Entries Tagged 'Entertainment' ↓

Governor Linda Lingle today announced that Hawai‘i will be the location for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” the fourth installment of the highly successful Walt Disney Pictures’ action adventure film series from Jerry Bruckheimer Films.

The Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger met with Governor Lingle on Friday to share the news that the islands of Kaua‘i and O‘ahu will be sites for the production of the feature film, which will begin shooting this summer and is slated to be released in summer 2011. The production is expected to generate an estimated $85 million in direct and indirect spending in Hawai‘i, providing a needed economic boost for the state’s economy as well as creating hundreds of jobs for local residents.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will star Johnny Depp, returning to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow. The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and directed by Rob Marshall. The writers are Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and the executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Elliott, Rossio and John DeLuca.

“Disney’s long-term commitment to Hawai‘i – from ABC’s ‘LOST’ to the new Disney resort on O‘ahu scheduled to open in 2011, and now the upcoming filming of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ – is a testament to the company’s confidence in our state as a great place to do business,“ said Governor Lingle.

“The Walt Disney Company has a great relationship with Hawai‘i that we’re looking forward to building upon with the filming of the latest adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew,” said Iger. “I thank Governor Lingle and her team for their tremendous support of the projects Disney has underway in this great state.”

“We’ve always sought out the most extraordinary and exotic locations for the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films,” said producer Jerry Bruckheimer, “and previously shot briefly on both Maui and Moloka‘i for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.’ Hawai‘i provides an amazing range of both land and seascapes, and we’re delighted to return for ‘On Stranger Tides.’”

The state’s Creative Industries Division and the Hawai‘i Film Office, which are housed in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, began working with Disney last year and organized a series of meetings and conference calls to help secure the business.

Georja Skinner, the State’s Creative Industries Division administrator who oversees operations of the Hawai‘i Film Office, worked collaboratively with the Governor’s office, Department of Taxation and Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert, along with Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau, Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, the Kaua‘i Film Office, the City and County’s Honolulu Film Office, The Resort Group, Ko Olina Resort and Disney Vacation Club to help secure “Pirates of the Caribbean” for Hawai‘i.

“Hawai‘i competes on a global basis for productions and to have Disney choose Hawai‘i over other states and countries is a huge win for us,” said Skinner. “Creative industries are by nature collaborative and what I think made a difference for us is the combination of our tax incentive as well as local film, travel and destination industry support.”

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” joins a growing list of feature film and television productions slated to film in Hawai‘i this year. Warner Bros. feature “Hereafter,” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Matt Damon completed filming on Maui last week. Pre-production is also beginning for the feature film “The Descendents,” starring George Clooney and directed by Academy Award®-winning writer/director Alexander Payne. The film is based on the book by Hawai‘i resident Kau‘i Hart Hemmings. Several network pilots, as well as a Japanese drama series and a Korean drama series are also scouting Hawai‘i for projects this year.

“White on Rice,” an award-winning comedy film directed by Brigham Young University student Dave Boyle, is on the verge of becoming a grassroots success story. It will open in Honolulu on October 30 at the Regal Dole Cannery 18, with other theaters to follow. The film is also an official selection of the 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival.

The Japanese and English language family film, which the San Francisco Chronicle’s Jeff Yang calls “a cinematic milestone,” has previously opened in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, San Jose, Salt Lake City and other markets courtesy of distributor Variance Films. The trailer can be viewed here.

Director Dave Boyle and star Hiroshi Watanabe (Letters from Iwo Jima) will attend the Hawaii premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival on October 19. The film also stars James Kyson Lee (NBC’s “Heroes”), Lynn Chen (Saving Face) and Japanese Academy Award winner Nae. Boyle and Watanabe will be in Hawaii from October 18-23 for promotional events at local universities.

