time: 4:00p.m.

Third Screening of Hopelessly In June
Date: Monday February 20, 2012 
Time: 12:15p.m.

Ticketing and More Information: paff.org/

In the past six months Hopelessly In June has screened at three Los Angeles area film festivals (Dances With Films, Temecula Valley International, and Hollywood Film Festival) to packed audiences. As we enter the New Year, we’ll be screening at another two! Very few films have the honor of screening in their hometown area multiple times. We are extremely proud and grateful that our film is screening again and this time, as an opening night film and Big 8 selection at the San Diego Black Film Festival! More info from the SDBFF site:

The San Diego Black Film Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of African American and African Diaspora cinema as well as the education of media arts. Held each year in late January, the San Diego Black Film Festival is one of the largest black film festivals in the country. More info here.

What is the BIG 8 FILMS? It is our pick of what we believe will be the 8 biggest films of the festival in terms of strength, and subject matter. Essentially, if a film makes this list, you can rest assured of its powerful subject matter, film quality and blockbuster feel. More info here.

Hopelessly In June screens Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 8pm immediately following the Opening Reception at the Reading Gaslamp 15 located at 701 5th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101.  

For tickets click here and scroll down to find Hopelessly In June ticket Buy Now button or visit the box office at the Reading Gaslamp 15.

HOPELESSLY IN JUNE TO GLAM HOLLYWOOD AT THIS YEAR’S HOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL

October 7, 2011 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – The star-studded independent romantic comedy, “Hopelessly In June,” was chosen as an official selection in the Hollywood Film Festival, which runs from October 20^th to 24th, 2011. You can catch “Hopelessly In June” on Sunday, October 23 at 7pm at the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood (tickets available here) located at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd (between Vine and Ivar, with DeLongpre to the south) Los Angeles, CA. Produced by Cornbread Films in association with Peninsula Productions, fresh faces Vincent Brantley and Carolyn Neff headline this romantic comedy with an all-star ensemble cast.

The film’s supporting cast includes seven-time Emmy Award-winning actor, Ed Asner (“Up,” “Lou Grant,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”), comedy veteran Keith David (“There’s Something About Mary,” “Barbershop”), Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Jr. (“The Dark Knight,” “Friday,” “The Fifth Element”), Peter Jason (“Deadwood,” “Adaptation”), and Stuart Pankin (“Dinosaurs,” “Honey We Shrunk Ourselves”) Ella Joyce (“Roc,” “BubbaHo-Tep,” “Stranger Inside”), and Keith Robinson (“Dreamgirls,” “Dear John,” “35 & Ticking”). 

“Hopelessly In June” tells the story of Daleon Myers (Brantley), a financial analyst from a staunch Baptist family who falls hopelessly in love with June Flowers (Neff, “Absolute Evil” and “Spiderman 3”), a Los Angeles businesswoman, from a very liberal family. Brantley and Neff dazzle on the screen with fresh performances. 

For more information on the film, visit http://www.hopelesslyinjune.com/.

About the Director“After shooting this film over the course of two years, we are extremely excited to present the film to select industry professionals on the big screen,” said Vincent Brantley, wearing many hats of the film’s production as the producer, co-writer, and director of the film as well as the lead actor. “Our team has worked tirelessly on the film and it shows. I can’t wait to feel the energy of the audience in theatres.” 

Vincent Brantley, co-wrote, starred, produced and directed “Hopelessly In June.” Brantley is a successful producer, songwriter and musician with six platinum albums. With a plethora of awards, he has worked with such musical talents and award-winning artists as Brian McKnight, Howard Hewitt, Christopher Williams, rapper Kurupt, Chico DeBarge, Faith Evans, Bobby Brown as well as the legendary R&B group New Edition. He is credited for writing and producing the band’s first hit single, “Cool It Now,” as well as working with such labels as Universal, Sony, PolyGram and Geffen — just to name a few. This multi-platinum music producer decided to segue from music to film, and studied theatre with renowned acting coach Howard Fine and Gregory Berger. He also mentored as a writer and director with actor/director Mario Van Peebles (“New Jack City,” “Baadasssss!”).

