Jul 24, 2015
Hooray! Up With People will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in Orlando, Florida next month. It's a fitting location for the gleeful singing group to meet at the happiest place on earth. And just in time for the 50th Reunion, SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story is now available On Demand at: http://tinyurl.com/ob46ql5 If you order now, you can get a discount by using the promo code: REUNION. That's something extra to sing about!
Apr 26, 2012
When Forbes Called
I was working in my office at Ballard Spahr when the phone rang on 4/19. Caller ID showed a woman from Forbes. I often get pitched at the law office for services and products so I don't usually pick up random calls. Thankfully this time I did.
"Good afternoon. Lee Storey speaking."
"Hello, this is Janet Novack of Forbes."
[Hello, how are you? Slightly awkward pause---she is waiting for me to recognize her name, and I am waiting for the pitch…]
She continues: "So Lee, how does it feel to win on all counts in your IRS case?"
[Stop! another pause / I am stunned at the question! but then my blubbering begins]
"Is this a joke? Is the ruling out? What does it say? Do you have it? How did you get it? Are you sure? Tell me again! WOW!"
Forbes was following Storey vs IRS and the 46 page opinion from Judge Kroupa was just posted. I didn't know it was out and the news took me by surprise. I was shaking and shocked---not because I thought I would ultimately lose (this is a business after all!) but because of the significant implications the ruling could have on the film industry. My attorney said it could take years to get a ruling, and I certainly did not expect to hear about it through Forbes.
So she wasn't calling to sell me a subscription after all...!!! Ha! How funny is that??!
Janet Novack graciously sent me the ruling, and I promised to call her back after absorbing the news. I quickly forwarded the ruling to my attorney, Greg Robinson at Robinson, Farley & Larsen, who confirmed the victory by summarizing the ruling on the phone. I simply couldn't read it myself. I was thrilled from the news; sheer joy and relief erupting out of nowhere and I couldn't fully process what was happening. After he confirmed with multiple congratulations, I sent the news to my producers, Jack Lechner and Bari Pearlman. With rapid fire I forwarded the news to Michael Lumpkin, Executive Director of the International Documentary Association, and IDA's attorney, Michael Donaldson of Donaldson & Callif, LLP---both of whom spearheaded an amicus brief filed on my behalf. And then I informed my accountants and CPA, and other tax attorneys on our team. Resounding joy and happy exultations immediately erupted everywhere, with "high fives" from family, friends and comrades who supported me in this challenging battle for the arts----all of it hitting the wire at once----and I have yet to read the ruling and return the call to Janet Novack who broke the happy news.
With the phones still ringing, I ask a tax attorney to read the opinion for me. He does so, with great glee, while commenting on the well drafted, fact intensive and creative ruling, and confirming again and again that I won on all counts. Still in my office, I can't help but get up and do the "Happy Dance" I learned from my grandson---and I continue to hoot with joy--- while the rest of the office is stirring from the commotion and wondering what is happening.
Wow, I thought, a complete victory, a solid and long-overdue precedent for the arts! The court acknowledged that in some businesses, like doc filmmaking, it may take longer to bring a product to the market and realize a profit. And it is hard work! Think what this means to film, music, art and other creative ventures.
So Janet Novack wants to know how I feel about winning on all counts? WOW! I needed to return her call and pondered: how do I possibly express a spontaneous emotion of sheer joy that simply can't be contained? Well indeed you do the Happy Dance, squeal with laughter, and let the world know!! Still happily stunned, I return her call: "I want to pinch myself". The news is decidedly in favor of the film industry. We talk about Storey v. IRS and the making of SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story. The conversation was lively. She is so well versed in tax issues, had already done the research on the film and the case, and she knew what this ruling would mean to the film industry and the arts as a whole.
It is now several days later and my heart remains exceedingly glad. My joy has not lessened; my feet are still walking slightly above the ground. I can't stop thinking about the significant victory we won for the arts. To be sure, it was very hard and lonely to be on the front line, especially knowing the possible negative ramifications my case could have had on all doc filmmakers. I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone, being forced into a trial with the IRS. However, as a first-time filmmaker and what became a test case for the IRS, I am delighted beyond words that the facts were solidly in my favor to set a precedent that will benefit the arts for decades to come. Thank you for the tweets, Facebook Likes, and all the good tidings that are pouring in from filmmakers, musicians and artists everywhere. It truly is a collective "sigh of relief" as reported by Michael Cieply of the NY Times, and I am so grateful to each and everyone one of you who stood with me! Spread the news, share the joy!!!