Film Synopsis:

Jimmy (Hiroshi Watanabe, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) loves dinosaurs and sleeps on the top bunk. Unfortunately, Jimmy is 40 and shares that bunk with Bob (Justin Kwong), his 10-year-old nephew. Freshly divorced, Jimmy lives with his sister Aiko (Japanese Academy Award winner Nae) and her family while boldly searching for a new wife. His brother in-law, Tak (Mio Takada, “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”) thinks he’s a disaster. And although Jimmy may lack social grace, he is convinced the best years of his life are just beginning. His plan seems like it’s all falling into place when Tak’s beautiful niece Ramona (Lynn Chen, SAVING FACE) moves in. But once Jimmy sets his sights on stealing her from his best friend Tim (James Kyson Lee, “Heroes”), he sees his intentions go hilariously awry.

Hilarious and touching, “White on Rice” is a Japanese-American comic treat that reminds us families stick together…like white on rice!

On Friday, October 9, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Arts District Merchants Association and Honolulu Culture and Arts District present the third annual “Taste of the Arts” Street Festival featuring the food, music and drink of The Arts District, produced by Tim Bostock Productions. This year offers a different slant with a new title: Alternative Taste Street Festival; and a fresh twist for the program.

This Street Festival is a celebration of the alternative styles always present in the Arts District downtown. The Festival is presented in association with the Honolulu GLBT community, and with artists of all persuasions. The GLBT culture has never before been celebrated with a downtown street festival. This event is not exclusively gay but does provide programming for those audiences, especially along Hotel Street, one of the homes of the drag and transgender community for many years.

Alternative Taste will celebrate MANY alternatives, and will provide an exciting and eclectic program for all ages. Over five thousand people are expected to enjoy the Festival through the evening. Nuuanu Avenue will be closed from Chaplain Lane above Marks Garage to King Street, and Hotel Street will be closed from Bethel to Smith. Pauahi Street will be closed from the Marks Garage exit to the Smith -Beretania lot exit. The three music stages and one separate DJ stage will provide continuous entertainment from 6pm to 10pm.

The Main Stage at Pauahi and Nuuanu features hiphop-klezmer-funk mix from Haberdashery, hard local punk from 86List, driving celtic rock from Doolin Rakes and headliners Rolando Sanchez Salsa Band. Next to the main stage will be the ING Direct Café and Otto’s cakes (downtown denizen and cheesecake baker Otto is the mainstay bassist of 86List – also celebrating its CD launch that evening).

The stage at Hotel Street and Smith Street will feature a full Chinatown Follies drag show featuring groups such as Lip Gloss, Paper Dolls and Gender Bender as well as Brandy Lee, Linda Brown, and emcee Raquel (detailed participants to be announced). The Miller Lite DJ Car at the stage will host DJs from Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand. Nearby will be a dedicated wig stand from Roy Venters and LGW Institute of Hair and Design – The Iggy-Box.

At Nuuanu and King Street the Solo Stage will feature Millicent Cummings, Hope Mayo, and others, alongside poets from Youth Speaks Hawaii, improv artists, specialist fire dancers from Hawaii Fire Artists and a large bamboo rig featuring astonishing solo aerial performances from members of Samadhi Hawaii.

Latin DJs including The Lion of Judah will be spinning at Hotel and Nuuanu on the Red Bull DJ stage; mask and stilt walkers from Monkey Waterfall will be moving through the crowd; psychic readers will be setting up folding tables on the sidewalks. The Alternative Market will include information booths on many alternative lifestyle issues, offering activities and sharing materials on cultural and community services. Blue Planet Foundation, Lesbian and Gay Business of Hawaii, Pride Alliance Hawaii, Black Cat Tattoo, Dr. Ray Yoza and Land of Organica Sorbets will be part of the Alternative Market. Temporary tattoos and massages will be provided alongside other alternative healing and alternative energy tents.