About the Producers of Cornbread Films
“Hopelessly In June” is the first feature film for Cornbread Films, which is made up of producers, Vincent Brantley, Arlan Jay Vetter and Jerry Mosley. Collectively, this trio has worked in the entertainment industry collectively for more than 50 years. 

Jay Vetter, producer and production designer of “Hopelessly In June,” has worked as a production designer since he was 15 years old. He has worked on every film with the Farrelly Brothers, including “Hall Pass” and the upcoming film, “The Three Stooges.” He is best known for his design work on notable film projects, “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Like Mike,” “Dumb and Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.” 

Jerry Mosley is the executive producer and producer of “Hopelessly In June.” Interestingly, he has served as a firefighter for more than 20 years while building credits as an actor (“Modern Family,” “General Hospital” “Profiler”) and a member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He also is the founder of Cobalt H2O Inc. which invests in real estate, business sales and acquisitions and entrepreneur investment opportunities. 

About Hollywood Film Festival
The HOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL®, HOLLYWOOD DISCOVERY AWARDS®, and HOLLYWOOD AWARDS® were created to bridge the gap between established Hollywood and the global creative community, as well as to honor excellence in the art of filmmaking. This year will be our 15th anniversary and the HOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL® will take place from Oct 21 to 24, 2011, at the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood. “The ultimate networking opportunity for filmmakers looking for a break,” says Variety. The HOLLYWOOD AWARDS® recognizes excellence in the established Hollywood community by bestowing awards to both in front and behind the camera talent and launches the awards season. “The first mandatory stop in the awards season,” says The New York Times. HOLLYWOOD DISCOVERY AWARDS®: The “Hollywood Discovery Awards” honor the winners of the Hollywood Film Festival’s selected finalists in the categories of Features, Documentaries, and Shorts. The finalists are culled from films from the global creative community.  Official Website: http://hollywoodfest.com/

Contacts:
Allison Vanore
Cornbread Films
Producer & Media Relations
626) 688.0707
allison@cornbreadfilms.com

TEMECULA FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL RECAP 2011

A warm welcome, classic cars, champagne, good eats and a packed house… the “Hopelessly In June” team had a wonderfully successful time at the Temecula Film & Music Festival.  

Opening night was a lot of fun.  The festival ushered us to the red carpet in a parade of classic cars.  Our film got to ride in a white 1957 Chevy convertible… we’re told many stars have ridden in this car before and the car is a star itself, starring in numerous films.  Exiting the car we were introduced to a busy red carpet where we posed for photos and a quick interview.  After getting our photo taken we were greeted by champagne from a local winery.  The opening night movie was Losing Control, a quirky romantic comedy Directed by Valerie Weiss who we met and chatted with following the screening.  Afterward we enjoyed food, music and drinks outside with fellow filmmakers.  It was a great start to an awesome festival.

Our first screening was Thursday night.  In attendance were Carolyn Neff, Vincent Brantley, Peter Jason, and Chris Biewer.  The response to the film was wonderful, lots of laughs and a good time.

The second screening took place Saturday afternoon.  In attendance were Carolyn Neff, Vincent Brantley, Jay Vetter, Allison Vanore, Lorenzo Lorenzetti, Marty Blackshear and Ron Pucillo.  We were shocked at the amount of people who turned up to watch the film. 

All of the seats were full and additional chairs were brought in to accommodate the audience size we attracted. Afterward, we realized that there weren’t enough voting ballots for each audience member. Festival volunteers who had been with the festival for numerous years stated that they had never seen such an overwhelming response to a film at the festival. The amount of people and the enthusiasm to vote for “Hopelessly In June” was a first in 17 years!