Janet Novack of Forbes will forever be a highlight in "the making of" SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS. I will never forget how I thought she was calling to sell a subscription, and how she became the messenger of long-awaited good news. More later on what this ruling means to the doc filmmaking community and the latest from SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS, but right now I need to stretch my legs, do the Happy Dance again, and look into a subscription to Forbes.
With countless smiles,
Lee Storey
Director & Producer of SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS
"Good afternoon. Lee Storey speaking."
"Hello, this is Janet Novack of Forbes."
[Hello, how are you? Slightly awkward pause---she is waiting for me to recognize her name, and I am waiting for the pitch…]
She continues: "So Lee, how does it feel to win on all counts in your IRS case?"
[Stop! another pause / I am stunned at the question! but then my blubbering begins]
"Is this a joke? Is the ruling out? What does it say? Do you have it? How did you get it? Are you sure? Tell me again! WOW!"
Forbes was following Storey vs IRS and the 46 page opinion from Judge Kroupa was just posted. I didn't know it was out and the news took me by surprise. I was shaking and shocked---not because I thought I would ultimately lose (this is a business after all!) but because of the significant implications the ruling could have on the film industry. My attorney said it could take years to get a ruling, and I certainly did not expect to hear about it through Forbes.
So she wasn't calling to sell me a subscription after all...!!! Ha! How funny is that??!
Janet Novack graciously sent me the ruling, and I promised to call her back after absorbing the news. I quickly forwarded the ruling to my attorney, Greg Robinson at Robinson, Farley & Larsen, who confirmed the victory by summarizing the ruling on the phone. I simply couldn't read it myself. I was thrilled from the news; sheer joy and relief erupting out of nowhere and I couldn't fully process what was happening. After he confirmed with multiple congratulations, I sent the news to my producers, Jack Lechner and Bari Pearlman. With rapid fire I forwarded the news to Michael Lumpkin, Executive Director of the International Documentary Association, and IDA's attorney, Michael Donaldson of Donaldson & Callif, LLP---both of whom spearheaded an amicus brief filed on my behalf. And then I informed my accountants and CPA, and other tax attorneys on our team. Resounding joy and happy exultations immediately erupted everywhere, with "high fives" from family, friends and comrades who supported me in this challenging battle for the arts----all of it hitting the wire at once----and I have yet to read the ruling and return the call to Janet Novack who broke the happy news.
With the phones still ringing, I ask a tax attorney to read the opinion for me. He does so, with great glee, while commenting on the well drafted, fact intensive and creative ruling, and confirming again and again that I won on all counts. Still in my office, I can't help but get up and do the "Happy Dance" I learned from my grandson---and I continue to hoot with joy--- while the rest of the office is stirring from the commotion and wondering what is happening.
Wow, I thought, a complete victory, a solid and long-overdue precedent for the arts! The court acknowledged that in some businesses, like doc filmmaking, it may take longer to bring a product to the market and realize a profit. And it is hard work! Think what this means to film, music, art and other creative ventures.
So Janet Novack wants to know how I feel about winning on all counts? WOW! I needed to return her call and pondered: how do I possibly express a spontaneous emotion of sheer joy that simply can't be contained? Well indeed you do the Happy Dance, squeal with laughter, and let the world know!! Still happily stunned, I return her call: "I want to pinch myself". The news is decidedly in favor of the film industry. We talk about Storey v. IRS and the making of SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story. The conversation was lively. She is so well versed in tax issues, had already done the research on the film and the case, and she knew what this ruling would mean to the film industry and the arts as a whole.
It is now several days later and my heart remains exceedingly glad. My joy has not lessened; my feet are still walking slightly above the ground. I can't stop thinking about the significant victory we won for the arts. To be sure, it was very hard and lonely to be on the front line, especially knowing the possible negative ramifications my case could have had on all doc filmmakers. I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone, being forced into a trial with the IRS. However, as a first-time filmmaker and what became a test case for the IRS, I am delighted beyond words that the facts were solidly in my favor to set a precedent that will benefit the arts for decades to come. Thank you for the tweets, Facebook Likes, and all the good tidings that are pouring in from filmmakers, musicians and artists everywhere. It truly is a collective "sigh of relief" as reported by Michael Cieply of the NY Times, and I am so grateful to each and everyone one of you who stood with me! Spread the news, share the joy!!!