Food booths from local restaurants Indigo, Brasserie Du Vin, Murphy’s Bar and Grill, Balé, Café Joy, Tea @ 1024 and Soul de Cuba will be joined by newcomers India Café with vegetarian curries and Hale Kealoha with healthy Hawaiian food, or ai pono. All menu items will be paired with a premium beer, with selections on offer including Blue Moon, Killians, Grolsch, Pilsner Urquell, Miller Chill and Peroni. Draught Miller Lite will be available for $3. Bacardi Mojitos, 1800 Silver T Margaritas, Bombay Sapphire Tom Collins, 42 Below Vodka Bull and other mixed drinks also available from $5.

Alternative Taste Street Festival celebrates the unique character of the Arts District. The street closures will create a large outdoor venue with historic and cultural atmosphere perfect for a community celebration for the whole of Downtown Honolulu. Most of the favorite First Friday galleries will be open. All downtown parking will be open including Marks Garage lot. So stroll through exhibits of fine art, enjoy unique performance and music, taste incredible food and partake in an atmosphere that is part of Honolulu’s trendiest neighborhood.

Alternative Taste 2009 is presented by local nonprofits, the Honolulu Culture & Arts District Association, together with the Arts District Merchants Association, and is sponsored by Miller Lite and Blue Moon Beers, ING Direct Bank, Bacardi, 42 Below, Jack Daniels, 1800 Silver T, Bombay Sapphire, Honolulu Weekly, and Star 101.9 Radio. The City and County of Honolulu and Hawaii Tourism Authority support HCAD. Alternative Taste is produced by Tim Bostock Productions. For more information about the event as it approaches, including program detail, a site map, menus and beer pairing details, please go to www.alternativetaste.com.

ALTERNATIVE TASTE 2009
Live Entertainment

Main Stage—at Nu’uanu Avenue and Pauahi Street

• Haberdashery 6:00 pm
• 86List 7:00 pm
• Doolin Rakes 7:30 pm
• Rolando Sanchez Salsa Band 9:00 pm

Solo Stage—at Nu’uanu and King Street

• Millicent Cummings 7:00 pm
• Samadhi Aerial 7:30 pm
• YSH Poets 7:40 pm
• Millicent Cummings 8:00 pm
• Samadhi Aerial 8:15 pm
• Hawaii Fire Artists 8:25pm
• Samadhi Aerial 9:00 pm
• Hope Mayo 9:10pm
• Samadhi Aerial (Andrea Torres ~ Ring Solo) 9:45 pm

Follies Stage – at Hotel and Smith Streets

• Hula’s DJs 6:00 pm
• Red Carpet Promenade
• Chinatown Follies 6:30pm
• Hula’s DJs 7:30pm
• Red Carpet Promenade
• Chinatown Follies 8:30pm

Parking at:

• Chinatown Gateway Plaza (Bethel Street, turn left from King Street)
• Mark’s Garage (Nu’uanu Avenue, turn left from Beretania)
• Smith and Beretania Lot (Beretania Avenue, turn left after Nuuanu)

Hawaii fans who watched ABC’s “The Bachelorette” Jillian Harris bid aloha to Reid Rosenthal after their romantic date on Maui will be seeing a lot more of the Hawaiian Islands as season five of the hit romance reality show from Warner Horizon Television wraps up on Hawaii’s Big Island in a two-hour season finale on July 27.

“The feedback from viewers who watched the Maui episode has been incredible with many sharing their excitement about the beautiful scenery, the impressive diversity of activities, and how they now want to visit Hawaii,” said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, the State of Hawaii’s marketing agency for North America who had a major role in bringing this show to the islands. “Hawaii’s Big Island will be a notable contrast with its rich lava landscape, and prominent beachfront resorts. Being home to all but two of the world’s main climate zones, viewers will see just how huge, diverse, and exciting the Big Island really is.”

Jillian and the final two bachelors – Ed Swiderski and Kiptyn Locke – find themselves on incredible final dates that take them across the Big Island highlighted by an aerial tour of Kilauea volcano’s active lava flows with Sunshine Helicopters, landing beside a secluded Hilo waterfall for a private barbecue with KapohoKine Adventures, and discovering a remote black sand beach with Captain Zodiac Rafting Adventures.