The festival ended with a glamorous Gala at the Pechanga Resort and Casino where our executives, producers and lead cast enjoyed mingling with other filmmakers and stars.

A huge Thank You goes out to the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival for such a wonderful time!

Music Veteran, Brantley to Showcase Feature Romantic Comedy with Top Notch Cast at Temecula Film & Music Festival

08.26.2011– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August, 26, 2011

LOS ANGELES – The star-studded independent romantic comedy, “Hopelessly In June,” was chosen as an official selection in the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival, which runs from September 14 to 18, 2011. You can catch the film in two screenings Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7:30pm and Saturday, Sept. 17 at 1pm at the UltraStar Cinemas at Tower Plaza,  27531 Ynez Road, Temecula, Ca 92591. Produced by Cornbread Films in association with Peninsula Productions, fresh faces Vincent Brantley and Carolyn Neff headline this romantic comedy with an all-star ensemble cast.

The film’s supporting cast includes seven-time Emmy Award-winning actor, Ed Asner (“Up,” “Lou Grant,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”), comedy veteran Keith David (“There’s Something About Mary,” “Barbershop”), Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Jr. (“The Dark Knight,” “Friday,” “The Fifth Element”), Peter Jason (“Deadwood,” “Adaptation”), and Stuart Pankin (“Dinosaurs,” “Honey We Shrunk Ourselves”) Ella Joyce (“Roc,” “BubbaHo-Tep,” “Stranger Inside”), and Keith Robinson (“Dreamgirls,” “Dear John,” “35 & Ticking”).

“Hopelessly In June” tells the story of Daleon Myers (Brantley), a financial analyst from a staunch Baptist family who falls hopelessly in love with June Flowers (Neff, “Absolute Evil” and “Spiderman 3”), a Los Angeles businesswoman, from a very liberal family. Brantley and Neff dazzle on the screen with fresh performances.

For more information on the film, visit http://www.hopelesslyinjune.com/.

“After shooting this film over the course of two years, we are extremely excited to present the film to select industry professionals on the big screen,” said Vincent Brantley, wearing many hats of the film’s production as the producer, co-writer, and director of the film as well as the lead actor. “Our team has worked tirelessly on the film and it shows. I can’t wait to feel the energy of the audience in theatres.”

About the Director
Vincent Brantley, co-wrote, starred, produced and directed “Hopelessly In June.” Brantley is a successful producer, songwriter and musician with six platinum albums. With a plethora of awards, he has worked with such musical talents and award-winning artists as Brian McKnight, Howard Hewitt, Christopher Williams, rapper Kurupt, Chico DeBarge, Faith Evans, Bobby Brown as well as the legendary R&B group New Edition. He is credited for writing and producing the band’s first hit single, “Cool It Now,” as well as working with such labels as Universal, Sony, PolyGram and Geffen — just to name a few. This multi-platinum music producer decided to segue from music to film, and studied theatre with renowned acting coach Howard Fine and Gregory Berger. He also mentored as a writer and director with actor/director Mario Van Peebles (“New Jack City,” “Baadasssss!”).

About the Producers
“Hopelessly In June” is the first feature film for Cornbread Films, which is made up of producers, Vincent Brantley, Arlan Jay Vetter and Jerry Mosley. Collectively, this trio has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 50 years.

Jay Vetter, producer and production designer of “Hopelessly In June,” has worked as a production designer since he was 15 years old. He has worked on every film with the Farrelly Brothers, including “Hall Pass” and the upcoming film, “The Three Stooges.” He is best known for his design work on notable film projects, “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Like Mike,” “Dumb and Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.”

Jerry Mosley is the executive producer and producer of “Hopelessly In June.” Interestingly, he has served as a firefighter for more than 20 years while building credits as an actor (“Modern Family,” “General Hospital” “Profiler”) and a member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He also is the founder of Cobalt H2O Inc. which invests in real estate, business sales and acquisitions and entrepreneur investment opportunities.

About Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival
The Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival is the Temecula Valley Film & Music Society’s flagship event.  It carries out the Society’s mission by celebrating the arts of film and music in all its forms. The artistic approach is eclectic. Through screenings and concerts and other associated events, the festival aims to present a wide spectrum of contemporary filmmaking (feature films, short films, documentaries, animation, foreign films, student films) and music (rock to pop, rhythm and blues to jazz, country to classic, solo artists to ensembles).  More about the festival can be found here: http://www.tviff.com/

Allison Vanore
Cornbread Films
Producer & Media Relations
323-540.4701
allison@cornbreadfilms.com

Glen Reynolds 
Circus Road Films
Sales Contact 
310-862-4006
glen@circusroadfilms.com

How did you become involved with Hopelessly in June?

I met Vincent on a short he did called Jason Blackwell. I did the sound for that. We connected instantly. I saw his talent immediately. He called me to see the screening. I was blown away. I laughed and and got tears.”Tears never happen to me.”

An Interview with Music Composer, Silas Hite

How did you get involved with Hopelessly in June?

I go way back with one of the producers, Allison Vanore.  She used to come out and see my band play in college!  A few years ago I scored a short film called “Junkyard” that she was a part of and that was a fun experience.  After that we always kept in touch and she was familiar with all the different TV shows and films I had scored while I was at Mutato Muzika, so I guess she thought I’d be a good fit for this project.

What is it like working closely with director, Vincent Brantley, who also has a musical background?

Vincent is very hands on.  He has definite tastes and knows what he wants.

What is the musical palette like for Hopelessly in June?

All over the map.  There are songs from so many different bands throughout the movie, that there is something for everyone. With the score, I was attempting to achieve some cohesiveness through a consistent instrument palette. That turned out to be mostly orchestral with some latin percussion and guitars here and there.

Have you scored any other romantic comedies?  How does this genre compare to your other work?

This was my first feature film in that genre however I’ve scored a lot of TV shows that have romantic comedy elements.

What is your favorite type of music?

I have to be able to write in every style under the sun so I can appreciate just about any genre for different reasons.  That said, according to my iPod the last 5 albums I listened to were these:

1. The Dead Weather, Sea of Cowards

2. Bob Dylan, Blood On The Tracks

3. Yeasayer, Odd Blood

4. Al Green, Greatest Hits

5. The Submarines, Love Notes/Letter Bombs

Hopelessly In June has been accepted to the Dances With Films festival scheduled to happen June 2 – June 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA at the Laemmle Sunset 5!

We’re extremely excited to have our World Premiere in LA and in the month of June no less!

Dances With Films states on their website that:

Dances With Films, now in its 14th year, champions the unflinching spirit at the very core of the independent film scene. While the vast majority of film fests rely heavily on celebrity, we have relied on the innovation, talent, creativity and sweat equity that revolutionized the entertainment industry.

And for this very reason we are ecstatic to be a part of the festival!  See you all in June!

Check back here for more details as the festival schedule is released.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Allison Vanore
Cornbread Films
Producer & Media Relations
allison@cornbreadfilms.com

Cornbread Films

in Association with

Peninsula Productions

Presents

The Premiere Red Carpet Screening Of the Romantic Comedy

‘Hopelessly In June’

Date:          Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Time:          7:00 pm
Location:   The Majestic Crest Theatre
1262 Westwood Blvd. Westwood, Calif.  90024

By invitation ONLY

Los Angeles, CA – March 23, 2011 – Cornbread Films, in association with Peninsula Productions, presents the premiere screening of the romantic comedy, ‘Hopelessly In June’, Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Majestic Crest Theatre for an invite-only industry audience.

“After shooting this film over the course of two years, we are extremely excited to present the film to select industry professionals on the big screen,” says Vincent Brantley, Producer, Co-Writer, Lead and Director of the film.  “Our team has worked tirelessly on the film and it shows. I can’t wait to feel the energy in the theatre on Tuesday.” He adds.