Janet Novack of Forbes will forever be a highlight in "the making of" SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS. I will never forget how I thought she was calling to sell a subscription, and how she became the messenger of long-awaited good news. More later on what this ruling means to the doc filmmaking community and the latest from SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS, but right now I need to stretch my legs, do the Happy Dance again, and look into a subscription to Forbes.
With countless smiles,
Lee Storey
Director & Producer of SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS
Jul 29, 2011
WHY DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING IS NOT A HOBBY
For those of you who are following the federal court tax case in Arizona against Lee Storey and the making of SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story, there is a good article on the subject in the recent Filmmaker Magazine. Simply stated, documentary film making is not a hobby. It's work, and even though the subject matter may also "educate and expose", the work is done with the intent to make a profit. All legal briefs have been filed and the parties are waiting on a decision by the court. You can lend your comments and tweet about it here: http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/news/2011/07/why-filmmaking-cannot-be-a-hobby/
Jun 10, 2011
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING UNDER ATTACK BY IRS!
Dear friends, fans, colleagues and interested community members,
We are pleased to announce that DVDs of SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS are now available for sale through Filmbaby at: http://www.filmbaby.com/films/5670. While we anticipated a release of the DVD on the heels of a domestic broadcast, we have had to jumpstart the sale of DVDs to fund a lawsuit against the IRS that potentially affects all documentary filmmakers.
We all know the IRS can choose to audit any American business and make a determination regarding the sufficiency of record keeping. But the IRS lawsuit pending in a federal tax court in Phoenix, Arizona against the director of SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS is not about that. The IRS is claiming that the making of SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS is not a business, but merely a hobby.
The question under consideration by the IRS is a broad one: can the making of a documentary be a for-profit business when the primary purpose of documentary filmmaking is to “educate and expose”? Such a pronouncement by the federal tax court would have a devastating impact on the documentary community at large and subject documentary filmmakers to audits of their financial records for their “hobbies” over the past 7 years.
We cannot thank the International Documentary Association, Film Independent, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Women Make Movies, the National Alliance for Media Art and Culture in the Interest of the Documentary Film Industry, the University Film Producers Association and the University Film and Video Association enough for their support in helping us fight the IRS. To support documentary filmmakers everywhere, these organizations filed an Amicus Brief in the federal tax court on June 8. Here is the editorial by the IDA: http://www.documentary.org/news/amicus-brief-filed-support-lee-storey-doc-filmmakers.
Our legal defense on behalf of the documentary filmmaking community is reaching tens of thousands. We can’t do this alone but we are fighting the good fight for the future of documentary filmmaking in the United States.
Please join our effort by contributing to the Legal Defense Fund. Also, by purchasing our award-winning DVD you can help fight the cause.
With sincere appreciation to all our fellow filmmakers,
From all of us at SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS!
Feb 17, 2011
SMILE SOLD OUT IN SCOTTSDALE OPENING NIGHT!!!
Dear Friends and Fans,
Be sure to buy your tickets online for upcoming shows of SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS. We SOLD OUT OPENING NIGHT in Scottsdale and had to turn many away at the door. Tickets were long gone 30 minutes before the show. To ensure a seat for upcoming shows, please consider buying tickets online at: http://www.harkinstheatres.com/theatresShowtimes.aspx?movieId=71263
The audience was fantastic and about 25% filled with Uppies. A great dialogue in the Q&A among all. Thank you for coming and telling others about the week long shows at Harkins Shea 14. What a blast!
You gotta love this picture of Glenn Close
See archival footage of Glenn Close in the documentary, SMILE 'TIL HURTS, which opens at Harkins Shea 14 theatres tonight, February 17-24. She even gets a music credit!
For tickets: http://www.harkinstheatres.com/theatresShowtimes.aspx?movieId=71263
Reminder to SMILE at Harkins Shea 14 tonight!