After exploring the diversity of the island, the couples continue their dates with dinner and alone time at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, and The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii resorts on the legendary Kohala Coast, the sun-soaked northwest side of the island that was once a popular retreat for Hawaiian royalty.

A private oceanfront estate within Mauna Kea Resort provides the setting for what could be a life changing moment for Jillian as she makes her final decision. As the largest of all of the main Hawaiian Islands combined and home to Maunakea, the world’s tallest mountain, Hawaii’s Big Island is a perfect symbol of the enormous decision to be made there.

Hawaii has been named the top destination for weddings, honeymoons, and romance many times over the years by the readers of the nation’s top bridal publications, news and travel websites, and travel suppliers. Viewers will get a glimpse of the Aloha State’s natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere via two hours of prime time national television.

Does Jillian find her soul mate? Tune in to ABC’s “The Bachelorette” on July 27 for the season finale. For information about the show, visit ABC.Go.com/Primetime/Bachelorette. For information on Hawaii, the Islands of Aloha, visit GoHawaii.com or call toll-free 1-800-GOHAWAII.

The tastes and talents of Hawaii will take center stage in the national spotlight on Thursday as President Barack Obama, the first president from the Aloha State, hosts the first-ever White House luau.

The South Lawn luau is a twist on the annual Congressional picnic for members of Congress and their families and will feature the best in contemporary Hawaiian cuisine with a menu created by award-winning chef Alan Wong, whose Honolulu restaurant has been recognized as one of the best in America and the Pacific Rim.

Along with Hawaii’s finest delicacies, the evening will feature Hawaii’s largest entertainment company, Tihati Productions. The program will include 20 dancers and musicians from Hawaii showcasing the historical and cultural stories of the islands through traditional song and dance, known as hula.

“President Obama is bringing the Hawaii family spirit of ‘ohana’ to the White House and to all Americans through the first White House luau,” stated John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.

“We hope our mainland compatriots take this opportunity to learn about the culture and cuisine of our islands, and we welcome all Americans to come share in the Aloha spirit that makes Hawaii such a wonderful place for both vacation and business,” Monahan stated. “Hawaii offers vacationers and business travelers the chance to experience one-of-a-kind cultural, culinary and recreational offers in a very convenient, affordable and beautiful setting.”

Thursday’s luau will spotlight Hawaii’s contemporary cuisine, which is based upon the freshest ingredients from the land and sea and which combines all of the ethnic influences that have contributed so much to Hawaii.

“This event gives us a chance to showcase to all Americans the Hawaiian contemporary cuisine that is based on fresh local ingredients and which blends all of the island’s many ethnic influences,” stated Alan Wong, whose Honolulu restaurant was rated No. 8 in the United States by Gourmet magazine.

A classic Hollywood movie musical is reviving the romantic appeal of Kauai’s beautiful beaches and lush flora for a new generation of fans. South Pacific, the box-office blockbuster about forbidden love in the tropics during World War II, was recently re-released on Blu-ray Disc by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment to commemorate the movie’s 50th anniversary.

Most of the filming for South Pacific took place in 1957-58 on Kauai’s idyllic north shore,
an area renowned for its breathtaking coastlines, flourishing green fields, and picturesque
waterfalls. The location was a popular choice with the film’s crew and Director Joshua Logan noted at the time, “Kauai is a place that will enchant movie audiences, giving reality instead of stage illusion.”

Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau, said an enduring attribute
of Kauai’s north shore is that it remains largely unchanged five decades later. “Kauai’s allure and spectacular natural beauty helped tell the story of South Pacific. Travelers coming here today will enjoy many of those same qualities,” said Kanoho.

Kanoho added that visitors will recognize many of the sights and landmarks used for
South Pacific’s signature moments, especially those captured in song.