‘Hopelessly In June’ is the story of Daleon Myers (played by Vincent Brantley) a financial analyst from a staunch Baptist family who falls hopelessly in love with June Flowers (played by Carolyn Neff), a Los Angeles businesswoman from a very liberal family. Newcomers, Brantley and Neff, dazzle us on the screen with fresh performances. Neff with her Halle Berry-like beauty and acting chops to match will steal your heart.

‘Hopelessly In June’ will have you laughing out loud and wanting more. The hysterical supporting cast includes comedy veteran Keith David (There’s Something About Mary, Barbershop), the intimidating, Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Jr. (The Dark Knight, Friday, The Fifth Element), seven-time Emmy Award winner, Ed Asner (Up, “Mary Tyler Moore”), the amazingly diverse Peter Jason (“Deadwood”, Adaptation), and Stuart Pankin (“Dinosaurs,” Honey We Shrunk Ourselves), the lovely Ella Joyce (Stranger Inside, BubbaHo-Tep), charming Keith Robinson (Dreamgirls, Dear John), R&B Singer-Songwriter Johnny Gill, among others. This cast will have you rolling on the ground laughing!

About The Director

Vincent Brantley, co-wrote, starred, produced and directed ‘Hopelessly In June’.  Brantley a successful Producer, Songwriter and Musician, with the accomplishment of six platinum albums, an array of awards and credits under his belt which includes artist such as:  Brian McKnight, Howard Hewitt, Christopher Williams, rapper Kurupt, Chico DeBarge, Faith Evans , Bobby Brown and the legendary R&B group New Edition.

Brantley is also credited for writing and producing their first hit single ‘Cool It Now’, as well as working with labels such as: Universal, Sony, Polygram and Geffen just to name a few. This Multi Platinum music producer decided to further his talents and move into the world of film. He studied theatre by the renowned acting coach Howard Fine and Gregory Berger.  He also mentored as a writer and director under the direction of Mario Van Peebles and Michael King.

About The Producers

‘Hopelessly In June’ is the first feature film for Cornbread Films, which is made up of producers, Vincent Brantley, Arlan Jay Vetter and Jerry Mosley. This trio has worked in the entertainment industry for years.

Jay Vetter, Producer and Production Designer of ‘Hopelessly In June’, has worked as a Production Designer since he was 15 years old. He has worked on every film with the Farrelly Brothers including recent release, Hall Pass and upcoming film, The Three Stooges.  He is best known for his design work on notable film projects, The Heartbreak Kid, Like Mike, Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary.

Jerry Mosley, Producer of ‘Hopelessly In June’, has successfully managed dual careers, as an Entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor. His endeavor as an entrepreneur includes business sales and acquisitions and ownership of a small fleet of rental aircraft.

‘Hopelessly In June’ started as a short film with an intimate cast in the fall of 2008, but after screening rough-cuts to industry colleagues, Cornbread Films realized that they had something special and it warranted being expanded into a feature film. Their goal was to expand the story and the cast while introducing current social issues into the script.  At this time, Brantley brought in Producer, Allison Vanore (“SOLO: The Series,” “Anyone But Me”), to spearhead the day-to-day production responsibilities and introduce additional resources. The entire production process took over two years, shooting mostly on weekends as funds became available. Then, in July of 2010, Peninsula Productions joined the team and introduced funds to finish the film with a bang.

“Knowing how far the film and our team have come in the past two years makes this accomplishment even sweeter, “says Producer, Allison Vanore.  “We’ve all bled for this film and we’re proud of our indie journey.”

‘Hopelessly In June’ is currently seeking domestic and foreign distribution.  For more information about the film and distribution opportunities, please contact Jerry Mosley at 818-220-4437 or via email at sales@cornbreadfilms.com.

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