This is a quick reminder that the documentary, SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS opens tonight, February 17 at Harkins Shea 14 Theatres. The director will be there for the Q&A, as well as tomorrow night (Friday), but the movie is playing at Harkins all week. Here is an article posted in the Arizona Republic: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2011/02/15/20110215upwithpeople0215.html, and another posted in the New Times: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2011/02/15/20110215upwithpeople0215.html. Tickets can be purchased at the door like any movie, or to ensure a seat, online at: http://www.harkinstheatres.com/theatresShowtimes.aspx?movieId=71263.
Thank you for coming and telling others about the film!
Feb 16, 2011
SMILE opens in Scottsdale Feb 17-24!
Don't forget that SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS opens tomorrow, February 17-24 at Harkins Shea 14 in Scottsdale, Arizona. We are so excited to bring the documentary about Up With People to the Phoenix area. Arizona needs a smile!
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS
February 17-24, 2011
Harkins Shea 14 Theatres
7354 E. Shea Blvd.
(Scottsdale Rd and Shea Blvd)
http://www.harkinstheatres.com/theatresShowtimes.aspx?movieId=71263
WE ARE THRILLED TO BRING THE FIRST EVER DOCUMENTARY ABOUT "UP WITH PEOPLE" TO ARIZONA WHERE THE SINGING GROUP THRIVED FOR DECADES. JAM-PACKED WITH NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE, INCLUDING CLIPS OF THE YOUNG GLENN CLOSE, SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH JOY, A HOOT AND EXTRA GLEE! YOU CAN SING ALONG IF YOU LIKE, BUT BE PREPARED FOR SURPRISES, TWISTS AND UNSETTLING TURNS AS THE DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES THE ORGANIZATION'S TRUE ORIGINS AND WORLDWIDE MISSION.
NOTE: the Thursday night (Feb 17) and Friday night (Feb 18) shows will include a Q&A with the Director and special guests.
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS
February 17-24, 2011
Harkins Shea 14 Theatres
7354 E. Shea Blvd.
(Scottsdale Rd and Shea Blvd)
http://www.harkinstheatres.com/theatresShowtimes.aspx?movieId=71263
WE ARE THRILLED TO BRING THE FIRST EVER DOCUMENTARY ABOUT "UP WITH PEOPLE" TO ARIZONA WHERE THE SINGING GROUP THRIVED FOR DECADES. JAM-PACKED WITH NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE, INCLUDING CLIPS OF THE YOUNG GLENN CLOSE, SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH JOY, A HOOT AND EXTRA GLEE! YOU CAN SING ALONG IF YOU LIKE, BUT BE PREPARED FOR SURPRISES, TWISTS AND UNSETTLING TURNS AS THE DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES THE ORGANIZATION'S TRUE ORIGINS AND WORLDWIDE MISSION.
NOTE: the Thursday night (Feb 17) and Friday night (Feb 18) shows will include a Q&A with the Director and special guests.
Feb 2, 2011
SMILE opens in Phoenix on February 17-24!
ATTENTION ARIZONA FRIENDS AND FANS!!!
we are pleased to announce that
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story
(Scottsdale Rd and Shea Blvd; take the 101 to Shea, exit west to Scottsdale Rd)
email: hello@smiletilithurts.com
will open in the Valley of the Sun on
February 17 - 24, 2011
Harkins Shea 14 Theaters
7354 E. Shea Blvd.(Scottsdale Rd and Shea Blvd; take the 101 to Shea, exit west to Scottsdale Rd)
WE ARE THRILLED TO BRING THE FIRST EVER DOCUMENTARY ABOUT "UP WITH PEOPLE" TO ARIZONA WHERE THE SINGING GROUP THRIVED FOR DECADES. JAM-PACKED WITH NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE, INCLUDING CLIPS OF THE YOUNG GLENN CLOSE, SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH JOY, A HOOT AND EXTRA GLEE! YOU CAN SING ALONG IF YOU LIKE, BUT BE PREPARED FOR SURPRISES, TWISTS AND UNSETTLING TURNS AS THE DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES THE ORGANIZATION'S TRUE ORIGINS AND WORLDWIDE MISSION.