• Mount Makana’s towering twin peaks in Hā‘ena were the inspiration for the mystical “island of Bali Hai.”
• Nellie Forbush (Mitzi Gaynor) was romanced by Emile de Becque (Rossano Brazzi) singing the ballad “Some Enchanted Evening” atop a garden-like plateau overlooking Princeville, now home to a popular resort area.
• Nellie sang “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” at Lumaha‘i Beach, a crescent-shaped beach known for the many native hala trees on the beach’s edge.
• The song “Nothing Like a Dame” took place at Hanalei Bay, a perfectly curved bay featuring historic Hanalei Pier, crystal blue waters, and one of Hawaii’s most famous surfing spots.
• The ever-charming Bloody Mary (Juanita Hall) sang “Happy Talk” on the banks of the Kīlauea River amid the fertile vegetation that is the Garden Isle’s trademark.

Kanoho noted, “South Pacific helped put Kauai on the map for travelers and our island is
as lovely and inviting today as it was 50 years ago.”

On “Fat Tuesday,” February 24, Nuuanu Avenue transforms into a whirl of percussion, samba and smiles. Parades with floats, samba dancers and Brazilian percussion groups will march thru the crowds on this historic street at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. as the Honolulu Culture & Arts District presents “Mardi Gras – Carnaval 2009.” The event, now in its ninth year, showcases authentic Carnaval culture with food, music and dance from New Orleans, Brazil, Cuba and beyond (don’t miss Du Vin’s King Cake, or Murphy’s Alligator Chili).

Three stages will be set up along Nuuanu Ave.: Pauahi St. outside ARTS at Marks, at Hotel St. outside Louis Pohl Gallery, and near King St. outside Tea@1024. Headline entertainers include rising star Dj Sabo from New York (Brazilian Beats) and hardline N’Awlins funk from Delta Skelta with DeShannon Higa and David Choy making a righteous horn section.

There will be a craft fair along Hotel Street, with tattoos, jewelry, gourmet bread and beads galore. Nearly all the art galleries stay open too, and you don’t want to miss free malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery (courtesy Target).

The event is free, and runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and beyond. There will be several after parties to choose from at Indigo, Epic, Next Door, and the drinks will flow all night at O’Tooles, Murphys and JJ Dolans. There’s even a pre-party option: Du Vin hosts the Alliance Francaise dinner and wine tasting early that evening. Sign up at www.afhawaii.org.

And don’t forget to dress up! Costume contestants join the float parade at 9 p.m., then strut the King Street stage for great prizes. Wear a mask, too, and who knows what you might find yourself doing. After all, you’re heading for 40 days of temperance. Don’t you deserve a fling?

For more information:
http://www.myspace.com/nuuanuavenue

The Sixth Annual Waikiki “Spam Jam” is set for the first Saturday in May; May 3, 2008, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Creative and enhanced recipes prepared by some of Hawaii’s most innovative chefs, will be available at this year’s Waikiki “Spam Jam”. Dishes like Spam katsu, Spam won ton, and SPAM lau lau.

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A special stage production of Rap Reiplinger’s immensely popular collection of comedy sketches, “Rap’s Hawaii,” will come to several Hawaii public libraries over the next two months. The performances by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth were organized by local author and columnist Lee Cataluna, and sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii. The performances run from Saturday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Mar. 2. The 45-minute
program is suitable for ages 10 and up. Admission is free.

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The American Lung Association of Hawaii is bringing together several Hawaii entertainers for a concert to celebrate a controversial new smoking ban. “Passage of the law that prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, airports, offices and all other public spaces was a milestone in public health,” said association director Jean Evans. “We must protect this pro-health law and focus attention on the necessity to retain and strengthen it during the 2008 legislative session.” The Jan. 12, 2008 concert will be held at Hawaii Theatre and will feature the premiere of “Breathe,” a song written especially for the American Lung Association by Johnson Enos and Kenneth Makuakane.

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