What do the majority of children say when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most will respond, a veterinarian, a fireman, a pop-star, or a doctor. Well, not the kids at Arcadia High School in Phoenix. When Arcadia High’s students were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, the most common response was, a movie director.

Paul Hoperich has been the film instructor at Arcadia since 2008. Every year in Paul’s film program, the students all write a short film script. Four scripts then will be chosen and made into short films. Each film under twenty minutes in length will be completed entirely by students and overseen by Hoperich . Four groups of students will write, direct and edit their own movies. When talking about the film program Hoperich stated, “I remember the first time I saw my first film screened in a theater. What a rush! I wanted to give that experience to the kids, so the Arcadia Film Festival was born……Without support of our community partners such as victory angel films the students’ experience would not be nearly as educational. The say it takes a village to raise a child, and that is the exact concept we are going for. Not only do students get a great experience but they are also able to make real world industry connections very early.” The final four student short films will be showcased at The Arcadia film festival held on May, 14th 2012 at Harkins Scottsdale, Fashion Square cinemas and is open to the public.

Victory Angel Films has come on board to help the students. Victory Angel is a Tempe based film production and post-production facility. VAF has been volunteering at Arcadia since 2008. As a sponsor of the Arcadia Film Festival, the local production company is offering a mentoring film program that allows students to color correct and do the sound for their film at their studio in Tempe. Having filmmaker of the year and CEO of Victory Angel Films, Brian Skiba on hand to assist the students in all areas if post-production has proved to be a valuable asset. “The talent coming out of Arcadia is astounding, I’m honored to be working with these young filmmakers” said Skiba. “The response to the program has been overwhelming,” say’s Laurie Love of Victory Angel Films. “It’s amazing to see these kids come in to our office with their projects and a vision and help them bring it to fruition. These are the directors of tomorrow and it’s exciting to see them grow!” The students have already gained first hand experience before heading off to college. Gaining that type of hands on experience so early in their career is a huge feat in such a competitive field.

Students like Michael Notrica (18) who is currently working on coloring his 19 minute film “Only Grey” at Victory Angel Films studio. This is Michael’s first film before heading off to Emerson College in Boston to study cinematography in the fall.

Victory Angel Films is currently in pre-production on a slate of 8 films, hoping to be shot here in Arizona and looking forward to utilizing some of Arcadia’s talent on their own productions.
If you’ve ever dreamt of being in the movie business but didn’t know how or where to get started, your dream may start right around the corner, in Tempe. At least for students like Michael, it is.

Come see the future of film at the Arcadia film festival on may 14 at Harkins Scottsdale Fashion Square at 7pm!

For more information about the Victory Angel Films studio or to schedule a tour please contact:
Victory Angel Films, 602-909-8092

Business partner and producer Laurie Love is proud of his accomplishment. She noted “At Victory Angel Films we are proud to be involved in educational programs and appreciate the fact that a member of our company is able to participate in important programs dealing with the United States Military.”

Skiba, Love, and partner Dominic Ross have been involved in many other educational programs. They currently volunteer at Arcadia High School with their film program and have worked with Arizona State University’s Department of Technology Management.

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More details including a trailer of the film “Sweetwater” are available here.

After a Film Festival screening an audience member applauded the filmmakers for having fresh faces as leading roles in their film mentioning Holly Lynch, Michelle Rene, and Ashley Wilkerson’s performances and how nice it was to see a film portraying real people. This is what actress Holly Lynch had to say about Brian’s directing style, “This being my first lead in a feature film I was very nervous. Brian always knew the right thing to say to keep me focused. Daily he gave me the confidence I needed to push through the day.” Producer Dominic Ross says, “Can’t deny the amazing performances given by first timers on the silver screen and the performances by seasoned actors John Savage, William Katt, and Dean Cain are something to appreciate for this independent film.”

“Sweetwater” is the story of two childhood friends who have grown apart and are thrust back into each other’s lives when a parent develops cancer for the second time. They join forces to find the cure but soon realize their lives are danger if they expose the truth.

“Like” the Sweetwater movie page on FaceBook here.

The film stars actors Dean Cain from the T.V. show “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”, William Katt from “Greatest American Hero” and veteran actor John Savage whose film credits include “The Deer Hunter”, “The Onion Field”, “Godfather III” and “Do The Right Thing”. Ashley Wilkerson, who was born in Lubbock and now resides in Dallas, is also appearing in her first feature film as one of the leads, along with Holly Lynch, who has had guest spots on such T.V. shows as “Cold Case”, “CSI” and “Entourage” and appeared in numerous commercials.

More details including a trailer of the film “Sweetwater” are available here.

The film was written by Cranfills Gap resident Kim Hughes. She and her husband, Dr. Kent Hughes, a plastic surgeon in Cleburne, are also the executive producers of the independent film through their production company Trumpet Productions. It was directed by Brian Skiba, who operates Victory Angel Films in Arizona and who also directed Dean Cain in the film “Dirty Little Trick”.

A limited number of tickets for the premier will be available for sale at the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce for $8.00 per ticket by calling (817) 645-2455 or in person at the chamber office at 1511 W. Henderson in Cleburne. There will be two additional screenings of “Sweetwater at 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Saturday March 31st. Ticket prices are $8.00 per person. The conference center is located at 1501 W. Henderson, Cleburne, Tx. For more information on the film please contact Brian Skiba or Laurie Love of Victory Angel Films at (818) 456-2922 or brian.skiba@victoryangelfilms.com.

For more information on the VAF Studio please contact Shelley Keeton at 602-909-8092.

For more information about the A3F Film Challenge or to buy tickets, visit www.thea3f.net.

Victory Angel Films had a successful exhibition at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, CA. They took over 20 films to sell and worked on acquiring films for distribution as well as looked for quality co-production partners. Co-Founder Laurie Love stated, “ AFM was a huge success and a great investment upon our companies part to show our presence in Hollywood as well as around the globe.” Victory Angel Films is proud to have solid relationships with established distribution companies to put their products out on the market globally.

Partner Dominic Ross notes, “We have implemented two new labels for our wide array of content, Fallen Angel our Horror Film label and Undertaker which is a label for our B Cinema.” He also adds, “our local facility offers a resource to the novice filmmaker to the professional.” VAF can provide exceptional color grading, 3D, roto-scoping, motion tracking, animation and more. Their post-production facility will bring your product to life with their state of the art equipment. 3D, After Effects, Davinci Black Magic Resolve System, Pro Tools 5.1 Studio, ADR Isolation Booth, 64”Flatbed printer, Green Screen Wall. VAF touts their facility as, “A one-stop post-production shop.”

For more information on Victory Angel Films products and services please contact: Brian Skiba at 818.456.2922, brian.skiba@victoryangelfilms.com or view our website www.victoryangelfilms.com