NOTE: the Thursday night (Feb 17) and Friday night (Feb 18) shows will include a Q&A with the Director and special guests.
email: hello@smiletilithurts.com
FOR ALL OTHER SHOW TIMES AND TICKETS, CLICK HERE
TO WATCH THE TRAILER: IT'S A HOOT!
Lee Storey, Director/Producer
Bari Pearlman, Producer
Jack Lechner, Executive Producer
Penelope Falk, Editor
Aimee Lyde, Assistant Editor
Ezra Bookstein, Director of Photography
For publicity contact:
Mickey Cottrell
inclusive pr
6646 Hollywood Blvd - Suite 205
Hollywood, CA 90028-6295
(323) 460-4111 - Tel
(323) 855-6538 - Cell
mickey@inclusivepr.com
We look forward to seeing you at the movies in the Valley of the Sun!
With many smiles,
Lee Storey
Director/Producer
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS
Dec 23, 2010
SMILE held over in Portland!
Don't forget there are two held-over shows of SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS in Portland this holiday weekend:
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS @
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
December 25 and 26 @ 2pm
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
(503) 281-4215
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
Take a break from the holiday hustle and watch SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS with us. Enjoy!
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS @
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
December 25 and 26 @ 2pm
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
(503) 281-4215
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
Take a break from the holiday hustle and watch SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS with us. Enjoy!
Season's Greetings to SMILE friends and fans!
To all our comrades:
What a year! With the change in the economy and the purchasing focus of most documentary outlets, even the best of docs have had a difficult time getting out to the public. And while we press forward to bring SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS to greater audiences through self-distribution at your local indie theaters, it takes a lot of persistence to keep things moving forward. Thank you to our dedicated friends and fans for spreading the word about screenings of SMILE in your neighborhood!!!! Stay tuned for many more in 2011!
In 2010, SMILE won a Special Jury Prize at Michael Moore's film festival in Traverse City, Michigan. Michael then set out to work with the documentary filmmakers on creating a "Doc Night" in which theatrical docs would be screened in multiple theaters with commentary by Michael Moore. That program never got off the ground in 2010 but we hope it will gather new wings and energy for programming in 2011.
It's imperative that good docs be shown to audiences who are willing to gather in darkened rooms to see them. Good docs elicit good conversation; a give and take in viewpoints and a discussion over issues relevant to our times. The magic of movies that move us doesn't flower in the same way when we watch docs on TV at home alone. Good movies are meant to germinate thought and even a call to action, as well as entertain. And yes, docs must ENTERTAIN. Afterall, if people want a lecture, they can go to class. Or if they have a political agenda, they can go to a political rally. But when doc filmmakers ask people to sharing 90 minutes of their time in a darkened theater, we believe the film must also entertain. We are delighted that SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS is among those thought-provoking docs that also dares to entertain. Smile!
Thank you to all who have shared a darkened room with us in 2010. May there be many many more in 2011!
Best wishes for the New Year to all our friends and fans.
The SMILE Team
What a year! With the change in the economy and the purchasing focus of most documentary outlets, even the best of docs have had a difficult time getting out to the public. And while we press forward to bring SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS to greater audiences through self-distribution at your local indie theaters, it takes a lot of persistence to keep things moving forward. Thank you to our dedicated friends and fans for spreading the word about screenings of SMILE in your neighborhood!!!! Stay tuned for many more in 2011!
In 2010, SMILE won a Special Jury Prize at Michael Moore's film festival in Traverse City, Michigan. Michael then set out to work with the documentary filmmakers on creating a "Doc Night" in which theatrical docs would be screened in multiple theaters with commentary by Michael Moore. That program never got off the ground in 2010 but we hope it will gather new wings and energy for programming in 2011.
It's imperative that good docs be shown to audiences who are willing to gather in darkened rooms to see them. Good docs elicit good conversation; a give and take in viewpoints and a discussion over issues relevant to our times. The magic of movies that move us doesn't flower in the same way when we watch docs on TV at home alone. Good movies are meant to germinate thought and even a call to action, as well as entertain. And yes, docs must ENTERTAIN. Afterall, if people want a lecture, they can go to class. Or if they have a political agenda, they can go to a political rally. But when doc filmmakers ask people to sharing 90 minutes of their time in a darkened theater, we believe the film must also entertain. We are delighted that SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS is among those thought-provoking docs that also dares to entertain. Smile!
