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Reel News
Tim Ryan
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Time to thank trustworthy sources
ENTERTAINMENT reporting is as odd as the business itself. A story may be right, but the reporter still receives the wrath of producers, publicists and others who expect all information to come from them.
To write "Reel News," I usually can't name any sources because there could be serious repercussions to them. One local crew person screamed at me because a series producer accused her of being my source. (By the way, that story's information came from another producer.)
All who have helped me write this column -- and you do know who you are -- I thank you for your contributions and trust.
There are some people that I can name, starting with the Hawaii film office and county film commissioners Donne Dawson, Benita Brazier, Walea Constantinau, Marilyn Killeri, Art Umezu and Hawaii Screen Actors Guild director Brenda Ching. They're diligent in making sure my facts are correct and I don't embarrass the industry.
Publicists have an especially difficult job, largely because they have to deal with the news media and satisfy their clients. Many are professional, polite and thankfully don't treat Hawaii like a Third World outpost.
ABC publicist Erin Felentzer is tough, but also fair and honest; Maui's Blaise Noto comes up with great hooks to publicize his clients and delivers what he promises, as does Disney's Elizabeth Wolfe. Local publicists Kristin Jackson and Mona Wood strive to include local media in national events here, and PR master Dave Patterson always knows what's going on in the industry.
Executive Producer Chris Lee, despite his industry prominence, has not forgotten his Hawaii roots and local loyalty.
"Lost" producers Carlton Cuse, Damon Lindeloff, Bryan Burk and Jack Bender are all straight shooters and accessible; producer Jean Higgins thankfully doesn't hold a grudge; Frank Conway, producer on several Hawaii productions, is honest, pragmatic, and without Hollywood's ego, as is producer Harry Bring, whose mug shot should be in the dictionary next to the word "gentleman"; and writer/director John Stockwell has endured my prying calls for years.
"Flight 29 Down" producers and Hawaii Film Partners execs Rann and Gina Watumull make set visits a special occasion.
Maui Film Festival director/creator Barry Rivers, whose event has risen to national prominence, always has time to help local media.
Hawaii International Film Festival director Chuck Boller also tries to be all things to all media. And HIFF's boardmember Jeff Portnoy is a Renaissance man of helpfulness.
Mahalo all and Happy New Year ...