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Show The Park Record Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, January 8-11, 2005 C-3 Sundance "Ellie Parker" evolves from short film BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Proudly presents the Justina McCaffrey Trunk Show January 7th & 8th 10am to 5pm Naomi Watts stars in Scott Coffey's debut feature length film By Appointment 801-566-1100 • MM pt.... ]E3 WM i tEi"•; *, 6775 South 900 East Salt Lake City By JANA MCQUAY Record gitest writer Its not the first time a feature ;it the Sundance Film Festival evolved from a short. "IVluea." a nine-minute 2003 SlaiiuLiiiec film returned to Park City last >v;ir as Jaretl 1 less' full-length comedy. "Napoleon Dynamite." I Ins year, actor/filmmaker Scott Colley celebrates his feature directorial debut al (he 2005 Sundinee Film Festival with "HI lie Parker" comprised of four shorts and additional scenes produced last summer. ColVey s original short version of "Ellie Parker" premiered at Sundance in 2001. "We had such a good time, and people responded to it well," Coffey told Hie Park Record. "So we decided to keep shooting." ColVey wrote the screenplay more than 10 years ago envisioning Gwyneth Paitrow- in the lead. When that didn't pan out, he tossed the script aside. It wasn't until he connected with Naomi Watts on the set of "Mulholland Drive" th.it he targeted her for the headlining role of "Hllie Parker."'Hiey originally became acquainted while acting together on " lank Girl." PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2004 BLAIR MASTBAUM Watts had yet to rise to "star" status Naomi Watts in "Ellie Parker." The film, directed by Scott Coffey, chronicles a Los Angeles woman as a result of her Oscar nomination for struggling to find integrity and happiness. The film will appear in Sundance's dramatic competition. Best Actress in "21 Grams" when Colley began production of the inaugu- "Mulholland Drive." She also earned ing and others thai are uncomfortable. Coffey observed the e flee I had ral short. the Besl Actress in a Shorl-Film Award "You gel a sense of her personal space added a vibe re Heel ing how I ,os Now that Walts is in the limelight, from the Method Fest. and ldenlily." Angeles really feels and went with the films kiekoll* in January at the it. As with many fledgling filmmakers, 'I"he filmmaker also made good use Sundance Film Festival could spark funding a feature can be difficult. of Walls' variety of accents. Four years and four shorts later. more '•wattage" than a tew years ago. Colley confides he didn't have much Coffey is now ready for the world "Whal was really great about Naomi Coffcy describes the narrative ofliis was, she isn't ;in American." ('offey money for the production and filmed premiere of "Hlhc Parker." feature as a "character portrait" of a said. "We played, back and forth, with the entire movie on a small Sony cam"I was totally surprised I made it woman in I.os Angeles struggling for her accent. Ifs kind nf English and a lit- corder he purchased al Circuit City. into Sundance with a feature," he integrity and happiness. As a means to tle bit Australian." "'ITial was challenging, trying to fig- said. "I was ecstatic." accomplish this end. Watts plays a Also cast in the film is C'otiey. who ure out how lo do it," he said. "'Hie way wannabe actress in pursuit oi a won't disclose much about the role he we shot it matches the emotion and sen- Screening Times Hollywood career. plays but does suggest it's a supporting sibility of the film. 1 like to think of the Friday. Jan. 21 2:30 p.m. "I ler, as an actress, sort of functions character that shows up during key camera as an extension o\' her nervous Racquet Club ax a metaphor," he said. "'Its a fun way scenes. Other cast members include system." SailirJay. Jan. 22 y;15 a.m. to tell the story." Chevy Chase, Rebecca Rigg. Mark lie also met unexpected obstacles 1-ecleS Theatre Colley look great pleasure in tap- Pdlegrino and Blair Mastbaum. without much trepidation. Sunday. Jan. 23 4 p.m. ping Watts" talent. She was later recogThough the actor'filmmaker doesn't "Whatever accidents and surprises Screening Room at Sundance nized al the 6lh Annual Hollywood define "Hllie Parker" as a broad come- that happened spontaneously, 1 Village Film Festival withlhe 2002 Hollywood dy, he does say it s "comic." embraced those."' said Coffey. Such was JVedrn'sday. Jan. 26 5:30 p.m. Breakthrough Acting Award for her the case when quality of light became "it's a comedy that comes from a Racquet Club performance jn the original "lillie •very real, -real place," he said, adding an issue while shooting. When he dis- Friday. Jan. 3V 8:30 a.m. Parker" short and other film's, including . there are moments tlial are very touch- covered the background was blown out. Library Center'Hieatre Visit our website for detailed Event and Designer information www.sevenoaksbri d«l. com r. •v Park City Performing Ails Foundation Presents Rabbit Ears Films for Kids "Brer Rabbit & Boss Lion" and "Jack and the Beanstalk" Classic tales, beautiful illustrations, narration and music... Story time in high definition film. Saturday, January 8 Films a t 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. Tickets'. $2 for children & $5 for adults 435-655-3114 The Ecclcs Center is located at 1750 Kearns Blvd. ECCLES CENTER UNTAINTOWN STAGES PRESENTS imate Concerts at The Egyptian Theatreih Park City ? H.J. Croce Friday, January 7th 8PM. "Brilliant" "A Comedy Powerhouse" "Legendary" -TIME MAGAZINE -CHICAGO TRIBUNE -NEW YORK TIMES Performing a special medley of classic scenes, songs, and improvisation. The Second City's National Touring Company is always original, daring, & hilarious. The Second City brought us Bill Murray, Bonnie Hunt, Chris Farley and Mike Meyers to name a few. You won't want to miss it! m Tickets are $22 in advance or $27 at the door* Ticket Outlets: Online at www.mountaintownstages.com Orions Music in SLC and Park City, The Egyptian Theatre in Park City MOUNTAIN TOWN STAGES A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION and by calling (435) 901-SONG January 1O & 11 7:30 pm Tickets from $12 to $35 FOR TICKETS CALL 435.649.9371 Mary G. Steiner Egyptian Theatre « 328 Main Street www.parkcityshows.com m |