Thank you to all who have shared a darkened room with us in 2010. May there be many many more in 2011!
Best wishes for the New Year to all our friends and fans.
The SMILE Team
Dec 21, 2010
SMILE held over in Portland!
Woohoo! Happy Holidays from the SMILE TEAM!
Although our opening Q&A via Skype didn't turn out due to technical difficulties at the theater, SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story will be carried over for two more shows in Portland on Christmas Day and on December 26. Both shows are at 2pm. Tickets on sale now. Come for the entertainment. We hope to see you there!
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS @
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
December 25 and 26 @ 2pm
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
(503) 281-4215
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
Although our opening Q&A via Skype didn't turn out due to technical difficulties at the theater, SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story will be carried over for two more shows in Portland on Christmas Day and on December 26. Both shows are at 2pm. Tickets on sale now. Come for the entertainment. We hope to see you there!
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS @
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
December 25 and 26 @ 2pm
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
(503) 281-4215
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
Dec 16, 2010
SMILE TIL IT HURTS OPENS IN PORTLAND THIS FRIDAY 12/17
Hello all!
This is a reminder that SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story opens in Portland, Oregon at the Hollywood Theatre this Friday, December 17. The theater will beam with frivolity and joy! Watching the moving stories about Up With People is a great break from the holiday shopping. The 5pm show on Friday, December 17 and Sunday matinee at 2:25pm will be followed by a Q&A with the director! Tickets on sale now.
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS @
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
(503) 281-4215
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
Friday, December 17 @ 5pm**Q&A to follow with the director
Saturday, December 18 @ 12:00 noon and 2:25pm
Sunday, December 19 @ 12:00 noon and 2:25pm**Q&A to follow with the director
Screenings will be held December 24-26 through the holidays.
Please send this post t o everywhere you can think of and tell friends and family about the opportunity to see SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS in Portland.
Happy Days from the SMILE Team
This is a reminder that SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story opens in Portland, Oregon at the Hollywood Theatre this Friday, December 17. The theater will beam with frivolity and joy! Watching the moving stories about Up With People is a great break from the holiday shopping. The 5pm show on Friday, December 17 and Sunday matinee at 2:25pm will be followed by a Q&A with the director! Tickets on sale now.
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS @
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
(503) 281-4215
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
Friday, December 17 @ 5pm**Q&A to follow with the director
Saturday, December 18 @ 12:00 noon and 2:25pm
Sunday, December 19 @ 12:00 noon and 2:25pm**Q&A to follow with the director
Screenings will be held December 24-26 through the holidays.
Please send this post t o everywhere you can think of and tell friends and family about the opportunity to see SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS in Portland.
Happy Days from the SMILE Team
Dec 13, 2010
SMILE for the Holidays in Portland!
Seasons greetings! SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story will open for the holidays in Portland, Oregon at the Hollywood Theatre. Come enjoy an entertaining film that documents the fascinating and surprising history of Up With People. It's a great way to celebrate the season! Screenings will be held on the weekends starting December 17 through the holidays. Tickets on sale now.
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS @
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
4122 Northeast Sandy Boulevard
Portland, OR 97212-5336
(503) 281-4215
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
December 17-19
December 24-26
Help us fill the house by posting this everywhere you can think of and tell friends and family about the opportunity to see SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS in Portland.
Happy Days from the SMILE Team
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS @
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
4122 Northeast Sandy Boulevard
Portland, OR 97212-5336
(503) 281-4215
www.hollywoodtheatre.org
December 17-19
December 24-26
Help us fill the house by posting this everywhere you can think of and tell friends and family about the opportunity to see SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS in Portland.
Happy Days from the SMILE Team
Sep 27, 2010
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS in NASHVILLE, TN
Hi friends!
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story will screen in Nashville, Tennessee at The Belcourt Theatre on October 11-12 at 7pm. One of the featured cast members is Linda Blackmore Cates who will join Director Lee Storey in the post-screening Q&A. Along with never-before-seen archival footage, Linda Cates gives a compelling and heart-warming perspective of the Up With People experience. If you live anywhere near Nashville, we hope you will attend because this screening will be especially memorable. We anticipate a lively discussion with members of the Up With People and Sing-Out casts, as well as our general audiences. This doc goes beyond the Up With People experience and touches on historic political and ideological themes that continue to this day, including the enduring idealism of youth and desire to make the world a better place. The conversation continues!
Onward to Nashville! Tickets go on sale October 6!
THE BELCOURT THEATRE
OCTOBER 11-12 @ 7pm
Q&A to follow with Linda Blackmore Cates and Director Lee Storey
2102 Belcourt Avenue
Nashville TN 37212
Box Office: (615) 383-9140
Main Office: (615) 846-3150
http://www.belcourt.org
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story will screen in Nashville, Tennessee at The Belcourt Theatre on October 11-12 at 7pm. One of the featured cast members is Linda Blackmore Cates who will join Director Lee Storey in the post-screening Q&A. Along with never-before-seen archival footage, Linda Cates gives a compelling and heart-warming perspective of the Up With People experience. If you live anywhere near Nashville, we hope you will attend because this screening will be especially memorable. We anticipate a lively discussion with members of the Up With People and Sing-Out casts, as well as our general audiences. This doc goes beyond the Up With People experience and touches on historic political and ideological themes that continue to this day, including the enduring idealism of youth and desire to make the world a better place. The conversation continues!
Onward to Nashville! Tickets go on sale October 6!
THE BELCOURT THEATRE
OCTOBER 11-12 @ 7pm
Q&A to follow with Linda Blackmore Cates and Director Lee Storey
2102 Belcourt Avenue
Nashville TN 37212
Box Office: (615) 383-9140
Main Office: (615) 846-3150
http://www.belcourt.org
Sep 2, 2010
Special Jury Prize from Michael Moore!
We are delighted to announce that SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS: The Up With People Story won a Special Jury Prize at the Traverse City Film Festival. It was an incredible experience winning an award from Michael Moore and participating on his "Dangerous Docs" panel. It's kind of funny because SMILE isn't "dangerous" unless you imagine sword fighting with feathers. But the documentary does move audiences and generates discussion about an ideologically divided America over the past 40 years. This was one of the best festivals I've ever attended---the quality of movies to the quality of 1200 volunteer staff. It was an experience I'll never forget. Way to go, MICHIGAN!
Here are a couple of interviews at the Traverse City Film Festival.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sVI0T0k_C4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16uaH4mOLUs
Enjoy!
Here are a couple of interviews at the Traverse City Film Festival.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sVI0T0k_C4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16uaH4mOLUs
Enjoy!
Jul 11, 2010
Michael Moore's Film Festival in Traverse City, July 30
Is SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS a "Dangerous Doc"????? The Michigan premiere of SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS will be at the Traverse City Film Festival on Friday, July 30 at 12:30pm. Come join the fun with Dangerous Docs at Michael Moore's Traverse City Film Festival.
MILLIKEN AUDITORIUM
Friday, July 30 at 12:30pm
1701 E. Front St
Traverse City, MI
Click here for details and tickets:
traverse.bside.com/2010/films/smiletilithurtstheupwithpeoplestory_traverse2010
MILLIKEN AUDITORIUM
Friday, July 30 at 12:30pm
1701 E. Front St
Traverse City, MI
Click here for details and tickets:
traverse.bside.com/2010/films/smiletilithurtstheupwithpeoplestory_traverse2010
Jul 5, 2010
SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS to screen on Mackinac Island where Up With People began!
We are pleased to announce a unique opportunity to experience the history of Up With People on Mackinac Island, MI, August 1-2, 2010.
Few people know that Up With People began on Mackinac Island, MI. The Up With People sing-out cast sprang from hootenanny shows conducted by Moral ReArmament (MRA) beginning with a summer youth conference in 1964. The head of MRA at the time was a man named Peter Howard. J. Blanton Belk also helped organize the youth conferences. When Peter Howard died unexpectedly in 1965, Mr. Belk took over as head of MRA in the United States and continued to fashion MRA's Up With People/sing-out program. The Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island was among the impressive properties formerly owned by Moral ReArmament. There, industrious MRA volunteers built additions to the property that still includes the great hall, a theater and state-of-the-art film studio. Mackinac College was also built on site and was operated for MRA/Up With People youth and others until 1970. Click here for background, photos and exhibits.
In the “Tower” at Mission Point Resort, there is an historical museum in which you can view a photographic history of the key leaders in Moral ReArmament, including those who started, developed and maintained Up With People through the decades. The museum’s timeline ends without a full transition to Up With People, although you can see photos of the youth conference with attendees like President Gerald R. Ford. You’ll even see a young J. Blanton Belk performing in MRA plays. Painted murals include the familiar faces of the singing trio, the Colwell Brothers.
Among other themes, SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS documents the MRA mission to change hearts and minds, and then the transition of the Up With People program. The film includes historical and current day footage of the island property and the honest personal reflections of John & Patty Sayre. John Sayre, an Olympic gold medalist, along with his rowing partner Rusty Wailes, had prominent roles in inspiring the youth during these summer conferences and beyond. These summer youth conferences on Mackinac Island are among the unique and fascinating history of Up With People, and the Mission Point Resort and the Tower Museum are worthy of a visit. You won’t be disappointed.
To bookend screenings of SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS at Michael Moore’s film festival in Traverse City (July 27-August 1), the Mission Point Resort is hosting a public screening on Mackinac Island on Sunday, August 1 at 7pm. SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS will screen at the very theater where MRA and Up With People/sing-out performances were held, and where part of SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS was filmed. To celebrate this collaborative event, Mission Point Resort is generously offering a “get-away” package that includes:
* Two night stay (double occupancy), taxes (Sunday/Monday nights)
* Luggage transportation fee from the ferry
* Breakfast each morning for two
* Tower Museum admission tickets
* SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS admission tickets (Q&A with the Director to follow)
* Popcorn and a non-alcoholic drink during the movie
To promote the film, clips of never-before-seen archival footage that may appear in the Director’s cut will be screened at 3pm on August 1. A casual reception with the Director will begin at 5:30pm, just prior to the screening of SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS at 7pm. The Q&A will follow the show.
The total package cost is $394. For more details or to book, contact Nikki at (248) 291-8871 or ncharbonneau@missionpoint.com.
Of course, tickets to see SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS on August 1 @ 7pm or to the Tower Museum can be purchased separately, and there is no cost to attend the 5:30pm reception prior to the screening.
If you're interested in the Up With People, Moral ReArmament or the history of Mackinac Island in any way, this is the event to attend!!!
HARKINS THEATER TUCSON SHOWTIMES July 27-31
Greetings!
If you live in Tucson, Arizona or plan to attend the 45th reunion of Up With People, you can now see SMILE ‘TIL IT HURTS screening at the local Harkins Theaters from July 27-July 31. It’s less than 20 minutes from the Starr Pass Resort going south on I-19 to Irvington. Harkins Theaters has arranged multiple showtimes to allow Up With People alumni more opportunities to attend. The film is jam-packed with archival footage, historical facts, and personal stories from a variety of perspectives. After the evening shows, please join us for a lively Q&A with the director/cast. Your views are welcomed!
SHOWTIMES:
Tuesday, July 27 @ 7pm (Q&A with the director/cast to follow)
Wednesday, July 28 @ 7pm (Q&A with the director/cast to follow)
Thursday, July 29 @ 11am & 2pm
Friday, July 30 @ 11am & 2pm
Saturday, July 31 @ 11am & 2pm
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door: (cut and paste the link in your browser)
http://www.harkinstheatres.com/movieDetails.aspx?movieId=71263
DIRECTIONS (or on google maps):
HARKINS TUCSON SPECTRUM 18
5455 S. Calle Santa Cruz
Tucson, AZ 85706
520-889-5588
Stay tuned for more news and we hope to see you there!
Jun 19, 2010
Up With People movie screens in Tucson starting 7/27
Great news for local Arizona fans: SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS will screen at Harkins Theaters in Tucson, Arizona during the 45th Up With People reunion! The evening screenings on July 27 and 28 will be followed by a Q&A with the director and cast members. Matinee shows will allow alumni to attend while also participating in the reunion. All screenings are open to the general public. Tickets go on sale soon so check back for screening times: http://www.harkinstheatres.com/comingSoon.aspx
This will be an event to see and discuss for days to come! Be the first to grab tickets while you can!
This will be an event to see and discuss for days to come! Be the first to grab tickets while you can!
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